MONO BASIN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS PROPOSED...

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MONO BASIN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS PROPOSED ACTION

This document outlines management actions that are proposed to meet the purpose and

need for this project. The 1988 Inyo Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), the

1995 Forest Plan Amendment #6 – Forest-Wide Range Utilization Standards

(Amendment 6), the 1990 Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Management Plan,

and the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (USDA Forest Service 2004) (SNFPA)

provide direction and describe the desired conditions for vegetation, riparian, aquatic,

hydrologic, water quality, soil, plant, animal and heritage resources. Resource condition

assessments in 2008 and 2010, along with grazing history and monitoring data, provided

the means to assess the difference between existing conditions and desired conditions.

With this comparison, management actions were identified and a proposed action was

developed.

BACKGROUND

There are five grazing allotments in the Mono Basin which vary in size from 8,696 acres

to 29,263 acres. Of those, four are currently under analysis for this environmental

assessment: Dexter Canyon, June Lake, Mono Mills and Mono Sand Flat. The fifth

allotment, Black Canyon, will be analyzed at a later date.

The Mono Basin Allotments stretch from the northeastern shore of Mono Lake to the

northern slope of the Glass Mountains. They are bounded on the west by U.S. Highway

395 and on the east by Dexter Canyon. Elevations range from approximately 6,400 to

9,317 feet at Crooked Peak. The average annual precipitation is approximately 14 inches.

All of the allotments lie entirely within Forest Plan Management Prescription 11 – Range

Emphasis (maintaining a healthy, productive rangeland resource). According to the

Forest Plan, the primary objectives of these areas are to maintain or increase forage

production and achieve uniform livestock distribution through maintenance and

expansion of structural and nonstructural range improvements. Secondary objectives

include protection of watersheds and maintaining wildlife habitat.

Recent assessments of the allotments have identified certain soil, water, and other

resource conditions that are not meeting or moving toward desired objectives. As

described in the “Purpose and Need” section below, these gaps between existing resource

conditions and desired conditions indicate a need to change current management of the

allotments.

PURPOSE AND NEED

The purpose and need for the proposed action is to move from existing to desired future

conditions, which are described by certain Inyo National Forest standards and guidelines

and management direction while continuing to provide for livestock grazing under

updated allotment management plans in the Mono Lake Basin.

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1. There is a need for continued livestock grazing under updated allotment

management plans for the grazing allotments in the Mono Basin.

Livestock grazing has been identified as an appropriate use of National Forest System

lands which have been found to be capable and suitable for grazing. In the 1988 Inyo

National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), the allotments in the

Mono Basin were identified as being capable and suitable for livestock grazing based on

an assessment of forage production, accessibility, slope, and other factors (Management

Areas 1, 5 [pp. 152]). Field work in 2008 verified that the 4 allotments are currently

capable and suitable for grazing according to the criteria specified in the Forest Plan.

Authorization of livestock grazing and management in an adaptive manner is appropriate

on the project area because:

Where consistent with other multiple use goals and objectives there is

Congressional intent to allow grazing on suitable lands. (Multiple Use Sustained

Yield Act of 1960, Wilderness Act of 1964, Forest and Rangeland Renewable

Resources Planning Act of 1974, Federal Land Policy and Management Act of

1976, National Forest Management Act of 1976)

The allotments contain lands identified as suitable for domestic livestock grazing

in the Inyo National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP or

“Forest Plan”) and continued domestic livestock grazing is consistent with the

goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines of the Forest Plan (LRMP pages III-

45, IV-67, IV-84-86, IV-134-135, and IV-210-212).

It is Forest Service policy to make forage available to qualified livestock

operators from lands suitable for grazing consistent with land management plans

(FSM 2203.1; 36 CFR 222.2 (c)).

It is Forest Service policy to continue contributions to the economic and social

well being of people by providing opportunities for economic diversity and by

promoting stability for communities that depend on range resources for their

livelihood (FSM 2202.1).

The Inyo Forest Plan, which directs the management of lands contained within

this project area, has as one of its Standards and Guidelines to “Provide grazing

tenure to lend stability to the local livestock-raising community and established

ranching operations”.

The current grazing allotment permittees expressed interest in continuing use of all four

allotments or alternate allotments. Continuation of livestock grazing will require review

of existing management strategies and, if necessary, updating them to implement current

Forest Plan direction and meet Section 504 of Public Law 104-19 (Rescissions Act,

signed July 27, 1995).

