DOCSLIB.ORG

La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness FS LA MADRE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS Final Wilderness Management Plan and Environmental Assessment U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office Southern Nevada District Office Red Rock/Sloan Field Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Region Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Spring Mountains National Recreation Area December 17, 2013 Cover photograph courtesy of Sendi Kalcic. La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Final Wilderness Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Prepared By: U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office Southern Nevada District Office Red Rock/Sloan Field Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Region Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Spring Mountains National Recreation Area December 17, 2013 Page intentionally left blank i Table of Contents Wilderness Management Plan Wilderness Management Plan......................................................................................................... 1 Scope of the Wilderness Management Plan.................................................................................... 1 Wilderness Overview ...................................................................................................................... 2 Wilderness Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 13 Wilderness Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................................... 13 Current Situation and Assumptions .............................................................................................. 15 Management Strategy ................................................................................................................... 18 Wilderness Management Actions ................................................................................................. 19 Management and Designation of Trails .................................................................................... 20 Management of Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads ................................... 27 Sign Plan ................................................................................................................................... 28 General Recreation Activity and Visitor Use Management ..................................................... 30 Management of Cultural and Paleontological Resources ......................................................... 38 Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbances .................................................................. 40 Management of Structures and Installations ............................................................................. 42 Management of Personal Property, Refuse, or Vandalism ....................................................... 43 Research .................................................................................................................................... 44 Environmental Education and Interpretation ............................................................................ 45 Management of Group and Commercial Services .................................................................... 45 Wildlife Management ............................................................................................................... 47 Management of Wild Horses and Burros ................................................................................. 50 Vegetation, Soil, and Water Management ................................................................................ 51 Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Species ................................................................... 53 Fire Management ...................................................................................................................... 55 Management of Aircraft ............................................................................................................ 59 Monitoring Program...................................................................................................................... 59 Plan Evaluation ............................................................................................................................. 60 Appendix A. BLM Wilderness Monitoring Program ................................................................... 62 Appendix B. Forest Service Wilderness Monitoring Program ..................................................... 65 Environmental Assessment Purpose and Need for Action ........................................................................................................ 75 Proposed Action and Alternatives ................................................................................................ 82 Wilderness Management Actions ............................................................................................... 162 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ......................................................... 103 Mandatory Items Analyzed ......................................................................................................... 103 Cumulative Impacts .................................................................................................................... 139 Mitigation and Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 144 Individuals, Organizations, or Agencies Consulted .................................................................... 144 List of Preparers .......................................................................................................................... 146 Acronyms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 148 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 150 References ................................................................................................................................... 152 ii Appendix C. Public Comment and BLM/FS Response .............................................................. 154 Appendix D. Errata ..................................................................................................................... 162 List of Tables Table 1. Wilderness Management....................................................................................................3 Table 2. Resources/Concerns Considered for Analysis ...............................................................104 Table 3. Fire Management Units within the Wilderness areas ....................................................108 Table 4. Special Status and Sensitive Wildlife Species That Do or May Occur in the Planning Area ..............................................................................................................................................114 Table 5. Special Status and Sensitive Plant Species That Do or May Occur in the Planning Area .. ................................................................................................................................................119 Table 6. Vegetation Communities Present within the Wilderness areas .....................................123 List of Maps Map 1. Wilderness Overview ..........................................................................................................7 Map 2. Current Condition of La Madre Mountain Wilderness .......................................................9 Map 3. Current Condition of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness .......................................................11 Map 4. La Madre Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails ..................................................25 Map 5. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails….. .............................................26 Map 6. Overview of Planning Area ...............................................................................................67 Map 7. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Alternative 3 Trails ........................................................ 85 Map 8. Fire Management Units and Fire History from 2000-2013 ............................................ 110 Map 9. Vegetation Communities in the Wilderness areas .......................................................... 125 iii Wilderness Management Plan Introduction In 1964 the United States Congress established the National Wilderness Preservation System through the Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577; 16 U.S.C. 1131-1136). This law was created to “…assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States.” Wilderness designation is intended to preserve and protect certain lands in their natural state. Only Congress, with Presidential approval, may designate lands as wilderness. The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness characteristics, the uses of wilderness, and the activities prohibited within its boundaries. Wilderness areas provide a contrast to lands where human activities dominate the landscape. No buffer zones are created around wilderness to protect them from the influence of activities on adjacent land. Wilderness areas are managed for the use and enjoyment of the American
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Kirsten Cannon , 702-515-5057 , [email protected] Final La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Moun
    Release Date: 12/18/13 Contacts: Kirsten Cannon , 702-515-5057 , [email protected] Final La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Management Plan Available Las Vegas – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southern Nevada District Office and U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest announce the availability of a management plan for two wilderness areas west of Las Vegas. The La Madre Mountain Wilderness Area – a 47,225-acre area – and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Area - a 24,899-acre area - are contained within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Copies of the plan are available online at http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/blm_special_areas/wilderness/wilderness_info_p age/rainbow_mountain_wilderness.html or by contacting the BLM Las Vegas Field Office at (702) 515- 5297. Some of the specific actions included in the plan are: Coordinate management across BLM and FS administrative boundaries. Improve recognition of the wilderness boundaries. Eliminate vehicle intrusions in wilderness. Designate Rattlesnake, Limestone, and Bridge Mountain Trails for hiking use (BLM portion). Designate Brownstone Basin Trail extension for hiking and equestrian use (on BLM portion). Establishment of staging areas and installation of information kiosks. Coordinate with other agencies to achieve healthy land goals, including wildlife, habitat and desired vegetation goals. Allow for protection and study of unique archaeological, geological, and paleontological resources. Management of fire. Monitor for and remove invasive exotic or noxious plant species. Management of recreational uses including camping, hunting, technical rock climbing, and horseback riding. The public has until January 14 to appeal the decision to approve the Final Wilderness Management Plan.
    [Show full text]
  • RRC Trnasportation Feasibility Study
    Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Transportation Feasibility Study Final Report July 2012 Prepared by: John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center Research and Innovative Technologies Administration U.S. Department of Transportation Report Number: DOT-VNTSC-BLM-12-01 U.S. DOT Volpe Center RRCNCA Transportation Feasibility Study Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................1 Overview and Goals ...................................................................................................................................1 Existing Conditions .....................................................................................................................................1 Definition of Alternatives ...........................................................................................................................2 Evaluation and Selection of Alternatives ...................................................................................................4 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................5 1.1 Problem Definition .....................................................................................................................................5 1.1.1 Goals, Objectives, and Strategies .......................................................................................................6
    [Show full text]
  • Red Rock Canyon Visitor Guide
    RED ROCK CANYON A NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA ADMINISTERED BY THE BUREAU OF LAND KEYSTONE MANAGEMENT VISITOR GUIDE Proudly presented by Southern Nevada Conservancy in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. FIRST STOP- VISITOR CENTER Be sure to stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center before you start your day. The Scenic Drive will not return you to that area so you don’t want to miss it! The Visitor Center is an informational hub for visitors filled with indoor and outdoor exhibits, plant specimens from throughout the canyon, and a desert tortoise habitat. Check out the Information Desk for hike recommendations, participate in a program, and pick up something at the gift shop to remember your trip. WELCOME Welcome to one of America’s most beautiful landscapes! In addition to hikes and trails. Red Rock Canyon’s spectacular sandstone escarpment, fantastic scenery, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers the iconic desert tortoise, and the thickets of Joshua trees herald the some of the best hiking, rock climbing, biking, and outdoor recreation natural world of geology, animals, and plants to be experienced in the activities in the region. The 13-mile Scenic Drive offers several scenic over 200,000 acre National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau overlooks, parking areas, picnic areas, and access to dozens of day of Land Management. If you are looking for more information, please stop by the visitor center to view exhibits, pick up informational handouts and talk with staff about how you can make your visit more special. Once you get home, take a peek at our website redrockcanyonlv.org or blm.gov/site-page/rrcnca GET READY TO SAFELY EXPLORE Search and rescue incidents are unfortunate but do occur in Red Rock National Conservation Area.
