October 2020

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan

Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-NM-L0000-2021-0004-EA

Las Cruces District Office 1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005 575-525-4300 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1. Purpose and Need ...... 1 1.2. Decision to Be Made ...... 1 1.3. RAMP Planning Process ...... 3 1.4. Plan Conformance and Relationship to Statutes and Regulations ...... 3 1.4.1. Plan Conformance ...... 3 1.4.2. Relationship to Statutes and Regulations ...... 5 1.5. Scoping and Issues ...... 6 1.5.1. Internal Scoping ...... 6 1.5.2. Internal and External Scoping ...... 7 1.5.3. Issues ...... 7 CHAPTER 2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ...... 14 2.1. Management Common to All Alternatives ...... 14 2.1.1. Management Goals, Objectives, and Actions ...... 14 2.1.2. Administration ...... 14 2.1.3. Education and Interpretation ...... 15 2.1.4. Monitoring ...... 15 2.2. Proposed Action...... 16 2.2.1. Management Actions ...... 16 2.2.2. Project Design Features ...... 24 2.3. No Action Alternative ...... 28 2.4. Alternatives Considered but Dismissed...... 28 CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ...... 29 3.1. Cumulative Actions ...... 29 3.1.1. Past and Present Actions ...... 29 3.1.2. Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions ...... 29 3.2. Issue 1: Paleontological Resources...... 29 3.2.1. Affected Environment ...... 30 3.2.2. Environmental Impacts ...... 32 3.3. Issue 2: Soils and Water Resources ...... 41 3.3.1. Affected Environment ...... 41 3.3.2. Environmental Impacts ...... 43 3.4. Issue 3: Public Health and Safety ...... 45

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan i Environmental Assessment 3.4.1. Affected Environment ...... 45 3.4.2. Environmental Impacts ...... 46 3.5. Issue 4: Recreational Activities and Opportunities and Trails and Travel Management ...... 47 3.5.1. Affected Environment ...... 47 3.5.2. Environmental Impacts ...... 47 3.6. Issue 5: Cultural Resources and Native American Tribal or Religious Concerns . 48 3.6.1. Affected Environment ...... 49 3.6.2. Environmental Impacts ...... 49 CHAPTER 4. LIST OF PREPARERS ...... 52 CHAPTER 5. LITERATURE CITED ...... 53 APPENDIX A. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES LISTED FOR DOÑA ANA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO .... A-1 APPENDIX B. COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION ...... B-1 APPENDIX C. DRAFT RECREATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... C-1

Figures

Figure 1-1. Project vicinity map...... 2 Figure 2-1. Project area map (overview)...... 19 Figure 2-2. Project area map (Map 1 of 3)...... 20 Figure 2-3. Project area map (Map 2 of 3)...... 21 Figure 2-4. Project area map (Map 3 of 3)...... 22 Figure 2-5. Project area map with Visitor Contact Station ...... 23 Figure 3-1. PFYC within PTNM...... 31

Tables

Table 1-1. Issues Identified for Detailed Analysis...... 8 Table 1-2. Issues Not Included in Further Detail in the EA ...... 9 Table 2-1. Camping Areas ...... 17 Table 2-2. Proposed Trails Analysis Areas...... 17 Table 2-3. Project Elements and Disturbance Acreage Summary ...... 18 Table 3-1. PFYC within PTNM ...... 30 Table 3-2. Geologic Units and PFYC within Analysis Area* Following Seager et al. (2008) .... 33 Table 3-3. Paleontological Features in Proximity to Proposed Project Area ...... 35 Table 3-4. Soils Within Proposed Analysis Area ...... 41 Table 3-5. Slope Within Proposed Analysis Area for Trails ...... 43 Table 3-6. Cultural Resources in Proximity to the Proposed Analysis Area ...... 50 Table 4-1. List of EA Preparers ...... 52

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan ii Environmental Assessment Acronyms and Abbreviations

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern amsl above mean sea level ARMS Archaeological Resources Management System BISON-M Biota Information System of New Mexico BLM Bureau of Land Management BMP best management practice CFR Code of Federal Regulations CTTM Comprehensive Trails and Travel Management EA environmental assessment EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ERMA Extensive Recreation Management Area ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973 FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact HUC Hydrologic Unit Code IM Instruction Memoranda IPaC Information for Planning and Consultation LCDO Las Cruces District Office NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NMED New Mexico Environment Department NPDES National Pollution Discharge Elimination System NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service OHV off-highway vehicle PFYC Potential Fossil Yield Classification PTNM Prehistoric Trackways National Monument RAMP Recreation Area Management Plan RMP Resource Management Plan ROD Record of Decision SRP Special Recreation Permit SWCA SWCA Environmental Consultants SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan USC United States Code USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan iii Environmental Assessment USFS U.S. Forest Service USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VRM Visual Resource Management

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan iv Environmental Assessment CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument (PTNM) is located in the southern third of the Robledo Mountains, within Doña Ana County, New Mexico, approximately 10 miles northwest of the city of Las Cruces (Figure 1-1). The PTNM was designated in 2009 as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act that designated 5,255 acres to be administered by the BLM and is home to the most scientifically significant early Permian fossil tracksites recorded. The diversity, abundance, and quality of the tracks are far greater than at any other known tracksites or aggregation of tracksites for this time period in the world. The 2015 PTNM Resource Management Plan (RMP) affirms the value of recreation activities through the following vision statement: “BLM will maintain the rugged and scenic setting while providing opportunities for recreationists to enjoy these lands now, and for future generations, while ensuring the sustainability and protection of the paleontological resources” (Bureau of Land Management [BLM] 2015). The PTNM RMP designated the entire PTNM as an Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) to support and sustain paleontological resources (BLM 2015).

The BLM Las Cruces District Office (LCDO) is preparing a Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) for the area. The RAMP would provide direction for the management of recreation use and resources within the ERMA. A major component of the proposed RAMP is the construction of a new visitor contact station; mechanized and non-mechanized trails; and primitive camping sites. Additionally, the BLM would seek establishment of supplementary rules regarding camping in the visitor contact station parking lot, which would be undertaken through publication in the Federal Register, in accordance with 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 8365.1-6. Each of these actions (collectively referred to as the Proposed Action) was identified as a potential future decision in the 2015 PTNM RMP or the PTNM Comprehensive Trails and Travel Management (CTTM) Plan (BLM 2015, Appendix D). The current management and specific actions of the proposed alternative are incorporated into one discussion and are presented in Appendix C as the Draft PTNM RAMP. The BLM will utilize information contained in this environmental assessment (EA) to formulate a Final PTNM RAMP.

1.1. Purpose and Need The need for the BLM’s action is to provide recreational opportunities to enable or enhance visitor experience (BLM 2015) and protect sensitive paleontological resources and special-status plants species, while protecting the recreational opportunity values as identified by the 2015 PTNM RMP and Record of Decision (ROD).

The BLM’s purpose is to implement the land use decisions to accomplish the goals and objectives, including allowable uses and management actions set out by the CTTM and RMP. In this case, the BLM’s purpose for the development of the RAMP is to provide visitors with safe and enjoyable mechanized and non- motorized trails, primitive camping areas, educational opportunities, and facilities, as well as to protect paleontological resources, the primary resources identified in the PTNM RMP.

1.2. Decision to Be Made In making its decision, the BLM must determine and consider the environmental impact of all on-the- ground activities as a result of approving the proposed project across BLM-administered public land. In its decision to approve the proposed project, the BLM must also consider existing RMPs and other BLM plans in terms of how the authorizations and actions conform to existing BLM land use plans.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 1 Environmental Assessment

Figure 1-1. Project vicinity map.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 2 Environmental Assessment This EA analyzes the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. This EA analyzes site-specific impacts associated with the implementation of each alternative, identifies mitigation measures to potentially reduce or eliminate those impacts, and provides the BLM with detailed analyses with which to inform its decision. The deciding Authorized Officer for the proposed project is the Las Cruces Monument Manager. Based on the information provided in this EA, the Monument Manager will decide whether to select the Proposed Action; select the Proposed Action with modifications; or deny the Proposed Action.

1.3. RAMP Planning Process The BLM followed a six-step planning process in developing a RAMP and associated EA. The results of these steps have been incorporated throughout the proposed RAMP and EA, and are as follows:

• Step 1. Identify Planning Issues—Recreation issues and concerns were identified through external informal scoping and ID Team meetings. • Step 2. Formulate Alternatives—A range of reasonable management potential alternatives was developed that address issues identified in Step 1 (see Chapter 2). Potential alternatives were eliminated that did not resolve resource conflicts (see Section 2.4). • Step 3. Analyze Effects of Alternatives—The environmental effects of each alternative were estimated and analyzed. • Step 4. Identify Preferred Alternative—The alternative that best resolved the planning issues was identified as the Preferred Alternative. The Preferred Alternative is defined and addressed in this document as the Proposed Action. • Step 5. Develop Recreation Area Management Plan—A Draft RAMP/Draft EA is issued and made available to the public for a review period of 15 calendar days. This document represents this step in the process. After comments to the draft document have been received and analyzed, the Draft RAMP/Draft EA will be revised and modified, as necessary, and the Final RAMP/Final EA will be published. A decision record (DR) will be signed to approve the Final RAMP/Final EA. If there are no significant impacts from the Preferred Alternative, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared as the DR. • Step 6. Implement the RAMP and Monitor the Results—Upon approval of the DR, management actions outlined in the Final RAMP would be effective immediately and would require no additional formal planning or NEPA analysis. Site specific resource surveys would be completed prior to implementation of ground disturbing activities. Following the implementation, the effectiveness of the management actions toward meeting goals and objectives would be tracked. 1.4. Plan Conformance and Relationship to Statutes and Regulations 1.4.1. Plan Conformance

National Monuments must be managed in a manner consistent with the designating proclamation or Act of Congress, including the protection of the resources, objects, and values. Discretionary uses such as the Proposed Action must be compatible with the protection of the unit’s objects and values. The proposed project conforms to the enabling legislation of the PTNM (the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act), as well as to the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System (National Conservation Lands), as defined in BLM Manuals 6100 and 6220. A compatibility analysis framework is included as Appendix B.

The project also conforms to the PTNM RMP and the corresponding PTNM CTTM, approved in November 2015 (BLM 2015). The ROD provides management approaches to protect the resources, objectives, and values in the PTNM, including the development of recreational facilities and trails to enhance visitor

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 3 Environmental Assessment experience and research opportunities. The CTTM provides guidance on the process of “developing and managing access and travel systems on public land at the implementation level” (BLM 2015). Specifically, the RMP and CTTM include the following management directives and implementation level decisions supporting the Proposed Action:

• Education and Interpretation:

o Develop pedestrian trails with orientation kiosks (with or without brochures) and wayside exhibits interpreting PTNM resources in place, based on the site development plan described in Recreation and Visitor Services (BLM 2015, page 21). o Develop exhibits for on-site interpretation at a visitor contact station(s) and other destinations. A Visitor Contact Station is a minimal facility that is a point of contact for BLM staff or volunteers to be available to interact with the public and does not necessarily provide a range of amenities such as indoor restrooms or exhibits. It is a building, or possibly a shade shelter, where the public can expect to find information about PTNM (BLM 2015, page 21). • Recreation and Visitor Services:

o The BLM will install minimal directional and informational signs for fossil resources, as well as basic improvements to reduce impacts from recreation activities and to assist in the visitor experience. o Dispersed camping will be allowed. If resource damage is demonstrated as a result of dispersed camping, primitive campsites will be developed. To deter resource damage, the BLM will sign sensitive areas as “no camping,” reduce evidence of inappropriate camping, and educate visitors to use Leave No Trace principles. However, if the Monument Monitoring Plan demonstrates impacts to resources, objects, and values from dispersed camping, a primitive campground and designated camping areas will be established within, or on lands adjacent to, the Monument. Monitoring criteria that will establish the need for a primitive campground include the following: campsites and fires near or on sensitive paleontological sites, large campsites damaging vegetation and/or game trails, and camping on routes. If a primitive campground is established, campfires will be limited to designated campsites with campfire rings (BLM 2015, page 22). o The BLM will prepare an activity and site development plan to explore opportunities for locating an appropriate site to install, staff, and maintain a Visitor Contact Station within or adjacent to PTNM to house interpretive exhibits and to use for interpretive programs (multi- purpose use) (BLM 2015, page 23). o The BLM will prepare an activity and site development plan to explore opportunities for locating appropriate sites to develop visitor facilities. This plan will include possibilities to install, develop, and maintain toilets, shade shelters, information kiosks, trail markers, and picnic sites (BLM 2015, page 23). o The BLM will prepare an activity plan to identify opportunities for a trail system for recreational opportunities (e.g., bike, off-highway vehicles [OHVs], hiking) • Travel Management

o Travel management networks should be reviewed periodically to ensure that current resource and travel management objectives are being met. Increases in public uses such as camping, hiking, and motorized and mechanized access will be evaluated for development of additional designated routes. All proposed actions will be subject to the appropriate level of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. The proposed visitor contact center and a portion of the proposed PTNM-29 trail are located outside of the PTNM boundaries, conform to the 1993 Mimbres RMP for management actions relating to the development

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 4 Environmental Assessment and maintenance outdoor recreation opportunities, and allow for public use (BLM 1993, page 2-49). The proposed visitor contact center and proposed PTNM-29 trail are also in conformance with BLM Manual 8320-Recreation Opportunity Spectrum outlined in Appendix G of the 1993 Mimbres RMP (BLM 1993). Specifically, the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum includes management objectives for different classes of outdoor recreation opportunities that may be developed or maintained:

• Semi-primitive motorized class:

o Motorized vehicle use is permitted. Concentration of users should be low. On-site interpretative facilities, low standard roads and trails, trailheads, and signing should stress the natural environment in their design and be the minimum necessary to achieve resource objectives (Mimbres RMP, Appendix G, page 3). • Semi-primitive non-motorized class:

o Motorized vehicle use is prohibited. Areas are managed to maintain a good probability of experiencing minimum contact with others and self-reliance through the application of backcountry skills (Mimbres RMP, Appendix G, page 3).

The Proposed Action is also related to Instruction Memorandum (IM) No. 2013-161 Processing and Approving Supplementary Rules: “The state director may establish supplementary rules to provide for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources. Supplementary rules are used to support objectives of 43 CFR Subpart 8365, “Rules of Conduct” for the protection of public lands and resources, and for the protection, comfort and well-being of the public in its use of recreation areas, sites and facilities on public lands. Supplementary rules should not duplicate or conflict with these or other Federal regulations. Supplementary rules may be proposed in circumstances where existing regulations are not sufficient to manage resource use conflicts or to protect resources and may also be needed to implement decisions in resource management plans or other planning documents.”

1.4.2. Relationship to Statutes and Regulations

The project has been designed to conform to the following applicable statutes and regulations:

• NEPA, 42 United States Code (USC) 4321—Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. • Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976—Establishes guidelines to provide for the management, protection, development, and enhancement of public lands. • Paleontological Resources Preservation Act of 2009—Requires the DOI bureaus (except for the of Bureau of Indian Affairs) and the US Forest Service to manage and protect paleontological resources using scientific principles and expertise, and to develop plans for inventory, monitoring, and the scientific and educational use of paleontological resources. • Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended—Govern the excavation of archaeological sites on federal and Indian lands in the United States, and the removal and disposition of archaeological collections from those sites • Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act—establishes procedures for the inadvertent discovery or planned excavation of Native American cultural items on federal or tribal lands. • Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 USC 306108) and its implementing regulations (36 CFR 800)—Requires federal agencies to account for the effects of

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 5 Environmental Assessment their undertakings on historic properties and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment. • Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 USC 1531 et seq.)—Directs federal agencies to ensure their actions do not jeopardize threatened and endangered species. • Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 USC 703–708/710–712)—Protects migratory birds. • BLM Manual 1613 (Areas of Critical Environmental Concern) 1988—Provides guidance on identification, evaluation and designation of areas of critical environmental concern in the development, revision and amendment of resource management plans and amendments of management framework plans not yet replaced by RMP’s. • BLM Travel and Transportation Manual-1626, 2011—Provides updated guidance for comprehensive travel and transportation management and program planning within the BLM land use planning process. • BLM Manual 6100 (National Landscape Conservation System Management Manual)—Provides guidance to the BLM on managing BLM public lands that are components of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System as specified in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 USC 7202). • BLM Manual 6220 (National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, and Similar Designations)—Provides guidance to the BLM on managing BLM public lands that are components of the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System and that have been designated by Congress or the President as National Monuments or National Conservation Areas or that have been assigned similar designations. • BLM Manual 6340 (Management of Designated Wilderness Areas)—Provides guidance to the BLM on managing lands that have been designated by Congress as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. • BLM Information Bulletin 2020-003—Information on Secretary’s Order 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of electric bicycles. As a matter of policy, low-speed electric bicycles operated in pedal assist mode should generally be given the same access as traditional bicycles. • Secretarial Order 3376—Intended to increase recreational opportunities for all Americans through the use of simplifying regulation of electric bicycles on federal lands. Secretarial Order 3376 allows electric bicycles where other bicycles are allowed and prohibits the use of electric bicycles where other bicycles are prohibited. This EA has been prepared in conformance with BLM regulations for implementing the management decision set forth in the PTNM RMP and ROD and in accordance with NEPA and its implementing regulations. This EA has been prepared in accordance with the BLM NEPA Handbook (H-1790-1) (BLM 2008).

1.5. Scoping and Issues 1.5.1. Internal Scoping

A primary goal of the RAMP planning process is to address relevant recreation issues and concerns within the PTNM ERMA. Through previous monitoring and reporting, including the Annual Manager’s Report (BLM 2018), as well as internal scoping meetings held in February and March 2020, it was determined that while most aspects of PTNM recreation management were working, the following planning issues were present within the PTNM and should be addressed in the RAMP:

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 6 Environmental Assessment • Increased need for recreation and interpretation facilities. A lack of facilities such as shade shelters, water availability, picnic sites and bathrooms presents a limitation when visitors decide on whether or not to recreate at PTNM (BLM 2018). • The PTNM does not offer any [Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)] accessible trails and the existing pedestrian trails are in need of trail work and directional/ interpretive signage (BLM 2018). • The lack of facilities, educational materials, and established trails of an appropriate difficulty level and length for visitors that are unable or unwilling to hike steep hills or rough and rocky terrain limit the educational experience the Monument staff can provide when leading visitors on a hike or tour of the fossils and other natural resources in the monument (BLM 2018). • User conflicts within the proposed Visitor Contact Station parking lot. • A need for to develop dispersed primitive camping areas to focus camping away from scientifically important paleontological monument resources. • Safety issues along the existing pedestrian-only Branson Canyon/ Patzcuaro’s Revenge Access Trail (Trail PTNM-02), which is currently used for guided hikes. Potential alternatives (presented in Chapter 2.0) were then developed in response to the issues and concerns. An issues identification summary was prepared on May 23, 2020, for BLM review based on issues identified during the project planning process. Alternatives were refined in July through August 2020 with consideration of resource survey information and the Proposed Action was finalized in July 2020. The BLM held a project meeting with the LCDO NEPA Interdisciplinary Team on August 11, 2020, to identify preliminary issues for analysis, as well as the rationale for issues not necessary for detailed analysis.