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2. There is a need for improved range vegetation condition and trend where

existing conditions are not meeting or moving toward desired vegetation

condition.

The LRMP, Amendment 6, and the SNFPA provide direction and the desired conditions

for range vegetation.

Evaluations in 2008 and 2010 identified portions of allotments in which desired

vegetative conditions were not being met. In the Mono Sand Flat Allotments, grazing has

resulted in a low density of desirable species (shrubs, bunchgrasses and herbaceous

vegetation) that does not meet standards for desired vegetative composition of this

community (LRMP, p.76).

In the Dexter Creek, June Lake and Mono Sand Flat Allotments, portions of the desert

shrub and bitterbrush communities do not meet standards for vegetative condition, being

moderately to severely hedged or browsed without sufficient annual recovery (LRMP,

pp.76, 105). There is also a need to ensure sufficient forage for mule deer after livestock

grazing season with total annual browse utilization that maintains bitterbrush condition

(LRMP, pp.85, 98-99, and 117).

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Sheep and cattle have grazed the entire project area since the late 19th

Century. Most of

the rangelands in this proposal have been grazed under permit with the Forest Service

since the creation of the Inyo National Forest in 1907.

The four allotments subject to this environmental analysis are Dexter Canyon, June Lake,

Mono Mills and Mono Sand Flat. Grazing in the allotments is authorized by Term

Grazing Permits that specify the terms and conditions for grazing on the allotment,

including the type and timing of livestock as well as any management actions necessary

to meet desired rangeland conditions. Table 1 summarizes the current status of each

allotment.

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Table 1. Mono Basin Grazing Allotments

Allotment Acres Capable

Acres

Class of

Livestock

Last

Permitted

Numbers

Last Season of

Use

Permitted

AUM’s

Grazing

System

Status Last Year

of Use

On

Date

Off

Date

Dexter

Creek

18,781 17,556 Sheep 1,500

Ewes

6/15 9/15

917

Deferred

Rotation

Active 2010

June

Lake

S&G

16,528 12,705 Sheep 1,300

Ewes

7/1 8/31

612

Deferred

Rotation

Active 2010

Mono

Mills

S&G

29,263 28,143 Sheep 4,000

Ewes

7/1 9/15

3,038

Deferred

Rotation

Vacant 2005

Mono

Sand Flat

8,696 8,596 Cattle 26

Cow/Calf

Pairs

12/1 5/31

206

Season-

Long

Permittee has

taken non-use

for the past

three years

for personal

convenience.

2006

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Dexter Creek

Dexter Creek Allotment is located approximately five miles southeast of Mono Lake. Its

boundaries are Dry Creek on the west, Dexter Creek on the east, the northern side of the

Glass Mountains on the south, and the Forest boundary (mainly running along Highway

120) on the north. The legal description is T1S, R28E, Sections 1, 2, 11- 14, 23-26, 35,

36; T1S, R29E, Sections 1-22, 24- 26, 28- 31; T2S, R28E, Section 1.

The primary forage species are bitterbrush and bunchgrasses.

Dexter Creek is used as a sheep allotment by the I&M Sheep Company. With two

exceptions, which are noted below, the I&M Company has used the same rotation for the

past ten years. The pattern is as follows:

1. On approximately July 2, unload sheep at Sagehen Summit – sheep will graze

toward the valley between the Summit and Baxter Springs, avoiding pockets of

freeze damaged Bitterbrush.

2. Baxter Corral/Springs – water sheep at road crossing and limit sheep bedding

ground to the north side of creek only. Avoid grazing along streambanks and

riparian areas.

3. Draft livestock water from Baxter Springs at road crossing.

4. Lower Dexter Bench – water sheep at road crossing in North Canyon, at end of

FS Road 1S15A, and at end of unnumbered road in NE 1/4 Sec. 18. After

watering, push sheep to higher ground away from creek. All other watering will

be done via truck except for one watering site at Dexter Creek.

5. Avoid wet areas and streams on upper Johnny Meadows.

6. Wild Horse Canyon to Crooked Meadows Road – sheep are allowed to water in

Dexter Creek at road crossing in SW ¼ Section 30. Wild horse Meadow – sheep

will bed in trees between FS Road 1N02 and meadow. Wild horse Meadow is

closed to grazing for resource protection.

