United States Department of Agriculture Laguna and Laguna Meadow Grazing Allotments – Forest Environmental Assessment Service
July 2010 Descanso Ranger District Cleveland National Forest San Diego County, California
For Information Contact: Lance Criley 3348 Alpine Blvd. Alpine, CA 91901 (619) 445-6235 ext. 3457
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Area Description
The project area consists of the Laguna and Laguna Meadow grazing allotments on the Descanso Ranger District (Descanso RD) of the Cleveland National Forest (Cleveland NF). There are approximately 30,810 acres of National Forest System lands in the project area, which ranges in elevation from 3,200 to 6,200 feet. Legal locations of the allotments on the San Bernardino Base Meridian, San Diego County, are:
Laguna Allotment: T15S, R5E, Sections 15 to 17, 20 to 29, 31 to 36; T15S, R6E, Section 31; T16S, R5E, Sections 1 to 24, and 26 to 35; T16S, R6E, Sections 6 to 8, 19; and T17S, R5E, Sections 1 to 5, 9 to 16, 21, and 22. Laguna Meadow Allotment: T14S, R5E, Sections 27, 28, 33, and 34; T15S, R5E, Sections 3, 4, 9 to 16, 22 to 26, 35, and 36; and T15S, R6E, Sections 30 and 31.
The climate is Mediterranean with hot dry summers and cool, sometimes wet, winters. Annual precipitation is highly variable, ranging from 8 to 40 inches in the past five years, falling almost entirely from winter storms. There is occasional snow above 4000 feet. A small of amount of rain from convective thunderstorms may fall in the summer.
For this environmental assessment, the Forest Service determined livestock use patterns by utilizing historical records, discussion with permittees, and annual inspections. Livestock use patterns were used to develop primary and secondary/transitional "use zones" for the project area.
Primary use zones are generally grasslands, either wet or dry meadows, oak woodlands or pine forests with grassy understory. These vegetative communities are preferred foraging areas by livestock. Livestock are often restricted to these primary use zones by dense vegetation boundaries formed by montane chaparral, steep slopes or by fencing. Secondary/transitional use zones are areas of dense montane chaparral where forage may be temporarily available after fire or areas that may be used only occasionally by cattle. Transitional use zones also include isolated grassy areas that are inaccessible except after fire has cleared chaparral. These areas include all capable and suitable areas in the allotments that are not primary use zones. In general, they receive only occasional use by livestock.
Maps 1 shows the general location of the allotments within San Diego County and maps 2 and 3 illustrate the current allotment and subunit boundaries, and areas considered primary range.
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1.2 Background
Where consistent with the goals, objectives, standards and guidelines of the Cleveland NF Land Management Plan, Forest Service policy is to make forage from lands that are suitable for livestock grazing available to qualified livestock operators. The capability and suitability for grazing on the two allotments has been determined as part of this analysis. A summary of the capability and suitability analysis for these allotments is included in Appendix A. Additional documentation, including detailed analyses of project-area resources, is on file in the project planning record located at the Descanso RD office.
1.3 Land Management Plan
The Land Management Plan establishes goals for the livestock program, directions for land use zones, place-based management directions, and standards for implementing projects. A complete analysis of the relation of the proposed action for each allotment to all relevant standards, land use zones and place-based management direction from the Land Management Plan is contained in Appendix A.
1.3.1 Forest Plan Goals and Strategies for Livestock Grazing The goal for rangeland management on the Cleveland NF is:
LMP Goal 6.1 – Rangeland Condition – Move toward improved rangeland conditions as indicated by key range sites.
Desired Condition: The desired condition is that livestock grazing opportunities are maintained and are managed for sustainable, healthy rangelands that contribute to improving watershed conditions towards a fully functional and productive condition.
The livestock grazing program strategies found in the Land Management Plan are:
LG 1 – Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing areas are maintained and remain sustainable and suitable over the long-term.
LG 2 – Rangeland Health: Rangelands are healthy and sustainable over the long term. Rangelands are meeting or moving toward forest plan, ecosystem, and site-specific desired conditions.
1.4 Allotment History
Grazing has occurred in the project area since the early 1800s, when lands that now make up the Cleveland NF served as grazing land for Spanish missions. Grazing increased when large areas of land were granted to families in ranchos by the Mexican government by the 1850s. The mountains surrounding the ranchos were open range for domestic livestock. These lands were
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probably used as summer range for operations at ranchos in what are now the El Cajon, Jamul and Otay Mesa areas. In the late 1880s cattle were often driven into the mountains from large private ranches in the valleys below. Cattle were brought from as far away as the Los Angeles basin to graze the area, especially during drought years. Grazing probably reached its peak around the turn of the century when San Diego County was among the top ten cattle producing counties in California.
The Laguna Meadow area was homesteaded by the Chilwell family in the 1880s. The family established the ―Campo Cattle Company‖ which dominated grazing in the Laguna area through the 1920s and used agents to homestead the valuable rangeland. Since then, grazing has been controlled on the national forest by issuing permits for specific areas, but grazing use on public lands in the Cleveland NF usually has been incidental to adjacent private land grazing. Grazing on the national forest has declined both in numbers of cattle and in amount of land since the 1970s, but has stabilized in recent years.
1.4.1 Laguna Meadow Allotment Most of Laguna Meadow was privately owned and operated as a working cattle ranch until the mid-1970s. Most of the improvements on the allotment, including the major water features of Big Laguna Lake and Water of the Woods, were built before Forest Service ownership. Prior to the mid-1970s, grazing permits were issued for grazing on adjacent Forest Service lands (Wooded Hill and Morris Ranch area). In the 1960s, the Filaree Flat area transferred into Forest Service ownership made a part of the Laguna Meadow allotment. In the mid-1970s, the County of San Diego received funding to purchase the meadow which was being pursued by developers. This 1500-acre set of parcels was then transferred to the Forest Service. Parcels were acquired over several years, with the final purchases completed by 1977. The Forest Service also acquired the Kemp Ranch house and all the stock handling facilities present in the southern part of the meadow.
After the acquisition of the land by the Forest Service, planning began for the establishment of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. The Forest Service adopted a plan that called for management of the area to emphasize recreation over other uses. In the plan, grazing was to be reduced to levels that were compatible with the planned recreational uses. The plan was finalized in 1979. In 1980, an interim grazing plan was developed that would use annual permits to slowly reduce the number of animals grazing in the allotment. Also, the grazing season in the meadow was shortened and delayed until June 1 to allow for better wildflower displays and improved perennial grass conditions. Cattle were excluded from the meadow around Little Laguna Lake due to the concentration of recreational facilities bordering that meadow. Grazing numbers were reduced slightly from 1980 to 1985. In 1985 a 10-year term permit was issued for 300 cow/calf pairs from May 1 to October 31 for Laguna Meadow, Filaree Flat, and Wooded Hill. Cattle were not allowed onto Laguna Meadow until June 1. There were also 25 pairs permitted for Morris Ranch from May 1 to October 31.
In 1990 grazing numbers were substantially reduced in annual authorizations down to approximately 100 pairs in 1990. This rose to around 150 pairs by 1995. This reduction was a response to consistent grazing beyond forage utilization standards and drought. In 1995, a term
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grazing permit was issued for 140 cow/calf pairs and the on-date for Laguna Meadow itself was moved from June 1 to July 1 annually. Grazing use has stabilized at these numbers since 1995.
1.4.2 Laguna Allotment The Laguna allotment is composed of National Forest System lands that surround a series of private parcels from the south flank of Mt. Laguna to Cameron Valley. The private parcels were homesteaded for cattle production and consist of flat, well-watered meadows, including Crouch, Ames, Kitchen, Cameron, and Cottonwood valleys. The ownership history of these parcels is not contained in the Forest Service files, but since the 1960s, and possibly earlier, all were owned by a single family. In general, as discussed in the allotment description, the Forest Service land surrounding these private parcels is steeper and brushier so grazing on the national forest has always occurred in conjunction with, and dependent on, private land. Grazing permits have been issued with terms and grazing intensities similar to the proposed action since 1975. Minor changes have occurred in subunit boundaries over the years. Grazing in recent years has been reduced significantly in areas such as Long Valley ridge due to lack of water and reduced maintenance of fuelbreaks in the area. In general, over the past decades use increasingly has been tied to the private land parcels and adjacent areas on the national forest.
1.5 Affected Environment and Existing Rangeland Conditions
1.5.1 Laguna Meadow Allotment The Laguna Meadow allotment consists of Laguna Meadow, and the areas of Filaree Flat, Wooded Hill, and just east of Morris Ranch. The allotment encompasses 5910 acres, 900 acres of which are primary range utilized by livestock. The elevation ranges from 5400 feet to 6200 feet. Laguna Meadow (elevation 5400 feet), which receives the bulk of the grazing use, is a 650-acre moist to mesic meadow system. A variety of native perennial grass, sedge, and rush species dominates the meadow. Within the meadow there are several impoundments creating two large stock ponds, known as Big Laguna Lake and Water of the Woods. These ponds hold water through most summers and have become destinations for hikers in the area. These ponds were constructed prior to Forest Service ownership of the meadow area. Laguna Meadow receives significant recreational use and has high scenic value and ecological value. Laguna Meadow supports several rare plant species and one endangered plant species, San Bernardino bluegrass, as well as habitat for the endangered Laguna Mountain skipper.
The Filaree Flat unit consists of a small mesic meadow surrounded by pine forest with abundant grass in the understory. The Wooded Hill and Morris Ranch units consist of small stringer meadows and pine forest.
Upland areas are mostly pine and black oak forest with a grassy understory. Grass species in the uplands are a mix of non-native annual grasses and native perennial grasses.
No perennial stream courses are found within the allotment. Boiling Springs, Chico Ravine, Gator Ravine, and Escondido Ravine are the main drainages, all of which eventually drain into Laguna Meadow. They are all intermittent, steep ravines with little riparian vegetation.
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Soils in the primary range areas of the allotment are mostly sandy loams mapped in the following series: Bancas stony loam, Boomer loam, Boomer stony loam, Crouch course sandy loam, Crouch rocky coarse sandy loam, Holland stony fine sandy loam, Loamy alluvial land (the meadow itself), Reiff fine sandy loam, and Sheephead rocky fine sandy loam. Range productivity was estimated in the soil survey for the Crouch series (which is mostly the uplands immediately adjacent to the meadow) as about 4,000 pounds per acre in average years.
1.5.2 Laguna Allotment The Laguna allotment encompasses 29,000 acres, 24,900 of which are on National Forest System lands. Only 725 acres are primary range on National Forest System lands, while most of the allotment is comprised of dense chaparral vegetation types. The allotment stretches from the Sunrise Highway on Mt. Laguna to lands just south of Interstate 8. The allotment is managed in conjunction with a series of private ranchland parcels that occur that are surrounded by National Forest System lands.
Most productive forage areas and water sources are on private lands. Grazing use on the national forest is primarily incidental to use on the private lands or occurs while herds are being moved between private parcels from Crouch Valley to Cameron Valley. Areas of more concentrated use and intentional herding on the national forest include Channing Meadows, the ―Rodeo Grounds,‖ and Lower Cameron Valley. Channing Meadows and the ―Rodeo Grounds‖ contain mesic to moist meadow areas and the upper elevations of the allotment contain pines and black oak with a grassy understory similar to the Laguna Meadow allotment uplands. The forage in the lower part of the allotment is mostly annual grassland and forbs. Cameron Valley, north of Interstate 8, was type-converted from chaparral through several range improvement projects and as a fuel break in the 1950s and 1960s. Like many type-converted areas, the local soil is not ideal for grass production and the areas become dominated by non-native annual species with an abundance of forb species. In lower Cameron Valley, near the ―narrows,‖ are areas with moister perennial meadow vegetation. Some use of native upland bunchgrasses such as Leymus condensatus, Aristida purpurea and Achnatherum coronatum occurs in chaparral areas. In general, chaparral and steep slopes greatly limit the ability of cattle to utilize most of the acreage on the allotment.
Kitchen Creek and its tributaries in Horse, Long, and Troy canyons, La Posta Creek and the portion of its tributary in Antone Canyon, and Cottonwood Creek are all mapped as perennial streams. Cattle have access only to parts of Kitchen Creek, Troy Canyon, La Posta Creek, and Cottonwood Creek (solely on private lands). Of these, only Kitchen Creek has reliable perennial stream flow. Most of the locations where Kitchen Creek would be accessible to cattle on public lands are in the Kitchen Creek subunit where grazing is not allowed due to arroyo toad habitat conflicts. Troy Canyon has not been utilized in several years. Cattle do utilize the area just upstream from the narrows on La Posta Creek.
Cattle have access to other intermittent stream courses and spring areas, including areas in Channing Meadows and the Rodeo Grounds. These areas support some wet meadow vegetation and some isolated willow stands.
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All areas accessible to cattle on the allotment drain into the Cottonwood Creek drainage.
Soils in the primary range areas of the allotment are mostly sandy loams mapped in the following series: Bancas stony loam, Calpine coarse sandy loam, Crouch coarse sandy loam, Crouch rocky coarse sandy loam, loamy alluvial land (the meadow itself), Mottsville loamy coarse sand, Reiff fine sandy loam, and Sheephead rocky fine sandy loam. Range productivity was estimated in the soil survey for the Crouch series, which comprises much of the primary range in the upper elevations of the allotment, as about 4,000 pounds per acre in average years. Much of the lower elevation primary range is in the Mottsville loamy coarse sand series, which has forage production capacity of around 1,000 lbs/acre in average years (NRCS SSURGO soils data).
1.5.3 Capability and Suitability of the Allotments The capability and suitability of an allotment for grazing are determined in a two-step process. First capability, defined as the general ability of a piece of land to support livestock grazing, is determined for the allotment. National Forest System lands are considered to be generally capable if they have a slope less than 60 percent, they have the ability to produce greater than 200 to 700 pounds per acre (dry weight) of forage annually, they are accessible to livestock, and they are in areas where livestock can be controlled within the designated area and management system (Land Management Plan, Appendix J).
Not all capable National Forest System lands are considered suitable for grazing. The proposed or continued grazing area must be located in a land-use zone that allows grazing. Specific to the Cleveland NF, lands unsuitable for grazing include lands in critical biological land use zones, wilderness areas in which livestock grazing was not established at the time of designation and where there is no recent history of grazing use prior to wilderness designation, and within critical habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher or within peninsular bighorn sheep range. In addition, grazing use should be compatible with the general management direction for the Land Management Plan ―place‖ in which it is located.
Capable lands may also be unsuitable for grazing due to the potential for significant adverse effects that cannot be mitigated, or where grazing is a significant factor in preventing lands from achieving desired condition (Land Management Plan, Appendix J). The analysis to determine whether any of these factors are present is conducted by an ID team during the NEPA process. Appendix A contains a table for each allotment summarizing the suitability factors listed in the Land Management Plan and the site-specific analysis for each of the factors. Following that table is another table for each allotment that analyzes the proposed actions consistency with the strategies, standards and guidelines of the Land Management Plan.
Capability for each allotment was determined primarily through Cleveland NF GIS data and indicates the potential of an area to support domestic grazing by cattle. In general, no capable acres on the allotments were determined to be unsuitable for livestock grazing.
Primary range was defined for each allotment using a mixture of on-the-ground management experience and aerial photo delineation. Primary range is defined as areas where cattle currently
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graze regularly under the current management scheme. Approximately 90 percent of grazing use in the allotments occurs in primary range areas. Primary range areas represent the bulk of the economic value of the allotments to permittees.
Laguna Meadow Allotment. Of the total 5910 acres of National Forest System lands in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, an estimated 3555 acres (60 percent) are capable (Appendix A, Map 1). Approximately 75 percent of the capable lands may be transitory or secondary range, while 900 acres constitute the primary rangeland used on the allotment. All capable acres on the Laguna Meadow allotment are considered suitable for grazing under the Land Management Plan except those areas in an exclosure as mandated by the grazing biological opinion (see suitability analysis).
Laguna Allotment. Of the total 24910 acres of National Forest System lands in the Laguna Allotment an estimated 8480 acres (34 percent) are capable (Appendix A, Map 2). Approximately 8.5 percent of the capable acres may be transitory or secondary range, while 725 acres constitute the primary rangeland used on the allotment. All capable acres on the Laguna allotment are suitable for grazing under the Land Management Plan except areas in the Kitchen Creek exclosure, which are not suitable due to arroyo toad occupied habitat (see suitability analysis).
Table 1: Capable acres by allotment. Acres Range Allotment, Subunit Total Capable Suitable Primary Secondary/transitory Laguna Meadow, Total 5910 3555 3555 900 2655 Laguna, Total 24910 8520 8325 725 7600
1.6 Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose of the project is to analyze the effects of reissuing a livestock grazing permit on the Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments and to develop new allotment management plans that are consistent with the Land Management Plan. While management of both allotments has been altered over the years to meet changing conditions, new allotment management plans have not been developed. Monitoring data indicates that rangelands within the allotments are healthy and in satisfactory ecological condition.
Forest Service policy is to contribute to the economic and social well being of people by providing opportunities for economic diversity and by promoting stability for communities that depend on range resources for their livelihood (Forest Service Manual 2202.1). The Land Management Plan states the first goal of the livestock grazing program is that livestock grazing areas are maintained and remain sustainable and suitable over the long-term (Land Management Plan, Part 2, pg. 114). The current permittees have expressed interest in maintaining use of these allotments. There is a need to bring all livestock grazing permits into compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
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The ranchers permitted to use the project area rely on the forage provided by Forest Service rangelands to make their ranch operations viable. The Chief of the Forest Service has identified four major threats to the health of the land. One includes habitat fragmentation through land conversion, specifically development. Applying adaptive management to continuing grazing practices will provide renewable forage resources for local ranchers, keeping ranches viable, whole, and maintaining open space, wildlife habitat and corridors.
1.7 Proposed Action
The Cleveland NF proposes to:
1. Authorize grazing on National Forest System lands within the Laguna and Laguna Meadow grazing allotments. Tables 2 and 3 summarize the proposed grazing schedules for each allotment. 2. Develop new allotment management plans for both allotments that would be part of the terms and conditions of any new permits.
The following elements would be part of the allotment management plans.
1. Allowable forage utilization standards would be based on Standard 56 of the Land Management Plan (Part 3, pg. 12). Meeting forage utilization standards may result in lower numbers of cattle or shorter seasons of use than are shown in the permit in a given year. 2. Allowable use standards may be adjusted if monitoring shows a downward trend in vegetation or watershed conditions. 3. Permittees would maintain existing range improvements. 4. All other applicable standards from the Land Management Plan would be enforced as part of the allotment management plans.
The proposed action authorizes a similar grazing intensity to existing management that has been practiced in recent years. Monitoring has shown that current grazing intensity is within Land Management Plan standards. Meadow ecological condition under current grazing management is stable or improving in key areas.
