Introduction Background

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST HIDDEN SPRINGS RANGER DISTRICT BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TES PLANTS LEE MINE HARDWOOD RESTORATION HARDIN COUNTY

Introduction

Forest Service Manual (FSM) Section 2672.41 requires a biological evaluation (BE) and/or biological assessment (BA) be conducted for all Forest Service planned, funded, executed, or permitted programs and activities. The objectives of this BE are: 1) to ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to the loss of population viability of any native or desired non-native species or contribute to trends toward federal listing; 2) to comply with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) so that federal agencies do not jeopardize or adversely modify critical habitat (as defined in ESA) of any federally listed species; and, 3) to provide a process and standard ensuring that federally threatened or endangered and Regional Forester’s Sensitive plants receive full consideration in the decision-making process.

The Hidden Springs/Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District has known occurrences of TES (federally threatened or endangered and Regional Forester’s Sensitive) plant species, which were considered in this analysis. This BE documents the analysis of potential effects of the proposed action to TES plant species and associated habitats. It also serves as biological input for the environmental analysis of project-level decision making to ensure compliance with the ESA National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Forest Management Act (NFMA).

Background

The Lee Mine project area is located on National Forest System (NFS) land in Hardin County, Illinois, Township 11 South, Range 8 East. The proposed 1400-acre project area is situated in the Big Creek watershed in the eastern portion of the Forest, a relatively small site (less than a hundredth of a percent of the Forest) with non-native pine stands interspersed among hardwood stands. Big Creek flows through part of the compartment, and is designated as a Candidate Recreational River under The National Wild and Scenic Act, as described in the Wild and Scenic River Guidelines. Big Creek from bank to bank is classified as a Zoological Area which is a natural area category. Part of the River-to-River Trail also passes through the area. Prescribed burning has taken place on 371 acres within the Lee Mine area since 2007.

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, 572 acres of non-native pine stands were planted within the project area to stabilize soil. Planting the pines successfully reduced erosion. However, field observations indicate that the pine overstory is suppressing the growth of the hardwood trees in the project area, particularly oaks and hickories, the hard mast of which yields the greatest benefit for many wildlife species. Oak and hickory seedlings and saplings remain abundant in the project area, but without treatment the stand will eventually be dominated by shade-tolerant species, limiting native plant and animal community diversity and resilience.

Purpose and Need for Action

Shawnee National Forest (Forest) is proposing to implement management activities in the Lee Mine area to restore and maintain the health and diversity of the site by restoring the native-hardwood oak- hickory forest-type through removal of non-native pines, application of prescribed fire, timber stand improvement, development of up to 18 vernal ponds, and installation of erosion-control structures.

This project is designed to advance the site towards the desired future condition of the Even-Aged Hardwood and Natural Area management areas described in the 2006 Shawnee National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Plan) (pages 59-61 and 76-78). The proposed activities work towards meeting Forest Plan goals and objectives for converting pine stands to hardwood.

Big Creek is being adversely affected by severe erosion and runoff; intervention is needed to prevent sediment-loading to the creek. The Elizabethtown spur of the River-to-River Trail passes through the area. Being a recent development, it would benefit from maintenance and erosion control. The opportunity exists to provide early-life–cycle habitat for amphibians with the development of vernal ponds.

Proposed Action

The Forest Service proposes to enhance wildlife habitat in the project area by restoring the native hardwood oak-hickory forest-type in current pine stands, applying prescribed fire to the area, installing erosion-control features for the protection of Big Creek, establishing up to 18 vernal ponds, and improving conditions on the River-to-River Trail spur that crosses the area. We would utilize site-preparation treatments and a commercial sale to reduce the pines on the site to 30-40 square feet basal area (BA) per acre. While establishing high-quality early-successional habitat, this will provide the light and growing space required to restore the native-hardwood oak-hickory forest community to the area (Figure 5). To facilitate natural regeneration, small shade-tolerant trees (less than 10-inch diameter at breast height [dbh]) in the understory would be cut to further increase the amount of sunlight reaching seedlings and saplings on the forest floor. See Alternative 2—the Proposed Action—for a detailed description.

Alternative 1 – No Action

Under this alternative, current management would continue in the project area. None of the proposed management activities would be implemented.

Alternative 2 – The Proposed Action

Commercial Timber Harvest We propose to utilize a commercial sale to reduce the pine density on about 572 acres of the project area, using the shelterwood method (Figure 5). We would designate the pine trees to be removed, leaving about 30 to 40 square feet BA of pine per acre. Tree-spacing after harvest would be up to 50 feet between mature pine trees. The design of the harvest will incorporate the USDA Forest Service National Best Management Practices (BMP) for Water Quality Management on NFS Lands and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Forestry BMP, as well as Forest Plan filter-strip guidelines, snag- retention strategies and other measures for the conservation of biological diversity (FLMP, pages 40-41, 201-202 and 288-289). The appearance of harvested areas will change with treatment, allowing much more sunlight to the forest floor.

Skid-trails and log-landings would be located to limit ground-disturbance. Logs would be loaded onto trucks at log-landings and hauled off-site. System roads would be constructed or maintained and used to remove trees from the project area. All landings would be located along the system road within the stand. Within three years following harvest, we would perform site-preparation activities to enhance the development and growth of hardwoods, including cutting small (less than 10-inch dbh), undesirable, shade-tolerant, woody species to further increase sunlight to desirable trees and leaving larger native trees to maintain diversity. Mechanical shears or chainsaws may be used to remove trees.