7. Sagehen Peak to Sagehen Meadow – Meadow and downstream riparian/stock

pond has water. Bed sheep uphill away from dry meadow/stock pond. Making a

once over pass along riparian upstream of pond is approved. Avoid grazing onto

private property near edge of meadow and first gabion downstream of meadow

“proper”.

8. Gas Pipe Spring and north of Hwy 120 to BLM allotment by September 15.

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The first exception is that before 2004, the sheep would not be unloaded at Sagehen

Summit, but would start at Baxter Springs (step 2). The second exception is that Johnny

Meadow was rested from 2002 to 2008.

June Lake

The June Lake Allotment is located approximately two miles south of Mono Lake. Its

boundaries are U.S. Highway 395 on the west, the Forest Boundary on the north, the

Mono Craters on the east, and Wilson Butte on the south. Its legal description is: T1N,

R27E, Sections 29-33; T1S, R27E, Sections 3-10, 15-22, 28-33, T2S. R27E, Sections 4-

9.


June Lake is run as a sheep allotment by the I&M Sheep Company. The rotation of sheep

through the allotment has been the same since 1994. The rotation is as follows:

1. Enter Allotment on approximately July 1

2. Upper Aqueduct road (1N11) to poleline .

3. Poleline road to 1N11.

4. 1N11 southeast to 1S35.

5. 1S35 South to 1S40.

6. Devil’s Punch Bowl area.

7. North along Mono Craters to Lousy Fire

8. Exit allotment on approximately August 31.

Mono Mills

Mono Mills Allotment is located between the June Lake and Dexter Creek Allotment. Its

boundaries are the Mono Craters on the west, Highway 120 and the Forest boundary on

the north, Dry Creek on the east, and generally the northern side of the Glass Mountains

on the south. The legal description is: T1N, R27E, Sections 33, 34, 28; T1S, R27E,

Sections 1-3, 10-15, 22-28, 33-36; T2S, R28E, Sections 1-4, 10, 11; T1S, R28E, Sections

3-10, 14-23, 26-35; T1N, R28E, Sections 3-6, 7.

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Mono Mills Allotment is currently vacant but has previously been used as a sheep

allotment. The earliest use in the Forest Service records is 1941, but the allotment has

most likely been grazed by sheep since the late nineteenth century.


Mono Sand Flat

The Mono Sand Flat Allotment is located along the northeastern shore of Mono Lake.

The northern and eastern boundaries are the Forest boundary and the rest of the boundary

is along the shoreline. The legal description is T3N, R27E, Sections 22-35; T3N, R28E,

Sections 30-32; T2N, R28E, Sections 5-9, 21, 28, 32, 33.

Mono Sand Flat is used as a cattle allotment by the Hilton Family Trust. The Term

Grazing Permit allows for 26 cattle to use the allotment between December 1 and May

31. However, the permittee has taken non-use for personal convenience since 2006.

The conditions on this allotment do not meet Amendment 6 standards because there is a

lack of desirable species. Soil conditions are very dry and some pedestalling is apparent.

This allotment would not currently support grazing by livestock.

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Table 2 shows utilization levels on the allotments over the past 10 years. Utilization is “the proportion or degree of current year’s

forage production that is consumed or destroyed by animals (including insects)….Residual measurements and utilization data can be

used: (1) to identify use patterns, (2) to help establish cause-and-effect interpretations of range trend data, and (3) to aid in adjusting

stocking rates when combined with other monitoring data.” (BLM 1996). Data was gathered during annual monitoring of key areas1,

and through various studies that have been conducted over the past decade.

Table 2.

Allotment Key Area/Location

(Species Monitored)

Actual Use

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Dexter 2 (Old Key Area) (Poaceae spp.) 30% (Wild Horse Meadow) (Poaceae

spp.) 21% 27%

(Wild Horse Meadow) (Carex spp) 25% 23% 1% 5 (Purshia spp.) 8% 46% 5 (Carex rossii, Hesperostipa

comata) 20%

6 (Purshia spp.) 0% 7 (Purshia spp.) (No longer a key

area) 15%

7a (Purshia spp.) 18% 8a (Johnny Meadow) (Poaceae spp.) 7% 30% 8a (Carex spp.) 8% 7% 18% Sagehen Meadow (Carex

nebrascensis) 25%

June

Lake

1 (Purshia spp.) 12% 2 (Purshia spp.) 18% 3 (Purshia spp.) 14% Random Area at W118 01’ 41.7”

N37 49’ 24.8” 2.9%

Study JL-04-1 in

T2S R26E Sec. 24 (Purshia spp.) 11%

1 A key area is a site chosen as representative of a larger area and monitored in order to assess the condition of that area.