1.5.2. Internal and External Scoping

Extensive internal and external scoping was conducted during the development of the PTNM RMP and the CTTM. In addition, the BLM conducted informal external scoping in April 2020 to solicit feedback from stakeholder groups on potential sites for primitive camping areas and trails. Feedback was received from several stakeholder groups. Due to this outreach, the BLM determined that it was not necessary to solicit formal public input from the public on the proposed project to assist in identifying key issues and defining the scope of the project and environmental analysis, and that only a 15-day public comment period was required for this action. 1.5.3. Issues

Using input from the BLM Interdisciplinary Team, a list of resources to address in the EA was developed in accordance with guidelines set forth in the BLM NEPA Handbook (BLM 2008). Where project design features would not mitigate impacts of the action below significance, these issues were retained for detailed analysis.

The key issues identified during agency scoping and analyzed in this EA are summarized in Table 1-1. The indicators provided are used to describe the affected environment for each issue in Chapter 3, measure change in the issue for the different alternatives, and assess the impacts of alternatives.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 7 Environmental Assessment Table 1-1. Issues Identified for Detailed Analysis

Issue Number Issue Impact Indicator

Issue 1 How would ground disturbance associated Acres of analysis area (buffered camp sites with trail construction, development and and trails), as well as potential surface promotion of new primitive camping areas, or disturbance (2-foot-wide trail) in Potential development of the Visitor Contact Station Fossil Yield Classification classes with high associated with the Proposed Action impact potential for paleontological resources scientifically important paleontological (PFYC 4, 5, and U). resources for which the PTNM was Proximity of known paleontological designed? resources to proposed primitive sites and new trails (see Table 3-2 in Section 3.2). Issue 2 How would ground disturbance associated Acres of disturbance in sensitive soil types with the Proposed Action impact sensitive and slopes over 30%; proximity to water soils and nearby water resources? features. Issue 3 How would the RAMP management goals Parking lot improvements; connector trail and objectives affect public safety? between parking lots Number of public restrooms Number of recreation areas with ADA accessibility Issue 4 How would the Proposed Action affect Number of new visitor information centers recreational opportunities? (contact station, kiosks) Number/miles mechanized and pedestrian/equestrian new trails (% increase over existing) Number/miles of improved trail Number of primitive camping areas Issue 5 How would surface disturbance associated Surface disturbance in proximity to known with the proposed action impact cultural sites (based on survey information) or resources and Native American Tribal or identified tribal concerns Religious concerns?

An issue was dismissed from detailed analysis if the issue was not present or impacts would not occur, if potential impacts would not be significant and detailed analysis is not necessary to determine such, or if impacts would be mitigated below significance through implementation of project design features. The following preliminary issues were evaluated and are not discussed in further detail in this EA for the reasons described in Table 1-2.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 8 Environmental Assessment Table 1-2. Issues Not Included in Further Detail in the EA

Preliminary Issues Rationale for Not Further Discussing in Detail in the EA

How would the development of a The proposed new primitive camping areas and new trails would not alter new primitive camping area and the existing character of the landscape, which includes other existing trails. new trails on the landscape affect The primitive camping areas, new trails, and Visitor Contact Station are the viewshed? located within Visual Resource Management (VRM) Class II, with the exception of the Wilderness Overlook primitive camping area, which is located in VRM Class I. The VRM Class II objectives are to retain the existing character of the landscape with any level of change being low enough to not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes within VRM Class II must repeat the basic elements of the form, line, and texture of the predominant natural features of the landscape (BLM 1986). Due to the low level of disturbance anticipated from the construction of trails and development of primitive camping areas, the proposed project is not expected to draw the attention of the casual viewer. In addition, the proposed trails would follow the natural contour of the landscape. In addition, trail and recreation area users do not typically regard trails as a visual element that detracts from the visitor experience. The Wilderness Overlook primitive camping area is in VRM Class I where the management objective is to preserve the existing character of the landscape and levels of change should be low and not attract the attention of the casual observer (BLM 1986). The proposed primitive camping area may include some minimal vegetation removal; however, the primitive camping area would maintain its natural characteristics. Therefore, the proposed Wilderness Overlook primitive camping area would be in conformance with VRM Class I. The proposed kiosks in the parking lots, at the visitor contact station, and along the trails would not drastically change the area, the 12 kiosks would result in only 0.005 acre of disturbance. The 0.005 acre of disturbance would keep the change of characteristic landscape low, and the kiosks would not distract the attention of the casual observer. A shade screen may be installed at the visitor contact station; however, the shade screen would repeat the basic elements of color and texture found in the predominant natural features of the landscape. Therefore, the kiosks and potential shade screen would adhere to Class II VRM objectives as outlined in the Mimbres RMP (BLM 1993).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 9 Environmental Assessment Preliminary Issues Rationale for Not Further Discussing in Detail in the EA

How would development of the The Robledo Mountains ACEC is approximately 9,190 acres, with Proposed Action affect the approximately 785 acres overlapping the PTNM boundary. According to the relevant and important values of Mimbres RMP (BLM 1993), the Robledo Mountains ACEC was designated the Robledo Area of Critical to protect paleontological, biological, cultural, research, and scenic values. Environmental Concern (ACEC)? Management directives established in the 2015 PTNM RMP include management for primitive and semi-primitive recreation opportunities in addition to managing the area as VRM Class I. The proposed project would be primarily located outside of the Robledo ACEC with the exception of one camping area (7-Wilderness Overlook), which would be partially located within the ACEC. Approximately 0.6 acre of Camping Area 7-Wilderness Overlook would be located within the Robledo ACEC. Impacts associated with the development of primitive camping areas would include minimal vegetation and ground clearing. These impacts would not reduce the size of the ACEC or diminish the relevant or important values of the ACEC. In addition, the development of primitive camping areas associated with the Proposed Action meets the management directives associated with the Robledo Mountains ACEC established in the 1993 Mimbres RMP. The Proposed Action was sited to avoid and protect paleontological and cultural resources, and the remainder of the Proposed Action is located outside of the Robledo Mountains ACEC. Therefore, there would be no direct impacts to cultural or paleontological resources within the ACEC as a result of the proposed project. In addition, the siting of primitive camping areas within the ACEC meets the goals and objectives established for the ACEC, by protecting cultural and paleontological resources. Details on the impacts to other relevant and important ACEC values including vegetation, wildlife, and special-status species are located in Table 1-2. Vegetation, wildlife, and special-status species were identified as issues to be dismissed from analysis due to the low level of disturbance to vegetation communities, wildlife, and special-status species within the PTNM.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 10 Environmental Assessment Preliminary Issues Rationale for Not Further Discussing in Detail in the EA

How would development of the The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area was designated as wilderness by Proposed Action affect the the 2019 Dingell Act. The Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area is wilderness values within the approximately 12,946 acres, with approximately 785 acres overlapping the adjacent wilderness area and PTNM boundary. Following the goals outlined in Wilderness Act of 1964, lands with wilderness management goals of the Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area include characteristics? preserving naturalness, outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation opportunities, and supplemental values (BLM 1993). The proposed project is primarily located outside of the Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area with the exception of one camping area (7-Wilderness Overlook), partially located within the wilderness area. Approximately 0.6 acre of Camping Area 7-Wilderness Overlook is located within the Robledo Mountains Wilderness Area. Impacts associated with the development of primitive camping areas would include minimal vegetation and ground clearing. The primitive camping areas would therefore maintain their natural appearance and would not contribute to impacts to naturalness. In addition, the impacts associated with the primitive camping area would not lead to the reduction in size of the wilderness area or diminish the wilderness characteristics. The proposed project would enhance primitive and unconfined recreation through the availability of primitive camping areas. The development of primitive camping areas is within the framework of BLM Manual 6340, which manages wilderness areas to allow for primitive recreation by maintaining a primitive setting and limiting camping to designated areas to preserve and protect the unique scientifically important paleontological resources (BLM 2012). The proposed 7-Wilderness Overlook camping area was sited to avoid scientifically important paleontological resources and cultural resources. Therefore, there would be no impacts to supplemental values because of the proposed action. The proposed action is not located within or adjacent to the Lands with Wilderness Characteristics unit and would not affect the unit. How would fugitive dust from Fugitive dust is unlikely to occur in any measurable way during the construction surface associated construction of the primitive camping areas, trails, or kiosks because with the Proposed Action impact construction would be implemented using hand tools and would be accessed air quality? on foot from nearby parking lots; no heavy equipment or vehicles would be used. Construction of the Visitor Contact Station would require some use of heavy equipment. However, the project design features would be in place to reduce fugitive dust. These project features include use of base course or gravel, or paving the parking lot. Fugitive dust control measures and speed limits on unpaved roads are outlined in more detail in Section 2.2.2.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 11 Environmental Assessment Preliminary Issues Rationale for Not Further Discussing in Detail in the EA

How would trail construction and The Proposed Action is within three Chihuahuan Deserts Level IV the development of primitive ecoregions: Chihuahuan Basins and Playas; Low Mountains and Bajadas; camp sites impact the vegetation and Rio Grande Floodplains, which together comprise 11,392,000 acres of community? southern New Mexico (Griffith et al. 2006). General biological How would the prevention of reconnaissance surveys were conducted along the proposed trail routes and noxious weeds within the camping areas locations by the BLM in 2020. One vegetation community, proposed project area be Chihuahuan desertscrub, a common vegetation type, was observed. managed? The proposed action analysis area comprises a 75.5-acre area that includes primitive camping areas, buffered trail locations, a visitor contact station, and up to 12 informational or directional kiosks. A total of approximately 11.8 acres of surface disturbance is expected. The areas of potential disturbance and anticipated surface disturbance comprise approximately 0.0006% and 0.0001% of the aforementioned Level IV ecoregions, respectively. This is a negligible difference from the three Level IV ecoregions the proposed project intersects. In addition, the observed vegetation community where vegetation removal would occur, Chihuahuan desertscrub, is common within each of the Level IV ecoregions (Griffith et al. 2006). Given the small amount, the vegetation loss from the proposed project would not result in long-term impacts to the vegetation community or the ecoregions. To prevent the spread of noxious weeds within the proposed project area, noxious weed management specific project design features would be implemented. Mitigations include standard noxious weed control. See Section 2.2.2.4 for design features specific to weed control. How would trail construction and General biological reconnaissance surveys were conducted along the the development of primitive proposed trail routes and camping area locations within the proposed project camp sites impact habitats for area by the BLM in 2020. There is one BLM Sensitive and New Mexico special-status plant species? state-listed plant species with the potential to occur, night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii var. greggii). However, this species was not observed during the 2020 biological reconnaissance surveys. No other BLM sensitive species were observed during the 2020 biological reconnaissance surveys and no other special-status plant species have the potential to occur. The BLM sensitive species list for Doña Ana County, including the potential for occurrence, is provided in Appendix A. In addition, a desktop review of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) list and Biota Information System of New Mexico (BISON-M) New Mexico state–listed species list was conducted (USFWS 2020; BISON-M 2020). According to IPaC, one flowering plant (Sneed’s pincushion cactus [Escobaria sneedii]) has the potential to occur in Doña Ana County. However, no suitable Sneed’s pincushion cactus habitat was observed within the proposed project area during the 2019 biological reconnaissance surveys. The BLM would require additional pre-construction special-status plant species surveys to further ensure that there are no impacts to special-status plant species within the proposed project area (see Section 2.2.2).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 12 Environmental Assessment Preliminary Issues Rationale for Not Further Discussing in Detail in the EA

How would trail construction and General biological reconnaissance surveys were conducted along the the development of primitive proposed trail routes and camping area locations within the proposed project camp sites impact habitats for area by the BLM in 2020. The BLM sensitive species list for Doña Ana wildlife, including special-status County, including the potential for occurrence, is provided in Appendix A. species? A desktop review of the USFWS IPaC list and BISON-M New Mexico state–listed species list was conducted (USFWS 2020; BISON-M 2020). According to IPaC, four bird species (interior least tern [Sterna antillarum athalassos], northern aplomado falcon [Falco femoralis septentrionalis], southwestern willow flycatcher [Empidonax traillii extimus], and yellow- billed cuckoo [Coccyzus americanus]) have the potential to occur in Doña Ana County. The interior least tern, southwestern flycatcher, and yellow-billed cuckoo are typically found in dense riparian vegetation along the Rio Grande or Pecos River, as well as near lakes and reservoirs. The northern aplomado falcon is typically found in grassland habitat. The area of potential disturbance (75.5 acres) was noted to comprise Chihuahuan desertscrub vegetation, which is not considered to be suitable habitat for the four special-status bird species. Please refer to Appendix A for more details on specific habitat constraints for these species. Development of the proposed action would result in 11.8 acres of surface disturbance within Chihuahuan desertscrub vegetation. Design features in Section 2.2.2.7 are included to ensure that wildlife is avoided and reduce the risk of wildlife injury or mortality from construction activities. Note that if construction or maintenance activities occur during the migratory bird nesting season (March 1 through September 15), the project area would be inspected for nests by a qualified biologist. Established stick nests would be identified and avoided; stick nest locations shall be provided to the Authorized Officer. Additional design features related to wildlife can be found in Section 2.2.2. How would the trail reroute No environmental justice population, as defined by Executive Order 12898 activities impact socioeconomic (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1994), would be affected by the conditions or environmental proposed project. Also, the small number of temporary jobs associated with justice populations? development of the proposed action does not warrant detailed analysis in this EA. How would introducing fire rings Primitive sites with fire rings, if used, would allow the BLM to control to primitive camping areas affect where campfires occur. The addition of fire rings has the potential to lower the risk of fire danger? the risk of fire danger within the PTNM. How would trail construction and The BLM manages for livestock grazing within the PTNM. The proposed primitive camping activities action would not prevent livestock grazing activities and would not reduce impact livestock grazing? available forage or prevent livestock access to water. No changes to access for livestock grazing would occur. In addition, the proposed action would result in a minimal loss of foraging habitat within the grazing allotments. How would trail construction and The PTNM is currently not available for disposal and is an exclusion area primitive camping activities for most rights-of-way. No changes to rights-of-way or land use impact realty actions? authorization opportunities would occur from the Proposed Action.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 13 Environmental Assessment CHAPTER 2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES As noted in Section 1.5.1, much of the existing PTNM recreation and visitor services, trails and travel management, and education and interpretation programs are working well; current management is therefore carried forward into the Proposed Action. To assist the reader, these actions are in grouped in Section 2.1, Management Common to All Alternatives. This allows the reader to see clearly the differences between the existing management and the Proposed Action.

Proposed Action, which is the Preferred Alternative, includes all the management actions found in Section 2.1, Management Common to All Alternatives, as well as specific management actions included in Section 2.2 to address the resource issues identified in Section 1.5.1. The No Action Alternative provides a basis for comparison to the Proposed Action and consists of Management Common to All Alternatives found in Section 2.1 and specific information found in Section 2.3.

2.1. Management Common to All Alternatives 2.1.1. Management Goals, Objectives, and Actions

The goal of PTNM recreation management program is to plan recreational opportunities that protect unique and nationally important paleontological values of the PTNM. PTNM recreation is managed to protect and enhance the Monument’s paleontological resources, with an emphasis on Leave No Trace principles. The entire PTNM is designed as an ERMA. Recreational target shooting is prohibited, and the area is closed to casual collection of minerals, petrified wood and paleontological resources. Dispersed camping is allowed. Approximately 4,227 acres of the PTNM is managed for front-country public visitation. The remaining 800 acres of the PTNM is designated as the Robledo Mountains WA is managed for primitive visitation (BLM 2015).

The goal of PTNM trails and travel management program is designate and manage areas in the Monument to the appropriate level of motorized and mechanized vehicle use so that fossils are protected. Motorized and mechanized travel in the front-country is limited to designated routes. The Robledo Mountains WA is closed to motorized and mechanized use (BLM 2015). Dispersed pedestrian and equestrian use are allowed throughout the PTNM.

2.1.2. Administration

Recreational use by motorized and mechanized vehicles (not associated with a permitted event) requires a no-fee Day Use Pass. This system of day passes is authorized through 43 CFR §8365.1-6, Supplementary Rules. Passes are available at the BLM Las Cruces District Office, online at the BLM web site, and potentially at informational kiosk(s) at approved access point(s) to the PTNM.

The BLM authorizes commercial, competitive, and organized group activities on a discretionary, case-by- case basis per 43 CFR Part 2930, Special Recreation Permits (SRPs), and in compliance with NEPA. SRPs for OHV events are limited by the following requirements, or other restrictions that provide for the protection of fossil resources:

• Will not degrade fossil resources • No more than three permitted OHV events per year (first-come, first-served, no multiple year events permits will be considered) • No permits will be issued for OHV events lasting for more than 4 consecutive days. • No more frequently than 1 every 3 months

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 14 Environmental Assessment • No more than 250 vehicles per event • No more than 20 vehicles per “run” • No more than two “runs” per trail route will be authorized during each event • Only Registered Event vehicles (including event support and BLM staff vehicles) will be allowed on the routes, during the event 2.1.3. Education and Interpretation

The goal of the PTNM education and interpretation program is to provide interpretive and educational opportunities supporting and protective of the fossil resources. The program is managed to provide BLM and partner-led interpretive tours to the Discovery Site and other appropriate sites; develop interpretative materials for programs and event; develop a K-12 paleontological curriculum, in partnership with local school districts, in accordance with State/National standards; develop paleontological and other natural resources interpretive materials for websites; develop and deliver paleontological interpretive and educational programs to school and civic groups; and support the development of paleontological exhibits for venues in Doña Ana County and beyond. 2.1.4. Monitoring

Monitoring social and environmental indicators helps the BLM to understand how the public uses and experiences the landscapes and facilities provided through recreation management. Social indicators and standards are derived directly from recreation management objectives and require that the BLM talk to PTNM visitors to assess the degree to which the objectives are being met. Environmental indicators and standards are derived directly from setting prescriptions and are used to determine whether or not prescribed setting character is being achieved and sustained. The BLM periodically monitors and documents a variety of factors to evaluate whether management goals are being achieved.