1.7.1 Proposed changes specific to the Laguna Meadow Allotment
1. Combine the Laguna Meadow and Wooded Hill subunits. This would have little impact on which areas are grazed in Wooded Hill, except for an increased use of the Los Rasalies Ravine area. This change would reduce grazing pressure on areas around Big Laguna Lake by providing additional forage in the southern part of the meadow. 2. Designate locations where placement of dietary supplements are allowed. A map would be incorporated into the allotment management plan that details areas where supplements—such as salt licks or molasses/protein tubs—could be placed. In general,
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locations where supplements would not be allowed include Big Laguna Lake, Water of the Woods, and areas of archeological concern in the meadow. 3. Manage headcuts and active gullies in the meadow. In general, drainage features in Laguna Meadow are stable, but currently one headcut is being exacerbated by a failed check dam. A site-specific action would be developed for this area, and may include temporary exclosure fencing. 4. Identify areas where mountain bike cattle guards or other trail improvements are needed. An ongoing issue on the allotment has been cut fences that allow cattle to wander into areas like Little Laguna Lake. Most instances likely have been mountain bikers who prefer to not need to dismount to maneuver through gates or mazes at fence crossings. 5. Install interpretive signs at trailheads and campgrounds. Signs explaining the grazing use history and meadow management benefits may help reduce instances of cut fences, open gates, and dog/cattle interactions. Signs may also improve the recreational user experience of the meadow by explaining the history of the area and the fact that Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake are both stock ponds by design. 6. Fix fencing bottleneck in Morris Ranch subunit. The fencing bottleneck where Morris Ranch road meets Sunrise Highway would be fixed, either by moving the cattleguard or by relocating the horkelia exclosure on the north side of the road to encompass a larger horkelia population elsewhere.
Table 2. Proposed permitted use, Laguna Meadow allotment. Allowable season Allotment Subunit Acres Head months of use
Filaree Flat/ 280 Laguna Meadow 1270 May 1 to June 30 Wooded Hill* (ex. 140 animals for 2 months)
Laguna Meadow/ 630 Laguna Meadow 2658 July 1 to Oct 31 Wooded Hill (ex. 140 animals for 4.5 months
100 Laguna Meadow Morris Ranch 983 June 1 to Sept. 30 (ex. 25 animals for 4 months)
* Includes use of the holding pasture.
1.7.2 Proposed changes specific to the Laguna Allotment
1. Combine the Crouch and Joy Meadow subunits. The Crouch and Joy Meadow subunits as shown on the current permit would be combined because both are managed as on/off units with the private lands in Crouch Valley. 2. Combine the Upper and Lower Cameron subunits. These subunits have the same season of use and are managed as on/off units with the private lands in CameronValley. 3. Remove the Un Gallo unit and meadow area across from Meadow Kiosk from the allotment. Some allotment boundary changes would be implemented, specifically the
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removal of the Un Gallo Subunit and also the removal of the meadow next to the Meadow Kiosk from the Crouch/Joy Meadow unit. 4. Reduce permitted numbers in the Cottonwood Unit. Permitted numbers for the Cottonwood unit would be reduced to reflect that fact that actual use in this area is incidental to private land use in the area and is much lower than currently permitted. 5. Manage headcuts and active gullies in meadows. In general, drainage features in the allotment are stable, but some erosion is occurring in the Rodeo Grounds due to head cutting of tributaries of a large historical gully. A site-specific action would be developed for this area, and may include temporary exclosure fencing.
Table 3: Proposed permitted use, Laguna allotment. Allowable Season Allotment Subunit Acres Head Months (ON FOREST) of Use**
2745 160 Crouch Pasture/ May 1 to Laguna (1250 of which is (ex. 54 animals for 3 months or Joy Meadow* September 30 private land) 40 animals for 4 months)
7100 May 1 to 200 Laguna Long Canyon* (365 private) September 30 (ex. 50 animals for 4 months) 1015 May 1 to 70 Laguna Kitchen Valley* (320 private) November 30 (ex. 35 animals for 2 months) Sheephead 8145 May 1 to 175 Laguna Unit* (365 private) November 30 (ex. 60 animals for 3 months) 4430 125 Laguna Cameron* Dec 1 to April 30 (994 private) (ex. 25 animals for 5 months) 3050 25 Laguna Cottonwood* Dec 1 to April 30 (1166 private) (ex. 5 animals for 5 months) *On/Off provisions apply - Primary range in this subunit is on private lands. Grazing on national forest land is incidental to this use. These units are managed as ―on/off‖units, which allow for herds to move back and forth between public and private lands
** Use may occur within this range of dates, but the does not mean that use is occurring for this entire length of time.
1.7.3 Monitoring plan for both allotments
Table 4 displays the monitoring plan for the proposed action. This plan includes both implementation and effectiveness monitoring. Implementation monitoring is used to determine whether the proposed action is implemented as planned. Effectiveness monitoring is conducted to determine if the management practices applied have been effective in moving toward meeting the resource need.
Table 4: Monitoring plan. Monitoring When monitoring Where monitoring would Indicator or standard activity/type would occur occur
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Monitoring When monitoring Where monitoring would Indicator or standard activity/type would occur occur Range readiness would be tied to forage availability. The main variable is precipitation. Range Monitoring would In upland and meadow key Range readiness/ readiness also ensures that occur annually prior areas1 and allotment wide implementation necessary improvements are to livestock turning assessments. functioning and that soil conditions onto the allotment. are not highly conducive to compaction (saturated). Forage utilization of Periodically during meadow and See forage utilization standards the grazing season In key areas and allotment wide uplands/ table. and after livestock assessments. implementation have left.
Monitoring occurs in Maintain the five long-term Pacific Southwest early summer, late monitoring plots currently in Long-Term Continue monitoring plots to spring, when plants Laguna Meadow allotment. monitoring monitor vegetation and soil trend are easy to identify. Maintain four plots in Laguna program/ towards or away from desired Plots are resampled allotment (Keep all current plots effectiveness condition. every five years. except Kitchen Valley – which monitoring will be replaced by new plot in the Rodeo Grounds). Key area locations are locations generally indicative of allotment wide resource conditions. Because these allotments are generally accessible by vehicle and short walks, larger scale qualitative assessments will also be used to measure forage utilization, range readiness and allotment trend. In other words, the utility of key areas is limited by the fact that large areas of primary range can be viewed in a short amount of time.
1.8 DECISION FRAMEWORK
The district ranger of the Descanso Ranger District is the responsible official who will decide whether to re-authorize grazing on the two allotments and if so, under what terms and conditions, in order to meet Land Management Plan goals, objectives, and desired conditions. A separate decision will be made for each allotment. The proposed action is consistent with the Land Management Plan, therefore an amendment is not required.
1.9 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
The proposed action first appeared on the Cleveland NF schedule of proposed actions on April 1, 2009. A scoping letter was mailed to a targeted mailing list on January 6, 2010 and a legal ad announcing a 30-day scoping period was published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on January 15, 2010. One comment was received. The comment expressed concern about impacts to Big Laguna Lake, the water table, and water birds in the meadow. These concerns are addressed in this document in sections 3.5.4 and 3.7.2.
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In addition, a draft of the proposed action was sent to the current permittees of the allotments through a separate letter. The Forest Service incorporated the comments of both permittees into the design of the proposed action presented in section 1.7 above.
1.10 ISSUES
The interdisciplinary team developed a list of potentially significant issues. After conducting further analysis of grazing in the allotments, the interdisciplinary team decided the following issues warranted analysis with this environmental assessment to determine their significance.
1. Impacts to vegetation: including forage conditions, riparian vegetation, impacts to R5 regional forester sensitive list plant species, federally listed endangered plant species, Forest Service management indicator species, and impacts to secondary range vegetation types such as chaparral. 2. Impacts to soils: including impacts to soil health and potential for erosion. 3. Impacts to wildlife: including federally listed threatened and endangered species, Forest Service management indicator species, and to animal species on the R5 regional forester sensitive animal species list. 4. Impacts to cultural resources: including pre-historic and historic sites. 5. Impacts to watersheds and water quality: This includes impacts to stream channels, the potential for microbial contamination, and impacts to water yield from water use at stock ponds. 6. Impacts to recreation.
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CHAPTER 2 ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED ACTION
This chapter describes and compares the alternatives considered for the project, presents the alternatives in comparative form, sharply defining the differences between each alternative and providing a clear basis for choice among options. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires consideration of a no action alternative. Because no issues were identified that would lead to the formulation of alternatives to the proposed action, only two alternatives are considered.
2.1 Alternative 1 – No Action
The no action alternative for NEPA analysis of grazing authorizations has been defined as no grazing by the Forest Service (Forest Service Handbook 2209.13, Section 92.31). Under this alternative, term grazing permits would not be re-authorized on the Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments. Improvements described under the proposed action would not be necessary. Cancellation of term permits would necessarily adhere to applicable guidelines established in Forest Service Manual 2231.62d, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13, Chapter 10 Section 16.24, and Part 2 item 11b of the term permit. Structures related to grazing, such as water troughs and fences, would be removed if and when feasible.
2.2 Alternative 2 – Proposed Action
Alternative 2 is the proposed action, as described in section 1.7 above.
2.3 Alternatives Considered But Eliminated From Detailed Analysis
In addition to the two alternatives analyzed in detail, three alternatives were considered but eliminated from detailed analysis.
2.3.1 Current Management Under this alternative, livestock management and use would continue as currently implemented. This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis because it did not fully meet the purpose and need for the project. The proposed action carries most current management forward, so this alternative is not significantly different from the proposed action. Also, the current (or most recent) terms of the grazing permits do not incorporate all standards and guidelines from the new Land Management Plan.
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2.3.2 Lower Authorized Numbers or Shorter Season of Use (Lower Grazing Intensity) This alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis because there is no evidence that the proposed grazing intensity results in forage utilization in excess of the Land Management Plan or results in trends away from the desired condition. The proposed action allows for lower grazing intensity (or no grazing) in a given year in response to changing resource conditions due to events such as floods or wildfires, or if monitoring shows declining resource conditions on the allotment.
2.3.3 Removing Wooded Hill and Morris Ranch Subunits for the Laguna Meadow Allotment This alternative was not considered in detailed analysis because no resource concerns were identified that would warrant closing these units. The permittee clarified recent use in the Wooded Hill subunit and proposed improvement fixes that would allow use of the Morris Ranch subunit. As a result, the proposed action combines the Wooded Hill subunit into the Laguna Meadow unit and proposes the improvement fixes for the Morris Ranch subunit.
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CHAPTER 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
3.1 Introduction
This section addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the alternatives on selected resource issues. The resource issues are summarized in section 1.10. Properly managed livestock grazing is not considered an irreversible commitment of resources or an irretrievable commitment of change induced into the environment.
The definition of ―significance‖ in this document is taken from the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) (40 CFR 1508.27). Listed below are the 10 intensity factors for determining significant effects under the CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1508.27). The context in which these intensity factors apply to the specific project is described with each factor.
3.1.1 Impacts both beneficial and adverse. The significance of effects is analyzed as to context and intensity (40 CFR 1508.27). A significant effect may exist even if the federal agency believes that on balance the effect will be beneficial. The impacts analyzed in this chapter are limited to the issues the interdisciplinary team believed to have the most likelihood of being affected by the proposed action. The direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed action on vegetation, soils, wildlife, watershed/water quality, and cultural resources are analyzed for significance in this chapter.
3.1.2 The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety. Livestock grazing has occurred within the two allotments since the mid-1800s. There are no known reports of unacceptable effects to public health and safety during this time, as a result of livestock grazing within these allotments. There have been no documented injuries resulting from livestock and recreationist interactions on the allotment. The analysis in this chapter of the effects of the proposed action on water quality and recreational impacts apply to this intensity factor.
3.1.3 Unique characteristics of the geographic area such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas No prime farmlands or wild and scenic rivers are located in the project area. There are wetlands along streams and in meadow areas in both allotments. Impacts to these areas are analyzed in the vegetation and hydrology/soils sections below. The Laguna Meadow allotment and parts of the Laguna allotment occur within the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Livestock grazing was deemed to be a compatible use during the creation the recreation area. Impacts to recreation are analyzed in this document. This project area was surveyed for historical and cultural resources. Surveys indicated that grazing activities would have no effect on any other historical or cultural resources eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, nor would it cause the loss or
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destruction of any significant cultural or historical resources. The degree to which livestock grazing is impacting the ecological characteristics of the area are discussed in the wildlife, botany/vegetation, and hydrology/soils sections below.
3.1.4 The degree to which the effects on the quality of the human environment are likely to be highly controversial The effects of the proposed action are limited to the allotments and the watersheds that contain the allotments. The effects of livestock grazing in this project area are known and are not unique. While some disagreement exists regarding livestock grazing on public lands in general, no evidence has been presented showing environmental effects of these activities within the project area are different than has been disclosed in this document.
3.1.5 Degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks Possible effects on the human environment are generally known and understood. The recognized potential effects resulting from grazing activities are supported by scientific literature. Monitoring, including utilization and trend monitoring, indicates that grazing practices and associated impacts are similar to those associated with other allotments found within the Cleveland NF and Region 5 of the Forest Service.
3.1.6 The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or represents a decision in principle about future consideration Continued grazing on the affected allotments will not lead to another future action or actions that will have significant effects either individually or in combination with each other or with this action. There are no current plans to develop a new allotment within the project area or conduct any other further action, based on the decision to authorize grazing within the two allotments.
3.1.7 Whether this action is related to other actions with individually insignificant but cumulatively significant impacts A cumulative effect is the effect on the environment that results from the incremental effect of the action when added to the effects of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes the other actions and regardless of land ownership on which the actions occur. Cumulative effects are analyzed in this document for each issue area in this chapter.
3.1.8 The degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural, or historical resources It has been determined that there would be no adverse effect to historic properties from implementing the proposed project, and the Proposed Action does not adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Protection of cultural resources in the area was incorporated into the Proposed Action through such measures as the implementation of Standard Resource Protection measures, maintaining or reconstructing existing range improvements, constructing new range improvements, and removing and/or relocating existing range improvements. Based
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on analysis documented in the Heritage Resource Specialist Report, the Proposed Action would not result in the loss, destruction, or damage of significant, scientifically important prehistoric or historic cultural resources (historic properties).
3.1.9 The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 This intensity factor is analyzed in the wildlife and vegetation sections of this chapter. The Cleveland NF consulted with the US Fish and Wildlife Service about impacts from grazing on listed species. This consultation was ongoing for several years and culminated in a biological opinion being issued in 2001. The proposed action is designed to meet the terms and conditions of the biological opinion that address livestock grazing activities.
3.1.10 Whether the actions threaten a violation of federal, state, or local law or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment The proposed action would not threaten a violation of federal, state, or local law, or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment. The proposed action is fully consistent with the Land Management Plan (see appendix A). This proposed action is also in full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA) and its requirements detailed in 36 CFR 219.27. Compliance with NFMA in regards to both sensitive species and management indicator species is analyzed in the wildlife and vegetation sections below.
3.2 Specialist Reports
The environmental effects analysis below is based on scientific literature, notes and data in allotment files, and specialist reports written for this analysis. The following specialist reports were written in support of this analysis and are incorporated by reference. The complete reports are in the project files.
1. Rangeland Specialist Report for Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments, June 2010. Lance Criley, Rangeland Management Specialist, Cleveland NF. 2. Biological Evaluation, Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments, June 2010. Kirsten Winter, Forest Biologist, Cleveland NF. 3. Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotment Heritage Resource Report, July 2010. Steve Harvey, Heritage Resources Program Manager, Cleveland NF. 4. Noxious Weed Risk Assessment for Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments, June 2010. Lance Criley, Rangeland Management Specialist, Cleveland NF. 5. Management Indicator Species Report, Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments, June 2010. Kirsten Winter, Forest Biologist, Cleveland NF. 6. Migratory Bird Conservation and Waterbird Conservation, Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments, June 2010. Kirsten Winter, Forest Biologist, Cleveland NF. 7. Laguna Meadow Gully and PFC assessment, June 2009, Desi Zamudio, Nevada Riparian Cadre, USFS retired.
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8. Laguna Meadow and Laguna Range Allotments, Watershed Report. June 2010. Jason Jimenez, Forest Soil Scientist, Cleveland NF 9. Cleveland National Forest, Forest Grazing Program, Re-Initiated Consultation – Biological Assessment, September 2000. Leigh Sevy, Range Specialist and Kirsten Winter, Forest Biologist, Cleveland NF.
3.3 Other projects: Cumulative Effects
Table 5 shows a list of reasonably foreseeable actions that are taking place within and near the allotment boundaries that are being considered for their cumulative effects on resources in addition to the proposed action.
3.3.1 Baseline conditions For both allotments, there is ongoing grazing on adjacent private lands. Roads and rural residences are present. Forest facilities such as fire stations and campgrounds are located within the allotments. Portions of both allotments are used for recreational hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and hunting. All these activities are considered to be part of the baseline conditions. There has been an increase in the amount of recreational use and residential development as the population of San Diego County grows.
3.3.2 Project-related effects The Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments occupy a total of 34,910 acres, of which 1621 acres are primary-use areas for grazing. The allotment boundaries, particularly for Laguna Allotment, include many acres of chaparral and/or steep slopes that are not accessible to cattle. For the purpose of considering cumulative effects, the action area is considered to be all areas within the allotment boundaries.
This allows consideration of the effects of activities that are nearby but not within the grazed areas.
Effects from past or existing activities such as roads and residential areas are considered to be part of the baseline. The cumulative effects analysis looks into the future for the next 5 years for foreseeable projects.
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Table 5: Foreseeable actions as shown in Cleveland National Forest SOPA (March 2010). Estimated acres Project name Location Type of activity affected in Cumulative effect analysis area SDGE permit Renew permit for Forest-wide 20 Part of baseline renewal power lines Maintain existing Road maintenance Forest-wide 40 Part of baseline roads Filaree Flat area, Restoration project, Cedar fire Laguna Meadow Tree planting 65 contributes to reforestation allotment cumulative effects Restoration project, Descanso RD Crouch meadow area, Mine closure 2 contributes to mine safety closure Laguna allotment cumulative effects Restoration project, net Descanso RD District-wide, Road closure and decrease in cumulative unauthorized route primarily affects 20 rehab effects as total road decommissioning Laguna allotment miles will decrease
Gold- spotted oak Sampling and studies Contributes to Forested areas 20 borer study of oak borer cumulative effects
Laguna Meadow Contributes to Mount Laguna well Drill new well 5 allotment cumulative effects Recreation residence Laguna Meadow Manage recreation 200 Part of baseline administration allotment residences Renewal of apiary Authorize apiary sites Laguna allotment 10 Part of baseline site permits at existing locations New transmission Contributes to Sunrise Powerlink Laguna allotment 50 line cumulative effects Laguna Place fuels Laguna and Laguna Fuels reduction Approximately Contributes to project Meadow allotments 5745 cumulative effects
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3.4 Vegetation Impacts
3.4.1 Upland Vegetation and Forage Production
This section addresses most of the forage resources on the Laguna Allotment and the upland, pine forest areas of the Laguna Meadow Allotment.
Upland forage on these allotments consists of introduced annual grasses and native perennial bunchgrasses. Intermixed with these is a suite of native and non-native forbs. At lower elevations in the Laguna allotment, grasslands are mainly annual grass and forb dominated with native grass species like Purple needlegrass interspersed. At higher elevations in both allotments, there is an increase in abundance of montane native perennial grasses such as California brome, squirreltail, and blue wildrye. Desired conditions for these grasslands are to maintain productivity, ground cover and native species diversity. There is also a desire to manage to increase the relative groundcover made up by native perennial grasses.
