DOCSLIB.ORG

Nevada and Northeastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Proposed LUPA/Final EIS Q-1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Nevada and Northeastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Proposed LUPA/Final EIS Q-1 Appendix Q Forest Service Biological Evaluation and Wildlife Specialists Report APPENDIX Q FOREST SERVICE BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND WILDLIFE SPECIALISTS REPORT June 2015 Nevada and Northeastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Proposed LUPA/Final EIS Q-1 This page intentionally left blank U.S. Forest Service Biological Evaluation and Wildlife Specialists Report for the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort to Amend the Forest Plans in Nevada for the Humboldt and Toiyabe National Forest Plans May 15, 2015 Prepared by: Katherine Malengo, Wildlife Biologist [email protected] Kimberly O’Connor, Botanist [email protected] Kat Carsey, Botanist [email protected] Chris Colt, Wildlife Biologist [email protected] 1 Table of Contents I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 10 II. PROJECT HISTORY ........................................................................................................... 10 III. PURPOSE AND NEED ..................................................................................................... 11 IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES .................................................................... 12 Alternative A:............................................................................................................................ 12 Management Common to All Alternatives ............................................................................... 12 Alternative B: ............................................................................................................................ 13 Alternative C: ............................................................................................................................ 14 Alternative D:............................................................................................................................ 14 Alternative E: ............................................................................................................................ 16 Alternative F: ............................................................................................................................ 16 Proposed Plan: .......................................................................................................................... 17 V. PLANNING AREA/ANALYSIS AREA ............................................................................. 18 VI. BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION ............................................................................................ 14 A. Forest Service Sensitive Species .......................................................................................... 15 B. Species Information and Effects Analysis (Direct, Indirect and Cumulative) ........................ 36 1. Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) .......................................................... 36 Evaluating Viability .............................................................................................................. 36 Life History ........................................................................................................................... 37 Habitat and Population Condition ......................................................................................... 38 Threats................................................................................................................................... 41 Alternative A - No Action......................................................................................................... 41 Vegetation and Soils Management ....................................................................................... 41 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 43 Fire and Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 44 Energy and Locatable Minerals Development ...................................................................... 47 Land Uses and Realty Management ..................................................................................... 48 Travel, Transportation and Recreation Management ............................................................ 49 Determination ................................................................................................................... 50 Alternative B ............................................................................................................................. 50 Vegetation and Soils Management ....................................................................................... 50 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 51 Fire and Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 52 2 Wild Horse and Burro Management ..................................................................................... 53 Energy and Locatable Minerals Development ...................................................................... 53 Land Uses and Realty Management ..................................................................................... 54 Travel, Transportation and Recreation Management ............................................................ 55 Determination ................................................................................................................... 56 Alternative C ............................................................................................................................. 56 Vegetation and Soils ............................................................................................................. 56 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 57 Fire and Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 57 Wild Horse and Burro Management ..................................................................................... 58 Energy and Locatable Minerals Development ...................................................................... 58 Land Uses and Realty Management ..................................................................................... 59 Travel, Transportation and Recreation Management ............................................................ 60 Determination ................................................................................................................... 60 Alternative D ............................................................................................................................. 60 Vegetation and Soils Management ....................................................................................... 60 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 61 Fire and Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 62 Wild Horse and Burro Management ..................................................................................... 63 Energy and Locatable Minerals Development ...................................................................... 