2.1.4.1. Visitor Use and Use Patterns and Recreation-Caused Resource Effects or Impacts

The BLM expects that new information gathered from field inventories and assessments, research, other agency studies, and other sources will update baseline data or support new management techniques and scientific principles. Data gathered through monitoring are evaluated and used to identify changes needed in BMP design, application, or in the monitoring program. This process includes the use of an adaptive management strategy. The BLM is currently developing a Monument Monitoring Plan. As part of this process, the BLM will review management actions and the RMP periodically to determine whether the objectives set forth in this planning document are being met. Where they are not being met, the BLM will consider adjustments of appropriate scope. To the extent that such new information or actions address issues covered in the PTNM RMP, the BLM will integrate the data through a process called plan maintenance or updating.

2.1.4.2. Law Enforcement

Law enforcement concerns within the Monument include illegal dumping, theft of paleontological resources, damage to government property, and creation of user-caused routes. Currently, two law enforcement rangers have areas of responsibility within the PTNM as well as patrolling the rest of the Las Cruces District. The Law Enforcement Plan will be adapted over time using information collected from the no-fee day use pass. For example, increases in visitation could lead to an increase in patrols.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 15 Environmental Assessment 2.2. Proposed Action 2.2.1. Management Actions

The Proposed Action comprises the following recreation activities:

• Development of 10 primitive camping areas (Table 2-1 and Figures 2-1 though Figure 2-4). Development would include minor vegetation removal during construction using hand tools and creation of firepits. Camping areas would be delineated on the ground to make their intended use clear and transparent, and camping opportunities would be made available through online maps to make finding their locations easy. • Construction of seven new trails (Table 2-5, see also Figure 2-1 though-Figure 2-4). Trail construction would be conducted using hand tools recommended in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook including pruning saws, combination tools, hoes, mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, shovels, brush hooks, and lopping shears (USDA 2007). In addition, tools for pounding and hammering may be used for trail construction. Trails would become part of the designated primitive roads and trails system contained in the PTNM CTTM. All routes would be designated for mechanized and pedestrian/equestrian use only. Routes would be subject to moderate maintenance as defined in the CTTM. See Table 2-2 for route names, route numbers, mileage, and maintenance-level descriptions. • Development of a Visitor Contact Station at the existing main parking lot, which would include expanded parking lots, educational kiosks, double-vault bathroom installations, a shaded picnic area, and a walkway adjacent to the existing road to provide safe means of pedestrian traffic between the Visitor Contact Station and the existing Ridgeline Trail parking lot (Figure 2-5). In addition, the parking lots would be paved at a future point in time; therefore, the analysis herein assumes the parking lot would be paved. • Installation of a single-vault bathroom at the existing Ridgeline Trail parking lot (see Figure 2-5). • Improvements to the existing Branson Canyon/ Patzcuaro’s Revenge Trail (PTNM-2) to bypass a waterfall in Branson Canyon and provide better access for pedestrian trail users (see Figure 2-4). Trail construction would be conducted using hand tools recommended in the USDA USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook (USDA 2007). 1 In addition, up to 12 trail signs would be posted at junctions of system trails to direct users to stay on designated trails. The trail signs would be constructed and installed by hand using post hole diggers, shovels, and small hand tools or power tools. Trail kiosks posted at main trailheads would provide information such as locations of designated trails, allowable uses, and trail etiquette, in addition to primitive camping area locations.

In order to manage camping and recreation/uses, the BLM proposes the following Supplementary Rule that would apply year-round:

• Overnight camping would not be allowed in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot and the Ridgeline Trail parking lot.

1 Note that the proposed improvement to the existing trail PTNM-2 is in addition to the proposed trail PYNM-2(a), which is in the same general area.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 16 Environmental Assessment These two parking lots would contain signage notifying users that the parking lots are day use only after publication in the Federal Register, in accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1-6. Until this notice is published, overnight camping would still be allowed in these areas.

The development of the visitor contact station, primitive camp sites, and trails is anticipated to start once funding sources become available and construction is estimated to take approximately 1 to 2 years to complete.

Table 2-1. Camping Areas

Camping Area Area of Potential Disturbance (acres)

1- North Apache Canyon Overlook 0.3 2- Habanero Fall Entrance 0.4 3- Apache Canyon North 0.3 4- Apache Canyon South 0.5 5a- East Branson Canyon Access-1 0.1 5b- East Branson Canyon Access-2 0.04 6- West Branson Canyon Access 0.4 7- Wilderness Overlook 0.7 8- Litterbox Canyon Overlook 0.5 9- Habanero Fall “Exit” 0.1 Total Acres 3.34

Table 2-2. Proposed Trails Analysis Areas

Length Designated Maintenance Common Name Route No. (miles) Use* Level**

Branson Canyon/ Patzcuaro’s PTNM-02(a) 0.08 3 3 Revenge Access (stair) Branson Canyon Overlook Extension PTNM-11(a) 0.12 2 3 Mesilla Valley View PTNM-28 1.22 2,3 3 PTNM Loop to Acacia Ridge PTNM-29 2.58 2,3 3 Pasado / Branson Canyon Connector PTNM-30 0.15 2,3 3 Robledo Loop / SST Connector PTNM-31 0.12 2,3 3 SST to Amatista Ledges PTNM-32 1.16 2,3 3 Total Trail Mileage 5.43 *Designated use: 2-Mechanized, 3-Equestrian/ Pedestrian **Maintenance level: 3- Moderate maintenance. Maintain or improve as necessary to facilitate designated visitor use. Routes requiring moderate maintenance because of low volume use (e.g. seasonally or year-round for commercial, recreational, or administrative access).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 17 Environmental Assessment The proposed Visitor Contact Station improvements are slated to occur within a 6.7-acre area (Table 2-3). Final layout of the parking lot, educational kiosks, bathroom, picnic area, and walkway has not occurred; therefore, for the proposes of this analysis, it is assumed that all acreage would be subject to surface disturbance. The 10 proposed primitive camping areas would encompass approximately 3.3 acres. Construction disturbance would include minor vegetation removal and installation of firepits; once constructed, these areas would also receive disturbance from general use. The seven new multi-use trails would total approximately 5.43 miles. The constructed trails would be approximately 2 feet wide; however, a buffered area of 100 feet is analyzed in this EA to allow for any trail rerouting to occur to avoid resources and limit erosion. Therefore, the total acreage of analyzed potential trail disturbance is approximately 75.5 acres. The Branson Canyon improvements also analyze a larger area to account for any reroutes that may be required while developing a 200-foot-long, 2-foot-wide trail to bypass the waterfall in Branson Canyon and provide better access for trail users. The total area analyzed herein for Branson Trail is approximately 0.3 acre; however, only approximately 0.2 acre of disturbance would occur from the construction of the trail itself.

Table 2-3. Project Elements and Disturbance Acreage Summary

Analyzed Area of Total Anticipated Length Width Trail Activity Potential Surface (feet) (feet) Disturbance* Disturbance

Visitor Contact Station varies varies 6.7 6.7 (includes walkway to Ridgeline pedestrian trail) Primitive Camp Sites (9) varies varies 3.3 3.3 New Trails (7) 28,849.6 2 65.2 1.3 Branson Canyon 200 2 0.3 <0.1 Improvements Kiosk installation (12) varies varies 0.005 0.005 Total disturbance area Varies Varies 75.5 11.4 *Analysis area includes a 100-foot buffer surrounding the proposed trails to allow for adjustments as needed.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 18 Environmental Assessment

Figure 2-1. Project area map (overview).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 19 Environmental Assessment

Figure 2-2. Project area map (Map 1 of 3).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 20 Environmental Assessment

Figure 2-3. Project area map (Map 2 of 3).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 21 Environmental Assessment

Figure 2-4. Project area map (Map 3 of 3).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 22 Environmental Assessment

Figure 2-5. Project area map with Visitor Contact Station

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 23 Environmental Assessment 2.2.2. Project Design Features

Appendix B of the 2015 RMP includes a number of best management practices (BMPs) designed to maximize beneficial results and minimize negative impacts of management actions. Each of the following BMPs are a part of the coordinated development of land use plans in the BLM Las Cruces District and may be updated as new information becomes available to ensure that objectives are met and to conform with changes in BLM regulations, policy, direction, or new scientific information.

In order to reduce impacts to resources, the BLM would implement the following measures whenever possible:

2.2.2.1. General

• Where there is no road access available, trail crews would access the proposed project on foot using existing trails. • Trail construction would be conducted using hand tools recommended in the USDA USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook, including pruning saws, combination tools, hoes, mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, shovels, brush hooks, and lopping shears (USDA 2007). 2.2.2.2. Water and Soil Resources

• No wetlands and/or waters of the U.S. would be altered, crossed, filled, or cut without previous permission from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). • Trail design surface and design grade would adhere to USDA USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook standards for trail surface stability and prevent erosion (USDA 2007). Trail design may include knicks, rolling grade dips, and waterbars. • Trail grade should be no more than half the side slope grade to avoid erosion. • Gravel may be used in soil units with a “very limited” soil rating class to prevent erosion. • Annual trail inspections would be conducted to evaluate the trail quality and suggest mitigation and maintenance, as needed. • Stormwater pollution prevention BMPs will be used during paving of the parking lot areas to minimize erosion from stormwater and prevent potential hazardous materials used during paving to enter adjacent ephemeral drainages. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), including a Sediment Control Plan, will be prepared and implemented once final engineering of layout of facilities and road paving plans have been confirmed. • Sediment control will be achieved through the use of BMPs including regrading, seeding and mulching, or straw waddles at appropriate locations during the paving of the parking lots in order to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation to water quality. 2.2.2.3. Vegetation and Revegetation

• Only the minimum amount of vegetation necessary would be removed for the construction of structures and facilities. Topsoil shall be conserved during excavation and reused as cover on disturbed areas to facilitate regrowth of vegetation. • Pre-construction surveys for special-status species would occur before any ground-disturbing activities occur in the project area.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 24 Environmental Assessment • All disturbed areas shall be seeded, using an agreed-upon method suitable for the location, as determined and directed by the Authorized Officer. • Seed-bed preparation shall be performed to provide a hospitable environment for germinating seed by breaking up impermeable soil layers that have formed and increasing void spaces for air and water. Ground shall be roughed-up prior to seeding, by raking, harrowing, or other methods, especially those areas that are compacted during project construction. • Seeding shall be accomplished in June or July to coincide with the "rainy" season to achieve optimum results. Seed will be planted 0.25- to 0.5-inch deep using a disc-type or similar rangeland drill sufficient to accommodate variations in seed sizes, or if broadcasted, the rates should be doubled. If broadcasted, seed shall be broadcasted with a "cyclone" hand seeder or similar broadcast seeder to facilitate an even spread. After seed is broadcast, ground shall be raked or dragged, to help bury it and improve soil contact and provide texture. • Mulching is required on all seeding projects to prevent loss of moisture and seed to wind. Mulch shall be free of weeds and weed seed. Rotten or molded hay is not acceptable as mulch. Mulching shall be accomplished using one of these following methods:

o Weed free straw (2 tons/acre [ac].; kilograms/hectare [kg/ha]) o Wood residues (sawdust, wood chips, bark (2 tons/ac.; kg/ha) o Hydro-mulching (1,500 lb./ac.; kg/ha) o Composted manure (5 tons/ac.; kg/ha) o Excelsior blanket o Straw jute • Straw mulch is not recommended if livestock potentially have access to the area. Livestock should be temporarily fenced out of any seeded area (as determined necessary by the Authorized Officer). Livestock use will reduce possibility of successful revegetation. Probability of successful seeding will be increased if fencing remains until reclamation is stable and plants have grown well enough to withstand grazing. Any or all fencing requirement will be determined by the Authorized Officer. • Mulch shall be applied on the surface within one day following seeding. A soil stabilizer tack shall be applied as an overspray after seed and mulch are in place. This tack should be at a sufficient rate to prevent mulch from moving due to wind. • Any seed used on public land shall not contain noxious weed seed and must meet certified seed quality. The seed procured for use on public land will meet the Federal Seed Act criteria. All seed to be applied on public land must have a valid seed test, within 1 year of the acceptance date, from a seed analysis lab by a registered seed analyst (Association of Official Seed Analysts). The seed lab results shall show no more than 0.5 percent by weight of other weed seeds. The seed lot shall contain no noxious, prohibited, or restricted weed seeds according to state seed laws in the respective state(s). Copies of the seed lab test results, including purity and germination (viability) rate, must be forwarded to the appropriate BLM office prior to seed application. If the seed does not meet the BLM and state/federal standards for noxious weed seed content or other crop seed allowances, it shall not be applied to public land. • Stabilization would occur after a minimum of two full summer growing seasons after planting. 2.2.2.4. Noxious Weeds

• Weed control would be conducted on disturbed areas within the limits of the site. Consultation with the Authorized Officer and/or local authorities would be conducted to determine acceptable weed

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 25 Environmental Assessment control methods, which include following the Environmental Protection Agency and Authorized Officer requirements and policy. • Power or high-pressure clean all equipment of all mud, dirt, and plants immediately prior to moving into the project area. Any gravel or fill to be used must come from weed-free sources. Inspect gravel pits and fill sources to identify weed-free sources. No soil spoil that could potentially contain noxious weed seeds shall be transported out of the area where it is created. • A survey for and control of noxious weeds along the route proposed for construction would be conducted prior to construction. If during construction, noxious weeds are identified that were not originally encountered during the survey, these noxious weeds would be avoided by avoiding driving vehicles and equipment through or over the infested area. In addition, the construction associated with the Proposed Action, other than the parking lot, would be conducted with hand tools, which would minimize the spread of noxious weeds. If avoidance measures cannot be taken within the area originally cleared, construction shall cease and the Authorized Officer shall be contacted. • Any use of herbicides/pesticides shall comply with the applicable Federal and State laws. Herbicides/pesticides shall be used only in accordance with their registered uses and within limitations imposed by the Secretary of the Interior. A noxious weed plan showing the type and quantity of materials to be used, pest(s) to be controlled, method of application, location of storage and disposal of containers, and any other information deemed necessary by the Authorized Offer would be prepared and would require written approval from the Authorized Officer. Emergency use of pesticides shall be approved in writing by the Authorized Officer prior to use. 2.2.2.5. Cultural Resources

• All known eligible cultural resources would be avoided. • Unanticipated Discovery Protocol: Pursuant to BLM Cultural Programs Manual 8140 (BLM 2004) and the 2014 New Mexico State Protocol (BLM and New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office 2014), any unanticipated discovery of cultural resources, human remains, or paleontological resources during construction would be immediately reported by the contractor to the BLM as soon as possible within 24 hours. All work would be suspended within 100 feet of the discovery until authorization to proceed is issued by the BLM. The area of discovery would be stabilized and protected from further damage. An evaluation of the discovery would be made by the BLM to determine appropriate treatment of the discovery. 2.2.2.6. Paleontological Resources

• Trail design surface and design grade would adhere to USDA USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook standards for trail surface stability and prevent erosion. • All known scientifically important paleontological resources have been avoided. • The contractor shall immediately notify the BLM Authorized Officer of any paleontological resources discovered as a result of operations under this authorization. The contractor shall suspend all activities in the vicinity of such discovery until notified to proceed by the Authorized Officer and shall protect the discovery from damage or looting. The contractor may not be required to suspend all operations if activities can be adjusted to avoid further impacts to a discovered locality or be continued elsewhere. The Authorized Officer will evaluate, or will have evaluated, such discoveries as soon as possible, but not later than 10 working days after being notified. Appropriate measures to mitigate adverse effects to significant paleontological resources will be determined by the Authorized Officer after consulting with the contractor. Within 10 days, the contractor will be allowed to continue construction through the site, or will be given the choice of either (1) following

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 26 Environmental Assessment the Authorized Officer’s instructions for stabilizing the fossil resource in place and avoiding further disturbance to the fossil resource, or (2) following the Authorized Officer’s instructions for mitigating impacts to the fossil resource prior to continuing construction through the project area. • Where the trail cannot avoid passing through the redbed layers of the Robledo Mountains and/or Apache Dam Formations (“abo tongue” and “upper member” of Hueco Formation of Seager et al., (2008) respectively), the trail surface shall be covered with nearby loose, non-redbed material to protect the redbed outcrops from future disturbance and erosion. • Route the proposed trail along the existing cattle trail and monitor known paleontological localities to reduce impacts to paleontological resources along PTNM-29. 2.2.2.7. Wildlife and Special-Status Species

• Night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii var. greggii) is BLM Sensitive and a state of New Mexico–listed endangered species. It is known to exist within the PTNM; however, there are no known locations adjacent to the proposed project area. There are no other BLM sensitive plant species with the potential to occur in the proposed project area. • If wildlife species (such as reptiles, amphibians, or small mammals) are encountered during project activities, they would be avoided or allowed to move out of the way. • Construction holes left open overnight shall be covered. Covers shall be secured in place and shall be strong enough to prevent livestock or wildlife from falling through. • Screen caps or covers shall be installed on any open-top vertical pipes less than 12 inches in diameter, to reduce wildlife mortality resulting from entrapment. • If construction or maintenance activities occur during the migratory bird nesting season (March 1 through September 15), the project area will be inspected for nests by a qualified biologist. Established stick nests will always be identified and avoided; stick nest locations shall be provided to the Authorized Officer. • Environmental awareness training would be provided to all personnel working on the project. 2.2.2.8. Livestock Grazing

• The BLM and contracted trail crew would adhere to the terms and conditions of any lease pertaining to livestock grazing. • Livestock may roam freely across the proposed project areas, and the BLM would take reasonable safety measures to reduce the risk of damage to range improvements, or injury or death to livestock from project activities. 2.2.2.9. Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

• All new signage would be located outside lands with wilderness characteristics. DEVELOPED RECREATION

o Construct recreation sites and provide appropriate sanitation facilities to minimize impacts on resource values and on public health and safety and to minimize user conflicts concerning approved activities and access within an area, as appropriate. o Minimize impacts on resource values or enhance the recreational setting and recreation experience.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 27 Environmental Assessment o Harden sites and locations subject to prolonged/repetitive, concentrated recreational uses with selective placement of gravel or other porous materials and allow for dust abatement, paving, and engineered road construction. o Use public education and/or physical barriers (such as rocks, posts, vegetation) to direct or preclude uses and to minimize impacts on resource values and the quality of recreation experience. o Employ land use ethics programs and techniques such as “Leave No Trace” and “Tread Lightly” programs. Use outreach efforts of such programs to lessen needs to implement more stringent regulatory measures to obtain resource protection and a quality recreation experience. 2.2.2.10. Air Emissions

• Application of water from a water truck as a method of dust control, including use of water around the area in which surface disturbance would occur to reduce potential for dust. • Base course or gravel, or paving the parking lot to reduce potential for dust. • Development of a Health and Safety Plan that includes identification of appropriate personnel protective equipment for personnel during construction. • Vehicle speed limit of 15 miles per hour on unpaved roads.

