Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 1 October 2009

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service October 2009 Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Sparks, Nevada

Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices

1- 1 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 1 October 2009

Resource Implementation Protocol For Rapid Assessment Matrices

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Sparks, NV

Cheri Howell Forest Ecologist Wells, NV

Rondall Hudson NE Zone Hydrologist Elko, NV

Brett Glover Invasives and Noxious Weed Specialist Elko, NV

Kelly Amy East Zone Fisheries Biologist Elko, NV

1- 2 Resource Monitoring Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices – Part 1 October 2009 PART 1 – PURPOSE, GENERAL DESCRIPTION, KEY AND METHODS

PURPOSE page 1-4

BASIC GUIDELINES page 1-4

DICHOTOMOUS KEY page 1-7

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS OF MATRIX GROUPS page 1-9

METHODS page 1-12

FOCUSING ECOSYSTEM ATTRIBUTES page 1-18

LEVELS OF ASSESSMENT page 1-20

1- 3 Resource Monitoring Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices – Part 1 October 2009 Purpose of Matrices

The matrices provide an indicator-based assessment of current site condition as compared with a desired condition and the potential to reach the desired condition. Inventory and tracking of site condition is needed to allow management adjustments to be made prior to reaching an ecological threshold. Once an area has crossed a threshold, significant inputs of time and funds will be necessary to bring the site back to desired condition.

The cause and effect relationship between any one management practice and the current site condition is not explicitly part of the model. However, certain indicator attributes are more directly and uniquely affected by individual management practices such as grazing, off-road vehicle use or fuels management. If the matrices assessment indicates concerns about current condition, long-term monitoring plots can be established to determine trend.

For a holistic approach to landscape scale management it is important to include a variety of indicator attributes in order to assess the relative contributions of different management practices on current site condition. If a site is known to be below desired condition, the timing, intensity, scale and frequency of land uses can be adjusted to respond (Zamudio 2003).

Basic Rapid Assessment Guidelines

Site Selection - Monitoring plot sites will be located on a pre-determined key area, reference area or benchmark, which will be selected to accommodate the need to assess impacts of a specific management activity. Selected areas are representative indicators of ecological status used to analyze the effects of management actions on larger areas, where sampling the whole habitat type is not feasible. Selected areas are not located in transition zones between plant communities. Depending on the project, one to several areas may be identified.

Timing – Monitoring for matrices assessment should be completed prior to land use and/or after land use has occurred for one-time or short-term activities, such as temporary roads or minerals exploration. For land uses that are recurring, such as grazing, monitoring should occur prior to heaviest use period, so that recent use does not interfere with the interpretation of current condition. If repeated at the same location, the study should be completed at the same time of year as the previous study to avoid variability in vegetative production that could skew results.

Rapid Assessment and Long-term Monitoring - With large land areas to assess, it is not possible to monitor all sites in detail. The matrices were developed to respond to the desire to have a relatively quick, quantitative, repeatable, assessment protocol containing ecological condition indicators that can be adapted to a long-term monitoring program.

Ideally, the matrices assessment can serve as a baseline from which to monitor resource change associated with changes in management on particular sites. Based on initial assessment of site condition, a more extensive long-term monitoring protocol may be warranted to define and detect specific trends.

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Matrix Development – Matrices were developed for those dominant vegetative cover groups considered as priorities for assessing condition. Additional groups may be written as need arises.

Matrix Group Classification - For vegetation classification, the Forest Service uses a dominance type classification system based on existing vegetation. Potential natural vegetation has been used for classification in the past. However, describing the potential natural vegetation is often difficult due to alteration by past land uses and inadequate knowledge of what the vegetation may have been prior to European settlement. The current vegetation is much easier to describe, and natural range of variability for the site can be attained by examining similar sites and the characteristics described for potential natural vegetation.

The matrices were written using the vegetation dominance classification system standards described in Grossman and others (1998) and Vegetation Subcommittee - Federal Geographic Data Committee (2002). NatureServe (2002) was utilized to determine at what canopy cover a dominance change could result in a vegetation classification type change. NatureServe (2002) and also in Triepke and others (2005) distinguishes shrub and tree dominated sites by a 10% canopy cover of shrubs or trees. For the matrices, 10% canopy cover was used for shrubs and trees. Ten percent was also used in the creation of the Humbolt-Toiyabe Vegetation Cover Map. While 10% canopy cover fits most sites, it may not reflect sites in early seral or altered states. In absence of least than 10% cover of woody species, an assessment of the potential to have at least 10% cover of trees or shrubs should be completed. Matrix Reference Conditions - Since both existing and reference vegetation change spatially and across time, the matrices were developed with the intent to describe condition features across a range of natural variability. However, it is often not possible or desirable to describe the full range of variability due to human-induced changes, such as a conversion from native to seeded non-native species, or natural occurrences such as fire, where the existing vegetation may be grassland, but the long-term vegetation is shrubland. Thus some of the breaks for “Not Functioning” are not due to condition features, but due to conversions in the dominant vegetation. Matrix Selection - Which matrix group is chosen as a priority for assessing current condition should be based on what sites are likely to be most impacted by a particular land use. It is not necessary to employ all the matrix groups to assess site condition, but only those matrices and those factors within a matrix that are pertinent to assessing the health of that site. The only time one matrix might be selected over another is with meadows. Dry to moist meadows tend to show changes in health before wet meadows within the same riparian complex, therefore if a dry or moist medow is present, it should be assessed rather than a wet meadow.

Attributes – The indicator attributes in the matrices have been selected to assess soils, hydrology, vegetation and disturbance parameters. By using multiple attributes, a wider awareness of site conditions can be achieved. While some of the attributes may be more critical for assessing site function, no single attribute should be depended upon to determine site condition.

1- 5 Resource Monitoring Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices – Part 1 October 2009 Addressing Special Circumstances - Events that have nothing to do with the land use being assessed are going to happen in key areas. Sites that have been altered by fire, flood or other unplanned events should be documented, and recovery monitored or key area moved until the site recovers. All factors affecting the health of the land that are outside the monitoring goals should always be acknowledged in written notes, so that management can be adapted to deal with them.