64 Land Uses and Realty Management ..................................................................................... 65 Travel, Transportation and Recreation Management ............................................................ 66 Determination ................................................................................................................... 67 Alternative E ............................................................................................................................. 67 Vegetation and Soils ............................................................................................................. 67 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 68 Fire and Fuels ........................................................................................................................ 69 Wild Horse and Burro Management ..................................................................................... 70 Energy and Locatable Minerals Development ...................................................................... 70 Land Uses and Realty Management ..................................................................................... 71 Travel, Transportation and Recreation Management ............................................................ 72 Determination ................................................................................................................... 73 Alternative F ............................................................................................................................. 73 Vegetation and Soils ............................................................................................................. 73 3 Livestock Grazing ................................................................................................................. 74 Fire and Fuels .......................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Phylogenetic Relationships and Historical Biogeography of Tribes and Genera in the Subfamily Nymphalinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
    Blackwell Science, LtdOxford, UKBIJBiological Journal of the Linnean Society 0024-4066The Linnean Society of London, 2005? 2005 862 227251 Original Article PHYLOGENY OF NYMPHALINAE N. WAHLBERG ET AL Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 86, 227–251. With 5 figures . Phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of tribes and genera in the subfamily Nymphalinae (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) NIKLAS WAHLBERG1*, ANDREW V. Z. BROWER2 and SÖREN NYLIN1 1Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden 2Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331–2907, USA Received 10 January 2004; accepted for publication 12 November 2004 We infer for the first time the phylogenetic relationships of genera and tribes in the ecologically and evolutionarily well-studied subfamily Nymphalinae using DNA sequence data from three genes: 1450 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) (in the mitochondrial genome), 1077 bp of elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-a) and 400–403 bp of wing- less (both in the nuclear genome). We explore the influence of each gene region on the support given to each node of the most parsimonious tree derived from a combined analysis of all three genes using Partitioned Bremer Support. We also explore the influence of assuming equal weights for all characters in the combined analysis by investigating the stability of clades to different transition/transversion weighting schemes. We find many strongly supported and stable clades in the Nymphalinae. We are also able to identify ‘rogue’
    [Show full text]
  • List of Animal Species with Ranks October 2017
    Washington Natural Heritage Program List of Animal Species with Ranks October 2017 The following list of animals known from Washington is complete for resident and transient vertebrates and several groups of invertebrates, including odonates, branchipods, tiger beetles, butterflies, gastropods, freshwater bivalves and bumble bees. Some species from other groups are included, especially where there are conservation concerns. Among these are the Palouse giant earthworm, a few moths and some of our mayflies and grasshoppers. Currently 857 vertebrate and 1,100 invertebrate taxa are included. Conservation status, in the form of range-wide, national and state ranks are assigned to each taxon. Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends and threats is collected into a ranking form, analyzed, and used to assign ranks. Ranks are updated periodically, as new information is collected. We welcome new information for any species on our list. Common Name Scientific Name Class Global Rank State Rank State Status Federal Status Northwestern Salamander Ambystoma gracile Amphibia G5 S5 Long-toed Salamander Ambystoma macrodactylum Amphibia G5 S5 Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinum Amphibia G5 S3 Ensatina Ensatina eschscholtzii Amphibia G5 S5 Dunn's Salamander Plethodon dunni Amphibia G4 S3 C Larch Mountain Salamander Plethodon larselli Amphibia G3 S3 S Van Dyke's Salamander Plethodon vandykei Amphibia G3 S3 C Western Red-backed Salamander Plethodon vehiculum Amphibia G5 S5 Rough-skinned Newt Taricha granulosa
    [Show full text]
  • Dieteria [Machaeranthera] Cansecens
    HOARY TANSYASTER Dieteria (Machaeranthera) canescens (Pursh) Nutt. Asteraceae – Aster family Corey L. Gucker & Nancy L. Shaw | 2018 ORGANIZATION NOMENCLATURE Dieteria canescens (Pursh) Nutt. until recently Names, subtaxa, chromosome number(s), hybridization. (2010) was known as Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray (ITIS 2017; USDA NRCS 2017). This species belongs to the Astereae tribe of the Asteraceae family (Morgan Range, habitat, plant associations, elevation, soils. 2006) and will hereafter be referred to by its common name, hoary tansyaster. NRCS Plant Code. MACA2 (USDA NRCS 2017). Life form, morphology, distinguishing characteristics, reproduction. Subtaxa. The Flora of North America (Morgan 2006) recognizes ten varieties of hoary tansyaster: Dieteria canescens var. Growth rate, successional status, disturbance ecology, importance to canescens, ambigua, aristata, glabra, incana, animals/people. leucanthemifolia, nebraskana, sessiliflora, shastensis, and ziegleri. Current or potential uses in restoration. Synonyms (Morgan 2006). Dieteria canescens: Machaeranthera canescens (Pursh) A. Gray; Aster canescens Seed sourcing, wildland seed collection, seed cleaning, storage, Pursh testing and marketing standards. D. c. var. ambigua: M. canescens (Pursh) A. Gray var. ambigua B.L. Turner D. c. var. aristatus: A. canescens Pursh var. Recommendations/guidelines for producing seed. aristatus Eastwood; M. canescens (Pursh) A. Gray var. aristata (Eastwood) B.L. Turner; M. rigida Greene D. c. var. canescens: M. divaricata (Nuttall) Recommendations/guidelines for producing planting stock. Greene; M. laetevirens Greene; M. latifolia A. Nelson; M. pulverulenta (Nuttall) Greene; M. viscosa (Nuttall) Greene D. c. var. glabra: M. canescens (Pursh) A. Gray Recommendations/guidelines, wildland restoration successes/ var. glabra A. Gray; A. canescens Pursh var. failures. viridis A. Gray; M. linearis Greene D.