    [Show full text]
  • Hiking Las Vegas
    Hiking Las Vegas The All-in-One Guide to Exploring Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, and Lake Mead Branch Whitney Huntington Press Las Vegas, Nevada Hiking Las Vegas The All-in-One Guide to Exploring Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston, and Lake Mead Published by Huntington Press 3665 Procyon St. Las Vegas, NV 89103 Phone 702/252-0655 e-mail: [email protected] Copyright ©2011, Branch Whitney 1st Edition ©1997, 1998, 2001, 2005 ISBN: 978-1-935396-19-2 $9.98us Inside and Front Cover Photos: ©Branch Whitney Back Cover Photo: Las Vegas News Bureau Design & Production: Laurie Cabot All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of the copyright owner. Dedication This book is dedicated to Kathy Kelbel. Acknowledgments I would like to thank the following people for their guidance and knowledge: “Crazy” Kenny Amundsen, Mark “Throw Down” Beau- champ, Davis “Dead Horse” Finley, Ed Forkos, Luba Leaf, Richard Natale, Eva Pollan, and “Wrong Way” Richard Baugh. And thanks to the gang at Huntington Press. It’s great to work with people who want to do things correctly. Contents Introduction To The Hikes ...................................................................................................................1 The Purpose of This Book ................................................................................................................2
    [Show full text]
  • Record of Decision (ROD) Completes the Planning Process and Finalizes the Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA)
    RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN and RECORD OF DECISION The approval ofthis Record of Decision for the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) Resource Management Plan (RMP) completes the planning and environmental analysis process for this planning effort. The RMP provides management guidance and identifies land use decisions to be implemented for management of 198,000 acres ofpublic lands in Clark County. The approved RMP, which is incorporated by reference and displayed in Appendix A, consists of the proposed decisions described in the Proposed RMP for Red Rock Canyon NCA. Minor changes to address comments received during the protest period and the governor’s consistency review period are identified in this record of decision as bold text following the original text. This plan is consistent with the plans and policies ofother federal, state and local government agencies, as well as those of the U.S. Department of the Interior. This record ofdecision for the Red Rock Canyon NCA RMP, fulfills the requirement s of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 (43 CFR 1600) and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990. This document meets the requirements for a Record ofDecision as provided in 40 CFR 1505.2. Although decisions described in this record of decision are not appealable in accordance with BLM regulation 43 CFR 1610.5-2(b), citizens are encouraged to participate during implementation of these decisions. For Additional information contact: U.S.D.I. Bureau ofLand Management Las Vegas Field Office 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, Nevada 89130 Telephone: (702) 515-5000 Approved by Robert V.
    [Show full text]
  • Development, Rock Climbing, and Interpretation in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1960-2010
    UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones 5-2010 Transforming space into place: Development, rock climbing, and interpretation in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1960-2010 Megan Sharp Weatherly University of Nevada Las Vegas Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/thesesdissertations Part of the Cultural History Commons, Desert Ecology Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Commons, Social History Commons, and the United States History Commons Repository Citation Weatherly, Megan Sharp, "Transforming space into place: Development, rock climbing, and interpretation in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, 1960-2010" (2010). UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones. 362. http://dx.doi.org/10.34917/1601901 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TRANSFORMING SPACE INTO PLACE: DEVELOPMENT, ROCK CLIMBING, AND INTERPRETATION IN RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA, 1960-2010 by Megan Sharp Weatherly Bachelor of Arts Stephen F.
    [Show full text]
  • Red R O Ck C Any on Visit Or Guide
    FIRST STOP­ VISITOR CENTER Be sure to stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center before you start your day. The Scenic Drive will not return you to that area so you don't want to miss it! The Visitor Center is an informational hub for visitors filled with indoor and outdoor exhibits, plant specimens from throughout the canyon, and a desert tortoise habitat. Check out the Information Desk for hike recommendations, participate in a program, and pick up something at the gift shop to remember your trip. WELCOME Welcome to one of America's most beautiful landscapes! In addition to hikes and trails. Red Rock Canyon's spectacular sandstone escarpment, fantastic scenery, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area offers the iconic desert tortoise, and the thickets of Joshua trees herald the some of the best hiking, rock climbing, biking, and outdoor recreation natural world of geology, animals, and plants to be experienced in the activities in the region. The 13-mile Scenic Drive offers several scenic over 200,000 acre National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau overlooks, parking areas, picnic areas, and access to dozens of day of Land Management. GET READY TO SAFELY EXPLORE Search and rescue incidents are unfortunate but do occur in Red Rock National Conservation Area. The Mojave Desert is an extreme environment subject to intense heat in the summer and very cold temperatures in the winter, especially during windy conditions or at higher altitudes. Let friends or family members know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Don't rely on mobile phones during your visit as coverage in the area can be unreliable or non-existent, especially within canyons.