Randomness - Sampling plots will vary based on the size, shape and roughness of the key area. There are several methods that can be used to increase the randomness of the sampling method, even when the reference area is limited by physical features. All assessment should include attempts to eliminate human bias, and integrating random sampling into the process will help. The book Monitoring and Measuring Plant Populations (Elzinga, Salzer & Willoughby 1998) contains a discussion of random sampling and a random numbers table. Many calculators now have capability to generate random numbers.

Sampling Plot Size: The sampling area for the matrices has been adapted for input into the national database (NRIS TERRA) in an effort to facilitate data management and expand the usefulness of collected information. The recommended sampling plot size is .1 acre for most sites. Sampling plots can be flagged on the ground in various square or rectangular formations of 66 square feet or a circle with a radius of 37 feet 3 inches. Long and narrow transect within sample plots tend to incur less human error. However, the shape of the plot will depend on the shape of the community sampled and the methods use to sample.

Recording Data: Data gathering methods should be acknowledged and field data and photos need to be identified by monitoring location, date and recorder(s). Records should remain in project file and be input into NRIS and/or Forest database. Site location, preferably in UTM’s, and site name and number are necessary to track the files. Observational notes are encouraged, as these notes are often beneficial for future interpretation.

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Dichotomous Key to Matrices

1 Habitat includes perennial stream channel and area within 10 year high water event….Stream Group 1 Habitat is not associated with a perennial stream channel or within 10 year high water event….2

2 Habitat with 10% or greater canopy cover of woody (shrubs and/or trees) vegetation or sites that have the potential to have at least 10% cover of woody vegetation…………………………………………..3 2 Habitat primarily herbaceous, shrubs if present compose less than 10% cover………………….15

Tree Dominated Groups: 3 Habitat structurally dominated by trees (≥ 10% trees, but may have shrub understory)…...……..4 3 Habitat structurally dominated by shrubs or dwarf shrubs (trees are less than 10% cover)……….8

4 Trees primarily deciduous, less than 10% conifer cover…………………………………………5 4 Trees primarily evergreen, deciduous trees less than 10%...... …………………………..6

5 Dominant tree is cottonwood……………………………………………………...... Cottonwood Group 5 Dominant tree is aspen…………………………………………………………………...... Aspen Group

6 Trees primarily coniferous (cone-bearing, needle-shaped leaves)………………………………..7 6 Trees primarily flowering, although flowers may be small and indistinct……………Mahogany Group

7 Habitat ≥ 10% pinyon pine and/or juniper cover –dominant trees less than 150 years old, soils generally deep, fine-textured, understory vegetation well-developed………………….Pinyon/Juniper Woodland Group 7 Habitat is dominated by ≥45% pinyon and or juniper, dominant trees generally older than 150 years, soils generally shallow, coarse-textured, understory vegetation sparse..…………Pinyon/Juniper Forest Group

Shrub Dominated Groups: 8 Dominant shrub (≥ 10%) is a sagebrush species or has the potential to be dominated by a sagebrush species………………………………………………………………………………………….…...9 8 Habitat may contain sagebrush, but is not dominated by sagebrush………………………….….13

9 Habitat is dominated by tall sagebrush species (generally greater than 50 cm height).....………..10 9 Habitat is dominated by low sagebrush species (generally less than 50 cm. height)……………..12

10 Habitat is dominated by mountain, spiked or subalpine big sagebrush..Mountain Big Sagebrush Group 10 Habitat dominated by other tall sagebrush……………………………………..………………..11

11 Habitat is dominated by Wyoming big sagebrush……………………..Wyoming Big Sagebrush Group 11 Habitat dominated by silver sagebrush or basin big sagebrush………………………..No Matrix Group

12 Habitat is dominated by black sagebrush ……………………………………...Black Sagebrush Group 12 Habitat is dominated by other sagebrush less than 50 cm height ………...... Low Sagebrush Group

13 Habitat is dominated mixed upland shrub species……………………………………………….14 1- 7 Resource Monitoring Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices – Part 1 October 2009 13b Habitat is dominated by salt desert shrub species……………………………………..No Matrix Group

14a Habitat dominated by mountain shrubs (serviceberry, currant, elderberry, snowberry)..Mountain Brush Group 14b Dominated by one or two brush species (bitterbrush or snowbrush).………………..No Matrix Group

Herbaceous Dominated Groups: 15 Habitat is dominated by graminoid (grass, sedge, rush) species……………………………….…16 15 Habitat is dominated by forb species……………………………………………………………...18

16 Habitat is dominated by riparian graminoids……………………………………………………..17 16 Habitat is dominated by native, seeded or annual upland graminoids………………..No Matrix Group

17 Dominant graminoids are sedges/rushes, water table within 50 cm of surface...... Wet Meadow Group 17 Dominant graminoids are grasses, saturation > 50 cm depth..…………..Dry to Moist Meadow Group

18 Habitat dominated by forbs with some grasses generally >30 cm height...………...... Tall Forb Group 18 Habitat dominated by low forbs, annual forbs or crytogramic plants………………..No Matrix Group

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General Description of Matrix Groups

Stream Group: This matrix is for assessing perennial stream channels and the adjacent vegetated area located within the 10 year floodplain. Description is based on mountain streams typical for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Measured criteria are based on state water quality standards, habitat needs of rare and common fish and known stream associated vegetation. The vegetation can be dominated by either woody or herbaceous plants.

Cottonwood Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa), narrowleaf cottonwood (Populus angustifolia) or Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii). Other trees that may be present include aspen (Populus tremuloides), Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperous scopulorum) and pine (Pinus spp.). These sites are generally lower elevation (5000 to 7600 feet), occur on the floodplain, and at the mouth of canyons. The understory usually contains a dominance of shrubs and/or graminoids.

Aspen Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of aspen (Populus tremuloides). Other tree species that may be present include cottonwoods (other Populus spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), fir (Abies spp.) and to a lesser extent, Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum). These sites typically occur at a higher elevation and often steeper terrain than cottonwood sites. Aspen can be found both in riparian and upland ecosystems. The understory is usually dominated by shrubs and tall forbs.