2.3. No Action Alternative Under this alternative, the BLM would not approve the proposed project, and no construction would occur to develop the visitor contact center, primitive camping areas, or trails. The associated surface disturbance would not occur. Management would continue as described in Section 2.1.

2.4. Alternatives Considered but Dismissed Alternatives to the Proposed Action are developed to explore different ways to accomplish the purpose and need while minimizing environmental impacts and resource conflicts, as well as meeting other objectives of the RMP. Consistent with BLM NEPA Handbook H-1790-1, the agency “need only analyze alternatives that would have a lesser effect than the proposed action” (BLM 2008:80).

Additional trail routes and proposed camping areas were identified during informal external scoping. The BLM reviewed all proposed improvements for feasibility. Paleontological resources were observed within or near several proposed camping areas and trail routes. Proposed camping areas and trail routes were rerouted to avoid impacts to paleontological resources conflicts wherever possible; sites and trails that could not avoid known resources were dismissed from analysis in this EA. After camping areas and trail routes with resources conflicts were eliminated, the BLM determined that there were no other project alternatives to be considered.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 28 Environmental Assessment CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS This chapter describes the existing conditions relevant to the issues presented in Table 1-1. This document discloses potential impacts from the construction of trails, development of primitive camping areas, and construction of the visitor contact station. This chapter also introduces and discusses cumulative impacts from the incremental addition of the Proposed Action combined with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.

3.1. Cumulative Actions A cumulative impact, as defined under 40 CFR 1508.7, is an impact on the environment that results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, regardless of which agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other action. A description of the cumulative impacts for each issue brought forward for detailed analysis is described below. The geographic scope for cumulative effects is issue-specific and coincides with the analysis area for each issue brought forward for analysis.

3.1.1. Past and Present Actions

Past and present actions in the analysis area include general past use of the PTNM, such as OHV use, mountain biking and hiking, scientific research and other pedestrian uses, and horseback riding, on the existing trails within the PTNM. In addition, the rerouting and rehabilitation of trail segments as part of the PTNM ridgeline trails project represents a past use of the PTNM.

3.1.2. Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

The use of the recreation management actions set forth by the RAMP, including equestrian, mechanized, and non-mechanized trail use and primitive camping, consists of reasonably foreseeable future actions. In addition, the Visitor Contact Station would be used by school groups, and the parking lots would be used as overnight camping.

The PTNM is currently managed as open to livestock grazing. This activity is expected to continue into the future. Present recreation uses would also continue into the future.

3.2. Issue 1: Paleontological Resources How would ground disturbance associated with trail construction, development and promotion of new primitive camping areas, or development of the Visitor Contact Station associated with the proposed action impact scientifically important paleontological resources for which the PTNM was designed?

The analysis area for examining direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to paleontological resources comprises the PTNM itself (5,255 acres), the proposed Visitor Contact Station (6.7 acres, located outside the PTNM) and the 732.5-foot portion of the proposed trail PTNM-29 also located outside of the PTNM boundaries (1.7 acres including a 100-foot-wide trail buffer). This analysis area, which totals 5,288.4 acres, was chosen because it contains all Potential Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) assignments, which indicate the potential to impact a scientifically important paleontological resource.

The impact indicator for identifying and disclosing impacts for paleontological resources is the analysis area and acres of surface disturbance within the PFYC assignments with high potential for scientifically important paleontological resources in proximity to the proposed project area. The PFYC is a tool that allows the BLM to predict the likelihood of a geologic unit to contain paleontological resources. The PFYC is based on a numeric system of 1 to 5, with PFYC 1 having very low potential of containing paleontological

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 29 Environmental Assessment resources, whereas a PFYC 5 value indicates a geologic unit that is known to contain abundant scientifically important paleontological resources (Table 3-1) (BLM 2016). Within areas identified as PFYC 2 or 3, paleontological resource management concern is generally low to moderate because the likelihood of encountering scientifically significant fossils is relatively low to moderate. Within areas identified as PFYC 4, paleontological resource management concerns are moderate to high, as the probability of impacting scientifically significant paleontological resources is generally moderate to high. In addition, there is an “Unknown” PFYC classification for geologic units that do not have an informed PFYC assignment. Management concerns for PFYC U area are treated as PFYC 5 until more information is gathered for a more accurate classification.

3.2.1. Affected Environment

The paleontological resources of the PTNM provide information and insight into the early Permian (here covering approximately 298 to 283 Million Years Ago). Research of PTNM paleontological resources, including the world renowned and exceptionally preserved vertebrate and invertebrate fossil trackways, has increased the knowledge of the Permian paleoenvironment and life forms that existed during this interval of geologic history (BLM 2015). This research has also provided the BLM with information for public educational and interpretive materials. Undiscovered paleontological resources could exist anywhere within the PTNM, however, as the geologic units in the proposed project area range from very low to very high and unknown. There are six PFYC classes within the 5,255-acre PTNM. Approximately 0.1 percent falls within PFYC 4 and 22.2 percent within PFYC 5 where the management concerns are moderate/high to very high, respectively. In addition, approximately 59.0 percent of the PTNM falls within PFYC 3 where management consideration is generally low to moderate.

Table 3-1. PFYC within PTNM

PFYC Acres within PFYC Percent of PFYC within PTNM

1 281.1 5.4 2 376.8 7.3 3 3,108.1 59.0 4 6.1 0.1 5 1,167.0 22.2 U 315.9 6.0 Total 5,255.0 100.0

The Proposed Action crosses nine different geologic units as mapped by Seager et al. (2008). Descriptions for the nine geologic units can be found in Table 3-1 below in Section 3.2.2.

There are 21 paleontological features that exist in proximity to the proposed project. The paleontological features and impacts to the features are described in further detail in Table 3-2 below in Section 3.2.2.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 30 Environmental Assessment

Figure 3-1. PFYC within PTNM.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 31 Environmental Assessment 3.2.2. Environmental Impacts 3.2.2.1. Impacts of the Proposed Action

Paleontological resources were observed within or near several proposed camping areas and trail routes during the paleontological survey conducted by the PTNM paleontologist in August 2020. Proposed camping areas and trail routes were rerouted to avoid impacts to scientifically important paleontological resources wherever possible; sites and trails that could not avoid or mitigate impacts to known resources were eliminated from the Proposed Action (see Section 2.4).

The resulting area of potential disturbance for the proposed action includes 2.7 acres within PFYCs 4 5, and U, which are considered to be areas potentially containing high to very high occurrences of paleontological resources (Table 3-2). No scientifically important paleontological resources are included in this area. The remainder of the proposed project analyzed area of potential disturbance is located in PFYCs 1–3, where the probability to encounter scientifically important paleontological resources is low to moderate (see Table 3-2). Within the area of potential disturbance, approximately 11.4 acres of surface disturbance is expected.

The impacts to known paleontological resources are described in Table 3-3. Through consultation with the BLM paleontologist, the proposed trails were routed to avoid the majority of majority of known paleontological resources. However, there are areas along PTNM-29 where there are existing impacts to paleontological resources from an existing cattle trail and further ground disturbance in areas with known resources may impact paleontological resources not visible on the surface. Routing the proposed trail along the existing cattle trail and monitoring known paleontological localities would help reduce impacts to paleontological resources along PTNM-29. There are little to no impacts anticipated along PTNM-33 as the trail route is designed to avoid known paleontological resources. However, there is a risk that paleontological resources are illegally collected. Collection may be mitigated by not using petrified wood or fossiliferous limestone as trail delineators and monitoring known paleontological localities. There are limited impacts anticipated from the proposed primitive camping areas as the camping areas were sited to avoid known localities of paleontological resources.

Although all ground disturbance associated with the Proposed Action would be located away from scientifically important paleontological resources, there is still potential risk to paleontological resources from an inadvertent discovery of paleontological resources during construction itself or from post- construction erosion. The proposed project would result in approximately 75.5 acres of analyzed acres of potential impact to paleontological resources within the PTNM. These impacts would include approximately 17.8% of impacts to PFYC 5, 0.2% impacts to PFYC 4, 51.2% impact to PFYC 3, 13.3% impact to PFYC 2, 1.4% impact to PFYC 1, 16.6% impact to PFYC U. The Proposed Action anticipated surface disturbance would result in approximately 11.4 acres of total potential impact to paleontological resources within the PTNM. These impacts would include approximately 12.1% of impacts to PFYC 5, <0.1% impacts to PFYC 4, 20.7% impacts to PFYC 3, 55.6% impacts to PFYC 2, 0.1% impacts to PFYC 1, 11.4% impacts to PFYC U.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 32 Environmental Assessment Table 3-2. Geologic Units and PFYC within Analysis Area* Following Seager et al. (2008)

Area of Potential Total Disturbance Anticipated Geologic Unit Geologic Unit Description PFYC Acres within Surface Analysis Area Disturbance

Mafic igneous rocks (Tb) Consists of igneous plugs, flows and small dikes of olive basalt. 1 1.1 0.02 Dated using K/Ar date at 7.1 Ma. Robledo Rhyolite (Tr) Thick to thin sills, small dikes and plugs of non-flow banded 1 <0.1 0 rhyolite in the Robledo Mountains. Igneous rocks not likely to contain fossils. Love Ranch Formation Unit consists of red to grayish red, boulder conglomerate, 2 0.1 0.07 (Tlr) conglomeratic sandstone and mudstone. Undated but believed to be Eocene in age in the Robledo Mountain area. Older valley border The older valley border alluvium, fan terrace consists of 2 12.3 1.3 alluvium, fan terrace geologically young units (approximately 10,000 years or (Qvo) younger) and may contain Pleistocene megafauna; however, none have been documented in the area. Younger valley-border Geologically young units, some 10,000 years or younger; some 2 7.7 6.2 alluvium of the Rio may be older and could contain Pleistocene megafauna, but none Grande Valley (Qvy) documented. Travertine deposit Carbonate spring deposits and calcareous laminated buff colored 2 1.7 0.03 (carbonate springs) (Tbs) siltstone shale overlying a basalt plug. Mega fossils unlikely. Permian Hueco Formation Lower member of the Hueco Limestone consists of normal open 3 0.3 <0.01 Lower member (Phl) marine limestone in thick to medium beds that form slopes or ledgy slopes. Marine fossils include gastropods, bryozoans, brachiopods, and pelecypods. Permian Hueco Formation Consists of thin to medium bedded carbonate mud and limestone. 3 17.2 1.4 Middle member (Phm) This formation is divided into three sequences described as normal marine to restricted marine environments (Seager et al. 2008).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 33 Environmental Assessment Area of Potential Total Disturbance Anticipated Geologic Unit Geologic Unit Description PFYC Acres within Surface Analysis Area Disturbance

Palm Peak Formation Consists of gypsum and interbedded red siltstone. The formation 3 0.5 <0.01 (gypsiferous facies) (Tpg) represents an alluvial fan and playa environments (Seager et al. 2008). Palm Peak Formation Lahar breccia and interbedded volcaniclastic conglomerates, 3 0.4 0.01 (volcaniclastic facies) sandstone and mudstones. Some zones of volcanic ashes where (Tpp) fossils can be preserved. No documented occurrences of fossils, but finer grained intervals could produce fossil material. Camp Rice Formation- Consists of continental sedimentation created during 4 4.5 0.1 conglomeratic facies development of the Rio Grande rift and associated environments. (QTcc) Permian Hueco Formation Dark gray normal open marine limestone, containing invertebrate 4 16.1 0.8 upper member (Phu) marine fossils (cephalopods and brachiopods abundant) and an 'occasional Abo red bed'. Permian Abo Tongue of Robledo Mountain Formation of Lucas et al. 1995. Marine 5 13.4 1.4 Hueco Formation (Pa) limestones containing invertebrate fossils interbedded with terrigenous, continentally derived sediments that contain vertebrate and invertebrate trace fossils (tracks, etc.). Camp Rice Formation- Represents continental sedimentation during development of the 5 0.1 <0.01 fluvial faces (QTcf) Rio Grande rift and associated environments. Total 75.5 11.4 *Geologic units and PFYC include the PTNM and the PFYC for the analysis area and potential disturbance area for project components located outside of the PTNM boundaries.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 34 Environmental Assessment Table 3-3. Paleontological Features in Proximity to Proposed Project Area

Locality / Geologic Fossil Field Unit / Area Description Potential Impacts Management Recommendation Description Number PFYC Important Scientifically Scientifically

Potential impacts to Near intersection of PTNM-11 Little to no impacts. These fossils are paleontological resources can be DAAM- Phu / Bellerophontid Extension and PTNM-28, along cliff fairly common in this units and are mitigated by avoiding snail or 170802- No PFYC 3 Gastropods edge. Limestone bedrock lightly highly silicified and encased in the other marine fossils directly in F04 covered in loose material. bedrock. proposed trail. Avoid fossiliferous limestone to mark trail edges.

Potential impacts to Along proposed trail PTNM-28, on a Little to no impacts. These fossils are paleontological resources can be CRD- Large gastropods Phu / shallow dipping limestone near cliff fairly common in this units and are mitigated by avoiding snail or 200624- No (Omphalotrochus PFYC 3 edge, lightly covered by loose highly silicified and encased in the other marine fossils directly in F01 , Euomphalus) material. bedrock. proposed trail. Avoid fossiliferous limestone to mark trail edges.

Potential impacts to Jellyfish Along proposed PTNM-29, where paleontological resources can be impression, Any ground disturbance that affects trail would follow existing cow paths. mitigated by maintaining route on NMMNH Pa / tetrapod bedrock is likely to impact unseen Yes Slope covered with thin veneer of existing cowpath. Use talus to L8211 PFYC 4 swimming tracks, paleontological resources. Impacts to locally derived talus covering widen path if needed, and to invertebrate fossils resources in talus is very low. bedrock. cover bedrock if exposed and not traces presenting fossil preservation.

Potential impacts to Along proposed PTNM-29, where Ground material in cowpath has paleontological resources can be Plant impressions trail would follow existing cow path largely been pulverized and unlikely to mitigated by maintaining route on CRD- (Walchia) and along crest of ridge. Path crosses arc Pa / preserve any fossil resources. Any existing cowpath. Non-redbed 200624- Yes vertebrate tracks of redbeds covered by small, loose PFYC 4 further ground disturbance that affects material can be used to cover F02, F03 (Dromopus, cf. redbed plates. Limited trace fossils bedrock is likely to impact unseen redbeds, and trail margins should Dimetropus) observed on loose plates on either paleontological resources. be clearly defined with non- side of path. redbed rocks (i.e. limestone).

Potential impacts to DAAM- Small high-spired Ground material in cowpath has Pa / Along proposed PTNM-29, where paleontological resources can be 170802- Yes gastropods, largely been pulverized and unlikely to PFYC 4 trail would follow existing cow path mitigated by maintaining route on F02 millimeter-sized preserve any fossil resources. Most along crest of ridge. Path crosses arc existing cowpath. gastropods, cf. fossil material is common and

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 35 Environmental Assessment

Locality / Geologic Fossil Field Unit / Area Description Potential Impacts Management Recommendation Description Number PFYC Important Scientifically Scientifically

microconchid of fossiliferous marine limestones and abundant, with rare material away tubeworms shales. from the proposed trail.

Potential impacts to Small track paleontological resources can be NMMNH Pa / Batrachichnus, Below ledge on edge of analysis area No impacts as long as trail is above mitigated by maintaining trail Yes L7906 PFYC 4 Dromopus and along PTNM-29 ledge, along existing cowpath. along existing cowpath and by not Tonganoxichnus using materials from ledge or below for trail building

Potential impacts to Current cowpath crosses drainage paleontological resources can be Along proposed PTNM-29, where where redbed ledge is exposed but is mitigated by Maintaining trail Plant impressions trail would follow existing cow path non-fossiliferous. Natural erosional along existing cowpath and by not NMMNH Pa / Yes (Walchia) and along ledge on north-facing slope. processes may undercut ledge in using materials from ledge or L7904 PFYC 4 vertebrate tracks Drainage crosses path and exposes drainage causing collapse. Future below for trail building. Monitor redbeds just below path. repairs may impact fossiliferous location for erosion and employ redbeds. appropriate mitigation if necessary.

Along proposed PTNM-29, where Potential impacts to trail would follow existing cow path Ground material in cowpath has paleontological resources can be as it leaves steeper hillside and enters largely been pulverized and unlikely to NMMNH Pa / mitigated by maintaining route on Yes Vertebrate Tracks relatively low sloped, colluvium preserve any fossil resources. Ground L2822 PFYC 4 existing cowpath and by not using covered area above canyon bottom. largely colluvium primarily composed errant redbed material in Locality coordinates may be of limestones with less redbed plates. trailbuilding/widening. incorrect.

Potential impacts to Along edge of analysis area for Any ground disturbance that affects paleontological resources can be small and large proposed PTNM-29, where trail bedrock is likely to impact unseen NMMNH negated by avoiding redbed Pa / vertebrate tracks, would cross arroyo bottom. Existing paleontological resources. Cowpath L2819 and Yes outcrop, abandoning existing PFYC 4 invertebrate cowpath crosses over edge of should be abandoned in this area to L7905 cowpath as proposed trail crosses tracks, plants exposed of fossiliferous redbeds avoid crossing fossiliferous outcrop of arroyo. Monitor locality for along arroyo edge. redbeds. impacts.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 36 Environmental Assessment

Locality / Geologic Fossil Field Unit / Area Description Potential Impacts Management Recommendation Description Number PFYC Important Scientifically Scientifically

Having proposed trail cross along Potential impacts to Along edge of analysis area for NMMNH Pa / Nautiloid in locality will damage/destroy paleontological resources can be Yes proposed PTNM-29, where trail L5723 PFYC 4 matrix scientifically important fossils from negated by avoiding locality. would cross arroyo bottom. increased use and traffic. Monitor locality for impacts.

Along proposed PTNM-29 (alt 1) Any ground disturbance that affects Potential impacts to where trail climbs out of Branson bedrock is likely to impact unseen CRD- paleontological resources can be Pa / Invertebrate Canyon along ledge. Redbeds paleontological resources. Impacts to 200806- Yes mitigated by reducing digging for PFYC 4 tracks exposed only in small drainages on fossils resources in talus is very low. F07 trail building to minimum and high slopes, otherwise is covered in Trail building should not reach redbed keeping trail in colluvium. colluvium. bedrock.

