Bears Paw to Missouri River Breaks Planning Area Evaluation Report May 5, 2017

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Havre Field Office 3990 US HWY 2 West Havre, MT 59501 Phone: (406) 262-2820 Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 3 Sequence of Events ...... 3 Planning Area Background ...... 4 STANDARD #1: Uplands...... 14 Background Information ...... 14 Upland Sites ...... 14 STANDARD #2: Riparian and Wetland Areas ...... 16 Background Information ...... 16 Riparian and Wetland Areas in the Local Watershed ...... 17 STANDARD #3: Water Quality...... 19 Background Information ...... 19 Water Quality in the Local Watershed ...... 20 STANDARD #4: Air Quality...... 20 Background Information ...... 20 Air Quality in the Local Watershed ...... 20 STANDARD #5: Providing Habitat for Native Plants and Animals ...... 20 Background Information ...... 20 Native Plant and Animal Populations and Habitats in the Local Watershed ...... 21 Grazing Management & Resource Conditions by Allotment ...... 22 Interdisciplinary Team Composition ...... 205 References ...... 206 Appendix A: Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management ...... 208 Appendix B: Noxious weeds and Invasive plants by Allotment ...... 210 Appendix C: Standards Determination Table by Allotment ...... 211 Appendix D: Soils within the Planning Area ...... 214

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Introduction

This document is a compilation of land health assessments completed on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the Bears Paw to Missouri River Breaks (BPB) planning area. Public lands in the BPB planning area are located in Hill, Blaine, Chouteau, and Phillips Counties, in north central Montana and administered by both the Havre Field Office (HFO) and Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (Monument) BLM offices.

Land health assessments are typically completed at the watershed level. However, because grazing allotments do not follow watershed or administrative boundaries (HFO vs. Monument) a watershed level planning unit was not practical. Therefore, the BPB planning area boundaries were developed based on the feasibility and efficiency of natural resource and administrative management, similarity of vegetation, and allotment proximity. The BPB is primarily located within the Bullwhacker-Dog and Fort Peck Reservoir subbasins (north of the Missouri River), with a few small outlying areas located within the Middle Milk and Peoples subbasins.

The BLM lands that comprise 28% of the total land base within the planning area were assessed and evaluated for conformance with rangeland health standards. If appropriate, opportunities for more efficient administration and management of BLM lands in the BPB (beyond land health standards) are also discussed in this document. The BLM lands included in this assessment are shown in Figure 1.

The BLM is charged with maintaining the health of the land or making appropriate changes on the ground where land health standards are not being achieved. Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 4180 provides regulatory direction for integrating livestock grazing administration with Land Health Standards.

In response to 43 CFR 4180.2 (b) the BLM in partnership with the Central Montana Resource Advisory Council developed five standards for rangeland health and fourteen grazing management guidelines that apply to lands administered by the Havre and Lewistown Field Offices. The following five standards are statements of physical and biological condition or degree of function required for healthy sustainable rangelands. Achieving or making significant progress towards these functions and conditions is required of all uses of public rangelands as stated in 43 CFR 4180.1.

• Standard #1: Uplands are in proper functioning condition. • Standard #2: Riparian and wetland areas are in proper functioning condition. • Standard #3: Water quality meets Montana State standards. • Standard #4: Air quality meets Montana State standards. • Standard #5: Habitats are provided to maintain healthy, productive and diverse populations of native plant and animal species, including special status species.

Guidelines for management of herbivory (including domestic animals and wildlife) are preferred or advisable approaches to ensure that standards can be met or that significant progress can be made toward meeting the standard(s). The grazing management guidelines presented in Appendix A are provided to maintain or improve resource conditions in upland and riparian habitats. In both riparian and upland habitats, these guidelines focus on establishing and maintaining proper functioning conditions. Conformance with these guidelines will be addressed in this document.

Sequence of Events

This report is the first in a series of three potential documents; the assessment and evaluation report, the authorized officer’s Determination of Standards and Conformance with Guidelines, and an environmental

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document (usually an environmental assessment) which would propose and analyze the impacts of management alternatives necessary to address or correct identified resource concerns.

From 2012 to 2016, the BLM collected resource information and inspected resource conditions on 116 grazing allotments in the BPB planning area. Historic information and previously collected resource data was used to prepare this synopsis of resource conditions of public lands within the planning area.

This evaluation report discloses the existing condition of BLM lands within the BPB planning area, and analyzes and interprets the resource conditions relative to land health standards at an allotment level. Where evidence suggested land health standards were not being met, the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) evaluated the causal factors. Management and/or infrastructure changes were included as applicable to improve resource conditions.

If the determination document identifies existing livestock grazing management or level of use to be a significant causal factor for not achieving Standards or not making significant progress toward achievement, the authorized officer must take appropriate action as soon as practicable but no later than the beginning of the next grazing year (43 CFR 4180.1). The determination document also must state whether existing grazing management practices conform to the guidelines for grazing livestock on public land.

Following preparation of the evaluation report and determination document, an environmental analysis must be prepared to identify and analyze the potential environmental effects associated with any proposed management changes. The proposed changes to current grazing management would be designed to make significant progress toward achieving land health standards or address other resource issues identified in the evaluation process. Changes may include modifying existing grazing permit terms and conditions (seasons of use, number of livestock, and levels of use), changes in grazing system, or infrastructure projects, and would be implemented by decision before the start of the next grazing year.

This document does not constitute a decision, but provides the basis for the Havre Field Office Manager (Havre Manager) and Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Manager (Monument Manager) to make their determination on whether or not existing grazing management practices or levels of grazing use on public lands are significant factors in failing to achieve the standards and conform to the guidelines for livestock grazing management. The field managers will finalize the determination document just prior to issuing the proposed grazing decision on the associated environmental assessment.

Planning Area Background

Location

The BPB planning area is located within the Northwestern Glaciated Plains and Northwestern Great Plains Level 3 Ecoregions defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (US EPA, 2016). Both of these ecoregions are included in the Northwestern Plains Rapid Ecoregional Assessment (REA) recently released by the BLM (USDI, 2017). The Northwestern Glaciated Plains and the Northwestern Great Plains Ecoregion roughly correspond to the Brown Glaciated Plains (52) and the Northern Rolling High Plains, Northern Part (58A) Major Land Resource Areas (MLRAs), respectively, used by the NRCS (USDA, 2004). A select few BLM grazing allotments within the planning area are within the Northern Rocky Mountain Foothills (46) MLRA. For general purposes, the planning area is bordered US Highway 87 on the west, US Highway 66 and 191 on the east, the southern edge of the Bears Paw Mountains to the north, and the Missouri River to the south (Figure1).

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Figure 1. Map of the BPB planning area. The BLM has no jurisdiction to manage lands that are not under the direct administration of the BLM.

Climate

The Bears Paw Mountains to the north, the Little Rocky Mountains to the East, and the Missouri River to the south influence climate for the BPB planning area. The area is typically considered semi-arid with temperature extremes occurring between the summer and winter months. Average annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 14 inches. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in the form of rainfall during May through September. Snow generally falls between November and April. Winter temperatures can be as low as minus 40 degrees F. Temperatures in the summer can reach over 100 degrees F. Frost-free periods range from 80 to 125 days. The average date of the first frost in the fall occurs in mid-September. The average date of the last frost is in late May.

Soils

Soils on public land, within the planning area, developed in residuum from sedimentary Bearpaw and Claggett shale, Judith River Formation and Eagle sandstone (89%); slope and modern Holocene alluvium (10%); colluvium and/or alluvium derived from igneous rock (<1%); and, glacial till (<1%) (USDA, 2017). Soils developed in a climate with long, cold winters, moist springs and warm to hot summers. Soil patterns are complex; physical and chemical properties and productivity can vary within short distances (less than 5 feet). This results in ecological site variability on the landscape.

The Bears Paw Mountains lie in the north-central part of the planning area and are characterized as rugged mountains (northern part) to rounded, more subdued, mountains and buttes (southern part).

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Geology consists of intrusive and extrusive igneous and deformed sedimentary rocks. Surrounding the mountains is mainly a dissected benchland, which grades into badlands and breaks along major drainages (Hearn et al., 1964). Glacial deposits of several different origins occur around the eastern and western slopes of the Bears Paw Mountains. These deposits are not extensive nor thick across the planning area (Wild and Porter, 2002).

Bedrock geology of the benchlands and badlands consists of Cretaceous Bearpaw and Claggett shale, Judith River Formation, and Eagle Sandstone (Wilde and Porter, 2002). Relatively shallow faults and folds that originated from the gravity slide movement of the very large fold-and-fault block off the Bears Paw Mountains dominate these areas. Colluvium, clayey disintegration residuum, sheetwash alluvium and landslide deposits occur on valley sides and eroded uplands. Includes areas of alluvial-fan and sheetwash-alluvium fan or apron deposits at bases of hillslopes and at mouths of gullies; alluvium deposits along modern streams and associated floodplains; sheetwash-eroded bedrock dissected by gullies; very thin disintegration residuum on bedrock; includes extensive areas of bedrock outcrops, including local badland terrain. Steep shale and sandstone bedrock exposures are common along valley walls of dissected drainages.

Sedimentary soils are either fine textured (clayey) developed from Bearpaw or Claggett shale residuum or medium to coarse textured (loamy and sandy) weathered from Judith River Formation or Eagle sandstone. Landforms range from nearly level plains (0 to 8% slope) to steep escarpments, badlands and breaks (20 to 75% slope). Active geologic erosion is observed on these soils and landforms when slopes are steep. Erosion can be accelerated by surface disturbance when the protective vegetative cover is removed. The shale derived soils are considered “fragile” because of extreme physical and chemical properties such as high clay content, slow permeability, very high surface runoff, relatively shallow to moderate depth (less than 40 inches) to bedrock, and/or sparse vegetative ground cover. Soluble salts and sodium are present, some accumulations are at or near the surface while, others are deeper. Soils tend to be saline and/or sodic within 30 inches of the soil surface. Some soils are strongly acid to very strongly acid due to development from acid shale. Vegetation composition, production, and height are affected by the high concentrations of these salts/sodium and/or low pH. Loamy or sandstone derived soils tend to be more productive. Wind erosion hazard is a concern on these soils when vegetative cover is removed. Predominant soils include the Lisam, Dilts, Neldore, Yawdim, Bascovy, Cabbart, Delpoint, Fleak, Twilight, and Pinebreaks series. Associated ecological sites include Shallow Clay, Coarse Clay, Clayey- steep, Clayey, Shallow, Silty, Sandy and Sandy-steep.

Soils developed from slope alluvium on alluvial fans and stream terraces consist predominantly of the Yamacall, Yamac, Marvan, Absher, Creed, Gerdrum, and Vanda series. These soils tend to be moderately strong to strongly saline and sodic within 30 inches of the soil surface. Permeability is slow to very slow; therefore, water tends to runoff or puddle and evaporate. These soils have physical and chemical properties, which limit seed germination, vegetative composition, plant height, and production. Poor soil aeration is also a limitation. Associated ecological sites include Clayey, Claypan, and Dense Clay.

Modern Holocene alluvial soils on nearly level to gently sloping (0% to 8%) slopes along floodplains and stream terraces consist of the Havre, Hanly, Glendive, and Harlake series. Soil properties are variable and can differ over short distances. These soils range from sandy to clayey; poorly drained to well drained; slightly saline/sodic to strongly saline/sodic; and, slightly to highly erodible. Associated ecological sites include Overflow and Clayey.

Soils developed from colluvium and/or alluvium derived from igneous rock on steep (15 to 70% slope) mountain slope consist mostly of the Hedoes, Belain, Castner, Perma, and Whitlash series. These soils range from shallow to deep, in depth, with high percentages of coarse fragments. Where coarse

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fragments are high, available moisture holding capacity is low; therefore, soils are droughty. There are areas of rubble land and rock outcrop that do not support vegetation. Associated ecological sites include Shallow, Silty, and Silty-steep RRU 46-C, 13 to 19 inch precipitation zone.

Soils developed from glacial till are on nearly level to gently sloping (1% to 8%) slopes and are typically very deep (>60 inches). Textures are loam to clay. Erosion is slight to moderate due to the relatively gentle rolling topography, short slope lengths, and prominence of dense sod-forming vegetation. When disturbed, water and wind erosion hazards increase. Predominant soils include the Thoeny, Elloam, Absher, and Sunburst series. Associated ecological sites include Clay pan, Thin claypan, Dense clay, and Clayey. Vegetation production potential is affected (lower) when there is a hard clay layer and/or salts/sodium within 4 inches of the soil surface (Thin claypan, Dense clay).

Appendix D provides a description of the major soils that occur in the soil map units. Descriptions of non-soil (miscellaneous areas) and minor components are not included (NRCS, 2017).

Table 1. Dominant Ecological Sites (ES) within the Planning Area on BLM Lands.

Ecological Site (ES) Approximate Total Acres per ES % of Evaluation Area

Clayey 18,561 6 Clayey-Steep 33,673 11 Claypan 3,282 1 Dense Clay 1,296 <1 Shallow 39,870 13 Shallow Clay 151,441 49 Sandy-Steep 3,080 1 Sandy 1,965 <1 Silty/Loamy 10,387 3 Badland 45,769 15 Overflow 1,753 <1

Vegetation

There are a wide variety of plant communities and habitat types within the planning area. Native upland vegetation is typically a mosaic of sagebrush-grasslands, creeping juniper, and some coniferous communities. Plant community composition is influenced by soil type and parent material, elevation, effective precipitation, slope, and aspect as well as other influences such as fire (or lack of fire), historical use, and current management activities.

Sagebrush-grassland communities occur throughout the landscape on ridges and slopes. Common grass and grass-like species in these communities include western and thickspike wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, prairie reedgrass, prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama, needleleaf sedge, and threadleaf sedge. Bluebunch wheatgrass is also common on coarse textured soils with adequate drainage. Closer to the Missouri River, Wyoming big sagebrush is typically the dominant shrub, but silver sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush, winterfat, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort (half- shrub) are also common. Forbs include a wide variety of native flowering plants such as milkvetches, scarlet globemallow, spiny phlox, flax, prairie sunflower, wild parsley, and scarlet gaura. Forbs vary greatly with aspect, precipitation, and soil texture. These community types account for most of the forage wildlife and livestock consume.

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Many areas within the planning area are badlands or breaks. These consist of steep, rugged topography interspersed with benches and rolling hills. These areas are typically sparsely vegetated due to the steep slopes, shale and rock outcroppings, and abundance of heavy clays.

Forested areas typically consist of either Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, juniper, or mixed hardwoods associated with riparian areas. Douglas-fir is usually found on the cooler and wetter north and east slopes. Juniper forests are located on dry and often rocky sites. Ponderosa pine forests are scattered throughout the planning area on all slopes and elevations.

Additional information on general native plant communities is located in Chapter 3 – Affected Environment, in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 1 (2008).

Noxious weed invasion contributes to the loss of rangeland productivity, increased soil erosion, reduced water quantity and quality, reduced species and structural diversity, loss of wildlife habitat, and in some instances is hazardous to human health and welfare (Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 (PL 93-629, as amended by section 15 – Management of Undesirable Plants on federal Lands, 1990). Some weed species pose a significant threat to multiple use management on public land.

Noxious and invasive plant species, for the most part, are associated with areas experiencing natural or man-made disturbances. Noxious and invasive plants are mainly found along waterways, roads, recreational destinations, over-utilized rangeland, pipelines, drilling pads, rights-of-way, and livestock/wildlife paths and congregation areas.

The invasive species management program continually changes because of new introductions, additional inventory and the ongoing implementation of management projects. The BLM uses a full range of integrated pest management in the evaluation area. The basic management of noxious and invasive plants consists of:

• Early detection and rapid response (newly invading species); • Containment and management (widespread weed infestations); • Inventory, monitoring and evaluation; and • Internal and external awareness, education and outreach.

The control methods used to control noxious weeds include:

• Chemical – application of herbicides • Physical – includes both mechanical and manual removal methods • Biological – both Classical (use of natural enemies from a target plant’s native range and is usually a species of herbivorous insect/arthropod or a plant pathogen) and Non-Classical (use of targeted grazing to affect plant populations). The goal of Non-Classical Biological Control is not livestock production, although in some instances that can be a secondary benefit. • Cultural – includes re-vegetation and changes in land use practices (timing, duration, forage harvest, etc.)

Noxious and invasive plant species occur sparingly in the evaluation area with the exception being areas adjacent to the Upper Missouri River. Seventeen species are currently documented infesting approximately 983 acres across 27 grazing allotments. These species include Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), absinth wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), common burdock (Arctium minus), spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe ), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), poison hemlock (Conium

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maculatum), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium), Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), salt cedar (Tamarix spp.), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). A complete list of noxious and invasive species by allotment, acre, and species is in Appendix B.

Note that these numbers represent incomplete surveys and the possibility of other infestations and other invasive plant species is probable. Likewise, annual bromes, cheatgrass or downy brome (Bromus tectorum) and Japanese brome (Bromus arvensis), have yet to be systematically surveyed. Both species are common invaders on grassland sites and occur within the evaluation area. Japanese brome is by far the more prevalent, but neither are widely distributed and have not reached a level where there are large stands, the dominant plant within a plant community or have become a management concern. Documented species are currently being managed as outlined in the 2012 update to the Weed Management Plan developed for integrated weed management in the Monument.

Wildlife

For wildlife resources in the Missouri River Breaks, refer to Chapter 3, Page 179 in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, Volume 1, dated January 2008, for a complete description of wildlife species present or potentially present within the Missouri River Breaks and surrounding area.

The BPB planning area contains habitat types typical of the Missouri River Breaks including sagebrush- grassland, timbered coulees and Missouri River riparian that support a variety of wildlife species. Isolated BLM tracts in the Bears Paw Mountains contain plant communities associated with higher elevations and more precipitation with different grass and shrub species being the most discernable. Mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, raptors, furbearers, reptiles and amphibians are common throughout the BPB area. All BLM lands in BPB support one or more big game species at least part of the year, with most providing winter habitat. Bighorn sheep are mostly restricted to the badland or breaks habitat, but individuals have been spotted repeatedly over the years in the foothills of the Bears Paw Mountains. Current populations of bighorn sheep and elk are expanding and are at or above population goals set by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

BLM Montana Designated Sensitive Species

BLM State Directors designate BLM Sensitive Species with input from BLM, State and Natural Heritage Program Biologists, and other recognized specialists. This species list includes federally designated candidate species, species proposed for listing, and delisted species for the five years following their removal from the list. Sensitive species are species requiring special management considerations to promote their conservation, reduce the likelihood, and need for future listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Most Montana BLM Designated Sensitive Species (BLM, 2014) have no suitable habitat within the project area; these species are not considered part of the affected environment.

There are no threatened or endangered species present and no designated critical habitat for any listed species within the evaluation area. Pallid sturgeon (endangered) are present in the Missouri River on the southern boundary of the evaluation area, but would not be affected by the conditions on any of the grazing allotments.

Northern goshawk, golden eagle, ferruginous hawks, peregrine falcon, spotted bat, fringed myotis, Townsends big-eared bats, loggerhead shrike, red-headed woodpecker, chestnut-collared longspur, McCown’s longspur, greater sage-grouse, and long billed curlew, all have habitat and could occur within

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available habitat. Black-tailed prairie dog towns provide habitat for burrowing owl and mountain plover. Mountain plovers have been observed nesting in two black-tailed prairie dog towns in the Antelope Creek grazing allotment, but have not been documented nesting at any other site within the evaluation area. The greater short-horned lizard, Great Plains toad, and spiny soft-shelled turtle, occur in the evaluation area. Bald eagles nest along the Missouri River, which forms the southern boundary of this planning area.

The evaluation area includes sage grouse general habitat, but no focal areas or priority habitat is present. The habitat present is part of a larger block of habitat that includes MT Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) and private lands. On March 5, 2010, the United States Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced that listing of greater-sage grouse as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is warranted, but the need to address higher priority species and limited funding precluded immediate listing action. A September 2015 status review conducted by the FWS found that the greater sage-grouse remains relatively abundant and well distributed across the species’ range and does not face the risk of extinction now or in the near future. New information about the status of the species, potential threats, regulatory mechanisms, and conservation efforts indicated that listing was not warranted.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC 703-711) protects all migratory birds including those listed as BLM Sensitive Species. The sagebrush-grassland and ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir habitat types within the Allotment are considered minor components of the larger adjacent habitat for Neotropical Migratory Birds. The wildlife species present are those common to these habitat types within northcentral Montana. The riparian woodland community along the Missouri River is important nesting, feeding, roosting and stopover for many migratory species, including several Designated Sensitive Species.

Fish

There are small native fish populations located in Cow Creek and Birch Creek when water is present. These intermittent drainages flow water during wet years or spring runoff with a few pools retaining native fish until they freeze in winter. These drainages likely provide important spawning habitat for several Missouri River species. The Missouri River is a major river system with endangered pallid sturgeon and numerous sensitive species, including paddlefish, sauger, sturgeon chub, pearl dace and spiny softshell turtle (river-restricted reptile).

Prehistory and History

A number of modifications to the landscape have occurred within the BPB planning area are a result of past and current management activities. These include road construction and maintenance, routes created by off-road vehicle use, range improvement project construction and maintenance (fences, reservoirs, pits, raintraps, developed springs and wells), and natural gas development.

Some of the earliest widespread grazing in the Missouri River Breaks began during the early 1880's (Mackie 1970). Cattle and domestic sheep were common although the latter declined rapidly because of market conditions and high levels of predation in the breaks. Large livestock companies grazed herds on the range throughout the year until the early 1900's. Open range grazing was simply based on “first come, first served”. Drought, improper management and feuds caused many of these organizations to fail or they dissolved and were succeeded by local stockmen and smaller herds. While free range grazing was a widespread problem throughout the Great Plains, the “commons” method of grazing was more localized and short-lived in the Missouri River Breaks.

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Within the BPB planning area, the amount of forage allocated to grazing and livestock stocking levels have remained relatively stable over the past 40 years. Forage allocated to grazing in much of the planning area was established in the Missouri Breaks Grazing Environmental Impact Statement (1979).

Recreation & Travel Management

Under the Monument Plan, motorized and mechanized off-road vehicle use, other than emergency and authorized administrative purposes, is prohibited within the BPB planning area. Areas outside of the Monument are managed under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (BLM, 2015b). All motorized wheeled travel outside of the Monument is restricted to existing roads, primitive roads, and trails with the following exceptions: any military, fire search and rescue, or law enforcement vehicle for emergency operations; official BLM administrative business (prescribed fire, noxious weed control, range management, etc.); other government agency business (surveying, animal damage control, etc.); administration of a federal lease or permit (e.g., a livestock permittee maintaining a fence, an oil or gas company performing routine maintenance on a well etc.); for dispersed camping within 300 feet of an existing open road. Site selection must be completed by non-motorized means, and accessed by the most direct route causing the least damage.

Visual Resources

There are four Visual Resource Management (VRM) classes within the BPB planning area. The VRM classes and their corresponding management objectives are as follows:

Class I – The objective of this class is to preserve the existing character of the landscape. This class provides for natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited management activity. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract attention.

Class II - The objective of this class is to retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class III - The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class IV - The objective of this class is to provide for management activities that require major modification of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance and repeating the basic landscape elements.

Special Designations

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern:

The Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is included within the BPB planning area. This area (14,270 acres) contains a portion of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, high scenic quality and important paleontological resources. The BLM will provide protection for the significant

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resources in the Cow Creek area, which was designated an ACEC in the 1988 West HiLine RMP. This area will continue to be designated an ACEC and managed for the following resources: • Preserve the scenic, interpretive, recreation, and paleontological values in the Cow Creek area associated with the Nez Perce National Historic Trail; • Protect paleontological sites within the ACEC from surface disturbance by other management activities; and • Scientific use of the resource will be allowed.

The Cow Creek ACEC overlaps a portion of the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (4,300 acres). If the WSA is not designated as wilderness by Congress, the portion within the ACEC will be managed in accordance with the guidance for the Cow Creek Area.

Wilderness Study Areas:

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) required the Secretary of the Interior to review all areas of public lands and determine which contained wilderness characteristics. Inventories of public lands within the BPB planning area where completed by the BLM in 1980. Antelope Creek (12,350 acres), Cow Creek (34,050 acres), Ervin Ridge (10,200 acres), and Stafford (4,800 acres) Wilderness Study Areas (WSA’s) met the criteria for wilderness characteristics during the inventory process. Portions of Antelople Creek (9,600 acres) and Cow Creek (21,590 acres) were recommended for wilderness designation in the Missouri Breaks Wilderness Suitability Study/EIS (1987).

Until Congress acts on an area that has been designated for wilderness study, existing multiple use activities, including grazing and supporting activities, will continue. New uses or expanded existing uses will be allowed if the impacts will not impair the suitability of the area for wilderness. Congress has not acted on any of the WSA’s within the BPB planning area.

Three additional areas in the BPB planning area were inventoried and met the requirements for wilderness characteristics as required by BLM Manual 6300-1 as part of the planning process for the HiLine Resource Management Plan (USDI, 2015b). None of identified areas were included in the proposed action to have additional management restrictions to preserve existing wilderness characteristics.

Wild and Scenic Rivers:

The 149 miles of the Upper Missouri River was designated as a Wild and Scenic River in 1976. Management of the Upper Missouri River is in accordance with the Upper Missouri River River National Wild and Scenic River Management Plan (USDI, 1993) as amended by the Monument Plan (USDI, 2008)

National Historic Trails:

The Nez Perce National Historic Trail, which was designated in 1986, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which was designated in 1978, are both partially within the BPB planning area.

Fluid Minerals and Infrastructure

Parts of north-central Montana were first surveyed from 1909-1915. These surveys resulted in the discovery of many anticlines and other favorable upward-arching structures in parts of Hill, Choteau, Blaine, and Fergus counties (Stebinger, 1916). The first development of this area occurred after the drilling of a profitable gas well in Havre in 1914; shows of gas from the Eagle Formation in the Bowes Field south of Chinook in 1926 encouraged more petroleum engineers and oil operators to prospect for oil

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and natural gas (Benner and Beeman, 1953). From 1926 to the peak of the industry in 1968, oil and natural gas development increased across Montana. Infrastructure spread from these gas fields east as far as North Dakota, and 85% of all oil produced in Montana was piped to the refineries in Billings. Most fields that are still in existence today were discovered and developed by 1960.

Fire

Many areas within the BPB planning area are currently outside of Historic Fire Regime. Use of prescribed fire has only been used relatively recently to maintain desired vegetation, reduce fuel loading, and improve and/or protect wildlife habitat within the Monument. Prescribed fire could be a valuable tool for vegetation and habitat management where practical and necessary.

Livestock Grazing

There are 62 operators who hold grazing leases on approximately 314,566 acres of public land administered by the BLM within the BPB planning area. Public lands, administered by BLM, provide roughly 35% of the late spring, summer and fall forage base within the planning area. There are 31,016 animal-unit months (AUMs) of livestock forage allocated on public lands within the 116 grazing allotments included in this evaluation report.

Allotment Categories

The BLM originally used the Selective Management Categories: Improve (I), Maintain (M), Custodial (C) as the foundation for establishing priorities for investing in range improvements. Currently the grazing allotment management categories are used to help BLM field offices determine priorities for focusing staff and fiscal resources when processing grazing permits and leases. A description of each category from lowest to highest priority is presented below.

Category C: Grazing allotments where public lands produce less than 10 percent of the forage in the allotment or are less than 10 percent of the land area. An allotment should generally not be designated Category C if public land in the allotment contains critical habitat for a threatened or endangered species or wetlands negatively affected by livestock grazing.

Category M: Grazing allotments where land health standards are met or where livestock grazing on public land is not a significant causal factor for not meeting the standards and current livestock management is in conformance with guidelines developed by the State Directors in consultation with Resource Advisory Councils. Allotments where an evaluation of land health standards has not been completed, but existing monitoring data indicates that resource conditions are satisfactory.

Category I: Grazing allotments where current livestock grazing management or level of use on public land is, or is expected to be, a significant causal factor in the non-achievement of land health standards, or where a change in mandatory terms and conditions in the grazing authorization is or may be necessary. When identifying Category I allotments, review condition of critical habitat, conflicts with sage-grouse, and whether projects have been proposed specifically for implementing the Healthy Lands Initiative.

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STANDARD #1: Uplands are in proper functioning condition.

Background Information

Uplands are defined as land at a higher elevation than the alluvial plain or low stream terrace; all lands outside the riparian-wetland and aquatic zones (USDI, 1996). Uplands function properly when the existing vegetation and ground cover maintain soil conditions capable of sustaining natural biotic communities. The functioning condition of uplands is influenced by geomorphic features, soil, water, and vegetation (USDI 1994). Lewistown Standard #1 states, “Plants are vigorous, biomass production is near potential and there is a diversity of species characteristic of and appropriate to the site” (USDI, 1997).

Lewistown Grazing Management Guidelines 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 12, 13 and 14 (Appendix A) apply to Standard #1 (USDI, 1997).

Upland Sites

Technical Reference (TR) 1734-6 Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Heath Version 4 (USDI, 2005) was used extensively in preparing, completing, and interpreting the upland health assessments in the BPB. The Evaluation Sheet from the TR 1734-6, which includes the 17 indicators used to determine the three rangeland health attributes (soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity), was the most common assessment completed. All assessments were supplemented with photos and a plant list. In areas too small to justify a full upland health assessment, step-point transects, photos, and plant lists were used to assess rangeland conditions.

For grazing allotments where the upland standard is met, a preponderance of evidence indicates the soils in the uplands provide for the capture, storage and safe release of water. Evidence of accelerated erosion in the form of rills and/or gullies, erosional pedestals, flow patterns, and compaction layers below the soil surface are minimal and near to what are expected for a given ecological site. Ecological processes including nutrient cycle and energy flow are being maintained. This is supported by upland heath assessments and monitoring conducted between 2012 and 2015. There are localized areas where soils are impacted such as around pits/reservoirs, fence corners, and trails.

Upland health assessments and monitoring studies were completed on representative ecological sites that are responsive to management changes. For upland health assessments, none to slight and slight to moderate departures from expected conditions most often indicates the site is in Proper Functioning Condition. Exceptions do occur if the ID Team, using a “preponderance of evidence” feels a Functioning at Risk rating may be more appropriate when considering other information (monitoring studies, local knowledge).

Evaluation areas that are within reference contain plant communities and other attributes of a healthy rangeland. The reference state is the "state where the functional capacities represented by soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity are performing at an optimum level under the natural disturbance regime. This state usually includes, but is not limited to, what is often referred to as the potential natural community (Technical Reference 1734-6)”. The ID Team focused on key quantitative indicators and measurements, such as bare ground, the amount of litter, plant composition and invasive plants, to assess soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity (USDA, 2004). Below are the most common ecological sites assessed in the planning area. These sites are ideal for long-term monitoring studies since they are the most responsive to management changes.

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Clayey

Within the reference state, bare ground should be less than 20% and the amount of litter between 50 to 70%. The plant community contains native cool-season mid-grasses, followed by shrubs with lesser amounts of forbs. Invasive plants would be in trace1 or minor amounts. An example of a typical plant community would be an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of cool season perennial grasses (green needlegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrass). The canopy cover of forbs would be low. Although the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush is usually higher than desired, this could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

A disturbance-induced community would see an increase in less desirable, short stature grasses (Sandberg bluegrass, prairie junegrass), an increase in bare ground, a reduction in plant litter and an increase in invasive plants (plains pricklypear cactus, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, annual bromes).

Shallow Clay

Within the reference state, bare ground should be less than 30% and the amount of litter between 40 to 60%. The plant community contains mid-height, native perennial bunchgrasses followed by shrubs with lesser amounts of forbs. Invasive plants would be in trace and minor amounts. An example of a typical plant community would be an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of cool season perennial bunchgrasses and rhizomatous grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrass). The canopy cover of forbs would be low. Although the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush is usually higher than desired, this could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

Silty

Within the reference state, bare ground should be less than 20% and the amount of litter between 50 to 70%. The plant community contains tall and mid-height, native perennial bunchgrasses followed by shrubs with lesser amounts of forbs. Invasive plants would be in trace and minor amounts. An example of a typical plant community would consist of cool season perennial bunchgrasses and rhizomatous grasses (bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, western and thickspike wheatgrass, needle and thread). The canopy cover of forbs would be low. Wyoming big sagebrush is common and can range from a few scattered plants to higher densities where it dominates the overstory.

A disturbance-induced community would see an increase in less desirable, short stature grasses (Sandberg bluegrass, prairie junegrass, needleleaf and threadleaf sedge, blue grama), a reduction in plant litter and an increase in invasive plants (plains pricklypear cactus, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, annual bromes). The amount of bare ground is usually minimal. Lesser spikemoss and blue grama can be extensive, at times greater than 50% of the ground cover.

1 Dominant is roughly 40 to 100% of the canopy cover, sub-dominant is 10 to 40%, minor is 2 to 10% and trace is less than 2%.

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Clay Pan

Within the reference state, bare ground should be less than 30% and the amount of litter between 20 to 30%. The plant community contains tall and mid-height, native perennial bunchgrasses followed by shrubs with lesser amounts of forbs. Invasive plants would be in trace and minor amounts. An example of a typical plant community would consist of cool season perennial rhizomatous grasses and bunchgrasses (western and thickspike wheatgrass, green needlegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass). The canopy cover of forbs would be low. Wyoming big sagebrush is common and can range from a few scattered plants to higher densities where it dominates the overstory.

A disturbance-induced community would see an increase in less desirable, short stature grasses (Sandberg bluegrass, prairie junegrass, needleleaf and threadleaf sedge, blue grama), a reduction in plant litter and an increase in invasive plants (plains pricklypear cactus, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, annual bromes). Bare ground is usually minimal. Lesser spikemoss and blue grama can be extensive, at times greater than 50% of the ground cover.

STANDARD #2: Riparian and wetland areas are in proper functioning condition.

Background Information

A riparian area is the transition between the aquatic area (water) and adjacent upland areas. These areas exhibit vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent surface or subsurface water (USDI, 2015a).

A lotic riparian system is characterized by actively moving water. Examples are rivers, streams, and drainage ways that contain a defined channel and floodplain. Lotic riparian areas are functioning properly when adequate vegetation, landform, or woody material is present to (USDI, 2015a):

• Dissipate stream energy associated with high waterflow, thereby reducing erosion and improving water quality. • Capture sediment and aid floodplain development. • Improve floodwater retention and ground-water recharge. • Develop root masses that stabilize streambanks against erosion. • Maintain channel characteristics.

A lentic riparian system is characterized by still water such as lakes, reservoirs, potholes, marshes, and ponds. Lentic riparian-wetland areas are functioning properly when adequate vegetation, landform, or debris is present to (USDI, 2003):

• Dissipate energies associated with wind action, wave action, and overland flow from adjacent sites, thereby reducing erosion and improving water quality. • Filter sediment and aid floodplain development. • Improve flood-water retention and ground-water recharge. • Develop root masses that stabilize islands and shoreline features against cutting action. • Restrict water percolation. • Develop diverse ponding characteristics to provide the habitat and water depth, duration, and temperature necessary for fish production, waterbird breeding, and other uses. • Support greater biodiversity.

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Lewistown Grazing Management Guidelines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 14 (Appendix A) apply to Standard #2 (USDI 1997).

Riparian and Wetland Areas in the Local Watershed

Lotic Systems

Technical Reference 1737-15 Proper Functioning Condition Assessment for Lotic Areas, Second Edition (USDI, 2015a) was used extensively in preparing, completing, and interpreting the condition of riparian areas in the planning area.

The majority of soils within the watershed are either fine textured (clayey) developed from Bearpaw or Clagget shale residuum or coarse textured (sandy) weathered from Judith River Formation or Eagle sandstone. These soils can be highly erosive especially if surface disturbance removes the protective vegetative cover. Natural disturbance occurs in the planning area and most often takes the form of wildfires or hillside failures. Due to the naturally variable disturbance regime, the soil limitations, and the hydrologic regime of the area, the potential of stream systems within the planning area also varies widely. Not all portions of a stream would be fully functioning even under non-anthropogenic conditions. For example, natural hillside failures supply excess sediment into some stream systems causing the need for the system to rebalance itself over time. Imbalances can be seen in overly shallow and wide channels or headcutting with the development of gravel bars further downstream. Many of the stream systems throughout the planning area have developed with these natural disturbances and can “heal themselves” within a relatively short timeframe or distance downstream if there are no other constant/ongoing disturbances within the drainage.

Most of the drainages within the planning area have been classified as ephemeral systems. Ephemeral drainages flow only in direct response to precipitation events. They receive no water from springs and no long-continued supply from melting snow or other surface sources. The potential for these streams is limited due to the lack of available water during the growing season. Ephemeral systems do not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, do not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and have been classified as non-riparian. A few streams in the planning area are intermittent. An intermittent system is generally due to fluctuations of the water table. Part of the time the stream channel is below the water table and part of the time it is above the water table. Perennial systems flow continuously in all or most years (USDI, 2015a).

Little Bullwhacker Creek (left) illustrates common ephemeral characteristics – incised, lacking a floodplain, and upland plants occupy the banks. Little Bullwhacker Creek is a Type F stream channel.

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If the intermittent and perennial streams are in properly functioning condition and at their potential, the most common channel types are Type E or Type C. A Type E channel exhibits a low width/depth ratio, high sinuosity, and a very wide and well-connected floodplain. Type C streams with fine sediments tend to be slightly entrenched, meandering, riffle-pool channels with well-developed floodplains. At their potential (Properly Functioning Condition), these systems have well vegetated banks and sufficient sinuosity or pool frequency to dissipate relatively frequent high flow events (<25 year flood events). The floodplain needs to be readily accessible to dissipate energy in both these channel types.

Portions of Bullwhacker Creek (left) have sandbar willow communities occupying deposition areas with pole-sized and mature plains cottonwood in the background. This represents a PFC stream system.

A properly functioning riparian plant community is a mosaic of species richness and structure serving to control erosion, shade water, provide thermal protection, filter sediment, aid floodplain development, dissipate energy, delay floodwaters, and increase recharge of groundwater where appropriate to landform. The riparian plant communities in these systems can be complicated indicators for properly functioning condition. The vegetation potential for most of the intermittent and perennial riparian areas is the shrub and herbaceous riparian complex described by Hansen (1995) for the central and eastern Montana sedimentary and glacial plains. Areas that hold water for extended time (e.g. pools) would have a common spikerush habitat type in colonizing areas. A three-square bulrush habitat type with small amounts of an alkali bulrush habitat type would dominate streambanks. Immediate floodplains would be a western wheatgrass habitat type. Moving upland, this habitat type would transition into a silver sagebrush/western wheatgrass habitat type before becoming upland plant communities. The streamside areas that are saturated for only a short time period (e.g. riffles) would lack the obligate riparian-wetland plant communities on the banks and transition immediately to a western wheatgrass habitat type.