    [Show full text]
  • Papilio (New Series) # 25 2016 Issn 2372-9449
    PAPILIO (NEW SERIES) # 25 2016 ISSN 2372-9449 ERNEST J. OSLAR, 1858-1944: HIS TRAVEL AND COLLECTION ITINERARY, AND HIS BUTTERFLIES by James A. Scott, Ph.D. in entomology University of California Berkeley, 1972 (e-mail: [email protected]) Abstract. Ernest John Oslar collected more than 50,000 butterflies and moths and other insects and sold them to many taxonomists and museums throughout the world. This paper attempts to determine his travels in America to collect those specimens, by using data from labeled specimens (most in his remaining collection but some from published papers) plus information from correspondence etc. and a few small field diaries preserved by his descendants. The butterfly specimens and their localities/dates in his collection in the C. P. Gillette Museum (Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado) are detailed. This information will help determine the possible collection locations of Oslar specimens that lack accurate collection data. Many more biographical details of Oslar are revealed, and the 26 insects named for Oslar are detailed. Introduction The last collection of Ernest J. Oslar, ~2159 papered butterfly specimens and several moths, was found in the C. P. Gillette Museum, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado by Paul A. Opler, providing the opportunity to study his travels and collections. Scott & Fisher (2014) documented specimens sent by Ernest J. Oslar of about 100 Argynnis (Speyeria) nokomis nokomis Edwards labeled from the San Juan Mts. and Hall Valley of Colorado, which were collected by Wilmatte Cockerell at Beulah New Mexico, and documented Oslar’s specimens of Oeneis alberta oslari Skinner labeled from Deer Creek Canyon, [Jefferson County] Colorado, September 25, 1909, which were collected in South Park, Park Co.
    [Show full text]
  • NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLY ASSOCIATION 4 Delaware Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
    NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLY ASSOCIATION 4 Delaware Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 tel. 973-285-0907 fax 973-285-0936 web: www.naba.org 41st ANNUAL NABA BUTTERFLY COUNT - 2015 INSTRUCTIONS (CANADA) COUNTERS & COUNT CIRCLES Please report your 2015 count results directly to NABA through Unless your count is an existing 1st of July count started before our online count form at www.naba.org. The online form 2008, at least 4 adult observers must participate. One or more allows compilers to enter all data for their counts through the groups of counters always produce better results. It is usually Web and also allows the regional editors to review and edit the desirable to visit several habitats and areas within a count circle, reports more efficiently. Most importantly, Butterfly Count which may be done best by several parties. Since counts are information will be entered and stored in a database which in the open for public participation, we encourage you to publicize future will allow it to be available online to NABA members your count plans! and the public. All compilers are now requested to enter the data A count is held at one or more selected sites within a for their counts through the online count form. If this presents 15-mile diameter CIRCLE. Groups starting a new count MUST any difficulty, please contact NABA for assistance. designate this 15-mile diameter circle. No count circles may overlap—that is, count centers must be a minimum of 15 miles COUNT PROGRAM OVERVIEW apart. Groups repeating a count held a previous year MUST use In order to encourage increased participation in the NABA the same circle, and count the same sites and habitats as before Butterfly Count Program and to encourage even more so far as practical.
    [Show full text]
  • North American Butterfly Association
    NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLY ASSOCIATION 4 Delaware Road, Morristown, NJ 07960 tel. 973-285-0907 fax 973-285-0936 web: www.naba.org ANNUAL NABA BUTTERFLY COUNT - INSTRUCTIONS (USA) This printed count forms is for field use only. All counts must submit their results using the online data entry system. Please contact the NABA Count Program if you have questions or concerns. Please report your count results directly to NABA Timing/Requirements for United through our online count form at www.butterflycounts.org. Stated Counts The online form allows compilers to enter all data for their Count NABA 4th of July Butterfly Count: A minimum of four counts through the Web and also allows the regional editors adult observers AND 6 party-hours per count are Date of REQUIRED for all counts started after 2008; and, to review and edit the reports efficiently. Most importantly, June or except in extenuating circumstances, ALL counts should Butterfly Count information will be entered and stored in a July expend at least 6 party-hours of effort. database which in the future will allow it to be available Count online to NABA members and the public. If entering your Date other NABA Seasonal Butterfly Count: A minimum of four adult observers AND 6 party-hours per count is data through the online count form presents any difficulty, than June REQUIRED. please contact NABA for assistance. or July COUNT PROGRAM OVERVIEW DATE OF NEXT YEAR'S COUNT In order to encourage increased participation in the Please contact NABA (at address/phone above, or e-mail NABA Butterfly Count Program and to encourage even more to ) with the date of your next year's monitoring possibilities, the NABA Board of Directors [email protected] authorized the introduction of Seasonal Butterfly Counts in count and information on how to contact the compiler.