Impacts to paleontological resources can be mitigated by Along proposed PTNM-29 (alt 2). Plant (Walchia) covering bedrock with non- CRD- Moderately dipping redbed unit Any ground disturbance that affects Pa / and vertebrate fossiliferous material and 200806- Yes between massively bedded bedrock is likely to impact unseen PFYC 4 (Dromopus) trace monitoring area for erosion and F01 limestones. Bedrock mostly exposed paleontological resources. fossils degradation of bedrock. but is partially covered by loose talus. Potentially covering section with rubber mat.

Impacts to paleontological resources can be mitigated by Along proposed PTNM-29 (alt 2). covering bedrock with non- CRD- Small vertebrate Moderately dipping redbed unit Any ground disturbance that affects Pa / fossiliferous material and 200806- Yes tracks between massively bedded bedrock is likely to impact unseen PFYC 4 monitoring area for erosion and F05 (Batrachichnus) limestones. Bedrock mostly exposed paleontological resources. degradation of bedrock. but is partially covered by loose talus. Potentially covering section with rubber mat.

Impacts to paleontological Along proposed PTNM-33. Petrified wood resources can be mitigated by CRD- Moderately sloping hill below ledge Limited impacts as long as trail is Phm / logs and loose keeping proposed path on ledge 200820- Yes of limestone. Slope mostly covered above ledge, Could be illegally PFYC 3 pieces (poorly and avoiding known sites. F01 with thin veneer of loose material, but collected if observed and recognized. preserved) Localities can be monitored for bedrock is close to surface. impacts

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 37 Environmental Assessment

Locality / Geologic Fossil Field Unit / Area Description Potential Impacts Management Recommendation Description Number PFYC Important Scientifically Scientifically

Impacts to paleontological Along proposed PTNM-33. Low CRD- resources can be mitigated by Phm / Isolated piece of sloping bedrock lightly covered in Little to no impacts expected. Source 200820- No avoiding petrified wood or PFYC 3 petrified wood loose material. Short ledges of of wood could not be found. F02 fossiliferous limestone to denote limestone divide wide platforms. trail margins.

Along proposed PTNM-33. Little to no impacts expected. Ledge Impacts to paleontological NMMNH Phm / Brachiopod-rich Limestone ledge continues out of likely to be avoided in trail building, No resources can be mitigated by L7976 PFYC 3 limestone ledge analysis area, but is truncated with and brachiopods are common in this avoiding ledge. area layer.

Impacts to paleontological Little to no impacts expected as trail resources can be mitigated by Along proposed PTNM-33, fossils CRD- route designed to avoid fossiliferous avoiding localities and limiting Phm / eroding from ledge at edge of 200805- Yes Petrified Wood layer. Ground disturbance during trail ground disturbance, and avoiding PFYC 3 analysis area and extend south on F06 building may impact unseen fossils if using wood fossils to denote trail shallow dipping platform. present. Could be illegally collected. margins. Monitor locality for evidence of impacts.

Ginkgophytoxylo Impacts to paleontological Limited impacts expected. Large logs n lucasii, resources can be mitigated by previously collected but smaller Dadoxylon Along proposed PTNM-33, on avoiding localities and limiting NMMNH Phm / sections remain and continue to erode Yes macdonaldi, and limestone ledge and platform above ground disturbance, and avoiding L7938 PFYC 3 from short ledge. Trail route designed Walchiopremnon trail location. using wood fossils to denote trail to avoid this platform. Could be (?) robledoense, margins. Monitor locality for illegally collected. all Holotypes evidence of impacts.

Impacts to paleontological CRD- resources can be mitigated by Phm / Isolated pieces of Along proposed PTNM-33. Flat Little to no impacts expected. Source 200805- No avoiding petrified wood or PFYC 3 petrified wood platform covered in loose material of wood could not be found. F03, F04 fossiliferous limestone to denote trail margins.

Camp 02-Habanero Falls Entrance. In Limited to no impacts expected. Impacts to paleontological CRD- Pa / buffer around site and trail, fractured Locality is off site and trail, and resources can be mitigated by 200616- Yes Nautilod PFYC 4 limestone blocks lightly covered in difficult to find, encased in large avoiding localities and limiting F04 loose material. limestone block. ground disturbance, and avoiding using fossiliferous blocks to

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 38 Environmental Assessment

Locality / Geologic Fossil Field Unit / Area Description Potential Impacts Management Recommendation Description Number PFYC Important Scientifically Scientifically

denote camp edges/fire rings. Monitor locality for evidence of impacts.

Impacts to paleontological resources can be mitigated by avoiding localities and limiting Camp 07-Wilderness Overlook on Any ground disturbance that affects CRD- Phm / Petrified Wood ground disturbance, and avoiding Yes edge of analysis area along road. bedrock outside camp area is likely to 20816-F05 PFYC 3 pieces using fossiliferous blocks to Short limestone ledge. impact paleontological resources. denote camp edges/fire rings. Monitor locality for evidence of impacts.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 39 Environmental Assessment The Proposed Action includes several design features to minimize risk of inadvertent discoveries paleontological resources during construction or post-construction erosion. Ground disturbance during trail construction or trail improvement (totaling approximately 1.3 acres) would be reduced by following USFS standards, including the exclusive use of hand tools, and the proposed trails would be constructed to USFS standards to minimize erosion and therefore prevent scientifically important paleontological resources from being covered or uncovered as a result of erosion. The proposed camping areas (which would consist of up to 3.3 acres of disturbance such as clearing or trampling) would also be developed using the exclusive use of hand tools to minimize surface disturbance and erosion potential. Development of the Visitor Contact Station (which is located outside of the PTNM) would use heavy equipment to develop the area and would result in up to 6.7 acres of surface disturbance, which may include paving of parking lots. However, the Visitor Contact Station would be located in PFYC 2, where there is a low probability of encountering paleontological resources. Visitor contract station area construction would also use BMPs to reduce erosion, including seeding and mulching of disturbed areas, silt fences, and straw waddles. Pre-construction pedestrian surveys would be conducted in all areas of the Proposed Action to ensure that known scientifically important fossils would be avoided or removed. In the event that an unanticipated discovery is made during construction, all work within 100 feet of the find would be halted until authorization to proceed is received from the BLM. At that point, the area of discovery would be stabilized and protected from further damage so that the find can be evaluated by qualified personnel to determine appropriate treatment of the discovery.

Construction of proposed trails may also incrementally increase the potential risk of vandalism or unauthorized collection of undiscovered paleontological remains through increased recreation access to new areas within PTNM; however, it should be noted that development of new trails or camping areas would not necessarily increase area visitation overall. The risk of this occurring has been minimized through trail and camping site placement, which were developed to avoid areas of resource concern. Further, pre- construction pedestrian surveys would be conducted to confirm that scientifically important fossils would not be visible from newly developed recreation areas. Casual collecting of any paleontological specimens or petrified wood within PTNM will continue to be prohibited, and a permit will be required for any collecting for scientific research (BLM 2015).

The implementation of Supplemental Rules to prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot is not expected to have any impacts on paleontological resources.

With consideration of the Proposed Action pre-siting and surveys, the small amount of proposed surface disturbance, and project design features to minimize surface disturbance and erosion and address unanticipated discoveries, the potential risks to paleontological resources from development of the Proposed Action would be avoided or minimized and the BLM would continue to maintain the sustainability and protection of paleontological resources within the PTNM.

Past uses within the PTNM have resulted in the discovery of important paleontological resources but have also contributed to the loss of other paleontological resources. Present and reasonably foreseeable activities have potential to impact paleontological resources as described under the Proposed Action; however, the current designation of the PTNM as a National Monument has provided some countervailing impacts through its management of these activities to protect paleontological resources within the PTNM as outlined in the PTNM RMP. The total acres of analyzed impact includes a total of 1.4% percent of the total acreage for all PFYC classes within the PTNM and less than 22.3 percent of areas where paleontological management concerns are moderate/high to very high.

3.2.2.2. Impacts of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative would not add additional trails, encourage primitive camping areas away from known paleontological resources, or develop a Visitor Contact Station. Management would continue as

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 40 Environmental Assessment described in Section 2.1. Visitors interested in accessing the PTNM would use the existing trail system. In addition, visitors would continue to camp in non-designated sites, which may be in areas close to scientifically important paleontological resources. Impacts to paleontological resources from these uses would remain at current levels.

3.3. Issue 2: Soils and Water Resources How would ground disturbance associated with the proposed action impact sensitive soils and nearby water resources?

The analysis area for examining direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to sensitive soils and nearby water resources is the 43,802-acre Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed (Hydrologic Unit Code [HUC] 130301020602), which is mostly, but not entirely located within the boundaries of the PTNM. This analysis area was chosen because it represents a hydrologically connected area that may be affected by surface disturbances within the PTNM.

The impact indicators used for identifying and disclosing impacts to soil and water resources are acres of disturbance sensitive and fragile soils and slopes over 30 percent grade and proximity of the proposed project to water features. Sensitive soils are those soils that are more vulnerable to soil productivity loss with disturbance. Fragile soils are those that are most vulnerable to degradation processes and tend to be highly susceptible to erosion and can have low capacity to recover after degradation. Fragile soils also contain a low content of organic matter, low stability, and weak soil structure (Web Soil Survey 2020).

The Web Soils Survey (2020) soil mapper tool was used to determine the soil units, and erodibility. The soil erodibility factor was determined using the K-factor provided in the NRCS soil mapping data set. The K factor is the erodibility factor that represents the susceptibility of soil to sheet and rill erosion (USDA 2020). The K-factor values range from 0.02 for the least erodible soils to 0.69 for the most erodible soils. Water resources were determined by reviewing U.S. Geological Survey–mapped National Hydrography Dataset lines intersecting and adjacent to the proposed project area. 3.3.1. Affected Environment

According to the Web Soil Survey (2020a), there are four soil units mapped within the analysis area (Table 3-4). All of the soil units are considered well drained, and none are hydric or prime farmland.

Table 3-4. Soils Within Proposed Analysis Area

Trail Acres in Percent of Soil Slope K Factor Compatibility Analysis Proposed Soil Map Unit Type Gradient (Erodibilit (Dominant Area Project Symbol % y) Condition) Footprint Area

Rock outcrop- RL Not rated* -- -- 7.5 10.0 Lozier association Rock outcrop- RT Not rated** -- -- 61.2 81.2 Torriorthents association Tencee-Upton TE 0.04 (dusty) 9.0 0.10 0.5 0.7 association

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 41 Environmental Assessment Trail Acres in Percent of Soil Slope K Factor Compatibility Analysis Proposed Soil Map Unit Type Gradient (Erodibilit (Dominant Area Project Symbol % y) Condition) Footprint Area

Bluepoint-Caliza- BP 0.84 (too sandy) 10.0 0.15 6.1 8.1 Yturbide complex *The RL secondary soil units (Lozier) is very limited with a slope rating of 1.0 and a dust rating of 0.28. **The RT secondary soil unit (Torriorthents) is very limited with a slope rating of 1.0 and a dust rating of 0.16.

As shown in Table 3-4, the K-factor values within these four soil units may range from 0.02 for the least erodible soils to 0.69 for the most erodible soils within the 75.5-acre analysis area. The K-factor values for soils within the proposed project area range from 0.10 to 0.15, indicating that the erodibility is generally low to moderate. There was no slope K factor data available for the Rock outcrop-Lozier association or the Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association (NRCS 2020a). Using Web Soil Survey (2020), Paths, Trails, and Golf Fairways soil reports were reviewed to determine the soil suitability for the proposed trails. The limiting feature values range from 0.01 to 1.00, with the larger value indicating a greater potential limitation. The soil report also presents the rating class for any given soil including:

• Somewhat limited: Indicates that the soil has features that are moderately favorable for the specified use. The limitations can be overcome or minimized by special planning, design, or installation. Fair performance and moderate maintenance can be expected. • Very limited: Indicates that the soil has one or more features that are unfavorable for the specified use. The limitations generally cannot be overcome without major soil reclamation, special design, or expensive installation procedures. Poor performance and high maintenance can be expected.

The ratings are based on the soil properties that affect trafficability and erodibility. These properties are stoniness, depth to a water table, ponding, flooding, slope, and texture of the surface layer (Web Soil Survey 2020). The Rock outcrop-Lozier association and the Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association did not have a rating associated with the dominant soil, however the secondary soil units contained high limiting factors for slope, and a low limiting factor for dust. The Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association is the primary soil unit found within the proposed project analysis area and occurs throughout the hills located within the PTNM. The Tencee-Upton association has a low dust limiting factor and the Bluepoint-Caliza-Yturbide complex has a high limiting factor for sandy conditions.

Table 3-5 presents slopes within the proposed analysis area for the seven proposed trails. The values represented in Table 3-5 were calculated using GIS analysis that included a 100-foot buffer around each proposed trail (50-foot on each side from trail center). The GIS analysis was conducted using a 10-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model. For the GIS analysis algorithm to function with the 100-foot buffer applied to the trails, some trails that were proximal to edges of steep cliffs were included. Therefore, there were slightly higher percent slope values than the actual representative percent slopes values associated with the proposed trails without the 100-foot buffer. The actual in-field percent slope using the two-foot average width, the field percent slope would be slightly different and possibly lower than the GIS analysis percent slope values. The mean percent slope values range from 3.60% to 21.38% within the 75.5-acre analysis area. The majority of the proposed trails, with the exception of PTNM 11a, have a mean slope percent greater than 10-percent. The two trails that comprise the majority of the proposed project area are PTNM 29 and PTNM 32, with slopes that are a mean percent of 18.86 and 15. 77, respectively.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 42 Environmental Assessment Table 3-5. Slope Within Proposed Analysis Area for Trails

Percent of Percent Slope Acres in Analysis Trails Mean Slope % Proposed Range Area Footprint Project Area

ADA walkway 3.60 1.62-6.84 1.8 2.3 PTNM big waterfall bypass 18.35 12.71-26.02 1.8 2.3

PTNM 02a 18.35 12.71-26.02 0.9 1.0 PTNM 11a 8.20 3.80-15.0 1.5 2.0 PTNM 29 18.86 0.52-44.82 31.2 41.3 PTNM 30 21.38 8.21-37.87 1.8 2.3 PTNM 31 10.51 3.68-14.5 1.5 2.0 PTNM 32 15.77 0.93-30.73 14.1 18.0

The 2015 PTNM RMP prohibits new surface disturbing activities for areas that contain a high potential for soil erosion and stormwater runoff, except for activities required to meet resource goals and objectives, provided that impacts could be fully mitigated. The Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed (HUC 1130301020602) is located within the boundaries of the PTNM. The Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed is approximately 43,802 acres in total.

The 2015 PTNM RMP ensures that surface and groundwater activities achieve New Mexico water quality standards that are consistent with the NMED and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality standards. Any surface disturbance activities within the Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed must be fully mitigated, and non-structural approaches must be used whenever possible (BLM 2015).

The proposed project would operate in accordance with Clean Water Act National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations, which would include the preparation of a SWPPP prior to paving of the Visitor Contact Station parking lot. The purpose of a SWPPP is to identify potential sources of stormwater pollution practices to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges and to outline procedures the operator would implement to comply with the terms and conditions of the NPDES permit (EPA 2020).

The 1978 New Mexico Water Quality Act established the NMED Water Quality Control Commission to “prevent or abate water pollution in the state or in any specific geographic area or watershed of the state […] or for any class of waters” (New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978). The NMED Water Quality Control Commission specifies the standard for water quality from new sources to reduce water contaminants through BMPs, operating methods, or control technology.

3.3.2. Environmental Impacts 3.3.2.1. Impacts of the Proposed Action

The 75.5-acre area of potential disturbance for the Proposed Action, which includes a 100-foot buffer centered on the proposed trails, the Branson trail improvement area, and the proposed footprint for the camping areas and the proposed Visitor Contact station, represents 0.00001% of the Box Canyon-Rio Grande HUC-12 watershed. Within this area, construction of the seven trails, 10 camping areas, 12 kiosks,

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 43 Environmental Assessment and Visitor Contact Station is anticipated to result in approximately 11.4 acres of surface disturbance (0.00002% of the Box Canyon-Rio Grande HUC-12 watershed). Ground disturbance during trail construction would be reduced by following USFS standards, including the exclusive use of hand tools. The 10 proposed camping areas would also be developed using the exclusive use of hand tools.

There are four ephemeral water features that intersect the proposed project area. The soil qualities within the proposed project area, including the K-factor, do not indicate a high potential for erosion or runoff. The trails soil suitability rating class and limit features indicate that proposed trails located within the Rock outcrop-Lozier association and the Rock outcrop-Torriorthents association are very limited by slope for the Lozier and Torriorthents soil units. The Bluepoint-Caliza-Yturbide complex is considered very limited because it is too sandy. These limitations suggest that trails are a relatively unfavorable use and limitations in these areas would require design features and trail installation procedures to reduce impacts to these soil units. The Tencee-Upton association has a “somewhat limited” rating class due to a low dust limiting feature value, which indicated that construction, use and maintenance of the trail may produce fugitive dust. Design features are provided in Section 2.2.2.2, which include the use of the USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook standards and trail design features, BMPs, and grade restrictions for trail development that would help prevent impacts to the soils with a very limiting rating class and high limiting feature values. The trail compatibility, K factor and mean slope percent may help indicate areas that are more vulnerable to erosion. The trials with the highest mean slope percentages, and therefore likely to be more vulnerable to erosion, include PTNM 02a, PTNM 29, PTNM 32 and the Branson Canyon Waterfall Improvement Area. The trail that may require the most erosion mitigation and monitoring would be PTNM 29 as this trail comprises approximately 41.3% of the project area. Erosion minimization and mitigation design features provided in Section 2.2.2.2, which include USFS Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook standards and trail design features, BMPs, and grade restrictions for trail development, would limit the amount of sediment that could run off into the ephemeral drainages within the proposed project area. Point sources from the proposed project would include potential erosion or runoff from paving of the parking lots, or potential erosion from topsoil stockpiles that may be required prior to paving the parking lots. Non-point sources would include any erosional runoff from outside the proposed project area. Point source BMPs would include seeding and mulching of disturbed areas, silt fences, and straw waddles. While there are no anticipated non-point source discharges that would require scheduled monitoring; non-point sources would be managed via SWPPP BMPs to the extent that they may occur during construction of the visitor contact center or paving of the parking lots. The SWPPP may also require total suspended solids and total dissolved solids sampling during the construction associated with paving the parking lots. Any potential stormwater sampling would be done in accordance with NPDES sampling standards and standards outlined in the New Mexico Water Quality Act (New Mexico Statutes Annotated 1978). Additional monitoring requirements and effluent limitations would be determined by the EPA during development of the required SWPPP. Inspections of stormwater discharges would be conducted by the New Mexico Surface Water Quality Bureau on behalf of the EPA (NMED 2020).