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Allotment Key Area/Location

(Species Monitored)

Actual Use

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

Study JL-04-1 in

T2S R26E Sec. 24 (Oryzopsis

hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata,

Oryzopsis bloomeri)

21%

Study JL-06-02 in T1S R26E Sec. 24

(Purshia spp.) 9%


(Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa

comata)

19%

Study JL-06-01 at Lousy Fire T1S

R27E Sec. 7 SW ¼ (Purshia spp.) 27%

Study JL-06-01 at Lousy Fire T1S

R27E Sec. 7 SW ¼ (Oryzopsis

hymenoides, Hesperostipa comata)

9%


S ½ (Purshia spp.) 50%


S ½ (CARO, Hesperostipa spp.) 27%

Study JL-01-1 at Aeolian Buttes

(Purshia spp.) 13%

Study JL-01-1 at Aeolian Buttes

(Oryzopsis hymenoides, Hesperostipa

comata)

23%

Study JL-99-1 at Glass Creek

Meadow (Carex nebrascensis, Carex

utriculata)

47%

Mono

Mills

1 (Purshia spp.)NO DATA 2 (Purshia spp.)NO DATA 4 (Purshia spp.) 34% 4 (CARO, Hesperostipa spp.) 28% 5 (Purshia spp.) 2% 5 (Artemesia spp., Poaceae spp.) 4%

Mono

Sand Flat

1 (Oryzopsis hymenoides, Grayia

spinosa, Krascheninnikovia lanata)

NO DATA

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=KRAR

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DESIRED CONDITIONS

Desired conditions are the on-the-ground resource conditions that management is

working toward within a defined timeframe. These are the expected results if

management goals are fully achieved. They bring broad-scale desired conditions from

the Forest Plan down to project level.

Desired conditions for each vegetation community are the conditions identified in the top

two tiers of the matrices in Forest Plan Amendment 6, Appendix A (See Appendix A of

this document). These matrices direct management by prescribing utilization based on

plant community condition.

Conditions are assessed at key areas on the allotments. Using data from a 100 point

transect (toe-point method), the ratio of desired species to the total number of herbaceous

hits determines utilization standards. The information is laid out in a matrix for each

community with the top two tiers defining a vegetation community that is at desired

condition. Vegetation communities that fall within the third tier of the matrix do not

meet the desired condition.

Table 3. Desired conditions for ecosystem communities within the project area (top two tiers of

Amendment 6, Appendix A matrices)

Community Type Desired Future Condition

Wet Meadow

At least 51 hits tallied on herbaceous species per 100 point transect

with at least 51 of these hits tallied being desirable species including

primarily sedges. Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation

cycles. Mixed native grass and forb communities provide a mosaic of

plants with species diversity, a variety of vegetative structures and

sufficient amounts of litter. Graminoid communities show vigor. Bare

ground less than 5%. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition

on all rangeland in this community type.

Moist Meadow



sedges and bluegrasses. Properly functioning water, soil and

vegetation cycles. Diverse mix of riparian graminoids and forbs

present with significant proportions of riparian species relative to

moisture availability. Bare ground less than 5%. Graminoid

communities show vigor. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range

condition on all rangeland in this community type.

Aspen

Aspen communities with diverse age structure of 2 or more age classes

including seedlings, young plants, mature plants, decadent plants and

sprouts or suckers in addition to adequate regeneration.

Shrublands: Desert

Shrub,



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Table 3. Desired conditions for ecosystem communities within the project area (top two tiers of

Amendment 6, Appendix A matrices)

Community Type Desired Future Condition

Sagebrush/Bunchgrass

and Bitterbrush

needlegrass, ricegrass and squirrel tail grass. Vigorous growth and

regeneration of mid-late seral shrub species interspersed with a variety

of native grasses and forbs. Properly functioning water, soil and

vegetation cycles. Achieve or maintain satisfactory range condition on

all rangeland in this community type.