Prescribed Fire Prescribed Fire would be applied to the area as often as every two years, including 1033 acres not already approved for burning under another decision. This will release existing shade-intolerant tree species and provide site conditions favorable for future regeneration. Firelines would be constructed manually or mechanically, generally following past fire-control lines or using existing man-made or natural boundaries where practical.

Vernal Ponds We would construct up to 18 vernal ponds to provide a seasonal water source for amphibians, bats and other wildlife species and repair the failed impoundments of six existing vernal ponds.

Roads We would upgrade or realign roads where necessary to facilitate removal of cut pines and/or to protect rare plant species.

Erosion Control Erosion-control work would be done on system roads and the River-to-River Trail, including the installation of water bars and water turnouts, ditch cleaning, stabilizing the road or trail surface with rock or other methods. We would construct a rock check-dam at the point where a drainage-way meets Big Creek in order to capture sediment running off private land in the headwaters of Big Creek.

Herbicides The herbicides sethoxydim and/or clethodim would be applied as needed to protect sensitive plant species from the adverse effects of invasive plant infestations.

Alternative 3 – Cut and Leave on the Ground

Under this alternative, we would treat the same trees as under Alternative 2; but, rather than removing felled trees from the site, we would leave them on the ground. We would designate the pine trees to be felled, leaving about 30 to 40 BA of pine per acre. Tree-spacing after felling would be up to 50 feet between mature pine trees. Implementation of this alternative would be in accordance with State of Illinois Forestry Best Management Practices and USDA Forest Service (FS) national Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on NFS Lands, as well as Forest Plan filter-strip guidelines, snag-retention strategies and other measures for the conservation of biological diversity (FLMP, pages). Conventional felling equipment would likely be used for this treatment. The appearance of harvested areas will change with treatment, allowing much more sunlight to the forest floor. Within three years following tree-felling, we would perform site-preparation activities to enhance the development and growth of hardwoods, including cutting small (less than 10-inch dbh), undesirable, shade-tolerant, woody species to further increase sunlight to desirable trees and leaving larger native trees to maintain diversity. Mechanical shears or chainsaws may be used to remove trees.

MONITORING OF ACTION ALTERNATIVES

We would monitor the implementation of either action alternative to determine whether or not management has been implemented as specified and if the design criteria are effective. If monitoring exposes unacceptable resource damage, appropriate measures would be implemented to correct problems (Table 1).

Table 1. Monitoring of Action Alternatives. Activity Description Location and Timing

Post-harvest/tree-felling monitoring Utilize established monitoring plots to determine Vegetation throughout the project area will determine vegetative changes. effectiveness in meeting project need.

DESIGN CRITERIA FOR ACTION ALTERNATIVES

In order to minimize effects on resources, several design criteria are mandatory during project implementation (Table 2).

Table 2. Design Criteria for Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration and Habitat Enhancement. Resource Design Criteria Rationale / Effectiveness FS policy; use equipment-cleaning contract 1. Inspect clothing and equipment before entering provisions WO-C/CT 6.36 (Appendix 1 Guide or leaving the project area and remove and properly Botany and to Noxious Weed Prevention Practices (2001) dispose of mud, dirt, and plant parts. Invasive and BT6.35 (Project Record). Species 2. Protect known locations of regionally listed sensitive species and plants with species viability Required by law, regulation and Forest Plan. evaluation from mechanical treatments.

Environmental Analysis

This analysis was prepared in accordance Council on Environmental Quality’s implementing regulations for the National Environmental Policy Act, the discussion focuses on resource conditions associated with the key issues. The discussion of environmental consequences forms the scientific and analytical basis for comparing the alternatives. Environmental consequences are discussed in terms of direct, indirect and cumulative effects.

Direct effects are caused by the proposed activities and occur at the same time and place. Indirect effects are caused by proposed activities and occur later in time or are further removed in distance. Cumulative effects result from the incremental effects of proposed activities when added to other past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. This analysis is tiered to the programmatic FEIS for the 2006 Forest Plan (Project Record.

Cumulative Effects Analysis Our analysis was prepared in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s cumulative effects guidance. Resource specialists on the project interdisciplinary team analyzed the cumulative effects on their resource areas from implementing the alternatives and disclosed these in the resource sections of this chapter. Spatial and temporal boundaries for cumulative effects analyses differ for each resource area (see Table 3).

Table 3. Spatial and Temporal Boundaries for Analysis of Botanical Resources. The effects of the proposed alternatives would be confined to this Spatial: The project area area. The existence and extent of rare plant species, rare plant Botanical communities or invasive plants are not known before the pine was Resources Temporal: From 1940’s to a planted; 10 years into the future corresponds to the life-span of the point 10 years into the future Forest Plan and is long enough to accurately gauge management effects and short enough that any unforeseeable deleterious effects resulting could be addressed, reversed or mitigated.

Past Actions Past activities on NFS and private lands in the project-area watershed include, but are not limited to, farming and grazing; mining; timber harvest; wild and prescribed fires; development and use of system and non-system equestrian and hiker trails; wildlife management, including wildlife openings and pond construction; outdoor recreational use, including picnicking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking; use of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway vehicles; artifact hunting and collection; issuance of special-use permits; recreational facilities construction and maintenance; road construction, maintenance and use; tree-planting and timber stand improvements; power-line construction and maintenance and electrification of rural areas.