Pinyon/Juniper Woodland Group: (Note: The matrix for this group describes a pinyon/juniper woodland. It differs from a pinyon/juniper forest, which is described below.) The matrix will be for assessing sites with dominance (10% canopy cover or more) of western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) or Utah juniper (Juniperus oesteosperma) and/or pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla). Pinyon/juniper woodlands receive mostly winter precipitation as snow, generally have deep, fine-textured soils and usually support an abundant shrub layer (Romme 2002). Frequent, stand replacement fire (less than 100 years fire return interval) tends to keep these sites from becoming pinyon/juniper forests. The understory is usually dominated by woody sagebrush (Artemisia) species, (primarily A.tridentata subspecies, A.nova and A.arbuscula, but also including A.frigida, A.pygmaea and A.cana (West et.al. 1978). Grasses and forbs dominate these sites for five to ten years post-fire.

Pinyon/Juniper Forest Group: (Note: No matrix exists for this group.) It differs from a pinyon/juniper woodland, described above, by the lack of fire. The soils are too shallow or too coarse-textured to support a continuous cover of herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. The topography is often broken with cliffs or bare slopes that tend to prevent fires from spreading. Without fire, old growth pinyon and/or juniper communities develop and can include a dense or sparse, multi-storied canopies with the oldest trees 1000 to 2000 years (Romme 2002). Fire is rare, generally with a fire return interval of more than 400 years (Baker and Shinneman). These sites do not usually provide much forage for livestock, but are often used extensively by wildlife.

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Mountain Big Sagebrush Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of subalpine big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana var. vaseyana), mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana var. pauciflora) or spiked big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis). These sites are typically found in mountainous terrain with somewhat deep, mollic soils (soils with dark surface layer) and a montane (cool, moist) climate.

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis). These sites tend to occur at lower elevations in the Forest than mountain sagebrush sites, and tend to be semi-arid to arid (cool, dry) in climate. The soils can be shallow to somewhat deep, but do not usually have a dark surface layer. The soil surface of Wyoming big sagebrush sites often support biological crusts.

Black Sagebrush Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of black sagebrush (Artemisia nova). These sites are often found on calcareous (limestone) soils and/or shallow soils or soils with an impervious layer near the surface. The soil surface is often gravelly or may support biological soil crusts. Climate is generally arid. Associated grasses and forbs are generally short in stature and sparse.

Low Sagebrush Group: This matrix is for assessing sites with a dominant overstory cover of low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula (little sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba (alkali sagebrush) or Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis (Lahontan sagebrush)). These sites are often found on loamy or clayey soils and/or shallow soils or soils with a impervious layer near the surface. The soil surface may be gravelly or support biological soil crusts. Climate is generally arid. Associated grasses and forbs are generally short in stature and sparse.

Mountain Brush Group: This matrix is for assessing sites that have a mix of shrubs common to mountain slopes, such as serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), wax currant (Ribes cereum), gooseberry currant (Ribes montigenum), rockspirea (Holodiscus dumosus), chokecherry (Prunus spp.), kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), snowberry (Symphoricapos spp.), elderberry (Sambucus spp.), bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana) and/or spiked big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis). These sites tend to have deep soils with a mollic (dark, organic layer) surface, but may be rocky. Climate is montane (cool, moist).

Wet Meadow Group: This matrix is for assessing sites that are dominated by tall, deep- rooted sedges (Carex spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.), bulrushes (Scirpis spp.) and wetland grasses such as bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis), tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa), mannagrass (Glyceria spp.) and alpine timothy (Phleum alpinum). These sites have a high water table with water in the top 50 centimeters for the duration of most growing seasons. Water at the surface is common, as are soil mottles, sulfur smell in the soil below the surface, a deep mollic (dark colored) layer and cool to cold soil temperatures. Shrubs compose less than 10% cover.

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Dry to Moist Meadow Group: This matrix is for assessing sites that are dominated by mesic to dry meadow graminoids such as Nevada bluegrass (Poa secunda), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulis), hairgrass (Deschampsia spp.), Basin wildrye (Leymus cinereus), oatgrass (Danthonia spp.), field sedge (Carex praegracilis), Douglas sedge (Carex douglasii), shorthair sedge (Carex exserta) and baltic rush (Juncus balticus). Soils are usually wet early in the growing season, and tend to stay moist and cool throughout the growing season. The water table is usually below 50 centemeters depth. A deep mollic (dark colored) layer is common. In poorer conditions, these sites may have an abundance of tap-rooted forbs or annuals.

Tall Forb Group: This matrix is for assessing sites that are dominated by forbs that are usually taller than 50 centimeters such as wild geranium (Geranium spp.), mountain bluebells (Mertensia spp.), sweet anise (Osmorhiza occidentalis), for-get-me-nots (Hackelia spp.), King’s angelica (Angelica kingii), goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), larkspur (Delphinium spp.), monkshood (Aconitum columbianum) and sunflower (Helianthella uniflora). Graminoids are usually a minor component on the site. Soils are deep, mollic (dark) and somewhat well-drained.

Mountain Mahogany Group: This matrix is for assessing sites dominated by an overstory of mountain mahogany (Cercocarpos ledifolius). Mountain mahogany sites are often found on ridgelines and slopes at moderate to high elevations. Soils are generally shallow and high in rock or gravel. Understory species include upland shrubs, forbs and grasses. Islands of mountain mahogany are often found within pinyon-juniper stands. In areas where mahogany plants are protected from fire, they can be long-lived reaching ages of 500 years or more.

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Methods for Rapid Assessment Matrices

1) Assessing Soil Attributes:

Root depth: This is the highest depth to which fine and very fine (less than 2 millimeters in diameter) roots are many (more than 5 roots per square centimeter) (Schoeneberger and others 2002). This attribute is measured by digging a hole with an augur or shovel and counting roots within a square centimeter on the vertical surface of the upper soil horizons.

Record the depth at which many roots grades to common or few (less than 5 fine or very fine roots per square centimeter) roots. Take at least 10 measurements (one per hole) and average to get a mean depth. The fine and very fine roots function by holding the soil surface together, thereby protecting it from erosion. See Appendix C, Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils: 2-56 and 2-57 for descriptions of roots (Schoeneberger and others 2002).