Streams & Riparian

areas

Properly functioning water, soil and vegetation cycles; reproducing

riparian plant communities, at least 80% of the potential vegetative

cover along streams; stable, defined channels with appropriate

width/depth ratios for stream type; less than 20% of streambank

actively eroding, balanced erosion/deposition levels. Maintain at

least 80% of potential ground cover within 100’ from the edges of

all perennial streams, or to the outer margin of the riparian

ecosystem, where wider than 100 feet. Plant species may include

sedges, rushes, tufted hairgrass, willow, birch, aspen and

cottonwood of mixed age class. In woody systems, riparian shrubs

cover of at least 35% to include a variety of species. Achieve or

maintain satisfactory range condition on all rangeland in this

community type.

Table 4 compares existing conditions to desired conditions and identifies areas that

require a change in management. The results are reflected in the section which follows

(the proposed action)

Table 4. Existing and Desired Conditions on the Mono Basin Grazing Allotments

Allotment

Key Area/

Community

Type

Desired Conditions

(DC)

Existing

Conditions

Need for Action

Dexter 5/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and

maintain a static or

upward trend

Key Area is not at

desired conditions

for vegetation due

to high percentage

of severely hedged

bitterbrush.

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to improve

vegetation conditions

by reducing hedging

and maintaining or

increasing desirable

species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

6/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


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Allotment

Key Area/

Community

Type

Desired Conditions

(DC)

Existing

Conditions

Need for Action

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Condition is rated

as “good.”

species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

7a/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

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Johnny

Meadow/

Moist

Meadow

Manage for Moist

Meadow plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is not at

desired condition

and is at third tier

of Amendment 6

matrix for Moist

Meadow. There are

not enough

desirable species.

Need to improve


by increasing number of

desirable species

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

Baxter

Spring

Maintain watershed

condition at PFC

and maintain a

static or upward

trend

This site is at PFC Need to maintain or

improve watershed

condition (LRMP pg

89)

Unnamed

Spring north

of Sagehen

Peak

Maintain watershed

condition at PFC

and maintain a

static or upward

trend


improve watershed

condition (LRMP pg

89)

Crooked

Meadow

Maintain watershed

condition at PFC

and maintain a

static or upward

trend

This site is at PFC

with an upward

trend.

Need to maintain or

improve watershed

condition (LRMP pg

89)

Wild Horse

Meadow

Maintain watershed

condition at PFC

and maintain a

static or upward

trend


improve watershed

condition (LRMP pg

89)

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Allotment

Key Area/

Community

Type

Desired Conditions

(DC)

Existing

Conditions

Need for Action

June

Lake

1/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is not at

desired condition2

due to high

percentage of

severely hedged

bitterbrush.

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to improve


by reducing hedging

and maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

2/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

3/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

Mono

Mills

1/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

2/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

Key Area is at

desired conditions

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

2 This Key Area is located near a bedding ground, which may account for the severe hedging. Bedding

grounds are concentrated areas of high use and so are not representative of the condition of the allotment as

a whole.

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Allotment

Key Area/

Community

Type

Desired Conditions

(DC)

Existing

Conditions

Need for Action

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

5/

Bitterbrush

Manage for

Bitterbrush plant

community desired

conditions.

Maintain vegetation

and watershed

condition at DC and


upward trend

Key Area is at

desired conditions

for vegetation and

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition is rated

as “good.”

Need to maintain or

improve vegetation

conditions by

maintaining or


species numbers

(LRMP pg 85-86,

LRMP Amendment 6)

Mono

Sand Flat

1/ Desert

Shrub

Manage for Desert

Shrub plant

community.

Key Area is not at

desired condition.

Not enough desired

species are present.

Need to improve

vegetation condition by

increasing the number

of desirable species.

2/ Desert

Shrub

Manage for Desert

Shrub plant

community.

Key Area is not at

desired condition.

Not enough desired

species are present.

Need to improve

vegetation condition by

increasing the number

of desirable species.

