SPECIES: Scientific [common] Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle ] Forest: Salmon-Challis National Forest Forest Reviewer: Bart L. Gamett Date of Review: March 16, 2018 Forest concurrence (or Yes recommendation if new) for inclusion of species on list of potential SCC: (Enter Yes or No)

FOREST REVIEW RESULTS:

1. The Forest concurs or recommends the species for inclusion on the list of potential SCC: Yes_X_ No___

2. Rationale for not concurring is based on (check all that apply): Species is not native to the plan area ______Species is not known to occur in the plan area ______Species persistence in the plan area is not of substantial concern ______

FOREST REVIEW INFORMATION:

1. Is the Species Native to the Plan Area? Yes_X__ No___

If no, provide explanation and stop assessment.

2. Is the Species Known to Occur within the Planning Area? Yes_X__ No___

If no, stop assessment. Table 1. All Known Occurrences, Years, and Frequency within the Planning Area Year Number of Location of Observations (USFS Source of Information Observed Individuals District, Town, River, Road Intersection, HUC etc.) 1996 4 Bear Basin Creek above Forest Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr

Service Road 30, Lemhi County (Coleoptera: : Elminae), a new genus of riffle beetle with three new species from the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. 1997 1 Elk Creek 20 m above Highway Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr 93, Lemhi County (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a new genus of riffle beetle with three new species from the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212.

a. Are all Species Occurrences Only Accidental or Transient?

Yes___ No_X__

If yes, document source for determination and stop assessment.

b. For species with known occurrences on the Forest since 1990, based on the number of observations and/or year of last observation, can the species be presumed to be established or becoming established in the plan area?

Yes_X__ No___

If no, provide explanation and stop assessment

c. For species with known occurrences on the Forest predating 1990, does the weight of evidence suggest the species still occurs in the plan area?

Yes___ No___

Provide explanation for determination

N/A- no known occurrences on the Forest predating 1990

If determination is no, stop assessment

d. Map 1, A riffle beetle (Bryelmis idahoensis) in Idaho (IDFG 2017a)

IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish and Game). 2017. A riffle beetle (Bryelmis idahoensis). Internet website: https://idfg.idaho.gov/species/taxa/1476808. Accessed on December 1, 2017.

e. Map 2, A riffle beetle (Bryelmis idahoensis) occurrences on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a new genus of riffle beetle with three new species from the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212.)

3. Is There Substantial Concern for the Species’ Capability to persist Over the Long-term in the Plan Area Based on Best Available Scientific Information?

Table 2. Status summary based on existing conservation assessments

Entity Status/Rank (include definition if Other) NatureServe GNR- Global rank not yet assessed Global Rank NatureServe S3- Vulnerable (At moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few populations (often 80 or fewer), recent State Rank and widespread declines, or other factors) State List IDAPA- Unprotected Wildlife Status SGCN- Tier 2 (Secondary in priority and represent species with high conservation needs—that is, species with longer-term vulnerabilities or patterns suggesting management intervention is needed but not necessarily facing imminent extinction or having the highest management profile) USDA Forest No Region 1 Status Service No Region 4 Status

USDI FWS No species profile Other No BLM Status Not reviewed by Xerces Society

Table 3. Status summary based on best available scientific information.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations 1 A1 Bryelmis idahoensis has been documented at two locations on the Forest Distribution on in tributaries to the Salmon River and North Fork of the Salmon River. It Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Salmon-Challis appears to have specific habitat requirements (see Criterion 6) and low (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a dispersal capability (see Criterion 3). The low number of documented new genus of riffle beetle with occurrences could be attributed to its new species status, difficulty of three new species from the Pacific detection, or rarity. Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations Based on its habitat requirements, low dispersal ability, and the low number of documented occurrences, B. idahoensis populations and/or habitat could be scarce on the Forest (Rank A1). Confidence is low due to limited occurrence information on the Forest.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 2 B B. idahoensis appears to be an Idaho endemic (Barr 2011), although it Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Distribution in could also occur in undocumented locations in Western Montana (IDFG (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a surrounding 2017b). Based on occurrence data, its range extends from St. Joe River new genus of riffle beetle with geographic area (Shoshone County) to the Salmon River (Lemhi County) in Idaho (Barr three new species from the Pacific 2011). Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. For Criterion 2, B. idahoensis is assigned Rank B due to its limited distribution outside the Forest. Even with uncertainty of the true extent IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish of its range, B. idahoensis is still likely to have limited distribution. and Game). 2017b. Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan, 2015. Boise, Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low ID.