Bare Ground: For this assessment protocol bare soil and erosion pavement (gravel less than ¾ inch diameter) are considered separately. The amount of bare ground can be extracted from ground cover measurements using a point method.

Points of a monitoring frame, a point monitoring frame, a pin or a laser light pointer can be used to measure hits of vegetation, rock (gravel or rock greater than 2 centimeters diameter), litter, bare soil, pavement (gravels 4 to 20 millimeters diameter) and cryptograms (moss, lichens, fungi). The point should be small (5 millimeters or less) to avoid hitting more that one ground cover type.

For rapid assessment take measurements at least 100 points and for statistical accuracy 200 points are needed. Once a person’s eye is calibrated, bare ground can be estimated. However, the person estimating needs to periodically run samples to check their estimates. See Range Analysis Handbook 44.4 – Ground Cover Sample Measurement (USDA 2003), and/or Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health –Version 4 (Pellant and others 2005) for more details.

Soil Structure: This attribute can be assessed at the same time as root depths are taken. From the soil surface down to 30 centimeters (12 inches) record the dominant soil structure. In most soils the surface is often loose and/or granular, but with compaction, the soil just below the surface becomes hard and resistant to water infiltration. See Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils: 2-40 to 2-48 for descriptions of soil structure (Schoeneberger and others 2002), and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health – Version 4 (Pellant and others 2005) for more details. .

Soil Saturation: To measure this attribute use and augur or shovel to dig down 50 to 100 centimeters or until water is apparent in the hole. Check the soil for water seeping out,

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orange or red tinged mottles (indicating the location of the water table) and/or sulfur smell (indicating area of consistent saturation).

As long as the site is uniform, only one measurement to detect depth to saturation needs to be taken. On very wet meadows, where there is visible water on the surface, note this and take no measurements. See Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils: 2-7 to 2- 17 for descriptions of mottles and redoximorphic features (Schoeneberger and others 2002).

Organic matter and Biological Crusts: The choices for documenting this attribute are “present, acting to stabilize soil,” diminished, found where protected” and “absent from the soil surface.” Note that although soil crust organisms are common, biological soil crusts are rare on the National Forest as these lands are cooler, have higher precipitation, deeper soils and few interspaces between plants, when compared to sites that support biological crusts. Organic matter and organic matter decomposition is the most likely attribute to be assessed. For additional information about biological crusts, the USDI has published Biological Soil Crusts: Ecology and Management, Technical Reference 1730- 2, which is available on the USGS and BLM websites (Belnap and others 2001).

2) Assessing Vegetation Attributes:

Vegetative Cover: Most of the vegetative attributes used in the matrices involve measurements of vegetative cover. Cover was selected for the following reasons: 1. Vegetative cover is a commonly used, fairly simple and fast inventory method. As such, there is more existing data available on which to base assessments than there is with many other inventory and monitoring methods. 2. Methods that utilize vegetative cover are versatile in that data can be applied to assessments of the effects of a multitude of Forest activities on natural resources. Cover methods can also be used for initial inventory and short-term and long-term monitoring. 3. Vegetative cover tends to equalize the contribution of large, infrequent species and small, abundant species. 4. Vegetative cover is most closely related to production, which is the method used by NRCS in doing soil survey. 5. Vegetative cover is the preferred data on which to base plant community classification. 6. The collection of cover data does not require much equipment or training of field personnel to collect. 7. Ground cover measurements can be taken in conjunction with vegetative cover measurements. 8. Vegetative cover has a long history of data collection and several accepted methods of sampling.

Relative cover is the measure of crown or foliar cover of individual plants as a percentage of 100%. Absolute cover is the measure of plant foliar or crown cover as it exists. Relative cover for all plants within a plot should equal 100%. Absolute cover of

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all plants on a site can be more than or less than 100% depending on overlaps in plant cover and the amount of area not covered by plants.

Absolute cover is a more accurate measure of site vigor. Lacking enough information to establish absolute cover percentages for the matrix groups, relative cover was used instead. When gathering vegetative cover, absolute cover is the preferred method. Data can be converted to relative cover for input into the matrices.

The vegetative cover referred to in the matrices is canopy or foliar cover, which can be measured through line intercept, point intercept, frame sampling, densiometer mirrors for overhead cover and by estimate. If using the line intercept method consider how gaps in the canopy cover will be recorded and make note of it in the study. Canopy cover is a measurement of the plant canopy cover including gaps in the individual plants. Foliar cover is the plant leaf and stem cover not including the gaps.

Line Intercept and Ocular Macroplot are most often used to measure canopy cover. Line Point Intercept, Step Point Intercept and densiometer mirror are most often used to measure foliar cover. Foliar cover using points is the preferred method for repeatable transects to determine condition and trend. Caution: It should be noted that canopy cover and foliar cover can produce different results. Do not use these measures interchangably when repeating or comparing data (Pyke [review] 2009).

If the sampled units do not encompass the whole sample plot, then all missed plants within the plot area should be recorded. If the cover of those plants missed in sampling units exceeds trace amounts, it should be noted. Including all plant species within the plot will allow for an estimate of species richness and consistency between similar ecosystems. For a description of cover methods see Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations (Elzinga, Salzer and Willoughby 1998) and Sampling Vegetation Attributes (Coulloudon and others 1996).

Classes for Woody Vegetation: For cottonwood and aspen, the best way to get an idea of stand health is to complete an abbreviated stand exam on the .1 or .01 acre plot. The plot size allows for easy conversion to stem classes per acre. Classes are as follows (Schenbeck and Dahlem 1977): . Suckers – less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and less than 2 inches (5 cm) diameter . Sapling – between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) dbh (diameter breast height) and taller than 5 feet (1.5 meters) . Mature – Greater than 4 inches (10 cm) dbh and usually greater than 15 feet tall . Decadent – More than 50% dead or dying limbs

For most willows (clumped, multiple-stemmed species) age classes are as follows (Winward 2000): . Sprout – 1 stem at ground surface . Young – 2 to 10 stems at ground surface . Mature – >10 stems and >50% stems at ground surface stems alive . Decadent – >10 stems and <50% stems at ground surface stems alive . Dead – 0 stems alive stems at ground surface

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For rhizomatous willow species that form more or less continuous patches, such as wolf willow (Salix wolfii) and coyote willow (S. exigua), age class will not be determined.