The shale-derived soils are considered “fragile” because of extreme physical and chemical properties such as high clay content, low permeability, and very high surface runoff. Soils tend to be saline and/or sodic within 30 inches of the soil surface. This results in sparse vegetative ground cover even around intermittent streams. Some areas would have a potential more closely described by Hansen (1995) for alkaline communities of southeastern Montana. These areas would have a cordgrass habitat type with inland salt grass on streambanks before transitioning to western wheatgrass habitat types in higher bank zones.

However, some streams in the project area exhibit signs of heavy impact and unnaturally high levels of imbalance. Currently, the majority of streams vary between Type F and Type C channels. Type F streams with fine sediments tend to be very incised, with high width/depth rations, and the “top of bank” elevation is much greater than the bankfull state. This indicates the stream is disconnected from its floodplain, and the excess energy is focused downward eroding the bed deeper. Mass wasting due to bank undercutting and collapse is common. Many drainages have impoundments which affects the

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availability of water, the timing of flows, and the downstream health of riparian vegetation. Some sections of the channel are over-widened and straightened but indicators of recovery, such as lateral migration and a balance of erosion and deposition, were observed. These sections were classified as Functioning at Risk (FAR).

Cow Creek (left) is an example of a FAR classified stream. It lacks some stabilizing vegetation components and is at risk of further degradation.

Common streamside vegetation consists of a mix of native and non-native species: three-square bulrush, common spikerush, foxtail barley, American licorice, cocklebur, greasewood, Wood’s rose, silver sagebrush, western wheatgrass, inland saltgrass, prairie and alkali cordgrass, and green needlegrass. Only some stream reaches have woody vegetation present and consist of sandbar, peachleaf and yellow willow.

Lentic Systems

The majority of lentic systems within the planning area are man-made reservoirs constructed for watering livestock and have limited potential for riparian habitat. There are instances of naturally occurring lentic systems. These are pooled areas within interrupted or intermittent lotic systems that function similar to lentic systems. There are no known naturally occurring lentic systems within the planning area, which are non-functioning or functioning at risk.

STANDARD #3: Water quality meets Montana State standards.

Background Information

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act, is the primary federal law governing water pollution. Its objective is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters by preventing or strictly regulating pollution sources. Federal actions must comply with the Clean Water Act of 1972 and Montana State Standards for water quality. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) prepares a biennial Integrated Report to list the status of water quality for waterbodies under state jurisdiction. This includes the Section 303(d) list of threatened, or “impaired,” waterbodies in the state that need Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) criteria for pollutants.

Lewistown Grazing Management Guidelines 1, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 14 (Appendix A) apply to Standard #3 (USDI, 1997).

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Water Quality in the Local Watershed

Cow Creek is listed for water quality impairment. It is designated as category 4A (all TMDLs required to rectify all identified threats or impairments have been completed and approved) and listed for aluminum, arsenic, copper, iron, and lead. Coal mining and natural sources were listed as the probable sources. BLM specialists surveyed portions of Cow Creek within the BLM managed lands. It was determined that all the surveyed reaches were FAR due to historic and upstream impacts that have altered the channel width/depth ratio and the sediment load within the system. The reaches were given an upward trend because of expanding riparian-wetland communities and a widening floodplain. It is unlikely that BLM grazing management is contributing to heavy metals content within the stream. However, ongoing revegetation of the riparian zone is important for maintaining overall water quality.

Bullwhacker Creek has also been analyzed by Montana DEQ for impairment. All beneficial uses have been assessed and all uses are fully supported.

The Missouri River between the Marias River and Fort Peck Reservoir has also been listed for impairments. It is currently a Category 5 meaning one or more beneficial uses are impaired or threatened and a TMDL is required. It is listed for copper and lead from unknown sources. Though not requiring a TMDL, the most recent report from DEQ notes that degradation has occurred due to alterations in streamside vegetation cover probably due to grazing in riparian or shoreline zones and to agricultural uses. BLM staff assessed the riparian vegetation as part of this project. Revegetation of the riparian zone is important for maintaining overall water quality.

STANDARD #4: Air quality meets Montana State standards.

Background Information

Section 176(c) of the Clean Air Act states that activities of all federal agencies must conform to the intent of the appropriate State Air Quality Implementation Plan.

Lewistown Grazing Management Guideline #14 (Appendix A) applies to Standard #4 (USDI 1997).

Air Quality in the Local Watershed

BLM management actions or use authorizations do not contribute to air pollution that violates the quantitative or narrative Montana Air Quality Standards or contributes to deterioration of air quality in selected class area.

STANDARD #5: Habitats are provided to maintain healthy, productive and diverse populations of native plant and animal species, including special status species.

Background Information

Lewistown Standard #5 states, “Native plant and animal communities will be maintained or improved to ensure the proper functioning of ecological processes and continued productivity and diversity of native plant lifeforms. Plants are vigorous, biomass production is near potential, and there is a diversity of plant and animal species characteristic of and appropriate to the site. The environment contains components necessary to support viable populations of a sensitive/threatened and endangered species in a given area relative to site potential” (USDI 1997).

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Lewistown Grazing Management Guidelines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 14 (Appendix A) apply to Standard #5 (USDI 1997).

Native Plant and Animal Populations and Habitats in the Local Watershed

Sagebrush-grasslands are common in the BPB area and are a broad transition area between the Missouri breaks and foothills of the Bears Paw Mountains. This provides extensive year round habitat for mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and comprises the only habitat for greater sage-grouse. Along with the conifer habitat, this community provides the majority of the livestock grazing forage, and along with riparian habitats is the most intensively monitored for healthy wildlife habitat.

Ponderosa pine/Douglas fir/juniper habitat occurs throughout the BPB planning area, although much less common further west, or on south facing slopes. This habitat is important for many bird species, including raptors and cavity nesters. Important species most identified with this habitat are mule deer and elk, and to a much lesser extent bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope, which utilize the edges. This habitat provides important winter habitat during harsh weather and important winter browse.

Badlands are comprised of shrub (silver or Wyoming big sagebrush, greasewood), grass, and some conifers. While this habitat type receives less pressure from grazing, it provides the primary habitat for bighorn sheep, and to lesser extent, important habitat for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and elk.

Herbaceous riparian and wetland communities are important to many species of wildlife and invertebrates. These communities are described under Standard #2, and when managed for the highest potential based on soil and water availability, will meet the needs of resident and migratory wildlife species. Notably, greater sage-grouse which rely on many of these wetland areas after chicks hatch through the summer, to provide insects for fast growth and succulent vegetation during the dry season.

Woody draws are typically associated with highly intermittent or ephemeral streams. They may occur on steep northern slopes or within coulee bottoms where soil moisture and topography produce higher moisture levels than are common throughout most of the area (Montana Natural Heritage Program, 2010). Many woody draws may not be riparian or wetland sites, but they often support many of the same shrubs such as silver buffaloberry, chokecherry, serviceberry and hawthorn. These berry-producing shrubs are important to many wildlife species. Game birds, rabbits, hares, rodents and deer all seek out and eat their fruit. They provide food, cover and nesting habitat for a variety of migratory songbirds. Deer use many of these shrubs extensively as a browse source in the winter. The early spring flowers provide an important source of nectar for butterflies, bumblebees, honeybees and ants (USDA, 2014).

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Grazing Management & Resource Conditions Allotment Summaries & Recommendations

A brief discussion of the livestock grazing management and resource conditions for each grazing allotment in the BPB planning area is presented below. Resource conditions as they relate to Standards #1 (Uplands), Standard #2 (Riparian Areas and Wetlands), and Standard #5 (Native Species Habitat) are presented and discussed for each grazing allotment. Standard #3 (Water Quality) and Standard #4 (Air Quality) are addressed at the allotment level if site-specific concerns have been identified. Where needed, management and project recommendations are suggested for improving resource conditions. Refer to Appendix C for the Standards of Rangeland Health Determination Table for all Grazing Allotments within the planning area.

ALLOTMENT #00820 - Sanford Pasture

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 803 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 50 C Non-use

Background information

The Sanford Pasture grazing allotment contains several scattered blocks of public land located in southern Blaine County, west of the Stafford Ferry Road and north of the Missouri River. The Allotment consists of three pastures of mixed ownership. Permanent non-use is approved through 2017 to coincide with an existing Conservation Reserve Program contract on private land fenced in the Allotment. The southern portion of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and the Stafford Wilderness Study Area.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Sanford Pasture grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A step-point transect was completed supported by general view photographs within the West Pasture of the Allotment in 2010. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Silty 12% 48% 78% 52% 10% 16% 62%

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. Bluebunch wheatgrass was the dominant grass comprising 26% of the canopy cover. Only trace amounts of invasive plants were present and annual production was above the potential for the site. The site

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approximates the description of the historic climax plant community with the exception of the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush, which was too high.

The upland standard is being met in the Sanford Pasture Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sanford Pasture grazing allotment.

Recommendations 1. The grazing permittee would need to submit a grazing application to activate the non-use after expiration of the Conservation Reserve Program contract in 2017.

ALLOTMENT #00855 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 74 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00855 consists of two small tracts of public land surrounded by private land where Little Sandy Creek enters the Missouri River. A 34-acre tract is fenced to exclude livestock grazing and contains the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp. Cattle owned by the adjacent private landowner sometimes graze the remaining 40 acres outside of the fenced area. There is no public access other than the Missouri River.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were not being met. Reasons for not meeting the standards were weed infestations and livestock grazing (outside of the exclosure).

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on the 40-acre tract outside of the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp exclosure in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

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Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T26N Thin Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to R12E Breaks wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 1

The thin breaks ecological site approximates the historic climax plant community with the exception of a small area near Little Sandy Creek where Russian knapweed was still present. The Russian knapweed infestation is treated annually.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00855.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Little Sandy Creek

Little Sandy Creek, 0.30 miles in length on public land in Section 12 of T26N, R12E, was assessed in 2013. Banks and floodplains were well vegetated with riparian-wetland plants. The dominant plant community was herbaceous and consists of common spikerush along the scour line, three-square bulrush, Baltic rush and sedge species. Little Sandy Creek is habitat for the spiny softshell turtle.

The riparian standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00855.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Little Sandy Creek provides loafing habitat for the spiny softshell turtle, and during years of good spring runoff, provide spawning habitat for several species of fish.

The upland habitat outside the exclosure is a small component of extensive private and State lands providing habitat for resident wildlife. Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this tract is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The woodland habitat within the exclosure is one of the most limited and important to the largest number of wildlife species in the Missouri River breaks. Recreational use has altered native plant communities within the campground exclosure. Multiple fences, fire rings, tent camping sites, and a vault toilet, have contributed to this disturbance. Understory vegetation has been removed and the amount of invasive species and noxious weeds have increased. Wildlife use of the site has been impacted by human disturbance from late spring to late fall. The public land within the exclosure is not providing healthy and diverse wildlife habitat due to alterations in vegetation, structure, and diversity.

The habitat standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00855.

Recommendations 1. The tract is not authorized for grazing but is fenced in with adjacent private and State land. Field assessments noted the tract was being grazed. The public land should be offered for grazing to a qualified applicant. Otherwise, the tract would have to be fenced to prevent unauthorized livestock use. 2. Consider a land exchange, including grazing allotments #00864, #00866, and #00867 to consolidate the public land around the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp.

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ALLOTMENT #00864 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 29 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00864 is a 29-acre tract of public land surrounded by private land that borders the Missouri River in the SWNE of section 4 in T26N, R12E. There is no public access other than the Missouri River. The Allotment is currently unallocated, but receives some livestock use from the adjacent landowner.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An allotment inspection was completed in 2013. An agricultural trespass was discovered that totaled approximately 3 acres. The area was seeded to wheat. A large portion of the tract has been seeded to crested wheatgrass and alfalfa. The seeding is not recent, likely more than 10 years old. The plant community now consists of introduced, non-native grass species with native species including silver sagebrush, rubber rabbitbrush, and green needlegrass interspersed within the area. Russian knapweed and leafy spurge (both State listed noxious weeds) were also noted during the inspection.

Nutrient cycling has been altered and soil biological activity affected in the crested wheatgrass/alfalfa tract and areas where there are noxious weeds. Carbon to nitrogen ratios are lower in crested wheatgrass and noxious weed stands. Soil biological activity is reduced, occurring during a shorter part of the growing season, when compared to diverse plant communities. In addition, crested wheatgrass, alfalfa and noxious weeds do not have the same symbiotic relationship to the soil biological community as native species (Printz et al., 2014).

Due to the introduced species, agricultural trespass, noxious weeds and difficulty in identifying the ecological site (soils are the result of alluvial and fluvial deposits) an upland health assessment was not completed.

The upland standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00864.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

Page 25 summarized in the Upper Missouri River Riparian Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) Assessment Report (2012). Allotment #00864 borders the Missouri River for 0.50 miles. The Missouri River received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00864.

Standard #5 – Habitat

River riparian habitat is a small portion of the Allotment and is currently in proper functioning condition; however, upland areas do not meet the standard for healthy, diverse wildlife habitat due to habitat alterations from invasive plants, noxious weeds, and the agricultural trespass.

The habitat standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00864.

Recommendations 1. The tract is not authorized for grazing but is fenced in with adjacent private and State land. Field assessments noted the tract was being grazed. The public land should be offered for grazing to a qualified applicant. Otherwise, the tract would have to be fenced to prevent unauthorized livestock use. 2. Resolve agricultural trespass. 3. Consider a land exchange, including grazing allotments #00864, #00866, and #00867, to consolidate the public land around the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp.

ALLOTMENT #00866 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00866 is located approximately 2.5 miles north of the Missouri River and the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp and just to the west of Little Sandy Creek. The majority of the tract is relatively flat. Where it breaks off into Little Sandy Creek (east side), it contains an area with a dune-like appearance. A large black-tailed prairie dog town borders the tract on the west and extends onto public land.

The tract is located within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

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Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T27N None to None to Slight to R12E Sandy Prairie Sandreed Slight Slight Moderate Section 26

The left photo, taken in 2013, provides a view of the evaluation area. Note the black-tailed prairie dog town in the background. The right photo is a view of the dune-like area along the east side of the tract.

A diverse mix of native perennial, cool and warm season grasses dominated the evaluation area. Because of the sandy soil, prairie sandreed was the dominant grass. Only a small amount of forbs and shrubs were present. Annual bromes (cheatgrass, Japanese brome) were the only invasive plants noted. The amount of bare ground was low (10%), vegetative cover was high and the amount of plant litter was high (60%). The plant community contained late seral species similar to those described in the reference community for a sandy ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00866.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

This small tract is a portion of a larger, but unique habitat for the area. The area is primarily grassland with a large percentage of warm season plant species adapted to sandy soil, and includes open sand dunes. The diversity of vegetation and the presence of the black-tailed prairie dog town provide for healthy, diverse wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00866.

Recommendations 1. The tract is not authorized for grazing, is not fenced separately and is surrounded by private and State land. Field assessments noted the tract was being grazed. The public land should be offered for

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grazing to a qualified applicant. Otherwise, the tract would have to be fenced to prevent unauthorized livestock use. 2. Consider a land exchange, including grazing allotments #00864, #00866, and #00867, to consolidate the public land around the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp.

ALLOTMENT #00867 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00867 is an isolated 40-acre tract of public land located in the NWSE of section 5 in T26N, R12E. The tract is located in Chouteau County, approximately one mile east of the Coal Banks Landing Developed Public Access Site. The tract has three distinct topographic features; the north end is an upland bench, the middle contains steep slopes, and the south end is a terrace lying adjacent the floodplain of the Missouri River. The adjacent private land is grazed.

The tract is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a sandy ecological site in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T26N None to Slight to R12E Sands Blue grama Moderate Slight Moderate Section 5

The evaluation area was dominated by blue grama and had significant amounts of little barley, needle and thread, plains reedgrass and threadleaf sedge. Fringed sagewort and silver sagebrush were the most prevalent shrub species. Annual bromes made up a large percentage of the canopy cover. Current grazing was not obvious, but it appears the area has been utilized heavily by livestock in the past. Biotic integrity received a moderate departure from expected conditions due to the lack of deep-rooted perennial grass species, lack of plant litter, presence and quantity of invasive species (annual bromes), low production, and impaired reproductive capability of perennial plants. The lack of species diversity,

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invasion of annual bromes, and lesser amounts of litter have compromised soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to a lack of ability for proper nutrient cycling and energy flow.

The upland standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00867.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to the condition of upland habitat, lack of diversity, low production, and presence of invasive species, this Allotment is not providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00867.

Recommendations 1. The tract is not authorized for grazing, is not fenced separately and is surrounded by private land. The field assessment noted the tract was being grazed. The public land should be offered for grazing to a qualified applicant. Otherwise, the tract would have to be fenced, requiring the installation of one mile of fence in very difficult terrain, to prevent unauthorized livestock use. 2. Consider a land exchange, including grazing allotments #00864, #00866, and #00867, to consolidate the public land around the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp.

ALLOTMENT #00868 - T26N R112E Sec 3 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 15 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00868 consists of an island in the Missouri River located in section 3 of T26N, R12E. The island is located in Chouteau County, approximately 3.5 miles downriver from the Coal Banks Landing Developed Access Site and 1.5 miles above the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp.

The tract is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated that Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met due to the presence of noxious weeds.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The entire island is a riparian-wetland plant community therefore an upland health assessment was not completed.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The Bureau of Land Management, assisted by the National Riparian Service Team, completed an evaluation of riparian areas along the Missouri River in 2010 using BLM’s Proper Functioning Condition assessment procedure as outlined in BLM Technical Reference 1737-15 (USDI, 1998). The results are summarized in the Upper Missouri River Riparian Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) Assessment Report (2012). The island was assessed in July of 2010. The island contains a woody overstory of Great Plains cottonwood, green ash and peachleaf willow. Understory plants include shrubs (sandbar and yellow willow, silver sagebrush, western snowberry and whitestem gooseberry) and native and non-native grasses and forbs. A diverse community of riparian-wetland plants are located along the riverbank. Pole and mature Great Plains cottonwood trees were sprouting from the base following removal of the main stem by beavers. Damage was noted to be extensive. Noxious weeds and non-native species are common but not to the degree where they effect riparian functionality. The Missouri River received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met for Unallocated Allotment #00868.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Healthy riparian and woodland plant communities are providing healthy and diverse wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met for Unallocated Allotment #00868.

Recommendations 1. Consider releasing biocontrol agents to suppress the spread of noxious weeds.

ALLOTMENT #00869 - T27N R11E Sec 32 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 80 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00869 is an isolated 80-acre tract of public land located in the S½ of the SW¼ of section 32 in T27N, R11E. The tract is located in Chouteau County, approximately 12 miles southwest of Big Sandy on Highway 87 and three miles south using the Gardiner Road. A tributary of Spring Coulee divides the tract running north and south. An overhead power line passes through the very southeast corner. The landscape consists of large and narrow coulee bottoms, upland benches and very steep side slopes. Private land to the northeast and northwest was farmed. The tract has not been grazed for several years. The grazing permit was relinquished by the previous permittee in 2015. There is an agricultural trespass in the very northwest corner of the tract, which is approximately 7 acres in size.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

An allotment evaluation was completed in 2013. Vegetation was inventoried along the bottom of Spring Coulee and in adjacent upland areas. The plant community in the bottom of Spring Coulee was dominated by western wheatgrass. Shrubs and forbs were a minor component of the canopy cover. Green needlegrass, prairie sandreed, Kentucky bluegrass, curlycup gumweed, American licorice, and silver sagebrush were present. The coulee bottom was well vegetated, had no sign of grazing and had excellent vegetative cover. Plant litter cover was high with little to no bare ground. There were trace amounts of annual bromes located near the coulee edges where the vegetation transitions to steeper slopes. Adjacent upland areas contained Indian ricegrass, plains muhly, prairie junegrass, prairie sandreed, blue grama, and needle and thread.

A diverse mix of native, cool and warm season grasses dominated the evaluation areas. Only trace amounts of invasive plants and less desirable species were found. The coulee bottom evaluated would classify as an ephemeral drainage flowing in response to spring snowmelt and high precipitation events. Impacts from high runoff events were not present (headcuts, bank sloughing).

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00869.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Unallocated Allotment #00869.

Recommendations 1. Resolve agriculture trespass. 2. The tract is available for disposal by exchange or sale.

ALLOTMENT #00871 - Anchor’s Island (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

The Allotment is an isolated 40-acre tract located in section 4 of T25N, R10E. The tract is near Archer Island about three miles below the town of Loma. The tract is an upland bench surrounded by private land. The tract is currently unallocated and has not been grazed in the recent past, but is not fenced separately from adjacent private land. There is no public access.

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An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community on a silty ecological site was sampled in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. Grasses comprised 62% of the canopy cover and included blue grama, needle and thread, annual bromes, and western wheatgrass. Forbs made up 11% of the canopy cover and consisted of scarlet globemallow, American vetch species, yellow salsify, prickly lettuce, annual pepperweed, alfalfa, soapweed yucca, and woolly plantain. Shrubs accounted for 2% of the canopy cover and consisted of four-winged saltbush and fringed sagewort. Bare ground was 7% and plant litter cover was 25%. Nutrient cycling has been altered and soil biological activity affected in the areas where there are higher than expected amounts of invasive plants and non-native species. Carbon to nitrogen ratios are lower in these areas. Soil biological activity is reduced, occurring during a shorter part of the growing season, when compared to diverse plant communities. In addition, invasive plants and non-native species do not have the same symbiotic relationship to the soil biological community as native species (Printz et al., 2014).

The upland standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00871 due to higher than expected amounts of invasive plants and non-native species (annual bromes, woolly plaintain, and alfalfa).

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Upland habitat is not providing healthy and diverse wildlife habitat due to habitat alterations from invasive plants and non-native plant species.

The habitat standard is not being met in Unallocated Allotment #00871.

Recommendations 1. Rename the Allotment to the correct geographic name of Archer’s Island.

ALLOTMENT #00873 - T26N R10E Sec 12 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 80 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00873 consists of an isolated 80-acre tract of public land located in the W½ of the SE¼ of section 12 in T26N, R10E (approximately 4 miles east of Highway 87 on the Stranahan Road). Steep coulees and side slopes with small areas of upland benches describe the areas landscape.

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It is currently unallocated and has not been grazed in the recent past. There is no public access. An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Silty 0% 65% 95% 84% 3% 8% 97%

Grasses were the dominant vegetation consisting of, in order of dominance, needle and thread, blue grama, annual bromes, and western wheatgrass. Forbs consisted of scarlet globemallow, milkvetch species, yellow salsify, prickly lettuce, plains pricklypear cactus, dotted blazing star, soapweed yucca and woolly plantain. Shrubs consisted of silver sagebrush, four-winged saltbush, winterfat, fringed sagewort and broom snakeweed. The canopy cover of invasive plants was high, annual bromes totaling 41%.

A diverse mix of native perennial, cool and warm season plants dominated upland plant communities. Forbs and shrubs were minor components and did not contribute much to the canopy cover, which closely represented reference conditions for the area. The amount of bare ground was low and both vegetative cover and the amount of plant litter were very high. The amount of annual bromes contributing to vegetative cover and plant litter was considerable. However, the amount of annual bromes had not reached the extent where it had replaced native vegetation, affected soil and site stability or nutrient cycling and energy flow.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00873.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Unallocated Allotment #00873.

Recommendations 1. The tract is available for disposal by sale or exchange.

ALLOTMENT #00883 - T23N R18E Sec 4 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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40 NA NA 100 NA C NA

Background information

Allotment #00883 is a 40-acre tract surrounded by private land located west of the Lloyd Road in the Ragland Bench area. The tract is bordered on the north by the Black Coulee #06204 grazing allotment and on the west by the Moravec Individual #06205 grazing allotment. There is no public access and the tract has not been grazed since before 1992.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A site visit, photographs, and vegetation survey was completed in 2014. Upland areas were a complex of dense clay, clayey and silty ecological sites. Upland areas contained silver sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, Gardiner’s saltbush, rubber rabbitbrush, greasewood, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, green needlegrass, blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Forbs were a minor component. Lichen was present on the dense clay and clayey sites and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) on silty areas. Timbered draws contained scattered ponderosa pine with an understory of creeping juniper, green needlegrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. The plant communities were healthy, very diverse, and had no signs of livestock use.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00883.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Unallocated Allotment #00883.

Recommendations 1. The tract is available for disposal by exchange or sale. 2. If disposal does not occur, add the tract to one of the adjacent BLM grazing allotments.

ALLOTMENT #00916 - T27N R12 E Sec 10 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 NA NA 100 NA C NA

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Background information

Allotment #00916 is a 40-acre tract located 4 miles southwest of the town of Big Sandy. The tract is surrounded by private land and has no public access. The tract is unallocated, although in the past there has been occasional unauthorized livestock use.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) Dense 2013 15% 33% 76% 67% 4% 5% 71% Clay

Grasses included western wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, annual bromes, and blue grama. Shrubs were dominated by silver sagebrush and included trace amounts of winterfat, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort. Forbs consisted of yellow salsify, spiny phlox, silverleaf Indian breadroot, milkvetch species, curlycup gumweed, bastard toadflax, and common dandelion. Plant litter cover was 33%, bare ground was 15%, and lichen cover (biological crust) was 2%.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00916.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Unallocated Allotment #00916.

Recommendations 1. The tract is available for disposal by sale or exchange. 2. If disposal does not occur, offer the public land for grazing to a qualified applicant. Otherwise, the tract would have to be fenced to prevent unauthorized livestock use.

ALLOTMENT #00940 - Eskay School

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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40 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 8 C Year-round

Background information

The Eskay School grazing allotment is a 40-acre tract surrounded by private land. The tract is located by following the Eskay Road for approximately 8 miles east from the Judith Landing Road. Public land is grazed in conjunction with adjacent private land. There is no public access. The Allotment was previously part of the King Scattered Tracts #06435 grazing allotment; however, 240 acres was sold during Phase 4 of the Crow Boundary Settlement Act (CBSA). The 40-acre tract in section 15 of T24N, R16E, became the Eskay School #00940 grazing allotment and the remaining 349 acres in sections 10 and 11 of T24N, R16E, became the North Rapp #06435 grazing allotment.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A permanent photo point was established on the Eskay School grazing allotment in 2011. Photos and observations indicated the site contained healthy native plant communities. No invasive plants were found.

The upland standard is being met in the Eskay School #00940 Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Eskay School allotment #00940.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this allotment.

ALLOTMENT #00944 - Lutge Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 2,265 200 cattle 4/1-5/15 & 10/7-10/31 100 90 M Spring/Fall

Background information

The Lutge Place grazing allotment is located east of Judith Landing and north of Holmes Rapids. Birch Creek divides the Allotment. The only public access is by the Missouri River. The Allotment is grazed in the early spring post-calving and late fall pre-shipping. The terrain is steep and water for livestock is

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very limited away from the Missouri River. A portion of the public land is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and the Stafford Wilderness Study Area.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland health assessments were completed on a very shallow and silty ecological site in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. Both sites approximate the historic climax plant community. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T23N Very None to None to None to R17E Bluebunch wheatgrass Shallow Slight Slight Slight Section 8 T23N Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to R17E Silty wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 7

Very Shallow Site - vegetation was dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass. Other native grasses consisted of prairie junegrass, prairie sandreed and blue grama. Shrubs consisted of greasewood, Gardner’s saltbush, and longleaf wormwood. Forbs consisted of prairie thermopsis, textile onion, soapweed yucca, and plains pricklypear cactus. The site had lower amounts of plant litter (5%) and higher bare ground (35%) than expected, although well within reference, following the wildland fire that occurred during the summer of 2012. Invasive plants were found only in trace amounts and included yellow sweetclover and annual bromes. Annual bromes were likely present due to the disturbance from fire suppression activities. Wyoming big sagebrush was significantly reduced after the 2012 fire; however, carcasses of sagebrush left behind, as well as unburned areas on the same site, indicate the plant community approximates the species and composition of those present in the historic climax plant community.

Silty Site - vegetation was dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass. Other native grasses included prairie junegrass, needle and thread, threadleaf sedge, green needlegrass, mat muhly, and needleleaf sedge. Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub. Other shrubs consisted of winterfat, Gardner’s saltbush, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed. Forbs consisted of white sagebrush, spiny phlox, textile onion, plains pricklypear cactus, and yellow salsify. Invasive plants were found in trace amounts. The amount of plant litter was greater than 50% and bare ground was less than 5%.

The upland standard is being met in the Lutge Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

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Birch Creek

Birch Creek, 0.26 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Functioning at Risk with no apparent trend. Field notes and photographs taken during the assessment indicated the channel was well armored with platy rock, cobbles, stones and boulders. The riparian zone on the inside bends received large volumes of deposition consisting of rock and sand. The deposition is natural due to the steep topography and highly erodible material found along the banks and adjacent upland areas. Many of the impacts noted were the result of high water during a very large storm event that occurred in late May and early June of 2013. High numbers of cottonwood seedlings were observed on surfaces of fresh deposition because of the storm- related event. Reduced vigor of riparian-wetland plants, bank sloughing and large bare areas caused by the high flows during 2013 led to the Functioning at Risk rating.

Missouri River

The riparian standard is not being met in the Lutge Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Wildfire reduced the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush, which benefits some wildlife species and offers habitat diversity to the area.

Healthy upland and riparian areas along with diversity offered by fire-altered plant communities are providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Lutge Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Consult with the new grazing permittee to adjust the permitted season of use following proposed changes in management. 2. Locate permanent vegetation studies at upland health assessment sites to monitor changes in the plant community.

ALLOTMENT #00958 - T25N R16E Sec 11 (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 N/A NA 100 NA C NA

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Background information

Allotment #00958 is a 40-acre tract located east of Birch Creek and about 3 miles south of the Cow Island Road. The public land is currently fenced in with private land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The CPR contract expired in the fall of 2016. The landowner plans to graze the private land and agrees to file an application for the BLM grazing permit.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Unallocated #00958 grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated that the Standards of Rangeland Health were not being met due to the presence of invasive species and an encroaching black- tailed prairie dog town located to the north on private land.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A site visit, photographs, and vegetation survey was completed in 2014. The site was a grassland plant community dominated by western wheatgrass. Trace amounts of Sandberg bluegrass, plains reedgrass, and foxtail barley were also present. Shrubs made up less than 5% of the canopy cover and consisted of rubber rabbitbrush and Wyoming big sagebrush. Forbs consisted of yellow salsify, American vetch, and common yarrow. Invasive plants included trace amounts of yellow sweetclover, alfalfa, and annual bromes.

The upland standard is being met in Unallocated Allotment #00958.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Unallocated Allotment #00958.

Recommendations 1. Following expiration of the CRP contract in 2016, the Allotment would be available for grazing to a qualified applicant.

ALLOTMENT #03225 - Duval Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 345 1 cattle May 1 - October 31 100 77 C Season-long

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Background information

The Duval Place grazing allotment is located in Phillips County, south of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and west of Montana Highway 66. The Bull Creek Road passes through the Allotment. There are six separate tracts of public land. The public land tracts are grazed in conjunction with adjacent private land and the Antelope Creek #05610 and Upper Cyprian #05611grazing allotments. The actual grazing period is much shorter than the permitted season. There is public access to some of the public land tracts and adjacent public land in the Antelope Creek grazing allotment by way of the Bull Creek county road.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and a portion of the public land is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A vegetation survey and photo points were used to document resource conditions in 2013. The site had very little bare ground with good plant litter cover. Grasses consisted of western wheatgrass, blue grama, plains muhly, Sandberg bluegrass, and green needlegrass. There were trace amounts of annual bromes along the county road. Forbs were diverse and consisted of American vetch, prairie sunflower, scarlet globemallow, pussytoes, yellow salsify, common dandelion, tufted evening primrose, woolly plantain, bastard toadflax, alfalfa, plains pricklypear cactus, black medick and yellow sweetclover. Shrubs were a small component of the plant community and included Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, Gardner’s saltbush, greasewood, and broom snakeweed. Public land within the Allotment is in good condition and plant communities contain a variety of desirable native species in all life forms.

The upland standard is being met in the Duval Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Duval Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this allotment.

ALLOTMENT #03238 - North Eagle Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 1 cattle May 1 - December 31 100 8 C Season-long

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Background information

The North Eagle Creek grazing allotment is an isolated 40-acre tract located south of Sheep Coulee in section 1 of T25N, R13E. The tract is surrounded by and grazed in conjunction with adjacent private lands. There is no public access.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a silty ecological site in 2013. The upland plant community was sampled using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results of the upland health assessment and step-point transect are summarized in the tables below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T25N Western wheatgrass and needle and None to None to Slight to R13E Silty thread Slight Slight Moderate Section 1

The ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) averaged 50%. The slight to moderate departure in biotic integrity was due to less than expected amounts of tall bunchgrasses in the plant community.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Silty 3% 25% 68% 40% 16% 12% 56%

The upland standard is being met in the North Eagle Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the North Eagle Creek allotment #00883.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this allotment.

ALLOTMENT #05607 - North Cabin Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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1,111 69 cattle May 16 - September 15 88 246 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The North Cabin Creek grazing allotment is located in Phillips County, south of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, west of Montana Highway 66 and north of Cabin Creek.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and a small portion of public land (140 acres) is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area. Public land in the Allotment is divided into two pastures with each receiving deferment until seed set every other year. In addition, there are three private land pastures grazed before and after the period of grazing use on public land.

The determination that land health standards were being met in the North Cabin Creek grazing allotment was reported in the Beauchamp Watershed Plan (2001) and in the Malta Field Office Determination Document (2005).

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a silty ecological site in both the East and West pastures in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub- dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to East Silty western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to West Silty western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

Both sites approximate the historic climax plant community with the exception of the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush, which was too high.

A point-intercept transect was established in 2013 in the East Pasture to monitor vegetation changes. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2013 0% 84% 80% 58% 5% 17% 63% 20” 16” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. Bluebunch wheatgrass was the dominant grass comprising 44% of the canopy cover. Only trace amounts of invasive plants were present and annual production was at potential for the site.

The West Pasture contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1987 and repeated in 1992 and 2007.

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The upland standard is being met in the North Cabin Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the North Cabin Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this allotment.

ALLOTMENT #05608 - Lower Squaw Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 177 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 43 C Year-round

Background information

The Allotment is located in Phillips County and made up of ten tracts ranging in size from 15.88 to 18.44 acres running parallel along the southern boundary of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The public land is fenced in with adjacent private land.

The determination that land health standards were being met in the Lower Squaw Creek grazing allotment was reported in the Beauchamp Watershed Plan (2001) and in the Malta Field Office Determination Document (2005).

Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment was monitored and an upland health assessment completed in 2007. It was determined that the Allotment was not meeting Standard #1(uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) and that livestock was the causal factor. The upland site evaluated contained extensive areas of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss), blue grama, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed. The absence of cool season perennial grasses and plant litter resulted in a large departure from reference conditions. The lack of species diversity has compromised soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to lack of ability to proper nutrient and hydrological cycling and energy flow.

Photo documentation using a close-up of a 3’ x 3’ plot and general view of the landscape was established in 1989 and repeated in 1998 and 2007.

The upland standard is not being met in the Lower Squaw Creek Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Squaw Creek

Squaw Creek, 0.61 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. Only a small percentage of Squaw Creek is in public ownership. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The portion assessed was near potential consisting of a herbaceous riparian-wetland community containing salt tolerant plants. Dominant riparian-wetland plants included three-square bulrush, Baltic rush and alkali bulrush.

The riparian standard is being met in the Lower Squaw Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Upland plant communities are not providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is not being met in the Lower Squaw Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the Lower Squaw Creek grazing allotment to Selective Management Category I. 2. Consult with the grazing permittee to provide periodic growing season rest or deferment from grazing. 3. Change the name of the Allotment to Kills-At-Night-Creek.

ALLOTMENT #05609 - Cabin Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 16,735 367 cattle May 1 - October 31 52 1,156 I Rotation

Background information

The Allotment is located in the southwest corner of Phillips County, the east end of the Monument, north of the Missouri River and west of Montana Highway 66.

A portion of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area and Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern contains portions of the Nez Perce Trail (Cow Creek), high quality scenery and important paleontological resources.

The determination that land health standards were being met in the Cabin Creek grazing allotment was reported in the Beauchamp Watershed Plan (2001), the Malta Field Office Determination Document (2005) and the Cabin Creek Allotment Evaluation Report (2009).

Standard #1 – Uplands

In 2009, thirteen upland health assessments were completed on four representative ecological sites; (3) clayey, (1) dense clay, (4) claypan and (5) silty. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs

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and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Upland Ecological Assessment Site Plant Community Degree of Departure Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity CC #1 Clayey Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to None to understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Slight Slight CC#2 Claypan Wyoming big sagebrush with None to Slight to Slight to understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Moderate Moderate CC#3 Claypan Wyoming big sagebrush with None to Slight to Slight to understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Moderate Moderate CC#4 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush with None to Slight to Slight to understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Moderate Moderate CC#5 Dense Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to None to Clay understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Slight Slight CC#6 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to Slight to understory of cool season mid grasses Slight Slight Moderate CC#7 Clayey Wyoming big sagebrush with Slight to Slight to Slight to understory of cool season mid grasses Moderate Moderate Moderate CC#8 Clayey Rubber rabbitbrush and greasewood None to None to Moderate with understory of mid cool season Slight Slight grasses CC#9 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to Slight to understory of mid cool season grasses Slight Slight Moderate CC#10 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to Slight to understory of mid cool season grasses Slight Slight Moderate CC#11 Claypan Wyoming big sagebrush with Slight to Slight to Moderate understory of mid cool season grasses Moderate Moderate CC#12 Claypan Wyoming big sagebrush with None to Slight to Moderate understory of mid cool season grasses Slight Moderate CC#13 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush with None to None to Slight to understory of mid to tall cool season Slight Slight Moderate grasses

Of the three clayey ecological sites evaluated, one received a moderate departure from expected conditions for biotic integrity. The site was located along the Missouri River where the vegetation component had been affected by the presence of visible salts in the soil profile.

Of the four claypan sites evaluated, two sites received a moderate departure from expected conditions for biotic integrity. Reasons were attributed to shallow (less than 4 inches of the soil surface) heavy clay texture and salt accumulations in the soil profile. This affects root penetration and favors shallow-rooted plants. These sites would now key out to a thin claypan, which was not available at the time of the assessment. These ecological sites may respond to changes in grazing management, but more often, forage production and species composition is limited by the soils physical and chemical properties.

Of the 13 sites evaluated, all were determined to be meeting the upland health standard. Although three sites received a moderate departure from expected conditions for biotic integrity, the ID team determined this was a function of soil chemistry and not the result of current or past livestock grazing management practices. Sites are at/or near potential given the soil limitations.