Present Actions Many of the past activities that occurred in the project-area watershed are still occurring. Present actions include, but are not limited to, trail reconstruction, maintenance and use; power-line maintenance; ATV use (authorized and unauthorized, see below); timber harvest (mostly on private lands); agricultural management (row-cropping and pasture); prescribed and wild fire and fire suppression; use of non-system trails; road maintenance and use; equestrian use; public visitation and outdoor recreational use (hiking and hunting).

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions Activities similar to past activities are reasonably foreseeable in the future. In the next 15 years, the Forest plans to continue to maintain roads and trails, issue special-use permits ranging from access-road and utility permits to outfitter-guide permits, suppress wildfires and apply prescribed fire. Reasonably foreseeable future actions include those activities that are awaiting implementation, planned or listed in out-year schedules such as the Schedule of Proposed Actions or might be expected to occur in the area.

It is difficult to quantify the extent of future damage that could be caused by unauthorized ATV use or cross-country horse riding because of the nature of off-trail use. It is impossible to predict where this use will occur and the extent of damage to various resources. We have examined this incomplete information using the procedure outlined in 40 CFR 1502.22. Knowledge of the extent of this damage in the analysis area is incomplete and we have no scientific means to predict or quantify these effects. Therefore, it is not possible to quantify how many plants, plant populations, or other resources could be affected.

Plant Species Analyzed

Plant Species Evaluated

The Shawnee National Forest has 1 TE (federally threatened or endangered) and 83 sensitive (Regional Forester’s Sensitive) plants recorded on its lands. Of those species, no TE and 25 sensitive plant species have been found on Forest lands in Hardin County. All 25 of the Hardin County sensitive plants were considered for the initial evaluation of this project. The following table lists sensitive plants found on the Forest in Hardin County:

TABLE 1. Sensitive Plants documented as present or historically present in Hardin County, Illinois on lands managed by the Shawnee National Forest. Counties indicated as: A = Alexander, G = Gallatin, H = Hardin, Ja = Jackson, Jo = Johnson, M = Massac, P = Pope, S = Saline, U = Union, and W = Williamson. Scientific Name Common Name A G H Ja Jo M P S U W 1. Actaea rubifolia Appalachian bugbane X X X X * X X 2. Carex communis Fibrous-root sedge * X * X X 3. Carex lupuliformis False hop sedge * * X * * * * * 4. Carex nigromarginata Black edge Sedge X X X X 5. Carex oxylepis var. pubescens Sharpscale sedge X 6. Chamaelirium luteum Fairywand X X X 7. Dichanthelium ravenelii Ravenel's rosette grass X X * 8. Euonymus americanus Bursting-heart X * X * X X 9. Hexalectris spicata Spiked crested coralroot X * * 10. Hylotelephium telephioides Allegheny stonecrop X X X X 11. Juglans cinerea Butternut X X X X X X X X X 12. Lilium superbum Turk’s-cap lily X X X X X X 13. Oxalis illinoensis Illinois wood sorrel X X 14. Panax quinquefolius American ginseng X X X X X X X X X 15. Phaeophyscia leana Wreath lichen X X X X 16. Sanicula smallii Small’s blacksnakeroot X 17. Saxifraga virginiensis Early saxifrage X 18. Scirpus polyphyllus Leafy bulrush X X X 19. Scleria oligantha Little nutrush X 20. Scleria pauciflora Fewflower nutrush X X X X X X 21. Silene ovata Blue Ridge catchfly X 22. Silphium trifoliatum Whorled rosinweed * 23. Stellaria pubera Star chickweed X X 24. Trichomanes boschianum Appalachian bristle fern X X X X X 25. Vaccinium stamineum Deerberry X * * species extirpated in that county

Surveys

Shannan Sharp, Botanist on the Shawnee National Forest, reviewed records and available literature for rare plant occurrences within the Lee Mine project area. Records consulted were the Forest Service NRM (National Resource Manager) database, EOR (Element Occurrence Records) for the Forest, and the IDNR DIRT tool (Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Detailed Impact Review tool). Previous survey data was also reviewed (see below). No TE plants are recorded there, but one sensitive plant has been—Turk’s-cap lily (Lilium superbum). That occurrence was found by Mark Basinger on June 16, 1993.

Surveys for the project were conducted first in 2005, and more recently in 2014. Steve Lorenz and K. Andrew West surveyed stands 1, 5, 12, 14, 15, 22, 23, 26, 31, and 45 on May 2, 6, 10, and 11, 2005. Shannan Sharp surveyed Stands 17, 24, 27, 33, 36, and 38 on June 20, 26 and August 19, 2014. The site where the occurrence of Turk’s-cap lily is recorded was thoroughly searched by Ms. Sharp on June 20, 2014, but that species was not relocated. No TES plants were identified during the above field surveys. Lists of plants found during the surveys are included at the end of this document.

Beth Shimp and Ms. Sharp monitored two vegetation plots within the project area in July, August, and September 2015. During that time, a sedge species new to the Forest and relatively new to the state

(Cherokee sedge, Carex cherokeensis) was found along a road leading to one of the vegetation plots. Subsequent searches from August to December resulted in finding thousands of these plants, primarily in the western part of the project area. In addition, Beth Shimp found a location of an SVE (Species with Viability Evaluations) plant, Matelea obliqua (climbing milkvine).

Past Surveys

In addition to the surveys for the Lee Mine project, Mr. West did separate surveys for three burn units (Lee Mine, Pyle Burn, and Waters) located within the project area on April 5, 2005. Two vegetation plots were established within the Pyle Burn area pine stands to monitor vegetation trends following prescribed burning. No subsequent monitoring was done of these plots, although all three burn units have been burned twice since 2007. These plots are within pine stands proposed for timber harvest in the Lee Mine project area. Monitoring took place during the summer of 2015 (see above) in order to track vegetation trends after prescribed burning and prior to timber harvest. Subsequent monitoring of the plots is planned after the timber harvests.