3 B Larval stages of all riffle are aquatic, and B. idahoensis adults are Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Dispersal Capability thought to be aquatic as well (Barr 2011; Elliot 2008). B. idahoensis adults (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a are very small, only about 2 mm in length, and only some adults possess new genus of riffle beetle with hindwings (Barr 2011) necessary for flight in beetles. In general, the main three new species from the Pacific dispersal method of riffle beetles is passive drift along stream currents Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists (Elliot 2008). Based on dispersal distances recorded for other riffle beetle Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. and drifting invertebrate species, travel upstream or distances further than 20 m is probably rare for B. idahoensis (Elliot 2008). Elliot, J. M. 2008. The ecology of riffle beetles (Coleoptera: Elmidae). B. idahoensis can probably only disperse within corridors of suitable Freshwater Reviews: Vol. 1: pp. habitat (Rank B), and even within suitable habitat dispersal distance is 189-203. likely to be limited. Confidence is medium due to lack of species-specific

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations dispersal data.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 4 A There is no information for abundance or population density of B. Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Abundance on the idahoensis on or off the Forest (IDFG 2017b). Barr (2011) did find that B. (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a Salmon-Challis idahoensis, when encountered at a site, often occurred in large numbers, new genus of riffle beetle with but it was only found at 13 of localities sampled and appeared to have three new species from the Pacific high habitat specificity (see Criterion 6). Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. Based on its habitat requirements (see Criterion 6) and the low number of occurrence records (see Criterion 1), it is probably rare on the Forest IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish (Rank A). Confidence is low due to lack of abundance data. and Game). 2017b. Idaho State Wildlife Action Plan, 2015. Boise, Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low ID.

5 D B. idahoensis is a newly-described, difficult to detect species (Barr 2011). Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Population Trend on There is no documentation of population trends for this species (Rank D). (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a the Salmon-Challis new genus of riffle beetle with Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low three new species from the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212.

6 A B. idahoensis is most likely aquatic in all life stages (see Criteria 3 and 6), Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Habitat Trend on the and the majority of B. idahoensis specimens have been collected from (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a Salmon-Challis cold, first-order, high-gradient streams completely concealed by plant new genus of riffle beetle with cover (Barr 2011). On the Forest, 72% of perennial stream miles have had three new species from the Pacific significant departures of riparian vegetation from historical conditions Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists (USFS 2017a). However, the majority of riparian land type associations Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. (LTAs) assessed are trending towards the natural range of variability (NRV), and over 90% of LTAs are within or trending towards the NRV USFS (United States Department of

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations (USFS 2017a) Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017a. Salmon Challis National Forest Data All streams in which specimens have been found are low-order and likely Assessment, Riparian Ecosystems spring-fed in closed-canopy coniferous forests (Barr 2011). 97% of springs Section (Draft a). are considered within the natural range of variability (NRV) on the Forest (USFS 2017a). There is not enough data to evaluate conditions of spring IDFG (Idaho Department of Fish runout channels on 84% of the Forest, but it is estimated that 14% of and Game). 2017b. Idaho State spring runout channels are outside the NRV, and 2% are trending Wildlife Action Plan, 2015. Boise, towards the NRV (USFS 2017a). Based on available data, it appears that ID. the majority of groundwater dependent ecosystems on the Forest are outside or trending towards the NRV (USFS 2017a).