    [Show full text]
  • PEREGRINE FALCON NESTING SURVEYS of Tile SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 2003-Uslla USFS-389 FINAL PROJECT REVIEW
    • PEREGRINE FALCON NESTING SURVEYS OF TIlE SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 2003-USllA_ USFS-389 FINAL PROJECT REVIEW What mcasurahle goals did you set for this project and what indicators did you use to achieve these goals'! The purpose of this project was to detect and describe peregrine falcon nest sites within the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (NRA) to provide data to better manage Forest activities surrounding cliff nesting sites. To what extent has your project achieved these goals and levels of performance? During the summer of2003, reconnaissance of cliffs and rock faces were conducted to determine appropriate habitat to conduct survcys. Fifteen cliff complexes were visited and mapped. Appropriate survey sites were delineated and casual observations of bird species using the cliff habitat were recorded. Surveys for peregrine falcons in 2004 were initiated on May 25 and continued through July 7, 2004. During this time 14 cliff complexes were inventoried to determine occupancy and nesting. Did the project encounter internal or external challenges? How were they addressed'! The greatest challenge encountered by the crew was the difficulty finding suitable habitat using USGS 24,000 scale maps. The Forest Service had concerns that cliff faces which were not as sheer and not as high may be misscd when suitable habitat was defined. The issue was addressed by conducting reconnaissance of cliffs and rock faces to determine appropriate survey sites. What impact do you think this project has had to date'! Through this survey, if ncst sites were identified, management strategies to reduce disturbance during the nesting season would have been employed.
    [Show full text]
  • Clarif County, Nevada
    Clarif County, Nevada Herml Hiatt and Jim Boone, edltoTs Department of Comprehensive Planning - November 2003 Clark County, Nevada SPECIES ACCOUNT MANUAL November 2003 Editors Hermi Hiatt, Lead Scientific Editor Jim Boone, Scientific Editor Design and Layout Cindy Gates, Graphic Artist Clark County Comprehensive Planning Project Coordinator Christina Gibson, Clark County Comprehensive Planning For Non-Commercial Use Only Not for Resale Cover photo - Western Burrowing Owl: Aaron Ambos INTRODUCTION This Species Account Manual serves as a companion document to the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Environ­ mental Impact Statement (MSHCP) , which covers a wide variety of species and their habitats in Clark County, Nevada. The Species Account Manual informs about the species of concern covered within the MSHCP. It provides an individual species account describing the appearance of each species, identifying features, the kind of habitat in which a given species might be found, and the range of that species. Additional comments on the sensitivity of the species are also included. While this manual is informative as a companion document and can be carried in the field , it is not intended as a true field guide. It does not contain a key for identification. Species are listed in alphabetical order, and not as presented in the MSHCP. To facilitate finding a species, animal species are grouped alphabetically by common name. However, alphabetical listing of vascular and non -vascular plants is by scientific names since many plants have the same genus name. Also, MSHCP species are grouped as Covered Species, Evaluation Species, and Watch List Species. Covered Species are those for wh ich sufficient information is known and for which adequate management prescriptions exist to help protect them.
    [Show full text]
  • Keystonevisitor Guide
    Red Rock Canyon KEYSTONE VISITOR GUIDE NATIONAL cONservation AreA Red Rock by Car IT’s NOT cALLed The sceNIc drIve fOr NOThINg... Welcome to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area! Whether PleASe ReMeMbeR: you are hiking, rock climbing or just enjoying the scenery along the • Maximum speed limit is 35 mph – Please regard all posted signs. Scenic Drive, Red Rock Canyon has some of the best sights and • Share the road – Help keep you and your fellow motorists, bicy- experiences the Mojave Desert has to offer. The 13-mile Scenic clists, runners and wildlife safe. Drive offers several overlooks, parking areas and picnic areas to • Only park in designated lots – If a lot is full, please do not park off enjoy. Plan your route carefully, as the scenic drive is a one-way only the road or atop vegetation as many plants can take decades to roadway. If you miss your intended stop, don’t worry – your amenity regrow if they come back at all. fee is good for the full day and you are welcome to re-enter at the fee booth. • Have fun, be safe and enjoy your drive! Photo: Red Rock Canyon NCA by Bureau of Land Management If you are looking for more information, please stop by the visitor center to view exhibits, pick up more handouts and talk with staff about how you can make your visit more special. Once you get home, take a peek at our website – www.blm.gov/site-page/rrcnca. Desert Safety Tips seArch ANd rescue INcIdeNTs Are AN uNfOrTunate buT regular Occur- reNce IN red Rock cANyON National cONservation AreA.
    [Show full text]
  • RECREATION 2020 LAS VEGAS PERSPECTIVE Recreation
    LAS VEGAS GLOBAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE LAS VEGAS 2020 PERSPECTIVE RECREATION 2020 LAS VEGAS PERSPECTIVE Recreation Parks 64 Clark County Parks & Recreation Department ....................... 64 Boulder City Recreation Department ...................................... 66 City of Mesquite ..................................................................... 67 Henderson Parks & Recreation Department .......................... 68 Las Vegas Parks & Recreation ............................................... 70 North Las Vegas Parks & Recreation Department ................. 72 Clark County Rural Parks & Recreation Areas ........................ 74 Southern Nevada .................................................................... 74 Outdoor Destinations & Activities 75 Lake Mead National Recreation Area ..................................... 76 Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest ........................................ 77 Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park ........................... 77 Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area ...................... 78 Spring Mountain Ranch State Park ........................................ 80 Valley of Fire ........................................................................... 80 Get Outdoors Nevada: A Perspective ..................................... 81 Golf Courses 82 Youth Organizations 84 2020 LAS VEGAS PERSPECTIVE Recreation Parks Clark County Parks & Recreation Department (702) 455-8200 Clark County Parks and Recreation provides Southern Nevada with 16 urban recreation and community centers,
    [Show full text]
  • Vascular Plants Back of Page 105 ROUGH ANGELICA
    Vascular Plants back of page 105 ROUGH ANGELICA Angelica scabrida Covered Species Carrot Family Jan Nachlinger Description: Perennial plant growing to 1.5 m (60 in.) tall. Stems rough, pubescent. Leaves large, basal leaves to 1 m (39 in.) in diameter, stem leaves to 40 cm (15.7 in.); all leaves pinnate with 9 leaflets arranged in groups of three; leaflets 8 - 16 cm (3 - 6 in.) long. Inflorescence in umbels (umbrella-like), with up to 40 flowers on stalks 2 - 12 mm (to 0.5 in.) long. Flower sepals 5, petals 5, white. Fruit a capsule, flattened, 8 - 14 mm (to 0.6 in.) long, narrow wings which are either rough or smooth at maturity. Time of flowering: July to August. Habitat: Occurs in mixed conifer and aspen forest communities, near springs, gravelly washes, ephemeral streams, gullies, montane slopes, shady crevices, and avalanche chutes. Elevations: 2,000 - 2,800 m (6,600 - 9,200 ft). Range: Endemic to the Spring Mountains. Occurs in Kyle Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Comments: Pedicels and major stalks are rough to the touch, hence the specific name scabrida. 107 CHARLESTON PUSSYTOES Antennaria soliceps Covered Species Sunflower Family Janet Bair Description: Perennial plant forming mats to 45 cm (18 in.) wide. Stems short, to 3 cm (1.2 in.) tall, with creeping growth habit. Leaves basal, spatula-shaped, covered with dense white hairs (pubescent), younger leaves sparsely pubescent. Inflorescence a solitary flower head on each stalk, to 10 mm (0.4 in.) high.
    [Show full text]