Plant Species Eliminated from Further Analysis

No TE plants were found on the Forest were found during field surveys for the project, nor were any of 25 sensitive plants known to occur on Forest lands in Hardin County. Habitat for Mead’s milkweed (Asclepias meadii), the single TE plant known to be present on the Forest, was not found within the project area. Therefore, those species were eliminated from further analysis. Brief descriptions of the eliminated TES plants are provided as follows:

TE  Asclepias meadii (G2/S1) is a federally threatened, perennial herb that grows in tallgrass prairies. It is currently found in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri and is believed to be extirpated from Indiana and Wisconsin (NatureServe). On the Forest, this plant is found on barrens remnants in Saline County (Herkert & Ebinger). Sensitive  Actaea rubifolia (G3/S1) is a perennial, rhizomatous herb found in rich, mesic upland forest, often on talus slopes (Heikens). It is known from Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama and is disjunct in western Kentucky, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana (NatureServe).  Carex communis (G5/S2) is tufted, perennial sedge (Hill 2006b) that occurs in the eastern United States and Canada. This species has been found at only a few scattered counties in Illinois, primarily in open, rocky woods (Herkert & Ebinger). It generally flowers and fruits from April to June (Hill 2006b).  Carex lupuliformis (G4/S3) is a tufted, perennial sedge. Its habitat is open canopy wetlands, such as swamps, marshes, and open floodplain forests. Although widespread, it is uncommon throughout its range, which is in the eastern and central United States and Canada (NatureServe).  Carex nigromarginata (G5/S1) is a perennial sedge that grows in dense tufts. It has been found in the eastern and south central United States and Ontario, Canada (USDA, NRCS). In southern Illinois it grows on ridge tops in dry and dry to mesic upland woodlands (Mohlenbrock 2002).  Carex oxylepis var. pubescens (G5?T3/S1) is a perennial sedge that occurs in dry to mesic or mesic woods (Shawnee National Forest). It is confined to four states—Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois (USDA, NCRS). In Illinois, it is known from Hardin County (Shawnee National Forest).

 Chamaelirium luteum (G5/S1) is a dioecious, perennial herb. It is found in eastern North America, from Michigan and Ontario, east to Massachusetts and south to Florida and Louisiana (USDA, NRCS). It is an upland forest species only rarely associated with wetlands. Although it often grows in acidic soils, it can be found in wide variety of soil types (Hill 2006a).  Dichanthelium ravenelii (G5/S1) is a loosely tufted, warm-season, perennial grass. It has been found in the southeastern and south central United States, with southern Illinois at the northern edge of its range. In Illinois this grass grows in dry, open forests on rocky ledges, usually on acidic soils (Hill 2007b).  Euonymus americanus (G5/S2) is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters high (Mohlenbrock 1990). It grows in swamps, bottomland forests, ravines, and bases of sheltered cliffs (Yatskievych 2006). This species is known from 16 states in the eastern and south central United States (NatureServe).  Hexalectris spicata (G5/S1) is a rhizomatous, perennial orchid found in the southeastern, south central, and southwestern United States, as well as in northern Mexico (Hill 2007a). In Illinois it is found in dry, calcareous woods and dry prairie openings, primarily along the Mississippi River bluffs and on limestone glades within the Shawnee National Forest (Herkert & Ebinger).  Hylotelephium telephioides (=Sedum telephioides) (G4/S2) is a succulent, perennial herb. It is essentially a central and southern Appalachian endemic, with a few outlying populations in southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and western Kentucky (Weakley). It is found in dry, rocky places, typically in the mountains (Herkert & Ebinger). On the Forest, it occurs in thin soil pockets on sandstone cliffs, ledges, and slide blocks (Shawnee National Forest).  Juglans cinerea (G4/S3) is a deciduous, nut-bearing tree. It grows best on well-drained soils of bottomlands and floodplains, preferring full sunlight. Occasionally this tree is found on dry, compact, or infertile soils. Its range is the eastern half of United States and Canada. The abundance and condition of this species are in rapid decline due to butternut canker disease, with no known remedy (Schulz).  Lilium superbum (G5/SNR) is a bulbous, perennial herb. It is a plant often associated with wetlands or the margins of mesic upland forests. It usually grows in acidic soils. It is found in the eastern half of the United States, with southern Illinois at the northwestern limit of its range (Hill 2007c).  Oxalis illinoensis (G4Q/S2) is a perennial herb that occurs in rich, mesic forests often overlying limestone or other calcareous substrates (Herkert & Ebinger). Its range is southern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, and apparently in Tennessee, although it is not recognized as a distinct species in that state (NatureServe). In Illinois it occurs in Hardin and Pope Counties (Herkert & Ebinger).  Panax quinquefolius (G3G4/S3?) is a perennial herb found in rich, mesic woods under the closed canopy of deciduous hardwoods. Its range is the eastern and central United States and Canada (NatureServe). This species has been found in most Illinois counties (USDA, NRCS). On the Forest this plant grows in rich woods and low, mesic woods (Shawnee National Forest).  Phaeophyscia leana (G2/S2) is a foliose, epiphytic lichen. It is found on cottonwood, bald cypress, and other trees in floodplain forests along rivers, oxbow lakes, and backwaters at open, well-lit sites. Its range is uncertain, but this lichen has been documented in Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee (NatureServe).  Sanicula smallii (G5/S1) is a perennial herb that grows in dry to moist upland forests in Illinois (Nÿboer & Ebinger). It is found from Virginia south to Florida, east to Texas and north to southeast Missouri (USDA, NRCS). In Illinois, this species is found is known from one site in Hardin County, located on the Forest (Shawnee National Forest).