Development of the parking lots may require the grading and stockpiling of topsoil, which may result in fugitive dust emissions. Design features to reduce fugitive dust emissions can be found in Section 2.2.2. The use of water for dust suppression during the construction of the visitor contact center and paving of parking lots is not expected to create runoff from the proposed project area due to the implementation of BMPs and design features outlined in Section 2.2.2. Therefore, there are no impacts to surface water quality from the use of water for dust suppression within the proposed project area.

Following construction, there would be a loss of up to 6.7 acres of soils from the development of the Visitor Contact Station facilities and paved parking lots. There would also be impacts to soils from the clearing and maintenance of proposed trails (2.2 acres) and clearing or trampling of primitive camping areas (3.3 acres).

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 44 Environmental Assessment Implementation of Supplemental Rules to prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot is not expected to have any impacts on soil or water resources.

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions within the Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed that may contribute to cumulative soil and water quality effects, particularly from erosion and stormwater runoff, are detailed in Section 3.1. These include soil disturbance from OHV use, mountain biking and hiking, scientific research and other pedestrian uses, and horseback riding on the existing trails within the PTNM. The potential for cumulative impacts to surface waters from these activities may occur during rain events with potential for runoff to the four ephemeral drainages proximal to the project area. Reasonably foreseeable actions with the potential to create ground disturbance include equestrian, mechanized and non- mechanized trail use; primitive camping; and livestock grazing.

Additional past, present and reasonably foreseeable actions within the Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed as a whole include agricultural industries and residential developments that may include ground disturbing activities. The potential for cumulative impacts to surface waters from these activities would occur during rain events with potential for runoff to ephemeral drainages in the Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed. Projects with the potential to create ground disturbance within the Box Canyon-Rio Grande watershed (such as the Proposed Action, as well as the agriculture and housing development infrastructure), are generally regulated by NMED, who upholds the federal CWA regulations, including NPDES. The soil disturbance created from reasonably foreseeable use (including the Proposed Action) would be mitigated using BMPs, design features detailed in Section 3.1, and any additional conditions of approval required from the Authorized Officer. Additionally, projects with the potential to create ground disturbance (such as the Proposed Action) are generally regulated by NMED, who upholds the federal CWA regulations, including NPDES.

3.3.2.2. Impacts of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative would not create new trails or primitive camping areas throughout the PTNM. Visitors interested in accessing the PTNM would use the existing trail system already in place or traverse the arroyo bottom. Dispersed camping would continue. Impacts to soils and waters from visitation would remain at current levels.

3.4. Issue 3: Public Health and Safety

How would the RAMP management actions affect public safety?

The analysis area for examining the impact of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to public safety is the whole area within the boundaries of the PTNM. The impact indicators for public safety include the number and type of facilities that enhance or diminish public safety.

3.4.1. Affected Environment

The PTNM RMP addresses resource management and public uses, including providing recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and use by naturalists (BLM 2015). The current design of the PTNM does not include a connector trail for pedestrians to walk safely in between the main parking lot and the Ridgeline Trail parking lot. There is a lack of proper signage with park rules and turnaround areas in the parking lots, creating some user difficulties and conflicts between various types of vehicles attempting to use the parking lot to park, turn around, load/unload OHVs, or stage groups of OHVs for group rides. Use of the parking lot by recreational vehicles for overnight camping adds to the lack of sufficient parking lots and safe turnaround areas. Currently, there are no restrooms available to the public. In addition, there is a lack of ADA accessible areas available for the public.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 45 Environmental Assessment 3.4.2. Environmental Impacts 3.4.2.1. Impacts of the Proposed Action

The proposed turnarounds and signage within the parking lots, as well as the connector trail, would increase safety for visitors. The development of turnaround areas and signage would reduce user conflicts and clarify parking regulations. The proposed connector trail for pedestrians between the main parking lot and the Ridgeline trailhead would provide a safer route for visitors who use the main parking lot area to access the Ridgeline Trail. By creating a connector trail between the parking lots, there would be a reduction in potential pedestrian-vehicular incidents.

The Proposed Action includes the addition of a double-vault restroom at the new Visitor Contact Station and a single-vault restroom at the Ridgeline Trail parking lot. By providing restrooms for the public, the potential for improper disposal of human waste would be reduced. The proposed restrooms would also help to strengthen the land use ethics and technique programs of “Leave No Trace” and “Tread Lightly.”

Implementation of Supplemental Rules to prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot would also enhance public safety through eliminating recreational vehicles in the parking lot, which have difficulty in entering and turning around and which restrict access for other vehicles. The elimination of overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot may also reduce the potential for trash accumulation or other misuse of public restrooms.

Development of 10 camping areas sites with fire rings, if used, would allow the BLM to control where campfires occur, potentially lowering the risk of fire danger within the PTNM. The development of seven additional mechanized trails is not expected to result in changes to human health and safety but has potential for spreading out mechanized trail users across a greater number of trails, thus reducing potential for collisions. The proposed improvements to the Branson Canyon/Patzcuaro’s Revenge trail would resolve safety issues by introducing a safer alternative route for pedestrian trail users that bypasses the waterfall in Branson Canyon, thereby enhancing the ability of this trail to be used safely for pedestrians who may not be able to access the more advanced trail systems within the PTNM. The addition of the resource interpretation area at the new Visitor Contact Station creates an environment for those visitors requiring ADA accessibility to experience the park. By providing an area at the proposed visitor contract station with educational kiosks regarding the resources within the PTNM, visitors would have the opportunity to gain information without using the trail sections. The BLM and its contractor would comply with all applicable safety requirements, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations and established protocols for emergency preparedness and response.

The Proposed Action, together with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, would cumulatively contribute to increasing the recreational access and safety of the trails and allow for a variety of recreational activities within PTNM, as PTNM recreation management is further enhanced through upcoming planning efforts.

3.4.2.2. Impacts of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative would not increase safety for PTNM visitors. The main parking lot would not be improved, and visitors would continue walking on the road between the main parking lot and the Ridgeline trailhead. Parking lot user conflicts would continue to occur. There would be no restroom for visitors or ADA-accessible recreational areas. The existing conditions on the Branson Canyon/Patzcuaro’s Revenge trail would continue to limit the range of users with the ability to access the trails safely.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 46 Environmental Assessment 3.5. Issue 4: Recreational Activities and Opportunities and Trails and Travel Management

How would the proposed action affect recreational activities and opportunities and trails and travel management?

The analysis area used to assess direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to recreation and travel management is the entirety of the PTNM. This is because the area represents an area of continuous management by the BLM to meet goals for recreational opportunities and travel management. The impact indicators to assess impacts to recreation activities and opportunities and travel management are changes in the number and type of trails and other recreational activities, as well as the quality of the recreational experience within the PTNM. 3.5.1. Affected Environment

The PTNM RMP addresses resource management and public uses, including providing recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and use by naturalists (BLM 2015). The current condition of PTNM contains approximately 37.9 miles of designated primitive roads and trails accessible to the public. Approximately 23.4 miles of these trails are available for motorized, mechanized, and pedestrian/equestrian use; 5.8 miles of the trails are available for mechanized and pedestrian/equestrian use; and the remaining 8.7 miles are available for pedestrian/equestrian use only (BLM 2015, Appendix D). There are no designated areas for primitive camping; however, some overnight camping does occur in the parking lots. Currently, there is no Visitor Contact Station or educational kiosks available for visitors.

3.5.2. Environmental Impacts 3.5.2.1. Impacts of the Proposed Action

The Proposed Action would improve the recreational experience for visitors by providing additional opportunities for mechanized, pedestrian, and equestrian use within the PTNM.

The new visitor information centers (visitor contact station, information kiosks), seven new and improved trails, and 10 primitive camping areas would create a broader recreational experience for visitors. The proposed Visitor Contact Station would create a new educational interpretive experience for visitors and allow visitation during lightly inclement weather. The Visitor Contact Station would also increase the accessibility to visitors who may not be capable of using the trail systems. In addition, the information kiosks along the trails would provide a supplementary educational opportunity while also clearly stating park rules that would help preserve the resources.

The seven new trail segments would increase the recreational opportunity for users by proposing an additional 5.43 miles of trails (a 14% increase in the 37.9-mile PTNM CTTM travel and transportation network). The development of 5.35 miles of trails for mechanized use (0.12 mile for mechanized use only and 5.23 miles for both mechanized and pedestrian/equestrian use) would represent a 92% increase over the 5.8 miles of trail that are currently available for mechanized use, therefore providing a much broader range of mechanized recreation opportunities within the PTNM. New trails may also help to disperse or separate mechanized and pedestrian/equestrian visitors throughout the trail systems, decreasing traffic or user conflicts on the trails.

The 10 primitive camping areas would provide a designated primitive camping area for users to stay overnight in the PTNM where none currently exists, while protecting the paleontological and cultural resources within the boundaries of the park. The improvements to recreation opportunity would be consistent with the PTNM’s management directives for recreation and visitor services (BLM 2015: PTNM

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 47 Environmental Assessment RMP-22). The development of primitive camping areas would have the potential to provide less privacy for campers who choose to use the sites; however, dispersed camping outside of the primitive camping areas would still be permitted throughout the PTNM, and development of 10 separate camping areas would provide for enough primitive campsites to allow visitors to scatter between camping areas as needed.

Implementation of Supplemental Rules to prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot would eliminate user conflicts at the station whereby some users are excluded from the parking lot by large campers, and would promote a recreational and interpretive experience at the Visitor Contact Station that is consistent with PTNM recreation goals related to the enjoyment, appreciation, and protection of the fossil resources and their geologic context. However, the prohibition of overnight camping Visitor Contact Station parking lot would also limit the ability of visitors driving recreational vehicles or low clearance vehicles to camp overnight in the PTNM because they would be unlikely to be able to safely drive to areas within the PTNM where dispersed camping is allowed. The BLM would revise online or published information about the PTNM camping opportunities to clarify usage and other camping options so that potential campers could plan their trip accordingly. Camping would be still responsibly accommodated in the PTNM, and camping experiences in general would be improved within the PTNM while also protecting the values of the PTNM.

Together with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, the Proposed Action would cumulatively contribute to increasing the recreational access through trail development and allow for a variety of recreational activities within the PTNM.

3.5.2.2. Impacts of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative would not improve recreational opportunities for users or change travel management within the PTNM. Visitors interested in having an educational experience would be limited to the current conditions of the PTNM. Dispersed camping would continue in areas that may pose a threat to PTNM resources. Camping within the Visitor Contact Station parking lot and resultant user conflicts in this area would continue. Recreation would be limited to range of users with the ability to access the existing trail system and recreational opportunities. There would be no additions to the PTNM CTTM.

3.6. Issue 5: Cultural Resources and Native American Tribal or Religious Concerns How would surface disturbance associated with the proposed action impact cultural resources and Native American Tribal or Religious concerns?

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions that may contribute to impacts known cultural resources or identified tribal concerns within the PTNM are detailed in Section 3.1. These include OHV use, mountain biking and hiking, scientific research and other pedestrian uses, and horseback riding on the existing trails within the PTNM. The potential for cumulative impacts to cultural resources from these activities would occur throughout the year. The potential acres of surface disturbance in proximity to known cultural resources created from reasonably foreseeable use, including equestrian, mechanized and non-mechanized trail use, and primitive camping. Livestock grazing may have a cumulative impact on cultural resources by trampling over or exposing cultural resources.

The analysis area for examining direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts to cultural resources and Native American Tribal or Religious concerns is the proposed trails, the Branson Canyon trail improvement area, the proposed footprint for the camping areas, and the proposed visitor contact station. This analysis area was chosen because it includes all potential areas in which surface disturbance would occur that could directly or indirectly affect these resources. The disturbance footprint of all proposed actions that are linear in nature, such as the trails, were analyzed in addition to a 50 foot buffer on each side of the line. The

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 48 Environmental Assessment disturbance footprint of all non-linear proposed actions, such as camping area foot prints and the visitor contact, were analyzed in addition to a 100 foot buffer.

The impact indicator for identifying and quantifying potential impacts to cultural resources or Native American Tribal or Religious concerns is the acres of surface disturbance in proximity to known sites or identified tribal concerns.

3.6.1. Affected Environment

During the past 25 years, archaeological research required by federal and state legislation has provided extensive information on the past use of southwestern New Mexico, from the Paleoindian period through the present Euro-American era. Numerous archaeological survey and excavation projects, many on BLM- administered land, have provided a picture of the prehistoric and historical occupation. Extensive areas of private land on the Mimbres and Gila drainages have also been the subject of academic study, much of which is summarized in archaeological overviews (LeBlanc and Whalen 1980; Lekson 1992; Stuart and Gauthier 1996).

The affected environment contains evidence of both prehistoric Native American and historic Euro- American use and occupation of the region. Historical period use of the area is dominated by sites relating to mining activities and refuse disposal. Prehistoric use of the area is represented by short-term task specific sites.

3.6.2. Environmental Impacts 3.6.2.1. Impacts of the Proposed Action

Cultural resources on public lands are protected by federal law and regulations (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, Archaeological Resource Protection Act etc.). Class III cultural surveys are conducted of the proposed project’s area of potential effect prior to the approval of any ground disturbing activities. This is done in order to identify any cultural resources eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Cultural resource inventories minimize impacts to NRHP eligible cultural sites and artifacts by avoiding or mitigating these resources prior to construction of the proposed project.

Several cultural resources were identified during surveys conducted by the PTNM archaeologist in the summer of 2020, and the proposed project was routed to avoid all known potentially eligible cultural resources. A Class III cultural resource survey was conducted within the proposed Visitor Contact Station and Ridgeline trail parking lots in August 2019. There were no cultural resources observed (New Mexico Cultural Resource Information System Report No. 143830 [Weldy 2019]); the report is on file with the BLM LCDO. A pedestrian Class III cultural resources survey was conducted by the BLM archaeologist in June–July 2020 for the proposed campsite locations and the visitor contact station area (New Mexico Cultural Resource Information System Report No. 146114 [Leitermann 2020]). An additional pedestrian Class III cultural resources survey was conducted by the BLM archaeologist in July–August 2020 for the proposed trail locations (New Mexico Cultural Resource Information System Report No. 146725 [Leitermann 2020]). During the surveys conducted by the PTNM archaeologist, there were five sites observed in proximity to the proposed project area. These sites, along with their eligibility and management recommendations, are summarized in Table 3-6.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 49 Environmental Assessment Table 3-6. Cultural Resources in Proximity to the Proposed Analysis Area Site NRHP Description Potential Impacts Management Number Eligibility Recommendation

LA 53794 Ineligible Unknown Aboriginal (9500 The site will be impacted by Cultural resources that are B.C.–A.D. 1880) low PTNM Trail 31. Any new ineligible for inclusion in the density lithic scatter. Site is surface disturbance within NRHP are not protected not mostly destroyed from a the site’s boundaries would preserved from potential adverse previous undertaking. further displace the site’s effects stemming from artifacts. management approved undertakings.

LA 197077 Ineligible Unknown Aboriginal 9500 None, campsite in proximity Cultural resources that are B.C.–A.D. 1880) low to the site has been removed ineligible for inclusion in the density lithic scatter. from consideration in this NRHP are not protected not EA. preserved from potential adverse effects stemming from management approved undertakings.

LA 197078 Eligible Unknown Aboriginal 9500 None, PTNM trail 33a will Existing surface disturbance in B.C.–A.D. 1880) lithic avoid the site by 29ft. Site is proximity to the site from a user procurement locality. very inconspicuous to the created campground should be casual observer and is revegetated or mitigated in some unlikely to suffer fashion in order to discourage cumulative impacts related additional user created to trail use. cumulative impacts to the site.

LA 197606 Ineligible Historic Hispanic/Anglo None, PTNM trail 29b in Cultural resources that are (1900s) single episode proximity to the site will ineligible for inclusion in the trash dump. use the existing two track NRHP are not protected not footprint thereby not preserved from potential adverse creating any new surface effects stemming from disturbance with the site’s management approved boundaries. undertakings.

LA 197607 Ineligible Unknown Aboriginal (9500 None, PTNM trail 33b in Cultural resources that are B.C.–A.D. 1880) low proximity to the site will ineligible for inclusion in the density lithic scatter. use the existing ATV trail NRHP are not protected not footprint thereby not preserved from potential adverse creating any new surface effects stemming from disturbance with the site’s management approved boundaries. undertakings.

All surface disturbance activities, such as the proposed trails, camping area and visitor center development, and trail kiosk construction, have inherent potential to impact cultural resources. Design features specific to the unanticipated discoveries protocol would be implemented (see Section 2.2.2). The implementation of Supplemental Rules to prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot would not have any impacts on cultural resources or Native American Tribal or Religious concerns. Therefore, no impacts to eligible cultural resources are anticipated to occur from the proposed project.

No Native American Tribal or Religious concerns were identified by the BLM. The BLM conducts Native American consultation regarding Traditional Cultural Properties and Sacred Sites during land-use planning and its associated environmental impact review. Regarding Traditional Cultural Properties, the BLM has very little knowledge of tribal sacred or traditional use sites, and these sites may not be apparent to archaeologists performing surveys in advance of development. As all impacts to eligible historic properties

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 50 Environmental Assessment have been avoided, therefore, there are no expected impacts to Native American Tribal or Religious concerns anticipated to occur from the proposed project.

3.6.2.2. Impacts of the No Action Alternative

The No Action Alternative would not add additional trails, primitive camping areas, or the development of a visitor contact station. Visitors interested in accessing the PTNM would have the choice of the existing trail system already in place. Impacts to cultural resources from these uses would remain at current levels.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 51 Environmental Assessment CHAPTER 4. LIST OF PREPARERS This EA has been prepared on behalf of the BLM by SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA), a third- party consultant, to comply with the requirements and guidelines prescribed by the BLM. Table 4-1 contains a list of individuals that contributed to or reviewed this EA.