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Five point-intercept transects were established in 2015 to monitor key attributes such as bare ground, plant litter and herbaceous cover providing a baseline measurement to document trend. The studies are located on sites sensitive to management changes, and for some of the sites, closely represent the reference plant community. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Point-Intercept Transect - T24N, R22E, Section 11 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 0% 86% 51% 38% 5% 8% 62% 10” 7” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Point-Intercept Transect - T24N, R22E, Section 21 (Silty Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 1% 81% 62% 43% 0% 19% 67% 23” 9” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Point-Intercept Transect - T24N, R22E, Section 34 (Silty Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 0% 56% 81% 61% 0% 20% 75% 20” 7” 1The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 18%.

Point-Intercept Transect - T25N, R22E, Section 17/18 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 1% 81% 59% 48% 8% 3% 72% 16” 10” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Point-Intercept Transect - T25N, R22E, Section 34 (Silty Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 0% 55% 86% 63% 3% 20% 74% 22” 14” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The upland standard is being met in the Cabin Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Cow Creek

The portion of Cow Creek located on public land (0.96 miles) was assessed in 2015. Only a small percentage of Cow Creek is in public ownership. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The portion assessed has a wide, alluvial floodplain and contains herbaceous riparian-wetland plant communities with a long-term potential to support woody plant communities (willow/cottonwood) depending on climatic conditions and water availability. Historically a perennial stream, Cow Creek flows became interrupted after construction of Cow Creek

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Reservoir in the early 1980’s to supply water for several pivot irrigation systems. Drawdown during the irrigation season severely altered late summer flows, especially during dry years, and was likely a limiting factor for sustaining newly established woody riparian plants. The irrigation system has been abandoned returning Cow Creek to flows that are more normal.

Cabin Creek

The length of Cabin Creek located on public (6.51 miles) was surveyed and seven sites were evaluated and photographed in 2009. Cabin Creek is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Squaw Creek

The length of Squaw Creek located on public land (6.97 miles) was surveyed and seven sites photographed in 2009. Squaw Creek is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Hay Coulee

The Hay Coulee drainage serves as the common allotment boundary between the Spencer Ridge #06194 and Cabin Creek grazing allotments. The portion on public land (2.86 miles) was assessed in 2015. Hay Coulee is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non- riparian.

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Cabin Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Cabin Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Continue with the current grazing management strategy deferring use in Pasture #2 until mid-July. 2. Monitor the start of grazing based on the development of key forage grasses rather than calendar dates. Under the current authorization, grazing begins each year on May 1. Generally, grazing should begin when bunchgrasses (green needlegrass) is in the 3 to 4 leaf stage; western wheatgrass has 4 to 6 inches of growth; and, native bluegrass is approaching the boot stage.

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3. Establish target utilization levels in key upland areas, not as an objective, but to ensure forage species receive adequate growing season rest following defoliation and there is adequate residual cover remaining for nesting birds. 4. Establish target utilization levels on woody browse species. If woody browse utilization by cattle becomes excessive and a concern for big game species, further adjustments in the season of use, stocking levels and length of the grazing period may be necessary.

ALLOTMENT #05610 - Antelope Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period Animal Unit Months Operator Area Number Class Begin End % Public Land Active Suspended Total #1 Common 215 Cattle 5/15 12/15 90% 1,368 182 1,550 Bean Place 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 200 0 200 Kendall 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 11 0 11 Cow Camp #2 Common 148 Cattle 5/15 11/15 94% 846 52 898 Public 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 10 0 10 Land Fenced in with Private Land #3 Common 284 Cattle 5/15 12/15 84% 1,686 239 1,925 Totals 4,121 473 4,594

Background information

The Antelope Creek grazing allotment (51,168 acres) is located in the southwest corner of Phillips County, the very east end of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, north of the Missouri River and west of Montana Highway 66.

Divided by Bull Creek, Antelope Creek and Winter Creek and bordering the Missouri River for approximately 12 miles, the area provides recreational opportunities for river users and big game hunting, contains areas of historical importance such as the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and distinctive scenic landscapes characteristic of the badlands found along the Missouri River.

The Antelope Creek Wilderness Study Area (12,350 acres) and portions of the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area (12,620 acres) is within the Antelope Creek grazing allotment. Both were identified in the Montana Wilderness Inventory (BLM 1980). A final suitability study and environmental impact statement completed by the BLM in 1987 recommended wilderness designation for portions of both WSA’s.

A portion of the Antelope Creek grazing allotment is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

The determination that Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were not being met in the Antelope Creek grazing allotment was reported in the Antelope Creek Grazing Allotment Evaluation

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Report (2011) and Antelope Creek Grazing Allotment Determination of Conformance with Land Health Standards and Livestock Grazing Guidelines (2011). An Environmental Assessment (DOI-BLM-MT- L070-2010-0008) was completed in 2012 analyzing the effects of a range of alternatives to change the current grazing use in the Antelope Creek grazing allotment.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The 2011 Evaluation Report concluded that Standard #1 (uplands) was not being met for 15% (7,687 acres) of the upland areas within the Allotment. It was determined that livestock grazing management was a significant causal factor.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Antelope Creek

The length of Antelope Creek located on public land (10.97 miles) was assessed in 2008. Antelope Creek is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Bull Creek

The Bull Creek drainage flows for approximately 21 miles on public land and was assessed in 2008. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Hay Coulee

The portion of Hay Coulee on public land was assessed in 2013. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Winter Creek

The Winter Creek drainage flows for approximately 9 miles on public land and was assessed in 2008. A portion of Winter Creek serves as the common allotment boundary between the Cabin Creek #05609 and Antelope Creek grazing allotments. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Missouri River

In 2012 a permanent transect was established along the Missouri River in front of the Hideaway Primitive Boat Camp following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

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In 2010, BLM completed a survey for noxious and invasive plant species along the Upper Missouri River National Wild and Scenic River, which included both private and public land within the Antelope Creek grazing allotment (table below).

Common Name Total Acres BLM Acres Russian Knapweed 9 3 Canada Thistle 13 6 Leafy Spurge 28 6 Field Bindweed 1 1 Russian Olive 0.3 0 Perennial Pepperweed 0.3 0

Most of the species documented have a very limited range within the Antelope Creek grazing allotment and do not yet occur at levels where they affect soil and vegetation conditions or interfere with ecological processes.

The riparian standard is being met in the Antelope Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

There are 9,931 acres of greater sage-grouse habitat designated within the Antelope Creek grazing allotment. The 2011 Evaluation Report concluded that Standard #5 (habitat) was not being met for 43% (4,264 acres) of the area.

Following the management changes implemented in 2013, monitoring of greater sage-grouse habitat has occurred using vegetation transects to measure the amount of bare ground and plant litter, the canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and herbaceous cover. Forage utilization transects have been read at the end of the grazing season to ensure there is adequate residual cover going into the winter months. The canopy cover and height of Wyoming big sagebrush are not expected to change due to ecological site potential. Conditions have improved, and in 2016, greater sage-grouse numbers were the highest on record. In addition, three new leks were located within the Allotment.

Management Changes Implemented for Antelope Creek Grazing Allotment #05610 1. Beginning with the 2013 grazing season, grazing practices were changed on the Antelope Creek grazing allotment by adjusting the timing and levels of livestock use. 2. The beginning date for grazing was changed from May 1 to May 15 and the off date changed from December 31 to December 15. The changes in the season of use resulted in a 10% reduction totaling 473 AUMs. 3. The season of use and permitted use currently authorized are subject to change (adaptive management) based on utilization data and monitoring trend studies within greater sage-grouse habitat. Utilization of grasses will not exceed 40% measured at or near the end of the grazing season. If the grazing permittees are unable to meet the allowable use levels for two consecutive years or in any two years out of five both the on and off date would again be changed.

ALLOTMENT #05611 - Upper Cyprian Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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3,779 54 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 646 C Year-round

Background information

The Upper Cyprian Creek grazing allotment is located in Phillips County, south of Thornhill Butte and west of Montana Highway 66. There are 10 separate tracts of public land. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with adjacent private land and the Antelope Creek #05610 and Duvall Place #03225 grazing allotments. There is public access to some public tracts within the Allotment and adjacent public land in the Antelope Creek grazing allotment by way of the Bull Creek Road and Montana Highway 191 and 66. While the grazing authorization is for year-round use, the Allotment is typically grazed during the winter months.

An allotment evaluation report prepared in 2009 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland health assessments were completed in 2007 and five upland health assessments were completed in 2013 on representative ecological sites within the Upper Cyprian Creek grazing allotment. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Upland Ecological Degree of Departure Assessment Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to UCC #1 Clayey wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to UCC#2 Shallow wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight UCC#3 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Clay wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight UCC#4 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to Steep wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight UCC#5 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to Slight to Clay wheatgrass Slight Moderate Moderate Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to Slight to UCC#6 Clay wheatgrass Slight Moderate Moderate Dense Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to None to UCC#7 Clay wheatgrass Slight Moderate Slight

Three sites received a slight to moderate departure from expected conditions for hydrologic function. Lower than expected amounts of plant litter and bunchgrass species resulted in the departure on the shallow clay ecological sites (UCC #5 and UCC #6); however, the lack of bunchgrasses at site UCC #5 was attributed to the high clay content in the surface horizon (38% at the surface and increasing with depth). The presence of water flow patterns and plant pedestals resulted in the departure on the dense clay ecological site (UCC #7). The water-flow patterns are discontinuous and not common. Erosion is not occurring at a rate high enough to affect soil surface loss or degradation and matches what is expected for the dense clay ecological site.

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Two shallow clay ecological sites received a slight to moderate departure from expected conditions for biotic integrity. Lower than expected amounts of plant litter and bunchgrass species along with the presence of invasive plants (annual bromes) resulted in the departure at site UCC #5. The rating at site UCC #6 was for lower than expected amounts of plant litter and bunchgrass species.

All seven sites evaluated were meeting the upland health standard. The plant communities were within reference conditions for their respective ecological site. The ID team attributed most of the departures from expected conditions to differences in soil chemical and physical properties and not the result of current livestock grazing or management practices. Sites are at or near potential given the soil limitations.

A step-point and point-intercept transect was established in 2013. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Step-Point Transect (T24N, R24E, Section 32) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Dense Clay 18% 28% 58% 40% 8% 10% 48% UCC #7

Point-Intercept Transect (T24N, R24E, Section 19) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Shallow Clay 26% 38% 49% 42% 0% 7% 42% UCC #5

The upland standard is being met in the Upper Cyprian Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Tributary to Hay Coulee

A tributary to Hay Coulee, 2.86 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Healthy upland communities in this area are providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Upper Cyprian Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the Upper Cyprian grazing allotment to Selective Management Category M. 2. Reduce the length of the grazing period to match the actual season of livestock use and change the livestock number to the actual number grazing the Allotment.

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ALLOTMENT #05629 - Coal Mine Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 496 4 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 53 M Year-round

Background information

The Coal Mine Coulee grazing allotment contains both public and private land in a single pasture or management unit. The Allotment is located in Phillips County, the very northeast corner of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, and immediately west of Thornhill Butte. Although the permitted season of use is from March 1 to February 28, the public land is grazed during late summer and early fall. Cattle are turned out sometime in mid to late July.

The determination that land health standards were being met in the Coal Mine Coulee grazing allotment was reported in the Beauchamp Watershed Plan (2001) and in the Malta Field Office Determination Document (2005).

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a clayey ecological site in 2012. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site.

The site received a none to slight departure from expected conditions for soil and site stability and hydrologic function and a slight to moderate departure for biotic integrity. The plant community was dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Trace amounts of annual bromes were present. The amount of plant litter and annual production was slightly less than expected. Photo documentation using a close-up of a 3’ x 3’ plot and general view of the landscape was established in 1998 and repeated in 2007 and 2012.

A step-point transect was established in 2007. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2007 Clayey 10% 37% 74% 44% 10% 13% 66% 1Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 8%. Other shrubs recorded in the area included winterfat, Gardner’s saltbush, fringed sagewort and greasewood.

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses consisting of bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass and needle and thread. Minor amounts of invasive plants (annual bromes, yellow sweetclover) were present.

The upland standard is being met in the Coal Mine Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is meeting the standard to provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Coal Mine Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the grazing permit to show the actual number of livestock and season of use for the Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06003 - Six Mile Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 158 250 cattle June 1 - August 15 100 27 C Deferred

Background information

The Six Mile Coulee grazing allotment contains three small tracts of public land northeast of the town of Loma. A 40-acre tract and an 80-acre tract are on side hills and coulees along the north side of the Missouri River. The remaining 40-acre tract is on slopes adjacent to Six Mile Coulee. The 80-acre tract is separated by a north to south fence that unequally divides the public land into two parts.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met but noted leafy spurge infestations on nearby private land. The 2013 assessment did not identify any leafy spurge infestations located on public land.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland evaluation was completed in 2013 on each of the three tracts of public land. Topographical differences accounted for slight variations in vegetation composition among the three tracts. Overall, vegetation on public land was composed of needle and thread and blue grama in sub-dominant amounts along with western wheatgrass as a minor component. Wyoming big sagebrush was noted in minor amounts for one tract and sub-dominant amounts in the other two tracts of public land. Annual bromes were noted as sub-dominant on one of the 40-acre tracts. Bare ground varied from 10 to 20% and plant litter was estimated at 40 to 50%. There were no waterflow patterns or erosional features observed.

The upland standard is being met in the Six Mile Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Six-Mile Coulee #06003.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06153 - Gap Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,037 1 cattle May 1 - December 31 100 116 C Season-long

Background information

There are five separate tracts of public land located both north and south of Cow Creek in the TU Bench area.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed in 2014 on a clayey ecological site on the largest tract of public land. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub- dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T27N Western wheatgrass/Wyoming big None to Slight to Slight to R20E Clayey sagebrush Slight Moderate Moderate Section 19

Some evidence of plant pedestalling was observed in bare areas most likely due to raindrop impacts. The slight to moderate ratings were due to less than expected amounts of deep-rooted bunchgrasses. Western wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass and Wyoming big sagebrush were observed in sub-dominant amounts. Green needlegrass, needleleaf sedge, prairie junegrass and various wheatgrass species were observed in minor amounts. A step-point transect recorded the amount of plant litter at 50% and bare ground at 17%.

The upland standard is being met in the Gap Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Cow Creek

The portion of Cow Creek located on public land (0.23 miles) was assessed in 2013. Only a small percentage of Cow Creek is in public ownership. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and

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received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The portion assessed contains mostly herbaceous riparian-wetland plant communities with a long-term potential of woody plant communities (willow/cottonwood) depending on climatic conditions and water availability. Historically a perennial stream, Cow Creek flows became interrupted after construction of Cow Creek Reservoir in the early 1980’s to supply water for several pivot irrigation systems. Drawdown during the irrigation season severely altered late summer flows, especially during dry years, and was likely a limiting factor for sustaining newly established woody riparian plants. The irrigation system has been abandoned returning Cow Creek to flows that are more normal.

The riparian standard is being met in the Gap Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Gap Creek allotment #061533.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06154 - Birdtail Butte

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy April 1 - June 1 564 34 cattle 100 134 M Custodial October 1- December 1

Background information

The Birdtail Butte grazing allotment contains public land divided into four separate tracts. One tract is along the eastern edge of Birdtail Butte, a landmark feature of the area. The Allotment is located in a transition zone between a mountain foothills and a sagebrush-grassland type.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland health assessments were completed in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. Both sites approximate the historic climax plant community. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity

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T28N Silty Steep Rough fescue and bluebunch None to None to None to R19E Mountain wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 35 Foothills T27N Silty Needle and thread and western None to Slight to Slight to R19E Sedimentary wheatgrass Slight Moderate Moderate Section 2 Plains

The Mountain Foothills Ecological Site Description was used to assess the Birdtail Butte (Section 35) area. Rough fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass dominated the plant community along with lesser amounts of prairie junegrass and western wheatgrass. Plant litter was estimated at 40 to 50%, bare ground at less than 10%, and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) at 20 to 30% ground cover.

A second assessment site was located on a separate tract of public land southeast of Birdtail Butte (Section 2). The area was more similar to ecological sites described in the Sedimentary Plains. The slight to moderate departure ratings were the result of pedestaled plants in bare areas and less than expected amounts of deep-rooted, perennial bunchgrasses. The ID Team did note the site could be too dry to support deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Needle and thread and western wheatgrass were the dominant plant species. Plant litter was estimated at 40%, bare ground at 5%, and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) at 25% ground cover.

The upland standard is being met in the Birdtail Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Gap Creek

The portion of Gap Creek located on public land (0.58 miles) was assessed in 2013. Only a small percentage of Gap Creek is in public ownership. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Birdtail Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Birdtail Butte Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06157 - Reeder Field

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 700 75 cattle May 15 - November 11 49 46 C Rotation

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Background information

The Reeder Field grazing allotment is located north of Al’s Creek, south of Cow Creek and west of Coal Mine Coulee in the TU Bench area. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with the adjacent TU Bench #06165 grazing allotment. There is public access through the Three Mile Ridge #06164 and TU Bench #06165 grazing allotments to the south by way of the Cow Island and Three Mile Ridge roads.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a silty ecological site in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T27N Western wheatgrass and needle and None to Slight to Slight to R20E Silty thread Slight Moderate Moderate Section 28

The slight to moderate departure was due to less than expected amounts of tall bunchgrasses in the plant community. The amount of plant litter was 25% and bare ground 30%. The lack of bluebunch wheatgrass caused plant litter and production amounts to be lower than expected; however, the plant community is within the reference state for a silty ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in the Reeder Field Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Reeder Field Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Add the Reeder Field grazing allotment as a third pasture to the TU Bench grazing allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06159 - Myrtle Butte

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,308 60 cattle June 1 - October 1 100 271 C Custodial

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Background information

The Myrtle Butte grazing allotment contains 14 isolated tracts of public land on the eastern slopes of the Bears Paw Mountains. The tracts are dispersed along the Suction Creek drainage over approximately 12 miles. Eight of the 14 tracts are interspersed with Tribal land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The public land consists of mountain foothills and sagebrush-grassland communities transitioning into prairie grassland in the southeastern portion of the area.

Although no specific rangeland health assessments were completed, there is no apparent reason to believe the upland standard is not being met.

The upland standard is being met in the Myrtle Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Myrtle Butte Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06160 - North & McGuire

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 905 600 cattle May 1 - October 31 100 201 C Deferred-rotation

Background information

The North & McGuire grazing allotment is located approximately 31 miles south-south east of the town of Chinook near the Barney Olson Road. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with pastures in the North Timber Ridge #06269 and Timber Ridge #06172 grazing allotments and Tribal grazing units. The Allotment consists of 12 separate tracts of public land surrounded by private land and land owned by the Fort Belknap Indian Community. The largest tract of public land is 320 acres and the smallest is 40 acres. The Barney Olson Road crosses an 80-acre tract of public land in section 4 of T27N, R22E, which is the only legal access to public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Nine upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 using step-point transects to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

Ecological sites consisted of shallow clay, dense clay, clayey, thin hilly, silty and shallow loam. The highest bare ground recorded was 13% with good plant litter cover at seven of the sample areas. Two transects had lower than expected amounts of plant litter (10% and 12%). Dominant grasses consisted of western wheatgrass, blue grama, green needlegrass, needle and thread, and prairie junegrass. There were trace amounts of annual bromes along the county road. Forbs were diverse and consisted of American vetch, scarlet globemallow, breadroot and scurfpea species, pussytoes, curlycup gumweed, prairie coneflower, hairy goldenaster, common yarrow, dotted blazing star, rush skeletonplant, spiny phlox, buckwheat, blanketflower, prairie thermopsis, yellow salsify, common dandelion, woolly plantain, bastard toadflax, alfalfa, plains pricklypear cactus, and purple prairie clover. Shrubs were a small component of the plant community and included silver sagebrush, winterfat, Gardner’s saltbush, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed.

Overall, public land within the Allotment is in good condition and plant communities contain a variety of desirable native species in all life forms.

The upland standard is being met in the North & McGuire Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the North & McGuire Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06161 - Reed Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 240 1 cattle May 1 - December 15 100 34 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Reed Place grazing allotment is located approximately 40 miles southeast of the town of Big Sandy near the Judith Landing Road. The Allotment consists of a single tract of public land. There is no public

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access. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with pastures in the Chip Creek #06200 grazing allotment.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated that the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Ecological sites in the sample area varied between claypan and clayey. Grasses dominated the Allotment with blue grama and western wheatgrass being the most prevalent. Sandberg bluegrass, green needlegrass, needle and thread, and annual bromes were present in lesser amounts. Forbs included yellow salsify, scarlet globemallow, plains pricklypear cactus, prairie sunflower, bastard toadflax, and annual pepperweed. Shrubs accounted for 10% of the plant community and consisted of Wyoming big sagebrush, silver sagebrush, and fringed sagewort. Data and notes taken during the onsite visit indicated none of the attributes related to vegetation, soil, or hydrologic function were outside the expected range for these ecological sites.

The upland standard is being met in the Reed Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Reed Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the Reed Place grazing allotment to Selective Management Category C.

ALLOTMENT #06162 - Henderson Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy Season-long 80 1 cattle July 1 - November 1 100 13 C Custodial

Background information

The Henderson Place grazing allotment consists of two isolated 40-acre tracts surrounded by private land.

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Notes, plant lists, and general photographs were completed in 2014. The tracts are located in the Bears Paw Mountains in very steep, rocky terrain associated with ponderosa pine and Douglas fir timber types with openings dominated by native, perennial bunchgrasses. There is no public access.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Rough fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass were the dominant grassland plants within the timbered openings along with Sandberg bluegrass, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, meadow deathcamas, pussytoes, spiny phlox, prairie crocus, arrowleaf balsamroot, and yellow salsify. Livestock use was evident but not current. There was no indication of surface erosion. Bare ground was minimal and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was present. The amount of plant litter was adequate and no litter movement was observed. Trace amounts of invasive plants such as annual bromes were observed, but no noxious weeds were found on the Allotment. Annual production and reproductive capability was excellent.

The upland standard is being met in the Henderson Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Henderson Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Both tracts of public land are available for disposal by exchange or sale.

ALLOTMENT #06163 - Sawtooth Mountain

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 200 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 52 C Year-round

Background information

The Sawtooth Mountain grazing allotment consists of 200 acres of public land made up of four isolated tracts surrounded by private land. The Lloyd Road passes through a 40-acre tract in section 35 of T27N, R18E. There is no public access to the remaining tracts of public land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 1999 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 on a silty ecological site using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

Grasses dominated the sites totaling 58% of the vegetative cover. Forbs made up 8% of the vegetative cover and shrubs 16%. Bare ground was 5%, the amount of plant litter was 51%, and the ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was 26%.

Grasses were dominated by prairie junegrass, blue grama and western, thickspike and bluebunch wheatgrass. Prairie sandreed, needle and thread, and Sandberg bluegrass were present in lesser amounts. Forbs included prairie thermopsis, common yarrow, yellow salsify, milkvetch species, bastard toadflax, purple prairie clover, curlycup gumweed, small lupine, and hairy goldenaster. Shrubs were dominated by silver sagebrush and included lesser amounts of rubber rabbitbrush, creeping juniper, fringed sagewort, and broom snakeweed.

Data and notes collected indicated the attributes related to vegetation, soil, and hydrologic function were within the expected range for this ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in the Sawtooth Mountain Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sawtooth Mountain Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. All public land tracts, except the 40-acre tract in section 35 of T27N, R18E, are available for disposal by exchange or sale.

ALLOTMENT #06164 - Three Mile Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 374 cattle June 1 - October 1 95 1437 M Rest-rotation 10,496 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 22 M Custodial

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Background information

The Three Mile Ridge grazing allotment is located east of Bullwhacker Coulee and north of the Cow Island Road. The Three Mile Ridge Road passes through the Allotment. Chimney Butte, a prominent landmark in the area, and Al’s Creek are located in the northeast corner.

The Allotment is grazed under a 4-pasture rest rotation grazing system. There are 255 acres of public land outside of the Allotment (custodial tracts) that are fenced in with private land. The Pioneer #06166 grazing allotment is normally grazed as a fifth pasture in the rotation.

A very small portion of the Three Mile Ridge grazing allotment, approximately 470 acres, is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 - Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in the Northwest, Northeast, Middle and South pastures in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub- dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites.

To monitor vegetation changes, point-intercept transects in the Middle and South pastures were established in 2015 and a step-point transect in the Northwest Pasture was updated in 2010 and 2015. All four pastures contain 3’ x 3’ photo plots; photo comparisons in the Middle and South pastures were updated in 2009, the Northeast Pasture in 2010 and the Northwest Pasture in 2015. The results of the upland health assessments and vegetation transects are summarized in the tables below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to Northwest Clay bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to Northeast Clay bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Middle Clay wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to None to South Clayey wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Moderate Slight Dense Wyoming big sagebrush/western Slight to Slight to None to South Clay wheatgrass Moderate Moderate Slight

Middle Pasture - T26N, R20E, Section 21 (Silty Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 0% 86% 76% 55% 0% 21% 78% 22” 13” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was 18% of the shrub canopy recorded along the transect line.

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South Pasture - T26N, R20E, Section 21 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 4% 55% 78% 44% 5% 29% 58% 12” 7” 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 28% of the shrub canopy cover.

South Pasture - T26N, R20E, Section 29 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 10% 69% 57% 20% 0% 37% 39% 15” 7” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Northwest Pasture - T26N, R19E, Section 11 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2010 8% 48% 56% 28% 8% 20% 40% 2015 15% 46% 71% 44% 2% 25% 59% 9” 8” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The results of the upland health assessments and vegetation transects indicate the plant communities are well represented by later successional species. Few invasive plants were found, principally yellow sweetclover. The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was high. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

Soil samples were collected in the South Pasture and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The purpose was to determine if there are soil physical and/or chemical properties stunting Wyoming big sagebrush height. Results indicated that where Wyoming big sagebrush height averaged 6.5 inches, soils were moderately sodic (Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) =8.51) and moderately saline (EC=10.4 to 15.1 mmhos/cm) within 6 inches of the soil surface. The soils were also moderately acid (pH 5.6) at 15 inches deep. When moderate to high levels of sulfate salts and/or sodium and acidic conditions are shallow within the soil profile, Wyoming big sagebrush height will be stunted. Other samples collected in the evaluation area on similar ecological sites also support this conclusion.

The upland standard is being met in the Three Mile Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Al’s Creek

Al’s Creek, 3.92 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Tributary to Al’s Creek

A tributary to Al’s Creek, 5.31 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. The first 1.63 miles classified as a lentic riparian system and the remaining 3.68 miles classified as a lotic riparian system. Both reaches received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

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Davidson Coulee

Davidson Coulee, 0.48 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Tributary to Davidson Coulee

A tributary to Davidson Coulee, 0.21 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Three Mile Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Three Mile Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Establish allowable use levels. 2. Complete end of grazing season utilization to ensure greater sage-grouse guidelines are met.

ALLOTMENT #06165 - TU Bench

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,874 75 cattle May 15 - November 22 86 330 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The TU Bench grazing allotment is located at the east end of TU Bench. Al’s Creek passes through the southwest corner of the Allotment.

The TU Bench grazing allotment was evaluated in 1998 and a determination made that land health Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were being met; however, because of conditions along Al’s Creek, Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met. In both 1998 and 2003, Al’s Creek received a Functioning at Risk rating. The evaluation report and determination document indicated livestock as a contributing factor and a change in current grazing management practices was required.

Based on these findings, management changes in the Allotment were implemented beginning with the 1999 grazing season. The Allotment was divided into an East and West pasture and the Reeder Field #06157 grazing allotment was added to the rotation. Currently, TU Bench is grazed under a 3-pasture deferred-rotation grazing system. Each pasture receives rest during the growing season in two of every three years.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in the East and West pastures in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to Slight to Slight to West Silty bluebunch wheatgrass and green Slight Moderate Moderate needlegrass Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to East Silty wheatgrass and blue grama Slight Slight Slight

The East Pasture contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1987 and repeated in 2010 and 2012.

The upland standard is being met in the TU Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Al’s Creek

Al’s Creek, 2.56 miles in length on public land, was assessed on public in 2015. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the TU Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the TU Bench Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Establish allowable use levels. 2. Complete end of grazing season utilization to ensure greater sage-grouse guidelines are met. 3. Add the Reeder Field grazing allotment as a third pasture. 4. Establish permanent vegetation studies in the East and West pastures.

ALLOTMENT #06166 - Pioneer

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management on Allotment BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 600 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 60 M Year-round

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Background information

The Pioneer grazing allotment is located south of Al’s Creek and north of the Three Mile Ridge road. Public land is fenced in with approximately 2,500 acres of private and State land. Although the current season of use is year-round, the Allotment is grazed for short periods in rotation with four pastures in the Three Mile Ridge grazing allotment.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Side Slope 14% 40% 61% 40% 8% 13% 54%

Rubber rabbitbrush, longleaf wormwood and Wyoming big sagebrush were the dominant shrubs with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. Western wheatgrass was the dominant grass with minor amounts of thickspike wheatgrass, prairie junegrass and trace amounts of green needlegrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Forb diversity was high.

The upland standard is being met in the Pioneer Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Pioneer Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the grazing permit to show the actual number of livestock and season of use for the Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06167 - Tin Cup

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 559 246 cattle May 1 - November 1 100 64 M Rotation

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Background information

The Tin Cup grazing allotment consists of five separate tracts of public land, ranging in size from 40 to 200 acres, fenced in with private and Tribal land. The Allotment is located east of the Birdtail Butte Road and north of Suction Creek. Tin Cup Coulee passes through one of the tracts. The Allotment is divided into several pastures and grazed in conjunction with the Little Suction #06171 and Chimney Butte #06169 grazing allotments.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Five upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 using step-point transects to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the table below. One tract of public land contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1987 and repeated in 2011.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 24) 5% 10% 84% 66% 4% 14% 71% 2013 #2 (Sec 27) 1% 44% 88% 83% 3% 2% 94% 2013 #3 (Sec 30) 8% 9% 62% 31% 11% 20% 47% 2013 #4 (Sec 29) 1% 10% 74% 62% 6% 6% 71% 2013 #5 (Sec 33) 2% 14% 77% 66% 1% 10% 70%

Site #1 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, blue grama, prairie junegrass and western wheatgrass. Ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) totaled 38%. Shrub composition was mostly fringed sagewort and broom snakeweed.

Site #2 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, blue grama, prairie junegrass and western wheatgrass. At this site, lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was a minor component with a trace amount of fringed sagewort.

Site #3 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season perennial grasses comprised of Sandberg bluegrass, prairie junegrass, western wheatgrass and blue grama.

Site #4 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, blue grama, prairie junegrass and western wheatgrass. Ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) totaled 53%.

Site #5 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, blue grama, prairie junegrass and western wheatgrass. Ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) totaled 27%.

The upland standard is being met in the Tin Cup Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Tin Cup Coulee

Tin Cup Coulee, 0.73 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. It is an ephemeral drainage,

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does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Tin Cup Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06168 - Al’s Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 45 86 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 8 I Custodial 3,343 86 cattle June 1 - October 15 75 267 I Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Al's Creek grazing allotment is located west of the Birdtail Butte Road. Both Al’s Creek and Cow Creek pass through the Allotment. Divided into five pastures, livestock are rotated through four pastures during the summer and fall with the fifth, containing 45 acres of public land fenced in with private land, is grazed during the spring and winter.

The Allotment has 366 AUMs of grazing preference; 275 AUMs of active use and 91 AUMs suspended.

The Allotment was evaluated in 1998 and a determination was made that Standard #1 (uplands) was not being met in any of the pastures, Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met along Al’s Creek and Cow Creek and Standard #5 (habitat) was not being met in the South Pasture. The evaluation report and determination document indicated livestock as a contributing factor and a change in grazing management was required.

Based on these findings, an annual pasture rotation schedule that would incorporate rest periods would be necessary to allow for plant recovery. The scheduled use included shortened grazing periods in each pasture and the elimination of continual hot season grazing in riparian areas along Al’s Creek and Cow Creek. These changes were implemented beginning with the 1999 grazing year.

In 2006, the Allotment was again evaluated using data collected in 1998, 2004 and 2005. Results indicated that changes in grazing management alone were not adequate to improve resource conditions. The evaluation report recommended a reduction in the stocking rate for at least a 3 to 5 year period or until a decrease in the amount of bare ground, an increase in the amount of plant litter and a shift toward more productive plant communities occurred. Based on these findings a decision was issued implementing a 25% reduction in the stocking rate for the rotation pastures.

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Pasture Total Current % Current Stocking New New Acres Capacity Public Rate (AC/AUM) Reduction Capacity Stocking Rate Land Log Cabin 642 85 94% 7.6 25% 64 10 East 493 109 63% 7.1 25% 82 9.5 South 1419 142 100% 10 25% 107 13.3 Cow Creek 816 148 47% 8.4 25% 111 11.2 TOTAL 484 364

In 2010, upland monitoring studies were repeated in the Log Cabin, Cow Creek, East and South pastures to determine if the reduction in the stocking rate had produced an improvement in resource conditions (tables below). The report recommended continuing with the 25% reduction in the stocking rate.

Log Cabin Pasture Year Site Bare Litter Live Notes Ground Vegetation 1998 SWC 15-25% <5% 55-65% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of western and bluebunch wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 1998 OV 5-15% 1-5% 75-85% Silver sagebrush with understory of western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Low plant density, small amount of plant litter and low vigor on grasses. 2004 DC1 31-50% 2-5% 31-50% Wyoming big sagebrush and greasewood with an understory of western wheatgrass. Active rills and water flow patterns, very little plant litter in interspaces, high amount of bare ground. 2005 SWC 10-20% 5-10% 70% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of green needlegrass and western and bluebunch wheatgrass. 2005 SWC 10-15% 5-10% 75-85% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of bluebunch and western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 2010 DC 52% 26% 36% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of western wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. 2010 OV 18% 54% 64% Silver sagebrush with understory of western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 1 The presence of salts in the upper soil profile affects the productivity of dense clay (DC) sites.

Cow Creek Pasture Year Site Bare Litter Live Notes Ground Vegetation 1998 #4 1-5% 5-15% 85-95% Upland terrace along the bottom of Al’s Creek. Late-seral OV plant community dominated by silver sagebrush with blue grama, western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 2004 #4 6-15% 2-5% 76-100% Upland health assessment rated the site none to slight for soil OV stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. 2010 #4 20% 44% 84% Results from vegetation transect. OV

East Pasture Year Site Bare Litter Live Notes Ground Vegetation 1998 SI 1-5% 5-15% 85-95% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of blue grama and western wheatgrass. Inactive black-tailed prairie dog town located adjacent to assessment area. Mid-seral plant community. 2005 SI <5% 5-10% 80-90% Long-term recovery of site affected by historic black-tailed

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prairie dog town. Mid-seral plant community. Site still dominated by blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass and western wheatgrass. 2005 SI 0-5% 0-5% 85-95% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass and western wheatgrass. Mid-seral plant community. 2010 SI <5% 10% 84% Upland health assessment rated the site none to slight rating for soil stability, slight to moderate for hydrologic function and slight to moderate for biotic integrity. Although within reference conditions, site remains affected by historic black- tailed prairie dog town.

South Pasture Year Site Bare Litter Live Notes Ground Vegetation 2005 #1 40% <5% 50% Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of Sandberg SWC bluegrass, western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Higher percentage of medium to tall bunchgrasses expected. Reference areas contain more plant litter. 2005 #2 <5% 15- 75% Grassland opening in timbered area dominated by Wyoming SWC 20% big sagebrush, western and bluebunch wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 1998 #5 15-25% 1-5% 45-55% Grassland opening in timbered area dominated by western CY wheatgrass, blue grama and upland sedges. 1998 #6 25-35% 1-5% 45-55% Late-seral plant community. Wyoming big sagebrush with CY understory of western wheatgrass and green needlegrass. 2010 #6 8% 60% 90% Upland health assessment rated the site none to slight for soil CY stability, none to slight for hydrologic function and slight to moderate for biotic integrity. Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with understory of native, cool-season rhizomatous and bunchgrasses. More key species present. 1998 #7 15-25% 1-5% 45-55% Mid-seral plant community dominated by Wyoming big CY sagebrush with understory of western wheatgrass. Assessment noted reference areas would contain more plant litter, less bare ground and more plant diversity. 1998 #7 52% 8% 38% Results from vegetation transect. CY 2004 #7 31-50% 2-5% 31-50% Upland health assessment rated the site a moderate to CY extreme departure from expected conditions for soil stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. Wyoming big sagebrush with understory of western wheatgrass. 2004 #7 61% 22% 16% Results from vegetation transect. CY 2010 #7 36% 36% 40% Upland health assessment rated the site a moderate departure CY from expected conditions for soil stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. Small amounts of green needlegrass and bluebunch wheatgrass present. Site dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and western wheatgrass. 2010 #7 46% 30% 19% Results from vegetation transect. CY 1998 #8 5-15% 1-5% 75-85% Mid-seral plant community dominated by Wyoming big CP1 sagebrush with understory of blue grama and western wheatgrass.

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1 Clay pan (CP) sites exhibit a hardpan layer 4 to 8 inches below the soil surface affecting root penetration, which favors shallow rooted plants.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A point-intercept transect was completed in the South Pasture in 2016 (table below). During the field visit, the ID team agreed that resource conditions have improved in some pastures and localized areas within a pasture, but overall, upland health in the Allotment was still outside of expected conditions. Overall, soils do not provide for the capture, storage and safe release of water. Ecological process including nutrient cycle and energy flow are not being maintained.

South Pasture Point-Intercept Transect - T26N, R21E, Section 20 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2016 11% 71% 65% 35% 4% 26% 48% 12” 10” 1The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 25%.

The upland standard is still not being met in the Al’s Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Cow Creek

Approximately 0.27 miles of Cow Creek crosses public land in the Cow Creek Pasture. The reach was reassessed in 2010. Photo and data comparisons collected between 1992 and 2010 indicate riparian community health has improved markedly from Nonfunctioning to Proper Functioning Condition. Banks and floodplains were well vegetated with obligate and facultative wetland plants. The dominant plant community was herbaceous and consisted of common spikerush along the scour line, three-square bulrush, Baltic rush and woolly sedge. Traces of woody species (plains cottonwood, yellow and sandbar willow) were present. Mid-channel islands and bank slough areas were well vegetated. Any past signs of previously scoured banks are minimal and healing.

Cow Creek (T26N, R21E, Section 17) Year Rating1 Notes 1992 FAR Lacking riparian-wetland plants; highly susceptible to degradation; stream braided; grazing impacts heavy. 1997 NF 1998 FAR Channel braided; susceptible to degradation; minimal riparian-wetland plants. 2010 PFC Mid channel islands, point bars and slough areas are well vegetated and obviously healing; very few bare areas; bank and floodplain dominated by herbaceous riparian- wetland plants. 1 PFC (Proper Functioning Condition); FAR (Functioning at Risk); NF (Nonfunctioning)

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The photo on the left was taken in 1998 and the one on the right in 2010. The more recent photo shows a narrower channel with a well-vegetated floodplain and banks.