Research has shown that climatic variability is the driving force behind grassland productivity and composition in California grasslands (Jackson and Bartolome 2002). Light to moderate grazing results in higher species diversity in grasslands than heavy grazing or complete exclusion (Hart 2001, Hayes 2003, Olff 1998). Rest from grazing does not result in these types of grasslands moving towards a ―pre-European‖ condition, nor does it increase the proportion of native grasses in most studies (D’Antonio et al. 2002). In California annual grasslands, leaving a moderate amount of residual dry matter increases productivity of rangelands as well as provides protection from soil erosion and nutrient losses (Bartolome et al. 2002). Research in ponderosa pine systems has shown little evidence for decreases in productivity or a solid direction in changes in understory community structure under light to moderate grazing pressure. Research has shown that cattle prefer open meadow areas adjacent to pine forests when there is access to both (Milchunas 2006).
Results have been mixed from research to determine methods for increasing native perennial composition in California grasslands (D’Antonio et al. 2002), but grazing in late winter or early spring may serve to reduce the competition for light and nutrients from introduced annual grasses (Dyer 1999).
The chaparral plant communities and associated plants that occur in these allotments are mostly impenetrable and unpalatable to cattle. Some species, especially mountain mahogany and ceanothus spp., are palatable as browse species. These areas are considered secondary/transitory range because after fire or disturbance, livestock access is possible and there is usually a flush of palatable herbaceous vegetation. Woody species in the chaparral generally recover rapidly from fire occurring at historical fire frequencies. Livestock grazing alone has been shown to slow but not prevent the recovery of shrublands in burned areas. (Callway and Davis 1993).
Because the Land Management Plan does not allow type conversion of vegetation for forage production in any land use zone, increased livestock numbers will not be used as a means of
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maintaining transitional forage areas in an open state nor will the temporary increase in forage be used as rationale for increasing livestock numbers.
3.4.1.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. In very productive areas, removing livestock may result in a decrease in forage productivity and diversity due to increased dominance of introduced annual grasses and thatch build-up. However, in the majority of the primary range of these allotments, drier years and native herbivory would maintain growing space for a diverse collection of species. Removing livestock in these areas is unlikely to result in improvements in upland resource condition or an increase in native perennial grass cover (D’Antoni et al. 2002).
Cumulative effects. Annual variation in weather, especially rainfall, would be the primary influence on vegetation productivity and diversity. Herbivory from wildlife and insects and disturbances like fire would be the primary method for breaking down vegetation and creating growing space for native forbs and smaller plants. No grazing may serve to increase the amount of fine fuels and thatch in natural grasslands that may carry fire quicker into adjacent areas.
3.4.1.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. By following forage utilization standards from the Land Management Plan, upland forage in the allotments are expected to be subjected to light to moderate grazing pressure from domestic cattle. Forage productivity and plant diversity in these areas would be maintained. In the Cameron unit of the Laguna allotment, the winter season grazing is expected to improve conditions for native perennial grasses like purple needlegrass. Monitoring of these allotments has confirmed that current grazing pressure maintains forage productivity and plant diversity on these allotments (Allotment 2210 files).
The pine forest areas in these allotments generally will receive light use under the proposed action because cattle prefer open meadow areas. With this use, the understory plant community will remain favorable for native perennial bunchgrasses and native forbs.
Chaparral areas do not typically receive grazing use except after fire. Much of the Laguna allotment is steep dense chaparral. A wildfire in the area would dramatically increase the number of areas accessible to cattle. However a lack of water developments would still limit cattle to areas near the private inholdings. No herding into recently burned areas would be authorized and the proposed action does not allow for increased numbers in response to fire. A concern with cattle entering chaparral areas after fire is the potential to increase non-native annual grasses in these areas, which is discussed more completely in the noxious weed section below. After fire, grazing is not expected to slow or prevent the recovery of chaparral with the permitted numbers of cattle due to the mitigations preventing increased numbers or herding into recently burned areas.
Cumulative effects. Fire, drought, and wildlife grazing are other natural disturbance factors expected in the upland forage areas. Forage utilization standards measure total utilization of forage through herbivory, not just from domestic livestock. Therefore, no cumulative impact from both types of herbivory that would reduce the condition of these areas is expected. The
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Forest Service manages allotments so that they will be rested in case of extended drought and for several years after fire. Range readiness inspections determine if enough forage is available to allow for livestock grazing while protecting other resource values on an annual basis. Therefore, no cumulative effects are expected from fire or drought in primary grazed areas.
Many chaparral-dominated landscapes throughout San Diego County have experienced increases in fire frequency that can prevent recovery of chaparral by eliminating seed sources of chaparral species and killing sprouting species (Keeley 2003). The chaparral areas in the Laguna allotment have not burned, except for a few small fires, since the Laguna fire in the 1970s. The proposed action does not allow for taking advantage of increased forage in recently burned areas in terms of increasing livestock numbers or intentional herding into these areas. Incidental grazing of burned chaparral areas is not expected to prevent recovery of chaparral due to the limited duration and intensity of any grazing impacts in these areas. Therefore, grazing is not expected to add a cumulative effect in chaparral areas recovering from increased fire frequency (see the noxious weed section).
Fuels treatments and forest health projects could also impact upland forage areas. A separate environmental analysis is currently underway for Mt. Laguna that may involve thinning of pine stands and some mastication or burning of chaparral. Thinning overstocked pine stands will have a net benefit on upland forage resources by increasing sunlight and available water for herbaceous understory plants (Dodson et al. 2008). Chaparral fuel treatments have the potential to open up additional areas for access to cattle. This has the potential to slow shrub recovery in these areas. The effects are expected to be similar to those described in the previous paragraph. Potential chaparral treatments adjacent to grazed areas may include mitigations such as additional fencing or buffer strips to lessen these effects.
Other foreseeable events that may affect upland forage condition are recreation use and off- highway vehicle trespass. The public has many routes of access to both allotments. In Laguna Meadow, cattle use recreational trails and vice versa. This can lead to widening of some trails and increase numbers of trails. Road management, including closures and pipe barriers, is being implemented in both allotments to limit impacts from off-highway vehicles. Unauthorized vehicle access could create areas of bare ground that could be exacerbated by grazing use. Such occurrences would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and grazing may need to be limited until such areas recover. These types of cumulative effects would be temporary and manageable under the proposed action.
3.4.2 Wet or Moist Montane Meadow Vegetation
Much of the primary range in these allotments consists of wet or moist montane meadow vegetation comprised of sedges, perennial bunchgrasses and rushes, as well native herbaceous species. These areas can become degraded with changes in meadow hydrology and soil conditions caused by intense grazing. Grazing can also impact wet soils by causing compaction and breaking sod layers that hold soil in place (see soils and hydrology section). However, light to moderate grazing can be beneficial by promoting nutrient cycling in soils and freeing up
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growing space (Blank et al. 2006). Grazing can impact plant community composition and productivity through much of the same dynamics discussed for upland grassland areas. Heavy grazing pressure can favor early seral species and annuals, while conversely a lack of grazing can lead to dominance by a few large statured or highly competitive species (Milchunas 2006). Areas with grazing exclosures on wet meadows in the Cleveland NF tend to develop a large build up of dead plant material that limits productivity (Allotment 2210 files).
3.4.2.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. With no grazing, it is likely that the meadows would remain in functioning condition. However, in areas where exclosures have been built in Laguna Meadow, and in similar meadows on the forest, monitoring has noted that a heavy thatch of dead material forms with grazing exclusion. Removal of grazing could lead to a decrease in plant diversity and meadow productivity in the long term. Removal of grazing would also lead to a decrease in the forb species that are responsible for spring wildflower displays in the meadow.
Cumulative effects. No additional predicted actions were identified that result in cumulative effects to montane meadows under this alternative. Grazing from wildlife, insects and the effects of fire may serve to mitigate some of the effects expected from the removal of livestock.
3.4.2.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. By following the forage utilization standards found in the Land Management Plan, conditions in wet montane meadows in the allotments are expected to remain at desired conditions. Long-term trend monitoring at Laguna Meadow shows that this meadow is stable and in moderate to high condition (see table 6, and Range Specialist Report, Weixelman 2008). Forage productivity and plant diversity in these areas is expected to be maintained under the proposed action.
Table 6: Summary of PSW long-term monitoring on the meadow areas of the Laguna Meadow allotment. Plot Name Date status (veg) status (soil+veg) CLE9902 Filaree Flat 6/16/1999 high moderate CLE9902 Filaree Flat 5/23/2009 moderate moderate
CLE9901 Little Laguna Lake 6/16/1999 low low CLE9901 Little Laguna Lake 5/25/2009 moderate low
CLE0006 Los Rasalies Meadow 5/27/2000 high high CLE0006 Los Rasalies Meadow 5/21/2005 moderate moderate CLE0006 Los Rasalies Meadow 5/24/2009 moderate moderate
CLE0005 Laguna Meadow 5/27/2000 high high CLE0005 Laguna Meadow 5/21/2005 moderate moderate CLE0005 Laguna Meadow 5/24/2009 high high
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CLE0002 Horse Meadow 5/25/2000 low moderate CLE0002 Horse Meadow 5/21/2005 low low
The Laguna Meadow allotment has five permanent plots established for long-term rangeland condition monitoring. The plots are visited approximately every five years, after which they are given a trend score. These trend score measure whether the plot is improving; however, because these plots do not have grazed/ungrazed comparisons, separating the effects of management from the effects of weather is difficult. The Horse Meadow plot was being grazed at the time of establishment, but has not been grazed for several years before being revisited. The Little Laguna Lake plot has not been grazed since several years before it was established. The Los Rasalies Meadow plot has been only very lightly grazed since it was established.
In general, range trend data show the meadow is meeting desired conditions in areas where cattle have access. Not all sites are capable of achieving high condition (which is relative to wet meadows) and sites that are moderate are, in general, more diverse botanically and include a greater proportion of forbs and wildflowers. The Laguna Meadow plot had a moderate score in 2005 only because of soil deposition on site due to heavy rains and flooding that year (Weixelman, personal communication). Only Little Laguna Lake and Horse Meadow showed low condition scores. Neither of these sites are grazed. Little Laguna Lake is a drier site and is excluded from grazing to minimize recreation conflicts. Horse Meadow was excluded from grazing for Laguna Mountain skipper.
Cumulative effects. Fire, drought, wildlife grazing, and recreation activities are other disturbance factors expected in the wet montane meadow areas. Forage utilization standards measure total utilization of forage through herbivory, not just from domestic livestock. Therefore, there will not be a cumulative impact from both types of herbivory that would reduce the condition of these areas. The Forest Service manages allotments so that they will be rested in case of extended drought and until recovery has occurred after fire. This is especially important in the case of montane meadows so the sod layer can become re-established and plant vigor can recover. Range readiness inspections determine if enough forage is available to allow for livestock grazing while protecting other resource values on an annual basis. Therefore, no cumulative effects are expected from fire or drought. Cumulative effects in regards to recreation are the same as discussed in the upland vegetation section.
3.4.3 Noxious Weeds
Livestock movements across the land can be a source of noxious weed dispersal via seeds stuck in their hair, hooves, or fecal pats. Disturbance from livestock can open growing space for some noxious weeds. Livestock can alter the competitive interaction among plant species as well. This effect can encourage noxious weed spread but also can be used to control or remove noxious weeds from a site. Studies have shown that actively grazed cattle ranches contain fewer non-native plants than adjacent ungrazed natural areas (Maestas, Knight 2003). While no quantifiable survey has been conducted on the Cleveland NF comparing grazed and ungrazed areas, there does not appear to be significantly more noxious weeds in grazed sites than similar
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ungrazed sites. Statewide, little direct evidence exists demonstrating that grazing promotes invasion of undesirable plant species in California grasslands (Jackson and Bartolome 2007).
This analysis differentiates between noxious weeds and certain introduced species that have already become widespread and, in effect, naturalized, such as many non-native annual grasses and forbs. Non-native annual grasses dominate much of the drier grasslands and oak savanna areas in the Laguna allotment. Land management of these areas can seek to try to improve cover of native perennials and forbs, but no reliable method exists to shift dominance of these areas back to native species. Management of these areas in terms of noxious weeds seeks to prevent and limit the spread of certain species that are capable of producing monocultural stands or lead to other ecological degradation. Noxious weeds of concern in the area include Italian thistle, yellow starthistle, and medusahead grass. Riparian invaders such as tamarisk, castor bean, edible fig and tree of heaven also have potential to be found on these allotments.
Non-native annual grasses that are not problems in grassland settings can be problematic in other vegetation types. In chaparral, occurrence of non-native annual grasses is a problem because these species may lead to increased fire frequency, which can in turn limit the regeneration of chaparral and may lead to type-conversion from chaparral to non-native herbaceous dominated systems (Keeley 2003).
3.4.3.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. Under this alternative livestock would not be a potential seed source for noxious weeds. However, this benefit is unlikely to protect these allotments from invasion since many noxious weeds have wind-dispersed seed or could be introduced to the area by wildlife, hikers, or on vehicles from adjacent areas.
No potential would exist for grazing to create growing space through disturbance for noxious weeds. However, without grazing pressure, non-native grass species have increased in California grasslands (Hayes 2003, D’Antonio 2002). Under this alternative, non-native annual grasses and forbs can be expected to increase in the allotments, especially in the dry meadows.
Cumulative effects. This alternative is not expected to have a cumulative effect on noxious weeds when combined with other actions/disturbances expected on the allotment.
3.4.3.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. Cattle have the potential to bring seed onto the allotments from private lands. However, this effect will be negligible because cattle are not expected to introduce seeds that are not already present in the project area, or that can be introduced by a variety of other vectors. Cattle are fed only hay on the allotments in emergency situations. Hay in San Diego County comes mostly from the Imperial Valley, which does not have infestations of starthistle or other noxious weeds that are not already in abundance on the national forest. The Land Management Plan calls for certified weed-free feed to be used when available.
Cattle have the potential to cause ground disturbance that may aid colonization by noxious weeds. However, forage utilization standards will limit the amount of bare ground created by
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grazing. Indirectly, cattle grazing in spring will put grazing pressure on introduced annual grasses, such as erodium spp. and brassica spp., while they are most palatable and before seed set. This may reduce their competitiveness with native perennial grasses.
Cattle may introduce small amounts of annual grass seed into recently burned chaparral areas. This effect is minor compared to the amount of seed introduced by other vectors, including wildlife and wind. In addition, this effect is expected to be minor on these allotments because current herding practices do not require movement through chaparral and the proposed action does not allow increased numbers to graze increased herbaceous forage in recently burned chaparral.
By incorporating the grazing methodologies described in this proposed action in conjunction with Land Management Plan standards, the proposed action would result in sufficient ground cover to help defend against noxious weed spread, help maintain health and vigor of desirable plant species, and provide for conditions supporting plant species diversity.
Cumulative effects. Both allotments are adjacent to private lands and well-traveled forest roads and county highways. These roads act as a source of noxious weed plant seed into the area and act as a potential source of ground disturbance due to unauthorized vehicle use off designated roads. Mountain biking and hiking are vectors for seed sources into the allotments. Livestock movement in and out of the allotments adds a small amount to these already present vectors of weed transmission.
Other management activities listed in Table X and recreation activities can create growing space for noxious weeds on the allotments. Maintaining forage utilization standards will limit the effects that grazing adds to these other impacts. Drought and fire also act as disturbances that open growing space for noxious weeds. Range management practices that will continue under the proposed action such as rest after fire and during drought will minimize the cumulative impacts of these disturbances with grazing.
3.4.4 Sensitive and Endangered Plants
The following table shows the Region 5 regional forester’s sensitive plants that are known (k) or have the potential (p) to occur on the allotments. Effects of grazing were analyzed on these species in the biological evaluation for the proposed action (BE 2010). The BE contains accounts for each species that has potential or is known to occur on the allotments.
Table 7: Regional forester’s list sensitive plant species with the potential to occur in allotments. Sensitive plant species Laguna Meadow Laguna Jacumba milkvetch No potential habitat Known to occur Orcutt’s brodiaea (Orcutt’s clusterlily) No potential habitat Potential to occur San Bernardino Mountains owls’ clover Potential to occur Potential to occur Payson’s jewelflower Potential to occur Potential to occur Long-spined spineflower Potential to occur Potential to occur
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Sensitive plant species Laguna Meadow Laguna Cuyamaca larkspur Known to occur Potential to occur Vanishing buckwheat Potential to occur Potential to occur Cuyamaca meadowfoam (Parish’s meadowfoam) Known to occur Potential to occur Laguna linanthus Known to occur Potential to occur Laguna Mountains aster Known to occur Known to occur Southern skullcap Potential to occur Potential to occur Laguna Mountains jewelflower Known to occur Potential to occur Southern jewelflower Known to occur Known to occur San Bernardino aster Known to occur Potential to occur Velvety false-lupine Known to occur Potential to occur
In addition to the sensitive plants listed, the Laguna Meadow allotment also contains a population of San Bernardino bluegrass, which is a federally listed plant species.
3.4.4.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. The no grazing alternative would remove livestock grazing as a potential impact to sensitive plant species. It would also remove any benefit these native plant species may experience through the grazing of non-native annual grasses. The build up of thatch and dominance of tall-statured grasses is expected to have an effect on Poa atropurpurea in the absence of grazing. Exclosures established around Poa atropurpurea populations in Laguna Meadow resulted in a loss of the plant within the exclosures. A potential effect of no grazing in Laguna Meadow could be the reduction of habitat quality for Poa atropurpurea.
Cumulative effects. The no grazing alternative is not expected to add any additional stressors to these plant populations,
3.4.4.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action
Direct and indirect effects. Livestock can directly affect plant species by trampling or herbivory. Livestock can indirectly affect sensitive plant species by altering competitive relationships among plant species through selective grazing or by altering habitat characteristics. The following is a species by species account of the effects expected by the proposed action on sensitive and endangered plant species.
Federally-listed plant species:
San Bernardino bluegrass. Laguna Meadow contains a population of San Bernardino bluegrass, which is federally endangered. Little research has been done on the effects of grazing on this species. Grazing may harm individuals of this species through direct herbivory of plants and trampling. However, this low-statured grass may benefit from grazing through the reduction
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of competition from larger grasses like Kentucky bluegrass for light and growing space. Exclosures were built to protect the bluegrass from grazing in Laguna Meadow in the early 1990s. After protection from grazing, the bluegrass became undetectable within the exclosures. A 2008 survey again confirmed that the bluegrass had been extirpated from the exclosures, probably due to competition from taller statured species in the absence of grazing (Hirshberg 2008). Within Mendenhall Valley on the Palomar Ranger District, bluegrass appears to persist in areas receiving slightly more grazing use than the meadow as a whole (Range Specialist Report 2008). Consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service resulted in the restriction that grazing may not occur until after seed set for bluegrass.
Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant Species:
Table 8: Regional Forester’s Sensitive List plant species effects
Species Relevance to proposed project: Effects
Jacumba Milkvetch This species is known to occur in the Laguna Allotment, and does not have the potential to occur in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Milkvetches are toxic to cattle, but cattle are known to graze
on species in this genus, especially when other forage is scarce (USDA 1988). Known populations on the Forest are associated with open or disturbed habitat. Grazing is expected to affect individual plants which may be trampled or eaten. Because Jacumba Milkvetch does well in open areas, grazing may be helpful in maintaining suitable habitat. For populations that are within grazed areas, there will be short-term effects on individual plants. These effects will recur with each grazing season. Orcutt's Brodiaea This species has potential habitat in the Laguna Allotment. Cattle are known to graze on Orcutt's Brodiaea (Niehaus 1977). This species is usually associated with gabbro soil. Known populations on the Forest are in chaparral or meadow habitat. Grazing is expected to affect individual plants which may be trampled or eaten. For populations that are within grazed areas, there will be a short-term decrease in habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
San Bernardino There are no known populations of this species on the Forest. Potential habitat occurs in both Mountains Owl's allotments. This species typically grows near streams in wet meadows. The probability of its Clover occurrence on the Forest is thought to be low. This species may be minimally affected by grazing; the genus is known to be of low palatability to cattle (USDA 1988). Occasionally a few
individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. For populations that may be present within grazed areas, there will be a short-term decrease in habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
Payson’s Jewelflower This species occurs along La Posta Road, east of the Laguna Allotment. Potential habitat occurs in both allotments. This species is in the mustard family; several species in this family are known
to be palatable to cattle, particularly early in the growing season (USDA 1988). Payson’s Jewelflower usually occurs in openings in chaparral so it is probably rarely encountered by cattle. Occasionally a few individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. For populations that may be present within grazed areas, there will be a short-term decrease in habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level
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within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
Long-spined Potential habitat is present in both allotments. Long-spined Spineflower typically grows in Spineflower gabbro soil on chaparral-covered slopes. Known populations on the Forest are associated with chamise and ceanothus chaparral. They are not readily accessible to cattle and do not appear to
be grazed. Since potential habitat is similarly located in chaparral, little or no grazing of this species is expected to occur. Occasionally a few individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
Cuyamaca Larkspur There are known occurrences of this species in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Potential habitat is present in both allotments. Larkspurs are toxic to livestock (USDA 1988), and are not usually
eaten. They grow from a perennial rootstock that appears to persist for many years. Plants may be vulnerable to trampling by livestock. The known populations on the Forest are scattered amongst small shrubs (mostly Great Basin Sagebrush) or are in forested areas and do not appear to be in areas that are regularly used by cattle. Occasionally a few individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
Vanishing Buckwheat There is potential habitat for this species in both allotments. Known occurrences of this species are in open areas near Pine Valley, west of the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Buckwheats are
grazed or browsed by cattle (USDA 1988). Individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
Cuyamaca There are known occurrences of this species in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, and there is Meadowfoam potential habitat for this species in the Laguna Allotment. Cuyamaca Meadowfoam is a small annual that flowers and sets seed in May, so the proposed season of use at Laguna Meadow will
avoid the flowering season for this species. Past observations of Cuyamaca Meadowfoam inside and outside grazing exclosures at Mendenhall Meadow and at Filaree Flat did not note any significant difference between grazed and ungrazed areas. Due to the season of use, grazing is expected to have minimal effects on this species. Occasionally a few individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
Laguna Linanthus There are known occurrences of this species in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, and potential habitat is present in both allotments. This small annual species is often found in ruts of dirt roads,
old road beds and in natural forest and chaparral openings. Some level of disturbance may be compatible with this species as indicated by excellent recovery after the bulldozing of a Palomar population for a fire line (CNF files). Sproul (1979) observed that minor disturbance from occasional ORV's in some populations may have enhanced habitat and suggests that timing of disturbance may be an important factor. The effects of grazing on Laguna Linanthus are not known, although trampling during the spring may affect individual plants. This effect may decrease habitat quality from high to moderate.
Laguna Mountains Laguna Mountains Aster is known to occur in both allotments. This species is usually seen in the Aster understory of forested areas which are not primary range. It sometimes occurs in the understory of wild rose thickets. Asters are generally palatable to cattle (USDA 1988). This species is likely to be grazed in the late summer and fall months. Most of the known occurrences of this species are in the Wooded Hill pasture of the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species
Southern Skullcap Potential habitat is present in both allotments. The effects of grazing on this perennial mint are not known. No populations are known to be grazed. This species receives little grazing pressure because it grows beneath chaparral with limited cattle access. Due to inaccessibility of skullcap
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habitat and the low levels of grazing that will be authorized, grazing is expected to have little or no effect on this species. Brockway and Lewis (2003) studied the effect of deer and cattle grazing and timber harvest in longleaf pine forest. One of the plants they studied was a species of Scutellaria. They found that deer and cattle grazing did not significantly alter vascular plant species cover or diversity. Since cattle are not expected to regularly use ares where Southern Skullcap occurs, grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
Laguna Mountains This species is known to occur in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, and has the potential to occur Jewelflower in the Laguna Allotment. This species is in the mustard family; several species in this family are known to be palatable to cattle, particularly early in the growing season (USDA 1988). Laguna Mountains Jewelflower usually occurs in the understory of the forest so it is probably rarely encountered by cattle. Occasionally a few individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. For populations that may be present within grazed areas, there will be a short-term decrease in habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
Southern Jewelflower Southern Jewelflower is known to occur in both allotments. This species is in the mustard family; several species in this family are known to be palatable to cattle, particularly early in the growing season (USDA 1988). Southern Jewelflower usually occurs in openings in chaparral so it is probably rarely encountered by cattle. Individual plants could be eaten or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for this species.
This species is known to occur in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, and has the potential to occur San Bernardino Aster in the Laguna Allotment. Asters are generally palatable to and are eaten by cattle (USDA 1988). Grazing is expected to affect individual plants which may be trampled or eaten. For populations that are within grazed areas, there will be a short-term decrease in habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
This species is known to occur in the Laguna Meadow Allotment, and has the potential to occur False Lupine in the Laguna Allotment. The false lupine is a perennial species. It rarely sets viable seed, and spreads vegetatively by a creeping underground rootstock. The deep roots enable the plant to withstand drought and plants "often increase on ranges that have been overgrazed" (USDA 1988). This genus is "practically worthless" as forage (USDA 1988) and some species may contain the poisonous alkaloid cytisin. Livestock losses have been reported due to this substance. Forest data base records indicate that cattle trails bisect some populations but plants are not eaten. Populations may be minimally affected by grazing. Grazing may reduce habitat quality from high to moderate while cattle are present. Habitat quality is expected to return to a "high" level within 1 month after cows are removed from the allotment. This effect will recur with each grazing season.
Determinations for Sensitive Plant Species The Wildlife Biologist/ Botanist made the following determination in the Biological Evaluation on these species. ―Occupied or potential habitat for Jacumba Milkvetch, Orcutt’s Brodiaea, Long-spined Spineflower, San Bernardino Owl’s Clover, Payson’s Jewelflower, Cuyamaca Larkspur, Vanishing Buckwheat, Laguna Linanthus, Cuyamaca Meadowfoam, Laguna Mountains
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Aster, Southern Skullcap, Laguna Jewelflower, Southern Jewelflower, San Bernardino Aster, and Velvety False Lupine occurs within the Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments. Grazing is expected to affect individuals and/or habitat quality for each of these species. Based on the limited geographic scope and time frame over which these effects are expected to occur, it is my determination that grazing of the Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments may affect individuals, but is not expected to lead to a trend toward federal listing or a loss of viability for these species.‖
Cumulative effects. The determinations for sensitive plants species above also took into account cumulative effects from the use of roads and trails in the allotments, nearby residential development, fire (including prescribed fire) and all projects found in Table 5. These effects are also expected to impact sensitive plant species but together with grazing, are not expected to lead to a loss of viability or trend towards federal listing for these species.
3.5 Wildlife
3.5.1 Threatened and Endangered Species
The Cleveland NF has consulted with the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding impacts to federally listed threatened and endangered species for the entire grazing program. The Cleveland NF is currently operating under a biological opinion (FWS-CFWO-1694) issued in April 2001. The proposed action is within the terms and conditions given in the BO and therefore meets the requirements of the Endangered Species Act under Section 7(b)(4) and 7(o)(2) even though the action may result in the ―taking‖ of listed species.
Within the boundaries of these allotments there is occupied habitat for one federally listed endangered wildlife species, the arroyo toad. There is also critical habitat designated through much of the Laguna Meadow allotment for the Laguna Mountain skipper. The skipper has not been detected on Mt. Laguna since 1999 and the species is considered extirpated from the area. There is potential habitat for the least Bell’s vireo and willow flycatcher within the allotments and there has been concern about indirect impacts to these species as a result of the proposed action due to cowbird predation.
3.5.1.1 Alternative 1, No Action
Direct and indirect effects. Under the no action alternative there would not be the potential for livestock to impact threatened and endangered species on these allotments. As discussed in the section on wet meadow vegetation this may lead to an increase in vegetative cover, especially of non-native grasses, which may negatively the distribution of horkelia, the host plant for the Laguna Mountain skipper. Skippers would not be subjected to potential direct impacts to individuals from grazing. However, overall habitat conditions would not be expected to improve and there may be a loss of areas with lower vegetation cover or small bare patches required by the skipper.
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Cumulative effects. The no action alternative is not expected to add to any of the already present stressors on threatened and endangered species on the allotments.
3.5.1.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action
Direct and indirect effects. Two recent studies of national forest grazing allotments concluded that there is no significant association between cowbirds and the distance to livestock (Wells 1998, Farmer and Uyehara 2005). There is no occupied habitat for the least Bell’s vireo and willow flycatcher on the allotments. The proposed action will have no effect on least Bell’s vireo nor the willow flycatcher because these species are not present on the allotments and diffuse grazing use on the allotments has been shown to not increase cowbird activity in the surrounding areas.
Occupied habitat for arroyo toads in the Laguna allotment has been excluded from grazing (Kitchen Creek, below Cibbets Flat Campground). Cattle are moved through the area on a paved road within one day. Therefore there will be no impacts from the proposed action on arroyo toads.
Laguna Mountains skipper previously occurred in grazed portions of the Laguna Meadow allotment, and potential habitat is present in the Laguna allotment. Laguna Mountains skipper is a small, checkered skipper; its larvae feed on Cleveland horkelia. Grazing can cause direct mortality to individual skippers. However, grazing also helps remove grasses and thatch that can overtop the horkelia. Pursuant to previous informal and formal consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife on this species, eight grazing exclosures were built in the Laguna Meadow allotment. No Laguna Mountains skippers have been detected in the Laguna Mountains since 1999 and this species is presumed extirpated from the area. There is designated critical habitat for Laguna Mountains skipper in the Laguna Meadow allotment. Based on previous studies by Bailey (2006) and Jan Beyers (in prep.), who compared grazed and ungrazed areas in the Laguna, Cuyamaca, and Palomar mountains of San Diego County, grazing at current levels does not appear to affect habitat quality for Laguna Mountains skipper. Grazing of the Laguna Meadow allotment is not expected to affect designated critical habitat for this species.
Cumulative effects. Grazing has been excluded from the majority of large horkelia patches throughout the Cleveland NF through exclosures and fencing. Laguna Mountain skippers can also be impacted by disturbances from recreation use and fire. The Mendenhall Valley is isolated and public access is very limited. The grazing use of this area may add to impacts to skipper habitat from recreational use. Trails have been designed to avoid skipper habitat areas and fencing is in place near campgrounds to prevent campers and hikers from trampling horkelia. A wildfire may impact the occupied habitat of the skipper. In such a case, the proposed action allows for rest of the allotment until vegetation recovers.
3.5.2 Regional Forester’s List Sensitive Wildlife Species
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Table 9 shows the Region 5 regional forester’s sensitive wildlife species that are known or have potential to occur on the three allotments. The effects of grazing were analyzed on these species in the biological evaluation for the proposed action (BE 2010).
Table 9: Regional forester’s list sensitive animal species with the potential to occur in allotments. Sensitive animal species Laguna Meadow Laguna Southwestern pond turtle (southern Pacific pond turtle) Potential to occur Potential to occur San Diego horned lizard Potential to occur Known to occur California legless lizard Potential to occur Potential to occur San Diego ringneck snake Potential to occur Potential to occur Coastal rosy boa Potential to occur Potential to occur San Diego mountain kingsnake Known to occur Potential to occur Two-striped garter snake Potential to occur Known to occur Large-blotched salamander Potential to occur Potential to occur Pallid bat Potential to occur Potential to occur Townsend's big-eared bat Known to occur Known to occur Western red bat Known to occur Potential to occur California spotted owl Known to occur Known to occur
3.5.2.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. Alternative 1 would remove livestock grazing as a potential impact to sensitive animal species. There may be an effect to some animal species due to an expected increase in non-native annual grass cover and thatch density on the allotments, but this effect on species is likely to be difficult to detect. There also may be some negative impacts to bat species and amphibious species if water sources on the allotments are not maintained.
Cumulative effects. Alternative 1 is not expected to add additional stressors to these animal populations in combination with other known impacts on the allotments.
3.5.2.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action
Direct and indirect effects. Grazing has the potential to impact wildlife species through direct impacts, usually through the trampling of burrows and nesting sites and indirectly through the alteration of habitat constituents or resource competition for forage or watering sites. Grazing may improve habitat for some species that prefer disturbed areas or open grassland habitats for foraging. Potential impacts to the Region 5 sensitive species list were analyzed in the biological evaluation of this project and a summary is contained in Table 10.
Table 10: Regional Forester’s Sensitive List wildlife species Species Relevance to proposed project: Effects
Pallid Bat, All of these bat species are known to occur in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Townsend’s Big- Townsend’s Big- eard Bat is known to occur in the Laguna Allotment, which also has potential habitat for Pallid eared Bat, Western Bat and Western Red Bat. Grazing is not expected to affect the abundance of roosting or feeding Red Bat habitat for these bat species. Pallid Bats and Townsend’s Big-eared Bats usually roost in mines
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or abandoned buildings. Western Red Bats roost in trees, or occasionally in leaf litter during the
winter months. Grazing of the Laguna Allotment may occur during the winter months. The grazed areas of this allotment include streams where there are oak woodlands; in these areas grazing may overlap with areas that bats may use for roosting. Temperatures are unlikely to be cold enough to induce Red Bats to roost in leaf litter at this time of year, but there could be a few days when they might roost in litter and could be disturbed or killed by cattle using the area. Grazing of the Laguna Meadow Allotment would occur only in the summer, when bats would not be expected to roost in leaf litter.
There are few studies that have examined the effect of grazing on the abundance of insects. In southern Arizona, Hovorka (1996) found that although grazing by cattle had a significant impact on the vegetation, it did not adversely affect the incidence of flying insects and the abundance of insectivorous bats.
Bats are likely to use water sources that are provided for livestock. In the Laguna Allotment, the water sources are the streams that flow through the allotment, including Kitchen Creek and Cottonwood Creek, and water troughs in Rodeo Grounds, Cameron pastures, and near Joy Meadow. In the Laguna Meadow Allotment, water sources are ponds on Forest lands and a water trough in the Filaree pasture. Tuttle (2004) has noted that ―in some cases, efforts to protect land from grazing have actually resulted in further harm to bats.‖ This is because in the absence of grazing, waterholes may become overgrown with vegetation such that they are not accessible to bats. In areas where there is no naturally occurring surface water, water is no longer pumped to the surface after livestock are removed (Tuttle 2004).
Grazing may affect individual Western Red Bats that could be roosting in leaf litter during winter months. Cattle travelling near or resting under trees could disturb or crush individual bats. Grazing is expected to change the habitat quality for Red Bats in the grazed portions of the Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotment from high to low. Grazing is not expected to affect habitat quality for Pallid Bat and Townsend’s Big-eared Bat in either allotment.
Southwestern Pond Southwestern Pond Turtles have the potential to occur in both allotments. Two-striped Garter Turtle, Two-striped Snakes are known to occur in the Laguna Allotment, and there is potential habitat for this species Garter Snake, San in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. San Diego Horned Lizard, California Legless Lizard, San Diego Horned Lizard, Diego Ring-necked Snake, Coastal Rosy Boa, and San Diego Mountain Kingsnake have potential California Legless habitat in both allotments. San Diego Horned Lizards are known to occur in the Laguna Lizard, San Diego Allotment, and San Diego Mountain Kingsnakes are known to occur in the Laguna Meadow Ringnecked Snake, Allotment. San Diego Mountain Kingsnake, and Many reptile species are declining locally and globally. Major threats to reptile populations Coastal Rosy Boa include habitat loss and degradation, introduced invasive species, environmental pollution, and other factors. Grazing may contribute to habitat loss and degradation, introduction of invasive species, and environmental pollution (Gibbon et al. 2000). Fellers and Pratt (2002) found a decreased abundance of lizard species in grazed pastures when compared with ungrazed grasslands. Species that prefer open areas, such as San Diego Horned Lizard, may benefit from grazing; a recent study in Utah found that Desert Horned Lizards utilized grazed areas much more than ungrazed areas (Newbold and MacMahon 2008). For most species, grazing is expected to reduce habitat quality from high to moderate when cattle are present, and this effect is expected to persist for a few months after cattle are removed.
Large-blotched There is potential habitat for this species in both allotments. Large-blotched Salamanders are Salamander typically found in forested areas or chaparral where there is downed woody debris. These areas are not heavily used by cattle, as the cattle prefer to graze in meadows, grasslands, or riparian
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areas. Individuals may occasionally be disturbed or trampled by cattle. Grazing is not expected
to affect habitat quality for the Large-blotched Salamander.
Bald Eagle There is suitable foraging habitat for this species in both allotments. Currently, Bald Eagles are nesting near Lake Henshaw in San Diego County. The Bald Eagle population is increasing
nationally and locally, and Bald Eagles may start nesting in new areas. In this area, they usually nest near larger lakes where there is a ready food supply of fish and waterfowl (Unitt 2004). Laguna Meadow and Laguna Allotment lack large lakes so are more likely to be used as foraging areas during the winter months when ephemeral lakes support populations of waterfowl. Grazing is not expected to affect roosting, foraging, or nesting habitat for Bald Eagle.
California Spotted There are nesting territories within the both allotments. The habitat elements thought to be most Owl important to maintaining spotted owl habitat suitability are: 1) dense, mature forest stands and 2) woodrats, the owl's primary prey (Verner et al. 1992). Mature forest stands within the grazing
allotments generally receive little grazing pressure, presumably because there is little grass understory in these dense forests. The proposed action also seems unlikely to significantly affect woodrat populations. The dusky-footed woodrat (Neotoma fuscipes) is most abundant in dense chaparral and forest habitats (Zeiner et al 1990). These habitats do not provide good foraging opportunities for cattle and thus receive little grazing pressure. Cattle grazing may decrease the abundance of some rodents by reducing the amount of food and cover available (Verner et al. 1992, Tyler et al. 2002, Fellers and Pratt 2002), and this could affect prey availability for spotted owls. Grazing is expected to reduce habitat quality for California Spotted Owl from high to moderate when cattle are present, and this effect is expected to persist for a few months after cattle are removed.
Determinations for Sensitive Wildlife Species The Wildlife Biologist/ Botanist made the following determination in the Biological Evaluation on these species.
―Grazing is not expected to affect individuals or habitat quality for pallid bat and Townsend’s big-eared bat. Grazing of the Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments will have no effect on these species.
Grazing is not expected to affect individuals or habitat quality for bald eagle. Grazing of the Laguna Meadow and Laguna Allotments will have no effect on this species.