Aspen and Cottonwood Disease: Due to their soft bark, aspen and cottonwood trees are highly susceptible to damage and disease, and a small percentage of trees within each stand will show signs of decay. Drought and frost cracks, cankor, rust, blight, viruses and insects are all a threat to aspen and cottonwoods.

Since these trees primarily reproduce by a clonal root system, the above ground shoots (trees) function to photosynthesis food for the clone. The shoots are somewhat expendable as long as the clone can continue to replace them with new shoots. Life span for the shoots is about 80 to 100 years. Problems arise when old shoots become decadent or dead and no new shoots are available to replace them.

Recording the number of trees in a .1 acre area with signs of disease will provide an assessment of the vigor of the stand, especially when analyzed along with the number of replacement suckers and saplings.

3) Assessing Stream Water Quality Attributes:

Temperature, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, and Turbidity: Removal of riparian vegetation by grazing animals, woodcutting or mechanical alteration may cause higher water temperatures due to decreased canopy cover over streams. Dissolved oxygen concentrations are directly related to temperature. As water temperatures increase, the water solubility of oxygen decreases. Dissolved oxygen concentrations can also be lowered by the excessive growth of aquatic plant life (especially algae) caused by nutrient inputs from livestock urine and fecal material.

Disturbances from grazing, mining, roads, recreation and other uses can cause increased input of fine sediments into surface waters, resulting in increased water turbidity. The pH measurement is an indicator of acids and bases in water. Most forest practices typically have very little effect on water pH. However, given that it is a good general indicator of the health of an aquatic habitat and the prevalence of mining related activities on the forest, pH will be measured.

To achieve representative values, the temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity measurements are taken in the main body of the channel. Temperature is measured by directly placing a thermometer or automated temperature datalogging device in the surface water channel. Water pH is measured by placing a pH probe or pH test strip directly in the surface water channel. Dissolved oxygen is measured with a dissolved oxygen probe placed directly in the surface water channel, or by analyzing a water sample immediately after collection with a field test kit. Turbidity is measured by directly placing a turbidity probe in the surface water channel, or by placing a water sample in a turbidity meter.

Fecal Coliform: Urine and fecal wastes from livestock, humans, and wildlife contain bacteria (fecal coliform), which can enter surface waters as a non-point source pollutant.

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To achieve representative measurements, grab samples for fecal coliform analysis are collected in the main body of the channel. A grab sample is collected by holding a container beneath the water surface with the mouth pointing upstream. Care must be taken not to disturb debris on the channel bottom. Fecal coliform samples are analyzed either in the field with test kits or in a laboratory with EPA or State approved methods. Water samples are placed in a cooler immediately after collection and chilled at 4ºC until analyzed at the laboratory.

4) Assessing Stream Condition Attributes:

Streambank Stability: Vehicular traffic, recreational uses and livestock grazing can destabilize streambanks by removing deep-rooting vegetation that binds soils or directly alter the streambank by shearing and trampling. Stable streambanks are covered by vigorous vegetation and/or have rock material. Destabilized streambanks are more vulnerable to erosion during high stream flows, resulting increased sediment input and catastrophic changes in channel morphology.

Streambank stablility is measured according to the protocol described by C.K. Overton, C.K., S.P Wollrab, B.C. Roberts, and M.A. Radko (May 1997) in the R1/R4 (Northern/Intermountain Regions) Fish and Fish Habitat Standard Inventory Procedures Handbook or by other similar protocols.

Headcuts: On low to moderate slopes (less than 8%) soil erosion from the effects of water flowing overland or in small secondary channels can be accelerated when the vegetation does not have the root mass necessary to hold the soil in place or if soil infiltration is impaired. The end result may be a headcut channel which will lower the water table, limiting soil moisture and water holding capacity of the site. A headcut, if allowed to migrate will eventually alter the vegetative potential and production of the site.

When a headcut reaches a depth of about 50 centimeters and begins to migrate or expand, the ability of the site to support riparian vegetation is severely diminished. Consistent evidence of water at or above 50 centimeters below the soil surface is a common criterion for distinguishing aquic soils from dryer soils (USDA NRCS 1998).

This attribute is measured in the matrices by presence/absence and depth. To measure headcuts over the long-term, permanent stakes can be placed a set distance from the headcut and width and length measured of the headcut measured on a recurring basis.

5) Assessing Watershed Function Attributes:

Hummocks: Hummocks are a product of compaction combined with frost heaving, loss of subsurface root mass, soil erosion and swelling and shrinking of soils with soil moisture changes. A high number of hummocks indicate poor soil moisture and water holding capacity.

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This attribute is measured by presence or absence and an estimate of abundance within the wetter sections of a meadow.

Rills/Rill Formation: Rills are formed when the soil surface is eroded by rivulets of water during storm or snowmelt events. On stable sites, the soil surface is protected by adequate ground cover and non-compacted soil, which promotes infiltration and underground movement of water rather than overland flow. The presence of small channels on the soil surface with the obvious movement of fines and litter indicates soil compaction and accelerated erosion.

This is a qualitative measurement. See Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health – Version 4 (Pellant and others 2005) for more information.

Pedastalling/Exposure of Roots: Erosion can often be assessed by the amount of soil and litter on the uphill or prevailing wind side of plants and rocks. It can also be assessed by the presence of exposed roots or lichen lines that are elevated above the soil surface due to loss of soil.

This is somewhat of a qualitative measurement based on the presence or absence of pedstalling and exposed roots. See Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health – Version 4 (Pellant and others 2005) for more information.

6) Assessing Disturbance Attributes:

Fire Frequency: Fire frequency is a landscape level measure of the average fire occurrence and includes all fires affecting the plant community, from surface fires, which generally have minimal effects, to stand replacement fires. Most of the lands within the Forest have fire occurrence data back to the 1950’s. Many sites will need to have a judgment calls made to determine when fire last occurred within the ecosystem. Often there are old fire scars on trees or landscape size fire scars that can be seen on hillsides from a distance.