 Saxifraga virginiensis (G5/S1) is a perennial herb that can be found growing in glades, ledges, bluff tops, and rock outcrops, usually on acidic substrates (Yatskievych 2013). Is found in the eastern and central United States and Canada (USDA, NRCS). In Illinois it is only known from Hardin County, where it is restricted to sandstone canyons and mesic, rocky ravine forests (Herkert & Ebinger).  Scirpus polyphyllus (G5/S2) is a tufted, perennial sedge. Across its range it grows in swamps, marshes, and along stream banks (Godfrey & Wooten). It is found in the eastern United States (USDA, NRCS). In Illinois, this sedge grows primarily in forested seeps (Herkert & Ebinger).  Scleria oligantha (G5/S3) is a perennial sedge that grows in mostly shady sites in mesic to xeric woodlands, glades, and wet meadows. It is found in the southeastern and south central United States, reaching its northern range limit in southern Illinois. It is also found in Mexico and Central America (FNA Vol. 23).  Scleria pauciflora (G5/S1) is a perennial sedge that grows in dry open woods, barrens, sandy soils, flatwoods, swamps, and pond margins (NatureServe). It is found in the eastern and central United States, eastern Canada, the West Indies, and Mexico (NatureServe, and FNA Vol. 23). In southern Illinois it grows in sandstone glades and barrens (Herkert & Ebinger).  Silene ovata (G3/S1) is a branched, perennial herb (Mohlenbrock 2001). Its range is in the southeastern United States, centered on the southern Appalachians (NatureServe). In Illinois this species is found in upland forests, usually on steep, rocky slopes (Basinger, Hill 2003b).  Silphium trifoliatum (G4?/SX) is a perennial herb that occurs in prairies, glades, barrens and savannas. It is found in most of the eastern United States. It reaches its northwestern range limit at a single location in southern Illinois (Molano-Flores), at a limestone glade within a Forest natural area in Hardin County (Herkert & Ebinger).  Stellaria pubera (G5/S1) is a perennial herb that occurs on bluffs and in rich, rocky woods near creeks and ravines. It is found in the southeastern United States, reaching its northern range limit in Illinois (Herkert & Ebinger, and NatureServe).  Trichomanes boschianum (G4/S1) is a perennial fern that grows on slightly acidic rock outcrops with full shade and a constantly moist environment. This fern primarily occurs in the southeastern United States, but is also found in several midwestern states. In Illinois, it is restricted to a few of the southernmost counties (Herkert & Ebinger, and Hill 2003a)  Vaccinium stamineum (G5/S1) is a deciduous shrub that grows in dry, open, rocky forests, in thickets, and in clearings on acidic, often nutrient poor soils (Hill 2002). Its range is the eastern and south central United States, as well as Ontario, Canada (USDA, NRCS).

Key to global and state ranks: o G1/S1 - Critically imperiled – because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from the state. Typically 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals (<1000). o G2/S2 - Imperiled – because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the nation, state. Typically 6 to 20 occurrences or few remaining individuals (1000 to 3000) o G3/S3 - Vulnerable – either because rare and uncommon, or found only in a restricted range (even if abundant in some locations), or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 21 to 100 occurrences or between 3000 and 10,000 individuals. o G4/S4 - Apparently secure – uncommon but not rare and usually widespread. Possible cause of long-term concern. Usually more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals.

o G5/S5 - Secure – common, widespread, and abundant. Essentially ineradicable under present conditions. Typically with considerably more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals o T-threatened o SNR - not ranked or not reviewed in state o SX – presumed extirpated

Environmental Effects/Impacts

No federally threatened or endangered plant species have recorded occurrences in Hardin County where the project area is located. None of these plants were found within the project area during vegetation surveys of the area, nor was any suitable habitat found for the single federally threatened plant known to be present on the Forest, Mead’s milkweed. Therefore, there will be no direct or indirect effects to any TE plants from Alternatives 1, 2, or 3 from the Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration project.

There are 25 sensitive plant species known to be present in Hardin County on Forest Service lands. None are known to be present in the Lee Mine project area, nor are any other sensitive plant species. Therefore, there will be no direct or indirect impacts to any sensitive plants from Alternatives 1, 2, or 3 from the Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration project.

Cumulative Effects/Impacts

Because there will be no direct or indirect effects to any TE plants from the alternatives for Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration project, there will be no cumulative effects to any TE plants. Because there will be no direct or indirect impacts to any sensitive plants from the alternatives for project, there will be no cumulative impacts any sensitive plants.

Summary

No TE or sensitive plants are known to occur within the Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration project area. The proposed project will have no known direct or indirect effects to any TE plants. Therefore, the proposed project will have no cumulative effects to any federally listed plants. The proposed project will have no known direct or indirect impacts to sensitive plant species. Therefore, the proposed project will have no cumulative impacts to any sensitive plants. If any new TES or other rare plant populations are found within the project area before or during project implementation, the appropriate standards and guidelines will be followed to protect the new site(s).