B. idahoensis appears to be associated with aquatic bryophytes, particularly the liverwort Chiloscyphus polyanthus, which is unusual among riffle beetle species (Barr 2011). B. idahoensis was not found in samples from larger streams without bryophytes present, although in some cases B. idahoensis was also found on waterlogged wood (Barr 2011). Although the abundance of C. polyanthus, the liverwort species with which B. idahoensis is commonly associated, is not known on the Forest, C. polyanthus is widely distributed in western and northeastern North America (Barr 2011). A survey in the western Cascades determined that C. polyanthus is a common species considered characteristic of low- elevation, medium-sized streams within the known elevations at which B. idahoensis occurs (Barr 2011).

B. idahoenis is found in clear and cool to cold water (Barr 2011). It is apparently associated with high water quality, and may be particularly sensitive among aquatic invertebrates in its response to water quality degradation (Barr 2011; IDFG 2017b). For LTAs on the Forest with sufficient data, the Community Tolerance Quotient (CTQ) for

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations macroinvertebrates was significantly altered in more than 76% of watersheds, and water temperature was significantly altered in more than 15% of watersheds (USFS 2017a). However, over all water quality is within the NRV on 41% of the Forest, and trending towards the NRV on 34% of the Forest, in LTAs with sufficient information (USFS 2017a).

Livestock grazing has altered vegetation, water quality, spring channel runout dynamics, and surface and groundwater fluctuations on the Forest (USFS 2017a). Since 1997, however, the proportion of range monitoring has shifted dramatically towards aquatic areas on the Forest (USFS 2016). Current levels of grazing on the Forest are presumed to be much lower than historic levels (USFS 2017b). In 2012, 78% of monitored pastures in riparian areas met percent forage utilization standards, and noncompliance with standards was handled through administration of grazing permits (USFS 2016). Formatted: Font color: Auto

In summary, aquatic ecosystems considered suitable habitat for B. idahoensis are degraded compared to historic conditions on the Salmon- Challis National Forest (Rank A). However, several indicators suggest that suitable habitat is currently improving. Confidence is medium due to uncertainty of the distribution of habitat meeting all requirements for suitability on the Forest.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 7 A The main threat to B. idahoensis is most likely the loss or degradation of Behrens, P.N., R.E. Keane, D.L. Vulnerability of small, plant-covered, cool to cold streams with high water quality (see Peterson, and J.J. Ho. 2018. Habitats on the Criterion 6). On the Forest, unrestricted timber harvest, unrestricted Chapter 6: effects of climatic Salmon-Challis livestock grazing, mining and agriculture, roads and recreation, habitat variability and change on forest fragmentation, and global climate change changes in climate all have the vegetation. In Halofsky, J.E., D.L. potential to impact B. idahoensis habitat (USFS 2017a). Peterson, J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations Joyce, editors. 2018. Climate Unrestricted timber harvest can alter habitat elements such as canopy change vulnerability and cover, water temperature, and flow regimes, all of which are important adaptation in the Intermountain to this species. Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- 374. Fort Collins, CO: US Livestock grazing has altered vegetation, water quality, spring channel Department of Agriculture, Forest runout dynamics, and surface and groundwater fluctuations on the Service, Rocky Mountain Research Forest (USFS 2017a). Since 1997, however, the proportion of range Station. monitoring has shifted dramatically towards aquatic areas on the Forest (USFS 2016). Current levels of grazing on the Forest are presumed to be Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, J.J. Ho, much lower than historic levels (USFS 2017b). In 2012, 78% of monitored N.L. Little, L.A. Joyce, editors. 2018. pastures in riparian areas met percent forage utilization standards, and Climate change vulnerability and noncompliance with standards was handled through administration of adaptation in the Intermountain grazing permits (USFS 2016). Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- 374. Fort Collins, CO: US Mining, as well as agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels, can lead to Department of Agriculture, Forest algal blooms that degrade water quality (USFS 2017a). There are two Service, Rocky Mountain Research active and 433 abandoned mining sites on the Forest (USFS 2017c). The Station. Forest plans to have all abandoned mine sites in monitoring and IAP (Intermountain Adaption maintenance status by 2018 (USFS 2017c). Of the 2.6 million acres on the Partnership). 2016. Intermountain th Forest open to the general public, approximately 1/100 of a percent is Adaption Partnership: Climate undergoing active mining. The likelihood of re-opening mines and new Vulnerability Assessment mines in the future is driven by mineral markets. The SCNF has recently Summaries (Draft). received on increase in speculative inquiries as the price of gold and cobalt rises, however, no mines have been reopened. As mineral Joyce, L.A. and M. Talbert. 2018. resources become scarcer world-wide there is potential for mining of Chapter 3: Historical and projected these materials to become more economical on the SCNF (USFS 2017c). climate. In Halofsky, J.E., D.L. Peterson, J.J. Ho, N.L. Little, L.A. Trampling and increased sedimentation caused by roads and recreation Joyce, editors. 2018. Climate can alter vegetation and water quality of potential B. idahoensis habitat change vulnerability and