The purpose of this attribute is to judge whether or not the site is outside of its fire occurrence cycle, and if a deviation from the expected fire return interval is natural or related to the effects of management. When measuring this attribute, the whole vegetative group rather than the .1 acre plot should be taken in consideration.

Habitat Fragmentation: The health of many wildlife and plant species is dependent on their ability to find specific habitat features such as size, location, distance to water or other resources, existence of safe travel corridors and frequency of contact with stress (Andren 1994, Kolb 2008, Sanford, Manley and Murphy 2008; Opdam and Wascher 2004). Man-made features and natural disturbances tend to fragment habitats and decrease the capability of the landscape to support native species. Although the point of irreparable habitat fragmentation varies by habitat and species, when about 40% of the habitat is affected, the impacts to many wildlife species due to loss of cover, food sources or access to water is considered irretrievable (Sanford, Manley and Murphy 2008, Solé, Alonso and Saldaña 2004; Opdam and Wascher 2004).

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This measure is an estimate of the percent of the landscape affected by roads, campsites, power lines, mines, communication sites and other disturbance-related development. It can be assessed with aerial photography or by on-the-ground estimates. When assessing this attribute, the whole vegetative group rather than the .1 acre plot should be taken in consideration. This attribute is not a site specific measurement of overall condition, but a way to prompt the observer to look at the area on a landscape level, identify what other uses or impacts are occurring, and estimate whether or not the cumulative impacts to the ecosystem need to be looked at further.

Natural Disturbances: Drought, high intensity storms, floods, rodent damage, insects and disease can cause significant changes in an ecosystem on a cyclical basis. Since these disturbances can have an impact on the capability of the land to support current uses, they should be noted.

Focusing Ecosystem Attributes in Matrix Assessments

In an effort to focus the assessment down to a definable functioning level, the authors have selected certain key attributes. (Dale and Beyler 2001; Havstad and Herrick 2003; Herrick 2000; Jansen and Robertson 2001). The attributes chosen are measurable, have a known range of values and a monitoring history. For sites “Not Functioning” those key attributes unlikely to be affected by site capability or recent natural disturbance events were used. Although key attributes were selected to focus the determination of function level, all of the attributes are intended to be used to provide a balanced assessment.

Key Attributes Explained:

1. Stream temperature is important for the survival of fish during the hot summer months. It is also an indicator of the amount of shading and vegetation along a stream channel. 2. The pH, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform/E. coli and turbidity are all measurement of water quality and aquatic habitat. Standards for the items have been identified by Nevada. 3. Stream bank stability is a good indicator of erosion potential, and current vegetative cover, woody debris and/or large rock cover. 4. The amount of bare ground is just one of five ground cover measurements, but is the one most often taken consistently. It can be used as an indicator of how much of the soil surface is exposed to wind or water erosion, how much of the site is covered by plants or organic matter providing temperature stability and nutrient supply, and if there is sufficient surface matter to facilitate infiltration of water through the watershed. 5. Aspen and cottonwood suckers and saplings are vital ingredients needed to maintain these ecosystems. 6. Each plant group has a suite of plant species that have evolved with and are adapted to the ecosystem. There are also plant species that are opportunistic and will occupy a plant community when that community is under stress and the adapted species are not able to effectively compete for space and nutrients.

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7. Noxious weeds, which occur with the highest relative frequency in riparian areas and the second highest frequency in sagebrush areas across the Forest, are one of the National “Four Threats.” 8. There are annual and some perennial grasses, forbs and shrubs, while not considered noxious, are invasive and are aggressive competitors in disturbed ecosystems. The best approach with these species is to manage them toward a high functioning level prior to a large disturbance event. 9. Headcutting in riparian ecosystems is an indicator of a loss of vegetative root mass that serves to hold the surface of the soil during erosion events. Downcutting of more than 50 centimeters will result in a loss of water in the upper layers of the soil and change a wet meadow to a mesic or dry meadow. Severe headcutting can completely remove surface water from the stream channel and/or cause spring run-off to accelerate drying out the watershed early in the season. 10. In riparian communities, it is the roots that hold the soil surface in place during flooding, spring run-off and high precipitation events. Root abundance and depths are good indicators of soil stability, compaction, infiltration and vegetative health. (Kauffman and others 2004; Crider 1955). What is measured in meadows is the depth to many fine and very fine roots as defined in the NRCS Soils Field Guide. This is considered the “effective rooting depth” holding the topsoil in place and allowing infiltration of water during rainstorms and snowmelt. 11. Canopy cover of shrubs is important for several of the upland types, because these sites have evolved a level of fire frequency which, when balanced across a landscape, maintains the ecosystem necessary for the life cycles of many animal species. Canopy cover is also needed to hold snow, aid in water infiltration, protect soils from erosion and provide shade or shelter. On an individual site shrub cover may fluctuate with disturbance and successional recovery over time, so this is a measurement that needs to be viewed from a landscape perspective. 12. Fire frequency is important for maintaining shrub and understory species health in upland ecosystems. If a plant community is functioning before a fire, it can be assumed that it will return to a functioning condition within two to five years after the fire, although shrub and tree cover may be lower than desired for 10 to 20 years. However, in situations where annual or invasive species are prevalent, fire in these areas can result in shorter fire return intervals and long-term loss of ecosystem integrity. As such, sites with poor function may need to be protected from fire. 13. Matrix groups such as small aspen stands, cottonwood stands and riparian communities can become areas of concentrated use for camping, parking, off- highway vehicle use, heavy grazing and high-use recreation areas. The multitude of uses can significantly impact these areas. Habitat fragmentation is a measure of the level of human-related disturbances. 14. In some of the matrix groups, specific vegetative life forms, such as tall forbs in the tall forb and aspen communities and wetland grasses and grass-likes in meadows are primary components and indicators of function for that plant community. An abundance of species outside of the dominant life form tends to indicate a disruption in the capability of the site to function. 15. Erosion pavement is the coarse fragments or gravel size material remaining after the finer grained soil materials have been removed through erosion.