    [Show full text]
  • Nevada Butterflies and Their Biology to Forward Such for Inclusion in the Larger Study
    Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society 39(2). 1985. 95-118 NEV ADA BUTTERFLIES: PRELIMINARY CHECKLIST AND DISTRIBUTION GEORGE T. AUSTIN Nevada State Museum and Historical Society, 700 Twin Lakes Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89107 ABSTRACT. The distribution by county of the 189 species (over 300 taxa) of but­ terflies occurring in Nevada is presented along with a list of species incorrectly recorded for the state. There are still large areas which are poorly or not collected. Nevada continues as one of the remaining unknown areas in our knowledge of butterfly distribution in North America. Although a com­ prehensive work on the state's butterflies is in preparation, there is sufficient demand for a preliminary checklist to justify the following. It is hoped this will stimulate those who have any data on Nevada butterflies and their biology to forward such for inclusion in the larger study. Studies of Nevada butterflies are hampered by a paucity of resident collectors, a large number of mountain and valley systems and vast areas with little or no access. Non-resident collectors usually funnel into known and well worked areas, and, although their data are valu­ able, large areas of the state remain uncollected. Intensive collecting, with emphasis on poorly known areas, over the past seven years by Nevada State Museum personnel and associates has gone far to clarify butterfly distribution within the state. The gaps in knowledge are now more narrowly identifiable and will be filled during the next few sea­ sons. There is no all encompassing treatment of Nevada's butterfly fauna. The only state list is an informal recent checklist of species (Harjes, 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • A SKELETON CHECKLIST of the BUTTERFLIES of the UNITED STATES and CANADA Preparatory to Publication of the Catalogue Jonathan P
    A SKELETON CHECKLIST OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA Preparatory to publication of the Catalogue © Jonathan P. Pelham August 2006 Superfamily HESPERIOIDEA Latreille, 1809 Family Hesperiidae Latreille, 1809 Subfamily Eudaminae Mabille, 1877 PHOCIDES Hübner, [1819] = Erycides Hübner, [1819] = Dysenius Scudder, 1872 *1. Phocides pigmalion (Cramer, 1779) = tenuistriga Mabille & Boullet, 1912 a. Phocides pigmalion okeechobee (Worthington, 1881) 2. Phocides belus (Godman and Salvin, 1890) *3. Phocides polybius (Fabricius, 1793) =‡palemon (Cramer, 1777) Homonym = cruentus Hübner, [1819] = palaemonides Röber, 1925 = ab. ‡"gunderi" R. C. Williams & Bell, 1931 a. Phocides polybius lilea (Reakirt, [1867]) = albicilla (Herrich-Schäffer, 1869) = socius (Butler & Druce, 1872) =‡cruentus (Scudder, 1872) Homonym = sanguinea (Scudder, 1872) = imbreus (Plötz, 1879) = spurius (Mabille, 1880) = decolor (Mabille, 1880) = albiciliata Röber, 1925 PROTEIDES Hübner, [1819] = Dicranaspis Mabille, [1879] 4. Proteides mercurius (Fabricius, 1787) a. Proteides mercurius mercurius (Fabricius, 1787) =‡idas (Cramer, 1779) Homonym b. Proteides mercurius sanantonio (Lucas, 1857) EPARGYREUS Hübner, [1819] = Eridamus Burmeister, 1875 5. Epargyreus zestos (Geyer, 1832) a. Epargyreus zestos zestos (Geyer, 1832) = oberon (Worthington, 1881) = arsaces Mabille, 1903 6. Epargyreus clarus (Cramer, 1775) a. Epargyreus clarus clarus (Cramer, 1775) =‡tityrus (Fabricius, 1775) Homonym = argentosus Hayward, 1933 = argenteola (Matsumura, 1940) = ab. ‡"obliteratus"
    [Show full text]
  • Watching Western Colorado Butterflies
    Watching Western Colorado Butterflies Dr. Warren H. “Herb” Wagner Why? • Enhance the outdoor experience • Intro to butterfly conservation • Fun Three Steps to Conservation Xerxes Society for Invertebrate Conservation 1) Identify the resources The butterflies Their larval host plants The adult food sources floral & other 2) Protect the resources The landscape & nectar, host plants 3) Enhance the resources Larval & adult host plants Gardens What are the threats? Invasive weeds Knapweeds, bindweed, cheatgrasses, spurges, … Large scale hot-burning fire More frequent, smaller fires not a threat People Serious collecting benefits long term conservation efforts A few rare species are threatened by over-collecting Habitat destruction is a real and serious threat to many butterfly populations Collecting Butterflies With proper labeling & care COLO Mesa Co • Indisputable historical records Black Ridge Rd • Essential for proper ID 6 Apr 1996 • Genetic records JA & RW Hammon • Fun! • Pretty Paonia Colo 7/23/1932 If you are going to use a field guide, this is the one Colorado Butterflies 289 Species West slope - > 200 species Gunnison County 159 species Mesa County 155 species • Skippers 36 species • Skippers 36 species • Swallowtails 6 species • Swallowtails 7 species • Lycaenids 40 species • Lycaenids 39 species • Pierids 20 species • Pierids 16 species • Metalmarks 1 species • Metalmarks 1 species • Nymphalids 56 species • Nymphalids 56 species Metamorphosis naturallycuriouswithmaryholland Lepidoptera = Scale wing The proboscis, clubbed antenna
    [Show full text]
  • Species Risk Assessment
    Ecological Sustainability Analysis of the Kaibab National Forest: Species Diversity Report Ver. 1.2 Prepared by: Mikele Painter and Valerie Stein Foster Kaibab National Forest For: Kaibab National Forest Plan Revision Analysis 22 December 2008 SpeciesDiversity-Report-ver-1.2.doc 22 December 2008 Table of Contents Table of Contents............................................................................................................................. i Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 1 PART I: Species Diversity.............................................................................................................. 1 Species List ................................................................................................................................. 1 Criteria .................................................................................................................................... 2 Assessment Sources................................................................................................................ 3 Screening Results.................................................................................................................... 4 Habitat Associations and Initial Species Groups........................................................................ 8 Species associated with ecosystem diversity characteristics of terrestrial vegetation or aquatic systems ......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Upcoming Field Trip Don’T Miss the Last Field Trip of the Season! It Is Scheduled for September 10
    Volume 12, Number 3 August 2011 G’num* The newsletter of the Washington Butterfly Association P.O. Box 31317 Seattle WA 98103 www.naba.org/chapters/nabaws *G’num is the official greeting of WBA. It is derived from the name of common Washington butterfly food plants, of the genus Eriogonum. Upcoming Programs WBA meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street, Seattle) and begin at 7:00 p.m. The first fifteen minutes are used for social reception and viewing of displays. September 7 – Sarah Moore Managing a Tropical Butterfly House Sarah Moore, Life Sciences Manager of the Pacific Science Center, will share the inside workings of the Seattle Science Center Butterfly House. How are the butterflies chosen and procured and how long do they live? Sarah will share photos of the many beautiful tropical butterflies you will see there. Join us for a unique and interesting program. October 5 – David Droppers Sphinx Moths of Washington There are 19 species of sphinx moths in Washington. These are always attractive as many visit the same flowers at dusk as the hummingbirds and butterflies visit during the day... thus often being called "hummingbird moths." Many occur in all areas of Washington and this is your chance to learn them. David's programs are always fun and educational. Upcoming Field Trip Don’t miss the last field trip of the season! It is scheduled for September 10. Destinations include the Ellensburg overlook, for metalmarks, and Snoqualmie Pass. Please see page 7 for details.
    [Show full text]
  • Sentinels on the Wing: the Status and Conservation of Butterflies in Canada
    Sentinels on the Wing The Status and Conservation of Butterflies in Canada Peter W. Hall Foreword In Canada, our ties to the land are strong and deep. Whether we have viewed the coasts of British Columbia or Cape Breton, experienced the beauty of the Arctic tundra, paddled on rivers through our sweeping boreal forests, heard the wind in the prairies, watched caribou swim the rivers of northern Labrador, or searched for song birds in the hardwood forests of south eastern Canada, we all call Canada our home and native land. Perhaps because Canada’s landscapes are extensive and cover a broad range of diverse natural systems, it is easy for us to assume the health of our important natural spaces and the species they contain. Our country seems so vast compared to the number of Canadians that it is difficult for us to imagine humans could have any lasting effect on nature. Yet emerging science demonstrates that our natural systems and the species they contain are increas- ingly at risk. While the story is by no means complete, key indicator species demonstrate that Canada’s natural legacy is under pressure from a number of sources, such as the conversion of lands for human uses, the release of toxic chemicals, the introduction of new, invasive species or the further spread of natural pests, and a rapidly changing climate. These changes are hitting home and, with the globalization and expansion of human activities, it is clear the pace of change is accelerating. While their flights of fancy may seem insignificant, butterflies are sentinels or early indicators of this change, and can act as important messengers to raise awareness.
    [Show full text]