Shannan Sharp, Botanist, Hidden Springs/Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District

LITERATURE CITED OR REVIEWED

Basinger, M.A. 1998. Distribution, habitat, and demographic characteristics of Silene ovata Pursh (Caryophyllaceae) populations in Illinois. Status report prepared for Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 34 pp.

Flora of North America Editorial Committee, editors (FNA). 2003. Flora on North America: North of Mexico; Volume 23, Magnoliophyta: Commelinidae (in part): Cyperaceae. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. Accessed through: Flora of North America Online (http://www.eFloras.org).

Godfrey, R.K. and J.W. Wooten. 1979. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Southeastern United States: Monocotyledons. The University of Georgia Press, Athens. 712 pp.

Heikens, Alice Long. 2003. (Unreviewed) Conservation Assessment for Appalachian Bugbane (Cimicifuga rubifolia Kearney). Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee National Forest. August 2003. Eastern Region of the Forest Service-Threatened and Endangered Species Program. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 19 pp.

Herkert, James R., and John E. Ebinger (editors). 2002. Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution. Volume 1: Plants. Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. Springfield, Illinois.

Hill, Steven R. 2002. Conservation Assessment for Deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum L.), Draft under review. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee National and Hoosier National Forests on 31 December 2002 by the Illinois Natural History Survey, Center for Biodiversity. Champaign, Illinois. 30 pp. Accessed February 5, 2015 at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm91_054100.pdf

Hill, Steven R. 2003a. Conservation Assessment for Appalachian Bristle Fern (Trichomanes boschianum Sturm). Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests on 17 January 2003. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois. 28 pp. Accessed February 5, 2015 at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm91_054111.pdf

Hill, Steven R. 2003b. Conservation Assessment for Ovate Catchfly (Silene Ovata Pursh. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests on 9 May 2003. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois. 28 pp. Accessed February 5, 2015 at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm91_054117.pdf

Hill, Steven R. 2006a. Conservation Assessment for the Fairy-wand (Chamaelirium luteum (L.) A. Gray). Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee National Forest, Hoosier National Forest. 7 November, 2006. Illinois National History Survey, Champaign, Illinois, 42 pp. Accessed February 5, 2015 at https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/34820/SBSM2006_05.pdf?sequence=2

Hill, S.R. 2006b. Conservation Assessment for the Fibrous-rooted Sedge (Carex communis L.H. Bailey var. communis. Illinois Natural History Survey, Center for Wildlife and Plant Ecology Technical Report 2006(7). 30 June, 2006. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. 34 pp. Accessed February 5, 2015 at https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/9963/inhscwpev02006i00009_opt.pdf?s equence=2

Hill, Steven R. 2007a. Conservation Assessment for the Crested Coral-root Orchid (Hexalectris spicata (Walter) Barnhart), INHS Technical Report 2007(6), January 18, 2007. Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region (Region 9), Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois. 38 pp. Accessed on February 5, 2015 at https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/10038/inhsv02007i00006_opt.pdf

Hill, S.R. 2007b. Conservation Assessment for the Ravenel’s Panicgrass (Dichanthelium ravenelii (Scribn. & Merr.) Gould). Draft under review, provided to the USDA Forest Service, Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests. March 27, 2007. Illinois Natural History Survey, Center for Wildlife and Plant Ecology. Champaign, IL. 36 pp.

Hill, S.R. 2007c. Conservation Assessment for the Turk’s-cap Lily (Lilium superbum L.), INHS Technical Report 2007(5). Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests on January 10, 2007. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, IL. 36 pp. Accessed on February 5, 2015 at https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/handle/2142/10483

Mohlenbrock, R.H. 1990. The Illustrated Flora of Illinois, Flowering Plants: Nightshades to Mistletoe. Southern Illinois University Press. Carbondale and Edwardsville, Illinois. 224 pp.

Mohlenbrock, Robert H. 2001. The Illustrated Flora of Illinois, Flowering Plants: Pokeweeds, Four- o’clocks, Carpetweeds, Cacti, Purslanes, Goosefoots, Pigweeds, and Pinks. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale and Edwardsville, Illinois, 277 pp.

Mohlenbrock, R.H. 2002. Vascular Flora of Illinois. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale and Edwardsville, Illinois. xiv plus 490 pp.

Molano-Flores, Brenda. 2004. Conservation Assessment for Whorled Rosinweed (Silphium trifoliatum L.), INHS Technical Report 2005(4), October 1, 2004. Prepared for the USDA Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests. Illinois Natural History Survey, Champaign, Illinois. 33 pp. Accessed on February 5, 2015 at https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/10563/inhscwpev02005i00004_opt.pdf?sequen ce=2

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Nÿboer, Randy W, and John E. Ebinger. 2004. Endangered and Threatened Species of Illinois: Status and Distribution, Volume 3: 2004 Changes to the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Plant Species. Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board. Springfield, Illinois. 34 pp.

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Shawnee National Forest. 2005. Shawnee National Forest Biological Evaluations of Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant Species. Forest Plan Revisions. Shawnee National Forest. Harrisburg, Illinois. Available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5151585.pdf

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Yatskievych, G. 1999. Steyermark's Flora of Missouri: Volume 1. Published by Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with Missouri Botanic Garden Press, St. Louis, Missouri. 991 pp.

Yatskievych, G. 2006. Steyermark's Flora of Missouri: Volume 2. Published by Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with Missouri Botanic Garden Press, St. Louis, Missouri. 1181 pp.