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Matrix Functioning Categories Defined:

Functioning– The site is within the natural range of variability as compared to historic known values from similar natural communities. The streambank stability, water quality, soil stability and permeability, and the vegetative composition, cover and abundance is sufficient to sustain ecological integrity, therefore, the site is able to resist the impacts of man-made disturbance and is resilient to natural disturbances.

Functioning at Risk – The site has vegetation, soil, hydrologic and/or disturbance regime attributes that are functioning outside the natural range of variability as compared to historic known values from similar natural communities. Although ecological integrity may not be breached, there is concern that the site may not be resilient or resistant to disturbance events.

Not Functioning– The site has lost ecological integrity or no longer functions within the natural range of variability as compared to historic known values from similar natural communities. The site continues to function, but as an altered ecosystem, often with reduced ability to respond to disturbances.

Levels of Assessment for the Matrices

Level 1 Assessment – Rapid The first and most simple level of data collection is a rapid assessment. The goal at this level is to perform a quick picture of the ecological condition and the plant species present on the site. The purpose at this level of analysis would be to: 1. Determine whether or not there is a need to study this particular vegetation site further, such as an initial finding low site function, noxious weeds, rare plants or accelerated erosion, 2. Inventory the vegetative cover by species for later use in determining plant community characteristics, such as a species list, fire regime condition class, wildlife habitat potential and ground cover/soil stability and/or 3. Gather basic cover data to supplement other inventory or monitoring studies.

Methods: Ocular Macroplot, Visual Estimate on Walk-through

Limitations: Subject to observer error and can not be accurately repeated in subsequent years or with different observers. Observers need to calibrate their estimates and frequently sample to check themselves for accuracy.

Benefits: A large amount of data can be collected using this method, which can ameliorate the observer error when the data is averaged. A rapid assessment can eliminate sites or plant communities that do not need to be studied in detail, thus saving time for those sites that do need sampling detail.

Decision Space: Resource area and field decisions on data and reporting needs

Level 2 Assessment - Quick

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At the second level of data collection, the goal would be to collect information that can be used for classification into a plant community type and an assessment of ecological condition compared to other known information about similar community types. The purpose at this level of analysis would be to:

1. Gain a more site specific detailed knowledge of a plant community within a management area to assess current condition or compare to a previously known condition, 2. Conduct an inventory of vegetation and soil features that can be used to describe plant community characteristics, such as cover by species, species richness/diversity, predicted vegetative response to fire or fuels treatments, wildlife habitat potential, presence and extent of biological crusts and soil condition, 3. Be used as part of a short-term monitoring study, such as those to monitor seeding success, post-disturbance recovery or site restoration objectives, and/or 4. Identify small, infrequent species that might be missed with a more rapid assessment

Methods: Ocular estimate using Daubenmire frame and Daubenmire or EcoData (Jensen et al.1994) cover classes, paced transects using pin or laser light points at toe of boot, Ocular Macroplot using frame or quadrants in plot area, density and age class for woody species, concave densitometer readings for tree foliar canopy cover, estimated or point ground cover, survey to detect erosion features.

Limitations: This level of assessment is somewhat subject to observer error and accuracy could be less than desired when repeated in subsequent years or with different observers. Daubermire cover classes are oftem too broad to detect changes between years. Observers should periodically calibrate their data.

Benefits: By using plots or points the sample size on a specific site can easily be made large enough to ameliorate observer error when the data is analyzed. If sample transects are established and the sample size is large, this data can be used statistically in a comparative analysis.

Decision Space: Project management decisions and with enough sampling detail administrative decisions.

Level 3 Assessment – Detailed, Moderately Fast Assessment The goal or this third level of data collection is for establishing a baseline of information about the site specific plant community. The purpose at this level of analysis would be to:

1. Gain site specific detailed knowledge of a plant community within a management area to assess current condition or compare to a previously known condition, 2. Conduct an inventory of vegetation and soil features that can be used to describe plant community characteristics and changes in those characteristics, such as cover by species, species richness/diversity, predicted and sampled vegetative response to fire or fuels treatments, wildlife habitat potential, presence and extent of biological crusts and soil condition, 1- 21 Resource Monitoring Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices – Part 1 October 2009

3. Be utilized as a short-term monitoring study or part of a long term monitoring study. 4. Identify and monitor small, rare species that might otherwise be missed.

Methods: Line Intercept Cover, Line Point Intercept Cover, density and age class for woody species, concave densitometer readings for tree foliar canopy cover, estimated or point ground cover, survey to detect erosion features.

Limitations: Like all cover methods, this one is subject to changes in seasonal production affecting the results. Converting the data from absolute to relative frequency and doing repeat observations at the same time each year can help to ameliorate this problem.

Benefits: Due to the quantitative approach to data collection, this level of assessment is much less prone to observer error. By using points or measured canopy cover on permanent transects, the sample size can easily be made large enough to enable a comparative analysis using statistics.

Decision Space: Project management and administrative decisions.

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PART 2 – DESCRIPTIONS OF DESIRED CONDITION BY GROUP

STREAM GROUP page 2-2

ASPEN GROUP page 2-7

COTTONWOOD GROUP page 2-11

TALL FORB GROUP page 2-15

DRY TO MOIST MEADOW GROUP page 2-19

WET MEADOW GROUP page 2-22

MOUNTAIN BRUSH GROUP page 2-25

MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 2-29

WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 2-33

BLACK SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 2-36

LOW SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 2-39

PINYON – JUNIPER WOODLAND GROUP page 2-43

MAHOGANY GROUP page 2-48

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Stream Group Elevation: 4500 to 10,000 feet Slope: 0 to 40% Depth to groundwater: 0 to 50 centimeters

Functioning:

Water Quality - Water quality data are compared to Nevada surface water standards (NAC 445A) that are applicable to the surface water body being monitored. In locations were there is only a narrative standard (no numerical standard) for a water quality parameter, numerical data are collected to monitor trend.