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations on the Forest (USFS 2017a). Of the roughly 4200 miles of roads on the adaptation in the Intermountain Forest, about 66% are classified as unimproved (USFS 2017a). Region. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR- 374. Fort Collins, CO: US Since B. idahoensis only disperses along stream corridors (see Criterion Department of Agriculture, Forest 3), activities that disrupt stream connectivity would also disrupt Service, Rocky Mountain Research interpatch movement. B. idahoenis has high habitat specificity and Station. appears to be sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature (see Criterion 6), so limited dispersal ability could negatively influence USFS (United States Forest Service) population trends under changing environmental conditions. Dams, Salmon-Challis National Forest. diversions, culverts, livestock trampling, and other human alterations to 2016. Forest plan monitoring and streamflow all have the potential to affect dispersal of B. idahoensis. evaluation report: Salmon-Challis Dams are rare on the Forest, and there are 205 recorded diversions on National Forest: Salmon and Challis the Forest (USFS 2017a). Distribution of diversions is uneven, with the Forest plans FY 2012, 2013, 2014, majority of diversions occurring at lower elevations (USFS 2017a). and 2015.

Changes in climate could also impact this species. Changes in climate are USFS (United States Department of expected to increase air temperatures and decrease snow to rain ratios Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017a. which will likely result in a smaller snowpacks, changes in stream flow Salmon Challis National Forest Data patterns, and higher stream temperatures (IAP 2016). These changes Assessment, Riparian Ecosystems could negatively impact this species. Section (Draft a).

To project the future climate and impacts to resources in the USFS (United States Department of Intermountain Region including the Salmon-Challis, the Intermountain Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017b. Adaptation Partnership (IAP) used Representative Concentration Salmon Challis National Forest Data Pathway [RCP] 4.5 and 8.5, which capture a moderate and high future Assessment, Rangeland warming, respectively (Halofsky et al. 2018). Although pathways Management and Grazing Section predicting lower warming exist, the 4.5 and 8.5 pathways were chosen by (Draft). the IAP because they are, in comparison, well studied providing a large set of projections that enhance our understanding of the possible range USFS (United States Department of in future climate. Thus, this represents best available science for our Agriculture, Forest Service). 2017c.

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations Forest with regard to a warming climate. Assessment: Forest Plan Revision Renewable and Nonrenewable Although uncertainty exists about the magnitude and rate of climate Energy and Mineral Resources change (For a discussion of this see Behrens et al. 2018), warming Report (Draft). temperatures are the most certain consequence of increased CO2 in the atmosphere. By 2100, median minimum and maximum temperature in the Middle Rockies subregion, which includes the Salmon-Challis, is projected to rise about 5-6˚F under the moderate warming scenario and about 10˚F under the high warming scenario. Regardless of scenario, the greatest departure from historical seasonal minimum temperatures occurs in the summer. Annual precipitation projections are highly variable with no discernible trend under moderate warming and a slight increasing trend with high warming (Joyce and Talbert 2018).