Table 4-1. List of EA Preparers

Name Area of Expertise Organization Mara Weisenberger Monument Manager BLM LCDO Edna Flores Outdoor Recreation Planner BLM LCDO Garrett Leitermann Archaeologist BLM LCDO Colin Dunn Paleontologist/Geologist BLM LCDO Jesarey Barela Natural Resource Specialist BLM LCDO Patrick Alexander Botanist BLM LCDO Evelyn Treiman Outdoor Recreation Planner – WSA, LWC Specialist BLM LCDO Corey Durr Water Resources BLM LCDO Gordon Michaud Soil Scientist BLM LCDO Steven Torrez Planning & Environmental Coordinator BLM LCDO Janet Guinn NEPA Lead and Project Manager SWCA Alex Simons NEPA Specialist SWCA Andrea McArdle NEPA Writer SWCA

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———. 2015. Prehistoric Trackways National Monument: Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. Available at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/plans-in- development/new-mexico. Accessed August 2020.

———. 2016. Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-124: Potential Fossil Yield Classification System.

———. 2018. Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Annual Manager’s Report– Fiscal Year 2018.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 53 Environmental Assessment ———. 2020. Information Bulletin IB-2020-003: Information on Secretary’s Order 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes (SO 3376). Available at: https://www.blm.gov/policy/ib-2020-003. Accessed September 2020.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office. 2014. State Protocol between the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico State Historic Preservation Office regarding the manner in which BLM will meet its responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act in New Mexico. Available at: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/NM%20BLM- SHPO%20Protocol%20Agmt_Signed_12-17-2014%20%281%29.pdf. Accessed September 7, 2020.

Cary, S.J., and L.S. DeLay. 2016. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in New Mexico and a Proposed Framework for Its Conservation. Natural Resources Institute.

Fitch, H.S. 1992. Methods of sampling snake populations and their relative success. Herpetological Review 23:17–19.

Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, M.M. McGraw, G.Z. Jacobi, C.M. Canavan, T.S. Schrader, D. Mercer, R. Hill, and B.C. Moran. 2006. Ecoregions of New Mexico (two-sided color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, and photographs). Scale 1:1,400,000. Reston, Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey.

Hubbard, J.P. 1978. Revised Checklist of the Birds of New Mexico. New Mexico Ornithological Society Publication No. 6.

LeBlanc, S.A., and M.E. Whalen. 1980. An Archaeological Synthesis of South-central and Southwestern New Mexico. University of New Mexico, Office of Contract Archaeology, Albuquerque.

Leitermann, G. 2020. A Class III Inventory for Proposed Campsites and Other Recreational Improvements for Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Doña Ana County, New Mexico. BLM Cultural Resources Report No. 030-20-091.

———. 2020. A Class III Inventory for Proposed Trails in Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Doña Ana County, New Mexico. BLM Cultural Resources Report No. 030-20-095.

Lekson, S.H. 1992. Archaeological Overview of Southwestern New Mexico. Human Systems Research Inc., Tularosa, New Mexico.

Lucas, S.G., O.J. Anderson, A.B. Heckert, and A.P. Hunt. 1995. Geology of early Permian tracksites, Robledo Mountains, south-central New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin 6:13–32.

Lucas, S.G., Krainer, K., Nelson, J., and Elrick, S., Geology of Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Doña Ana County, New Mexico, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Bulletin 59, p 97-114.

New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). 2020. Surface Water Quality. Available at: https://www.env.nm.gov/surface-water-quality/npdes-permits/. Accessed September 2020.

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Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 54 Environmental Assessment Rosen, P.C., S.S. Sartorius, C.R. Schwalbe, P.A. Holm, and C.H. Lowe. 1996. The Future of Arid Grasslands: Identifying Issues, Seeking Solutions; Herpetology of the Sulphur Springs Valley, Cochise County Arizona. Available at: https://books.google.com/ books?hl=en&lr=&id=EMFRPCJJajcC. Accessed September 2020.

Seager, W.R., F.E. Kottlowski, and J.W. Hawley. 2008. “Geologic map of the Robledo Mountains and vicinity, Dona Ana County, New Mexico”. New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Open-File Report, 509, scale 1:24,000.

Stuart, D.E., and R.P. Gauthier. 1996. Prehistoric New Mexico: Background for Survey. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque.

Sublette, J.E., M.D. Hatch, and M. Sublette. 1990. The Fishes of New Mexico. University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1991. Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States: Natural History and Habitat Use. Forest Service Agricultural Handbook 688. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

———. 2007. Trail and Construction and Maintenance Notebook. Available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/t- d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm07232806/toc.htm. Accessed September 2020.

———. 2020. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Web Soil Survey. K Factor Whole Soil- Dona Ana County Area, New Mexico. Accessed September 2020.

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Weldy, M. 2019. Cultural Resources Survey of the Ridgeline Trail and Two New Recreation Sites for the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan, Doña Ana County, New Mexico. SWCA Cultural Resources Report No. 19-502. Prepared for Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office. Prepared on behalf of BLM Las Cruces District Office, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Albuquerque, New Mexico: SWCA Environmental Consultants.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan 55 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX A. SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES LISTED FOR DOÑA ANA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO

Table A-1. Special-Status Species Listed for Doña Ana County, New Mexico

Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Plants Alamo beardtongue BLM Sensitive This species grows in sheltered rocky areas, canyon sides and Although the project area is within this (Penstemon alamosensis) bottoms, especially limestone substrates from 4,300 to species’ elevation range, it is unlikely to 5,300 feet above mean sea level (amsl). occur in the project area due to lack of sheltered habitat. Mescalero milkwort NM E This species grows in the Crevices of sandy limestone cliffs in Unlikely to occur in the project area due to a (Polygala rimulicola var. montane scrub from 5,700 to6,300 feet amsl. lack of sandy limestone cliffs. In addition, mescalerorum) the highest elevation is 4,561 feet amsl. Night-blooming cereus BLM Sensitive This cactus is usually found in gravelly or cobbly soils on May occur in the project area due to the (Peniocereus greggii var. NM E bajadas, less often in desert flats or in low hills. In New presence of marginally suitable habitat and greggii) Mexico, it is found from 3,935 to 4,920 feet amsl. Usually because the project area is within the grows within the canopies of shrubs, including creosote bush elevation range of this species. In addition, (Larrea tridentata), honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), there are known locations within the PTNM. tarbush (Flourensia cernua), and mariola (Parthenium However, the proposed project occurs incanum). outside of the known locations, and there were no observations during the 2020 BLM biological reconnaissance surveys. Therefore, the proposed project is not likely to impact this species. Pre-construction special-status species surveys would occur prior to any ground-disturbing activity. Nodding cliff daisy BLM Sensitive This species is endemic to igneous cliffs of the Organ Unlikely to occur in the project area. This (Perityle cernua) Mountains primarily on rhyolite and andesite substrates from species is endemic to the Organ Mountains, 5,000 to 8,800 feet amsl. and there are no cliffs of rhyolite or andesite in the project area. Organ Mountains BLM Sensitive Grows on montane slopes and in rocky canyons, in piñon Unlikely to occur in the project area because paintbrush (Pinus edulis)-juniper (Juniperus sp.) woodland or lower there are no montane slopes or rocky (Castilleja organorum) montane coniferous forest; elevation 6,300 to 8,400 feet amsl. canyons above 6,300 feet amsl and no Endemic to the Organ Mountains. piñon-juniper woodland or montane coniferous forest.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-1 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Organ Mountains BLM Sensitive Grows in piñon (Pinus edulis)-juniper (Juniperus sp.), open Unlikely to occur in the project area due to pincushion cactus NM E oak (Quercus sp.), and Chihuahuan desertscrub in areas of lack of piñon-juniper and open oak (Escobaria organensis) exposed bedrock, either andesite, quartz monzonite, or rhyolite, vegetation communities. Chihuahuan within the Organ Mountains from 4,400 to 8,530 feet amsl. desertscrub is present in the project area, but there are no areas of exposed andesite, quartz monzonite, or rhyolite. Additionally, this project location is outside the known distribution of this species. Organ Mountains BLM Sensitive This species occurs in sandy and gravelly soils derived from Unlikely to occur in the project area because scaleseed quartz monzonite at elevations of 4,600 to5,400 feet amsl. neither the soils nor the plant communities (Spermolepis organensis) Most observations are from shrub savanna dominated by where this plant has been seen occur in the Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) and honey project area. mesquite; one is from the edge of Madrean chaparral. Pringle’s Giant Hyssop BLM Sensitive Endemic to the Organ Mountains of southern New Mexico. Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Agastache pringlei var. Grows within humus-covered igneous talus and boulders at lack of pine, fir, and oak woodlands. verticillata) protected bases of steep cliffs. Grows in woodlands of Douglas In addition, the project is outside the known fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), distribution of this species and at a much and Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) ranging from 5,900 to lower elevation. 7,500 feet amsl. Sand pricklypear BLM Sensitive Grows in sandy areas, especially semi-stabilized sand dunes Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Opuntia arenaria) NM E within sparsely vegetated, honey mesquite–dominated lack of sandy soils or dunes. Chihuahuan desertscrub from 3,800 to 4,300 feet amsl. Scheer’s beehive cactus BLM Sensitive Typically associated with gravelly or silty soil in desert Suitable habitat for Coryphantha (Coryphantha NM E grassland and Chihuahuan desertscrub communities. May also robustispina exists in the project area, but robustispina var. scheeri) be found on rocky benches or bajadas on limestone or gypsum the nearest populations of variety scheeri are soils; the elevation range of this cactus is 2,600 to 4,900 feet ca. 100 miles east-southeast; plants in Doña amsl. Ana County are variety uncinata (Baker and Butterworth 2013). Coryphantha robustispina var. uncinata is neither rare nor legally protected.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-2 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Smooth figwort BLM Sensitive This species occurs in moist canyons of quartz monzonite in Unlikely to occur within the project area due (Scrophularia laevis) piñon-juniper woodland and montane coniferous forest. to lack of quartz monzonite and piñon- The elevation range of this species is 6,900 to8,500 feet amsl. juniper or other coniferous woodlands. In addition, the maximum elevation of the project area is 4,561 feet amsl. Sneed pincushion cactus USFWS E This cactus is restricted to cliffs and ledges of exposed Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Escobaria sneedii var. NM E dolomite in Chihuahuan desertscrub dominated by creosote the absence of dolomite. sneedii) bush, Torrey’s yucca (Yucca treculeana), grama grasses (Bouteloua spp.), common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), and lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla). Sneed’s pincushion grows at elevations from 3,900 to 7,700 feet amsl. This variety is known to occur in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, and El Paso County, Texas. Villard’s pincushion BLM Sensitive Grows in loamy soils of desert grasslands within Chihuahuan Unlikely to occur in the project area because cactus NM E desertscrub located along limestone benches within the the project is not located in the known (Escobaria villardii) Sacramento Mountains from 4,500 to 6,500 feet amsl. distribution area. The project area is located outside the Sacramento Mountains. Wind mountain rock- BLM Sensitive This species is found on rocky slopes of varying geology that Unlikely to occur based on habitat. Portions cress includes syenite, limestone, or basaltic scoria, primarily in the of the project area are somewhat similar to (Boechera zephyra) upper margins of Chihuahuan desertscrub. On occasion, this this species’ habitat, but the project area is species has been observed within juniper savanna or oak- at its lower elevation extreme. At that juniper woodland. It has been found at elevations from 4,400 to extreme, this species is only found on north- 6,050 feet amsl. or northwest-facing limestone cliffs, which are not present in the project area. Further, no Boechera have ever been reported in the Robledo Mountains, including during general reconnaissance in the range by BLM botanist, P.J. Alexander. Invertebrates Anthony blister beetle BLM Sensitive Inhabits low-elevation deserts, where it is restricted to sand Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Lytta mirifica) dunes near Anthony, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas lack of sand dunes, and the project is not (BugGuide 2016). located in the known distribution area.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-3 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Doña Ana talussnail BLM Sensitive Inhabits areas with sparse cover dominated by oaks and xeric- Could occur in the project area due to (Sonorella todseni) NM T adapted shrubs growing within igneous talus along north- presence of igneous talus. facing mountain slopes. Lynche’s tadpole shrimp BLM Sensitive Inhabits large, alkaline, turbid, cold temporary pools and Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Lepidurus lemmoni) playas. lack of alkaline pools and playas, and perennial waterbodies. Monarch butterfly BLM Sensitive Occurs in migratory populations that complete an annual Unlikely to occur in the proposed project (Danaus plexippus round-trip migration across North America, including New area due to the lack of milkweed and plexippus) Mexico, from April through October. This species breeds in the abundant flowering plants. northern portions of its range and overwinters in the Mexican highlands or along the Pacific coast. This obligate species’ habitat for reproduction includes milkweed plant species (Asclepias sp.) since milkweed is required for egg laying and caterpillar development (Cary and DeLay 2016). This species is also dependent on habitat with diverse and abundant flowering plants as a food source. Moore’s fairy shrimp BLM Sensitive Inhabits human-made ephemeral catchments, such as stock Unlikely to occur due to lack of human- (Streptocephalus moorei) tanks and road drainages. made ephemeral catchments. Sublette’s fairy shrimp BLM Sensitive Inhabits saline playas that fill during fall rains and dry during Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Phallocryptus summer months. lack of playas. [Branchinella] sublettei) Birds Arizona grasshopper BLM Sensitive Migratory species occurring in New Mexico during the Unlikely to occur in the project area due to sparrow breeding season, where it occurs in Chihuahuan desert lack of dense grasslands. (Ammodramus grasslands, specifically short, dense grasslands dominated by savannarum ammolegus) blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Baird's sparrow NM T This species is a winter resident in New Mexico. It has been Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Ammodramus bairdii) BLM Sensitive found on Otero Mesa and in the Animas Valley and may occur lack of dense, extensive grasslands. in other areas of suitable winter habitat, particularly in the In addition, livestock grazing is present in southeastern portion of state. Generally prefers dense, the project area. extensive grasslands with few shrubs. Avoids heavily grazed areas.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-4 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Bald eagle NM T Occurs in New Mexico year-round. Breeding is restricted to a Although the Rio Grande is located in (Haliaeetus BLM Sensitive few areas mainly in the northern part of the state along or near Las Cruces (0.6 mile east of the project leucocephalus alascanus) lakes. In migration and during winter months, the species is area), bald eagles would be unlikely to occur found chiefly along or near rivers and streams and in in the project area due to lack of grasslands grasslands associated with large prairie dog (Cynomys sp.) and prairie dog colonies. In addition, the colonies. Typically perches in trees. proposed project area is not located in the known distribution area for breeding/nesting. Bell’s vireo NM T In New Mexico, Bell’s vireo occurs in the southern third of the Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Vireo bellii) BLM Sensitive state during the breeding season. In New Mexico this species lack of riparian habitat, specifically willow- characteristically occurs in dense shrubland or woodland along mesquite-seepwillow habitat along lowland lowland stream courses, with willows (Salix sp.), mesquite, and stream courses. seepwillows (Baccharis glutinosa). Its distribution during breeding is typically limited to riparian habitats. Bendire’s thrasher BLM Sensitive Occurs in New Mexico during the breeding season. In southern Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Toxostoma bendirei) New Mexico, breeding habitat consists of degraded desert lack of degraded desert shrub/grass habitat. grasslands and desert shrubland with xerophytic shrubs and little grass. Botteri’s sparrow BLM Sensitive This species inhabits desert grasslands and coastal prairies. Unlikely to occur within the project area due (Aimophila botterii) It favors drier grassland areas composed of tall grasses and to lack of continuous and substantial desert scattered taller shrubs. This species avoids true desert grasslands. In addition, livestock grazing is environments and heavily grazed areas. present in the project area. Broad-billed NM T Occurs in riparian habitat or dense mesquite in canyons in Unlikely to occur in the project area due to hummingbird southwestern New Mexico. Found in Guadalupe Canyon in lack of riparian habitat or dense mesquite in (Cynanthus latirostris) Hidalgo County and rarely found in the Peloncillo Mountains. canyons. In addition, the project area is not located in the known distribution area. Brown pelican NM E Occurs usually in marine habitats and feeds almost exclusively Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Pelecanus occidentalis) on fish. Associated with perennial water. lack of marine or perennial waterbodies. Buff-collared nightjar NM E Migratory species occurring in North America during the Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Antrostomus ridgwayi) breeding season, where it occurs in second-growth woodlands, lack of woodlands, forests, and rocky deciduous forests, along hillsides with scattered trees, and slopes. In addition, the project area is not along rocky slopes in Hidalgo County. located in the known distribution area.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-5 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Chestnut-collared BLM Sensitive Chestnut-collared longspurs migrate and winter in the east, Unlikely to occur within the proposed longspur westward locally to the vicinity of the Rio Grande valley, project area due to the lack of open (Calcarius ornatus) and occasionally farther in the southwest, and are considered grassland habitat and fourwing saltbush uncommon to abundant. They are most numerous in the vegetation habitat. southernmost area and are regular in the Mogollon Plateau (Hubbard 1978). Chestnut-collared longspurs were often seen within, or in association with, open grassland habitats. Those sites that were used most often were dominated by desert saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), with occasional clumps of fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) interspersed. Adjacent sites having an even greater shrub component were also occasionally used (Baltosser 1991). Common blackhawk NM T Occurs in New Mexico almost exclusively during the breeding Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Buteogallus anthracinus) season and in migration. Breeding populations known chiefly lack of cottonwood gallery forests. from the Gila River valley in the southwestern portion of the state and from along the Mimbres River and the Rio Hondo watershed. Strongly tied to cottonwood (Populus sp.) gallery forests. Common ground-dove NM E Associated with shrubby riparian habitat or riparian woodland Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Columbina passerina) edges. Also occurs in desert scrub dominated by mesquite and lack of riparian and mesquite-pricklypear– pricklypear (Opuntia sp.). Feeds exclusively on the ground, in dominated habitat. sparsely vegetated areas. Costa’s hummingbird NM T In New Mexico, this species is an uncommon, sporadic breeder Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Calypte costae) where it occurs in Guadalupe Canyon in Hidalgo County, side lack of transition community located canyons of the Gila River, and San Andres Mountains. between riparian and desert shrub vegetation Breeding habitat consists of the interface between riparian and communities. In addition, the project is not desert shrub vegetation along washes, canyons and rocky located in the known distribution area. slopes within Chihuahuan desert shrub and foothill/montane shrub habitats. Gray vireo NM T Strongly associated with piñon-juniper and scrub oak habitats Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Vireo vicinior) located along gently sloped canyons, rock outcrops, and ridge lack of piñon-juniper and scrub oak habitats. tops. Distributed mainly across the western two-thirds of the state.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-6 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Least tern USFWS E Migratory species occurring in North America during the Although the Rio Grande is located in (Sterna antillarum) NM E breeding season, when it is associated with water (e.g., lakes, Las Cruces (0.6 mile east of the project reservoirs, rivers). In New Mexico, breeding is restricted to the area), least terns would be unlikely to occur Rio Grande and Pecos River systems from May through in the project area due to lack of perennial August. It is known to breed primarily at Bitter Lake National waters. Wildlife Refuge in Chaves County and Brantley Lake in Eddy County. McCown’s longspur BLM Sensitive In New Mexico, McCown’s longspurs migrate in the northeast Unlikely to occur within the proposed (Calcarius mccownii) and winter in the southeast and extreme southwest and are project area due to the lack of dense considered rare to uncommon and local (Hubbard 1978). vegetation and suitable habitat. Found in Sonoran desertscrub, Chihuahuan desertscrub, annual grassland, farms, and mountain and alpine meadows. Open to dense vegetation of shrubs, low trees, and succulents, dominated by paloverde (Cercidium microphyllum), pricklypear, and giant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) (USDA 1991). Mexican BLM Sensitive Whip-poor-wills summer in the mountains of the south Unlikely to occur within the proposed whip-poor-will (Mogollon and Sacramento highlands southward), north to the project area as it occurs outside of the (Antrostomus arizonae) Manzano Mountains and are considered rare to fairly common. species’ known range and does not contain They are found in the Manzano, Gallinas, and White cottonwood or riparian stream habitat. Mountains. Their northern summer limits appear to be the San Francisco, Datil, Magdalena, Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Sandia Mountains (Hubbard 1978). Occurs in desert riparian deciduous woodland and marsh. Found in woodlands, especially of cottonwoods, that occur where desert streams provide sufficient moisture for a narrow band of trees and shrubs along the margins (USDA 1991). This species has not been verified in the CFO planning area. Neotropic cormorant NM T Associated with wetlands. Key requirements include areas of Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Phalacrocorax deep water for diving and elevated perches in trees, shrubs, and lack of wetlands and perennial waters. brasilianus) other structures for nesting, roosting, and drying plumage after feeding.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-7 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Northern aplomado falcon USFWS EXPE, XE In New Mexico, this species is associated with Chihuahuan Unlikely to occur due to the lack of (Falco femoralis NM E desert grasslands with widely spaced scattered shrubs/trees, Chihuahuan desert grasslands preferred by septentrionalis) such as tall yuccas and mesquite. In New Mexico, this species this species. In addition, the project is not was known to occur in Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, located in the known distribution area for Otero, and Socorro Counties; however, nesting aplomado breeding/nesting. falcons are only known in Luna County. Painted bunting BLM Sensitive Occurs in New Mexico during the breeding season. In New Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Passerina ciris) Mexico, breeding habitat consists of riparian areas and lack of riparian habitat within or adjacent to surrounding desert shrub habitats. the project shrub habitat. Peregrine falcon NM T Found in New Mexico year-round. All nests in New Mexico Although the Rio Grande is located in (Falco peregrinus; are found on cliffs. In migration and during winter months, Las Cruces (0.6 mile west of the project F. p. tundrius) New Mexico’s peregrine falcons are typically associated with area), peregrine falcons would be unlikely to water and large wetlands. occur in the project area due to lack of larger wetlands and perennial waters. In addition, no cliffs are present within or immediately adjacent to the project area for nesting. Piñon jay BLM Sensitive Predominantly associated with the piñon-juniper woodland Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Gymnorhinus vegetation community, especially piñon pine. May occur in lack of piñon-juniper woodland, ponderosa cyanocephalus) areas with ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), sagebrush pine, sagebrush, and chaparral vegetation. (Artemisia sp.), and chaparral vegetation. Breeding sites consist of dense, mature stands on piñon-juniper woodlands. Southwestern willow USFWS E In New Mexico, this species is known to breed only along the Although the Rio Grande is located in flycatcher NM E Gila River and Rio Grande in native, mixed native, and non- Las Cruces (0.6 mile west of the project (Empidonax traillii native stands of dense riparian tree and shrub habitat in area), southwestern willow flycatchers extimus) proximity to standing water. In migration, may be associated would be unlikely to occur in the project with willows along ditches, cottonwood woodlands, and area due to lack of riparian habitat. saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) stands. Sprague’s pipit BLM Sensitive Occurs in New Mexico only as a sporadic winter resident. Unlikely to occur in project area due to lack (Anthus spragueii) Its distribution in the state is not well known but includes the of desert grasslands. lower Pecos River valley, Otero Mesa, and the Animas Valley. It is associated with desert grasslands in the southern part of the state. Species as a whole prefers dry, open grasslands.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-8 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Varied bunting NM T In New Mexico, this species occurs during the breeding season Unlikely to occur in project area due to lack (Passerina versicolor) in in Guadalupe Canyon in Hidalgo County, with sporadic of canyon and riparian habitat. occurrences in Doña Ana County and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Breeding habitat consists of brushy desert canyons along washes and riparian edges. Varied buntings avoid residential areas with non-native habitat. Violet-crowned NM T In New Mexico, this species occurs during the breeding season Unlikely to occur in project area due to lack hummingbird in Guadalupe Canyon in Hidalgo County and the Animas of riparian habitat. In addition, the project is (Amazilia violiceps) Mountains. Breeding habitat consists of riparian zones adjacent not located in the known distribution area. to xeric hillsides with Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii) trees. Virginia’s warbler BLM Sensitive In Hubbard’s survey of the Mogollon Mountains (Catron Unlikely to occur within the proposed (Vermivora virginiae) County), this warbler was fairly common in brushy growth in project area due to the lack of riparian riparian spruce woodland, along with orange-crowned warblers spruce forest. (Vermivora celata), and in the pine-fir ecotone, especially where Gambel oak occurred (Hubbard 1978). Western burrowing owl BLM Sensitive Present mainly during the breeding season in the north half of Although agriculture and semi-urban (Athene cunicularia the state and present year-round in the south half. Found in environments occur in the vicinity of the hypugaea) grasslands especially in association with prairie dog colonies, proposed project area, there were no in desertscrub, and in agricultural and semi-urban burrows or burrowing owls observed during environments. Depends on prairie dogs, rock squirrels the 2019 biological survey. Therefore, this (Otospermophilus variegatus), and other fossorial mammals species is unlikely to occur. for the availability of nest burrows. Yellow-billed cuckoo USFWS T Migratory species occurring in North America during the Although the Rio Grande is located in (Coccyzus americanus) BLM Sensitive breeding season when it breeds along the San Juan, Rio Las Cruces (0.6 mile west of the project Grande, Pecos, Canadian, San Francisco, and Gila Rivers. area), southwestern willow flycatchers Breeding habitat in the southwestern United States consists of would be unlikely to occur in the project mature to late-successional riparian woodlands with large area due to lack of riparian habitat. cottonwoods. Reptiles Big Bend slider BLM Sensitive Inhabits perennial waters, such as ponds, impoundments, and Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Trachemys gaigeae stock tanks. In New Mexico, nests on level, sandy ground lack of perennial waters. gaigeae) located within close proximity (approximately 80 feet) to shallow ponds.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-9 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Desert massasauga BLM Sensitive This species was as far west as the Huachuca Mountains bajada Unlikely to occur as the highest elevation in (Sistrurus tergeminus) in historic times but now is virtually restricted to a few miles of the proposed project area is below 5,000 feet habitat in the San Bernardino Valley above 5,000 feet amsl amsl. (Rosen et al. 1996). In the western portion of its range, massasaugas are most abundant on prairie wetlands, but they can also be found on dry shortgrass plains (Fitch 1992). Narrow-headed garter BLM Sensitive Inhabits rocky streams with riparian habitat that are located Unlikely to occur in the project area due to snake close to piñon-juniper, oak-pine, or ponderosa uplands. lack of rocky streams, riparian habitat, (Thamnophis piñon-juniper, oak-pine, or ponderosa rufipunctatus) uplands. Reticulate gila monster NM E In New Mexico, this species occurs in desertscrub vegetation in Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Heloderma suspectum mountain foothills and canyons and along the fringe of piñon- lack of mountain foothill, canyon, piñon- suspectum) juniper and oak woodlands. This species is not common in juniper, and oak woodland habitat areas. agricultural areas. Shelter consists of areas under rocks, dense shrubs, burrows, or woodrat nests. Amphibians Lowland leopard frog BLM Sensitive Inhabits rocky streams located in canyons within nearby Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Lithobates [Rana] conifer forests. May also occur in ponds or stream pools near lack of perennial waters, canyons, and yavapaiensis) desertscrub vegetation. conifer forests. Southwestern toad BLM Sensitive Inhabits rocky streams and irrigation ditches within willow, Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Anaxyrus [Bufo] cottonwood, pine-oak habitat areas. May also occur in flooded lack of rocky streams and reservoirs. microscaphus) or irrigated fields and reservoirs. Fish Desert sucker BLM Sensitive This species is endemic to the Great Basin and Colorado River Unlikely to occur in the proposed project (Catostomus clarkii) Basin, which include Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New area due to the lack of perennial Mexico. This species preferers turbulent waters, rapids, and waterbodies. flowing streams with gravelly bottoms. Typical habitat consists of small to medium rivers with pools and riffles. This species tolerates a wide range of temperatures but is intolerant of low dissolved oxygen levels.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-10 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Rio Grande chub BLM Sensitive This species is native to the Rio Grande and Pecos River Unlikely to occur in the proposed project (Gila pandora) drainages, and possibly native to the Canadian drainage, area due to the lack of perennial although it may have been introduced there (Sublette et al. waterbodies. 1990). Rio Grande chubs occupy perennial mainstream and tributary habitat at higher elevations (Bestgen and Platania 1990). Rio Grande sucker BLM Sensitive The native range of the Rio Grande sucker includes the Rio Unlikely to occur in the proposed project (Catostomus plebeius) Grande and its tributaries in northern New Mexico and area due to the lack of perennial southern Colorado, the Mimbres drainage in southwestern waterbodies. New Mexico, and streams of the Guzman Basin in northwestern Chihuahua (Sublette et al. 1990). Sonoran sucker BLM Sensitive Inhabits various habitats from warm-water rivers to trout Unlikely to occur in the proposed project (Catostomus insignis) streams. Habitats typically include gravelly of rocky pools of area due to the lack of perennial creeks and small to medium sized rivers. The range of this waterbodies. species includes the Gila and San Francisco drainages in New Mexico. Mammals Allen's lappet-browed bat BLM Sensitive Inhabits ponderosa pine, piñon-juniper, pine-oak, and oak Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Idionycteris phyllotis) woodlands located within mountainous, canyon, or riparian lack of suitable roosting or maternal habitat areas. May also occur in tall shrublands, desertscrub, and open within or adjacent to project area. arid habitats. Roosting habitat consists of rock crevices, caves, and mines. Maternal habitat consists of mines, boulder piles, crevices, lava beds, and beneath loose bark of ponderosa pines. Black-tailed prairie dog BLM Sensitive Inhabits dry, flat or gently sloping open grasslands with Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Cynomys ludovicianus) relatively sparse vegetation, with a preference for mixed-grass lack of grassland habitat. and short-grass prairies. May also occur in vacant lots within developed areas. Mexican long-tongued bat BLM Sensitive Inhabits a wide range of habitats, such as desert shrublands, Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Choeronycteris mountain canyons, riparian areas, oak-conifer woodlands, and lack of suitable roosting or maternal habitat mexicana) deciduous forests. Roosting and maternal habitat consists of within or adjacent to project area. caves, rock fissures, and mines.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-11 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