Grazing is expected to affect individuals and/or habitat quality for California spotted owl, coastal rosy boa, two-striped garter snake, San Diego mountain kingsnake, San Diego ring-necked snake, San Diego horned lizard, California legless lizard, southwestern pond turtle, large-blotched salamander, and western red bat. Based on the limited geographic scope and time frame over which these effects are expected to occur, grazing of the Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments may affect individuals, but is not expected to lead to a trend toward federal listing or a loss of viability for these species.
For all sensitive wildlife species the potential effects were not determined lead to a trend toward federal listing or to reduce the viability of the species due to the limited
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geographic scope and time frame over which effects are expected to occur to the species‖.
Cumulative effects. Other federal activities that occur within the action area include: for both allotments, there is ongoing grazing on adjacent private lands; roads and rural residences are present; national forest facilities such as fire stations and campgrounds are located within the allotments; and portions of both allotments are used for recreational hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and hunting. All of these activities are considered to be part of the baseline conditions.
The Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments occupy a total of 34,910 acres, of which 1621 acres are primary-use areas for grazing. The allotment boundaries, particularly for Laguna allotment, include many acres of chaparral and/or steep slopes that are not accessible to cattle. For the purpose of considering cumulative effects, the action area is considered to be all areas within the allotment boundaries.
This allows consideration of the effects of activities that are nearby but not within the grazed areas.
Effects from past or existing activities such as roads and residential areas are considered to be part of the baseline. The cumulative effects analysis looks into the future for the next five years for foreseeable projects. These projects are listed in Table 5.
The cumulative effect of all of these activities is a reduction in the quantity and quality of habitat for regional forester’s list sensitive species in the analysis area. This effect is transient for some actions such as prescribed burns, and long-term or permanent for actions such as construction of roads or facilities. Grazing of Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments is a past, ongoing, and foreseeable future action and the effects of this activity are part of the baseline conditions. Use levels and associated impacts from this activity are not expected to change as a result of implementation of the proposed action. Therefore, renewal of these grazing permits is not expected to contribute to cumulative impacts to for regional forester’s sensitive species.
3.5.3 Management Indicator Species
Guidance regarding management indicator species (MIS) set forth in the Land Management Plan directs resource managers (1) to analyze, at the project scale, the effects of proposed projects on the habitats of each MIS affected by such projects, and (2) to monitor, at the national forest scale, populations and/or habitat trends of forest MIS, as identified by the Land Management Plan.
3.5.3.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. The no grazing alternative would remove livestock grazing as a potential impact to MIS. There may be an effect to some plant species due to an expected increase in non-native annual grass cover and thatch density on the allotments.
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Cumulative effects. The no grazing alternative is not expected to add additional stressors to these animal/plant populations in combination with other known impacts on the allotments.
3.5.3.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. Grazing can affect MIS in the same ways that it can affect sensitive wildlife and plant species. These impacts could be through direct trampling or more likely through alteration of habitat characteristics or competition for resources. The effects of grazing on MIS are analyzed in a project specific MIS analysis located in the project files (Laguna and Laguna Meadow MIS 2010). The following paragraphs list the MIS present on the Cleveland NF and describe the expected effects to each species and project level determinations for each species.
Table 11: Management indicator species (MIS) Management Forest Plan Relevance to proposed project: Effects/Determinations Indicator Habitat Species Indicator Occurs in project area; The proposed use of grazing allotments is not Mountain Lion Fragmentation expected to contribute to habitat fragmentation. The project will not reduce the amount of habitat available for this species. The proposed project is not expected to contribute to habitat and population trends for Mountain Lion.
Occurs in project area; For all allotments, deer are expected to reduce Mule Deer Healthy their use of grassland and oak savanna areas when cattle are present. diverse The proposed use of grazing allotments is expected to slightly reduce the habitats amount of habitat available for this species.. Within the Laguna Meadow Allotment, 114 acres of grassland and 71 acres of coast live oak woodland are utilized by cattle. Within the Laguna Allotment, 50 acres of grassland and 163 acres of coast live oak woodland is utilized by cattle. For all allotments, deer are expected to reduce their use of grassland and oak savanna areas when cattle are present. Due to the low to moderate levels of grazing that are proposed, and the small number of acres affected, the proposed project is not expected to contribute to habitat and population trends for Mule Deer. Arroyo toad habitat is present along Kitchen Creek within the Laguna Arroyo Toad Aquatic Allotment. The habitat along Kitchen Creek is on National Forest (Also federally habitat System lands, and in this area grazing is excluded. There is no suitable listed) habitat for arroyo toad within the Laguna Meadow Allotment. Cattle grazing during the early spring and summer months along stream zones may directly impact the arroyo toad and its habitat. Grazing during this period can affect these species by trampling and crushing breeding adults, eggs and larvae. This effect was analyzed and addressed during the formal consultation on Forest grazing allotments (USDA Forest Service 2000, USFWS 2001). The effects of grazing on arroyo toad and its habitat are minimized or avoided by excluding grazing from occupied
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habitat. This is expected to protect stream habitat and water quality. The proposed use of the Laguna Allotment is not expected to significantly reduce the quantity or quality of habitat for the arroyo toad.
The proposed use of grazing allotments is expected to reduce the amount Song Sparrow Riparian of habitat available for this species. Within the Laguna Meadow habitat Allotment, utilized acres include 0.4 miles of intermittent streams and no perennial streams. Intermittent streams within the Laguna Meadow Allotment are dry except after rain so they support little or no riparian vegetation, and would not be suitable habitat for Song Sparrow. No suitable habitat for Song Sparrow is available within the grazed portions of the allotment. Within the Laguna Allotment, utilized areas include 0.5 miles of intermittent streams and 0.1 miles of perennial streams. Less than 1 acre of suitable habitat for Song Sparrow is present within the grazed portion of the allotment. Utilization standards will be in place for riparian areas within the Laguna Meadow and Laguna Allotments. These standards require that no more than 40% of the current year’s growth on riparian shrubs can be consumed by cattle. Implementation of the utilization standards will limit the effects of grazing on riparian habitat. Grazing is expected to reduce the quality of affected habitat in the project area from high to moderate. Due to the low to moderate levels of grazing that are proposed, and the number of acres affected, the proposed project is not expected to contribute to population trends for Song Sparrow. Habitat condition for Song Sparrow is generally improving and the effects of the proposed project are expected to be too small to affect that trend.
Engelmann Oak Oak Does not occur in project area/ regeneration Occurs in project area; Coniferous forests generally contain little forage, Coulter Pine Coulter Pine but are used to some extent by cattle. The effect of cattle grazing in Forest coniferous forest is expected to be an increase in recruitment of conifer seedlings. A recent study found that grazing of rocky soils in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest in Oregon facilitated recruitment of conifer seedlings by removing competing plant species (Doescher and Tesch 1989). Belsky and Blumenthal (1997) observed similar results for grazed areas in Oregon, and suggested that grazing is contributing to the overstocking of pine forests in the western United States. Overstocking (pine trees growing at too great a density) is a problem that has been noted in both grazed and ungrazed areas on the Forests of southern California and the western US; generally this has been attributed to the exclusion of fire from these systems (Turner and Krannitz 2001, Minnich et al. 2000). Because of the low level of grazing use that is proposed for the Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments, the effect on the Coulter Pine forest is expected to be minimal. The proposed action
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is expected to have no effect on habitat or population trends for this species.
Occurs in project area, There is one known California spotted owl California Montane territory within the Laguna Allotment, and potential habitat within the Spotted Owl Conifer Forest Laguna Meadow Allotment. Coniferous and mixed conifer/oak forests (Also Forest generally contain little forage, but are used to some extent by cattle. The Sensitive) effect of cattle grazing in coniferous forest is expected to be an increase in recruitment of conifer seedlings. A recent study found that grazing of rocky soils in ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forest in Oregon facilitated recruitment of conifer seedlings by removing competing plant species (Doescher and Tesch 1989). Belsky and Blumenthal (1997) observed similar results for grazed areas in Oregon, and suggested that grazing is contributing to the overstocking of pine forests in the western United States. Overstocking (pine trees growing at too great a density) is a problem that has been noted in both grazed and ungrazed areas on the Forests of southern California and the western US; generally this has been attributed to the exclusion of fire from these systems (Turner and Krannitz 2001, Minnich et al. 2000). Because of the low level of grazing use that is proposed for the Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments, the effect on California spotted owl habitat and the conifer forest community is expected to be minimal. The proposed action is expected to have no effect on habitat or population trends for this species.
Occurs in project area: Standiford et al. (1997) investigated oak seedling California Black California and sapling regeneration in the southern Sierra Nevada. Tree cover was Oak Black Oak found to be positively correlated with the probability of seedling and Forest sapling regeneration for all oak species studied, including Black Oak. Grazing was not a significant factor affecting the probability of finding Black Oak seedlings or saplings.
The proposed use of Laguna Meadow Allotment is expected to affect 1.5 acres of Black Oak woodland (included in montane hardwood coniferous forest). The proposed use of Laguna Allotment is expected to affect 4 acres of Black Oak woodland. Authorization of grazing on these allotments will not cause the loss of habitat for Black Oaks, and no significant effects on recruitment of Black Oak seedlings or saplings are expected. The proposed action is expected to have no effect on habitat or population trends for this species.
Does not occur in project area. White Fir Montane
Conifer Forest
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Cumulative effects. The Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments occupy a total of 34,910 acres, of which 1621 acres are primary range. Approximately 10,410 additional acres may receive incidental use. The allotments include many acres of chaparral and/or steep slopes that are not accessible to cattle. For the purpose of considering cumulative effects, the action area is considered to be all areas within the allotment boundaries. This allows consideration of the effects of activities that are nearby but not within the grazed areas.
Effects from past or existing activities such as roads and residential areas are considered to be part of the baseline. The cumulative effects analysis looks into the future for the next 5 years for foreseeable projects. See Table 5.
The cumulative effect of foreseeable future activities is a reduction in the quantity and quality of habitat for MIS within the analysis area. This effect is transient for some actions such as prescribed burns, and long-term or permanent for actions such as roads or infrastructure. Grazing of Laguna Meadow and Laguna allotments is a past, ongoing, and foreseeable future action and the effects of this activity are part of the baseline conditions. Use levels and associated impacts from this activity are not expected to change as a result of implementation of the proposed action. Therefore, renewal of grazing permits is not expected to contribute to cumulative impacts to Mountain Lion, Mule Deer, Arroyo Toad, Song Sparrow, Coulter Pine, California Spotted Owl, and California Black Oak or their habitats.
3.5.4 Migratory Birds and Waterfowl
3.5.4.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct, indirect and cumulative effects. The No Action alternative is not expected to have a negative impact on migratory birds or waterfowl.
3.5.4.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct, indirect and cumulative effects. Given the limited effect of grazing on nests and the minimal impact of cattle water use on the rate of drying of the lake (see section 3.7.2), grazing of Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments may affect some migratory bird species (including water birds) or their associated habitats. Potential impacts to migratory species would be minimized through adherence to LMP Standards and Guidelines for residual dry matter and grazing utilization rates. Specific project design criteria are included in the proposed action.
3.6 Soils and Stream Channel Condition
Livestock can impact soils through compaction, breaking of soil crusts, and the creation of bare ground that can facilitate erosion. Soil compaction and bare ground can also reduce in the
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ability of water to infiltrate soils, leading to increased peak runoff in watersheds. This can create erosion and can alter stream channel morphology or create gullies in channels or in meadows. All of these effects can be mitigated at large scales through proper grazing management that leaves enough vegetation matter to cover soils. Proper livestock grazing can also increase nutrient cycling in soils by increasing decomposition and freeing nutrients from dead vegetative matter. This effect can lead to moderately grazed soils being more productive annually than non-grazed or heavily grazed soils, especially in grassland systems. The desired condition for meadow areas is a flat channel free condition or well vegetated drainage swales that maintain wet soil conditions and a shallow depth to the water table. Incised channels can lower the water table locally and lead to meadow degradation. Where historic gullies or headcuts exist, the desired condition is for these features to be stabilized or improving over time. In the mountains of southern California, stream channels are highly dynamic and often driven by episodic events. Large rainfall events can move large amounts of bedload and scour channels of riparian vegetation. Wildfires also create the conditions for rapid change in condition of stream channels. In the Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments, assessments were conducted for the condition of drainages in wet meadow areas and for stream channel conditions and riparian vegetation along perennial and intermittent stream courses.
3.6.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. Under the no action alternative soils there would not be the potential for soil compaction or erosion because of grazing. Areas of streambank impact would not occur from grazing, but significant improvements to the condition of the gullies in either allotment are not expected to occur with the removal of cattle.
Cumulative effects. The No Action Alternative is not expected to add any additional stressors to soils or stream channel conditions in the allotments.
3.6.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. Long term monitoring shows little to no evident erosion off upland forage areas on these allotments. Moderate grazing combined with management practices such as rest after wildfire and drought have maintained adequate vegetation to prevent erosion off these soils. Monitoring has shown that meadow soils cover and condition has been maintained with grazing intensities similar to the proposed action (see section 3.4.2.2). Cover is expected to improve in Laguna Meadow under the proposed action in areas near the Big Laguna Lake due to supplement placement restrictions. Otherwise, healthy soil conditions are expected to be maintained in both allotments with the proposed action. Steep ravine areas that drain into Laguna Meadow (such as Boiling Springs Ravine, Chico Ravine and Los Gatos Ravine) are accessible by cattle, but would continue to only receive incidental grazing use under the proposed action. These areas are intermittent, highly episodic stream channels that support little riparian vegetation and currently do not show impacts from livestock use.
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The main issue of concern in Laguna Meadow, Filaree Flat, and other meadow areas in these allotments is gullying or stream incision into meadows. The desired condition for these meadow areas is a flat channel free condition or well vegetated drainage swales that maintain wet soil conditions and a shallow depth to the water table. Incised channels can lower the water table locally and lead to meadow degradation. Meadow incision and gullying can occur when meadow soils become compacted or when rates of overland flow are increased because watersheds become denuded of vegetation. Neither of these effects is expected to occur under the proposed action. Compaction of soils is limited by maintained forage utilization standards which maintain a healthy rooting depth and density in the meadows. Cattle are not allowed onto the wetter meadows in early spring when they may still be waterlogged from winter rains (see range readiness monitoring). There has been historical gullying in Laguna Meadow, and Filaree Flat in the Laguna Meadow allotment and in Rodeo Grounds and Channing Meadow areas of the Laguna Allotment. These areas were surveyed for current condition as part of this assessment. In Laguna Meadow most drainage channels in the meadow were well vegetated and showed signs of recovery (aggrading through sediment deposition on the bottom and banks becoming less steep). This includes the largest gully which occurs between Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake and includes a large check dam structure. Above Water of the Woods there is one active head cut that is attributable to a failed check dam. There is also an active headcut in the Filaree Flat meadow. These area may require active restorating but are not being exacerbated by current grazing levels. Both Channing Meadows and Rodeo Grounds in the Laguna Allotment contain deep historic gullies. Most areas in these gullies are well vegetated and show signs of slow recovery. There are some areas of active headcutting and unstable banks, but these do appear to be exacerbated by grazing use. Stream courses that are accessible to cattle in the Laguna Allotment were surveyed for stream condition. These streams are intermittent, episodic and mostly run on bedrock channels so they are not highly sensitive to cattle impacts. The only area that showed livestock impacts was a small portion of La Posta Creek in the Cameron pasture. Impacts were noted during a monitoring trip in 2009, but the stream length as whole was found to be within Forest Plan standards. A revisit in 2010 found that the area had received little to no grazing use in that year. The area will be become a key area for monitoring in the new AMP. Under the proposed action it is expected that stream condition will continue to be within forest plan standards throughout both allotments.
Cumulative effects. The largest impact to upland soil quality and riparian/wet meadow condition on the Cleveland NF comes from unauthorized OHV use and roads. Several of the projects listed in Table 5 will reduce these impacts. All projects undertaken on the Cleveland National Forest are required to follow Best Management Practices (BMP’s) that reduce the potential for erosion as a result of the project. The proposed action does not require the building of new roads or increased OHV access. By following forage utilization standards grazing will not add to the effects of other projects. Wildfire also exposes soils and temporarily increases
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runoff and erosion potential. Standard grazing management practices rest grazing areas after fire until vegetation has recovered enough to hold soils in place. One large source of soil movement in the meadows, especially in gully banks of the wet meadow areas, is ground squirrel activity. Grazing could add slightly to this impact in some instances.
3.7 Water Quality and Hydrology
Grazing can affect watershed behavior and water quality in several ways. Livestock can temporarily mobilize nutrients contained in plant material while they are grazing in a watershed. These nutrients can be added to streams through deposition of fecal pats in the water and from overland water flow in extremely overgrazed situations. Fecal pats can also be a source of bacterial contamination in streams and lakes. Erosion from uplands and direct impacts to stream banks and stream bottoms can increase stream turbidity. The previous section analyzed potential impacts related to soil compaction and the potential for decreased infiltration and increased runoff. Proper grazing management can mitigate these impacts to a substantial degree. The most important mitigating factor is maintaining proper vegetative cover through forage utilization standards to protect soil infiltration rates and to create vegetative buffers to overland flow from grazed areas into streams. Vegetative buffers are extremely effective at preventing bacteria and protozoa from entering surface waters from fecal pats deposited away from water (Tate 2006). Maintaining proper vegetative cover also filters sediments and nutrients that may become mobile during storm events. The potential for nutrient, sediment and microbial pollution in surface water is greater when cattle have direct access to surface water. On these allotments, access to surface water is mainly confined to stockponds and some intermittent stream reaches in the Laguna Allotment.
3.7.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and indirect effects. Under the no action alternative there would not be the potential for soil erosion or nutrient and microbial contamination into surface waters because of grazing. Monitoring has shown that the no action alternative would not result in a significant improvement in water quality conditions in these watersheds.
Cumulative effects. The no grazing alternative is not expected to add any additional stressors to soils or stream channel conditions in the allotments.
3.7.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and indirect effects. Grazed areas of the Laguna Meadow Allotment are part of the Upper Pine Creek watershed. Grazed areas of the Laguna allotment are part of the La Posta Creek and Kitchen Creek watersheds, both of which are tributaries to Cottonwood Creek. Concerns about water quality in Pine Valley Creek have been explored in the past. Upper Pine Valley Creek was included on a 2002 list of water quality limited stream reaches in California
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for Enterococci bacteria. The Forest Service helped fund a study by the City of San Diego in the late 1990s to determine if the sources of pollution were coming from Forest Service lands. These studies were conducted while active grazing under similar management to the proposed action was ongoing in the Pine Valley and Indian Creek allotments and Laguna Meadow allotment. Water samples were taken just upstream from the recreation cabin tract (which would capture runoff from the entirety of both allotments) and from just below the recreation cabin tract and then further down below the town of Pine Valley and several large horse stable operations. The results showed that water leaving the allotments was not significantly contaminated with nitrates and coliform bacteria. However, bacteria and nutrient loads jumped substantially after the stream passed the stabling operations on private lands and through the town of Pine Valley. A concern was raised in scoping about the effect of livestock on the water level in Big Laguna Lakes, Water of the Woods and the depth to the water table in the general area around Laguna Meadow due to livestock water use. Duesterhaus et al (2008) studied water use at a stock pond in Kansas. The pond was 0.35 ha in size and averaged approximately 1.5 meters in depth. They grazed 48 head of steer in a 65 ha pasture surrounding the pond, and noted water use of 30 to 46 liters per day per animal. They found that evaporation accounted for 64% of the total water loss annually, while seepage, cattle consumption, and transpiration accounted for 31%, 3%, and 2%, respectively.