PROPOSED ACTION

The Mono Lake Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest proposes to continue to

permit livestock grazing by incorporating adaptive management strategies on the 4

grazing allotments (see Table 3 for a list of the allotments) within the Mono Basin

Allotment Group while meeting Forest Plan direction. The proposed action is designed to

maintain trends in vegetation and watershed conditions where current conditions are

satisfactory and functioning, or improve trends where conditions are degraded or non-

functional relative to livestock grazing. Collectively, these 4 allotments cover

approximately 73,268 acres of National Forest System lands and private lands

(management of private lands is not covered by this Proposed Action).

The Proposed Action would:

A. Authorize the continued grazing of livestock on the Mono Basin Allotment Group

within the analysis area through issuance of a permit for each allotment.

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B. Implement an adaptive management system to achieve defined desired conditions

through design criteria3, monitoring, and constrained flexibility.

Design criteria common to all allotments under the Proposed Action:

Base on-dates on plant phenology, soil moisture level, annual climate variation, or

other site-specific constraints for each key area. Off-date is dependent on level of

forage utilization.

Distribute Livestock as evenly as possible throughout suitable rangelands by

managing rotation of livestock through pastures or herd areas during the specified

time periods.

Restrict livestock to areas that are, at a minimum, two miles away from any active

sage-grouse leks.

Allowable use levels outside of key areas would follow Amendment 6 protocols

in Table 5.

Use the Forest Plan Amendment 6 forage utilization matrices to adjust allowable

use levels based on vegetation composition as measured through methods such as

Toe Point inventories at five-year intervals.

When crossing streams or riparian areas, cross streams as perpendicular to flow as

possible. Do not herd livestock parallel to the stream for extended distances.

Do not allow bedding grounds within 500 feet of streams.

Table 5. Design Criteria for areas outside of key areas by Vegetation Community Type.

Vegetation

Community

Type

Design Criteria

Wet Meadow

Grazing management standards prescribed to maintain or move toward

desired condition

Allowable utilization level 45% or less and/or

Stubble height 4-inches or more

Bare ground would not exceed 10% to protect soil

3 Design criteria provide the sideboards to management and define the “constrained flexibility”

that adaptive management provides. Design criteria state what constraints will be applied to

management.

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Table 5. Design Criteria for areas outside of key areas by Vegetation Community Type.

Vegetation

Community

Type

Design Criteria

Upland and

Shrublands (including

Bitterbrush

and Sagebrush

Communities)


desired condition

Allowable herbaceous utilization level 50% or less

Allowable browse utilization level 45% or less and/or

Residual dry matter average of 300 pounds per acre or more to protect

soil

Riparian


desired condition

Allowable herbaceous utilization level 45% or less

Allowable browse utilization level 20% of annual leader growth of

hardwood seedlings and advanced regeneration.

Streambanks would not exceed 20% disturbance per reach

Adaptive grazing management allows land managers to use monitoring as a tool to

achieve desired conditions. If monitoring shows that goals continue to go unmet, new

actions may be taken in order to move towards those goals. The new actions would be set

forth in each allotment’s Annual Operating Instructions. Table 6 summarizes possible

actions that could be used in an adaptive management approach.

Table 6. Possible Management Actions Employed in Adaptive Grazing

Management.

Grazing Management Actions*

Adjust stocking rate to light, moderate or heavy grazing intensity (light refers to fewer

number of animals grazing for a longer period of time; heavy refers to larger number

of animals grazing for a shorter period of time)

Implement alternative riparian grazing dates based upon specific conditions

(topography, range rider, upland water sources, livestock use patterns)

Use of salt or supplement to draw livestock toward or away from specific areas

Incorporate a range rider to move livestock from riparian areas (herding)

Incorporate use of herding dogs to move livestock from riparian areas

Change season of use – do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate)

Change animal numbers – do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate)

Change animal class – do not exceed permitted animal unit months (stocking rate)

Change number of days of livestock utilization

Adjust utilization levels based on the current vegetation and watershed condition, per

Amendment 6 protocol

Defer livestock turn-on date

Rest from livestock grazing for one or more seasons

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Table 6. Possible Management Actions Employed in Adaptive Grazing

Management.

Grazing Management Actions*

Do not allow livestock grazing

Construct temporary electric fence to control livestock distribution patterns or to

exclude livestock from specific areas

Construct permanent fence to control livestock distribution patterns or to exclude

livestock from specific areas

Construct livestock water development (pipeline, tanks, windmill, sediment traps,

well, stock dam, submersible pumps, solar)

Remove existing water development (pipeline, tanks, windmill, well, stock dam)

Implement two-unit deferred grazing system

Implement three-unit deferred grazing system

Implement four or greater-unit deferred grazing system

Implement a high-intensity/short duration grazing system (by riding, herding, temp.

fence, etc.)