New Mexico meadow USFWS E Inhabits sedge-forb-willow zones located along perennial Unlikely to occur in the project area due to jumping mouse BLM Sensitive streams in the Jemez and Sacramento Mountains, large wet lack of perennial waters and sedge-forb- (Zapus hudsonius luteus) meadows in the Rio Grande Valley, and riparian areas along willow habitat. irrigation ditches in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Organ Mountains NM T In the Organ Mountains, this species occurs along north-facing Unlikely to occur in the project area due to Colorado chipmunk slopes with ponderosa pines, oaks, junipers, Apache plume lack of slopes with ponderosa pine, oak, (Tamias quadrivittatus (Fallugia paradoxa), and sumac (Rhus sp.). This species can be juniper. In addition, the project is located australis) found in association with Aguirre Springs from 6,050 to below 6,050 feet amsl. 7,300 feet amsl. Penasco least chipmunk NM E The Penasco least chipmunk occurs in the Sacramento Unlikely to occur in the project area. This (Neotamias minimus Mountains, primarily within James and Penasco Canyons. This species is endemic to the Sacramento atristriatus) species prefers open areas, including fence rows bordering Mountains. In addition, the project is located agricultural fields and in less dense stands of trees of ponderosa below 7,300 feet amsl. pine from 7,300 to 8,600 feet amsl. Spotted bat NM T In New Mexico, spotted bats have been taken in areas near Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Euderma maculatum) BLM Sensitive cliffs, including piñon-juniper woodlands and from streams or lack of piñon-juniper woodlands or water holes within ponderosa pine or mixed coniferous forest. ponderosa pine/mixed coniferous forests. The spotted bat can also take over cattle tanks in a meadow In addition, suitable roosting habitat is not surrounded by mixed coniferous forest and near a ridge with located within or adjacent to the project cliffs and limestone outcroppings. The spotted bat is usually area. captured around a water source including desert pools or cattle tanks. It also may use rivers or desert washes as travel corridors. Townsend’s big-eared bat BLM Sensitive Found in a variety of xeric to mesic habitats: scrub-grassland, Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Plecotus townsendii) desertscrub, semidesert shrublands, chaparral, saxicoline brush, lack of suitable roosting habitat within or tundra, open montane forests, spruce-fir, mixed hardwood- adjacent to project area. conifer, and oak woodlands and forests. This species is strongly correlated to the availability of caves or cave-like habitat, but it also uses abandoned buildings and rock crevices on cliffs for roosting.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-12 Environmental Assessment Common Name Status* Range or Habitat Requirements Potential for Occurrence in Project Area (Species Name)

Western yellow bat BLM Sensitive Inhabits riparian, oak, and piñon-juniper woodlands. Roosting Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Lasiurus xanthinus) habitat consists of trees. lack of riparian, oak, and piñon-juniper woodlands. In addition, suitable roosting habitat is not located within or adjacent to project area. White-nosed coati BLM Sensitive In the southwestern United States, this species inhabits oak- Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Nasua narica) sycamore-walnut, oak-pine, and shrub-grass vegetation lack of oak-sycamore-walnut, oak-pine, communities in canyons near water and with adequate den sites shrub-grass, and canyon habitat. In addition, (i.e., crevices, beneath tree roots, caves, mines, and hollow suitable roosting habitat is not located trees). within or adjacent to project area. White-sided jackrabbit BLM Sensitive Inhabits grasslands with very few to no shrub species present. Unlikely to occur in the project area due to (Lepus callotis) This species avoids hilly or shrubby areas. lack of grassland habitat. Sources: Except where otherwise noted, range or habitat information for wildlife species is taken from the BISON-M website (BISON-M 2020), NatureServe (2020), the USFWS New Mexico Southwest Region Ecological Services Field Office IPaC System (USFWS 2020), and the BLM LCDO. Federal (USFWS) status definitions: E = Endangered. Any species considered by the USFWS as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The ESA specifically prohibits the take of a species listed as endangered. Take is defined by the ESA as to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to engage in any such conduct. T = Threatened. Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The ESA specifically prohibits the take (see definition above) of a species listed as threatened. EXPE, XE= Experimental non-essential population. Experimental, nonessential populations of endangered species are treated as threatened species on public land, for consultation purposes, and as species proposed for listing on private land. BLM Status definitions: Sensitive. Any species requiring special management consideration to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and need for future listing under the ESA. State of New Mexico status definitions: E = Endangered. Any species that is considered by the state (New Mexico Department of Game and Fish) as being in jeopardy of extinction or extirpation from New Mexico. T = Threatened. Any species that, in the view of the state, is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range in New Mexico.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan A-13 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX B. COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION

Compatibility Analysis and Determination

The Prehistoric Trackways National Monument (PTNM) is a unit of the Bureau of Land management (BLM) National Landscape Conservation System. The 5,255-acre PTNM was designated in 2009 by Public Law 111-11, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act. The legislation describes the purposes for designation: “to conserve, protect, and enhance the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values of the public land.” The diversity, abundance, and quality of the trackways sites “in the Robledo Mountains is far greater than at any other known tracksite or aggregation of tracksites. Because of this, the Robledo tracks allow a wide range of scientific problems regarding late Paleozoic tracks to be solved that could not be solved before.”' The BLM is directed to manage the PTNM to protect the trackways and to allow only other uses that are consistent with that mission.

The Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) and associated RAMP Environmental Assessment (EA) were prepared at the direction of the BLM Las Cruces District Office. The PTNM is currently used for a wide variety of recreation. The proposed RAMP seeks to add additional recreational opportunities within the PTNM while conserving, protecting, and enhancing the resources and values of the PTNM through development of

• six new mechanized trails (approximately 5.43 miles), • 10 new primitive camping areas (totally approximately 3.3 acres), • a Visitor Contact Station (approximately 6.7 acres, to be located just outside of the PTNM boundary on BLM lands managed by the Las Cruces District Office under the Mimbres RMP) • and up to 12 educational or directional kiosks throughout the PTNM. In order to manage camping and recreation/uses, the BLM also proposes a new Supplementary Rule that would prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station parking lot year-round.

Project design features outlined in the RAMP EA would be used to reduce impacts to resources. In addition, trail construction would be conducted using hand tools recommended in the USDA U.S. Forest Service Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook (USDA 2007). The development of the visitor contact station, primitive camp sites, and trails is anticipated to start January 2021 and estimated to take approximately 1 to 2 years to complete.

The BLM conducted an EA under NEPA to analyze impacts from and reasonable alternatives to the proposed use. The following summarizes each of the alternatives, impacts, and compatibility analysis and determination:

Proposed Action Alternative: The proposed action alternative would permit the development of the visitor contact center, primitive camping areas, trails, and kiosks and would prohibit overnight camping in the Visitor Contact Station via Supplementary Rules. The proposed action was heavily vetted and surveyed by BLM resource specialists to avoid and protect paleontological, cultural, biological, and other resources within the PTNM. Through the analysis in the EA, the BLM determined that the proposed action alternative would be compatible with the protection, conservation and enhancement of the unique and nationally important paleontological, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational resources and values within the PTNM.

No Action Alternative: Under this alternative, the BLM would not approve the proposed project, and no construction would occur to develop the visitor contact center, primitive camping areas, or trails; however, this alternative would still accommodate recreation uses, but may be less compatible with enabling legislation because the implementation level facility development identified in the RMP for enhancement of recreational uses as per the enabling legislation would not occur.

Prehistoric Trackways National Monument Recreation Area Management Plan B-1 Environmental Assessment APPENDIX C. DRAFT RECREATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN