Meadow Vapor Environmental Assessment

3.11 Rare Affected Environment An evaluation of threatened and endangered species, sensitive species, species of concern, and Forest plant species of concern was conducted for the Meadow Vapor Project in order to determine species of rare plants most likely to be affected by the proposed activities. The analysis and prescribed mitigations/design criteria ensure that the project complies with the Endangered Species Act and Forest Service policy and directives involving sensitive species and species of concern. Methodology The project area was surveyed in 2013 and 2015 for rare plant and invasive plant species. The Natural Heritage Program database, aerial photographs, and Bitterroot National Forest records were reviewed to identify known rare plant populations in or near the proposed project area. The project area was also assessed for inclusion of habitat that might be suitable for other rare plant species by reviewing other data (PF-BOTANY-001). This chapter is based on that data. A table was compiled showing rare plant species that were known to occur within the project area or had the potential to occur in the area. This Biological Evaluation was prepared based on presently available information. If the action is modified in a manner that causes effects not considered, or if new information becomes available that reveals that the action may impact rare plants in a manner or to an extent not previously considered, a new or revised Biological Evaluation may be required. No plants listed as threatened or endangered for listing were found in the Meadow Vapor project area and will not be analyzed or discussed in this analysis. Sensitive plants are species, subspecies or varieties of plants whose populations or habitat capability have current or predicted downward trends (FSM 2670.5). Species of Concern are determined by the State of Montana to be rare or threatened plants or plants with declining populations. Sensitive plants and plant Species of Concern may have a restricted range in Montana, or they may be sparsely distributed over a larger area. Plants designated as ‘species of concern’ by the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) include species that are listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive by Federal agencies. The Bitterroot National Forest currently analyzes and manages for 108 species of listed rare plants (USDA Forest Service 2011) and three species that are forest species of interest because of tribal interest in these plants. These 111 plants are known, suspected, or have potential to occur on the Bitterroot National Forest, due to habitat being present. Based on the project methodology, the Forest Botanist compiled a list of rare plant species and forest species of interest, which were known or had the potential to occur in the Meadow Vapor project area (PF-BOTANY-001).

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Existing Condition Three rare plant species were found within the Meadow Vapor Project Area. Of those three species, there are twelve populations (Table 3.11-1). Table 3.11- 1: Plant Species Found in the Project Area and Population Information CANDIDATE PLANT SPECIES COMMON NAME POPULATIONS FOUND IN *STATUS SPECIES PROJECT AREA Pinus albicaulis Whitebark Pine 7 G3/G4; S3 SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES parvum Dwarf Onion 4 G5; S3 POTENTIAL SPECIES OF CONCERN PLANT SPECIES Allotropa virgata Candystick 1 G4; S3/S4

*Montana Natural Heritage Species Rankings. Species are assigned numeric ranks, Globally (G) and State wide (S), ranging from 1 (highest risk, greatest concern) to 5 (demonstrably secure), reflecting the relative degree of risk to the species’ viability, based upon available information. G3/S3: Potential risk of extinction or extirpation in the state because of limited and/or declining numbers, range and/or habitat, even though it may be abundant in some areas. G4/S4: Apparently secure, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, and/or suspected to be declining. G5: Common, widespread, and abundant (although it may be rare in parts of its range). Not vulnerable in most of its range. Pinus albicaulis (Whitebark Pine) Pinus albicaulis is found in subalpine and krummhotz habitats in most mountain ranges and is also found with lodgepole pine. It is found across most of western North America and scattered along the western and central ranges of Montana and on the Bitterroot National Forest. Seven populations were found in the project area. Populations had some younger and more mature Pinus albicaulis. Blister rust was not found on the younger trees. There was blister rust on some of the more mature trees. There were trees where blister rust was not seen on the trees in the populations. Whitebark pine is known as a keystone species for the many ecosystem functions it provides in upper subalpine habitats: biodiversity, nurse tree, erosion control, food source, snow retention, pioneer species, etc. (Tomback et al. 2001). Within the project area, whitebark pine occurs in mixed conifer stands, primarily lodgepole, below the upper subalpine habitats where the majority of the keystone ecosystem functions typically associated with whitebark pine are not likely provided. In these lower mixed conifer stands, whitebark pine functions similarly to other conifer species present, with the added benefit of providing a valuable food source for wildlife in the form of large seeds. Whitebark pine populations in USFS Region 1 have experienced sharp declines in recent decades due to altered wildfire regimes, forest succession, non-native white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, and possibly climate change (USFWS 2011). Studies in northwestern Montana have documented population declines of 40% to nearly 100% in 50-60 years (Keane and Arno 1993; Kendall and Keane 2001). The effects analysis will discuss each of the threats as determined by USFWS in their finding that results in whitebark pine being a candidate for listing. Not all of these threats will directly impact the viability of whitebark pine but all will play a significant role in the conservation of the species. Whitebark pine is a Region 1 sensitive plant and a US Fish and Wildlife Service Candidate for federal listing. The US Fish and wildlife Service found that these four factors, in conjunction with inadequate regulatory mechanisms to reduce these impacts, warranted whitebark pine for federal listing under the Endangered

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Species Act (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2011). Due to workload and the existing backlog of the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, they have precluded listing until they have the appropriate time and funding to do so, and have identified whitebark pine as a candidate species. Well referenced information on the five factors contributing to this designation is presented in the 12-month finding by the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (2011), which was posted in the Federal Register of July, 2011. In the interim, the Forest Service Northern Region is managing whitebark pine as a sensitive species. In 2011, the USFWS filed a Notice of 12-month petition finding in the Federal Register (Docket No. FWS- R6-ES-2010-0047; MO 92210-0-0008) to list Pinus albicaulis (whitebark pine) as endangered or threatened with critical habitat. In this notice, the USFWS states that listing whitebark pine as threatened or endangered is warranted but listing is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the existing Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (76 FR 42631-42654). However, whitebark pine will be reviewed annually for candidate species status until a proposed rule is developed as priorities and funding will allow. Critical habitat will be designated at that time as well. Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA states a species may be determined endangered or threatened based on any of the five following factors: a. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; b. Overutilization for commercial recreation, scientific, or educational purposes; c. Disease or predation; d. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; e. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence.

The USFWS determined Factors A, C, and D were the contributing factors, with Factor C being the primary threat to the species from disease (blister rust, mountain pine beetle) and its interaction with other threats (fire and fire suppression, climate change). The effects analysis of this BA/BE will be based on these threats. The Bitterroot National Forest shows indications of blister rust activity. Some trees are completely dead and other trees show signs of infection (cankers, flagging). Whitepine blister rust is a disease of 5-needled pines caused by a nonnative fungus Cronartium ribicola. The rate and intensity of spread is influenced by multiple environmental factors. Even with a complicated life cycle, whitepine blister rust is widespread, its current distribution is western North America (except Utah and the Great Basin Desert), and British Columbia and Alberta, Canada (Tomback and Achuff 2010). Mountain pine beetle is another factor in the decline of whitebark pine. This insect feeds on the cambium all western pines. The beetle is native to North America and western pines have developed defense mechanisms to prevent the beetle from entering the tree (pitching). Historically, temperature has limited these infestations to 1 to 2 year lifecycle. With the rising temperatures life cycles are completed in 1 year (Amman et al 1997; Gibson et al 2008). These conditions can cause epidemic levels of infestation causing greater tree loss over a widespread area (Keane et al 2010). Though mountain pine beetle is prevalent in Montana and the Bitterroot National Forest, the infestation levels have been declining. This leads to the final factor in the decline of whitebark pine, climate change. Evidence of climate change has been observed in western Montana as well as around the world. Whitebark pine is a long lived species and has undoubtedly survived climatic changes in the past. The concern about climate change in regards to whitebark pine involves the rate of change and WPB’s complex regeneration process may make it difficult to adjust to rapid climate change (Keane et al 2012). Climate change will impact WBP by 1) direct loss of habitat, 2) increased completion from other species, 3) increased CO2 levels, 4) regeneration,

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and 5) interaction with other factors (fire, intervals, disease, and predation). In regards to the project area, increased competition is the most concerning impact since it is already a dense mixed conifer forest. Considering all the threats to whitebark pine and its current decline, it is important to note that trail construction and even timber harvest are not activities associated with the decline of the species (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2011). Allium parvum (Dwarf Onion) Allium parvum is known from southwest Montana, primarily found on the Bitterroot National Forest. There are 84 known sites on the Bitterroot National Forest. Known sites are found scattered over the Sula and West Fork districts. There are some populations found in Beaverhead County. Dwarf onion is a perennial herb that arises from solitary or clustered bulbs. It flowers in late May-June. It is found in Dry, open forests, woodlands, or grasslands on warm slopes in the montane zone. It prefers well drained soils. Four populations were found throughout the project area. Populations and habitat are being threatened by cheatgrass and knapweed.

Allotropa virgate (Candystick) Allotropa virgata is known from southwest Montana, primarily found in southwest Montana on the Bitterroot, Lolo, and Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forests. There are 61 known sites on the Bitterroot National Forest. Known sites are found scattered across the Bitterroot National Forest. Candystick flowers in July and August and is found in mature lodgepole forests in montane zones. This species relies heavily on healthy mature lodgepole forests.

Table 3.11- 2: Candidate and Sensitive Plant Species and/or Plant Habitat Documented as Present in the Meadow Vapor Project Area.* EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2 CANDIDATE SPECIES (NOT CURRENTLY LISTED AS THREATENED AND ENDANGERED) Pinus albicaulis Mixed conifer stands at SPECIES: Yes HABITAT: NI BI Whitebark pine treeline. Yes MIIH BI VASCULAR SENSITIVE SPECIES Allium acuminatum Grasslands and ponderosa SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI MIIH Taper-tip onion pine. Yes NI MIIH Allium parvum Grasslands and open SPECIES: Yes HABITAT: NI MIIH Dwarf onion ponderosa pine. Yes NI MIIH Athysanus pusillus SPECIES: No NI NI Vernally moist rocky areas. Sandweed HABITAT: Yes NI MIIH Castilleja covilleana Grasslands, ponderosa pine, SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Rocky Mountain paintbrush and Rocky alpine. Yes NI MIIH Glossopetalon spinescens SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Granite outcrops. Green-bush Yes NI NI Heterocodon rariflorum SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Canyon seeps. Western pearl-flower Yes NI NI Idahoa scapigera SPECIES: No NI NI Vernally moist rocky areas. Scalepod HABITAT: Yes NI MIIH

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EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2

Open seeps and vernally moist Mimulus ampliatus soil along slopes, cliffs, and SPECIES: No NI NI Stalk-leaved monkeyflower streams from the valleys to the HABITAT: Yes NI MIIH subalpine zones.

Penstemon lemhiensis Grasslands, Ponderosa pine SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Lemhi penstemon stands, and Sagebrush areas. Yes NI MIIH

Tonestus aberrans SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Granite outcrops. goldenweed Yes NI NI Trifolium eriocephalum Mixed conifer and Open SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Woolly-head clover meadows. Yes NI MIIH Trifolium gymnocarpon Grasslands, Ponderosa pine, SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Hollyleaf clover and Doug fir stands. Yes NI MIIH NON-VASCULAR SENSITIVE SPECIES EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2 None Found None Found VASCULAR SPECIES OF CONCERN EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2 Found in moist swales along Allium columbianum SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI vernal ponds and streams in Columbian onion Yes NI MIIH valleys. NON-VASCULAR SPECIES OF CONCERN EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2

None Found None Found

FERN AND FERN ALLIES SPECIES OF CONCERN ALT 1 ALT 2 Montane meadows and Botrychium lunaria grasslands in disturbed sites SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Common Moonwort from low to moderate Yes MIIH BI elevations.

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EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2

Wet to moist grassy slopes, streambanks, roadsides, and Botrychium pinnatum SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI mossy woods in mountains. In Northern Moonwort Yes MIIH BI Idaho found in shaded cedar forests. Montane meadows and Botrychium simplex grasslands in disturbed sites SPECIES: No HABITAT: NI NI Least Moonwort from low to moderate Yes MIIH BI elevations. POTENTIAL SPECIES OF CONCERN EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2 Allotropa virgata SPECIES: Yes HABITAT: BI MIIH Lodgepole stands. Candystick Yes BI MIIH FOREST SPECIES OF INTEREST EFFECTS SPECIES HABITAT PRESENCE DETERMINATION ALT 1 ALT 2

None Found None Found

1 Effects Determinations are: NI = No Impact MIIH = May Impact Individuals or Habitat, but Will Not Likely Result in a Trend toward Federal Listing or Reduced Viability for the Population or Species. LIFV* = Likely to Impact Individuals or Habitat with a Consequence that the Action may Contribute towards Federal Listing or Result in Reduced Viability for the Population or Species. BI = Beneficial Impact * The effects determination is provided based on the presence of plants or their habitat and potential effects of Meadow Vapor project activities. The complete list of species and habitats considered during the survey work is found in the Project File Specialist Report. Incomplete and Unavailable Information Since our knowledge of most of the species on the Bitterroot National Forest rare plant lists is limited, it is important to be aware that species may be found in areas outside of what is currently thought to be "suitable" habitat. Therefore, during the course of field surveys, plant species taken out of consideration due to distribution or habitat unsuitability were surveyed for cursorily. Environmental Effects No Action Direct Effects and Indirect Effects Under the No Action, no vegetation or prescribed fuels treatments would not occur in this project. There would be no direct effects on rare plants under the No Action alternative. Woody fuel loads and forest canopy cover would remain the same or continue to increase. Indirect effects may occur as conifer

3.11- 6 Meadow Vapor Environmental Assessment species would continue encroachment and increased vegetation competition toward species such as grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Habitat for species requiring more open areas could diminish as forest density continues to increase. This will likely reduce habitat for Allium acuminatum, Allium columbianum, Allium parvum, Athysanus pusillus, Botrychium lunaria, Botrychium simplex, Castilleja covilleana, Glossopetalon spinescens, Idaho scapigera, Mimulus ampliatus, Penstemon lemhiensis, Tonestus aberrans, and Trifolium eriocephalum possibly reducing the chance for recruitment of new individuals and populations since these species need open areas with a lot of light for habitat. Cumulative Effects Rare plant habitat was found in the project area for Whitebark pine, sensitive species and plant species of concern listed in Table 3.11-2. Although the No Action is not likely to adversely impact any potentially suitable rare plant habitat, there is a possibility that impacts may take place in the event of a large-scale mortality event from bark beetle infestation. This event may create potential for high severity wildfire that damage soil properties and rare plant habitat and favor invasive plant spread. Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Effects Non-Commercial Units Non-commercial units, that are not new plantation units, will retain forest overstory. In these units the focus will be retaining healthy large ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees while thinning out small diameter trees in the understory, removing dead standing lodgepole, and removing conifers encroaching into meadows. Hand crews will thin the units without using heavy equipment. Soil disturbance will be minimal and limit invasive plant introduction and spread. Treatment in these units would benefit species that require open habitats by removing trees that are encroaching on rare plant populations and rare plant habitat of Allium acuminatum, Allium columbianum, Allium parvum, Athysanus pusillus, Botrychium lunaria, Botrychium simplex, Castilleja covilleana, Glossopetalon spinescens, Idaho scapigera, Mimulus ampliatus, Penstemon lemhiensis, Tonestus aberrans, and Trifolium eriocephalum. Currently some of the plant populations are being encroached by conifers, which can reduce the habitat quality for these plants that grow in open conditions. Whitebark pine populations are experiencing competition from encroaching species. If thinning occurs, it will decrease the competition, improve the current habitat, and create future habitat. The silviculturist and forest botanist will designate the removal of encroaching trees to protect and enhance habitat characteristics for these plant populations. Species such as Allotropa virgata, require stands of lodgepole for habitat to grow. There are known rare plant populations of Allium parvum in non-commercial thin units. Individual plants would be susceptible to direct effects such as crushed crushing and covering by slash. Populations of Allium parvum will be buffered from any non-commercial activities to protect populations from direct impacts and limit indirect impacts to populations. Buffers are expanded beyond the actual population in order to protect habitat for future population expansion. Commercial Units Timber harvest and yarding the trees from the forest causes soil disturbance, removes vegetation, and alters rare plant habitat. In the Meadow Vapor project, trees would be whole-tree-yarded to the landing. With whole-tree yarding, the tree crown is removed at the landing, which reduces the weight of the log as it is dragged from the forest. The buoyancy of the crown reduces the degree of soil compaction and disturbance but does not eliminate it. Harvesting would create soil disturbance as trees are dragged over the ground and across native vegetation. Tractor based and sky line harvesting would occur in units proposed for commercial harvest in the Proposed Action. Soil disturbance carries a higher risk of establishment and has a higher risk of introduction of invasive species. Soil disturbance also exposes the dormant seed bank in the soil. The introduction and establishment of invasive plant species threatens rare plants, native plant diversity, and their habitats. Disturbance can become detrimental to rare and

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native plant habitat if it spreads invasive plant species. Populations of invasive plants do occur within the project area and could increase with logging disturbance and a more-open forest canopy (see invasive plant section). Habitat quality for rare plants could diminish if invasive plants increase in the project area, as most invasive plant species aggressively compete with many native plants (Olson 1999). As invasive species increases, cover of more desirable, but less competitive native plant species can be significantly reduced, sometimes by as much as 60 to 90 % (Duncan 1997). Rare plant species can be particularly vulnerable since they have reduced numbers. See the invasive plants section for further discussion of invasive species risks and project design features to reduce the risk of the spread of invasive species. Rare plants were found within the commercial harvest units. Commercial harvest would thin out the stands and competition against whitebark pine. Whitebark pine would benefit by less competition and created habitat for future whitebark pine seedlings. There is potential for young whitebark seedlings, that were not documented, to be damaged during implementation, but areas where known trees are documented would be buffered from direct effects. Harvesting activities disturb soil, which increases the potential for invasive plant colonization. Invasive plants can out-compete native plants and reduce rare plant habitats. However, design features in the Meadow Vapor project (Chapter 2) would prevent direct effects from the spread of invasive plants by preventing disturbance in rare plant species populations, promoting revegetation with native plants, and reducing invasive plant populations. Buffers will not prevent invasive plants that are already established in newly or past disturbed areas from creating new sites within the buffer, since invasive plants can disperse within the buffers. Buffers will help to eliminate disturbance within the buffer zones, but would not be able to eliminate the chance of invasive plant dispersal. Prescribed Fire Units Prescribed fire is proposed in all units. None of these treatments involve using heavy equipment because thinning and control lines will be done by hand. Ground disturbance will be minimal. Excess slash will be handpiled and burned in units. There are two types of piles that will occur with the proposed action: 1) handpiles, that are 6-10 feet in diameter throughout the units and 2) landings, which are expected to range up to 1/10th acre. Some of the landings will utilize areas previously disturbed, but some areas will be undisturbed. All landings will be seeded and fertilized. Based on past observations, hand piles and landings have a high risk for invasive plant infestations. The high intensity burning of the confined area essentially sterilizes the soil and greatly inhibits native revegetation (Hebel, et al. 2009). Although invasive species are also inhibited by the lack of nutrients, they are better adapted to these sterile conditions, and once they are introduced, there are no natural barriers to prevent establishment and persistence of invasive plant species. There is likely to be an increase in invasive species within areas that were handpiled. Invasive species could escape from the disturbed footprint and potentially degrade rare plant habitat. Lopping and scattering low amounts of fuel would be preferable to handpiles and would have a lower potential for invasive plant spread. It would also help create microsites and help soil productivity. Underburning could occur in units throughout the project area. Units that have known populations of Allium parvum and Pinus albicaulis will be buffered from the treatment. In order to protect the species and the surrounding habitat, a buffer will be placed around the populations to maintain protection from direct effects. Although the area was historically subject to periodic fires, these species are found in areas susceptible to invasive species invading and outcompeting native and rare plant species. However, these species tend to need full to partial sun and are found in open areas. Prescribed burning would help to reduce any other trees encroaching into the outer perimeter of the populations. Spring and fall burns would occur when vegetation and soil moisture levels are high, thus preventing the spread of fire. Burning when soils are frozen or wet, as in the spring, have shown to protect the soil, leaving the duff layer largely intact, protecting the seed bank (Soils Report). Spring burns would be

3.11- 8 Meadow Vapor Environmental Assessment preferable to fall burns since the plants would most likely still be dormant and would protect plant species and also the potential future seed for that season. Similar past treatments on the forest have found there to be no detrimental soil disturbance after such burns. See the Vegetation/Fuels Report and the Soils report for additional information regarding treatment prescriptions and effects. Prescribed fire underburning may create areas of low to moderate intensity fire but damage to habitat will not likely be long lasting. Recovery to soils from any moderate to high intensity fire would take a longer time to recover and whether it recovers to a healthy diverse native habitat would depend on the amount, of invasive species that currently exist in the area. There is potential for further spread of invasive plants into these areas when opening the canopy by thinning and disturbing the ground. Fuels treatments would maintain rare species habitat while reducing the likelihood of moderate to high severity wildfires. If a wildfire occurs without the proposed vegetation management activities, chances are the fire will be of such high intensity it would cause more disturbance and bare soil, and a higher likelihood of invasive plant spread than would occur with a prescribed burn under controlled conditions. For patches with no native vegetation left for competition, the invasive plant infestations could be worse than with a planned ignition under moister conditions. The trade-off is whether to burn under controlled conditions where most of the native plant community will be left intact, or risk the occurrence of a natural fire in the hotter summer months. In either case, spotted knapweed and other weeds are likely to increase, but spring burning, rather than fall burning, may lessen the risk of spread. Prescribed fires in the Meadow Vapor project area will most likely be done under cool conditions, which would reduce the fire severity and ground disturbance leading to invasive plant spread. As invasive plants increase and alter the native plant community the more difficult it will be to return the area to a pre-invasive fire regime (Brooks et al 2004). Prescribed fires proposed in the Meadow Vapor project would reduce high fuel loads and burn under controlled conditions. Although native plants may be damaged during prescribed fires, some of the plant communities will remain intact and out-compete invasive plants in low intensity burns. Natural fires in untreated stands have the potential of being high severity that would cause extensive damage to rare and native plants and favor invasive plant colonization. However, handpiles that are burned have a high potential to further spread invasive species in areas that are currently colonized by invasive species or areas that have invasive species adjacent to those units. Rare plants would be protected from direct effects due to buffers that will be placed around known populations. Indirect effects will most likely occur due to the amount of handpiles proposed for the project area. Project design features will try to limit the amount of indirect effects by enlarging the buffer area to reduce as much disturbance as possible. Roads The action alternative proposes building varying amounts of temporary road and off highway vehicle (OHV) connector routes in rare plant habitat. Temporary road is proposed in units where rare plant populations have been found. OHV connector routes are proposed in rare plant habitat and in areas that have not yet been surveyed. Direct effects to suitable habitat from temporary roads and OHV connector routes, would be the removal of vegetation, removal of top soil, and soil compaction. Generally, temporary roads are on the landscape for the life of the project and then blocked, reclaimed, and re- contoured at the end of the project. If the road is reclaimed via ripping and putting back the native surface or re-contouring, eventually native vegetation will grow back, if it is not outcompeted by invasive plants (soils and invasive species report). The OHV connectors would remain on the landscape. The OHV connector routes will be surveyed prior to any implementation. Effects of the Proposed Action are expected to be minimal due to project design feature implementation (Table 2-4). Indirect effects on suitable rare plant habitat would include edge effects, from the construction for the OHV connector routes, and changes to hydrology that support suitable habitat. Edge effects are described as an increase in light, temperature, and wind, as well as a decrease in humidity, and,

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in the case of roads, an increase in dusting (Trombulak and Frissell 2000). The extent of edge effects is difficult to determine, since it depends on the size of the adjacent opening and the affected forest type, but it can extend from 15 feet to 50 feet (Watkins, et al. 2003). The effect on rare plants would be a change in habitat that could affect the diversity of the stand edge. The proposed road based disturbance may adversely impact rare plant habitat that is adjacent to the road because the disturbance would be temporary (3-5 years), the effects may also be temporary. With time, habitat will recover as long as invasive plants do not become established. Design features would reduce the chance of infestations from invasive plants (Chapter 2). Due to design features applied to protect rare plants and their potential habitat found in the project area during surveys, there would be no direct effects to rare plants, but a moderate amount of indirect effects to the habitat for rare plant species. Implementation would not contribute to the listing of vascular plants and non-vascular rare plant species. Cumulative Effects More suitable habitat for rare plants may have existed before fire suppression allowed tree density to increase. Invasive plants have also caused a decline in habitat quality. The proposed action would contribute to invasive plant spread in the project area by disturbing the soil and opening the forest canopy, in and near areas, where invasive plants are found. Some increase in invasive plants, primarily spotted knapweed and cheatgrass is probably unavoidable. However, the long-term benefits of returning the forest to a more historical condition and reducing fuel loads may outweigh undesirable impacts from invasive plant spread (Harrod 2001). Thinning the forest and underburning could reduce the risk of an intense wildfire in the future, reducing the risk of widespread soil disturbance and greater spread of invasive plants. The Meadow Vapor project area incorporates project design features for the protection of rare botanical species and habitat from project activities. These protection measures are also utilized for other projects throughout the Bitterroot National Forest. Due to these protection measures, rare plant species and potential habitat are protected from impacts and project activities, and will not trend towards extinction or extirpation. Cumulative effects or this project are expected to be minimal due to project design feature implementation (Table 2-4). Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis Fire suppression, commercial thinning, non-commercial thinning, invasive plant control, road maintenance and construction have impacted rare plant habitat within and just outside the project area. Invasive plant control and road maintenance are currently occurring and likely to occur in the future.

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