Al’s Creek

Al’s Creek, 4.67 miles in length on public land in both the Log Cabin and Cow Creek pastures, was assessed in 2010. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Al’s Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

With upland habitat improving and riparian standards being met, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Al’s Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Continue with the current deferred-rotation grazing strategy and 25% reduction in the stocking rate. 2. Before activating any of the suspended AUMs, consider other resource values, such as the condition of wildlife habitat and livestock use on mule deer and elk winter browse.

ALLOTMENT #06169 - Chimney Butte

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 246 cattle May 1 - November 11 100 77 I Custodial 7,112 237 cattle August 1 - October 29 92 645 I Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Chimney Butte grazing allotment is located east of TU Bench and west of Cow Creek. Al’s Creek

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passes through the south end of the Allotment. The Allotment is grazed under a 3-pasture deferred- rotation grazing system; North, Middle and South pastures. There are 451 acres of public land in seven separate tracts, ranging in size from 11 to 280 acres, outside of the Allotment (custodial tracts) that are fenced in with private land. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with the Little Suction #06171 and Tin Cup #06167 grazing allotments.

Portions of the Middle and South pastures are within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

In 2004, a wildland fire occurred in July burning 1,050 acres of public land covering portions of the North and Middle pastures. The majority of the burned area was forested areas of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed in the North Pasture in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. An evaluation of the custodial tracts (451 acres) was completed in 2013. Step-point transects located in the Middle and South pastures were updated in 2004. A point-intercept transect was established in 2016 in both the Middle and South pastures. The 3’ x 3’ photo plots located in the Middle and South pastures were updated in 2004 and 2011. Photo points were established in 2004 in the burned area to monitor vegetation changes and recovery following the July wildfire. These were repeated for several years between 2005 and 2016.

The results of the upland health assessment, step-point and point-intercept transects are summarized in the tables below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site1 Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to North Mixed wheatgrass and needle and thread Slight Slight Slight 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

Middle Pasture Step-Point Transect Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1993 Section 2 6% 43% 80% 50% 4% 26% 58% 2004 10% 25% 78% 35% 6% 28% 47% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 25% of the shrub canopy cover recorded in 1993 and 27% in 2004.

Middle Pasture Point-Intercept Transect Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2016 6% 67% 52% 19% 4% 29% 39% 15” 11” 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 28% of the shrub canopy cover.

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South Pasture Step-Point Transect Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1993 Section 15 15% 49% 69% 40% 4% 25% 47% 2004 25% 46% 47% 26% 0% 18% 27% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 25% of the shrub canopy cover recorded in 1993 and 13% in 2004.

South Pasture Point-Intercept Transect Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2016 13% 64% 42% 20% 2% 20% 40% 11” 12” 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 18% of the shrub canopy cover.

Custodial Tracts (outside of allotment boundary) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 14) 6% 23% 70% 52% 13% 5% 67% 2013 #2 (Sec 24) 0% 6% 90% 71% 14% 5% 91% 2013 #3 (Sec 35) 14% 50% 66% 42% 6% 18% 58% 2013 #4 (Sec 1) 14% 14% 72% 44% 4% 24% 62%

Site #1 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by inland saltgrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama and prairie junegrass with a minor amount of Wyoming big sagebrush (3%).

Site #2 - short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, prairie junegrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama and Sandberg bluegrass with a minor amount of silver sagebrush (3%). Ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) totaled 53%.

Site #3 - silver sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season grasses comprised of crested wheatgrass, blue grama, needle and thread and western wheatgrass. The crested wheatgrass has invaded from adjacent private land along Cow Creek.

Site #4 - silver sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season grasses comprised of western wheatgrass and blue grama.

The upland standard is being met in the Chimney Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Al’s Creek

Al’s Creek, 5.04 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. The first 1.11 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 3.93 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Cow Creek

Four short segments of Cow Creek crossing public land with a total length of 0.80 miles (0.28 miles; 0.10 miles; 0.15 miles; and, 0.27 miles) were assessed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system

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and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The portion assessed contains mostly herbaceous riparian-wetland plant communities with a long-term potential of woody plant communities (willow/cottonwood) depending on climatic conditions and water availability. Historically a perennial stream, Cow Creek flows became interrupted after construction of Cow Creek Reservoir in the early 1980’s to supply water for several pivot irrigation systems. Drawdown during the irrigation season severely altered late summer flows, especially during dry years, and was likely a limiting factor for sustaining newly established woody riparian plants. The irrigation system has been abandoned returning Cow Creek to flows that are more normal.

The riparian standard is being met in the Chimney Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Chimney Butte Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06171 - Little Suction

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,405 246 cattle June 15 - July 2 90 134 M Deferred

Background information

The Little Suction grazing allotment is east of the Birdtail Butte Road and is bordered on the south by Suction Creek. The Allotment contains mostly steep, rough topography. The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with the Chimney Butte #06169 and Tin Cup #06167 grazing allotments and is normally used as a breeding pasture.

A very small portion of the Allotment, about 71 acres, is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

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Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T26N Wyoming big sagebrush/blue grama, None to Slight to Slight to R21E Silty western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass Slight Moderate Moderate Section 10

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with minor amounts of rubber rabbitbrush, silver sagebrush, and broom snakeweed. Grass species included blue grama, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, needleleaf sedge, Sandberg bluegrass and needle and thread.

A step-point transect was established in 2011. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2011 Silty 1% 24% 81% 59% 4% 18% 63% 1Shrub canopy consisted of rubber rabbitbrush, fringed sagewort and broom snakeweed.

Ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was greater than 75%.

The Allotment contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1983 with photo comparisons repeated in 1992, 2002, 2004 and 2011.

The upland standard is being met in the Little Suction Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Little Suction Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Extend the grazing period to allow the Allotment to be grazed at different times (spring, summer and fall) in rotation with pastures in the Chimney Butte and Tin Cup grazing allotments.

ALLOTMENT #06172 - Timber Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 11,599 600 cattle May 15 - November 15 45 1662 I Deferred-rotation

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Background information

The Timber Ridge grazing allotment is located east of Cow Creek and borders the west side of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Suction Creek passes through the north end of the Allotment.

The Allotment is divided into three pastures; North, Southwest and Dignan. The North and Southwest pastures are grazed in rotation with pastures in the North Timber Ridge #06269 and North & McGuire #06160 grazing allotments and Tribal grazing units. The Dignan Pasture contains mostly private land and is typically used for 2 or 3 weeks in late fall before livestock are removed from the Allotment.

The North Timber Ridge and North & McGuire grazing allotments and Tribal grazing units are grazed early in the season before livestock are turned into the Timber Ridge grazing allotment. The North and Southwest pastures are usually not grazed until July 1.

A large portion of public land in the Southwest Pasture is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area and portions of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in the North and Southwest pastures in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

The North and Southwest pastures contain 3’ x 3’ photo plots. Plot #1 in the North Pasture was established in 1986 and repeated in 1989, 1993 and 2008. Plot #2 in the North Pasture was established in 1986 and repeated in 1987, 1989, 1993, 2008 and 2011. The plot in the Southwest Pasture was established in 1984 and photo comparisons repeated in 1987 and 2011.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Southwest Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Clayey Site #1 wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight North Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Claypan Site #2 wheatgrass, blue grama Slight Slight Slight North Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to Clayey Site #3 thickspike wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight North Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to Slight to Clayey Site #4 wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Moderate Moderate North Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to Slight to Site #5 Clay western wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Slight Moderate

Southwest Site #1 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial cool season grasses. Forb diversity was high. The site was at or near potential. Yellow sweetclover was present in trace amounts. Bare ground was less than 10% and the site had a high percentage of standing dead grass and plant litter.

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North Site #2 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season grasses. Forb diversity was high. Green needlegrass was present in adjacent swales (more moisture) and on deeper claypan soils. Bare ground was less than 10% and plant litter was 19%. Trace amounts of yellow sweetclover was present.

North Site #3 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial cool season grasses. Forb diversity was high. Trace amounts of annual bromes and yellow sweetclover were present. Residual cover was excellent. Bare ground was less than 10% and plant litter between 50% and 60%.

North Site #4 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial cool season grasses. Forb diversity was very high. Yellow sweetclover was present in trace amounts. Bare ground was less than 15% and plant litter was 35%. The site was dominated by rhizomatous grasses (western wheatgrass) and had slightly less plant litter, which resulted in the slight to moderate departure from expected conditions.

North Site #5 - Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of perennial cool season grasses. Forb diversity was high. Trace amounts of yellow sweetclover was present. Bare ground was 25% and plant litter was 45%. The site had a high percentage of Wyoming big sagebrush (>30%) which resulted in the slight to moderate departure from expected conditions.

Soil samples were collected in the North Pasture and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The purpose was to determine if soil physical and/or chemical properties were stunting Wyoming big sagebrush height. Results indicated that where Wyoming big sagebrush height averaged 9.1 inches, soils were moderately sodic (Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) =11.1) and moderately saline (EC=7.6 mmhos/cm) within 4 inches of the soil surface. When moderate to high levels of sulfate salts and/or sodium and acidic conditions are shallow within the soil profile, Wyoming big sagebrush height will be stunted. Other samples collected in the evaluation area on similar ecological sites also support this conclusion. Point-intercept transects were established in 2015 in the North and Southwest pastures to monitor vegetation changes. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Southwest Pasture - T25N, R22E, Section 7 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 0% 93% 61% 57% 3% 1% 61% 12” 11” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line. A larger area was sampled (50 readings) to determine Wyoming big sagebrush and herbaceous cover height.

North Pasture - T26N, R22E, Section 29 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 2% 72% 74% 59% 9% 6% 71% 10” 8” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line. A larger area was sampled (50 readings) to determine Wyoming big sagebrush and herbaceous cover height.

The upland standard is being met in the Timber Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

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Hay Coulee

The Hay Coulee drainage, 4.01 miles in length on public land, serves as the common allotment boundary between the Spencer Ridge #06194 and Timber Ridge grazing allotments. The drainage was assessed in 2015. Hay Coulee is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The upland communities within the Allotment provide quality, diverse habitat for resident wildlife. Based on greater sage-grouse guidelines, nesting standards are not being met in some areas due to Wyoming big sagebrush height and density. This is not attributed to livestock, but is based on soil capability and precipitation for the area. Potential greater sage-grouse habitat is present on less than 15% of the public land within the Allotment.

The habitat standard is being met in the Timber Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Establish allowable use levels. 2. Complete end of grazing season utilization to ensure greater sage-grouse guidelines are met.

ALLOTMENT #06173 - Sand Creek Section 3 & 15

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 18 cattle May 1 - October 30 100 108 M Custodial 402 cattle June 15 - August 29 59 593 M Deferred-rotation 5,349 8 cattle May 1 - October 30 100 49 M Custodial 402 cattle June 15 - August 31 12 124 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Sand Creek #06173 grazing allotment is located approximately 28 miles southeast of the town of Big Sandy. The Allotment has two large pastures containing one large block of public land and four isolated blocks of approximately 160 acres each. There is public access to the largest block of public land by way of an open road on State land.

Grazing within the Allotment has been in accordance with the Sand Creek Allotment Management Plan established in 1980. Livestock are typically removed from the Allotment earlier than permitted based on water availability in Sand Creek.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Sand Creek grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

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An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Four upland health assessments were completed in 2013 on (3) silty and (1) shallow clay ecological site. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Upland Ecological Degree of Departure Assessment Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western #06173A Moderate Moderate Moderate Clay wheatgrass Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to #06173B Silty wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to #06173C Silty wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to #06173D Silty wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

Three of the four ecological sites received a none to slight departure from expected conditions for soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity.

Site #06173A received a moderate departure from expected conditions for soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. The moderate ratings were attributed to higher than expected amounts of bare ground (~30%) and reduced soil stability. These do not appear to be the result of current livestock grazing or management practices. The plant community was healthy and successfully reproducing with little evidence of current or historical livestock use. Roughly seven inches of rain fell in the three weeks prior to the assessments with four inches of precipitation accumulating in 48 hours. The amount of precipitation combined with slope (10 to 15%) may explain some departure in soil stability indicators (rills, water flow patterns, and plant litter accumulation). Chemical properties inherent in the soil and parent material may also be responsible for differences in species composition compared to other locations within the Allotment.

Overall, soils in the uplands provide for the capture, storage and safe release of water. Evidence of accelerated erosion in the form of rills and/or gullies, erosional pedestals, flow patterns, and compaction layers below the soil surface (except at site #06173A) are minimal and near to what are expected for a given ecological site. This is supported by the none to slight soil and site stability ratings..

The upland standard is being met in the Sand Creek Section 3 & 15 Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Sand Creek

Two segments of Sand Creek crossing public land with a total length of 2.29 miles (0.37 miles and 1.92

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miles) were assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system with both segments receiving a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Sand Creek Section 3 and 15 Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The upland communities within the Allotment provide quality, diverse habitat for resident wildlife. Based on greater sage-grouse guidelines, nesting standards are not being met in the northern portion of the Allotment, but are met in the southern portion. In the northern portion, Wyoming big sagebrush and herbaceous height were lacking. This is not attributed to livestock, but is based on soil capability and precipitation for the area. The recommended forb canopy cover was also lower than recommended, but that was likely due to the monitoring occurring later in the season. There are no concerns with forb production in the Allotment as a whole.

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sand Creek Section 3 & 15 Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06174 - Bench Mark

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy Deferred 240 22 cattle June 15 - August 15 100 44 C Custodial

Background information

The Bench Mark grazing allotment consists of three tracts of public land intermixed with private land in two large pastures. The Allotment is located at the junction of the Sand Creek and Warrick roads.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 on two tracts of public land using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Large portions of the tracts contain timbered slopes of ponderosa pine. The remaining areas consist of sagebrush-grassland plant communities. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

Tract #1 (Section 22) - silver sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, and western wheatgrass were all present in sub-dominant amounts. The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was less than 10%. Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama, and annual bromes were present in minor amounts.

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Other shrubs in minor amounts included fringed sagewort, winterfat, greasewood, broom snakeweed, and rubber rabbitbrush. Bare ground was 8% and the amount of plant litter was 25%. No rills or water flow patterns were observed.

Tract #2 (Section 14) - western wheatgrass was dominant while silver sagebrush and blue grama were sub-dominant. Minor amounts of needle and thread and bottlebrush squirreltail were present. There were trace amounts of annual bromes, prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, little bluestem, and prairie sandreed. Other shrubs in minor amounts included fringed sagewort, winterfat, greasewood, broom snakeweed, and rubber rabbitbrush. Bare ground was 1% and the amount of plant litter was 45%. No rills or water flow patterns were observed.

Both tracts contain healthy middle to late successional plant communities.

The upland standard is being met in the Bench Mark Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Bench Mark Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The BLM received an application to change the season of use to March 1 to February 28.

ALLOTMENT #06175 - Nielson Homestead

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 632 31 Horses March 1 - February 28 100 97 C Year-round

Background information

The Nielson Homestead grazing allotment is located in the foothills south of the Bears Paw Mountains. The Allotment is a complex of small buttes and draws.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 at two locations using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Large portions of the Allotment consist of steep hillsides covered by ponderosa pine. The two sites evaluated were on relatively flat areas with no tree

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canopy. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. Site #1 - bluebunch wheatgrass and needle and thread were sub-dominant with minor amounts of blue grama, western wheatgrass, and prairie junegrass. Wyoming big sagebrush and silver sagebrush were observed in minor amounts. Plant litter was 23% and bare ground 12%. Seed production was high for all perennial grass species.

Site #2 - Sandberg bluegrass and Wyoming big sagebrush were sub-dominant with minor amounts of bluebunch wheatgrass, western wheatgrass, and prairie junegrass. Plant litter was 39% and bare ground 12%. Seed production was good; however, ungrazed rhizomatous grasses had relatively short leaves.

The upland standard is being met in the Nielson Homestead Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Nielson Homestead Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06178 - Boggess Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy Deferred 467 23 Horses June 1 - September 1 100 73 C Custodial

Background information

The Boggess Place grazing allotment consists of five isolated tracts of public land intermixed with private land. The Allotment is located north of the Cow Island Road, east of the Sand Creek Road and west of the West Fork of Black Coulee.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 at two locations using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount

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of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

Site #1 (Section 4) - clayey ecological site with western and thickspike wheatgrass the dominant grass species. Sandberg bluegrass and green needlegrass were in sub-dominant amounts. Wyoming big sagebrush was approximately 20% of the canopy cover. The amount of bare ground was 14%.

Site #2 (Section 35) - silty shallow ecological site with western and bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass present in sub-dominant amounts. Wyoming big sagebrush was approximately 20% of the canopy cover with minor amounts of silver sagebrush and the amount of bare ground was 7%. No rills or waterflow patterns were present.

The upland standard is being met in the Boggess Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Boggess Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06180 - Bullseye

Background information

The Bullseye grazing allotment consists of an isolated 40-acre tract of public land. The tract lies just south of the junction between the Lloyd and Warrick roads and west of the East Fork of Black Coulee. The Allotment has limited resource values and no identified resource concerns. The current grazing authorization allows grazing to occur in conjunction with surrounding private land with no restriction to the season of use or number of livestock as long as the standards of rangeland health continue to be met.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover

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of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Silty 6% 22% 86% 53% 15% 18% 68%

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with silver sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush also present. The understory contained a diverse mix of late successional, native perennial grasses and forbs.

The upland standard is being met in the Bullseye Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Bullseye Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The tract is available for disposal by sale or exchange.

ALLOTMENT #06181 - Bullwhacker

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period % Public Animal Unit Months Pasture Land Number Class Begin End Active Suspended Total Custodial 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 91 0 91

6-pastures 515 Cattle 4/1 1/31 85% 4,400 72 4,472 Totals 4,491 72 4,563

Background information

Bullwhacker is one of the largest grazing allotments in the evaluation area totaling 40,243 acres of public land. In addition, the Allotment contains private and State land. Most of the Allotment is south of the Cow Island Road, west of Cow Creek and north of Lion Coulee.

Livestock are rotated through six pastures using a deferred-rotation grazing strategy; Upper Bullwhacker, Lower Bullwhacker, Das Coulee, Coal Mine Coulee, Right Coulee and Hackett.

A very small portion of public land, about 33 acres, is within the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The majority of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

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An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in the Coal Mine Coulee and Hackett pastures in 2009. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Coal Mine Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to Clayey Site B3 bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Coal Mine Wyoming big sagebrush/western Slight to Slight to Slight to Clayey Site B2 wheatgrass Moderate Moderate Moderate Hackett Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to Site B1 Clay bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

Step-point transects were established in 2009 in the Coal Mine Coulee and Hackett pastures and point- intercept transects were established in 2012 in the Lower Bullwhacker, Right Coulee and Upper Bullwhacker pastures to monitor vegetation changes. The Das Coulee, Lower Bullwhacker and Upper Bullwhacker pastures contain several 3’ x 3’ photo plots established in the mid 1960’s. Comparison photos have been repeated for a number of years with the most recent occurring in 2012. The results of the vegetation transects are summarized in the tables below.

Plant pedestalling and water-flow patterns were observed at Site B2 in the Coal Mine Pasture indicating movement of soil by water had occurred. Water-flow patterns were continuous and up to 10 feet in length, as slope increased. Plant pedestals were 1 to 2 inches in height in water flow patterns. Soil surface resistance to erosion and soil surface loss had a slight to moderate departure from expected conditions. The litter amount was moderately less than the expected.

Upper Bullwhacker Pasture - T25N, R20E, Section 5 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 13% 51% 57% 29% 2% 26% 31% 11” 12” 2016 5% 69% 59% 39% 1% 19% 59% 10” 14” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Right Coulee Pasture - T25N, R20E, Section 23 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 12% 58% 54% 36% 3% 15% 48% 13” 11” 2016 6% 62% 63% 38% 10% 15% 65% 12” 12” 1Canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was 15% in 2012 and 13% in 2016.

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Right Coulee Pasture - T25N, R20E, Section 11 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 7% 78% 74% 48% 0% 26% 48% 9” 6” 2016 11% 64% 64% 30% 0% 34% 44% 11” 10” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Lower Bullwhacker Pasture - T25N, R20E, Section 27 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 6% 75% 54% 30% 6% 18% 63% 13” 10” 2016 7% 86% 56% 30% 7% 19% 51% 13” 13” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Hackett Pasture - T25N, R20E, Section 31 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2009 4% 54% 88% 62% 2% 24% 67% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 20% of the shrub canopy cover.

Coal Mine Coulee Pasture - T25N, R19E, Section 24 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2009 17% 43% 65% 31% 6% 28% 42% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 23% of the shrub canopy cover.

Coal Mine Coulee Pasture - T25N, R19E, Section 11 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2009 13% 50% 86% 51% 4% 31% 60% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 26% of the shrub canopy cover.

The Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities are well represented by later successional species. Few invasive plants were found, although the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was high on several sites. This could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

Overall, soils in the uplands provide for the capture, storage and safe release of water. Evidence of accelerated erosion in the form of rills and/or gullies, erosional pedestals, flow patterns, and compaction layers below the soil surface, except at Site B2 in the Coal Mine Pasture, are minimal and near to what are expected for a given ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in the Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bullwhacker Creek

Bullwhacker Creek, total length of 22.7 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. The first 19.66 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 3.04 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non- riparian.

In 2014, two permanent transects were established along Bullwhacker Creek in the Upper Bullwhacker and Lower Bullwhacker pastures. Both follow the protocol in Technical Reference 1737-23 (2011) Multiple Indicator Monitoring of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation. The studies will detect changes in the condition of streamside riparian vegetation, stream banks and channel dimensions.

Coal Mine Coulee

Coal Mine Coulee, total length of 7.23 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. The first 2.86 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 4.37 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non- riparian.

Davidson Coulee

Davidson Coulee, total length of 6.66 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. The first 1.69 miles classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 4.97 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Tributary to Davidson Coulee

Davidson Coulee, 0.74 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Left Coulee

Left Coulee, total length of 8.93 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. Of the total, 1.92 miles classified as a lentic riparian system and 3.63 miles classified as a lotic system. Both reaches received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 3.38 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Middle Coulee

Middle Coulee, total length of 7.37 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. Of the total, 4.9 miles classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 2.47 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

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Right Coulee

Right Coulee, total length of 11.61 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. Of the total, 7.91 miles classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 3.7 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Lion Coulee

Lion Coulee, 4.39 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The upland communities within the Allotment provide quality, diverse habitat for resident wildlife. Based on greater sage-grouse guidelines, nesting standards are not being met. This is not attributed to livestock, but is based on soil capability and precipitation for the area. Potential greater sage-grouse habitat is present on less than 10% of the Allotment.

The habitat standard is being met in the Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Establish allowable use levels. 2. Complete end of grazing season utilization to ensure greater sage-grouse guidelines are met. 3. The BLM received an application to change the season of use. Winter grazing would be eliminated. The new permitted grazing season would be May 15 to November 15. 4. Remove unnecessary BLM fences around the Wilson Cow Camp private lands. 5. Consider utilizing the private water well located on the Wilson property. Pumping water south would further disperse livestock away from greater sage-grouse habitat.

ALLOTMENT #06182 - Hay Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted % Allot. Grazing System or Pasture AUMs Type & Number Grazing PL Cat. Strategy Season Hay Coulee 376 Yearlings or Variable 100 I Grazing system selected at Raintrap 281 Cow/calf Pairs start of grazing season Winter 320 Livestock numbers can vary but would not exceed pasture carrying capacity Cow Creek Riparian 24 Livestock grazing would be authorized only as vegetation management tool Cow Creek 0 1,211 acres of public land fenced in with private land Suction Creek 85 1,262 acres of public land fenced in with State and private land Available 1,086

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Background information

The Hay Coulee grazing allotment is west of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation and divided by Cow Creek and Suction Creek. The Birdtail Butte Road enters the north end of the Allotment.

The Allotment was evaluated in 2000 and a determination made that Standard #1 (uplands), Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were not being met. In 2004, the grazing permit was cancelled and the Hay Coulee grazing allotment was designated as a “reserve common allotment”. This action is addressed in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (2008).

Currently, all the public land within the Allotment is available for grazing; however, considering the intermingled private land in the Cow Creek and Suction Creek pastures, they can only be grazed by the adjacent private landowner. For grazing in the Hay Coulee, Raintrap and Winter pastures, an applicant must be qualified with the first priority given to current BLM grazing permittees in allotments with resource problems, resource conflicts, suspended grazing use, and loss of forage from wildfire or drought or issues involving the Standards of Rangeland Health. Grazing use must be applied for annually, and if approved, the applicant is issued a nonrenewable grazing authorization for a term of one year.

Portions of the Hay Coulee grazing allotment is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area and Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed on a representative ecological site in the Hay Coulee and Winter pastures in 2013 and 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/green None to None to None to Winter Clay needlegrass and western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Hay Coulee Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Clayey (East Side) wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight Hay Coulee Dense Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and None to None to None to (West Side) Clay thickspike wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

Permanent vegetation transects were updated in 2013 in the Hay Coulee Pasture located in greater sage- grouse habitat. The results are summarized in the tables below.

West Side (T25N, R21E, Section 3) - Clayey Ecological Site Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 1982 26% 30% 17% 30% 1983 28% 35% 23% 34% 1984 28% 43% 29% 1985 26% 37% 35%

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1988 28% 32% 41% 16% <1% 41% 17% 1996 32% 15% 13% 29% 2013 7% 67% 73% 42% 1% 30% 43% 16” 1Wyoming big sagebrush

East Side (T26N, R21E, Section 35) - Dense Clay Ecological Site Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 1982 27% 15% 20% 1987 21% 31% 41% 16% 2% 31% 18% 1988 33% 19% 40% 16% 4% 24% 20% 1997 45% 11% 27% 9% 0% 18% 9% 2013 21% 36% 67% 49% 3% 15% 52% 8” 1Wyoming big sagebrush

The upland standard is being met in the Hay Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Buck Coulee

The lower end of Buck Coulee, 0.60 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The upper end of Buck Coulee, 2.45 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2016. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Hay Coulee

The lower end of Hay Coulee, 0.68 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The upper end of Hay Coulee, 1.56 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2016. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Davidson Coulee

Davidson Coulee, 2.48 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Cow Creek

Cow Creek, 2.11 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach was classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Functioning at Risk with an upward trend. The entire reach is fenced and closed to livestock grazing. Functional attributes are present such as expanding riparian- wetland areas and floodplains and point bars are re-vegetating with riparian-wetland vegetation. These areas are trapping sediment, building floodplains and narrowing the channel width. However, the

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excessive erosion/deposition, small floodplain size and large areas of streambanks that still lack stabilizing vegetation make this area vulnerable.

Historically a perennial stream, Cow Creek flows became interrupted after construction of Cow Creek Reservoir in the early 1980’s to supply water for several pivot irrigation systems. Drawdown during the irrigation season severely altered late summer flows, especially during dry years, and was likely a limiting factor for sustaining newly established woody riparian plants. The irrigation system has been abandoned returning Cow Creek to flows that are more normal.

In 2014 a permanent transect was established along Cow Creek following the protocol in Technical Reference 1737-23 (2011) Multiple Indicator Monitoring of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation. The study will detect changes in the condition of streamside riparian vegetation, stream banks and channel dimensions.

The riparian standard is being met in the Hay Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The upland communities within the Allotment provide quality, diverse habitat for resident wildlife. Based on greater sage-grouse guidelines, nesting standards are not being met in some areas, due to grass height. This is not attributed to livestock, but is based on soil capability and precipitation for the area. Potential greater sage-grouse habitat is present on less than 15% of the Allotment.

The habitat standard is being met in the Hay Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Request contributed funds, in addition to the grazing fee, from each applicant to complete repairs beyond normal maintenance and fund the cost of constructing new improvements. 2. Establish allowable use levels in greater sage-grouse habitat. 3. Adjust the allotment boundary between the Winter Pasture of the Hay Coulee grazing allotment and the Cow Creek Pasture of the Al’s Creek grazing allotment. The adjustment would eliminate several miles of fence in rough topography.

ALLOTMENT #06183 - Birch Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 119 cattle May 1 - June 1 40 50 3,315 119 cattle July 15 - November 15 40 194 M Deferred-rotation 14 cattle Sept 1 - November 1 100 37

Background information

The Birch Creek grazing allotment is a block of public land plus a few isolated tracts in Chouteau County. Fenced within the Allotment are approximately 1,720 acres of private land and 604 acres of State land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment is a mosaic of sagebrush-grassland plant communities with some minor ponderosa pine and Douglas fir components. Four upland health assessments were completed in 2013. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground and plant litter. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Bluebunch wheatgrass, western None to None to Slight to #2 Silty wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, prairie Slight Slight Moderate sandreed Western wheatgrass, needle and thread, None to None to None to #3 Silty bluebunch wheatgrass, green Slight Slight Slight needlegrass Western wheatgrass, thickspike None to None to None to #4 Silty wheatgrass/Wyoming big sagebrush Slight Slight Slight None to Slight to Slight to #5 Silty Western wheatgrass, needle and thread Slight Moderate Moderate

Pasture Litter Bare Ground #2 40% 10% #3 28% 12% #4 40-50% 15% #5 30% 15%

The upland standard is being met in the Birch Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland habitat and is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Birch Creek Allotment, #06183.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06184 - Green’s Bench

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management (Section 3 Permit) BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 5 cattle March 1-February 28 11,095 68 1,099 I Rotation 225 cattle November 1-February 28

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225 cattle May 1-October 3

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management (Section 15 Lease) BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 24 cattle March 1-May 31 523 100 123 I Custodial 24 cattle February 1-February 28

Background information

The Green’s Bench grazing allotment is located south of the Cow Island Road and north and east of Birch Creek. Green’s Bench and Cummings Bench are major landmarks in the south end of the Allotment. Both Sand Creek and Bill’s Coulee flow through portions of the Allotment.

The Allotment was first permitted for livestock grazing around 1955. The Allotment is comprised of large pastures and blocks of public land. Private land is fenced within all pastures of the Allotment and varies in acreage. An Allotment Management Plan (AMP) was first implemented in 1967. The Green’s Bench AMP has been updated several times to account for changes in pasture rotations. The latest revision to the AMP took place in 1987.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Green’s Bench grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated Standard #1 (uplands) was not being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Three upland health assessments were completed in 2013. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground and plant litter. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites.

Site #1 is located in the Gumbo Pasture on a silty ecological site. Soil and site stability and hydrologic function attributes both received none to slight departure from expected conditions, and the biotic integrity attribute received a slight to moderate departure rating. Indicator #12-Functional/Structural Groups received a slight to moderate departure rating due to the observed co-dominance of native bunchgrass and shrub components. Native bunchgrass percent cover is expected to be greater than shrub percent cover in the reference state. The amount of plant litter observed was lower than expected and noted by a moderate departure rating for Indicator #14-Litter Amount. All other indicators received none to slight departure ratings. The current plant community is similar to the description of the historic climax plant community with the exception of the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush, which is too high.

Site #2 is located in the Ole Moes Pasture at the base of a slope on a shallow clay ecological site that contains areas of dense clay and pockets of bentonite. Soil and site stability received a none to slight departure from expected conditions. Hydrologic function and biotic integrity each received a slight to

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moderate departure rating. Indicator #3 (Pedestals and Terracettes) received a slight to moderate departure rating due to pedestals being observed none of which, however, exceeded 1.5 inches in height. Indicators #10, #12, and #14 also received a slight to moderate departure from expected conditions due to bunchgrass spacing and a lack of bluebunch wheatgrass and plant litter. These conditions are likely the cause for the plant pedestalling. Soil erosion is not occurring at a rate high enough to affect soil surface loss or degradation. Lower than expected amounts of plant litter may compromise soil nutrient replenishment.

Site #3 is located in the Green’s Bench Pasture, formerly known as the Winter Pasture, on a clayey ecological site. Soil and site stability received a none to slight departure from expected conditions. Hydrologic function received a slight to moderate rating. Biotic integrity received a none to slight departure from expected conditions. Indicators #2 and #3 were rated at a slight to moderate departure due to the presence of water-flow patterns and pedestals in areas of bare soil. However, it noted the assessment was completed after a recent 7” rainfall event. Indicators #10, #12, and #14 also received slight to moderate departure from expected conditions due to a lack of deep-rooted perennial grasses and a lack of plant litter cover. These conditions are likely the cause for the plant pedestalling and water-flow patterns due to lack of adequate soil surface cover. Soil erosion is not occurring at a rate high enough to affect soil surface loss or degradation. Lower than expected amounts of plant litter may compromise soil nutrient replenishment.

Soil samples were collected at Site #3 on two different ecological sites (clayey and dense clay) and sent to a laboratory for analytical analysis. The purpose was to determine if there are soil physical and/or chemical properties stunting Wyoming big sagebrush height. Results indicate that on the dense clay site, where Wyoming big sagebrush height is 6 inches, soils are moderately sodic (Sodium Absorption Rate (SAR) =12.4) in the upper 6 inches of the soil surface. The soils are moderately saline (EC=10.4 mmhos/cm) and strongly sodic (SAR=16.5) within 13 inches of the soil surface. On the clayey site, where Wyoming big sagebrush height is 28 inches, soils to 32 inches are non-saline (EC=0.4 to 0.7 mmhos/cm) and non-sodic to slightly sodic (SAR=0.59 to 4.88). Indications are that when moderate to high levels of sulfate salts and/or sodium are shallow within the soil profile, Wyoming big sagebrush height will be stunted. Other samples collected in the evaluation area on similar ecological sites also support this conclusion.

Vegetation at all three evaluation sites consists primarily of bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, blue grama, and Wyoming big sagebrush with the exception of bluebunch wheatgrass not being observed at Site #2.

The results of the 2013 upland health assessments are summarized in the table below.

Attribute Rating Ecological Plant Dominant/Sub-dominant Pasture Soil/Site Hydrologic Biotic Site Community Species Stability Function Integrity Bunchgrasses None to None to Slight to Gumbo Silty HCPC Wyoming big sagebrush Slight Slight Moderate Western Wheatgrass None to Slight to Slight to Ole Shallow Clay 2 Bunchgrasses Slight Moderate Moderate Moes Wyoming big sagebrush Green’s Wheatgrasses None to Slight to None to Clayey 2A Bench Wyoming big sagebrush Slight Moderate Slight

The upland standard is being met in the Green’s Bench Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bill’s Coulee

Bill’s Coulee, 5.35 miles in length on public land, located in both the Ole Moes Field of the Green’s Bench grazing allotment and Scattered Tracts #06185 grazing allotment, was assessed in 2015. Of the total, 1.48 miles (upper end) classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 3.87 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Sand Creek

The portion of Sand Creek located on public land consists of three segments with a total length of 2 miles; the upper segment is 0.18 miles, the middle segment 1.41 miles and the lower segment 0.41 miles. The assessment was completed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Tributary to Sand Creek

Two tributaries to Sand Creek, 3.3 miles in length on public land, were assessed in 2013. Both are ephemeral drainages and do not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, do not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and are classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Green’s Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Green’s Bench Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Revise the Green’s Bench Allotment Management Plan. 2. Adjust season of use.

ALLOTMENT #06185 - Scattered Tracts

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 662 3 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 92 M Custodial

Background information

The Scattered Tracts grazing allotment contains tracts of public land fenced in with private land and used in conjunction with the Golf Bench #06184 grazing allotment. The tracts are located along Birch Creek, Sand Creek and Bill’s Coulee just outside the boundary of the Golf Bench grazing allotment.

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The Scattered Tracts grazing allotment was part of the Green’s Bench #06184 grazing allotment from 1955 until 1976. Since 1976, grazing preference on public land within the boundaries of the Allotment has been permitted to the same operator as the Green’s Bench allotment. The Scattered Tracts grazing allotment consists of three separate parcels of 26, 280, and 356 acres of public land. Two parcels are adjacent to the Green’s Bench allotment.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Scattered Tracts grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland evaluation was completed in 2013 on a shallow clay ecological site. Vegetation consisted of western wheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and Wyoming big sagebrush. An upland health assessment was completed in 2014 on a silty ecological site. Most of the public land within the pasture is rough topography and steep sloped. The evaluation site was chosen because it was the only relatively flat area accessible to livestock. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity all received a none to slight departure from expected condition ratings. Vegetation consists of Wyoming big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. The current plant community is similar to the description of the historic climax plant community with the exception of the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush, which was too high.

A summary of the 2014 health assessment is outlined below:

Attribute Rating Ecological Plant Dominant/Sub-dominant Pasture Soil/Site Hydrologic Biotic Site Community Species Stability Function Integrity Birch Bluebunch wheatgrass None to Slight to Slight to Silty HCPC Creek Wyoming big sagebrush Slight Moderate Moderate

The upland standard is being met in the Scattered Tracts Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bill’s Coulee

Bill’s Coulee, 5.35 miles in length on public land, located in both the Ole Moes Field of the Green’s Bench #06184 grazing allotment and Scattered Tracts #06185 grazing allotment, was assessed in 2015. Of the total, 1.48 miles (upper end) classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. One mile is within the Scattered Tracts’ Ole Moes Custodial Pasture. The remaining 3.87 miles within the Ole Moes Field of the Green’s Bench grazing allotment is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Scattered Tracts Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Scattered Tracts Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The Scattered Tracts grazing allotment should change to Selective Management Category M.

ALLOTMENT #06187 - Fork of Black Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,013 11 cattle May 1 - November 28 100 135 M Custodial

Background information

The Fork of Black Coulee grazing allotment contains nine separate tracts of public land located south of the Bears Paw Mountains near the headwaters of the East Fork of Black Coulee.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland plant communities were sampled on four of the tracts (A, B, C and D) using step-point transects to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

The evaluation areas in tracts A, B and C were located on shallow clay and dense clay ecological sites. The majority of public land is timbered slopes. The evaluation area in tract D was located on a silty ecological site.

Tract A was dominated by western wheatgrass with sub-dominant amounts of annual bromes, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass. The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was 35% with minor amounts of rubber rabbitbrush and greasewood.

Tract B was co-dominated by western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass and Sandberg bluegrass with less than 15% canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush.

Tract C was co-dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and western wheatgrass with less than 15% canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush.

Forbs were a minor component in all the tracts evaluated. The most common forbs were American vetch, common yarrow, bastard toadflax, and plains pricklypear cactus.

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Seed production was high in tract A and B. The height for western wheatgrass varied between 12 to 18 inches. Seed production in tract C was high for bluebunch wheatgrass.

The upland standard is being met in the Fork of Black Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Black Coulee

The 1.43 miles of Black Coulee crossing public land was assessed in 2013. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Fork of Black Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The Allotment boundary needs adjusted to reflect changes in fence locations.