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Plant Species List from Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration (2005) Steve Lorenz and K. Andrew West on May 2, 6, 10, & 11, 2005

Trees Aralia spinosa (devil’s walkingstick) Acer negundo (box elder) Asimina triloba (pawpaw) Acer rubrum (red maple) Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper) Acer saccharum (sugar maple) Celastrus scandens (American bittersweet) Amelanchier arborea (common serviceberry) Clematis sp. (a leather flower) Asimina triloba (paw paw) Corylus americana (American hazelnut) Betula nigra (river birch) Crataegus sp. (hawthorn) Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam) Dioscorea quaternata (wild yam) Carya alba (mockernut hickory) Dioscorea sp. (yam) Carya glabra (pignut hickory) Dioscorea villosa (fourleaf yam) Carya ovalis (red hickory) Eleagnus umbellata (autumn olive)* Carya ovata (shagbark hickory) Hypericum sp. (St. Johnswort) Celtis laevigata (sugarberry) Ilex decidua (possumhaw) Celtis occidentalis (common hackberry) Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush) Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud) Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)* Cornus florida (flowering dogwood) Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood) Rhus copallinum (winged sumac) Diospyros virginiana (common persimmon) Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) Fagus grandifolia (American beech) Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose)* Fraxinus americana (white ash) Rubus allegheniensis (Allegheny blackberry) Gleditsia triacanthos (honeylocust) Rubus flagellaris (northern dewberry) Juglans nigra (black walnut) Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry) Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis (American black Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) elderberry) Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) Smilax glauca (cat greenbrier) Morus alba (white mulberry)* Symphoricarpos occidentalis (western snowberry) Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum) Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry) Ostrya virginiana (hop hornbeam) Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison ivy) Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) Vaccinium arboreum (farkleberry) Pinus strobus (white pine) Viburnum prunifolium (blackhaw) Pinus taeda (loblolly pine) Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw) Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) Vitis aestivalis (summer grape) Prunus serotina (black cherry) Vitis palmata (catbird grape) Quercus alba (white oak) Vitis sp. (grape) Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak) Quercus imbricaria (shingle oak) Ferns and Fern Allies Quercus macrocarpa (bur oak) Asplenium platyneuron (ebony spleenwort) Quercus marilandica (blackjack oak) Asplenium sp. (spleenwort) Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak) Botrychium sp. (grapefern) Quercus rubra (northern red oak) Botrychium virginianum (rattlesnake fern) Quercus velutina (black oak) Cystopteris protrusa (lowland bladder fern) Robinia pseudoacacia (black locust)* Dryopteris sp. (woodfern) Sassafras albidum (sassafras) Lycopodium sp. (clubmoss) Ulmus alata (winged elm) Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) Ulmus americana (American elm) Phegopteris hexagonoptera (broad beechfern) Ulmus rubra (slippery elm) Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) Woodsia obtusa (bluntlobe cliff fern) Shrubs and Woody Vines Woodwardia areolata (netted chainfern) Eupatorium serotinum (lateflowering thoroughwort) Herbaceous Monocotyledons Euphorbia corollata (flowering spurge) Allium sp. (onion) Euphorbia sp. (spurge) Arisaema dracontium (green dragon) Fragaria sp. (strawberry) Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the pulpit) Galium aparine (stickywilly) Arundinaria gigantea (giant cane) Galium asprellum (rough bedstraw) Bromus sp. (brome) Galium circaezans (licorice bedstraw) Herbaceous Monocotyledons (continued) Galium concinnum (shining bedstraw) Carex glaucodea (blue sedge) Galium sp. (bedstraw) Carex spp. 1 (sedges) Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw) Cyperus sp. (flatsedge) Geranium maculatum (spotted geranium) Danthonia spicata (poverty oatgrass) Geum sp. (avens) Dichanthelium sp. (rosette grass) Geum vernum (spring avens) Festuca sp. (fescue) Helianthus divaricatus (woodland sunflower) Juncus tenuis (path rush) Hypericum perforatum (common St. Johnswort)* Liparis liliifolia (brown widelip orchid) Impatiens sp. (touch-me-not) Luzula multiflora (common woodrush) Lactuca serriola (prickly lettuce) Maianthemum racemosum (feathery false lily of the Lactuca sp. (lettuce) valley) Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza)* Melica nitens (threeflower melicgrass) Mentha sp. (mint) Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop)* Mentha x piperita (peppermint)* Panicum sp. (panicgrass) Melilotus officinalis (sweetclover)* Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass)* Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells) Poa sylvestris (woodland bluegrass) Monarda fistulosa (wild bergamot) Polygonatum biflorum (smooth Solomon’s seal) Myosotis verna (spring forget-me-not) Schedonorus arundinacea (tall fescue)* Oxalis stricta (common yellow oxalis) Schedonorus pratensis (meadow fescue)* Oxalis violacea (violet woodsorrel) Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) Packera glabella (butterweed) Phlox divaricata (wild blue phlox) Herbaceous Dicotyledons Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed) Achillea millefolium (common yarrow)* Plantago sp. (plantain) Actaea pachypoda (white baneberry) Pluchea camphorata (camphor pluchea) Agrimonia sp. (agrimony) Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple) Ambrosia sp. (ragweed) Polygonum virginianum (jumpseed) Amphicarpaea bracteata (American hogpeanut) Potentilla simplex (common cinquefoil) Antennaria plantaginifolia (woman’s tobacco) Prenanthes sp. (rattlesnakeroot) Apocynum sp. (dogbane) Pycnanthemum sp. (mountainmint) Arnoglossum plantagineum (groovestem Indian Ranunculus hispidus (bristly buttercup) plantain) Ranunculus micranthus (rock buttercup) Asarum canadense (Canadian wildginger) Ranunculus recurvatus (blisterwort) Asclepias sp. (milkweed) Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan) Barbarea vulgaris (garden yellowrocket) Salvia lyrata (lyreleaf sage) Boehmeria cylindrica (smallspike false nettle) Scutellaria sp. (skullcap) Cardamine concatenata (cutleaf toothwort) Securigera varia (crownvetch)* Cardamine pennsylvanica (Pennsylvania bittercress) Solidago sp. (goldenrod) Cardamine sp. (bittercress) Taraxacum officinale (common dandelion)* Cirsium sp. (thistle) Trifolium pratense (red clover)* Claytonia virginica (Virginia spring beauty) Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) Coreopsis tripteris (tall tickseed) Valarianella radiata (beaked cornsalad) Corydalis flavula (yellow fumewort) Verbesina helianthoides (gravelweed) Daucus carota (Queen Anne’s lace)* Viola sororia (common blue violet) Erigeron philadelphicus (Philadelphia fleabane) Viola sp. (violet species) Erigeron strigosus (daisy fleabane) Viola tricolor (johnny jumpup) 16