Implement a low-intensity/short duration grazing system

Implement rest-rotation grazing system

Implement multiple unit rotation with forage reserves

Enhance riparian shrub regeneration by planting native shrubs

Enhance native grasses by inter-seeding * Possible management practices are designed to be used alone or in combinations in order to achieve management objectives.

Allotment Specific Actions, Restrictions, or Mitigations:

Dexter Creek Allotment

1. Authorize grazing for sheep.

2. Permit for 1,500 ewes for a total of 917 Animal Unit Months (AUM)4

3. Consolidate bedding grounds so that they are no less than one half mile apart from

each other.

4. In order to protect resources at Baxter Springs, pipe water out of the immediate

area to prevent sheep from going into undisturbed portion of site. If sheep

continue to enter undisturbed area, construct a fence along eastern edge of road.

4 The number of animal units multiplied by months of grazing. Five sheep or one cow/calf pair are equal to

one animal unit.

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5. Reduce utilization in Johnny Meadow to 0%, allowing the meadow to rest until it

reaches desired conditions. If desired conditions are met, then allow grazing at

allowable use levels specified by Amendment 6 protocols (see Appendix A).

6. Set utilization level in Key Area 5 to 0%. If desired conditions are met, then allow

grazing at allowable use levels specified by Amendment 6 protocols (see

Appendix A). If desired conditions are not met, implement one or more of the

possible management actions found in Table 6.

7. Keep utilization at Wild Horse Meadow at 0%.

8. Keep utilization at Crooked Meadows at 0%.

9. Allow permittee use of Roads 01S471 and 01S526, which are to be closed to the

public under the Inyo National Forest Travel Management Plan.

Utilization Levels Specific to Dexter Creek Allotment

Key

Area

Range Type PFC

Rating

Desired

Plants/

Total

Herbacious

% in

Form

Classes 3

or 6

Am. 6

Matrices

Top

Two

Tiers

(y/n)

Amendment

6 Watershed

Condition

Amendment

6 Standards

Early Late

5* Bitterbrush NA 22/53 35% n Good 40% 30%

6 Bitterbrush NA 16/38 y Good 50% 40%

7a Bitterbrush NA 22/54 7% y Good 50% 40%

8* Johnny

Meadow

(Moist)

NA 34/79 NA n

Good 35% 25%

Exc Bitterbrush NA 23/59 y Good 50% 40%

*Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has

been lower than Amendment 6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until

recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the area meets desired

conditions.

June Lake Allotment


2. Permit for 1,500 ewes for a total of 612 AUM’s.

3. Consolidate bedding grounds so that they are no less than one half mile apart from

each other.

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4. Set utilization in Key Area 1 to 0% until recovery is documented. If desired

conditions are met, then allow grazing at allowable use levels specified by

Amendment 6 protocols (see Appendix A). If desired conditions are not met,

implement one or more of the possible management actions found in Table 6.

5. Restrict use of the Mono Fire area until recovery is documented.

6. Water tanks on this allotment will not be moved or repaired until evaluated by a

heritage specialist.

Utilization Levels Specific to June Lake Allotment

Key

Area

Range

Type

PFC

Rating

Desired

Plants/

Total

Herbacious

% in

Form

Classes

3 or 6

Am. 6

Matrices

Top

Two

Tiers

(y/n)

Amendment

6 Watershed

Condition

Amendment

6 Standards

Early Late

1* Bitterbrush NA 43/62 32% n Good 40% 30%

2 Bitterbrush NA 21/44 0% y Good 50% 40%

3 Bitterbrush 38/49 0% y Good 50% 40%

*Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has

been lower than Amendment 6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until

recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the area meets desired

conditions.

Mono Mills Allotment


2. Permit for 4,000 ewes for a total of 3,038 AUM’s.

3. No sheep bedding grounds are authorized in Mono Mills Townsite.

4. Remove sheep bedding ground/high use area from water pond, water collection

site south of Highway 120 in the Big Sand Flat area.