Big Laguna Lake occupies a larger area and is shallower than the stock pond in the study described above. This would result in a higher evaporation rate. In addition, steer consume less water than nursing cows so that would result in higher water use by cow/calf units. The general findings of the study are still applicable, and cattle consumption is expected to account for only a very small percentage of the water loss from Big Laguna Lake.
Sediment – Sediment deposition and accumulation in meadow streams is expected to remain low under current management as evidenced by suitable existing condition.
Bacteria and Other Pathogens – Based on literature regarding grazing-related introduction of fecal coliform and other pathogens such as giardia, it is likely that these contaminants are present in streams within the allotments as a result current management. Cattle are one factor in contribution to water-borne pathogens, as other mammals also introduce these contaminants. Giardia, particularly, is well established in waters throughout California including non-grazed areas such as national parks.
It has been a common practice for decades to address the concern about consuming raw water in wildland streams by treating it in the field prior to drinking. Water filter technology is such that bacteria and other pathogens can be effectively filtered out of raw water, and boiling is a safe alternative as are other treatment methods such as chemical tablets. Public education about this issue is long-standing and widespread. This information is also on the forest website and numerous other websites. Mitigating the concern over drinking raw water by field-treatment has become an effective method of dealing with water-borne contaminants that may affect human health. The risk is essentially eliminated by treatment. The risk of contracting pathogenic disorders while washing with raw water or swimming in streams or lakes is, with prudent care,
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very low. That is, washing with filtered or boiled water and attempting to avoid ingesting water while swimming.
Current management is not contributing to a human health problem from contact with wildland water. Despite long-term presence of cattle in this analysis area, as well as other mammals that are potential sources of gastrointestinal disorders or similar pathogenic illnesses (e.g., wildlife and domestic pack stock), there is no record of such occurrences originating within these allotments. In the Laguna Meadow allotment, livestock are not grazed in or near surface waters at any time, except for stock ponds that collects water draining through the meadow. These include Big Laguna Lake and Water of the Woods, both of which are destinations for hikers. Neither pond has swimming nor are they used as water sources for recreationists. Both of these water bodies are exposed to cattle and fecal pats and are expected to contain bacterial contamination, however there is no surface flow off the meadow into stream courses (except during extreme storm events) so this contamination is not expected to move into streams outside of the stock ponds. Nutrients – No significant evidence of eutrophication (i.e., elevated levels of aquatic plants) has been observed in the field in stream courses and none is expected as current management would not result in increased risk of nutrient loading in streams.
The beneficial uses of water under current management are expected to be maintained under this alternative.
Cumulative effects. Other activities can affect water quality in these watersheds. Road use and road maintenance can add substantial amounts of sediment to the surface waters. Unauthorized or unregulated OHV use can create erosion that can mobilize sediments into surface waters. Large amounts of sediment and nutrients can be delivered to surface waters in storm events following wildfire. Recreation use and can be sources of microbial contamination in surface waters as well. Wildlife has also been shown to be a source of microbial contamination. In the case of cryptosporidium (a waterborne pathogen of concern), wildlife have been shown to be a significantly greater source of contamination then livestock (Atwill 2002). Monitoring has demonstrated that grazing in these allotments is not creating conditions for surface erosion in these watersheds. Streambank alteration standards are designed to minimize the potential for sediment mobilization from streambank damage. Therefore, the proposed action is not expected to have a significant cumulative effect when added to the other stressors in these watersheds. Sediment – Roads and illegal off high vehicle use are the larger contributors to anthropogenic sources of sediment into streams. Increases in sediment are minor from cattle grazing; the elimination of cattle grazing would not significantly reduce cumulative effects in terms of sediment transport and accumulation nor does the additional of cattle grazing as described in the proposed action move sedimentation over or towards a threshold of concern. If the allotments are affected by wildfires, continued cattle grazing prior to full vegetative recovery needs to be studied carefully and approved in a separate document.
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Bacteria and Other Pathogens – Although cattle have been documented to contribute to fecal coliform, giardia, etc, in streams, some other mammals are also contributors. Derlet and Carlson, 2006, documented that while cattle contributed E. coli at all 15 sites sampled, pack stock contributed the same approximate amount of E. coli to streams as cattle at 12 of 15 sample sites. Atwill, et al, 2002, documents that other mammals known to contribute pathogenic materials to wildland waters include squirrels, coyotes, deer, skunks and humans.
Pathogens can move off-site, or downstream, and persist in the water environment. However, there are limits on accumulative effects of cattle waste products. Tate (2006) found that about 95% of E. coli loads were retained within 0.1 meter of manure deposition sites in grassland settings. On-site attenuation of pathogens prior to reaching water plus annual snowmelt flushing and other factors such as very cold temperatures have the ability to moderate the amount of pathogens.
Under current management, although cattle in the allotments assessed are likely to continue to be part of the cumulative effect of pathogen introduction to waters in and downstream of the allotments analyzed, there is expected to be a very low cumulative risk to human health due to attenuation factors and normal preventive care regarding use of wildland water.
Nutrients – No cumulative effects are anticipated under current management.
3.8 Cultural Resources
3.8.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and Indirect effects: There would be no direct or indirect effects to the heritage resources if the no action alternative were selected. Cumulative effects: None.
3.8.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and Indirect effects: The protection of cultural resources has been incorporated into the Proposed Action, and would be implemented in accord with the stipulations of the Programmatic Agreement (PA) among the USDA, Forest Service, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Regarding Rangeland Management Activities on National Forest System Lands (USDA 1995) the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Nevada State Historic Preservation Officer regarding Rangeland Management Activities (USDA 1996), and the Forest Grazing Heritage Resources Management Strategy, Cleveland National Forest (USDA 1998). Standard procedures for protecting cultural resources (Standard Resource Protection Measures (SRPM), including monitoring) would be followed for activities that are located within High Use or Primary Grazing areas, which are defined in the MOU as ―Areas which receive concentrated use from livestock grazing activities, where use is intense enough to cause possible degradation of the environment and or heritage resources through erosion, compaction, or trampling.‖ These areas
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in the Laguna and Laguna Meadow allotments include seeps, springs, stockpond edges, corrals, watering troughs and bedding areas, and have been mapped and analyzed using CNF GIS data.
Although the area of potential effects (APE) of the proposed project includes the entire allotment boundary, the analysis regarding the actual potential for effects associated with the permitting of continued grazing defined as the Proposed Action is limited to the identified Primary Grazing areas associated with the proposed project, in accord with the Range PA and other applicable regulatory guidance. Cultural resources records searches and field surveys have been previously completed within the Primary Grazing areas of the allotment, and have also been conducted in support of the Proposed Action, resulting in the identification of 69 cultural resources (prehistoric or historic archaeological sites or features) within the High Use (Primary Grazing) areas of the allotment. None of these cultural resources within the Primary Grazing areas has been evaluated, and all are assumed eligible for nomination to the National Register and therefore historic properties for the purposes of the analysis conducted for this project. These historic properties have the potential to be affected by continued grazing in these areas, and any identified effects would be considered to be adverse effects to historic properties, by definition, in accord with the Grazing PA and MOU.
In accord with the stipulations of the Regional Grazing PA, implementation of the prescribed standard resource protection measures (SRPM), including the monitoring of these cultural resources would mitigate any adverse effects and/or result in the identification and mitigation of any adverse effects to previously unknown cultural resources that may occur in association with continued grazing within the Primary Grazing areas of the allotment. Standard resource protection measures for this project may include, but are not limited to maintaining or reconstructing existing range improvements (fencing, gates, etc.), constructing new range improvements to reduce or eliminate impacts to cultural resources and closure or relocation of High Use areas to locations that would result in the significant reduction or elimination of the potential for effects to cultural resources. Cultural resources within the Primary grazing areas of the allotment were previously recommended for monitoring, and monitoring conducted to date indicates that the potential for effects to cultural resources in these areas has been reduced due to reductions in stocking levels, changes in grazing practices, the maintenance and reconstruction of existing range improvements (fencing, gates, etc.), and the construction of new range improvements designed to reduce or eliminate the potential for effects to cultural resources within these areas.
Based on these data, the implementation of SRPM, including monitoring, and the maintenance, reconstruction, or construction of new range improvements has, and will continue to ensure that continued grazing in these areas would not have a direct or cumulative adverse effect on historic properties within these areas. Cultural resources that require standard resource protection measures to reduce the potential for effects that could result from continued grazing are limited primarily to portions of the Laguna Meadow Allotment, due to the fact that the majority of the meadow is technically a High Use or Primary Grazing area. The Heritage Program has been and will continue to be kept informed of the status of the various stages of the grazing allotment project in order that standard resource protection measures can be monitored and/or implemented, and the monitoring of sites in or near existing High Use or Primary Grazing areas
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can occur prior to the implementation of planned activities in order to collect baseline data. In recent years, existing fencing has been rerouted and new fencing has been installed to reduce the potential for impacts to cultural resources in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. The proposed action will add restrictions, including the elimination of the placement of supplements within or in the vicinity of cultural resources, which will result in further reduction in the potential for effects to cultural resources within Primary Grazing Areas of the allotments.
Information regarding the field surveys and management recommendations for cultural resource sites and features are contained in the Cultural Resource Specialist Report prepared in support of the proposed project.
Cumulative effects:
Implementation of the standard resource protection measures outlined in the PA and MOU will ensure that there is no potential for adverse effects to historic properties associated with the implementation of this project. There would be no cumulative adverse effects to historic properties from continued grazing in the allotments, as defined in the Range PA.
3.9 Recreational Impacts
The Laguna Meadow allotment and parts of the Laguna allotment occur within the Mt. Laguna Recreation area. The Mt. Laguna Recreation area has several developed campgrounds, picnic areas, recreational cabins and numerous trails that attract many visitors to the area year round. Interactions between cattle and recreationists have the potential to occur, mostly in Laguna Meadow, along forest roads in the Laguna Allotment, and along Noble Canyon Trail and Pine Creek Road in the Laguna Meadow Allotment. The impacts of grazing was considered during the planning for the establishment of the Mt. Laguna Recreation Area in 1978. Planning documents for that time reduced the amount of grazing in the meadow to increase scenic values for recreation. 3.9.1 Alternative 1, No Action Direct and Indirect effects: No grazing would not result in significant impacts to recreation. There may be a reduction in the quality of the spring wildflower display in Laguna Meadow. The scenic value of Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake would be expected to improve slightly. However, water levels in these ponds would continue to vary seasonably and by the end of the summer both bodies of water would continue to have non-vegetated muddy banks that detract from their visual appearance. With no grazing, some fencing and other improvements could be removed that may improve the scenic value of the allotments. Cumulative effects: None.
3.9.2 Alternative 2, Proposed Action Direct and Indirect effects:
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Grazing has the potential to affect recreationists by changing the scenic landscape and also by blocking trails or potentially intimidating hikers.
There have been some complaints of cattle blocking trails or seeming aggressive towards hikers in the recent past. However, there has been no documented case of aggressive contact being made between a hiker and livestock on these allotments. There have been cases of hikers harassing livestock on the allotment, either through chasing or with off-leash dogs.
Impacts to scenic values are often subjective. For some people, cattle on the allotments negatively affect their recreational experience. Some people enjoy seeing cattle feeling it adds to a rural experience. Current management of the allotments maintains the scenic value of grasslands by maintaining ground cover. Grazing probably helps to maintain and increase the spring wildflower display in Laguna Meadow. The current grazing season in Laguna Meadow also ensures that cattle are not on the meadow during the peak bloom of spring wildflowers.
Big Laguna Lake and Water of the Woods are a destination for hikers. In the spring of wet years, both ponds are often full with well vegetated banks. However, as the summer progresses, both water bodies naturally lose water through evaporation and to a lesser extent through cattle water consumption. By late summer, these ponds often have a muddy banks and have lost much scenic value. Cattle wallowing in Big Laguna Lake leads to fecal pats on the shore and a highly impacted looking shore. The proposed action seeks to reduce these effects by increasing herding towards the southern part of the meadow with supplement placing and increased used of meadow areas in the Wooded Hill Unit.
Interpretive signs that will be installed at trailheads into Laguna Meadow may reduce the potential for negative interactions between livestock and recreationists as follows. Explain the history and ecology of grazing use and the goals of current management. Explain that both Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake are stockponds to reduce concern about visual impacts to these water bodies. Provide tips for staying safe around cattle herds and emphasize the need to keep dogs on leash.
Instances of fences being cut have occurred near trail crossings where cattle proof mazes have been put in place. These mazes require mountain bikers to dismount and walk their bikes through the maze. It appears that fences were being cut by some mountain bikers (based on locations of cuts and tire tracks) to avoid needed to dismount at the fence crossing. The Forest has experimented with placing mountain bike cattle guards at some fence/trail intersections to address this problem. So far, the mountain bike cattle guards have addressed the problem and the proposed action calls for continuing to use them at appropriate locations on the allotments.
Cumulative effects: No other foreseeable action is expected to have a negative impact on recreation values in these allotments. Grazing is not expected to add to any other impacts to recreation on these allotments.
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CHAPTER 4 REFERENCES
Anderson, E.W. 1993. Prescription Grazing to Enhance Rangeland Watersheds. Rangelands 15:31-35.
Bailey, David. 2006. The community characteristics of Horkelia clevelandii and implications for the endangered Laguna Mountains Skipper (Pyrgus ruralis lagunae). MS Thesis, San Diego State University.
Bartolome, J.W., M.C. Stroud, and H.F. Heady. 1980. Influence of natural mulch on forage production on differing California annual range sites. In: George, Melvin R., Brown, Joel R., Robbins, Marya., Clawson, James (editors) An Evaluation of Range Condition Assessment on California Annual Grassland. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Belsky, A.J. and D.M. Blumenthal. 1997. Effects of livestock grazing on stand dynamics and soils in upland forests of the Interior West. Conservation Biology 11:315.
Belsky, A.J., A. Matzke, and S. Uselman. 1999. Survey of livestock influences on stream and riparian ecosystems in the western United States. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 54, (1): 419-431.
Blank, R.R., Svejcar, A.J., Riegel, G. 2006. Effect of grazing exclusion on soil attributes in a sierra nevada riparian meadow. Rangeland Ecology and Management. 59:321-329.
Biswell, H.H. 1956. Ecology of California grasslands. Journal of Range Management 9:19-24.
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Appendix A: Capability and Suitability Analysis and Forest Plan Consistency Review for Laguna and Laguna Meadow Allotments – Descanso Ranger District – Cleveland National Forest
The capability and suitability of an allotment for grazing are determined in a two-step process. First capability, defined as the general ability of a piece of land to support livestock grazing, is determined for the allotment. National Forest System lands are considered generally capable if they 1) have a slope <60%, 2) have the ability to produce greater than 200-700 lbs/acre (dry weight) of forage annually, 3) are accessible to livestock and 4) are in areas where livestock can be controlled within the designated area and management system (Cleveland National Forest LMP - appendix J).
Not all capable lands on the National Forest System are considered suitable for grazing. The proposed or continued grazing area must be located in a land-use zone which allows grazing. Specific to the Cleveland National Forest, unsuitable lands for grazing include 1) lands in Critical Biological Land Use Zones, 2) Wilderness areas where livestock grazing was not established at the time of designation and where there is no recent history of grazing use prior to wilderness designation, 3) and within Critical Habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher or within Peninsular Bighorn Sheep range (LMP). In addition, the grazing use should be compatible with the general management direction for the Land Management Plan “place” in which it is located.
Capable lands may also be unsuitable for grazing due to the potential for significant adverse effects which cannot be mitigated, or where grazing is a significant factor in preventing lands from achieving desired condition (appendix J). The analysis to determine whether any of these factors are present is conducted by an interdisciplinary team during the NEPA process. For each allotment, there is a table summarizing the Suitability Factors listed in appendix J and the site-specific analysis for each of the factors. Following that table is another table for each allotment that analyzes the proposed actions consistency with the strategies, standards and guidelines of the Forest Plan.
Capability Analysis:
In general, on the Cleveland National Forest, grazing occurs on lands that are grassland or wet meadow, oak woodland, or coniferous forest. Chaparral does meet the definition of capable range under the forest plan definition though areas dominated by mature chaparral tend to not support grazing use. These areas are often impassable to cattle due to dense shrub growth and the shrub species present are mostly unpalatable to domestic cattle. Areas of chaparral often acts as a natural barrier to cattle movement. Water sources are also a limiting factor in areas that are capable of grazing. Chaparral dominated areas are general considered as capable, but are defined as secondary or transitional range (see below).
Capability for this allotment was determined through the use of the Cleveland National Forest GIS layers and from field visits and project files. This allotment has a history of grazing use in the areas being analyzed. Therefore locations of lands capable of grazing have been verified over decades of grazing experience with the area. The GIS layers were
used to determine acreages within the allotments that met the general capability criteria listed above. Non-capable lands include areas of steep slopes (not accessible), areas where palatable forage is lacking, water sources are too distant, or where lands cannot be grazed with out extensive management improvements added. In the case of cattle grazing the capable slope was defined as less than 40% (the 60% slope figure from the Forest Plan incorporates sheep and goats). The capable distance from water was defined as 1.5 miles. Please note that capable acres are estimated due to limitations in accuracy in the GIS data, especially regarding slope. It is best to think of capable acres as an estimate of percentages of land available to livestock within an allotment and NOT as a precise mapping exercise.
Capable acres were further refined to define lands where cattle grazing is currently possible due to factors like distance from vegetation, distance to water, physical barriers (including presence of dense chaparral), presence of adequate fencing or natural barriers to allow reasonable control of cattle within the prescribed management system. These areas all called primary range areas. The primary range areas have been determined with on the ground knowledge of where livestock prefer to forage on the allotment. Acreages were determined by digitizing these known areas onto an air photo of the allotment. Forest vegetation GIS layers were also used to identify additional areas of suitable vegetation. These areas were compared with aerial photos and where possible, these areas were verified on the ground during field visits.
Capable, but currently ungrazed lands may become used temporarily after fire or other disturbance. This is called transitory or secondary range. After fire, non-native annuals and some native forb and grass species will proliferate on chaparral sites, between sprouting chaparral shrub species. This forage may be utilized by cattle. Fire also may burn away brush boundaries giving access to additional areas for grazing use. No attempt is made to estimate acreage of potential transitory range. Instead secondary/transitional range acreage is determined by subtracting the primary range acres from the total capable range acres. If fire opens an area to cattle access that is considered unsuitable for grazing then the forest may mandate non-use or additional fencing until the brush boundary becomes reestablished. The environmental assessment does analyze the effects of grazing on chaparral recovery after fire, where cattle may utilize herbaceous forage on burned areas. The proposed action does not allow for increasing numbers of livestock in an attempt to prevent chaparral recovery or increase the number of acres of primary range. The LMP states that type conversion for forage production purposes in incompatible in all land use zones.
Please note that capable acres are approximate and based on assumptions inherent in the use of the available GIS information. Livestock may move through incapable areas at times, and may even use forage in some of these areas; however, the allocation of available forage is not based on generally incapable areas.
The results of the capability analysis are shown in Table 1a and are also shown on the individual maps for the allotments.
Table 1a: Capable acres by allotment; divided into primary and secondary range types.
Acres Range Allotment, Total Capable Suitable Primary Secondary/transitory Laguna Meadow, Total 5910 3555 3555 900 2655 Laguna, Total 24910 8520 8325 725 7600
Suitability analysis and Forest Plan Consistency Check:
Summary: There were no livestock accessible areas of the allotments proposed to receive grazing use in the Laguna and Laguna Meaodw allotments that were found to be unsuitable for grazing, except within the exclosures built for Laguna Mountain skipper habitat on the Laguna Meadow Allotment. The Kitchen Creek subunit of the Laguna Allotment is not suitable for grazing due to arroyo toad impacts. Non-use of this area is included in the proposed action. The proposed actions for all allotments were determined to be consistent with the Cleveland National Forest Land Management Plan.
Analysis for potential issues that may make an allotment or specific areas of an allotment unsuitable for grazing are undertaken by the ID team during the NEPA process. There are two tables for each allotment. The first table lists factors they may impact suitability and the allotment specific analysis for each factor. The second table analyzes the proposed actions consistency with the strategies, standards and guidelines of the Forest Plan for each allotment.
Laguna Allotment – Suitability Factors Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis
Critical Biological Land Use Zone No Critical Biological Zones None None Forest GIS Layers present Designated Wilderness None – no Designated Wilderness None None Forest GIS Layers, present
Critical habitat for California None present None None Forest GIS layers gnatcatcher Peninsular Bighorn sheep range None present None None Forest GIS layers
Areas with significant social conflicts, Cibbets Flat campground is Surveys have found no unacceptable or None Heritage Specialist Report, developed recreation sites, special-use sites, within a non-use area of the continuing impacts from cattle grazing on Internal scoping. heritage resource sites, Native American allotment. No conflicts with heritage sites within the allotment. sites and traditional practices, mining, and special uses identified. Heritage other authorized uses. surveys have found that ongoing grazing has not had, nor had the potential, to negatively impact heritage resources. Areas where livestock grazing is in No research, admin sites or study None None Forest GIS layers, internal conflict with the objectives for areas affected. scoping administrative sites and research facilities or study sites, except in areas where livestock grazing is for research purposes. Areas where livestock grazing is Excess administrative costs may Low – the proposed action utilizes existing None EA, Range Specialist impractical due to economic include the need for significant fencing. Monitoring costs are low due to Report, considerations, such as high agency improvements to control cattle easy access to most primary range. No other administrative costs and where distribution or to create grazing excessive or additional admin costs are cooperative and collaborative exclosures. Other significant expected. contributions are absent. Livestock costs may include the need for grazing may be impractical to support a intensive monitoring for small number of head or the inability to endangered or sensitive species. control or sustain livestock without a significant Forest Service investment to meet resource objectives and desired conditions.
Laguna Allotment – Suitability Factors (Cont.) Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis
Areas of important wildlife habitat where Occupied habitat for Arroyo Toad Low – Wildlife BA/BE did not identify None – Biological Evaluation/MIS suitable habitat cannot be sustained or already excluded from grazing. No impacts to sensitive wildlife species analysis – K. Winter 2010. move towards desired conditions (e.g., other occupied habitat to T,E,C that would reduce the viability of these Grazing Biological Opinions. threatened, endangered, proposed, species. Habitat for Laguna species. candidate, and sensitive species). Mountain Skipper is present and is not expected to be significantly altered by the proposed action. Grazing was determined to have an effect of certain sensitive wildlife species. Areas where ground cover (i.e., living Areas with inadequate ground Primary grazed areas in the Laguna None Range Specialist Report, vegetation, plant litter, and surface rock cover could experience surface allotment generally occur on low Watershed Report (Jimenez fragments greater than 3/4 inch) is erosion and rilling, perpetuating gradient slopes with adequate ground 2010) insufficient to protect soil from erosion. low vegetation cover. cover. Little to no evidence of upland The minimum percentage of effective surface erosion due grazing activities. soil cover is 60 percent unless local data are available for use in setting more specific ground cover requirements.
Areas where a noxious weed risk analysis Areas of allotment could be found Low- proposed grazing is not expected None Noxious Weed Risk has determined that livestock use is a key unsuitable if there was a propensity to lead to an increase in non-native Assessment. limiting factor in meeting or moving for a noxious weed infestation to species or add significantly to the towards vegetation management occur or expand as a result of threat of new invasions. Grazing can objectives. Exceptions could be where continued grazing. be used to manage current non-native livestock are used as a tool for noxious populations. and invasive weed control.
Areas with unique habitats where suitable Allotment contains habitats for Low – no significant or long-term None Biological Evaluation/MIS habitat cannot be maintained over the several forest service sensitive plant impacts to habitats were identified analysis – K. Winter 2010. long term or move towards desired and animal species and for the conditions (e.g., bogs, fens, vernal pools, federally endangered Arroyo Toad and rare plant communities). and Laguna Mountain Skipper. Areas where livestock grazing would be the key limiting factor in reaching or moving towards forest plan desired See Forest Plan Consistency Check conditions.
Laguna Allotment – Suitability Factors (Cont.) Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis Areas where existing condition or Prescribed burns and wildfire areas No major wildfires have affected the None – any need to rest an Range Specialist Report, restoration needs require an extended will require rest. Other areas where Laguna Allotment since the 1970’s. area would be temporary Watershed Report (Jimenez (more than five years) rest from livestock revegetation is necessary may Small areas of the allotment may need and could be compensated 2010) grazing (e.g., watershed improvement require temporary closure. temporary exclosures to aid in gully with forage availability in projects). Exceptions could be where repair projects. There may need to be other subunits of the livestock grazing is needed to achieve small areas that will be rested or allotment. desired vegetation management excluded with small gap fencing as a objectives (e.g., fuelbreak or WUI result of fuel reduction and forest Defense or Threat Zones maintenance). health projects currently being analyzed. Areas where livestock grazing would be The allotment contains several Large gullies appear to be stable and None – temporary rest of Range Specialist Report, a key and significant contribution to historical gullies in Rodeo Grounds are well vegetated except for small areas may be required if Watershed Report (Jimenez landslide and/or soil erosion, stream and Channing Meadows, no other headcuts where meadows are adapting gullies are fixed – but this 2010) incisement, or other unacceptable areas where livestock graze have to lower drainage levels. Grazing does would not affect overall alteration of surface and subsurface demonstrated problems with not appear to be exacerbating this suitability of the conditions. erosion/soil movement problem. allotment.
Laguna Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Federally Listed S11 (Forest Plan Part 3) – In Biological Opinion on Current management is in DC = EC Biological Species occupied or suitable habitat for a Livestock Grazing issued compliance with terms of Grazing Evaluation/MIS (-Federally listed TEPCS species, consider species 2001. biological opinion. Arroyo toad analysis – K. threatened or guidance documents to develop site occupied habitat has been excluded Winter 2010. endangered species specific design criteria Botany and Wildlife BE from grazing. BE concludes or designated critical written 2010. grazing will not lead towards Grazing Biological habitat listing of any sensitive species. Opinions -Species proposed for Federal listing or S12 (Forest Plan Part 3) – When Ongoing use – no new N/A/ DC=EC, Biological proposed critical implementing new projects in TEPC areas or increased use Evaluation/MIS habitat habitats use design criteria and authorized. analysis – K. conservation practices to promote Winter 2010. conservation and recovery of these species. Grazing Biological Opinions S24 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Mitigate Kitchen Creek subunit In Compliance with BO, Kitchen DC=EC Biological impacts of on-going uses and moved into non-use due Creek moved into non-use. Evaluation/MIS management activities on TEPC to occupied Arroyo toad analysis – K. species habitat. Parts of Winter 2010. allotment have been surveyed for Laguna Grazing Biological Mountain Skipper. Opinions S30 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Avoid No occupied habitat for Research has demonstrated that DC=EC Biological activites that impact host plants TEPC butterfly species grazing does not alter the Evaluation/MIS within critical and occupied habitat on allotment. There is constituent elements of Laguna analysis – K. for TEPC butterfly species unless habitat for the Laguna Mountain Skipper habitat. No Winter 2010. guided differently by site specific Mountain Skipper, grazing occurs on this allotment in consultation. including a small amount the LMS ciritical habitat area and Forest GIS layers of LMS Critical Habitat. this area is being removed from the allotment in the proposed action Grazing Biological (Meadow Kiosk area). Opinions
Laguna Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Federally Listed S55 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Evaluate N/A – no proposal for N/A N/A N/A Species new proposals for concentrated new concentrated stock (-Federally listed stock areas located within five miles area. threatened or of occupied southwestern willow endangered species flycatcher or Least Bells Vireo or designated critical habitat for impacts from cowbirds. habitat CNFS9 (Forest Plan Part 2) – Avoid There is habitat for the Research has demonstrated that DC=EC Biological -Species proposed or mitigate, following consultation, Laguna Mountain grazing does not alter the Evaluation/MIS for Federal listing or impacts to Laguna Mountain Skipper, including a constituent elements of Laguna analysis – K. proposed critical Skipper habitat small amount of LMS Mountain Skipper habitat. No Winter 2010. habitat Critical Habitat. grazing occurs on this allotment in the LMS ciritical habitat area and Forest GIS layers this area is being removed from the allotment in the proposed action Grazing Biological (Meadow Kiosk area). Opinions CNFS11 (Forest Plan Part 2) – N/A N/A N/A N/A Livestock grazing in San Bernadino bluegrass habitat will be delayed until after seed-set. Forest Sensitive S11 (Forest Plan Part 3) – In Impacts to sensitive No new guidance related to DC=EC Biological Species, and occupied or suitable habitat for a species were not sensitive species on this allotment Evaluation/MIS Management TEPCS species, consider species considered to be using new plan and appendix H analysis – K. Indicator Species guidance documents to develop site significant in 2010 BE Winter 2010. specific design criteria, implement – Appendix H of Forest Plan if sensitive species present. S20 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Evaluate There is one known Not likely to affect spotted owls DC=EC Biological need to implement a limited spotted owl territory due to preferred habitat for owls Evaluation/MIS operating period within @.25 miles within the allotment. being different that primary grazing analysis – K. of Calfornia spotted owl nest sites areas and low level of grazing Winter 2010 or Activity centers. proposed. Grazing may slightly reduce habitat quality for spotted owl prey base. S22 (Forest Plan Part 3) – No new fencing or roads N/A DC=EC N/A Linear structure (fences roads etc.) proposed, will be built to allow for fish and wildlife movement.
Laguna Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Forest Sensitive Forest Goal 6.2 (Part 1 of plan) – Forage utilization Forage utilization standards are not DC=EC Allotment 2210 Species, and Provide ecological conditions to standards are met, to exceeded with current files; Range Management sustain viable populations of native maintain forage and management, including rest during Specialist Report Indicator Species and desired non-native species. habitat conditions for droughts. MIS analysis completed Biological Conduct MIS analysis. wildlife use. 2010. Evaluation/MIS analysis – K. Winter 2010 Range and Forest Goal 6.1 (Part 1 of Forest Maintain forage Monitoring of key areas shows that DC=EC Allotment 2210 Livestock Plan). Move towards improved productivity, soil current grazing pressure is files. management rangeland conditions as indicated by structure and conditions maintaining forage productivity Range Specialist key range sites. that maintain favored and site condition, long term Report; EA native and non-native monitoring shows sites in moderate species. condition – but at site potential. Livestock Program Goal 1 (LG1 – Proposed action is to Proposed action fits with current DC=EC Allotment 2210 Part 2 Forest Plan) – Livestock retain allotment with permittees operation. files. grazing areas are maintained and management suitable to remain sustainable and suitable over continued use by Range Specialist the long-term. permittee. Report Livestock Program Goal 2 Maintain forage Monitoring of key areas shows that Proposed action will establish Allotment 2210 (LG2 – Part 2 Forest Plan) productivity, soil current grazing pressure is new long term trend monitoring files. - Rangeland Health: Rangelands are structure and conditions maintaining forage productivity plot in wetter area of Rodeo healthy and sustainable over the that maintain favored and site condition, long term Grounds and remove Kitchen Rangeland long term. Rangeland are meeting native and non-native monitoring shows sites in moderate Valley plot which does not Specialist Report or moving toward forest plan, species. condition – but at site potential. receive grazing use. ecosystem, and site-specific desired Long term monitoring plots need to conditions. be reconfigured to new key areas that receive consistent grazing pressure. S51 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Follow Allotment is suitable and Allotment is suitable and capable DC=EC Allotment 2210, appendix J of Forest Plan to capable for grazing under for grazing under appendix J. determine allotment specific range appendix J. Rangeland capability and suitability for Specialist Report grazing. S52 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Soil Soil cover is maintained Soil cover is at standard, no DC=EC Allotment 2210 Cover – Maintain an effective soil to standard. evidence of erosion or excessive files. Range cover of 60% to provide soil compaction of soils. Specialist Report protection in grazing areas.
Laguna Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Range and S53 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Livestock S53 should be made part S53 needs to be made part of term S53 will be made part of term Allotment 2230 Livestock supplements will be located greater of term grazing permit grazing permit and AMP grazing permit and AMP file management than ¼ mile from water sources, and AMP TEPCS locations, developed recreation and sensitive heritage resources. S54 (Forest Plan Part 3) – After fire, This standard will be This standard will be enforced as DC=EC This standard will site-specific analysis will be enforced as part of part of grazing permit admin.. be enforced as part performed to determine livestock grazing permit admin. Recent burn did not impact primary of grazing permit use. range areas. admin. S56 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Forage This standard will be Current management does not DC=EC This standard will Utilization Standards enforced as part of exceed productivity of allotment, be enforced as part grazing permit admin. monitoring will ensure that forage of grazing permit utilization standards are being met. admin. Noxious Weeds S51 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Appendix Desired condition forest Laguna allotment does not DC = EC Allotment 2210, J, unsuitable for grazing if weed risk goal 2.1, grazing is not currently have large infestations of 2230 file. assessment determines livestock increasing noxious weed noxious weed, but there are grazing key limiting factor in spread. “naturalized” non-natives; grazing Noxious Weed moving towards desired conditions does not appear to be source or Assessment in aggravator of noxious weed NEPA files. invasions. There are small infestations of Italian thistle. S6 – weed free feed This standard will be This standard will be enforced as This will be made part of new Allotment 2230 enforced as part of part of grazing permit admin. permit files grazing permit admin. Watershed and Watershed Program Goal 1 (WAT1 Desired condition meets Livestock have little to no access to Removing grazing would not Allotment 2210 riparian resources – Part 2 Forest Plan) – Protect, Watershed Function goal most riparian resources on this result in improvement to files; Range (Flood plains, maintain and restore natural 5.1 allotment. Watershed assessment current gully areas. Needs to Specialist Report wetlands, or watershed functions including slope found that streambank impacts are be addressed as part of Watershed Report municipal processes, surface and groundwater minimal on the allotment. Watershed Improvement (Jimenez 2010). watersheds) flow and retention and riparian area Needs. If reengineering occurs, sustainability There are historical gullies that are a period of rest may be need to mostly stable and are not being reestablish vegetation on newly exacerbated by current grazing use. graded stream reaches.
Laguna Allotment – Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Watershed and Watershed Program Goal 1 (WAT1 Desired condition meets Livestock have little to no access to Removing grazing would not Allotment 2210 riparian resources – Part 2 Forest Plan) – Protect, Watershed Function goal most riparian resources on this result in improvement to files; Range (Flood plains, maintain and restore natural 5.1 allotment. Watershed assessment current gully areas. Needs to Specialist Report wetlands, or watershed functions including slope found that streambank impacts are be addressed as part of Watershed Report municipal processes, surface and groundwater minimal on the allotment. Watershed Improvement (Jimenez 2010). watersheds) flow and retention and riparian area Needs. If reengineering occurs, sustainability There are historical gullies that are a period of rest may be need to mostly stable and are not being reestablish vegetation on newly exacerbated by current grazing use. graded stream reaches. S46 – Surface water diversions and No new surface water No new groundwater diversions DC=EC Allotment 2210 groundwater extractions, including diversions or planned. files. wells and spring developments will groundwater extraction. not impact current and reasonable foreseeable future needs of forest resources. S47 – Follow 5-step screening RCA areas include wet Current management is maintaining DC=EC Allotment 2210 process for Riparian Conservation meadow areas and along riparian condition in RCA’s. files. Range Areas from Appendix E of Forest stream courses in the Specialist Report Plan. allotment. Watershed Report (Jimenez 2010) Follow Forest Supplement to Forest Proposed action is Proposed action is consistent with DC = EC Allotment 2210 Service watershed management consistent with direction this direction. files. handbook (FSH 2509.22) in this manual. BMP 8.1 Water Quality Part 3 of term grazing NEPA decision will complete Need new AMP developed 2210; Range Management in California BMP’s. permit contains the AMP forest plan consistency review in through NEPA Specialist Report – Range Analysis and Planning. for this allotment. This 2210 file Develop AMP AMP has been analyzed for consistency to forest plan BMP 8.2 Grazing Permit System. – Permit has been issued, Permit has been issued, will be Permit will be renewed with Allotment Administration of grazing permits. renewed with new AMP new AMP. 2230/2210 folders BMP 8.3 Range Improvements – No new rangeland No new improvements are needed. DC=EC Allotment 2210 Planning process considers improvements are part of files. management and need for range this permit. No new Range Specialist improvements to improve resource improvements are Report conditions. needed.
Laguna Allotment – Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Heritage resources Grazing programmatic agreement Evaluate allotment for Much of allotment has been Heritage evaluation concluded Heritage Specialist (-American Indian with /SHPO. grazing impacts to surveyed for heritage resources. that it does not appear that Report and Alaska Native S60, S61, S62 cultural resources. Surveys have found no cattle are having an affect on religious or cultural unacceptable or continuing impacts the heritage resources within sites from cattle grazing on heritage sites the allotment. -Archeological sites, within the allotment. DC=EC or historic properties or areas) Specially Place-Based Desired Condition Allotment occurs in the This permit retains natural DC=EC Forest GIS layers. designated areas from Part 2, Forest Plan the Laguna and Morena appearance of both places. Grazing Range Specialist (-Congressionally Places. The Laguna at the proposed levels is sustainable Report, EA designated areas place is maintained as a in terms of forage production and such as wilderness, natural appearing other resource values. EA analyzes wilderness study landscape that impacts to recreation. areas or national emphasizes recreation. recreation areas. Grazing is to be managed -Inventoried on a sustainable basis in roadless areas concert with other -Research Natural resource needs. The Areas) Morena place is maintained as a natural appearing landscape that functions as a viewshed along the I-8 corridor. Grazing is to be managed on a sustainable basis in concert with other resource needs. SD1 – Wilderness Program Goal: No wilderness within None DC=EC Forest GIS layers, Protect and manage wilderness to permit boundaries. Allotment improve capability to sustain a 2210/2230 files desired range of benefits, and so that ecosystem changes are primarily a consequence of natural forces. S51 – Livestock suitability Livestock grazing Not in critical biological zone DC=EC Forest GIS layers assessment for land-use zones. suitable in designated areas in all land-use zones except Critical Biological Land-Use Zones.
Laguna Meadow Allotment – Suitability Factors Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis
Critical Biological Land Use Zone No Critical Biological Zones None – None Forest GIS Layers present Designated Wilderness None present None None Forest GIS Layers, Allotment 2230 files
Critical habitat for California None present None None Forest GIS layers gnatcatcher Peninsular Bighorn sheep range None present None None Forest GIS layers
Areas with significant social conflicts, This allotment occurs in the Impacts to recreation were analyzed in EA. Adds to administrative Heritage Specialist Report, developed recreation sites, special-use sites, Laguna Meadow Recreation Area Developed sites are already spatially cost of managing Range Specialist Report, heritage resource sites, Native American – adjacent to several developed separated from grazing area. No recent allotment. While EA sites and traditional practices, mining, and recreation sites and co-located incidents of cattle impacting developed area. challenging, recreation Internal scoping. other authorized uses. with popular trails and hiking Proposed action includes interpretative signs and livestock have been destinations. to help improve hiker experience around coexisting for decades in cattle and to lessen negative impacts of Laguna Meadow. recreation on the livestock operation and vice versa. Mountain bike cattle guards are reducing impacts to range improvements from recreation. Surveys have found no unacceptable impacts from cattle grazing on heritage sites within the allotment. No other conflicts (special uses etc.) identified. Areas where livestock grazing is in No research, admin sites or study None None Forest GIS layers, internal conflict with the objectives for areas affected. scoping administrative sites and research facilities or study sites, except in areas where livestock grazing is for research purposes. Areas where livestock grazing is Excess administrative costs may Low – the proposed action utilizes existing None EA, Range Specialist impractical due to economic include the need for significant fencing and costs to install mountain bike Report, considerations, such as high agency improvements to mitigate cattle guards are being shared with the administrative costs and where recreation impacts in Laguna mountain bike community who has provided cooperative and collaborative Meadow, or for increased costs labor. Monitoring costs are low due to easy contributions are absent. Livestock related to endangered species access to most primary range. No other grazing may be impractical to support a management. excessive or additional admin costs are small number of head or the inability to expected. control or sustain livestock without a significant Forest Service investment to meet resource objectives and desired conditions.
Laguna Meadow – Suitability Factors (Cont.) Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis
Areas of important wildlife habitat where Unoccupied Laguna Mountain Large exclosures exist to prevent Low- recent research Biological Evaluation/MIS suitable habitat cannot be sustained or Skipper Habitat, sensitive wildlife grazing in best habitat for Laguna failed to find measurable analysis – K. Winter 2010 move towards desired conditions (e.g., species are present, important bird Mountain Skipper. Recent studies differences in horkelia threatened, endangered, proposed, habitat. have failed to find a difference in between grazed and candidate, and sensitive species). habitat characteristics between grazed ungrazed sites. Impacts to and ungrazed sites. Effects to other other species were wildlife species were analyzed in the determined to be minor BE and MIS analysis for this project. and temporary. The proposed action maintains this exclosure and is in compliance with the Biological Opinion. Areas where ground cover (i.e., living Areas with inadequate ground Primary grazed areas of the Laguna None Range Specialist Report. vegetation, plant litter, and surface rock cover could experience surface Meadow allotment are highly Watershed Report (Jimenez fragments greater than 3/4 inch) is erosion and rilling, perpetuating productive wet and mesic meadows 2010) insufficient to protect soil from erosion. low vegetation cover. with little to no bare ground. The minimum percentage of effective Long Term monitoring data. soil cover is 60 percent unless local data (Weixelman) are available for use in setting more specific ground cover requirements.
Areas where a noxious weed risk analysis Areas of allotment could be found Low- proposed grazing is not expected None Noxious Weed Risk has determined that livestock use is a key unsuitable if there was a propensity to lead to an increase in non-native Assessment. limiting factor in meeting or moving for a noxious weed infestation to species or add significantly to the towards vegetation management occur or expand as a result of threat of new invasions. Currently the objectives. Exceptions could be where continued grazing. allotment is free of large noxious weed livestock are used as a tool for noxious invasions beyond naturalized annual and invasive weed control. grasses and forbs except for Tumble Mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum) which occurs across the meadow and adjacent forested areas. It is appears slightly denser in ungrazed areas. Heavy grazing could increase non- native percentage of meadow but current and proposed management does not allow this. Areas with unique habitats where suitable Allotment contains habitats for Low – no significant or long-term None Biological Evaluation/MIS habitat cannot be maintained over the several forest service sensitive plant impacts to rare habitats were identified analysis – K. Winter 2010 long term or move towards desired and animal species. No unique or conditions (e.g., bogs, fens, vernal pools, rare habitats were identified. and rare plant communities).
Laguna Meadow Allotment – Suitability Factors (Cont.) Factor affecting rangeland suitability Potential effects to suitability Degree of Localized Effect Overall effect to Citation/ location of for grazing use allotments suitability analysis Areas where livestock grazing would be the key limiting factor in reaching or See Forest Plan Consistency Check moving towards forest plan desired conditions. Areas where existing condition or Prescribed burns and wildfire areas No major wildfires have affected the None – any need to rest an Range specialist report, restoration needs require an extended will require rest. Other areas where Laguna Meadow Allotment since the area would be temporary. Watershed report (Jimenez (more than five years) rest from livestock revegetation is necessary may 1970’s, except much of the Filaree Flat 2010) grazing (e.g., watershed improvement require temporary closure. unit that was impacted by 2003 Cedar projects). Exceptions could be where Fire. Resting the Filaree Flat unit did livestock grazing is needed to achieve not make the allotment unsuitable. desired vegetation management Small areas of the allotment may need objectives (e.g., fuelbreak or WUI temporary exclosures to aid in gully Defense or Threat Zones maintenance). repair projects. There may need to be small areas that will be rested or excluded with small gap fencing as a result of fuel reduction and forest health projects currently being analyzed. Areas where livestock grazing would be Wet meadows contain conditions Large historical gully exists in Laguan None – ongoing Range Specialist Report. a key and significant contribution to for stream incisement, no other meadow allotment. Must gullied areas monitoring must assess Watershed Report (Jimenez landslide and/or soil erosion, stream areas where livestock graze have are currently stable and well vegetated. condition of gully and 2010) incisement, or other unacceptable demonstrated problems with There are areas of widening, which is a look from signs of alteration of surface and subsurface erosion/soil movement. natural and desirable process in degradation. Temporary conditions. response to the gullying. Gullies in exclosures may be Laguna Meadow are mostly stable, necessary around headcut headcuts are associated with non- repairs. functioning old check dams or culverts.
Laguna Meadow Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Federally Listed S11 (Forest Plan Part 3) – In Biological Opinion on Current management is in DC = EC Biological Species occupied or suitable habitat for a Livestock Grazing issued compliance with terms of Grazing Evaluation/MIS (-Federally listed TEPCS species, consider species 2001. biological opinion. Exclosures are analysis – K. threatened or guidance documents to develop site functioning for Laguna Mountain Winter 2010 endangered species specific design criteria Botany BE and Wildlife skipper habitat. Season of use or designated critical BE written 2010. restrictions to allow seed set of Poa Grazing Biological habitat atropurpurea have been put into Opinions -Species proposed place. BE’s concludes grazing will for Federal listing or not lead towards listing of any proposed critical sensitive species. habitat S12 (Forest Plan Part 3) – When Ongoing use – no new Design criteria include forage DC=EC, Biological implementing new projects in TEPC areas or increased use utilization standards to protect Evaluation/MIS habitats use design criteria and authorized. wildlife habitat, continued analysis – K. conservation practices to promote maintenance of exclosures for LMS Winter 2010. conservation and recovery of these habitat, season of use restrictions species. for Poa atropurpurea. Grazing Biological Opinions
S24 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Mitigate Maintain exclosure Ongoing management addresses DC=EC Biological impacts of on-going uses and around Laguna Mountain desired conditions for LMS and Evaluation/MIS management activities on TEPC skipper habitat, maintain Poa atropurpurea. analysis – K. species season of use restrictions Winter 2010. for Poa atropurpurea. Monitor both Grazing Biological populations. Opinions
S30 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Avoid See discussion below for See below See below See below activites that impact host plants CNF S9 within critical and occupied habitat for TEPC butterfly species unless guided differently by site specific consultation. S55 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Evaluate N/A – no proposal for N/A N/A N/A new proposals for concentrated new concentrated stock stock areas located within five miles area. of occupied southwestern willow flycatcher or Least Bells Vireo habitat for impacts from cowbirds.
Laguna Meadow Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Federally Listed CNFS9 (Forest Plan Part 2) – Avoid Consultation with Exclosures built around primary DC=EC Biological Species or mitigate, following consultation, USFWS occurred to Laguna Mountain Skipper habitat Evaluation/MIS (-Federally listed impacts to Laguna Mountain address impacts of in the Laguna Meadow. analysis – K. threatened or Skipper habitat grazing to Laguna Monitoring has failed to detect Winter 2010 endangered species Mountain Skippers. LMS for several years. or designated critical Biological Opinion Grazing Biological habitat received covering Opinions -Species proposed grazing use on for Federal listing or Mendenhall allotment. proposed critical CNFS11 (Forest Plan Part 2) – Consultation with Current mamagment avoids POAT DC=EC Grazing biological habitat Livestock grazing in San Bernadino USFWS occurred to flowering by mandating season of opinion; Range bluegrass habitat will be delayed address impacts of use that begins well after seed set Specialist Report. until after seed-set. grazing to Poa dates for this species. POAT atropurpurea. Biological persists in grazed areas but has Opinion received been eliminated from an exclosure covering grazing use on built to protect it. Laguna Meadow allotment. Forest Sensitive S11 (Forest Plan Part 3) – In Impacts to sensitive No new guidance related to DC=EC Biological Species, and occupied or suitable habitat for a species were not sensitive species on this allotment Evaluation/MIS Management TEPCS species, consider species considered to be using new plan and appendix H. analysis – K. Indicator Species guidance documents to develop site significant in 2010 BE. Winter 2010 specific design criteria, implement Guidance from Biological Opinion Appendix H of Forest Plan if is being followed. Grazing Biological sensitive species present. Opinions S20 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Evaluate There is potential for Potential habitat exists within the DC=EC Biological need to implement a limited spotted owl activity allotment. No need identified for Evaluation/MIS operating period within @.25 miles within the allotment protection of spotted owl sites. analysis – K. of Calfornia spotted owl nest sites Winter 2010 or Activity centers. S22 (Forest Plan Part 3) – No new fencing or roads N/A DC=EC N/A Linear structure (fences roads etc.) proposed, will be built to allow for fish and wildlife movement. Forest Goal 6.2 (Part 1 of plan) – Forage utilization Forage utilization standards are not DC=EC Allotment 2210 Provide ecological conditions to standards are met, to being regularly exceeded with files; Range sustain viable populations of native maintain forage for current management, including rest Specialist Report and desired non-native species. wildlife use. during droughts. MIS analysis Biological Conduct MIS analysis. completed 2010. Evaluation/MIS analysis – K. Winter 2010
Laguna Meadow Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Range and Forest Goal 6.1 (Part 1 of Forest The Laguna Meadow Monitoring shows stable trends at DC=EC Allotment 2210 Livestock Plan). Move towards improved Allotment has five long the long term monitoring sites. files. management rangeland conditions as indicated by term monitoring plots Allotment wide assessments have Region 5 – long key range sites. that serve as key sites for found no problems with surface term monitoring monitoring. . In erosion, bare ground or data., addition, much of the compaction. Main drainage Watershed Report primary range can be features are well vegetated and (Jimenez 2010) covered on foot in a day stable. Range Specialist so allotment wide Report; EA assessment can be made reasonably. Grazed area can be assessed in very short time. Desired conditions is the increase or maintenance of perennial meadow grasses, sedges and forbs, with no surface erosion. Livestock Program Goal 1 (LG1 – Proposed action is to Proposed action fits with current DC=EC Allotment 2210 Part 2 Forest Plan) – Livestock retain allotment with permittees operation and keeps files. grazing areas are maintained and management suitable to allotment viable. remain sustainable and suitable over continued use by Range Specialist the long-term. permittee. Report Livestock Program Goal 2 Monitoring of Laguna Little to no upland surface erosion, DC=EC Allotment 2210 (LG2 – Part 2 Forest Plan) Meadow Allotment has good ground cover. Monitoring files. - Rangeland Health: Rangelands are shown that this area is in shows sites in stable. Sod surface healthy and sustainable over the stable and high to is intact and meadow is highly Region 5 – long long term. Rangeland are meeting moderate condition. productive. term monitoring or moving toward forest plan, These meadow systems data., ecosystem, and site-specific desired are highly productive and conditions. resilient to moderate Rangeland grazing. Specialist Report S51 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Follow Allotment is suitable and Allotment is suitable and capable DC=EC Allotment 2210, appendix J of Forest Plan to capable for grazing under for grazing under appendix J. determine allotment specific range appendix J. Rangeland capability and suitability for Specialist Report grazing.
Laguna Meadow Allotment - Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Range and S52 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Soil Soil cover is maintained Soil cover is at standard, no DC=EC Allotment 2210 Livestock Cover – Maintain an effective soil to standard. evidence of erosion or excessive files. Range management cover of 60% to provide soil compaction of soils. Specialist Report protection in grazing areas. Region 5 – long term monitoring data., S53 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Livestock S53 should be made part S53 needs to be made part of term S53 will be made part of term Allotment 2230 supplements will be located greater of term grazing permit grazing permit and AMP grazing permit and AMP – a file than ¼ mile from water sources, and AMP map of areas where supplement Range Specialist TEPCS locations, developed placement is allowed will be Report recreation and sensitive heritage included as part of the new resources. AMP. S54 (Forest Plan Part 3) – After fire, This standard will be This standard will be enforced as DC=EC This standard will site-specific analysis will be enforced as part of part of grazing permit admin.. be enforced as part performed to determine livestock grazing permit admin. of grazing permit use. admin. S56 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Forage This standard will be Current management does not DC=EC This standard will Utilization Standards enforced as part of exceed productivity of allotment, be enforced as part grazing permit admin. meeting utilization standards has of grazing permit not been a problem on this admin. allotment, monitoring will ensure that forage utilization standards are being met. Noxious Weeds S51 (Forest Plan Part 3) – Appendix Desired condition forest Laguna Meadow allotment does DC = EC Continue monitoring Allotment 2210, J, unsuitable for grazing if weed risk goal 2.1, grazing is not not currently have large for new infestations, especially 2230 file. assessment determines livestock increasing noxious weed infestations of noxious weeds for meadow invading species grazing key limiting factor in spread. besides naturalized non-native such as Italian, Bull and Milk Noxious Weed moving towards desired conditions annual grasses and forbs. thistles. Assessment in NEPA files. S6 – weed free feed This standard will be This standard will be enforced as This will be made part of new Allotment 2230 enforced as part of part of grazing permit admin. permit files grazing permit admin.
Laguna Meadow Allotment – Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Watershed and Watershed Program Goal 1 (WAT1 Desired condition meets Main watershed issue is condition DC=EC. Allotment 2210 riparian resources – Part 2 Forest Plan) – Protect, Watershed Function goal of historical gulllies that runs files; (Flood plains, maintain and restore natural 5.1 through meadow. Assessments Watershed Report wetlands, or watershed functions including slope have shown that these gullies are (Jimenez 2010) municipal processes, surface and groundwater currently stable and improving with Range Specialist watersheds) flow and retention and riparian area the exception of small headcuts Report sustainability associated with failing checkdams and culverts. Current grazing management does not appear to be exacerbating the gullies.
Soils in good condition. Watershed Program Goal 2 (WAT2 Watershed Function No thresholds of concern with DC=EC Allotment 2210 – Part 2 Forest Plan) – Manage goal 5.2 proposed management. Cattle only files. groundwater and surface water to have access to surface waters at Watershed Report maintain or improve water quality in stock ponds, water flows (Jimenez 2010) ways to minimize adverse effects. underground out of stock pond. Range Specialist Report S46 – Surface water diversions and No new surface water No new groundwater diversions DC=EC Allotment 2210 groundwater extractions, including diversions or planned. files. wells and spring developments will groundwater extraction. not impact current and reasonable foreseeable future needs of forest resources. S47 – Follow 5-step screening Much of the main Proposed action implements Proposed action is consistent Allotment 2210 process for Riparian Conservation meadow qualifies as an monitoring and forage utilization with RCA strategy. files. Areas from Appendix E of Forest RCA. standards to address condition of Watershed Report Plan. RCA (Jimenez 2010) Range Specialist Report, EA Follow Forest Supplement to Forest Proposed action is Proposed action is consistent with DC = EC Allotment 2210 Service watershed management consistent with direction this direction. files. handbook (FSH 2509.22) in this manual. BMP 8.1 Water Quality Part 3 of term grazing NEPA decision will complete Need new AMP developed 2210; Range Management in California BMP’s. permit contains the AMP forest plan consistency review in through NEPA Specialist Report – Range Analysis and Planning. for this allotment. This 2210 file Watershed Report Develop AMP AMP has been analyzed (Jimenez 2010) for consistency to forest plan
Laguna Meadow Allotment – Forest Plan Consistency Check (Cont.) Project specific Desired Category of Resource or Land Management Conditions (DC) from standards or Plan Direction LMP direction Existing Conditions (EC) Need for Change Specialist/Citation direction (measure)
Watershed and BMP 8.2 Grazing Permit System. – Permit has been issued, Permit has been issued, will be Permit will be renewed with Allotment riparian resources Administration of grazing permits. renewed with new AMP new AMP. 2230/2210 folders (Flood plains, BMP 8.3 Range Improvements – No new rangeland No new improvements are needed. DC=EC Allotment 2210 wetlands, or Planning process considers improvements are part of files. municipal management and need for range this permit. No new Range Specialist watersheds) improvements to improve resource improvements are Report conditions. needed. Heritage resources Grazing programmatic agreement Evaluate allotment for Much of allotment has been Heritage evaluation concluded Heritage Specialist (-American Indian with /SHPO. grazing impacts to surveyed for heritage resources. that it does not appear that Report and Alaska Native S60, S61, S62 cultural resources. No damage to known sites has been cattle are having an affect on religious or cultural noted as a result of grazing. the heritage resources within sites the allotment. Supplement -Archeological sites, placement map will further or historic improve condition of heritage properties or areas) resource sites. Specially Place-Based Desired Condition Allotment occurs in the This permit retains natural DC=EC Forest GIS layers. designated areas from Part 2, Forest Plan Laguna place. The appearance of the Laguna Place. Range Specialist (-Congressionally Laguna place is Grazing at the proposed levels is Report, EA designated areas maintained as a natural sustainable in terms of forage such as wilderness, appearing landscape that production and other resource wilderness study emphasizes recreation. values. EA analyzes impacts to areas or national Grazing is to be managed recreation. recreation areas. on a sustainable basis in -Inventoried concert with other roadless areas resource needs. Grazing -Research Natural is to be managed on a Areas) sustainable basis in concert with other resource needs. SD1 – Wilderness Program Goal: No use in wilderness N/A DC=EC Forest GIS layers, Protect and manage wilderness to Allotment improve capability to sustain a 2210/2230 files desired range of benefits, and so that ecosystem changes are primarily a consequence of natural forces. S51 – Livestock suitability Livestock grazing Not in critical biological zone DC=EC Forest GIS layers assessment for land-use zones. suitable in designated areas in all land-use zones except Critical Biological Land-Use Zones.