In conclusion, habitat for B. idahoensis is vulnerable to unrestricted livestock grazing, roads and recreation, mining, habitat fragmentation, and global changes in climate and may result in substantial modification of habitatchange . The Forest has taken measures to decrease impacts from livestock grazing, roads and recreation, and mining (Rank A). Confidence is medium due to the low level of predictabilityuncertainty in future CO2 concentrations, the resulting magnitude of changes in climate on the effects of global climate changeand impacts to on mountain recharge in the Middle Rocky Mountain Region.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low 8 B No specific life history or demographic data exists for B. idahoensis, but Barr, C. B. 2011. Bryelmis Barr Life History and some conclusions can be drawn based on observations of B. idahoensis (Coleoptera: Elmidae: Elminae), a Demographics populations and what is known of other riffle beetle species. Barr (2011) new genus of riffle beetle with noted that, when present, B. idahoensis frequently occurred in large three new species from the Pacific numbers. This observation, along with their presumable poor dispersal Northwest, U.S.A. The Coleopterists

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations capability (see Criterion 3), provides weak evidence that B. idahoensis Bulletin: Vol. 65: No. 3. 197-212. populations are capable of proliferation under favorable conditions. Studies of riffle beetle species in North America have determined that Elliot, J. M. 2008. The ecology of they are infrequently eaten by invertebrate predators but are eaten by riffle beetles (Coleoptera: Elmidae). fish, particularly salmonids (Elliot 2008). Depending on the species and Freshwater Reviews: Vol. 1: pp. environmental conditions, riffle beetles can complete their life cycle in six 189-203. months to two years (Elliot 2008). Laboratory studies of four species of British riffle beetles determined that females produce 4-17 eggs (2008). Critical survival periods and survivorship to adulthood varies between species (Elliot 2008).

In general, the evidence suggests that reproductive rates of B. idahoensis might be relatively low compared to other r-strategy taxa (Rank B). Confidence is low due to the lack of species-specific data and information about riffle beetle survivorship rates.

Confidence in Rank: High, Medium, or Low Summary and recommendations: Bryelmis idahoensis (a riffle beetle) is a newly-described aquatic species with two Date: 11/30/2017 known occurrence locations on the Forest. It has a limited distribution outside the Forest, and statewide conservation assessments indicate concern for this species. There are no estimates of population trends or abundance of B. idahoensis on or off the Forest, but the low number of occurrence records combined with its habitat specificity could indicate a low abundance on the Forest. Furthermore, habitat specificity combined with presumed poor dispersal capabilities suggest that B. idahoensis occurs in rare, isolated patches on the Forest. Little to no information exists on the life history and demographics of B. idahoensis or riffle beetles in general, but studies of other riffle beetle species suggest that B. idahoensis could have a relatively low reproductive rate compared to other insect species.

Degradation of water quality and availability of cool, clear, spring-fed, low-order streams covered by vegetation are the primary threats to B. idahoensis on the Forest. Compared to historic conditions, habitat for B. idahoensis on the Forest is significantly altered but largely trending towards the natural range of variability. PCurrent and potential

Species (Scientific and Common Name): Bryelmis idahoensis [A Riffle Beetle]

Criteria Rank Rationale Literature Citations future threats to B. idahoensis habitat include unrestricted livestock grazing, mining, roads and recreation, habitat Commented [FM-F1]: Chuck will be getting calls about this. fragmentation, and global climate changechanges in climate. Effects of livestock grazing, mining, and roads and You must have missed my email regarding how to word this? recreation on B. idahoensis are expected to be lower compared to previous levels of human impact. Although there is uncertainty in the magnitude of future changes in climate and its impacts in the Middle Rocky Mountain Region, and tThe effects of global climate changechanges in climate on groundwater-fed streams are somewhat unpredictableare difficult to predict, although changes in riparian vegetation should negatively affect availability of B. idahoensis habitat on the Forest. Commented [FM-F2]: You must have missed the message about adding uncertainty language as well? In summary, B. idahoensis is recommended as an SCC on the Forest based on its presumed rarity, limited distribution off the Forest, poor dispersal capability, altered habitat availability, and specific habitat requirements that affect vulnerability to human activities.

Evaluator(s): Rei Scampavia, Bart Gamett, and Mary Friberg

Forest Recommendation: This analysis indicates there is substantial concern for the capability of Bryelmis Formatted: Not Highlight idahoensis to persist over the long-term on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Therefore, it is recommended that Bryelmis idahoensis be designated as a Species of Conservation Concern.