5. Improve livestock distribution by installing a centrally located well and water

tank to provide approximately 4,000 gallons of water per day. Permittees would

use this site to fill water trucks and take the water elsewhere. Livestock would not

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be watered in the vicinity of the well. Some water would be provided at the site

for wildlife.

6. Inspect existing wells on the allotment and repair if possible.

7. Water tanks on this allotment will not be moved or repaired until evaluated by a

heritage specialist.

Utilization Levels Specific to Mono Mills Allotment

Key

Area

Range

Type

PFC

Rating

Desired

Plants/ Total

Herbacious

% in

Form

Classes

3 or 6

Am. 6

Matrices

Top Two

Tiers

(y/n)

Amendment 6

Watershed

Condition

Amendment

6 Standards

Early Late




Mono Sand Flat Allotment

1. Authorize grazing for cattle.

2. Permit for 26 cow/calf pairs for a total of 206 AUM’s.

3. Rest allotment until recovery is documented.

Utilization Levels Specific to Mono Sand Flat Allotment

Key

Area

Range

Type

PFC

Rating

Desired

Plants/

Total

Herbacious

% in

Form

Classes

3 or 6

Am. 6

Matrices

Top

Two

Tiers

(y/n)

Amendment

6 Watershed

Condition

Amendment

6 Standards

Early Late

1* Desert

Shrub

NA 0/38 NA n Good 30% 20%

2* Desert

Shrub

NA 1/21 NA n 30% 20%

*Because this area does not meet desired conditions and recent utilization has been lower than Amendment

6 standards, utilization would be set at 0% until recovery is documented. Recovery is achieved when the

area meets desired conditions.

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Texts Referenced

U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management. 1996. Utilization Studies and

Residual Measurements, BLM/RS/ST-96/004+1730

USDA Forest Service. 1988. Inyo Land and Resource Management Plan.

USDA Forest Service. 1990. Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Management

Plan.

USDA Forest Service. 1995. Forest Plan Amendment 6—Forest-Wide Range Utilization

Standards.

USDA Forest Service. 2004. Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment.

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APPENDIX A: MATRICES FROM INYO NATIONAL FOREST LAND AND

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN, AMENDMENT 6, APPENDIX A

CAREX - DOMINATED (WET) MEADOW

Allowable Use (% by weight)

Key Species: Carex spp. (sedges)

Desired Plants Tallieda/ Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation

Grazing System

Early Late

68/68+ 50 40

51-67/51+ 50 40

19-50/19+ 40 30

7-34/16-85 30 20

0-16/0-45 20 10

a. Number of vegetation hits tallied out of 100 total using the toe-point method (FSH

2209.21 Range Analysis Handbook).

----------------------------------------------------------

DESERT SHRUB

Allowable Use (%)b

Key Species: Stipa spp. (needlegrass), Oryzopsis Hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Grayia

spinosa (spiny hopsage).

Desired Plants Tallied/ Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation

Grazing System

Early Late

29 – 41/ >38 40 30

8-40/ >30 40 30

<32/ >10 30 20

<14/ >5 20 10

<8/ <11 10 5c

b.

Percent use on grasses is by weight. % use on brush is the % of the current year’s

growth. Whichever is utilized first limits the amount of time grazing is allowed.

c. The 5% allowable use is for incidental use only. The intent is not to have grazing at this

level. In the proposed action, 0% is used rather than 5% for clarity’s sake.

---------------------------------------------------------

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BITTERBRUSH

Allowable Use (%)

Key Species: Purshia spp. (Bitterbrush), Stipa spp. (needlegrass), Oryzopsis hymenoides

(Indian ricegrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail).

Desired Plants Tallied/ Total Herbacious Utilization Levels under Deferred Rotation

Grazing System

Early Late

29-41/ >38

<15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6d

50 40

8-40/ >30

<15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6

50 40

<32/ >10

>15% Purshia in Form Classes 3 and/or 6

40 30

<14/ >5


30 20

<8/ <11


20 5

d.

FSH 2209.21 (Range Handbook) Form Classes for brush.

Class 1 = All bitterbrush available, little or no hedging.

Class 2 = All bitterbrush available, moderately hedged.

Class 3 = All bitterbrush available, heavily hedged.

Class 4 = Bitterbrush largely available, little or no hedging.

Class 5 = Bitterbrush largely available, moderately hedged.

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APPENDIX B: MAPS

MONO BASIN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS PROPOSED...

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