ALLOTMENT #06189 - North Ranch

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 420 1 cattle May 1 - October 31 100 69 M Custodial

Background information

The North Ranch grazing allotment is located west of and adjacent the Lloyd Road near Lone Tree Bench. The landscape is a mosaic of Wyoming big sagebrush and grassland upland benches, steep coulees and timbered areas with mixed stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled in 2010 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

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T25N, R18E, Section 27 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Complex 10% 48% 48% 40% 2% 6% 42% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 2% of the shrub canopy cover.

The upland standard is being met in the North Ranch Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the North Ranch Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. After consultation with the grazing permittee, adjust the grazing permit to show the actual number of livestock grazing the Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06190 - Oliver

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 241 6 cattle May 1 - October 31 100 36 C Custodial

Background information

The Oliver grazing allotment is located south of the Cow Island Road and north of Lion Butte. Lion Coulee flows through one tract of public land. The Allotment consists of three tracts of public land; two 40-acre tracts and one 160-acre tract.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland health assessments were completed on a clayey (Site A) and silty (Site B) ecological site in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub- dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites.

Site A is located in the S½SE of section 19 in T25N, R19E. The accumulation of salts was noted at a depth of 24 inches. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity all received a slight to

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moderate departure from expected conditions. Ratings were the result of pedestaled plants and lower than expected soil stability and plant litter (35%). Although, these indicators rated as slight to moderate, erosion has not occurred at a rate high enough to affect soil surface loss and ecological function. Bluebunch wheatgrass was the dominant grass species. Green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass were also present.

Site B is located in section 24 of T25N, R18. Soil and site stability and hydrologic function received a none to slight departure from expected conditions. Biotic integrity received a slight to moderate departure due to a lower than expected amount of plant litter (30%) and the high canopy cover of shrubs. Bluebunch wheatgrass was the dominant grass species. Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub species.

The upland standard is being met in the Oliver Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Oliver Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06192 - North Fork Lion Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 220 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 14 I Custodial 3,930 220 cattle July 1 - October 31 65 578 I Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Allotment is located south of the Cow Island Road near Bear Paw Springs. Public land grazing is deferred until July 1 each year and then livestock are rotated through five pastures.

A portion of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Allotment was making progress toward meeting the Standards of Rangeland Health. Following the report, the date livestock begin grazing the Allotment was deferred until July 1 and the stocking rate and the number of livestock was reduced.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in three pastures in 2012. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to #7 Clay wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Dense Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to #15 Clay wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to #15 Clayey wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to #16 Clayey wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

Step-point and point-intercept transects were established in 2012 and 2015 to monitor vegetation changes. Four pastures contain 3’ x 3’ photo plots. The plots were established in the late 1960’s. Comparison photos have been repeated for a number of years with the most recent occurring in 2012. The results of the vegetation transects are summarized in the tables below.

Pasture #7 - T25N, R19E, Section 9 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 4% 80% 38% 22% 0% 16% 33% 12” 2016 8% 67% 67% 32% 15% 20% 52% 12” 9” 1The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was 14% in 2012 and 20% in 2016.

Pasture #8 - T25N, R19E, Section 10 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 4% 53% 70% 38% 5% 27% 45% 12” 11” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Pasture #16 - T25N, R19E, Section 14 (Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2015 7% 56% 76% 51% 3% 22% 54% 14” 14” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Pasture #15 - T25N, R19E, Section 22 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2012 Dense Clay 27% 28% 40% 21% 4% 15% 31%

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1Wyoming big sagebrush is 14% of the shrub canopy cover.

Pasture #15 - T25N, R19E, Section 27 (Clayey Ecological Site) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2012 4% 53% 63% 35% 5% 23% 56% 13” 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The upland standard is being met in the North Fork Lion Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

North Fork Lion Coulee

The North Fork of Lion Coulee, 2.44 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2012. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Tributary to Lion Coulee

A tributary to Lion Coulee, 1.21 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2012. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The upland communities within the Allotment provide quality, diverse habitat for resident wildlife. Based on greater sage-grouse guidelines nesting standards are not being met in some areas due to Wyoming big sagebrush height. This is not attributed to livestock, but is based on soil capability/limitations and precipitation for the area.

The habitat standard is being met in the North Fork Lion Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Establish allowable use levels. 2. Complete end of grazing season utilization to ensure greater sage-grouse guidelines are met. 3. Implement adaptive management grazing strategy.

ALLOTMENT #06193 - Lion Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period Animal Unit Months Operator Area Number Class Begin End % Public Land Active Suspended Total #1 Custodial 110 Cattle 6/1 11/15 100% 20 0 20 Common 110 Cattle 8/15 11/1 95% 269 0 269 #2 Common 62 Cattle 9/1 10/31 100% 124 0 124 Totals 413 0 413

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Background information

The Lion Coulee grazing allotment is located east of Lone Tree Bench and north of the Ervin Ridge Road. The Allotment contains 3,351 acres of public land in a single pasture grazed by two operators. Dissected by Lion Coulee and a tributary to Lion Coulee, the Allotment is a mosaic of upland benches with Wyoming big sagebrush and grassland plant communities, steep drainages and timbered slopes of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.

A portion of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at two locations in 1999. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Location Ecological Site Plant Community Rating Biotic Physical T25N Wyoming big sagebrush/green Healthy (Late R19E Clayey Functioning needlegrass, western wheatgrass Seral) Section 34 T25N Western wheatgrass, green Healthy (Near R19E Overflow Functioning needlegrass/silver sagebrush Potential) Section 28

A step-point transect was established in 1990 and read again in 2004 and 2011 and point-intercept transects were established in 2012 and 2015 to monitor vegetation changes. The Allotment contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1987 with photo comparisons completed in 2004 and 2011. The results of the vegetation transects are summarized in the tables below.

T25N, R19E, Section 32 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1990 Complex 13% 36% 69% 22% 25% 21% 50% 2004 Complex 11% 30% 70% 44% 6% 14% 50% 2011 Complex 4% 38% 79% 64% 8% 7% 72% 1In 1999 Wyoming big sagebrush is 15% of the shrub canopy cover, in 2004 13% and in 2011 5%. Forb production was high in 1999 (25%) from the amount of yellow sweetclover.

T24N, R19E, Section 11 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2015 Shallow Clay 3% 66% 74% 45% 4% 25% 52% 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

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T25N, R19E, Section 33 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2012 Shallow Clay 6% 81% 34% 26% 2% 6% 28% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 1% of the shrub canopy cover.

In June of 2009 (East Unit) and May of 2012 (West Unit), prescribed fire was used to treat old growth ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir timber types to remove dead and down woody vegetation. The West Unit contained areas of heavy fuel loading because of blowdown from a summer Tornado that went through the area in 2002. The burned area totaled approximately 1,600 acres. The prescribed burns were conducted in the spring and early summer when temperatures were cooler and fuel moistures higher. Burning under cooler and wetter conditions, along with natural variations in fuel loadings and topography, created a mosaic of burned and unburned areas.

The upland standard is being met in the Lion Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Lion Coulee

Lion Coulee, 5.59 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014 and 2015. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Tributary to Lion Coulee

A tributary to Lion Coulee, 2.14 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Lion Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Implement an adaptive management strategy to include the Allotment in rotation with the Lost Ridge grazing allotment. 2. The fence was removed separating the custodial tracts from the common pasture increasing the carrying capacity of the common pasture by 20 AUMs.

ALLOTMENT #06194 - Spencer Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 7,250 162 cattle May 1 - October 31 60 587 M Season-long

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Background information

The Spencer Ridge grazing allotment is divided by Cow Creek (largely private land) and bordered on the east by Hay Coulee and Squaw Creek. To the west, Left, Middle and Right Coulee converge and enter Cow Creek near the Spencer Cow Camp buildings.

All public land in the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

Public land on the east side of the Allotment is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area and a small portion of public land at the north end of the Allotment is within the Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

The Nez Perce National Historic Trail traverses the Allotment essentially following Cow Creek from the south to the north end. Along this route, below the Spencer Cow Camp buildings, is the Illages Skirmish ambush site.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed at one location in 1999. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Location Ecological Site Plant Community Rating Biotic Physical T25N Wyoming big sagebrush/western Healthy (Late R21E Clayey Functioning wheatgrass, green needlegrass Seral) Section 25

A step-point transect was established in 2010 to monitor vegetation changes. The results are summarized in the table below.

T25N, R21E, Section 11 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Complex 8% 64% 68% 60% 0% 8% 60% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Both sites evaluated are representative of late seral upland plant communities. These sites are common throughout the Allotment and contain an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of native perennial, cool and warm season grasses. Western wheatgrass was the dominate grass with green needlegrass more prevalent in wetter areas (swales). The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush varied from scattered plants, 5 to 10% canopy cover, to more closed communities with a canopy cover from 20 to 25%. Areas with higher densities of Wyoming big sagebrush could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

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The Allotment contains two 3’ x 3’ phot plots. Plot #1 was established in 1983 with the most recent photo comparison completed in 2010. Plot #2 was established in 1984 with the most recent photo comparison completed in 2011.

The upland standard is being met in the Spencer Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Cow Creek

Three short segments of Cow Creek cross public land with a total length of 1.36 miles (0.55 miles; 0.33 miles; and, 0.48 miles). Cow Creek is mostly private land. The assessment occurred in 2013 and 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Functioning at Risk with an upward trend.

A transect was established in 2014 along Cow Creek following the protocol in Technical Reference 1737- 23 (2011) Multiple Indicator Monitoring of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation. The study will detect changes in the condition of streamside riparian vegetation, stream banks and channel dimensions.

Hay Coulee

The Hay Coulee drainage serves as the common allotment boundary between the Timber Ridge #06172, Cabin Creek #05609 and Spencer Ridge grazing allotments. The reach, 6.87 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2015. Hay Coulee is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Right Coulee

Right Coulee, 1.31 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Left Coulee

Left Coulee, 0.48 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Spencer Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Spencer Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Consider prescribed fire treatments. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06198 - Chase Hill

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 400 cattle May 15 - December 31 100 54 M Custodial 923 100 cattle May 15 - December 31 61 58 M Custodial

Background information

The Chase Hill grazing allotment is located east of the PN Road, west of Birch Creek and north of Wolf Coulee. Public land is generally steep coulees adjacent narrow finger ridges with some small areas of relatively flat upland benches. The Allotment is grazed for short periods during the above permitted grazing season and in conjunction with the Pigtail Coulee #06416, Green’s Coulee #06199, Chip Creek #06200 and Dogtown #06415 grazing allotments. Until recently, portions of the public land was fenced in with private land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and could not be grazed.

A portion of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Chase Hill grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1987 with photo comparisons completed in 2002 and 2011. Notes from the 2011 evaluation stated the study area contained a Wyoming big sagebrush overstory with an understory dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass. Bluebunch wheatgrass plants were robust, seed head production was abundant and the amount of plant litter was high.

The upland standard is being met in the Chase Hill Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Chase Hill Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06199 - Green’s Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,486 400 cattle May 15 - December 31 100 109 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Green’s Coulee grazing allotment is located at the southernmost end of Green’s Bench and bordered by Birch Creek on the south and west side. Most of the Allotment consists of non-wooded breaks and upland benches dissected by steep coulees.

The Allotment is grazed for short periods during the above permitted grazing season and in conjunction with the Chip Creek #06200, Pigtail Coulee #06416, Chase Hill #06198 and Dogtown #06415 grazing allotments.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Green’s Coulee grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot established in 1983 with the most recent photo comparison completed in 2014.

An upland health assessment was completed on a silty ecological site in 2002 and 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

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T24N, R17E, Section 19 (Cow Camp Pasture) Degree of Departure Ecological Year Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to 2002 Silty western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to 2014 Silty western wheatgrass, needle and thread Slight Slight Slight

The site was a representative upland bench with a late seral plant community. The site had an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush and an understory dominated by bluebunch and western wheatgrass.

The upland standard is being met in the Green’s Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Birch Creek

The portion of Birch Creek located on public land consists of two separate segments with a total length of 0.39 miles (0.21 miles; and, 0.18 miles). The assessment was completed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Functioning at Risk with no apparent trend. The potential of Birch Creek in the Green’s Coulee grazing allotment has been altered and is influenced and limited by development that has occurred on private land. Hay fields on private land with extensive dike systems for irrigation are located throughout the reach.

The riparian standard is not being met in the Green’s Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat. Lotic habit associated with Birch Creek (0.39 miles) was Functioning at Risk due to alterations on private land. BLM does not have management opportunities to meet PFC.

The habitat standard is being met in the Green’s Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend at 3’ x 3’ photo plot locations.

ALLOTMENT #06200 - Chip Creek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,160 1 cattle May 1 - December 15 100 165 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Chip Creek grazing allotment consists of six separate tracts of public land, ranging in size from 40 to 440 acres, fenced in with private and State land. The Allotment is located north of the PN Road, about

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three miles north of the Missouri River in the Johnson Hill and Four Mile Hill area. The topography is typical for public land located in the Missouri River breaks area; nearly flat upland benches, steep coulees and moderately steep side slopes. Some of the tracts are open forests with a scattered and low canopy cover of ponderosa pine.

The Allotment is grazed for short periods during the above permitted grazing season and in conjunction with the Pigtail Coulee #06416, Chase Hill #06198, Green’s Coulee #06199 and Dogtown #06415 grazing allotments.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Six upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

T23N, R16E, Section 2 (440-acre tract) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Complex 13% 36% 76% 59% 7% 10% 71% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The site contained an overstory of Wyoming big sagebrush (10%) with an understory of warm and cool season perennial grasses consisting of blue grama, western wheatgrass and needle and thread. Minor amounts of invasive plants were noted (crested wheatgrass and annual bromes).

T23N, R16E, Section 4 (40-acre tract) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Complex 0% 88% 80% 34% 0% 46% 66% 1Silver sagebrush is 44% of the shrub canopy cover.

The tract was partly forested with silver sagebrush communities along the base of the slope. The understory was dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass and needle and thread with minor amounts of green needlegrass. Upland sedges were also prevalent. Invasive plants included annual bromes recorded at 12% of the canopy cover.

T24N, R16E, Section 33 (40-acre tract) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Complex 16% 24% 73% 53% 2% 18% 64% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 10% of the shrub canopy cover.

The evaluation was conducted on a narrow ridgetop. Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of needle and thread, Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama, and western and bluebunch wheatgrass. Minor amounts of annual bromes were noted.

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T23N, R16E, Section 9 (240-acre tract) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Complex 19% 34% 65% 43% 1% 21% 51% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 19% of the shrub canopy cover.

The evaluation was conducted on a relatively flat upland bench. The overstory was dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of bluebunch and western wheatgrass, needle and thread, blue grama and Sandberg bluegrass.

T23N, R16E, Section 10 (280-acre tract) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Complex 5% 75% 71% 68% 0% 3% 71% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The evaluation was conducted on a relatively flat upland bench. Cool and warm season grasses with scattered Wyoming big sagebrush plants dominated the site. Western wheatgrass was the dominant grass with lesser amounts of blue grama and Sandberg bluegrass. Annual bromes were recorded at 8% of the canopy cover.

An evaluation was also conducted on an 80-acre tract located in section 10 of T23N, R16E. A portion of the tract was seeded to Russian wildrye, most likely in the 1960’s when the grass was popular for fall grazing. Although Russian wildrye was the dominant grass, other native grasses have become established making up about half of the total. The forb and shrub component was very low, only 4% of the total vegetation.

Other than the small area seeded to Russian wildrye, the tracts evaluated represent late seral upland plant communities dominated by native warm and cool season perennial grasses.

The upland standard is being met in the Chip Creek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Chip Creek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the permitted number of livestock to the actual number of livestock grazing the Allotment.

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ALLOTMENT #06201 - Halley

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period % Public Animal Unit Months Pasture Land Number Class Begin End Active Suspended Total #7 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 7 0 7 #16 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 Custodial 3 0 3 #5, #13, #14, #15, #17 100 Cattle 5/1 10/19 83% 431 0 431 Totals 441 0 441

Background information

The Halley grazing allotment is located north and east of the PN Road and Judith Landing. Public land within the Allotment totals 3,806 acres. A large portion of public land is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The landscape consists of steep, rough terrain dissected by two major drainages, John Coulee and Coal Coulee. Timbered slopes are dominated by ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper and creeping juniper. Upland benches are nearly flat and consist of a shrub overstory, mostly silver sagebrush and Wyoming big sagebrush, with an understory of perennial grasses.

Livestock are rotated through seven pastures containing public, private and State land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed at four locations in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Degree of Departure Ecological Year Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/ western H#4 None to Slight to Slight to 2014 wheatgrass, blue grama, bluebunch Silty Slight Moderate Moderate wheatgrass H#5 Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to 2014 Shallow wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight Clay H#6 Wyoming big sagebrush, silver None to None to None to 2014 Silty sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass, Slight Slight Slight Steep needle and thread, western wheatgrass H#7 Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and Slight to Slight to Slight to 2014 Clayey bluebunch wheatgrass Moderate Moderate Moderate

Site H#4 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from domination by western wheatgrass (rhizomatous) rather than bluebunch wheatgrass (deep-rooted bunchgrass). The amount of plant litter

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ranged from 35 to 40% and should have been greater than 50%. A minor amount of invasive plants (plains pricklypear cactus, annual bromes, and blue grama) were present.

Site H#7 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from domination by western wheatgrass (rhizomatous) rather than bluebunch wheatgrass (deep-rooted bunchgrass) and the high percentage of Wyoming big sagebrush. The amount of plant litter was lower than expected and there were pedestalled plants present in water flow patterns. Water flow patterns were short and erosion has not occurred at a rate high enough to affect soil health. The soil surface loss or degradation indicator was rated at slight to moderate because the A horizon was three inches thick rather than the expected four inches.

The upland standard is being met in the Halley Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Coal Coulee

Coal Coulee, 0.77 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

John’s Coulee

John’s Coulee, 0.80 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat. The habitat standard is being met in the Halley Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06202 - Cummings Bench

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 2,115 90 cattle June 1 - October 1 55 202 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Cummings Bench grazing allotment is located in the southwest corner of Blaine County bordered by Golf Bench to the east, Cummings Bench to the west and to the south by Birch Creek. Most of the available forage and areas accessible to livestock grazing are found on upland benches. These are sagebrush-grassland vegetation types consisting of Wyoming big sagebrush, silver sagebrush, needle and

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thread, western and bluebunch wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Sloping ridges are generally a conifer mix of ponderosa pine and Rocky Mountain and creeping juniper.

The Allotment is grazed under a 2-pasture deferred-rotation grazing system (North and South pastures). There are 204 acres of public land (custodial tracts) located in three other pastures containing mostly private land. Although the season of use and livestock numbers have changed somewhat, the current grazing strategy has been followed since implemented in 1987.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Cummings Bench grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed in the North and South pastures in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

South Pasture Degree of Departure Ecological Year Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity CB#1 Wyoming big sagebrush/ needle and None to None to None to 2013 Silty thread, bluebunch and western Slight Slight Slight Steep wheatgrass

North Pasture Degree of Departure Ecological Year Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity CB#2 Needle and thread, bluebunch and None to None to Slight to 2013 Silty western wheatgrass Slight Slight Moderate

Site CB#2 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from the abundance of needle and thread and a minor amount of invasive plants (annual bromes).

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Comparing photos after 25 years from 1988 (left photo) to 2013 (right photo) following implementation of a 2-pasture deferred-rotation grazing system in 1987. Although 1988 was an extremely dry year, there has been a dramatic shift in plant community dominance from a warm season sod-former (blue grama) to cool season bunchgrasses and rhizomatous grasses (needle and thread, bluebunch and western wheatgrass).

The upland standard is being met in the Cummings Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Cummings Bench Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06203 - Golf Bench

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 3,319 200 cattle May 16 - October 6 24 230 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Golf Bench grazing allotment is located at the southern end of Golf Bench just north of the Stafford WSA. Birch Creek divides the Allotment and Black Coulee serves as the eastern boundary.

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The Allotment has been grazed in a deferred-rotation system since implementing an allotment management plan in 1968. Pasture configurations have varied from four to six pastures. Grazing use is limited by the lack of livestock water within the Allotment with the most reliable sources being Birch Creek and Black Coulee. The Allotment is typically grazed in conjunction with the Lutge Place #00944 grazing allotment.

There is legal access only by foot to some of the southeastern tracts of the Allotment. Access requires approximately 2 miles of cross-country travel north from the Missouri River over steep, rough terrain. Accessible tracts are narrow and often no wider than 0.25 miles.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Golf Bench grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland health assessments were completed in the Northeast Pasture (#3) in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The Golf Point Pasture (#4), containing mostly crested wheatgrass, was evaluated using a general view photo point. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Northwest #3 Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to Slight to Silty Section 31 wheatgrass Slight Slight Moderate Northwest #3 Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to Silty Section 1 wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

The slight to moderate departure from expected conditions at the assessment site in section 31 of T24N, R18E was due to lower than expected amounts of plant litter and bunchgrasses. The plant community present matched reference conditions in regard to species present, but in slightly differing proportions.

Assessments were not completed in the Kincaid Pasture (#1), Birch Creek Pasture (#2), Black Coulee Pasture (#5), or Cabin Pasture (#6). The public land is extremely steep and inaccessible to livestock. The pastures containing Birch Creek and Black Coulee have very narrow upland terraces bordered by steep, rough topography. The riparian vegetation along Birch Creek was used as an indicator of land health. Lotic assessments rated the drainages in Proper Functioning Condition.

The upland standard is being met in the Golf Bench Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Birch Creek

The portion of Birch Creek located on public land consists of eight separate segments with a total length of 2.65 miles ranging in length from 0.11 miles to 0.66 miles. The riparian assessment was completed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Black Coulee

The length of Black Coulee through the Golf Bench grazing allotment is 3.7 miles. The portion on public land consists of four separate segments with a total length of 1.75 miles (0.19 miles; 0.34 miles; 0.31 miles; and, 0.91 miles). It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

During the riparian assessments, evidence of unauthorized off-road vehicle use was discovered along the bottom of Birch Creek and Black Coulee.

The riparian standard is being met in the Golf Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, the area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Golf Bench Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Consult with the grazing permittee to update the pasture configuration and rotation schedule. 2. Address trespass road issues along Birch Creek and Black Coulee. 3. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06204 - Black Coulee Common

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period Animal Unit Months Operator Area Number Class Begin End % Public Land Active Suspended Total #1 Common 90 Cattle 6/1 10/1 65% 237 0 237 #2 Common 55 Cattle 7/1 10/1 56% 94 0 94 Totals 331 0 331

Background information

The Black Coulee Common grazing allotment is located between Lone Tree Bench (Lloyd Road) and Golf Bench and north of Ragland Bench. The Allotment contains 4,642 acres of public land, 5,103 acres of private land and 53 acres of State land. The Allotment is grazed in common by two operators.

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The topography of the Allotment is diverse with badlands adjacent Black Coulee and Bill’s Coulee, expansive areas of Wyoming big sagebrush, grassland benches and open timbered areas dominated by ponderosa pine.

Fences, natural barriers (rough topography) and the location of stockwater developments divide the Allotment into three use areas referred to as the Sagebrush, Breeding Field and Common pastures.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Black Coulee grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at three locations in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Degree of Departure Ecological Site Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush and silver Shallow to None to None to None to BCC#1 sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass and Gravel Slight Slight Slight needle and thread Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to Slight to BCC#2 Silty thickspike wheatgrass and green Slight Slight Moderate needlegrass Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to BCC#3 Clay wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight

The slight to moderate departure from expected conditions at site BCC#2 resulted from domination by western and thickspike wheatgrass (rhizomatous) rather than bluebunch wheatgrass (deep-rooted bunchgrass) and the high canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush. The amount of plant litter was less than expected ranging from 35 to 40%.

The upland standard is being met in the Black Coulee Common Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bill’s Coulee

Bill’s Coulee was assessed in 2015. The portion on public land consists of two segments totaling 2.2 miles in length; one segment is 0.58 miles and the second 1.65 miles in length. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

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Black Coulee

Black Coulee flows generally north to south for approximately 11 miles through the Black Coulee grazing allotment. The portion on public land consists of five segments with a total length of 2.58 miles (0.65 miles; 0.10 miles; 0.11 miles; 0.62 miles; and, 1.10 miles). The drainage was assessed in 2014 and 2015. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non- riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Black Coulee Common Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06205 - Moravec Individual

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 734 1 cattle May 1 - November 30 100 12 C Season-long

Background information

The Moravec Individual grazing allotment is located west of the Lloyd Road and adjacent Ragland Bench. Black Coulee serves as the western boundary for the Allotment. The Allotment contains five separate tracts of public land and approximately 1,700 acres of private land most of which is farmed. The majority of public land consists of steep slopes and rough terrain dissected by very deep drainages that empty into Black Coulee.

There is an agricultural trespass on public land, estimated at 10 to 12 acres, located in section 6 of T23N, R18E.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Moravec Individual grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Mixed 12% 22% 66% 54% 0% 12% 54% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

Wyoming big sagebrush and silver sagebrush were the dominant shrubs with an understory of cool season perennial grasses with western wheatgrass the most common. Annual bromes were present measuring 28% of the canopy cover. The presence of annual bromes was also noted in the 2002 evaluation. The site is one of the few areas accessible for monitoring and is not representative of the plant communities found on public land. The Allotment contains steep badland areas that are naturally erodible and in many areas are lacking vegetation. Adjacent timbered slopes generally have a sparse understory and high amounts of bare ground. Sampling these areas would be difficult and their use as indicators for land health and trend for making management decisions would be limited.

The upland standard is being met in the Moravec Individual Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Moravec Individual Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Resolve agriculture trespass.

ALLOTMENT #06206 - Upper Black Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,036 67 cattle June 15 - July 31 100 104 M Deferred

Background information

The Upper Black Coulee grazing allotment is located west of the Lloyd Road near the confluence of Bill’s Coulee and Black Coulee. The landscape is a mosaic of Wyoming big sagebrush and grassland benches, steep coulees and timbered areas with mixed stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The

Page 123 steep drainages empty into Black Coulee and are the dominant feature covering most of the Allotment. The Upper Black Coulee grazing allotment is a single grazing unit grazed for a short period of time in combination with other grazing allotments in the area.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Upper Black Coulee grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a clayey ecological site in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Degree of Departure Ecological Site Soil Hydrologic Biotic Site Plant Community Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and None to None to None to UBC #1 Clayey thickspike wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

A step-point transect was completed and reference photos taken within a sagebrush-grassland plant community in 2010. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Clayey 24% 46% 48% 36% 2% 10% 38%

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses with western wheatgrass the most common.

The upland standard is being met in the Upper Black Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Upper Black Coulee Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation study to monitor trend at the 3’ x 3’ photo plot location.

ALLOTMENT #06207 - Ragland Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,085 1 cattle June 15 - October 15 100 25 M Deferred

Background information

The Ragland Ridge grazing allotment is located along the east side of Ragland Bench. The majority of public land is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Most of the public land is steep, rough terrain with timbered coulees and badlands dissected by very deep drainages. Sagebrush- grassland types are limited and cover only small areas of public land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Four upland plant communities were sampled in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The sites chosen were areas accessible for monitoring and are not representative of the plant communities found on public land. The Allotment contains steep badland areas that are naturally erodible and in many areas are lacking vegetation. Adjacent timbered slopes generally have a sparse understory and high amounts of bare ground. Sampling these areas would be difficult and their use as indicators for land health and trend for making management decisions would be limited. The sites are a complex of soils (dense clay, clayey and shallow clay). The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 26) 39% 25% 47% 28% 3% 16% 34% 2013 #2 (Sec 26) 17% 59% 58% 41% 1% 16% 45% 2013 #3 (Sec 35) 3% 36% 86% 73% 5% 8% 81% 2013 #4 (Sec 34) 4% 39% 87% 58% 2% 27% 72%

Site #1 - Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of cool season perennial grasses dominated by western and bluebunch wheatgrass. Minor amounts of broom snakeweed and fringed sagewort were present. Data was collected immediately after a hailstorm and heavy rainfall.

Site #2 - Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory dominated by western wheatgrass. The area had trace amounts of fringed sagewort and broom snakeweed. Data was collected immediately after a hailstorm and heavy rainfall.

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Site #3 - Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season perennial grasses comprised of Sandberg bluegrass, prairie junegrass, western and bluebunch wheatgrass and blue grama. There were trace amounts of invasive plants.

Site #4 - Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory of western and bluebunch wheatgrass and green needlegrass. Annual bromes were present in minor amounts.

The sites contained late successional plant communities dominated by a diverse understory of desirable forage species. Forbs made up only a small percentage of the canopy cover. Invasive plants were in trace or minor amounts.

The upland standard is being met in the Ragland Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Ragland Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06208 - Lost Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 6,253 235 cattle May 15 - November 15 34 487 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Lost Ridge grazing allotment contains an East and West pasture that are rotated each year concurrent with a farm/fallow crop rotation. Livestock graze the fallow field early and then move to the second pasture after the crop is harvested. The following year the pasture rotation is reversed. Under this system, the pastures are rested throughout the growing season once every two years. In addition, the East Pasture has an area along the Missouri River that is separated from upland areas of the pasture by steep, rough topography. Livestock must be trailed to the river, and to manage for the condition and health of riparian communities, grazing is scheduled one in every four years, normally when the East Pasture is scheduled for early use.

The Lost Ridge grazing allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at two locations in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Dense Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to East Clay wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to Slight to West Clayey wheatgrass, blue grama Slight Slight Moderate

The slight to moderate departure from expected conditions at the site in the West Pasture was from the low composition of deep-rooted bunchgrasses (bluebunch wheatgrass). The dominant grass in the understory was western wheatgrass (rhizomatous grass). Annual production was somewhat lower than expected when compared to site potential. Invasive plants were present, mostly annual bromes, but only in trace amounts.

A point-intercept transect was established in 2014 in the West Pasture to monitor vegetation changes. Both the East and West pastures contain 3’ x 3’ photo plots and step-point transects that were updated in 2014. The results of the vegetation transects are summarized in the tables below.

East Pasture Step-Point Transect #1 (T23N, R19E, Section 5) Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1982 Mixed 16% 48% 29% 1984 Mixed 18% 49% 29% 1988 Mixed 12% 61% 52% 33% 1% 18% 34% 2004 Mixed 18% 11% 90% 44% 4% 22% 49% 2014 Mixed 20% 42% 54% 23% 2% 29% 30% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was 18% of the shrub canopy cover recorded in 1988, 19% in 2004 and 28% in 2014.

West Pasture Step-Point Transect #2 (T23N, R18E, Section 1) Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1983 Mixed 15% 66% 15% 1985 Mixed 13% 59% 28% 1987 Mixed 7% 84% 62% 37% 3% 22% 43% 2014 Mixed 28% 53% 41% 25% 0% 16% 29% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

East Pasture Step-Point Transect #3 (T24N, R19E, Section 32) Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1982 Mixed 21% 27% 24%

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1984 Mixed 26% 30% 28% 2014 Mixed 21% 45% 57% 37% 5% 15% 45% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was 14% of the canopy cover.

West Pasture Point-Intercept Transect Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2014 Clayey 8% 58% 66% 46% 3% 17% 49% 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The upland standard is being met in the Lost Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

In 2014 a permanent transect was established along the Missouri River following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

The riparian standard is being met in the Lost Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Lost Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the Lost Ridge grazing allotment to Selective Management Category I. 2. Implement adaptive management strategy to include the Lion Coulee grazing allotment in the pasture rotation.

ALLOTMENT #06209 - Barnard Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy Single Pasture 3,731 114 cattle June 15 - September 13 87 294 I Deferred

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Background information

The Barnard Ridge grazing allotment is located north of Greasewood Bottom (Missouri River) and between Red Rock Ridge and Lone Tree Ridge. Williamson Coulee serves as the eastern boundary.

Barnard Ridge is one of several grazing allotments used as part of a larger grazing management strategy. Along with Barnard Ridge, the grazing operator uses the Ervin Ridge, Greasewood Bottom, Williamson Bottom, Sturgeon Island and West Gist grazing allotments. Grazing use in the latter two is suspended and must be applied for and approved annually. Upland areas are grazed during the summer months, use is deferred until mid to late June, and the bottoms along the Missouri River are scheduled for short grazing periods during the fall months.

All the public land within the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. A portion of the Allotment is within the Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An evaluation report and determination document was prepared in 2000 and 2009 stating the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at four locations in 2009. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized below.

1. BR#1 (T24N, R19E, Section 27, NESW) - an upland health assessment was completed on a clayey ecological site and a 3’ x 3’ photo plot permanently established. The site was a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial grasses. The departure from expected conditions was none to slight for soil and site stability and slight to moderate for hydrologic function and biotic integrity. Good species diversity with a high percentage of deeper-rooted plants with above average forage production was noted.

2. BR#2 (T24N, R19E, Section 35, NENE) - an upland health assessment was completed along with a step-point transect and establishment of a permanent 3’ x 3’ photo plot. The site was a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial grasses. The departure from expected conditions was none to slight for soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity.

3. BR#3 (T24N, R19E, Section 27, NENW) - an upland health assessment along with general view photographs was completed. The site was a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial grasses. The departure from expected conditions was none to slight for soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity.

4. BR#4 (T24N, R19E, Section 34, SWNW) - an upland health assessment along with a step-point transect and establishment of a permanent 3’ x 3’ photo plot was completed. The site was a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial grasses. The departure from expected conditions was none to slight for soil and site stability, hydrologic function and biotic integrity. The 3’ x 3’ photo plot was re-photographed in 2011 and 2014.

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The four plant communities evaluated were well represented by later successional species. Few invasive plants were found, although the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was high on all four sites. This could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

Two step-point transects and 3’ x 3’ photo plots were permanently established to monitor vegetation changes. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Site BR#2 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2009 Clayey 16% 31% 69% 30% 11% 19% 44% 1Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 17%. Other shrubs at the site included greasewood and rubber rabbitbrush.

Site BR#4 - Clayey Ecological Site Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2009 Clayey 9% 36% 77% 33% 1% 29% 36% 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded.

The upland standard is being met in the Barnard Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

One drainage referred to as Greasewood Coulee was evaluated in 2003 and rated as Nonfunctioning. The plant list and photographs indicated the drainage was dominated by upland plant species. In 2009, an Interdisciplinary Team reevaluated Greasewood Coulee. It was determined to be an ephemeral drainage, did not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, did not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and was classified as non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Barnard Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Adopt adaptive management strategy - the complex of grazing allotments used by the grazing permittee, consisting of both large upland areas and bottoms along the Missouri River, provide an opportunity to implement a more flexible grazing strategy based on end of season monitoring. The current season of use is rigid with upland areas grazed during the summer months and the river bottoms scheduled for fall use. This nearly eliminates the ability to rest or defer upland areas or graze the river bottoms during another time, such as the early part of the growing season when riparian areas would likely be under water during high flows. Changing the grazing strategy would allow more flexible seasons of use controlled by permit terms and conditions. Grazing the river bottoms 1 in every 3 or 5 years or limiting the grazing period to 20 or 30 days, makes for more proactive management. 2. Collect end of season utilization to document use by both livestock and wildlife and to identify any conflicts with wildlife and livestock distribution problems. Mapping the use levels in broad categories such as none, light, moderate, heavy and severe, would be adequate.

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ALLOTMENT #06210 - Maxwell

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 100 1 cattle April 15 - October 31 100 10 C Season-long

Background information

The Maxwell grazing allotment is located near Lone Tree Bench between Barnard Ridge and Pendell Ridge. Williamson Coulee divides the Allotment.

The small amount of public land in the Allotment is fenced in with State land and managed as a single pasture or management unit. All the public land within the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 1999 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A general view landscape photo and step-point transect were completed in 2010 to monitor vegetation composition and soil condition. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Mixed 12% 44% 72% 48% 12% 12% 56% 1Complex of one than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded.

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. Dominant grasses included bluebunch and western wheatgrass. Bluebunch wheatgrass comprised 24% of the canopy cover. Vegetation composition, bare ground and plant litter were well within reference conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Maxwell Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Williamson Coulee

The upper end of Williamson Coulee, less than 0.25 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2003 and was rated as Nonfunctional. In 2014, the reach was reassessed and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition with an upward trend. The site is near potential consisting of herbaceous riparian- wetland plant communities containing salt tolerant plants.

The riparian standard is being met in the Maxwell Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Maxwell Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. After consultation with the grazing permittee, shorten the grazing period to match the actual season of livestock use.

ALLOTMENT #06211 - Black Butte

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Grazing BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. System or Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. Strategy 80 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 8 Year-round 203 cattle May 1 - June 14 84 255 I 8,225 84 cattle June 15 - October 10 84 277 Season-long 203 cattle October 11 - November 14 84 199

Background information

The Black Butte grazing allotment is located east of Lone Tree Bench and north of Williamson Bottom (Missouri River). Lion Coulee serves as the north boundary and Williamson Coulee the east boundary. Lone Tree Ridge, Pendell Ridge and Black Butte (east side) are prominent features in the Allotment.

A simple strategy has been used rotating livestock between three distinctive ridges. Cattle are turned out on a different ridge each year, the North, Middle or South ridge, and allowed to drift naturally into other areas of the Allotment.

The grazing permit includes 80 acres of public land, located in the SESW and SWSE of section 33 in T25N, R19E, which is fenced in with the grazing permittees private land and separate from the main portion of the Black Butte grazing allotment.

All the public land within the Allotment, with the exception of the 80-acre tract mentioned above, is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

A very small portion of the Black Butte grazing allotment, approximately 50 acres, is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. In addition, a portion of Allotment is within the Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area.

The evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Allotment was making progress toward meeting the Standards of Rangeland Health. The report suggested that because management was changed in 1997 there had not been enough time to determine whether the Allotment was meeting the Standards for Rangeland Health. Causal factors identified in the report included conifer encroachment into Wyoming big sagebrush plant communities, problems with historic livestock grazing patterns and yearly variations in climate.

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The Allotment was evaluated again in 2009. Existing range and wildlife studies were updated and reviewed to determine the status of resource conditions and trends. In addition, a number of upland and riparian health assessments were completed. The evaluation report and determination document stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at five locations in 2007. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Site Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity BB#1 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to Clay western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight BB#2 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and None to None to None to Clay bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight BB#3 Silty Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and None to None to None to bluebunch wheatgrass and green Slight Slight Slight needlegrass BB#4 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to Slight to None to Clay wheatgrass Slight Moderate Slight BB#5 Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Clay wheatgrass and green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight

Step-point and point-intercept transects were used to sample an upland plant community at three sites on the North and Middle ridge. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

North Ridge Step-Point Transect (T24N R19E Section 12) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover (Grasses+Forbs) Height 2007 23% 19% 58% 18% 16% 24% 35% 2011 15% 65% 86% 49% 4% 33% 53% 2016 10% 68% 56% 32% 4% 20% 42% 10” 10” 1Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 24% in 2007, 32% in 2011 and 20% in 2016.