Viola triloba (three-lobe violet)

*non-native invasive or native invasive plant

Plant Species List from Lee Mine Hardwood Restoration (2014 & 2015) Shannan Sharp on June 20 & 26 and August 19, 2014; Shannan Sharp & Beth Shimp, July to December, 2015

Trees Acer rubrum (red maple) Ferns and Fern Allies Acer saccharum (sugar maple) Asplenium platyneuron (ebony spleenwort) Amelanchier arborea (common serviceberry) Botrychium virginianum (rattlesnake fern) Carya alba (mockernut hickory) Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) Carya cordiformis (bitternut hickory) Carya glabra (pignut hickory) Herbaceous Monocotyledons Celtis laevigata (sugarberry) Brachyeletrum erectum (bearded shorthusk) Cornus racemosa (gray dogwood) Carex cherokeensis Diospyros virginiana (common persimmon) Carex frankii (Frank’s sedge) Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn) Carex hirsutella (fuzzy wuzzy sedge) Fraxinus americana (white ash) Carex muehlenbergii (Muhlenberg’s sedge) Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) Carex vulpinoidea (fox sedge) Liriodendron tulipifera (tuliptree) Chasmanthium latifolium (Indian woodoats) Nyssa sylvatica (blackgum) Commelina diffusa (climbing dayflower) Ostrya virginiana (hop hornbeam) Corollorhiza odontorhiza (autumn coralroot) Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) Cyperus echinatus (globe flatsedge) Pinus strobus (white pine) Dichanthelium acuminatum var. fasciculatum Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) (western panicgrass) Prunus serotina (black cherry) Dichanthelium boscii (Bosc’s panicgrass) Quercus alba (white oak) Dichanthelium depauperatum (starved panicgrass) Quercus coccinea (scarlet oak) Dichanthelium dichotomum var. dichotomum Quercus michauxii (swamp chestnut oak) (cypress panicgrass) Quercus rubra (northern red oak) Dichanthelium sphaerocarpon var. isophyllum Sassafras albidum (sassafras) (roundseed panicgrass) Ulmus rubra (slippery elm) Elymus villosus (hairy wildrye) Goodyera pubescens (downy rattlesnake orchid) Shrubs and Woody Vines Juncus interior (inland rush) Aralia spinosa (devil’s walkingstick) Liparis liliifolia (brown widelip orchid) Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper) Microstegium vimineum (Nepalese browntop)* Celastrus orbiculatus (oriental bittersweet)* Scirpus georgianus (Georgia bulrush) Crataegus calpodendron (pear hawthorn) Scirpus pendulus (rufous bulrush) Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort) Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle)* Herbaceous Dicotyledons Menispermum canadense (common moonseed) Agrimonia pubescens (soft agrimony) Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) Agrimonia rostellata (beaked agrimony) Rosa multiflora (multiflora rose)* Ambrosia artemisiifolia (annual ragweed) Rosa setigera (climbing rose) Bidens coronata (crowned beggarticks) Rubus allegheniensis (Allegheny blackberry) Cirsium altissimum (tall thistle) Rubus occidentalis (black raspberry) Desmodium glutinosum (pointedleaf ticktrefoil) Smilax glauca (cat greenbrier) Erigeron strigosus (daisy fleabane) Smilax tamnoides (bristly greenbrier) Galium circaezans (licorice bedstraw) Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (coralberry) Galium concinnum (shining bedstraw) Toxicodendron radicans (eastern poison ivy) Galium pilosum (hairy bedstraw) Vitis aestivalis (summer grape) Galium triflorum (fragrant bedstraw) Vitis cinerea (graybark grape) Helianthus decapetalus (thinleaf sunflower) Vitis vulpina (frost grape) Hypericum punctatum (spotted St. Johnswort) Lysimachia ciliata (fringed loosestrife) Matelea obliqua** Penstemon digitalis (foxglove beardtongue) Pilea pumila (Canadian clearweed) Plantago rugelii (blackseed plantain) Polygonum punctatum (spotted smartweed) Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan) Herbaceous Dicotyledons (continued) Rumex obtusifolius (bitter dock) Sanicula canadensis var. grandis (Canadian blacksnakeroot) Scutellaria elliptica var. hirsuta (hairy skullcap) Thalictrum dasycarpum (purple meadow-rue)

*non-native invasive or native invasive plant **Shawnee National Forest SVE plant