Middle Ridge Step-Point Transect (T24N R19E Section 13) Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2007 Shallow Clay 25% 28% 56% 26% 13% 17% 42% 2011 Shallow Clay 20% 65% 89% 49% 8% 32% 57% 1Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 16% in 2007 and 31% in 2011.

Middle Ridge Point-Intercept Transect (T24N R19E Section 13) Year Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Sagebrush Herbaceous Ground Vegetation Cover Height Cover

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(Grasses+Forbs) Height 2016 12% 62% 42% 19% 1% 21% 24% 10” 9” 1The canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 19%.

The plant communities are well represented by later successional species. Few invasive plants were found, although the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was high on some sites. This could be the result of fire exclusion. Wyoming big sagebrush cover often increases regardless of plant community health. In the absence of fire, sagebrush cover will increase until it reaches a balance with climate and site conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Black Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Two lotic assessments were completed in 2003 on small tributaries to Bullwhacker Creek; Williamson Coulee and an unnamed tributary to Bullwhacker Creek. Williamson Coulee received a rating of Nonfunctional and the unnamed tributary to Bullwhacker Creek was rated as Functioning at Risk. The notes, field forms and photographs indicated both drainages were ephemeral coulee bottoms that lacked the physical site characteristics and riparian-wetland species to be designated as a riparian plant community. To clarify their classification as riparian areas, the drainages were reassessed in 2008.

Williamson Coulee

Williamson Coulee crosses 4.61 miles of public land in the Black Butte grazing allotment. The first 2.41 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The upper half contains a continuous, herbaceous riparian-wetland plant community dominated by three- square bulrush and common spikerush. The lower half transitions into discontinuous islands of herbaceous riparian-wetland communities. Upland plants dominated the interspaces. The remaining 2.2 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non- riparian.

Unnamed Tributary to Bullwhacker Creek

The tributary crosses 4.82 miles of public land in the Black Butte grazing allotment. The first 2.14 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 2.68 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non- riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Black Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Black Butte Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. Providing for plant rest and recovery after grazing currently relies on a simple formula of turning out livestock in a different area of the Allotment each year and letting them naturally drift or be herded into other areas. Stockwater availability and topography greatly influence livestock use patterns. 2. Quantitative range studies need repeated to document trend and provide baseline measurements for future comparisons with reference areas. To supplement these studies, collect end of season utilization data, both livestock and wildlife, to identify any conflicts with wildlife and distribution problems. Mapping the use levels in broad categories such as none, light, moderate, heavy and severe, would be adequate to indicate if forage demand matches the availability. 3. Begin grazing based on the development of key forage grasses rather than calendar dates. Under the current authorization, grazing begins each year on May 1. As a rule, bunchgrasses (green needlegrass) should be in the 3 to 4 leaf stage; western wheatgrass should have 4 to 6 inches of growth; and, native bluegrass should be approaching the boot stage.

ALLOTMENT #06212 - Ervin Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period Animal Unit Months Operator Area Number Class Begin End % Public Land Active Suspended Total #1 Custodial 1 Cattle 3/1 2/28 100% 3 0 3 #1 Common 119 Cattle 6/15 10/10 56% 319 39 358 #2 Common 87 Cattle 6/29 10/24 100% 338 39 377 Totals 660 78 738

Background information

The Ervin Ridge grazing allotment is located north of Williamson, Round and Long bottoms (Missouri River). Bullwhacker Creek serves as the north and east boundary and Williamson Coulee the west boundary. Ervin Ridge extends the length of the Allotment ending near the mouth of Bullwhacker Creek where it empties into the Missouri River.

The Ervin Ridge grazing allotment is a “common” allotment permitted to two individuals. The size of the Allotment is 11,251 acres with a carrying capacity of 802 AUMs. The stocking rate for public land averages 14.6 acres per AUM.

Grazing by feral horses affected forage and resource conditions until the early 1980’s. At one time, probably in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the Ervin Ridge grazing allotment contained a wild horse herd numbering between 40 and 60 horses. The number gradually declined and the last remaining horse was captured and removed in the early 1980’s. In 1985, through a land use plan amendment, BLM made the decision that the Ervin Ridge Wild Horse Herd Area would remain free of wild horses.

In 1997 the Ervin Ridge grazing allotment was divided into three areas of use; the Ridge Pasture, Bullwhacker Creek and the Gist Pasture. One significant change involved separating the management of upland areas from bottoms along the Missouri River. Individual grazing allotments were created for three river bottoms removing them from the Ervin Ridge grazing allotment. These included Sturgeon Island #06284 (Long & Round Bottom) and West Gist #06285.

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Bullwhacker Creek is the natural boundary between the Ervin Ridge and Little Bullwhacker grazing allotments. Although the forage allocated to livestock from Bullwhacker Creek is considered part of the Ervin Ridge grazing allotment, the bottom of Bullwhacker Creek is more properly described as a common use area. Because of the topography and limited fencing options, it is difficult to control livestock from drifting into the area from both grazing allotments.

A large part of the Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area is within the Allotment. A final suitability study and environmental impact statement completed by the BLM in 1987 recommended dropping the area for wilderness designation.

Nearly all the public land within the Allotment, with the exception of 17 acres, is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

A part of the Allotment is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River (UMNWSR) corridor.

The evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Allotment was making progress toward meeting the Standards of Rangeland Health.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at three locations in 2007. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T24N Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to R20E Clay bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 27 T24N Clayey Wyoming big sagebrush/ western and None to None to None to R20E bluebunch wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 33 T24N Swallow Wyoming big sagebrush/ green None to None to None to R21E Clay needlegrass and western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 32

In 1975, IR Transect #1 (T24N, R20E, Section 27, SESE) was established in the Ridge Pasture on a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of perennial grasses. The study included a general view photo, close up photo and step-point transect. In 1975, the site was noted as a problem area, rated in poor range condition and described as having little vegetative cover or plant litter accumulation. The step-point transect and photographs were repeated in 2007 and 2011. The results are summarized below.

Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1975 Mixed 51 11 34 2007 Mixed 20 36 61 22 5 28 30

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2011 Mixed 20 62 69 39 3 27 42 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was 23% of the shrub canopy cover in both 2007 and 2011.

1975 2011

In comparing the 1975 and 2011 photos and transect data, the amount of plant litter and live vegetation has increased and the amount of bare ground has decreased.

The current grazing strategy, implemented in 1997 and reviewed in both 2000 and 2007, indicates there has been an improvement in resource conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Ervin Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bullwhacker Creek

Bullwhacker Creek serves as the common allotment boundary between the Ervin Ridge and Little Bullwhacker #06214 grazing allotments. Bullwhacker Creek, 12.22 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as a non-riparian.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Ervin Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Designate Bullwhacker Creek as a common use area for the Ervin Ridge and Little Bullwhacker grazing allotments. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

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ALLOTMENT #06214 - Little Bullwhacker

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period % Public Animal Unit Months Pasture Land Number Class Begin End Active Suspended Total Holding 282 Cattle 5/15 10/15 Custodial 60 0 60 7-pastures 282 Cattle 5/15 10/15 94% 1,342 208 1,550 Totals 1,402 208 1,610

Background information

The Little Bullwhacker grazing allotment is bordered by Bullwhacker Creek on the south and Cow Creek on the east. Little Bullwhacker Creek divides the Allotment. Gist Bottom (Missouri River) is part of the Allotment and contains the abandoned homestead last used by the Gist Family. The Snake Point trail is accessed from Gist Bottom and is considered the trail Captain Clark used to view the Rocky Mountains. The Cable Place and Gilmore Cabin historic homesteads are also located within the Allotment.

The Little Bullwhacker grazing allotment is 22,743 acres in size and contains 21,518 acres of public land. Little Bullwhacker is classified as an “I” category grazing allotment. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Cow Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. A very small portion of public land is within the Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area. The Allotment has had a functional allotment management plan since 1981. Grazing is deferred until May 15 each year and livestock are rotated through seven pastures. The Gist Ranch Pasture (Missouri River) is scheduled for short grazing periods (10-14 days) in the spring and/or fall.

Historic structures are located at the Gilmore and Cable Place home sites. The Gilmore Cabin is available for overnight use.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at five locations in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to Gilmore Clay western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Gist Needle and thread and bluebunch and None to None to None to Silty Ranch western wheatgrass1 Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Joel Clayey wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight

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Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch and None to None to None to Joel Clay western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Sitting Shallow Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch, None to Slight to Slight to Bull Clay western and thickspike wheatgrass Slight Moderate Moderate 1Site lacks shrub overstory from prescribed burn that occurred in 1990’s.

The cause for the slight to moderate ratings in the Sitting Bull Pasture were the presence of pedestalled plants in bare areas, slightly less plant litter when compared to reference conditions and trace amounts of invasive plants, mostly annual bromes.

Upland plant communities were sampled in the Joel and Gas Springs pastures using step-point transects to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Joel Pasture Step-Point Transect (T24N R21E Section 7) Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1982 Mixed 38% 18% 51% 14% 15% 32% 1984 Mixed 36% 15% 49% 14% 6% 29% 1989 Mixed 15% 24% 62% 25% 18% 19% 1990 Mixed 8% 39% 55% 28% 11% 16% 2004 Mixed 23% 35% 51% 28% 0% 23% 28% 2010 Mixed 16% 28% 64% 48% 0% 16% 48% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 22% in 2004 and 16% in 2010.

Gas Springs Pasture Step-Point Transect (T24N R20E Section 13) Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1983 Mixed 32% 22% 57% 21% 6% 30% 1985 Mixed 21% 19% 56% 19% 4% 33% 1987 Mixed 28% 28% 54% 18% 5% 31% 1989 Mixed 29% 16% 68% 18% 26% 24% 1991 Mixed 9% 38% 56% 34% 1% 21% 2004 Mixed 19% 34% 50% 22% 3% 25% 28% 2010 Mixed 24% 26% 50% 22% 4% 24% 26% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush totaled 25% in 2004 and 24% in 2010.

The Joel Pasture contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot that was established in 1983. The photographs were repeated in 1984, 1987, 1989, 1991 and 2010. The Gas Springs Pasture contains a 3’ x 3’ photo plot that was established in 1981. These were repeated in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991 and 2010.

The upland standard is being met in the Little Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Bullwhacker Creek

Bullwhacker Creek, a combined length of 0.79 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. Of the total, 0.23 miles (upper end) is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland

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area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian. The remaining 0.56 miles is essentially the mouth of Bullwhacker Creek, where it empties into the Missouri River. This section is influenced by backwater flows from the Missouri River providing permanent water throughout the growing season. Woody riparian communities were dominated by sandbar, peachleaf and yellow willow and seedling, sapling, pole and mature plains cottonwood. This section classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Cow Creek

The portion of Cow Creek located on public land (2.58 miles) was assessed in 2014. Only a small percentage of Cow Creek is in public ownership. The reach received a rating of Functioning at Risk with an upward trend. The portion assessed has a wide, alluvial floodplain, contains herbaceous riparian- wetland plant communities with a long-term potential of woody plant communities (willow/cottonwood) depending on climatic conditions and water availability. Historically a perennial stream, Cow Creek flows became interrupted after construction of Cow Creek Reservoir in the early 1980’s to supply water for several pivot irrigation systems. Drawdown during the irrigation season severely altered late summer flows, especially during dry years, and was likely a limiting factor for sustaining newly established woody riparian plants. The irrigation system has been abandoned returning Cow Creek to flows that are more normal.

Little Bullwhacker Creek

Little Bullwhacker Creek, 4.81 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Tributary to Bullwhacker Creek

A tributary to Bullwhacker Creek, 4.15 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Squaw Creek

Squaw Creek, 1.18 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2009. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

Cabin Creek

Cabin Creek, 0.68 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2009. It is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

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Missouri River

In 2014 a permanent transect was established along the Missouri River on Gist Bottom following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

The riparian standard is being met in the Little Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Little Bullwhacker Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Continue with current grazing authorization and management strategy. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend in the Sitting Bull and Gilmore pastures.

ALLOTMENT #06215 - Dark Butte

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 150 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 33 M Custodial 4,404 150 cattle June 1 - October 5 52 326 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Dark Butte grazing allotment is located along the north side of the Missouri River, bordering the river for about 7 miles between Hole in the Wall and Pablo Rapids. In addition to public land, there are 2,572 acres of private land with a surveyed carrying capacity of 327 AUMs.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River (Wild Section) and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

The Allotment is divided into three rotation pastures; East, West Upriver and West Downriver. A portion of the public land, about 270 acres, is fenced in with smaller pastures containing mostly private land.

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Noxious weeds, to include Russian and spotted knapweed, leafy spurge and perennial pepperweed are a persistent problem. The infestations have been treated with herbicides since the late 1980’s and biocontrol agents have been released targeting Russian and spotted knapweed and leafy spurge.

The West Downriver Pasture contains several key riparian, scenic and recreation sites. Karl Bodmer used the area at Steamboat Rock and Dark Butte as a scenic background for one of his paintings.

Before 1999, the Allotment was grazed nearly yearlong starting in the East Pasture in April and staying until the end of February in the West Pasture. Livestock were moved to the West Pasture after crops were harvested, usually around September 1. Overuse in the East Pasture was common because of consistent early season grazing in the spring and the uneven size of the pastures. Problems included maintenance of drift fences separating the East and West pastures, cropland in the West Pasture limiting the season of use to late summer and early fall, hot season grazing in riparian areas, recreation and livestock conflicts at the Dark Butte Primitive Boat Camp and livestock concentrating along the Missouri River underutilizing forage in upland areas.

To resolve the management problems related to livestock grazing, a stockwater pipeline system was installed providing reliable water in upland areas (away from the river) in both the East and West pastures. The West Pasture was divided reducing the time livestock spend along the river and the season of use shortened to June 1 through October 5. Livestock distribution has significantly improved with more use in upland areas away from the river.

To reduce livestock/recreation conflicts at the Dark Butte Primitive Boat Camp, grazing is scheduled to occur before Memorial Day and/or after Labor Day. This reduces livestock/recreation conflicts throughout the peak of the floater season. Periodically, livestock are authorized to graze this section of the river to provide for rest during the growing season in other areas of the Allotment.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Upland health assessments were completed at four locations in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity West Saline Greasewood/Inland saltgrass, western None to None to None to Downriver Upland wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight West Wyoming big sagebrush/western None to None to None to Clayey Downriver wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to None to East Clayey wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Slight Slight West Silty Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch None to None to Slight to Upriver Steep wheatgrass, green needlegrass Slight Slight Moderate

Each site evaluated contained diverse plant communities and indicators of stable soil conditions. The sites contained an abundance of desirable plants; cool and warm season plants, rhizomatous grasses and bunchgrasses, forbs and shrubs. Signs of soil erosion were not present as indicated by rills and water

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flow patterns. The amount of bare ground was low and plant litter amounts were sufficient to protect the soil surface and resist erosion. Seed production (seedstalks and/or number of seeds per stalk) on perennial bunchgrasses was high indicating maintenance and continued recruitment of desirable plants.

To monitor changes in the plant community, a step-point transect was established on an upland plant community in 1999 and repeated in 2014. The percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs was measured. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The site is located on an upland terrace adjacent the Missouri River. The soils are varied (complex) because of depositional material from historic flooding and erosion of soil from adjacent, steep hillsides. Key indicators used to evaluate site conditions were bare ground (low), plant litter (high), live vegetation (high and composed of desirable plants) and herbaceous cover (high). The results are summarized in the table below.

West Downriver Pasture; T23N, R14E, Section 5 Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs2 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 1999 Mixed 3% 35% 79% 70% 0% 13% 76% 2014 Mixed 3% 81% 77% 58% 1% 18% 71% 1Complex of more than one ecological site. 2Wyoming big sagebrush was 8% of the shrub canopy cover in both 1999 and 2014.

The upland standard is being met in the Dark Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Dark Butte Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Dark Butte Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. Continue applicable weed control strategies as identified in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Weed Management Plan. 2. Continue the current grazing strategy. Rotating through the East, West Upriver and West Downriver pastures, and delaying grazing until June 1 every year, provides periodic rest during the growing season in each pasture. Scheduling early and/or late use in the West Downriver Pasture (Dark Butte Primitive Boat Camp) has minimized livestock/recreation conflicts during the peak time when the area is used by floaters and outfitters. 3. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06216 - Pablo Rapids

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 2,708 90 cattle June 15 - August 9 63 105 M Deferred

Background information

The Pablo Rapids grazing allotment is located along the north side of the Missouri River, bordering the river for about 0.75 miles immediately upriver from Pablo Rapids. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

The Pablo Rapids grazing allotment is a single grazing unit totaling 3,475 acres with a capacity of 193 AUMs. The BLM grazing preference totals 143 AUMs; 105 AUMs of active use and 38 AUMs of suspended use. There are 628 acres of private land and 139 acres of State land with a surveyed carrying capacity of 61 AUMs.

The BLM acquired 211 acres of private land in 1985, all of which is along the Missouri River, using Land and Water Conservation Funds.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2005 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

In 2014 an upland plant community was sampled using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and the amount of bare ground and plant litter. The results of the upland health assessment and vegetation transect are summarized in the tables below.

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Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Pablo None to None to None to Silty Silver sagebrush/needle and thread Rapids Slight Slight Slight

T23N, R15E, Section 7 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2014 Silty 1% 83% 77% 49% 1% 27% 64% 1Silver sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

The upland health assessment ratings and data from the step-point transect indicated the plant community was well represented by later successional species. The site had a small amount of bare ground and a high percentage of plant litter.

The upland standard is being met in the Pablo Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian area along the Missouri River was fenced in 1994 to eliminate livestock/recreation conflicts and improve riparian conditions, specifically to aid the recruitment of cottonwood and willow species. The Pablo Rapids Primitive Boat Camp is located within the exclosure in a small stand of mature cottonwood trees. The size of the exclosure and type of fence has been modified several times. After an off-site livestock watering system was installed in 2000, consisting of a stilling well next to the river, solar array, pipeline, and stock tank located 0.25 miles from the river, the entire river bottom was fenced to exclude livestock use.

After 23 years of livestock exclusion, data from vegetation transects collected in 2012 indicated 25% of the site contains woody species, all in the seedling and young age class. These consist of sandbar and yellow willow and plains cottonwood. Damage from ice and beaver to all woody species totaled 68%. Many of the plains cottonwood plants were sheared off to the base by beavers.

Photo monitoring of the riparian zone, taken in the early spring, summer and fall, has occurred from 1993 to 2017. The photos illustrate the riparian community has been exposed to continual disturbance from ice scouring, sediment loads burying new seedlings and saplings, wildlife use and low and high water levels. Beaver and ice impacts to woody riparian species have been substantial.

In 2012 permanent transects were established along the Missouri River following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks

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National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

The riparian standard is being met in the Pablo Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Impacts within the exclosure are from lack of grazing, invasive plant species and recreational development. Recreational use has altered areas through vegetation removal, soil compaction, and the spread of noxious weeds. Alterations and degradation is not due to grazing. Due to healthy uplands outside of the exclosure, and healthy riparian communities, this allotment is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Pablo Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Continue applicable weed control strategies as identified in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Weed Management Plan. 2. Change season of use (later) to defer grazing until mid to late summer. 3. The fenced area enclosing the Pablo Rapids Primitive Boat Camp and riparian zone should be periodically grazed to reduce the fire hazard from the increase in fine fuels and as a treatment to impact non-native grasses (smooth brome, quackgrass). 4. Continue use of off-site livestock watering system and electric fence to exclude livestock use along the river. 5. Continue monitoring woody species recruitment and regeneration within enclosure.

ALLOTMENT #06218 - Sneath Common

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management Livestock Grazing Period Animal Unit Months Operator Area Number Class Begin End % Public Land Active Suspended Total #1 Custodial 1 Cattle 6/10 10/21 100% 75 48 123 #2 Common 78 Cattle 6/10 10/21 100% 344 0 344 Totals 419 48 467

Background information

The Sneath Common grazing allotment is located along the Missouri River, bordering the river for about 12 miles, from Wolf Islands to slightly above Deadman Rapids. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Sneath Common is classified as an “I” category grazing allotment. The Allotment contains about 5,600 acres of public land and 900 acres of State and private land. The Allotment is grazed in common with two operators.

In 1995, the Allotment was divided into six primary areas of livestock use separated by natural barriers (steep topography) and short drift fences to prevent livestock from trailing up and down the river. Three of the six use areas are in private ownership. Each use area contains one or more river bottoms and adjacent upland areas that become steeper as you move away from the river. The success of this

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management strategy was limited. The drift fences that extend into the river were damaged or torn out during high flow events, and during low flows, livestock were able to walk around the ends. In some areas, livestock also found new routes through steeper terrain to move between river bottoms bypassing the drift fences. After several years, it became clear that it was not practical to control the timing and duration of livestock use on each river bottom. The drift fence and topography separating Use Area #2 and #3 was the only effective location preventing livestock from trailing up and down the river. The grazing strategy was adjusted by grouping together Use Areas #1and #2 (upriver bottoms) and Use Areas #3, #4, #5 and #6 (downriver bottoms). Early and late use is alternated each year between the upper and lower use areas. For example, if livestock graze the upriver bottoms early one year, the next year they would be scheduled for late use.

Use Area #2 contains the Slaughter River Developed Boat Camp and Use Area #5 contains The Wall Primitive Boat Camp. Both sites are fenced to eliminate livestock/recreation conflicts during the floater season.

Trees and shrubs were planted in the understory of the mature cottonwood grove inside The Wall exclosure. The new plantings were watered with a solar powered drip irrigation system. The system was used for about 10 years and then removed. Shrub and tree mortality was high from successive dry years and wildlife use.

Use Area #5 was burned by a human caused wildfire in July 1996. The fire consumed all of the upland vegetation away from the river, the understory throughout the cottonwood grove and several cottonwood trees. Damage was extensive resulting in the death of several mature cottonwood trees.

On those river bottoms containing mature cottonwood groves, impacts from beavers have been substantial. Mature cottonwood trees have been girdled, eventually causing their death, or cut down completely. Weakened trees are often blown down by strong winds.

Noxious weeds to include leafy spurge, Canada thistle, perennial pepperweed and Russian and spotted knapweed, are prevalent along the river and in camping areas. Control using herbicides and the release of biocontrol agents has been occurring since the 1980’s. Control efforts have probably limited the spread and size of existing infestations. New infestations or small, spot infestations have been aggressively treated.

The evaluation report determining whether land health standards were being met on the Allotment was completed in 2002. The report stated that Standard #1 (uplands) was being met in the Allotment; however, it noted that the expanding black-tailed prairie dog town on Use Area #5 (The Wall) was impacting upland health and eliminating habitat important for other wildlife species. Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met but livestock was not identified as a significant causal factor. Grazing was influencing the density of riparian communities; however, the impact from beaver, ice flows, deposition and the construction of upstream dams was having a greater effect. Standard #5 (habitat) was not being met due to the expanding black-tailed prairie dog towns located on Use Area #5 and #6.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on Use Area #1, #3, #4 and #6 in 2010. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

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Ecological Degree of Departure Use Area Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Dense None to None to #1 Greasewood/western wheatgrass Moderate Clay Slight Slight Dense None to Slight to #3 Greasewood/western wheatgrass Moderate Clay Slight Moderate Greasewood/western wheatgrass and None to None to Slight to #4 Silty needle and thread Slight Slight Moderate None to None to Slight to #6 Silty Silver sagebrush/western wheatgrass Slight Slight Moderate

The slight to moderate and moderate departures from expected conditions resulted from the high densities of shrubs, principally greasewood, and annual bromes. The ID Team noted the difficulty in comparing the ecological reference site with current conditions for river bottoms along the Missouri River. Soils are mixed in these areas containing erosional material from adjacent hillsides and alluvium from the Missouri River. In addition, the amount of salt in the profile and their depth can influence the composition of plant communities often favoring more salt tolerant plants.

Upland plant communities were sampled on Use Area #1, #3, #4 and #6 in 2010 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and the amount of plant litter and bare ground. Reference photographs were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Use Area #1 - T23N, R15E, Section 30 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Dense Clay 2% 60% 88% 42% 2% 44% 78% 1Silver sagebrush is 18% of the shrub canopy cover. Greasewood is the dominant shrub.

Use Area #3 - T23N, R15E, Section 33 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Dense Clay 2% 68% 90% 62% 0% 28% 88% 1Greasewood was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Use Area #4 - T22N, R15E, Section 3 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Silty 1% 52% 95% 81% 1% 13% 99% 1Wyoming big sagebrush is 5% of the shrub canopy cover. Greasewood is the dominant shrub.

Use Area #6 - T22N, R16E, Section 6 Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Silty 1% 83% 96% 74% 3% 19% 93% 1Shrubs consisted of silver sagebrush and Wyoming big sagebrush.

The upland standard is being met in the Sneath Common Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

In 2013 permanent transects were established along the Missouri River on Use Area #5 (excluded from livestock grazing ) and Use Area #6 following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

The riparian standard is being met in the Sneath Common Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Black-tailed prairie dog towns provide important diversity for many wildlife species, and vegetative condition is not an issue in the areas. The areas excluded from grazing are being impacted from recreational development and use. Invasive grasses continue to expand in the absence of grazing within the exclosures. Due to the health and diversity of the upland and riparian vegetative communities outside the exclosures, this allotment is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sneath Common Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Continue applicable weed control strategies as identified in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Weed Management Plan. 2. Continue with the deferred-rotation grazing strategy, grouping together Use Areas #1 and #2 and Use Areas #3, #4, #5 and #6, alternating early and late use. 3. The fenced area enclosing The Wall Primitive Boat Camp, should be periodically grazed, perhaps once every five years, to reduce the fire hazard from the increase in fine fuels and as a treatment to impact non-native grasses (reed canarygrass, quackgrass). 4. Continue the use and maintenance of the electric fence around The Wall Primitive Boat Camp. 5. Continue monitoring riparian communities on Use Area #5 and #6, comparing the site excluded from grazing with the grazed site.

ALLOTMENT #06219 - Fourmile Hill

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 28 cattle July 1 - October 15 100 4 C Deferred

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Background information

The Fourmile Hill grazing allotment is located north of the PN Road and bordered by Chip Creek to the west and south.

The Allotment is a 40-acre tract of public land located within a larger pasture of State and private ownership. An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The general topography of the area is a flat bench beneath a steep rock outcrop. The plant community was composed of bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, and western wheatgrass. Shrub cover was 14% and consisted primarily of Wyoming big sagebrush. The amount of plant litter was 22% and bare ground 15%. There were water flow patterns observed in areas of bare soil. However, erosion has not occurred at a rate high enough to affect soil surface loss or degradation. This observation could be attributed to higher than normal runoff at the base of the steep rock outcrop.

The upland standard is being met in the Fourmile Hill Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Fourmile Hill Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the season of use to June 1 through July 31 to coincide with the grazing permittees current rotation.

ALLOTMENT #06220 - Eightmile Bench

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 818 51 cattle May 1 - November 30 100 89 C Season-long

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Background information

The Eightmile Bench grazing allotment consists of two tracts of public land lying west of the PN Road at the very end of Eightmile Bench. Separated by Taylor Coulee, the northernmost tract is dominated by Lidstone Hill and the southern tract is primarily the north facing slopes of Eightmile Bench.

The evaluation report prepared in 2001 stated that Standard #1 (uplands) was not being met on 270 acres of public land due to an agricultural trespass and a black-tailed prairie dog town. These tracts were transferred to private ownership in 2002. The Standards of Rangeland Health were being met on the remaining acres of public land.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled at two location in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 18) 5% 35% 90% 79% 10% 1% 89% 2013 #2 (Sec 24) 3% 50% 93% 84% 3% 6% 89%

Site #1 (Lidstone Hill) - a short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, western wheatgrass and blue grama. Trace amounts of invasive plants (annual bromes) were present.

Site #2 (Eightmile Bench) - a short to mid-grass prairie plant community dominated by needle and thread, western wheatgrass, blue grama, and green needlegrass. Annual bromes were 15 to 20% of the canopy cover.

The plant communities were dominated by later successional species and the amount of bare ground was very low. Invasive plants had not reached a point where they are displacing other more desirable vegetation and interfering with plant community and soil health.

The upland standard is being met in the Eightmile Bench Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Eightmile Bench Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

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ALLOTMENT #06221 - Deadman Rapids

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 12 I Custodial 1,646 70 cattle July 1 - August 24 90 115 I Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Deadman Rapids grazing allotment is located about three miles upriver from Judith Landing (PN Bridge) bordering the Missouri River for about two miles near historic Deadman Rapids. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

The Allotment is divided into two pastures, the Upriver and Middle, both of which border the Missouri River and are nearly equal in size. The Upriver and Middle pastures are rotated so that the pasture grazed first one year is scheduled for late use the following year. Included in the grazing rotation is a third pasture containing private and State land.

The Drga Exchange of Use Agreement has been in effect since 1999 covering management of the private land bordering the Missouri River and within the Upriver and Middle pastures. The private land, totaling about 160 acres, is not owned by the grazing permittee. The agreement allows BLM to manage the grazing on private land under the same use authorized in the BLM grazing permit.

The grazing permit was changed in 1999 reducing the stocking rate and deferring grazing use until mid- summer.

A black-tailed prairie dog town, totaling about 12 acres, located on public and private land in section 28 of T23N, R15E, has been active since 1975.

Noxious weeds to include leafy spurge, Canada thistle, and Russian knapweed, are widespread along the Missouri River on private land. Small, scattered infestations have begun to appear in upland areas on public land.

An agricultural trespass and structural encroachment (corrals) is present in the SENW and NWNE of section 28 in T23N, R15E.

The evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated that Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were not being met and livestock management practices were a causal factor.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed in the Middle and Upriver pastures in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

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Ecological Degree of Departure Pasture Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/western Middle Slight to Slight to Slight to Silty wheatgrass, needle and thread and DR#5 Moderate Moderate Moderate bluebunch wheatgrass Wyoming big sagebrush/western Upriver Slight to Slight to Slight to Clayey wheatgrass, green needlegrass and DR#6 Moderate Moderate Moderate bluebunch wheatgrass

Site DR#5 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from domination by western wheatgrass (rhizomatous) rather than deeper-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. The amount of plant litter was 40% and should have been greater than 50% and a shallow compaction layer was present near the soil surface.

Site DR#6 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from the presence of short and infrequent water flow patterns. The amount of bare ground averaged 25% and should have been less than 15% and the canopy cover of Wyoming big sagebrush was high.

Point-intercept transects were established in 2003 and read again in 2004 and 2014 in the Middle and Upriver pastures to monitor vegetation changes. The results are summarized in the tables below.

Middle Pasture Point-Intercept Transect Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2003 Silty 50% 33% 21% 12% 1% 8% 13% 2004 Silty 17% 61% 35% 23% 1% 11% 29% 2014 Silty 7% 59% 62% 36% 1% 25% 56% 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Upriver Pasture Point-Intercept Transect Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs1 Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2003 Clayey 25% 54% 30% 13% 1% 18% 14% 2004 Clayey 28% 53% 42% 32% 1% 9% 35% 2014 Clayey 12% 73% 55% 38% 1% 16% 44% 1Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub recorded along the transect line.

Upland conditions have improved following changes in grazing management implemented in 1999. At both locations, the amount of bare ground has decreased and the amount of plant litter, live vegetation and herbaceous cover has increased.

The upland standard is being met in the Deadman Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Deadman Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06222 - Gallatin Rapids

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 5,345 50 cattle May 1 - October 6 91 238 I Rotation

Background information

The primary area of livestock use occurs along the Missouri River and in adjacent upland bottoms. The Allotment consists of three crested wheatgrass pastures located on Boiler Bottom, one upland pasture (Democrat) and four river bottoms (Sheep, Coal, Archer, Ford) lying along the Missouri River from Council Island about 10 miles downriver to the Stafford Ferry. Sheep Camp and Coal bottoms are grazed as one unit and are separated from the Archer and Ford bottoms, which are also grazed as one unit, by a short drift fence along the river. Livestock grazing begins each year in the crested wheatgrass pastures on Boiler Bottom deferring use on native rangelands until mid-July. Once livestock are finished in the crested wheatgrass pastures, they are moved upriver to either Sheep Camp/Coal bottoms or Archer/Ford bottoms. Grazing use on these bottoms is alternated each year. For example, if the Sheep Camp/Coal bottoms are used during the summer one year, they are scheduled for fall use the following year. The Democrat Pasture, the only upland pasture in the Allotment, is generally grazed in combination with Boiler Bottom or used in the fall as a final gathering pasture before removing livestock from the Allotment. The system is designed for more rapid pasture moves, shorter grazing periods during the hot season and deferment on native rangeland until later in the growing season. Each year, two of the river bottoms are ungrazed until after Labor Day reducing livestock/recreation conflicts in primitive camping areas.

The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and the Stafford Wilderness Study Area.

Noxious weeds are an issue and infest all of the river bottoms varying in size, density and species composition. The area contains leafy spurge, spotted and Russian knapweed, Canada thistle, Russian olive and salt cedar. Control efforts using herbicides and biocontrol agents are ongoing and have been occurring since the mid 1980’s.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Point-intercept transects were established in 2014 on Upper Coal and Ford bottoms to monitor changes in upland vegetation. Silver sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. The results are summarized in the tables below.

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Upper Coal Bottom Point-Intercept Transect Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2014 Mixed 3% 88% 66% 49% 3% 14% 63% 1Alluvial material deposited on upland terrace adjacent the Missouri River.

Ford Bottom Point-Intercept Transect Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2014 Mixed 0% 90% 76% 60% 7% 9% 71% 1Alluvial material deposited on upland terrace adjacent the Missouri River.

The plant communities were well represented by later successional species. Invasive plants were present, principally annual bromes; however, they had not reached a point where they are displacing other more desirable vegetation and interfering with plant community and soil health.

The upland standard is being met in the Gallatin Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

An exclosure was constructed in 2009 along the Missouri River on Ford Bottom to exclude livestock grazing. About 12 acres in size, the exclosure protects developing herbaceous and woody riparian plant communities. Because of the sites location along the Missouri River (outside bend), it is subjected to extensive ice and water damage (scouring). Monitoring of the site began in 1990. Tree and shrub species make up a small percentage of the canopy cover and have not developed beyond the seedling and young age class. The presence of leafy spurge was first reported in 1998. Extensive beaver activity was reported in 2004, and has been continuing, damaging willow and cottonwood seedlings and saplings.

In 2013 permanent transects were established along the Missouri River on Lower Coal and Ford Bottom following the protocol in the Field Guide: Vegetation Monitoring Protocol for the Upper Missouri River in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (August 2012). The study will detect changes in the condition and trend of streambanks and streamside riparian vegetation.

The riparian standard is being met in the Gallatin Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

A black-tailed prairie dog town on Sheep Camp Bottom provides important diversity for many wildlife species, and vegetative condition is not an issue in the area. Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, and presence of the black-tailed prairie dog town, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Gallatin Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06223 - Husar Home Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 83 1 cattle August 15 - October 31 100 13 C Deferred

Background information

The Husar Home Place grazing allotment lies at the south end of Ragland Bench and west of the Ragland Ridge Road. The Allotment consists of two separate tracts of public land fenced in with private farmland. The north tract is 30 acres and the south tract totals 53 acres. The latter is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Stafford Wilderness Study Area.

The very northeast corner of the south tract, SWSW of section 18, T23N, R18E, contains an agricultural trespass estimated to be 2 to 3 acres in size.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 North Tract 4% 76% 84% 60% 20% 4% 96%

The public land tracts are seldom grazed because of the adjacent farming operation on private land. The site is a late seral stand of Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass. Trace amounts of invasive plants were present (crested wheatgrass and annual bromes).

The upland standard is being met in the Husar Home Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Husar Home Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Resolve agriculture trespass.

ALLOTMENT #06224 - Upper Dauphine Rapids

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,663 1 cattle May 1 - November 30 100 20 M Season-long

Background information

The Upper Dauphine Rapids grazing allotment is not adjacent the Missouri River but immediately north of Dauphin Rapids and bordered on the east side by the Stafford Ferry Road. The majority of the Allotment consists of steep, rough terrain dissected by deep coulees and badlands along the slopes facing the Missouri River. Sagebrush-grassland types are limited and cover only small areas on public land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled at two locations in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

The sites chosen were the only areas on public land accessible to livestock, which do not necessarily represent the dominant plant communities found on public land. The majority of the Allotment consists of steep badland areas that are naturally erosive and in many areas lack vegetation. Adjacent timbered slopes generally have a sparse understory and high amounts of bare ground. Sampling these areas would be difficult and their use as indicators for land health and trend for making management decisions would be limited.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 14) 9% 44% 80% 50% 4% 16% 69% 2013 #2 (Sec 13) 8% 65% 91% 68% 0% 23% 83%

Site #1 - transect data was collected mid-slope (10-15%) on a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool season perennial grasses dominated by western wheatgrass. The majority of the tract was steep and forested or bare sandstone. Annual bromes totaled 19% of the canopy cover.

Site #2 - transect data was collected on a very narrow upland bench on a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory dominated by western and bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread and blue grama. Annual bromes totaled 7% of the canopy cover.

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The sites contained late successional plant communities dominated by a diverse understory of palatable forage species. Forbs made up only a small percentage of the canopy cover. The amount of annual bromes had not reached a point where they are displacing other more desirable vegetation and interfering with plant community and soil health.

The upland standard is being met in the Upper Dauphine Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Upper Dauphine Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06225 - Dauphine Rapids

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 214 1 cattle June 15 - October 15 100 33 M Custodial

Background information

The Dauphine Rapids grazing allotment is adjacent the Missouri River approximately 1.5 miles downriver from the Stafford Ferry crossing. Public land in the Allotment is mostly steep badland areas facing the Missouri River with a small, flat area extending into an upland alluvial terrace. None of the public land borders the Missouri River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled in 2013 on a floodplain terrace above the Missouri River using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 19) 4% 74% 91% 75% 9% 7% 90%

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Transect data was collected on a short to mid-grass plant community with an understory of warm and cool season perennial grasses. The shrub component was minor consisting of greasewood, Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, broom snakeweed, Gardner’s saltbush and rubber rabbitbrush. Grasses included western wheatgrass (dominant), blue grama, needle and thread, Sandberg bluegrass, plains muhly, prairie sandreed, green needlegrass and sand dropseed. Annual bromes and crested wheatgrass were common, likely due to the sites proximity to the Stafford Ferry Road and crested wheatgrass seedings on adjacent private land. Nutrient cycling is altered and soil biological activity is affected where crested wheatgrass and annual bromes are common. Also, crested wheatgrass and annual bromes do not have the same symbiotic relationship to the soil biological community as native species (Printz et al., 2014).

The upland standard is being met in the Dauphine Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Dauphine Rapids Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the Dauphine Rapids grazing allotment to Selective Management Category C.

ALLOTMENT #06254 - Lost Bird

Background information

The Lost Bird grazing allotment consists of a 40-acre tract of public land fenced in with 320 acres of private land. The tract lies north of Barnard Ridge and is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Classified as a “C” category, the Allotment has limited resource values and no identified resource concerns.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled in 2010 in a Wyoming big sagebrush-grassland plant community using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

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Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Mixed 20% 28% 64% 36% 12% 16% 48% 1The site is a complex of soils (dense clay, clayey and shallow clay).

Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. Invasive plants and other disturbance induced species were present but made up only a small percentage of the canopy cover.

The upland standard is being met in the Lost Bird Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Lost Bird Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Change the permitted season of use to match the actual livestock grazing period.

ALLOTMENT #06269 - North Timber Ridge

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,125 600 cattle May 15 - November 15 19 145 I Deferred-rotation

Background information

The North Timber Ridge grazing allotment is located north of Timber Ridge and west of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The Allotment contains public, private, State and Tribal lands. Dominant features include Tin Cup Coulee and the intersection of Little Suction Creek and Suction Creek.

The Allotment is grazed in rotation with pastures in the Timber Ridge #06172 and North & McGuire #06160 grazing allotments and Tribal grazing units.

The Allotment has about 80 acres of public land within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The Nez Perce National Historic Trail traverses the Allotment roughly following the bottom of Suction Creek.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 (Sec 34) 23% 11% 57% 20% 22% 15% 45% 2013 #2 (Sec 2) 13% 29% 71% 57% 6% 8% 69%

Site #1 - transect data was collected on a Wyoming big sagebrush plant community with an understory of cool and warm season perennial grasses. Rubber rabbitbrush was present in minor amounts. Grasses included western wheatgrass, green needlegrass, prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, plains muhly, prairie sandreed, Indian ricegrass and Fendler threeawn. Invasive plants were present in trace amounts.

Site #2 - transect data was collected on a cool-season perennial grass community with minor amounts of rubber rabbitbrush and fringed sagewort. Grasses included blue grama (dominant), prairie junegrass, needle and thread, western, thickspike and bluebunch wheatgrass.

In 2014, upland health assessments were completed at three locations. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Site Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/blue grama, None to Slight to NTR#1 Silty Moderate western wheatgrass Slight Moderate Wyoming big sagebrush/needle and None to Slight to Slight to NTR#2 Silty thread, blue grama Slight Moderate Moderate Blue grama, needle and thread, None to Slight to Slight to NTR#3 Silty Sandberg bluegrass Slight Moderate Moderate

Site NTR#1 - complex of silty and dense clay ecological sites with numerous panspots. The slight to moderate and moderate ratings resulted from domination by warm season short grasses and cool season rhizomatous grasses rather than deeper-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. The amount of plant litter was 15 to 20% and should have been greater than 50%. Annual production was lower than expected when compared to site potential. Lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was estimated to be greater than 50% of the ground cover. Lesser amounts of litter compromises soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to a lack of ability for proper nutrient cycling and energy flow. Clubmoss has played a role in protecting the soil surface from erosion processes in the place of plant litter.

Site NTR#2 - slight to moderate ratings resulted from the domination by more shallow-rooted rather than deeper-rooted bunchgrasses. The amount of plant litter was 25 to 35% and should have been greater than 50%. Annual production was somewhat lower than expected when compared to site potential. The density of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was very high affecting infiltration and runoff. Lesser amounts of litter compromises soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to a lack of

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ability for proper nutrient cycling and energy flow. Clubmoss has played a role in protecting the soil surface from erosion processes in the place of plant litter.

Site NTR#3 - slight to moderate rating resulted from the domination by more shallow-rooted rather than deeper-rooted bunchgrasses. The site was drier with well-drained, lighter textured soils, which may explain the lack of deep-rooted perennial grasses. Next to the site, healthy bluebunch wheatgrass communities dominated shoulder and side slopes. The amount of plant litter was 35% and should have been greater than 50%. Annual production was much lower than expected when compared to site potential. The density of blue grama and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) is affecting infiltration, runoff and annual production. The lack of species diversity and lesser amounts of litter have compromised soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to a lack of ability for proper nutrient cycling and energy flow.

Assessment sites were based on locations within the Allotment readily accessible to livestock and with a representative ecological site large enough to complete the assessment. Ecological sites within the allotment varied greatly with terrain and aspect and representative assessment sites were difficult to identify. Plant communities on slopes and overflow areas appeared to match reference communities and had much greater production and species diversity than those at assessment sites.

The upland standard is not being met in the North Timber Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Greater sage-grouse habitat monitoring data was collected June 2013. Average big sagebrush height and canopy cover was 12.5” and 16.2%, which was identified as “suitable nesting habitat” for sage-grouse nesting needs. Average herbaceous grass height was 3.9”, which would be considered “unsuitable nesting habitat” (Stiver, et al., 2015). Daubenmire frames were used to collect canopy cover and species composition. Blue grama, a warm-season rhizomatous grass, was 19.1% of the species composition, followed by two short, cool-season grasses, Sandberg’s bluegrass and prairie junegrass.

The North Timber Ridge allotment does not support healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat, specifically Greater sage-grouse nesting habitat.

The habitat standard is not being met in the North Timber Ridge Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Identify options for increased periods of growing season rest. 2. Defer grazing until later in the growing season.

ALLOTMENT #06273 - Bear Point SGC

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 279 1 cattle May 1 - November 30 100 28 C Custodial

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Background information

The Bear Point SGC grazing allotment is located at the southwestern end of Ragland Bench and just north of the Missouri River. The Allotment contains mostly private land a portion of which is farmed. The public land is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Stafford Wilderness Study Area and the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. The terrain is steep and rough with some of the area designated as badlands. There are no identified resource concerns.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A step-point transect was completed and reference photos taken within a grassland plant community (narrow ridgetop) in 2010. The site chosen was the only area on public land accessible to livestock, which does not necessarily represent the dominant plant communities found on public land. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Mixed 8% 40% 76% 52% 12% 12% 64% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in the Bear Point SGC Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Bear Point SGC Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06275 - Stone Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 2 cattle April 1 - November 30 100 15 M Custodial 454 20 horses June 1 - September 1 90 55 M Deferred

Background information

The Stone Place grazing allotment consists of 454 acres of public land and approximately 677 acres of

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private land along the Cow Road Trail. The operator runs a mix of cattle and horses on the Allotment.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Site #1 - the evaluation was completed on a clayey ecological site in 2013. Grasses and shrubs were co- dominant at approximately 30% canopy cover for each. Wyoming big sagebrush was the only shrub species present. Grasses included western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, and Sandberg bluegrass, which represent the species expected on a clayey ecological site. Bare ground was low at 13% and water flow patterns were not evident within the evaluation area. Plant litter cover was high at 43%.

Site #2 - the evaluation was completed on a shallow clay ecological site in 2013. Grasses were dominant and included western wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, green needlegrass, and prairie junegrass. Annual bromes occurred in sub-dominant amounts. Shrubs comprised 14% of the canopy cover dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush. Step-point transects recorded bare ground at 17% and plant litter at 24%. Waterflow patterns were present from 1 to 3 feet in length and plant pedestals up to 1 inch in height. However, erosion is not occurring at a rate high enough to affect ecological function of the site.

The upland standard is being met in the Stone Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Brewer Pit was constructed pre-2004. Since that time, the pit has expanded and water has appeared to have seeped or flowed from the pits onto BLM lands. It is likely the pit water is brackish to saline,

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high in total dissolved solids of inorganic salts. These salts are visible on the soil surface as a white crust. Soils have now accumulated enough salts, in a high enough concentration, to injure or kill plants. Approximately 4 acres have been affected. If the pit water continues to seep or flow from the pit, it is likely the affected area will further expand down the drainage.

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Stone Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06276 - West Stone

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,415 55 yearlings May 15 - November 15 76 254 M Season-long

Background information

The West Stone grazing allotment is located immediately south of the Cow Island Road, west of Bill’s Coulee and east of Sand Creek. The operator runs an older age class of yearling female cattle. Utilization by livestock is lower than the permitted allocation due to a low stocking rate leaving an ample amount of residual cover after each growing season.

There is a 93-acre tract of private land fenced in the Allotment recently acquired by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). The BLM is in the process of acquiring the tract from the RMEF, which would add public land to the Allotment. This parcel of private land was never owned or controlled by the grazing permittee and no credit for its carrying capacity was ever permitted. There are 19 AUMs of forage available for livestock grazing associated with the RMEF parcel.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2004 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

One upland health assessment was completed in 2013 on a representative site within the Allotment. The evaluation area was a Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass plant community. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity, all received none to slight departures from expected conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the West Stone Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the West Stone Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. If BLM acquires the RMEF tract, allocate the 19 AUMs for wildlife forage.

ALLOTMENT #06277 - Volcano

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 168 1 cattle May 15 - November 15 100 35 C Custodial

Background information

The Volcano grazing allotment consists of four tracts of public land located in the southern foothills of the Bears Paw Mountains. The Allotment is a mixture of open grassland and areas of scattered tree cover. The public land is fenced in with a large amount of private land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a 40-acre tract of public land in 2013. The evaluation area was located in open grassland adjacent to slopes dominated by ponderosa pine. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity, all received none to slight departures from expected conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Volcano Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Volcano Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06278 - Flat Rock

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 164 1 cattle May 15 - November 15 100 27 C Custodial

Background information

The Flat Rock grazing allotment is an isolated tract surrounded by private land located west of the Lloyd Road and north of the Cow Island Road. The West Fork of Black Coulee borders the Allotment on the east. Much of the surrounding area to the west and south is farmed.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled on a shallow ecological site in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 #1 8% 9% 70% 50% 9% 11% 72%

Transect data was collected on a shallow soil at the toe of Flat Rock. Shrubs were a minor component dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush with trace amounts of rubber rabbitbrush, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort and silver sagebrush. Grasses included western, thickspike and bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, blue grama, Sandberg bluegrass and prairie sandreed. Invasive plants were present in trace amounts. The plant community was similar to the potential for a shallow ecological site.

The upland standard is being met in the Flat Rock Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Flat Rock Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06282 - Greasewood Bottom

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 517 114 cattle Prescriptive Use1 100 56 I Deferred-rotation 1Grazing use in Greasewood Bottom must be applied for and approved annually. Alternate seasons of use and livestock numbers may be approved provided the total grazing period does not exceed 14 days during the hot season (June 15 through August 30) or exceed 30 days after September 1. Greasewood Bottom is grazed in conjunction with the Ervin Ridge and Williamson Bottom grazing allotments.

Background information

The Greasewood Bottom grazing allotment borders the Missouri River near Castle Bluffs Rapids. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area.

Greasewood Bottom contains a primitive overnight campsite.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a saline upland ecological site in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. Salt-tolerant plants dominated the site. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity all received a none to slight departure from expected conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Greasewood Bottom Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Greasewood Bottom Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Greasewood Bottom Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06283 -Williamson Bottom

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 479 114 cattle Prescriptive Use1 100 32 I Deferred-rotation 1Grazing use in Williamson Bottom must be applied for and approved annually. Alternate seasons of use and livestock numbers may be approved provided the total grazing period does not exceed 20 days. Williamson Bottom is grazed in conjunction with the Ervin Ridge and Greasewood Bottom grazing allotments.

Background information

The Williamson Bottom grazing allotment borders the Missouri River in the Castle Bluffs Rapids and Bird Rapids area. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The upland standard is being met in the Williamson Bottom Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

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Report (2012). The Williamson Bottom grazing allotment borders the Missouri River for 2.23 miles all of which is on public land. The Missouri River received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Williamson Bottom Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Williamson Bottom Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06284 - Sturgeon Island

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 558 Suspended Non-use Prescriptive Use1 100 70 I Non-use 1Grazing use in Sturgeon Island has been suspended since 1997. For grazing to occur, the use (livestock numbers and season) must be applied for and approved annually. When approved, Sturgeon Island is grazed in conjunction with the Ervin Ridge, Greasewood Bottom, and Williamson Bottom grazing allotments.

Background information

The Sturgeon Island grazing allotment borders the Missouri River in the Bird Rapids area and ends downriver at Sturgeon Island. Because of steep topography, the Allotment is divided into two river bottoms, Round Bottom and Long Bottom. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River and Ervin Ridge Wilderness Study Area.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated that progress was being made toward meeting the Standards of Rangeland Health.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Page 170 photographs were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. Silver sagebrush and greasewood were the dominant shrubs with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) Saline 2014 0% 78% 78% 64% 6% 8% 80% Upland

The upland standard is being met in the Sturgeon Island Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Sturgeon Island Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sturgeon Island Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06285 - West Gist

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 312 Suspended Non-use Prescriptive Use1 100 56 I Non-use 1Grazing use in West Gist has been suspended since 1997. For grazing to occur, the use (livestock numbers and season) must be applied for and approved annually. When approved, West Gist is grazed in conjunction with the Ervin Ridge, Greasewood Bottom, and Williamson Bottom grazing allotments.

Background information

The West Gist grazing allotment borders the Missouri River starting at Sturgeon Island and ending downriver at the mouth of Bullwhacker Creek. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

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An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated that progress was being made toward meeting the Standards of Rangeland Health.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled in 2014 using a point-intercept transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and the amount of bare ground and plant litter. Reference photographs were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. Silver sagebrush and greasewood were the dominant shrubs with an understory of cool season perennial grasses. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) Saline 2014 1% 66% 80% 53% 2% 25% 65% Upland

The upland standard is being met in the West Gist Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the West Gist Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the West Gist Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

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ALLOTMENT #06286 - Cecrle Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 40 1 Horse August 1 - December 31 100 11 C Deferred

Background information

The Cecrle Place grazing allotment contains an isolated 40-acre tract of public land located in the NESW of section 5, T29N, R15E. The Allotment is located in Chouteau County, three miles northeast of the Missouri River (Pablo Rapids) and adjacent the Eight Mile Bench Road. The tract is not fenced separately and has private cropland to the north and south and rangeland to the east and west.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed1 4% 53% 86% 67% 14% 5% 88% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

A diverse mix of native, cool and warm season grasses, forbs and shrubs dominated upland areas. Silver sagebrush was the dominant shrub. Annual bromes were the principle invasive species found in the assessment area. Although present in more than a trace amount, they had not reached a level where they are interfering with ecological processes. The amount of bare ground was low (4%), vegetative cover was 86% and the amount of plant litter (55%) indicating a healthy and productive grassland plant community. Reproductive vigor was high for all grass species as shown by the abundance of seed heads and leaf length on rhizomatous grasses.

The upland standard is being met in the Cecrle Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Cecrle Place Grazing Allotment.

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Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06411 - Preference Lands

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 248 3 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 38 C Custodial

Background information

The Preference Lands grazing allotment is fenced in with a large amount of State and private land. The Allotment consists of three isolated tracts totaling 40, 80, and 120 acres. There is legal public access to the 120-acre tract by way of an open road on State land that also accesses the Sand Creek Section 3 & 15 #06173 grazing allotment. The other two parcels of public land have no legal access.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Preference Lands grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Three upland plant communities were sampled (one for each tract) in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the table below. The grazing system has not changed, and there is no documentation of any past resource problems on public land.

(A) Step-Point Transect – T26N R16E Sec 15 (Silty Steep/Shallow Clay Ecological Site) Bare Live Herbaceous Cover Year Site1 Litter Grasses Forbs Shrubs Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Grass/Shrub 9% 32% 72% 57% 7% 8% 60%

(B) Step-Point Transect – T25N R16E Sec 2 (Silty Ecological Site) Bare Live Herbaceous Cover Year Site1 Litter Grasses Forbs Shrubs Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Grass/Shrub 4% 38% 80% 55% 13% 12% 68%

(C) Step-Point Transect – T26N R16E Sec 11 (Shallow to Gravel Ecological Site) Bare Live Herbaceous Cover Year Site1 Litter Grasses Forbs Shrubs Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Grass/Shrub 5% 44% 73% 62% 8% 3% 70%

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Site (A) was dominated by grass species including western and thickspike wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Lesser amounts of bluebunch wheatgrass, blue grama, prairie junegrass and crested wheatgrass were present. Forbs included American vetch, pussytoes, bastard toadflax, yellow salsify, common dandelion, American licorice, scarlet globemallow, alfalfa, and textile onion. Shrubs included Wyoming big sagebrush, winterfat, broom snakeweed, fringed sagewort, and rubber rabbitbrush.

Site (B) was dominated by grass species including needle and thread, western wheatgrass, and prairie junegrass. Lesser amounts of blue grama and trace amounts of annual bromes, crested wheatgrass, and Sandberg bluegrass were present. Forbs included American vetch, yellow owl’s-clover, common yarrow, plains pricklypear cactus, yellow salsify, common dandelion, American licorice, curlycup gumweed, scarlet globemallow, alfalfa, and textile onion. Shrubs were dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and also included winterfat, broom snakeweed, and fringed sagewort.

Site (C) was dominated by grass species including western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, blue grama, needle and thread, and bluebunch wheatgrass. Trace amounts of Fendler threeawn and Sandberg bluegrass were present. Forbs included yellow salsify, spiny phlox, dotted blazing star, common dandelion, prairie thermopsis, purple prairie clover, curlycup gumweed, plains pricklypear cactus, and pussytoes. Shrubs were dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush and fringed sagewort and also included silver sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush.

No evidence of water flow patterns were observed and plant litter cover was above reference conditions on all three sites. Reproductive capability of perennial plants was excellent, the plant communities consisted of the same type and ratio (grass/shrub/forb) expected for these ecological sites.

The upland standard is being met in the Preference Lands Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Unnamed Tributary to Little Birch Creek

The tributary, 0.39 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Preference Lands Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Preference Lands Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06412 - Buckskin

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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840 1 cattle March 1 - January 1 100 110 M Custodial

Background information

The Buckskin grazing allotment is a single tract of public land located south of Tiger Butte in the foothills of the Bears Paw Mountains.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a shallow clay ecological site in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass plant community closely represented the historic climax plant community. Soil and site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity all received a none to slight departure from expected conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Buckskin Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Unnamed Tributary to Little Birch Creek

The tributary, 0.82 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Buckskin Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Buckskin Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06414 - Triangle PU

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 12 cattle March 1 - May 15 100 20 M Custodial 282 12 cattle August 15 - November 30 100 27 M Custodial

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Background information

The Triangle PU grazing allotment is located along Little Birch Creek east of the Eagleton Road and south of the Cow Island Road.

The Allotment consists of two separate tracts of public land. Tract #1 is approximately 42 acres and Tract #2 is 240 acres. Tract #1 is fenced into five separate pastures.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland plant communities were evaluated in 2013, one on each tract of public land.

Tract #1 - vegetation ranges from timbered areas of scattered ponderosa pine with a shrub-dominated understory to open areas dominated by grass and forb species. The tract contains the summit and shoulder of a moderately steep hillside.

Tract #2 - consists of badlands, wooded coulees, and sagebrush steppe. The evaluation area was located on a complex of clayey steep or shallow clay ecological sites. Shrub cover was 12% with minor amounts of Wyoming big sagebrush. Grasses accounted for 60% of the canopy cover with bluebunch and western wheatgrass recorded in sub-dominant amounts. Green needlegrass, American vetch, and breadroot and scurfpea species were present in minor amounts. Plant litter was 60% and bare ground less than 5%. Water flow patterns contained rills up to 20 feet long on very steep slopes and were most visible in areas of bare ground. On slopes over 35%, narrow rills are expected and apparent. Reproductive capability and vigor was excellent for all species.

The upland standard is being met in the Triangle PU Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Triangle PU Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06415 - Dogtown

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,136 400 cattle May 15 - December 31 100 91 M Custodial

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Background information

The Dogtown grazing allotment lies north of Chase Hill with Birch Creek serving as the northern boundary. Most of the public land is steep, rough terrain with non-timbered coulees and badlands dissected by very deep drainages. Sagebrush-grassland types are limited and cover only small areas on public land.

The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with the Chip Creek #06200, Chase Hill #06198, Pigtail Coulee #06416 and Green’s Coulee #06199 grazing allotments. Grazing the Allotment throughout the permitted grazing season is not authorized. Livestock are rotated so that the same grazing allotment and pasture is not grazed during the same time period in consecutive years.

The HiLine District wilderness characteristics inventory (updated 2011) identified areas of public land in the Dogtown grazing allotment as meeting the criteria for wilderness characteristics. Under the HiLine District Office Approved Resource Management Plan (2015b), these areas would be managed to emphasize other resource values and multiple uses as a priority over protecting wilderness characteristics.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Ecological Degree of Departure Site Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Needle and thread, prairie junegrass, Slight to Slight to Slight to DT#2 Silty western wheatgrass Moderate Moderate Moderate

Site DT#2 - slight to moderate ratings on the site resulted from less than expected amounts of deep-rooted bunchgrasses. The amount of plant litter was 20% and should have been greater than 50% and annual production was lower than expected when compared to site potential. The density of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss), which was greater than 50% of the ground cover, affected infiltration and runoff. Lesser amounts of litter compromises soil nutrient replenishment. Clubmoss has played a role in protecting the soil surface from erosion processes in the place of plant litter.

The upland standard is being met in the Dogtown Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Birch Creek

The portion of Birch Creek located on public land consists of two separate segments with a total length of 0.20 miles (0.12 miles and 0.08 miles). The assessment was completed in 2014. The reach classified as a

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lotic riparian system and received a rating of Functioning at Risk with no apparent trend. The potential of Birch Creek in the Dogtown grazing allotment has been altered and is influenced and limited by development that has occurred on private land. Hay fields on private land with extensive dike systems for irrigation are located throughout the reach.

The riparian standard is not being met in the Dogtown Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat. Lotic habit associated with Birch Creek (0.20 miles) was Functioning at Risk due to alterations on private land.

The habitat standard is being met in the Dogtown Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06416 - Pigtail Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 400 cattle May 15 - December 31 100 11 M Custodial 1,248 400 cattle May 15 - December 31 98 121 M Deferred-rotation

Background information

The Pigtail Coulee grazing allotment is located east of the PN Road and north of Chip Creek in the southeast corner of Chouteau County.

The Allotment is grazed in conjunction with the Chip Creek #06200, Chase Hill #06198, Dogtown #06415 and Green’s Coulee #06199 grazing allotments. The Allotment contains three pastures. Livestock are not authorized to graze an allotment or pasture during the entire permitted grazing season. The Allotment is typically grazed by cow calf pairs; however, an equivalent number of yearlings is authorized as long as the carrying capacity is not exceeded. Grazing use is scheduled to avoid repeated use during the same time period in consecutive years.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The most common rangeland vegetation community is the sagebrush-grassland type. Wyoming big sagebrush with an understory dominated by cool season rhizomatous grasses and bunchgrasses occurs on open ridges in timbered areas and areas that are nearly level to slightly sloping. Silver sagebrush plant communities are found along upland terraces in Holden Coulee and Pigtail Coulee; the two major drainages dividing the Allotment. Portions of the Allotment are timbered containing scattered, more open stands of ponderosa pine.

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An upland health assessment was completed on a clayey ecological site in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Site Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity Wyoming big sagebrush/western and None to None to None to PC#2 Clayey bluebunch wheatgrass, green Slight Slight Slight needlegrass

An upland plant community was sampled in 2011 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and the amount of bare ground and plant litter. Reference photographs were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The site is located on an upland terrace bordering Pigtail Coulee in a silver sagebrush-grassland plant community. The results are summarized in the table below.

Step-Point Transect (T24N R16E Section 24) Bare Live Herbaceous Cover Year Site Litter Grasses Forbs Shrubs Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2011 Grass/Shrub 6% 74% 82% 50% 10% 22% 80%

A 3’ x 3’ photo plot was established in 1983 and photographed again in 2011. The comparison between the two years is shown in the following photos. The left photo was taken in 1983 and the right in 2011. The Allotment was grazed season-long then changed to a deferred-rotation grazing system. Shorter grazing periods has provided more rest during the growing season. The photographs reflect the improvement in range conditions, and as recorded in the step-point transect, the amounts of plant litter, herbaceous cover and live vegetation, along with the small percentage of bare ground, indicate a healthy, late seral plant community.

The upland standard is being met in the Pigtail Coulee Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Holden Coulee

Holden Coulee, 1.9 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2014. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

Pigtail Coulee

Pigtail Coulee, with a total length of 2.19 miles on public land, was assessed in 2014. Of the total, 0.33 miles classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition. The remaining 1.86 miles is an ephemeral drainage, does not exhibit characteristics of a riparian-wetland area, does not have visible vegetation or physical characteristics influenced by permanent water and is classified as non-riparian.

The riparian standard is being met in the Pigtail Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Pigtail Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment. 2. Establish permanent vegetation studies to monitor trend.

ALLOTMENT #06420 - Clinard Coulee

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 628 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 76 C Custodial

Background information

The Clinard Coulee grazing allotment consists of ten separate tracts of public land fenced in with private range and farmland. The tracts border the Eightmile Bench area. All the tracts except one are located within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled at four locations in 2013 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount

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of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

T23N, R15E, Section 17, SWNW Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 4% 60% 86% 78% 2% 6% 88% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

Crested wheatgrass, needle and thread and annual bromes were the dominant grass species. There were minor amounts of western and bluebunch wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. The shrub component was minor containing silver sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush and winterfat. Reproductive vigor was good for all plants. The condition of winterfat was excellent based on the health and size of the plants. Nutrient cycling is altered, carbon to nitrogen rations are lower, and soil biological activity is affected where crested wheatgrass and annual bromes dominate. Soil biological activity is reduced, occurring during a shorter part of the growing season, compared to diverse plant communities. In addition, crested wheatgrass does not have the same symbiotic relationship to the soil biological community as native species (Printz et al., 2014).

T23N, R15E, Section 26, SESW Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 1% 49% 92% 72% 10% 10% 83% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass followed by minor amounts of needle and thread, annual bromes, western wheatgrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Shrub cover was dominated by silver sagebrush.

T23N, R15E, Section 25, SESW Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 10% 45% 64% 51% 2% 11% 70% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was located on a side hill with areas having slopes greater than 50%. Needle and thread was the dominant grass species with minor amounts of prairie junegrass and Sandberg bluegrass. Shrub cover was dominated by silver sagebrush.

T23N, R15E, Section 25, NESE Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 6% 40% 89% 77% 5% 7% 84% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

A relatively flat bench dominated by needle and thread and prairie junegrass with minor amounts of bluebunch wheatgrass. Trace amounts of invasive plants were present, predominately crested wheatgrass and annual bromes.

Two agricultural trespasses were located on public land, both estimated to be 6 acres, in the NWNW of section 34, T23N, R15E and the SESW of section 26, T23N, R15E.

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The upland standard is being met in the Clinard Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The agricultural trespass directly affects 14 acres, but due to healthy upland communities on the rest of Allotment, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Clinard Coulee Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Resolve agriculture trespass.

ALLOTMENT #06421 - Sevcik Place

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 80 1 cattle November 1 - February 28 100 23 C Custodial

Background information

The Sevcik Place grazing allotment contains an isolated 80-acre tract of public land located in the S½ of the SE¼ of section 25, T25N, R14E. The Allotment is located in Chouteau County, three miles north of the Missouri River near Pablo Rapids and two miles west of the Eight Mile Bench Road.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 7% 34% 90% 72% 10% 8% 84% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

Western wheatgrass and blue grama were the dominant plants with minor amounts of bluebunch wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, annual bromes, six-weeks fescue and prairie sandreed. Shrubs included silver sagebrush and fringed sagewort. Trace amounts of broom snakeweed, soapweed yucca and Wood’s rose were present.

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A diverse mix of native, cool and warm season grasses dominated uplands. Forbs and shrubs did not contribute much to the canopy cover. Only a small percentage of invasive and less desirable species (annual bromes and fringed sagewort) were present. The amount of bare ground was low, vegetative cover exceeded 80% and the amount of plant litter was adequate to support a stable, healthy and productive grassland plant community. Reproductive vigor was high for all grass species as shown by the abundance of seed heads and leaf length on rhizomatous species.

The upland standard is being met in the Sevcik Place Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Sevcik Place Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06422 - N Hanging 5

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 474 60 cattle May 1 - December 31 100 57 M Custodial

Background information

The N Hanging 5 grazing allotment consists of seven separate tracts of public land ranging in size from 10 to 280 acres. Three tracts totaling 60 acres are located along Chip Creek north of the Teton River. Four tracts are located along the Missouri River and within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument in the area of Rowe’s Landing and Fort McKenzie.

Extensive noxious weed infestations, primarily leafy spurge, Russian and spotted knapweed, perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle, are located on both private and public land. Treatment using herbicides and biocontrol agents has been occurring since the mid 1980’s.

The N Hanging 5 grazing allotment was evaluated in 1999 and a determination made that land health Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were being met; however, because of extensive weed infestations in upland areas along the Missouri River, Standard #1 (uplands) was not being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

Chip Creek Tracts

Upland plant communities were sampled on the Chip Creek tracts in 2013 using step-point transects to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites. The results are summarized in the tables below.

10 Acre Lot - T26N R8E Section 35 SESW Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 7% 20% 85% 73% 8% 4% 83% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was a mid to short grassland plant community consisting of blue grama, needle and thread, Sandberg bluegrass and western wheatgrass. Minor amounts of annual bromes were present.

10 Acre Lot - T26N R8E Section 35 SESE Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 6% 35% 64% 54% 7% 3% 84% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was a mid to short grassland plant community consisting of needle and thread, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass, Sandberg bluegrass and blue grama. Minor amounts of annual bromes were present.

The third tract in the Chip Creek area totals 40 acres, and because of steep terrain, photographs and a vegetation survey were used to document resource conditions. The site was a grassland plant community dominated by blue grama and needle and thread with a minor shrub component of silver sagebrush. Trace amounts of plains muhly, Indian ricegrass, prairie sandreed and annual bromes were present.

Missouri River Tracts

An upland health assessment was completed on a representative site in 2010. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T24N Needle and thread, blue grama with a None to None to None to R9E Silty minor amount of shrubs Slight Slight Slight Section 2

An upland plant community was sampled in 2010 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs and the amount of bare ground and plant litter. Reference

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photographs were taken to record conditions at the monitoring site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Year Site Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2010 Silty 0% 62% 80% 64% 4% 12% 68%

The upland standard is being met in the N Hanging 5 Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the N Hanging 5 Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the N Hanging 5 Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Create separate grazing allotments for the Chip Creek tracts and Missouri River tracts. 2. The Chip Creek tracts are available for disposal by exchange or sale.

ALLOTMENT #06424 - Blazek

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 336 1 cattle May 15 - November 14 100 90 M Custodial

Background information

The Blazek grazing allotment consists of three separate tracts of public land; two upland tracts and one bordering the Missouri River near the Seven Sisters area. Two tracts are within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

Extensive noxious weed infestations, primarily leafy spurge, Russian knapweed, perennial pepperweed and Canada thistle, are located on both private and public land. Treatment using herbicides and biocontrol agents has been occurring since the mid 1980’s.

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The Blazek grazing allotment was evaluated in 2002 and a determination made that land health Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were being met; however, because of extensive weed infestations in riparian areas along the Missouri River, Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

T24N R13E Section 24 SWNE Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 6% 49% 68% 47% 6% 15% 79% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was a shrub-grassland plant community consisting of silver sagebrush, Wyoming big sagebrush, blue grama, needle and thread, western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass and green needlegrass.

T24N R13E Section 13 NWNE Year Site1 Bare Litter Live Grasses Forbs Shrubs Herbaceous Cover Ground Vegetation (Grasses+Forbs) 2013 Mixed 4% 47% 91% 75% 6% 10% 91% 1Complex of more than one ecological site.

The site was a shrub-grassland plant community consisting of silver sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass, needle and thread, western wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, blue grama and prairie junegrass. Annual bromes made up 17% of the canopy cover; however, they had not reached a point where they are displacing other more desirable vegetation and interfering with plant community and soil health.

The upland standard is being met in the Blazek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Blazek Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

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The habitat standard is being met in the Blazek Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06425 - Piedras

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,002 200 cattle August 1 - November 1 100 54 M Custodial

Background information

The Piedras grazing allotment consists of seven tracts of public land located in the White Rocks area extending along the east side of the Missouri River for about 11 miles from just below Pilot Rock to about one mile below Citadel Rock. The tracts are fenced in with several thousand acres of private range and cropland. All but one 40-acre tract is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. The Eagle Creek Developed Boat Camp is located on private land. A scenic and access easement was purchased by BLM using Land and Water Conservation Funds. Although the site is unfenced, the area is normally grazed after Labor Day to avoid recreation/livestock conflicts.

Noxious weed infestations, primarily leafy spurge and Russian and spotted knapweed, are located on both private and public land. Treatment using herbicides and biocontrol agents has been occurring since the mid 1980’s.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland plant community was sampled at three locations in 2014 using a step-point transect to measure the percent canopy cover of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the monitoring sites.

Site #1 – located across from Citadel Rock in section 15 of T24N, R13E. The public land is moderately steep-to-steep breaks. Soils were mixed silts and sands. The site was predominately grassland with minor amounts of shrubs and forbs. The diversity of plants within the community was very high. Needle and thread, little bluestem and prairie sandreed were the dominant grasses followed by bluebunch and western wheatgrass, mat and plains muhly and Fendler threeawn. Silver sagebrush was the dominant shrub with trace amounts of skunkbush sumac, Wyoming big sagebrush, creeping juniper and fringed sagewort. Trace amounts of annual bromes were present.

Site #2 - a silty ecological site was evaluated on a relatively flat upland bench adjacent Butcher Knife Canyon in section 34 of T25N, R13E. The majority of the evaluation area was a grassland community with minor amounts of shrubs and forbs. Needle and thread, threadleaf and needleleaf sedge and western

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Site #3 – located in the White Rocks area in section 4 of T25N, R13E. Soils were light textured alluvial fans from Judith Sandstone outcrops. Plant diversity was very high. Sandstone outcrops contained limber pine and Rocky Mountain juniper. Shrubs included Wyoming big sagebrush, silver buffaloberry, silver sagebrush, fourwing saltbush, rubber rabbitbrush, western snowberry and skunkbush sumac. Needle and thread, western wheatgrass, plains reedgrass, prairie sandreed and blue grama were the dominant grass species. Invasive plants included trace amounts of crested wheatgrass, annual bromes, Kentucky bluegrass and yellow sweetclover.

Each site evaluated contained a diverse mix of grasses, forbs and shrubs, although shrubs and forbs were a minor component. The amount of bare ground and plant litter was what was expected when compared to site potential. Based on the species composition and biomass production, the areas evaluated contain healthy, late successional plant communities.

The upland standard is being met in the Piedras Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Piedras Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Piedras Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Allotment boundary needs adjusted. The actual grazing allotment boundary is located where a short drift fence is used to separate the Jurenka and Piedras grazing allotments.

ALLOTMENT #06426 - White Rocks

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy

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186 1 cattle June 1 - October 31 100 42 M Custodial

Background information

The White Rocks grazing allotment consists of four separate tracts of public land fenced in with private range and cropland located in the Pilot Rock area. One tract is adjacent the Missouri River. All the public land is located within Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two upland sites were selected and evaluated in 2014. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation sites.

The first upland site evaluated was in the 25-acre tract along the Missouri River located in section 30 of T26N, R13E. The site was a shrub-grassland plant community. Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with a herbaceous understory consisting of warm and cool season grasses to include western wheatgrass, needle and thread, green needlegrass, blue grama, bluebunch wheatgrass, plains muhly, prairie sandreed and thickspike wheatgrass. A trace amount of yellow sweetclover was present.

The second site evaluated was located in the SWSE of section 29 in T26N, R13E. The topography was moderately steep-to-steep. Wyoming big sagebrush was the dominant shrub with a herbaceous understory of warm and cool season grasses to include needle and thread, blue grama, little bluestem, bluebunch wheatgrass and prairie sandreed. The forb component was small and no invasive plants were present.

The amount of bare ground and plant litter was what was expected when compared to site potential. Based on the species composition and biomass production, the areas evaluated contain healthy, late successional plant communities.

The upland standard is being met in the White Rocks Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the White Rocks Grazing Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the White Rocks Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The White Rocks grazing allotment should be changed to Selective Management Category C. 2. A 40-acre tract of public land located in the SENW of section 32 in T26N, R13E is outside the grazing allotment boundary and fenced in with private land owned by another individual. The tract should be removed from the White Rocks grazing allotment and offered for grazing to the adjacent landowner.

ALLOTMENT #06428 - Osterman

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 160 1 cattle May 1 - December 31 100 34 C Custodial

Background information

The Osterman grazing allotment is located east of Alkali Coulee and north of Lonetree Coulee about two miles below the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp. The Allotment consists of three isolated tracts of public land; two 40-acre tracts and one 80-acre tract. Lonetree Coulee passes through the south end of the 80-acre tract.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

A representative site was selected and evaluated in 2013. The evaluation was completed on a claypan ecological site on an upland bench located in the NESW of section 8 in T26N, R13E. The site was dominated by bluebunch and western wheatgrass. Other grasses included prairie junegrass, prairie sandreed, needle and thread and green needlegrass. Shrubs and forbs were a minor component. Bare ground was estimated at 20 to 25% and plant litter at 30 to 40%. No erosional features were present. Based on the species composition and biomass production, the area contains a healthy, late successional plant community.

The upland standard is being met in the Osterman Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Osterman Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06429 - Puma

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 156 6 cattle March 15 - December 30 100 53 C Custodial

Background information

The Puma grazing allotment consists of two 40-acre tracts and one 80-acre tract of public land located north of Coal Banks Landing. Coal Banks Coulee divides the 80-acre tract. Portions of the public land are within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a silty ecological site in 2013. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T26N Blue grama, needle and thread, western None to R12E Silty wheatgrass with a minor amount of Moderate Moderate Slight Section 6 Silver sagebrush

The moderate ratings resulted from the dominance of warm season and annual grasses and the lack of deep-rooted perennial bunchgrasses. Blue grama was the dominant grass averaging over 40% ground cover. There were minor amounts of needle and thread and western wheatgrass. Invasive plants were prevalent and annual bromes were estimated at 20 to 30% of the canopy cover. The amount of bare ground was low resulting from the high density of blue grama and lesser spikemoss (clubmoss). The amount of plant litter was estimated at 15 to 20% and should have been greater than 50%. Annual production was much lower than expected when compared to site potential affected by the dominance of blue grama, a short stature sod forming grass. The lack of species diversity, invasion of annual bromes,

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and lesser amounts of litter have compromised soil nutrient replenishment. This decreased ecological function leads to a lack of ability for proper nutrient cycling and energy flow. The upland site evaluated for the 40 tract in the SWSW of section 6 in T26N, R12E contained a very healthy, late seral plant community dominated by cool season bunchgrasses and rhizomatous grasses. Green needlegrass and bluebunch and western wheatgrass had the highest canopy cover for grasses. Shrubs and forbs were a minor component of the plant community. Silver sagebrush and winterfat were present in minor amounts. Scattered leafy spurge plants were found along the bottom of a shallow coulee.

The 40 acre tract located in the NWSW of section 31 in T27N, R12E, appeared to have been farmed at one time. Rock piles were common along the edge of the tract and near drainages. It was not clear what species was seeded. A small hilltop located in the very northeast corner appeared undisturbed and was mostly native vegetation. The rest of the tract contained mostly invasive species; weedy annual forbs, fringed sagewort, yellow sweetclover, annual bromes, threadleaf sedge and crested wheatgrass. Western wheatgrass was present in minor amounts. Nutrient cycling is altered and soil biological activity is affected where invasive and weedy species dominate. Carbon to nitrogen ratios are lower. Soil biological activity is reduced, occurring during a shorter part of the growing season, when compared to diverse plant communities. In addition, invasive and weedy species do not have the same symbiotic relationship to the soil biological community as native species (Printz et al., 2014).

The upland standard is not being met in the Puma Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Coal Banks Coulee

Coal Banks Coulee, 0.58 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. The reach classified as a lotic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Puma Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to diverse upland and riparian communities, this area is meeting the standard to provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Puma Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. The 40-acre tract in section 31 of T27N, R12E, is available for disposal by exchange or sale. 2. Change the Puma grazing allotment to Selective Management Category I.

ALLOTMENT #06430 - Braun (Unallocated)

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 96 N/A N/A N/A C N/A

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Background information

The Braun grazing allotment is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Big Sandy on Highway 87 and three miles south using the Gardiner Road. An isolated 40-acre tract is located in the SWNW of section 5, T26N, R11E. The tract contains narrow and very steep drainages and side slopes, and upland benches. The Allotment also contains two tracts of public land, totaling 56 acres, located in section 9 and 10 in T26N, R11E along the Missouri River about one mile upriver from the Virgelle Ferry.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2000 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

Two sites on the 40-acre tract were evaluated in 2013. One site was located on an upland bench in the south half of the tract and the other site was a narrow coulee bottom. The coulee bottom had a western wheatgrass and silver sagebrush dominated plant community. Vegetation cover was excellent, bare ground minimal and the amount of plant litter was very high. Small amounts of annual bromes were present. The upland bench was a needle and thread and blue grama dominated plant community. Other cool season grasses and a variety of forbs and shrubs were present. Winterfat was prevalent and very healthy as indicated by leader growth and prolific flowering. The private land to the south and east of the tract was farmed or in CRP. The ground cover of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) ranged from 30 to 50%. A few crested wheatgrass plants were present and were probably encroaching from adjacent CRP land. Annual bromes were estimated at 10% of the canopy cover. Plant litter cover was excellent and the amount of bare ground minimal.

A diverse mix of native perennial, cool and warm season grasses dominated upland plant communities. Forbs and shrubs were minor components and did not contribute much to the canopy cover closely representing reference conditions for the area. Only a small percentage of invasive species (annual bromes, crested wheatgrass) were present. The amount of bare ground was low, vegetative cover was high and the amount of plant litter present was what was expected for a short to mid grass plant community.

The upland standard is being met in the Braun Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Braun Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife

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habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Braun Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Tract would remain available for grazing to a qualified applicant.

ALLOTMENT #06434 - Cabin

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 1,783 36 cattle June 1 - December 7 100 223 M Deferred

Background information

The majority of public land in the Cabin grazing allotment is north of the Teton River in the Vimy Ridge area. A separate tract of public land, totaling about 125 acres, is adjacent the Missouri River located mid- way between the towns of Fort Benton and Loma. The public land located north of the Teton River is in the Loma/Vimy planning area and will not be evaluated in this report.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on an upland bench in 2010. Canopy cover by species was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T25N Silver sagebrush/needle and thread, None to None to None to R9E Sandy western wheatgrass Slight Slight Slight Section 33

The upland standard is being met in the Cabin Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

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Report (2012). Public land in the Cabin grazing allotment borders the Missouri River for one mile. The Missouri River received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Cabin Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Cabin Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Create separate grazing allotments for the Vimy Ridge tracts and Missouri River tracts.

ALLOTMENT #06435 - North Rapp

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 287 1 cattle March 1 - February 28 100 7 M Custodial

Background information

The North Rapp grazing allotment is located east and south of the Brewer Road and is bordered on the east by Birch Creek. The majority of public land in the Allotment is moderately steep-to-steep badlands. A very small area of public land, about 5 to 7 acres, contains a nearly level upland bench.

“Badland” areas cover most of the North Rapp grazing allotment. They are highly erodible and lacking vegetation.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2002 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on a small upland area in 2014. Canopy cover by species

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was estimated for grasses, forbs and shrubs using dominant, sub-dominant, minor and trace amounts. Other information collected included the amount of bare ground, plant litter and invasive plants. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T24N Needle and thread and western None to None to Slight to R16E Silty wheatgrass with a minor shrub Slight Slight Moderate Section 10 component.

The slight to moderate rating on the site resulted from the density of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) and less than expected amounts of deep-rooted bunchgrasses. Trace amounts of invasive plants (crested wheatgrass, annual bromes, and yellow sweetclover) were present.

The upland standard is being met in the North Rapp Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the North Rapp Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06456 - Reservation

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 244 7 cattle June 1 - October 31 100 34 C Custodial

Background information

The Reservation grazing allotment consists of three separate tracts of public land bordering the southern and eastern boundaries of the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

The northernmost tract is a north-facing slope with the majority of public land consisting of a closed forest canopy. In the 1990’s, ten acres of the area was logged and is regenerating.

The tract on the southwest slope of Centennial Mountain (Baldy) is a forest community type of mature lodgepole pine. Small areas of open grassland slopes are present. The westernmost tract is also a forest community type.

Access by livestock to the tracts of public land is difficult, and livestock use is minimal in all three tracts of public land. There have been no management changes to the Allotment since it was last evaluated.

The upland standard is being met in the Reservation Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Reservation Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06457 - Edwards Lease

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 300 65 cattle June 15 - October 15 100 43 C Custodial

Background information

The Edwards Lease grazing allotment is located adjacent to the Reservation #06456 grazing allotment and borders the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation. The Allotment consists of two separate tracts of public land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The public land is a mixture of timbered slopes, mountain grassland and shrub communities on steep slopes and ridges. The vegetation is comprised primarily of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, mountain big sagebrush, and cool season bunchgrasses.

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Access by livestock to the tracts of public land is difficult, and livestock use is minimal in both tracts of public land. There have been no management changes to the Allotment since it was last evaluated.

The upland standard is being met in the Edwards Lease Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Edwards Lease Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06458 - Bear Paw

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 25 1 cattle June 15 - December 1 100 4 C Custodial

Background information

The Bear Paw grazing allotment is in the middle of the Bears Paw Mountains on the East Fork of Beaver Creek. The Allotment is located on the eastern boundary of the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment is primarily timbered with mature lodgepole pine and scattered Douglas fir. There is an abundance of mature aspen with some evidence of regeneration.

Access by livestock to this tract of public land is difficult, and livestock use is minimal. There have been no management changes to the Allotment since it was last evaluated.

The upland standard is being met in the Bear Paw Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

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Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland plant communities that provide diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Bear Paw Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06476 - Chauvet

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 120 1 cattle April 25 - October 15 100 22 C Custodial

Background information

The Chauvet grazing allotment is located east of Alkali Coulee and north of Lonetree Coulee about two miles below the Little Sandy Developed Boat Camp. The Allotment consists of two isolated tracts of public land totaling 40 and 80 acres. Lonetree Coulee passes through the south end of the 80-acre tract.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2001 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

An upland health assessment was completed on the 40-acre tract in 2013. Photographs (photo points/general view) were taken to record conditions at the evaluation site. The results are summarized in the table below.

Ecological Degree of Departure Location Site Plant Community Soil Hydrologic Biotic Stability Function Integrity T26N Silver sagebrush/needle and thread, None to None to Slight to R13E Silty western wheatgrass, prairie junegrass Slight Slight Moderate Section 17

The slight to moderate rating on the site resulted from the density of lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) and less than expected amounts of deep-rooted bunchgrasses. Minor amounts of invasive plants (annual bromes, common dandelion, fringed sagewort) were present.

The 80-acre tract, located in the W½W½ of section 17 in T26N, R13E, was evaluated in 2013. The area was relatively flat and contained a grassland plant community dominated by needle and thread. Other grasses included six-weeks fescue, prairie junegrass, western and bluebunch wheatgrass and bottlebrush squirreltail. Shrubs and forbs were a minor component. Lesser spikemoss (clubmoss) was estimated at 30% of the ground cover, bare ground at 10 to 15% and plant litter at 40 to 50%. No erosional features

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were present. Based on the species composition and biomass production, the area contains a healthy, late successional plant community.

The upland standard is being met in the Chauvet Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Lonetree Coulee

Lonetree Coulee, 0.39 miles in length on public land, was assessed in 2013. The reach classified as a lentic riparian system and received a rating of Proper Functioning Condition.

The riparian standard is being met in the Chauvet Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

The Allotment contains healthy upland and riparian communities providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Chauvet Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06481 - Jurenka

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 130 1 cattle July 1 - September 30 100 7 M Custodial

Background information

The Jurenka grazing allotment borders the Missouri River immediately across from the Hole-in-the-Wall Developed Boat Camp and about one mile below Citadel Rock. The Allotment is within the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. The tract of public land makes up a small percentage of the Allotment and is fenced in with private rangeland and cropland. The public land is seldom grazed because of the farming operation and difficulty in accessing the river bottom.

There is an agricultural trespass on public land, estimated at 5 to 7 acres, located in the SWNE of section 22 in T24N, R13E.

Leafy spurge and Russian knapweed are present in riparian areas along the Missouri River.

The Jurenka grazing allotment was evaluated in 2002 and a determination made that land health Standard #1 (uplands) and Standard #5 (habitat) were being met; however, because of extensive weed infestations and disturbance by ice in riparian areas along the Missouri River, Standard #2 (riparian areas and wetlands) was not being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment was inspected in 2013. The majority of the Allotment contains steep slopes and badlands facing the Missouri River. The nearly flat bench accessible for monitoring is not representative of the plant communities found on public land and was being farmed; however, plant communities present on the remaining public land were diverse, healthy and within reference conditions.

The upland standard is being met in the Jurenka Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

Missouri River

The riparian standard is being met in the Jurenka Grazing Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland and riparian communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Jurenka Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. Allotment boundary needs adjusted. The actual grazing allotment boundary is upriver where a short drift fence is used to separate the Jurenka and Piedras grazing allotments. 2. Resolve agriculture trespass.

ALLOTMENT #06491 - Pine Tree

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 80 3 cattle May 15 - October 15 100 18 C Custodial

Background information

The Pine Tree grazing allotment is located in the middle of the Bears Paw Mountains on Little Box Elder Creek. The Allotment is surrounded by private land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

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Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment was timbered with old growth lodgepole pine and scattered Douglas fir. Aspen was present in some areas on north facing slopes. Non-forested areas consist of cool season bunchgrasses such as rough fescue along with bluegrass species and other miscellaneous grasses and sedges.

Access by livestock to this tract of public land is difficult, and livestock use is minimal. There have been no management changes to the Allotment since it was last evaluated.

The upland standard is being met in the Pine Tree Grazing Allotment.

Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the Pine Tree Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

ALLOTMENT #06554 - T28N R17E Sec 5

Livestock Grazing Allocation and Management BLM Permitted Livestock Permitted Grazing % BLM Allot. Grazing System Acres Type & Number Season PL AUMs Cat. or Strategy 80 4 cattle May 15 - October 15 100 19 C Custodial

Background information

The Allotment is located in the middle of the Bears Paw Mountains on Box Elder Creek. The Allotment is surrounded by private land.

An allotment evaluation report and determination document prepared in 2003 stated the Standards of Rangeland Health were being met.

Standard #1 – Uplands

The Allotment was primarily a forest community with some minor grassland components. The forested areas consisted of lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and some pockets of aspen. The grassland component of the Allotment was limited to pinegrass and miscellaneous forbs.

Access by livestock to this tract of public land is difficult, and livestock use is minimal. There have been no management changes to the Allotment since it was last evaluated.

The upland standard is being met in Allotment #06554.

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Standard #2 – Riparian Areas and Wetlands

No riparian-wetland plant communities have been identified on public land within the Allotment.

Standard #5 – Habitat

Due to healthy upland communities, this area is providing diverse and healthy wildlife habitat.

The habitat standard is being met in the T28N R17E Sec 5 Grazing Allotment.

Recommendations 1. There are no proposed changes for this Allotment.

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Interdisciplinary Team Composition

Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) members for the BPB Planning Area Evaluation include: Ben Hileman - Rangeland Management Specialist (Lead) Jeremy McKellar -Rangeland Management Specialist (HFO) Josh Sorlie - Soil Scientist (HiLine District) Chad Krause - Hydrologist Bonny Hammons - Hydrologist Kenny Keever - Natural Resource Specialist (Weeds) Tom Probert - Hydrologist (HiLine District) Jody Peters - Wildlife Biologist (Monument) Craig Miller- Wildlife Biologist (HFO) Rich Byron - Forester (Lewistown Field Office)

Reviewed By:

5/5/2017 Date

Page 205 References

Literature reviewed &/or cited during the preparation of this document

Ecological Solutions Group. 2014. U. S. Lotic Wetland Inventory Form User Manual. [Online]. http://www.ecologicalsolutionsgroup.com/Documents/PDFforms/UserManuals/USALoticInvento ryManual.pdf

Hearn, B.C., Jr, W.T. Pecora, and W.C. Swadley. 1964. Geology of the Rattlesnake Quadrangle Bearpaw Mountains Blaine County, Montana. U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1181-B.

Mackie, Richard J. 1970. Range ecology and relations of mule deer, elk, and cattle in the Missouri River Breaks, Montana. Wildlife Monographs. 20.

Montana Natural Heritage Program. 2010. Field Guide to Montana’s Wetland and Riparian Ecological Systems. [Online]. http://mtnhp.org/wetlands/docs/MTWetland_Riparian_EcolSys_Nov2010.pdf

Printz, J.L., D. Toledo, and S.C. Boltz. 2014. Rangeland health assessment: The key to understanding and assessing rangeland soil health in the Northern Great Plains. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 69 (3): 73A-77A.

Stebinger, E. 1916. Possibilities of Oil and Gas in North-Central Montana. Contributions to Economic Geology, Part II.

Stiver, San, et al. "Sage-grouse habitat assessment framework: multi-scale habitat assessment tool." Technical Report (2015): 6710-1.

Tiner, R.W. 2003. Dichotomous Keys and Mapping Codes for Wetland Landscape Position, Landform, Water Flow Path, and Waterbody Type Descriptors. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory Program, Northeast Region, Hadley, MA.

USDA. 2004. Natural Resource Conservation Service. Ecological Site Description-Rangeland, Technical Guide for the Sedimentary Plains, Central Montana. Available at https://efotg.sc.egov.usda.gov/treemenuFS.aspx

USDA. 2016. Natural Resources Conservation Service. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

USDA. 2017. Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey. Available online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/. Accessed [4/2017].

USDI. 1979. Bureau of Land Management. Final Environmental Impact Statement on Grazing Management in the Missouri Breaks of Montana. Montana State Office.

USDI. 1987. Bureau of Land Management. Missouri Breaks Wilderness Suitablity Study/EIS. Miles City District Office. December 1987.

USDI. 1994. Bureau of Land Management. Rangeland Reform ’94 Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

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USDI. 1996. Bureau of Land Management. Standards for rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management on BLM-Administered Lands in Montana and the Dakotas Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

USDI. 1997. Bureau of Land Management. Montana/Dakotas Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management.

USDI. 2003. Bureau of Land Management. A User Guide to Assessing Proper Functioning Condition and Supporting Science for Lentic Areas - TR 1737-16.

USDI. 2005. Bureau of Land Management. Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Version 4. Technical Reference 1734-6.

USDI. 2008. Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan.

USDI. 2014. Bureau of Land Management. 2014 Montana\Dakotas Special Status Species List. IM- MT-2014-067. August 18, 2014.

USDI. 2015a. Bureau of Land Management. Riparian Area Management: Proper Functioning Condition Assessment for Lotic Areas. Technical Reference 1737-15, 2nd Edition. Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, CO.

USDI. 2015b. Bureau of Land Management. 2015. HiLine Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. HiLine District Office. Great Falls, Montana.

USDI. 2017. Bureau of Land Management. Rapid Ecoregional Assesments (REA’s). https://landscape.blm.gov/geoportal/catalog/REAs/REAs.page. Accessed 1/2017.

US EPA. 2016. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website. (https://www.epa.gov/eco- research/ecoregions) Accessed 10/2016.

Wilde, E.M., and Porter, K.W. 2002. Geologic map of the Winifred 30' x 60' quadrangle, central Montana: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Open-File Report 437, 13 p., 1 sheet, scale 1:100,000.

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Appendix A

GUIDELINES FOR LIVESTOCK GRAZING MANAGEMENT

FOR USE ON BLM LANDS

WITHIN

NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA (HiLine & Lewistown Districts)

DEVELOPED BY THE CENTRAL MONTANA (LEWISTOWN) RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #1: Grazing will be managed in a manner that will maintain the proper balance between soils, water, and vegetation over time. This balance varies with location and management objectives, historic use, and natural fluctuations, but acceptable levels of use can be developed that are compatible with resource objectives.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #2: Manage grazing to maintain watershed vegetation, species richness, and flood plain function. Maintain riparian vegetative cover and structure to trap and hold sediments during run-off events to build streambanks, recharge aquifers, and dissipate flood energy. Grazing management should promote deep-rooted herbaceous vegetation to enhance streambank stability. Where non-native species are contributing to proper functioning conditions, they are acceptable. Where potential for palatable woody shrub species (willows, dogwood, etc.) exists, promote their growth and expansion within riparian zones.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #3: Pastures and allotments will be managed based on their sensitivity and suitability for livestock grazing. Where determinations have not been previously documented, suitability for grazing will be determined by: topography, slope, distance from water, vegetation habitat types, and soil types must be considered when determining grazing suitability. Unsuitable areas should be excluded from grazing.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #4: Management strategies for livestock grazing will ensure that long-term resource capabilities can be sustained. End of season stubble heights, streambank moisture content, and utilization of herbaceous and woody vegetation are critical factors which must be evaluated in any grazing strategy. These considerations are essential to achieving long-term vegetation or stream channel objectives and should be identified on a site-specific basis and used as terms and conditions.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #5: Grazing will be managed to promote desired plants and plant communities of various age classes, based on the rate and physiological conditions of plant growth. Management approaches

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will be identified on a site-specific basis and implemented through terms and conditions. Caution should be used to avoid early spring grazing use when soils and streambanks are wet and susceptible to compaction and physical damage that occurs with animal trampling. Likewise, late summer and fall treatments in woody shrub communities should be monitored closely to avoid excessive utilization.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #6: The development of springs and seeps or other projects affecting water and associated resources shall be designed to protect the ecological functions and processes of those sites.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #7: Locate facilities (e.g., corrals, water developments) away from riparian-wetland areas.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #8: When provided, supplemental salt and minerals should not be placed adjacent to watering locations or in riparian-wetland areas so not to adversely impact streambank stability, riparian vegetation, water quality, or other sensitive areas (i.e., key wildlife wintering areas). Salt and minerals should be placed in upland sites to draw livestock away from watering areas or other sensitive areas and to contribute to more uniform grazing distribution.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #9: Noxious weed control is essential and should include: cooperative agreements, public education, and integrated pest management (mechanical, biological, chemical).

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #10: Livestock management should utilize practices such as those referenced by the NRCS published prescribed grazing technical guide to maintain, restore or enhance water quality.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #11: Grazing management should maintain or improve habitat for federally listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and animals.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #12: Grazing management should maintain or promote the physical and biological conditions to sustain native populations and communities.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #13: Grazing management should give priority to native species. Non-native plant species should only be used in those situations where native seed is not readily available in sufficient quantities, where native plant species cannot maintain or achieve the standards, or where non-native plant species provide an alternative for the management and protection of native rangelands.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE #14: Allotment monitoring determines how on-going management practices are affecting the rangeland. To do so, the evaluations should be based on: measurable management objectives; permanent and/or repeatable monitoring locations; and short-term and long-term data.

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Appendix B Acres of noxious weed infestation by allotment and species

Allotment Name Allotmentabsinth NumberRussian wormwordcommon knapweedmusk burdock thistlespottedCanada knapweedbull thistle thistlefield bindweedpoison houndstonguehemlockRussianleafy olive spurgeblack henbaneperennialScotch pepperweed saltthistle cedarcommonTOTAL tansy T26N R12E Sec1 & 12 00855 5 5 5 1 2 1 19 T26N R12E Sec4 00864 1 1 1 3 T26N R12E Sec 3 00868 1 1 4 1 8 24 39 T26N R12E Sec 11 & 12 00912 1 27 31 59 Lutge Place 00944 1 12 10 10 1 1 9 1 1 46 Reeder Field 06157 2 11 13 3 Mile Ridge 06164 1 1 Bullwhacker 06181 1 1 2 Halley 06201 1 9 5 4 2 9 11 41 Lost Ridge 06208 9 4 8 1 22 Little Bullwacker 06214 2 35 1 4 40 1 83 Dark Butte 06215 3 32 1 18 3 1 1 1 2 38 2 102 Pablo Rapids 06216 23 10 1 5 1 1 41 Sneath Common 06218 40 1 21 9 3 1 1 72 1 149 Deadman Rapids 06221 1 1 3 1 6 Gallatin Rapid 06222 92 1 5 16 1 1 1 38 2 2 2 161 Husar Home Place 06223 1 1 Dauphine Rapids 06225 6 4 1 14 25 Greasewood Bottom 06282 3 1 1 1 1 7 Williamson Bottom 06283 16 1 2 19 Sturgeon Island 06284 20 1 3 1 25 West Gist 06285 50 5 2 1 58 Blazek 06424 1 7 1 3 1 5 1 1 20 Piedras 06425 10 1 4 1 3 4 4 27 White Rocks 06426 1 1 1 1 4 Braun 06430 3 1 1 1 6 Jurenka 06481 1 1 1 1 4 TOTALS 8 378 3 2 81 86 1 9 3 2 61 324 4 16 1 3 1 983

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Appendix C

Bear Paw to Breaks Assessment Area Standards of Rangeland Health Determination Table

Allotment # Allotment Name Standard #1 Standard #2 Standard #5 00820 Sanford Place Yes N/A Yes 00855 Unallocated Yes Yes No 00864 Unallocated No Yes No 00866 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 00867 Unallocated No N/A No 00868 Unallocated N/A Yes Yes 00869 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 00871 Unallocated No N/A No 00873 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 00883 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 00916 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 00940 Eskay School Yes N/A Yes 00944 Lutge Place Yes No No 00958 Unallocated Yes N/A Yes 03225 Duval Place Yes N/A Yes 03238 North Eagle Creek Yes N/A Yes 05607 North Cabin Creek Yes N/A Yes 05608 Lower Squaw Creek No Yes No 05609 Cabin Creek Yes Yes Yes 05610 Antelope Creek No Yes No 05611 Upper Cyprian Creek Yes N/A Yes 05629 Coal Mine Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06003 Six Mile Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06153 Gap Creek Yes Yes Yes 06154 Birdtail Butte Yes Yes Yes 06157 Reeder Field Yes N/A Yes 06150 Myrtle Butte Yes N/A Yes 06160 North & McGuire Yes N/A Yes 06161 Reed Place Yes N/A Yes 06162 Henderson Place Yes N/A Yes 06163 Sawtooth Mountain Yes N/A Yes 06164 Three Mile Ridge Yes Yes Yes 06165 TU Bench Yes Yes Yes 06166 Pioneer Yes N/A Yes 06167 Tin Cup Yes N/A Yes 06168 Al’s Creek No Yes Yes 06169 Chimney Butte Yes Yes Yes 06171 Little Suction Yes N/A Yes 06172 Timber Ridge Yes N/A Yes 06173 Sand Creek Section 3 & 15 Yes Yes Yes 06174 Bench Mark Yes N/A Yes 06175 Nielson Homestead Yes N/A Yes 06178 Boggess Place Yes N/A Yes 06180 Bullseye Yes N/A Yes 06181 Bullwhacker Yes Yes Yes 06182 Hay Coulee Yes Yes Yes 06183 Birch Creek Yes N/A Yes

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Allotment # Allotment Name Standard #1 Standard #2 Standard #5 06184 Green’s Bench Yes Yes Yes 06185 Scattered Tracts Yes Yes Yes 06187 Fork of Black Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06189 North Ranch Yes N/A Yes 06190 Oliver Yes N/A Yes 06192 North Fork Lion Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06193 Lion Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06194 Spencer Ridge Yes Yes Yes 06198 Chase Hill Yes N/A Yes 06199 Green’s Coulee Yes No Yes 06200 Chip Creek Yes N/A Yes 06201 Halley Yes N/A Yes 06202 Cummings Bench Yes N/A Yes 06203 Golf Bench Yes Yes Yes 06204 Black Coulee Common Yes N/A Yes 06205 Moravec Individual Yes N/A Yes 06206 Upper Black Coulee Yes N/A Yes 06207 Ragland Ridge Yes N/A Yes 06208 Lost Ridge Yes Yes Yes 06209 Barnard Ridge Yes N/A Yes 06210 Maxwell Yes Yes Yes 06211 Black Butte Yes Yes Yes 06212 Ervin Ridge Yes N/A Yes 06214 Little Bullwhacker Yes Yes Yes 06215 Dark Butte Yes Yes Yes 06216 Pablo Rapids Yes Yes Yes 06218 Sneath Common Yes Yes Yes 06219 Fourmile Hill Yes N/A Yes 06220 Eightmile Bench Yes N/A Yes 06221 Deadman Rapids Yes N/A Yes 06222 Gallatin Rapids Yes Yes Yes 06223 Husar Home Place Yes N/A Yes 06224 Upper Dauphine Rapids Yes N/A Yes 06225 Dauphine Rapids Yes N/A Yes 06254 Lost Bird Yes N/A Yes 06269 North Timber Ridge No N/A No 06273 Bear Point SGC Yes N/A Yes 06275 Stone Place Yes N/A Yes 06276 West Stone Yes N/A Yes 06277 Volcano Yes N/A Yes 06278 Flat Rock Yes N/A Yes 06282 Greasewood Bottom Yes Yes Yes 06283 Williamson Bottom Yes Yes Yes 06284 Sturgeon Island Yes Yes Yes 06285 West Gist Yes Yes Yes 06286 Cecrle Place Yes N/A Yes 06411 Preference Lands Yes Yes Yes 06412 Buckskin Yes Yes Yes 06414 Triangle PU Yes N/A Yes 06415 Dogtown Yes No Yes 06416 Pigtail Coulee Yes Yes Yes 06420 Clinard Coulee Yes N/A Yes

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Allotment # Allotment Name Standard #1 Standard #2 Standard #5 06421 Sevcik Place Yes N/A Yes 06422 N Hanging 5 Yes Yes Yes 06424 Blazek Yes Yes Yes 06425 Piedras Yes Yes Yes 06426 White Rocks Yes Yes Yes 06428 Osterman Yes N/A Yes 06429 Puma No Yes Yes 06430 Unallocated Yes Yes Yes 06434 Cabin Yes Yes Yes 06435 North Rapp Yes N/A Yes 06456 Reservation Yes N/A Yes 06457 Edwards Lease Yes N/A Yes 06458 Bear Paw Yes N/A Yes 06476 Chauvet Yes Yes Yes 06481 Jurenka Yes Yes Yes 06491 Pine Tree Yes N/A Yes 06554 T28N R17E Sec 5 Yes N/A Yes

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Appendix D

Soils - Blaine County, Montana

Map Unit: 6—Badland The Badland is a miscellaneous area. The Cabbart component makes up 15 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 60 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC057MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-c 11- 14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 11—Bascovy clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 90 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 6 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC041MT Clayey (cy) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 12—Bascovy-Lisam-Dilts clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC041MT Clayey (cy) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Dilts component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 8 percent. This component is on knolls. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from acid shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent.

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This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Lisam component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 8 percent. This component is on knolls on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. Map Unit: 25—Cabbart-Delpoint loams, 8 to 35 percent slopes The Cabbart component makes up 55 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC057MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Delpoint component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 15 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC040MT Silty (si) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. Map Unit: 27—Cabbart-Rock outcrop, shale complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes The Cabbart component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 60 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC057MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-c 11- 14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 28—Cabbart-Yamac-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes

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The Cabbart component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 60 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC057MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-c 11- 14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. The Yamac component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 25 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC046MT Silty-steep 11-14" P.z. Deleted. Refer To Site: R058ac049mt ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 38—Delpoint-Cabbart loams, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Delpoint component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC040MT Silty (si) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. Irrigated land capability classification is 3e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The Cabbart component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC057MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 59—Havre, Hanly, and Glendive soils, channeled The Glendive component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. This component is on terraces, flood plains. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is

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greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R046XC504MT Draft Overflow (ov) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6w. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The Hanly component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. This component is on flood plains, terraces. The parent material consists of sandy alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is somewhat excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R046XC504MT Draft Overflow (ov) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6w. Irrigated land capability classification is 6w. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The Havre component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. This component is on flood plains, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R046XC504MT Draft Overflow (ov) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6w. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. Map Unit: 65—Hedoes-Belain-Castner complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes The Hedoes component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 45 percent. This component is on mountains. The parent material consists of colluvium and/or alluvium derived from igneous rock. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 8 percent. This component is in the R046XC508MT Draft Silty (si) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 13 percent. The Belain component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 60 percent. This component is on mountains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from igneous rock. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, lithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 3 percent. This component is in the R046XC516MT Draft Silty-steep (sistp) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The Castner component makes up 20 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 60 percent. This component is on ridges, hills, mountains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and/or igneous rock. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, lithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The

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natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 3 percent. This component is in the R046XC506MT Draft Shallow (sw) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 9 percent. Map Unit: 79—Lisam-Dilts clays, 8 to 35 percent slopes The Lisam component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The Dilts component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from acid shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 80—Lisam-Dilts-Rock outcrop, shale complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. The Dilts component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from acid shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Lisam component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. Map Unit: 82—Lisam-Wabek association, steep

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The Lisam component makes up 55 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC215MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The Wabek component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 35 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC216MT Shallow To Gravel (swgr) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 6 percent. Map Unit: 85—Marmarth-Cabbart complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Marmarth component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC217MT Silty (si) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The Cabbart component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and siltstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC214MT Shallow (sw) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 89—Marvan-Bascovy clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Marvan component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on fans. The parent material consists of clayey alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC041MT Clayey (cy) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. Irrigated land

Page 219 capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Bascovy component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC041MT Clayey (cy) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 111—Shaak loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Shaak component makes up 90 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 3 percent. This component is in the R052XC217MT Silty (si) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. Irrigated land capability classification is 3e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 148—Yamac-Benz loams, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Yamac component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC040MT Silty (si) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. Irrigated land capability classification is 2e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Benz component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC050MT Saline Upland (su) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface.

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Chouteau County, Montana

Map Unit: 79C—Yamacall loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes The Yamacall component makes up 85 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN161MT Silty (si) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. Irrigated land capability classification is 3e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 200—Badland The Badland is a miscellaneous area. Map Unit: 211F—Cabbart-Yawdim-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Cabbart component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN178MT Shallow (sw) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Yawdim component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN179MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 251C—Bascovy-Neldore silty clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 55 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN162MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Neldore component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low.

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Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN179MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 251E—Bascovy-Neldore silty clays, 8 to 25 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 25 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN164MT Clayey-steep (cystp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Neldore component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 25 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN179MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 252C—Bascovy-Marvan silty clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN162MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Marvan component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 4 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN162MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. Irrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 301C—Marvan-Vanda clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes

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The Marvan component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN162MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. Irrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Vanda component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN172MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 521B—Thoeny-Elloam-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Thoeny component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN086MT Claypan (cp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4s. Irrigated land capability classification is 4s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Elloam component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN086MT Claypan (cp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. Irrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Absher component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is moderately well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN172MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7s. Irrigated land capability classification is 7s. This soil

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does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a strongly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a strongly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 605C—Yamacall-Havre loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes The Yamacall component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN161MT Silty (si) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 3e. Irrigated land capability classification is 3e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Havre component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is high. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is occasionally flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN166MT Overflow (ov) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6w. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. Map Unit: 653F—Fleak-Twilight-Yetull complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Twilight component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN165MT Sandy-steep (systp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The Fleak component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN178MT Shallow (sw) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Yetull component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of eolian deposits. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is somewhat excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN165MT Sandy-steep (systp) 10- 14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent.

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Map Unit: 654F—Fleak-Twilight-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Fleak component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Twilight component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN165MT Sandy-steep (systp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. Map Unit: 661E—Twilight-Fleak complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes The Twilight component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 25 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN165MT Sandy-steep (systp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The Fleak component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 25 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XN178MT Shallow (sw) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 971F—Neldore-Bascovy silty clays, 25 to 60 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 60 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN179MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Bascovy component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 45 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not

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ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN164MT Clayey-steep (cystp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a very slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 972F—Neldore-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 60 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XN179MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Hill County, Montana Map Unit: 400F—Rubble land-Rock outcrop complex The Rubble land is a miscellaneous area. The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. Map Unit: 530F—Warwood loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes The Warwood component makes up 85 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 45 percent. The parent material consists of colluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 75 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 883F—Perma-Whitlash complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Perma component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of colluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is somewhat excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 3 percent. This component is in the R046XC599MT Draft Thin Breaks (tb) Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

The Whitlash component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. The parent material consists of residuum. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, lithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 3 percent. This component is in the R046XC506MT Draft Shallow (sw)

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Rru 46-c 13-19" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

Phillips County, Montana

Map Unit: 251C—Bascovy-Neldore clays, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Bascovy component makes up 55 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC041MT Clayey (cy) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Neldore component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 301C—Marvan complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Marvan, saline component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on drainageways, terraces, fans. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Marvan component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on fans, terraces, drainageways. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC205MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 6 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 302B—Marvan-Vanda clays, 0 to 8 percent slopes

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The Marvan, saline component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 8 percent. This component is on fans, terraces, drainageways. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Vanda component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 8 percent. This component is on drainageways, fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 6 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 521B—Elloam-Absher complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Elloam component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on till plains. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC204MT Claypan (cp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Absher component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on till plains. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is moderately well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a strongly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a strongly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 925C—Sunburst-Bascovy-Weingart complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes The Sunburst component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on till plains. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches.

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Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC205MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a slightly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Bascovy component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC205MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Weingart, thin component makes up 20 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 2 to 8 percent. This component is on plains. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink- swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 971F—Neldore-Cabbart-Tinsley complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 65 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC215MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Cabbart component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 65 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC214MT Shallow (sw) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Tinsley component makes up 20 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 65 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of outwash. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is excessively drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches.

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Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC617MT Gravel (gr) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 5 percent. Map Unit: 1021E—Cabbart-Twilight-Yawdim association, 8 to 35 percent slopes The Cabbart component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE019MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Twilight component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE006MT Sandy-steep (systp) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The Yawdim component makes up 15 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AE199MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 7 percent. Map Unit: 1066D—Twilight-Cabbart-Marmarth association, 4 to 15 percent slopes The Twilight component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 15 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is low. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE003MT Sandy (sy) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 8 percent. The Cabbart component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 15 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very

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low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE019MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Marmarth component makes up 15 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 4 to 15 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE001MT Silty (si) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. Map Unit: 1090B—Harlake-Marvan association, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Harlake component makes up 45 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 2 percent. This component is on flood plains. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is rarely flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC205MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 6 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Marvan component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R052XC205MT Clayey (cy) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 6 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 1251E—Neldore-Bascovy association, 8 to 35 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 50 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Bascovy component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 35 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained.

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Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC047MT Clayey-steep (cystp) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. Deleted. Refer To Site: R058a ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 1392B—Creed-Gerdrum-Absher association, 0 to 4 percent slopes The Creed component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC204MT Claypan (cp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 4s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Gerdrum component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC204MT Claypan (cp) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 6s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Absher component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 0 to 4 percent. This component is on fans, terraces. The parent material consists of alluvium. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is moderately well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC206MT Dense Clay (dc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7s. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 10 percent. The soil has a strongly saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a strongly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 1400F—Rock outcrop-Arsite association, 8 to 60 percent slopes Component: Rock outcrop (45%) The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. The Arsite component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 60 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72

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inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AC050MT Saline Upland (su) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The soil has a moderately saline horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. Map Unit: 1920F—Sunburst-Neldore association, 15 to 45 percent slopes The Sunburst component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 45 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of till. Depth to a root restrictive layer is greater than 60 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is moderate. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC220MT Thin Hilly (th) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil The Neldore component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 45 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R052XC215MT Shallow Clay (swc) 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 1970F—Neldore-Bascovy-Rock outcrop association, 8 to 60 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 60 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC059MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Bascovy component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 8 to 45 percent. This component is on hillslopes. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 20 to 40 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AC047MT Clayey-steep (cystp) Rru 58a-c 11-14" P.z. Deleted. Refer To Site: R058a ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 3 percent. The soil has a moderately sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. Map Unit: 1971F—Yawdim-Cabbart-Rock outcrop association, 25 to 70 percent slopes The Yawdim component makes up 40 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained.

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Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 1 percent. This component is in the R058AE199MT Shallow Clay (swc) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 7 percent. The Cabbart component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 25 to 70 percent. This component is on escarpments. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from sandstone and shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately high. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is moderate. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. This component is in the R058AE019MT Shallow (sw) Rru 58a-e 10-14" P.z. ecological site. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The calcium carbonate equivalent within 40 inches, typically, does not exceed 20 percent. The soil has a slightly sodic horizon within 30 inches of the soil surface. The Rock outcrop is a miscellaneous area. Map Unit: 1973F—Neldore, cool-Neldore-Rock outcrop association, 15 to 60 percent slopes The Neldore, cool component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 60 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Neldore component makes up 30 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 60 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. Map Unit: 1976F—Neldore-Pinebreaks-Bascovy association, 15 to 60 percent slopes The Neldore component makes up 35 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 60 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria. The Pinebreaks component makes up 25 percent of the map unit. Slopes are 15 to 45 percent. This component is on hills. The parent material consists of residuum weathered from shale. Depth to a root restrictive layer, bedrock, paralithic, is 10 to 20 inches. The natural drainage class is well drained. Water movement in the most restrictive layer is moderately low. Available water to a depth of 60 inches is very low. Shrink-swell potential is high. This soil is not flooded. It is not ponded. There is no zone of water

Page 234 saturation within a depth of 72 inches. Organic matter content in the surface horizon is about 2 percent. Nonirrigated land capability classification is 7e. This soil does not meet hydric criteria.

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