Stream temperature is within a range (20ºC or less) that maintains resident aquatic species, including LCT, without stress and complies with Nevada water quality standards (Dunham 1999, Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 445A).

Bull trout waters, Jarbidge District - If the stream is located within bull trout habitat or potential bull trout habitat, then the stream temperature must be 16ºC or less. The riparian management objectives (RMO’s) in Amendment #5 of the Humboldt Land and Resource Management Plan (Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH)) call for no measurable increase above a maximum water temperature 15ºC in adult bull trout habitat. Maximum temperature is calculated by averaging the daily maximum temperatures over the warmest consecutive 7-day period.

Water pH is within the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

Dissolved oxygen is within the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

The concentration of fecal coliforms is within the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A.).

Turbidity value is within the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

Stream Condition - Streambanks are 80% or more stable (90% stable for streams with threatened, endangered, or sensitive species (TES)) (Amendment 2, Humboldt NF LRMP). A stable stream bank shows no evidence of slumping, tension fractures, breakdown (clumps broken away), or vertical cuts and erosion (Overton et al. 1997). There are also no stream head cuts present, and soil saturation occurs at depths of 0 to 50 cm.

Riparian Vegetation Group A-Species Indicative of Desired Condition -- At least 80% of the riparian vegetation species present should be one or more of the following:

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Willows: Salix lucida lasiandra (Pacific willow), Salix boothii (Booth willow), Salix geyeriana (Geyer’s willow), Salix lutea (yellow willow), Salix exigua (coyote willow) at low elevations, Salix lemmonii (Lemmon willow), Salix scouleriana (Scouler willow), Salix wolfii (Wolf willow), Salix orestera (Sierra willow), Salix commutata (undergreen willow), Salix eastwoodiae (mountain willow), Salix lasiolepis (arroyo willow), Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow) and Salix drummondiana (Drummond willow) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Other shrubs/trees: Cornus sericea (dogwood), Ribes inerme (currant), Ribes aureum (golden currant), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Rhus trilobata (skunkbush), Ledum glandulosum (Labrador tea), Lonicera involucrata (twinberry), Artemisia cana (silver sagebrush), Chamaebatiaria millefolium (fernbush), Shepherdia argentea or Shepherdia canadensis (buffaloberry), Rubus parviflora or Rubus idaeus (thimbleberry), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Populus angustifolia (narrowleaf cottonwood), Populus balsamifera trichocarpa (black cottonwood), Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) and Populus tremuloides (aspen) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Graminoids indicative of a functioning condition include Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Calamagrostis scopulorum (reedgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex aquatalis (water sedge), Carex utriculata or Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex scopulorum (mountain sedge), Carex simulata (analogue sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex aurea (golden sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex microptera (ballhead sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush), Juncus nevadensis (Nevada rush), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s or Nevada bluegrass) and Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Forbs indicative of a functioning condition include Mimulus primuloides (little yellow monkeyflower), Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower), Allium validum (swamp onion), Dodecatheon alpinum (alpine shooting stars), Caltha leptosepala (marsh marigold), Polemonium occidentale (Western polemonium), Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica), Ligusticum grayi (Gray’s licorice-root), Mertensia ciliata (tall bluebells), Veronica americana (speedwell), Maianthemum stellatum (false Solomon’s seal), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woollyhead parsnip), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Saxifraga odontoloma (brook saxifrage), Parnassia palustris or Parnassia fimbriata (grass of Parnassus), Pedicularis groenlandica (elephants’ head), Viola spp. (violets), Gentiana spp. (gentian), Hypericum scouleri or Hypericum anagalloides (St. Johns wort), Valeriana occidentalis (Western valerian), Sidalcea spp. (checker mallow), Polygonum bistortoides (American bistort) and Platanthera stricta or Platanthera dilatata (bog orchid) (Howell 2003; Manning and

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Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000). Annual forbs and graminoids are less than 2% of relative cover.

Functioning at Risk:

Stream Condition - Streambanks are between 70-80% stable (between 70 and 90% for TES streams). A stability level of 70% is the minimum necessary to maintain streambank condition (Cowley 2002). Head cut is present, but is less than 50 centimeters in depth.

Water Quality - Stream temperatures are 20 to 22ºC.

Bull trout waters, Jarbidge District - If the stream is located within bull trout habitat or potential bull trout habitat, then stream temperatures greater than 16ºC would indicate a decline in habitat quality.

Water pH exceeds the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

Dissolved oxygen is less than is allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

The concentration of fecal coliforms exceeds the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

Turbidity exceeds the range allowable under the applicable Nevada surface water quality standard (NAC 445A).

Group B - Species Indicative of Management Problems--Relative cover of 20 to 60% of the following species is present:

Graminoids: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (short-awn foxtail), Alopecurus pratense (meadow foxtail), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Muhlenbergia filiformis (pull-up muhly), Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush), Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) and/or Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999, Winward 2000).

Forbs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue

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eyes), Senecio or Packera spp. (groundsel), Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (watercress), Myriophyllum verticillatum (water milfoil), Lemna spp. (duckweed) and Arnica chamissonis (arnica) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999, Winward 2000). Annual forbs and graminoids are less than 20% of relative cover.

Shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Stream Condition - Streambanks are measured to be less than 70% stable. Head cuts are present and are more than 50 centimeters in depth.

Water Quality— Stream temperatures are greater than 22ºC or for bull trout streams, greater than 16ºC, and the limits for pH, dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, and turbidity are the same as “Functioning at Risk.”

Group B-Species Indicative of Management Problems--Vegetation is composed of 60% or more relative cover of the following species:

Graminoids: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (short-awn foxtail), Alopecurus pratense (meadow foxtail), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Muhlenbergia filiformis (pull-up muhly), Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush), Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999, Winward 2000).

Forbs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Senecio or Packera spp. (groundsel), Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (watercress), Myriophyllum verticillatum (water milfoil), Lemna spp. (duckweed) and Arnica chamissonis (arnica) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b,

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1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000). Annual graminoids and forbs are greater than 20% of relative cover.

Shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Aspen Group Elevation: 6100 to 9000 feet Slope: 2 to 40% Depth to groundwater: generally >100 centimeters

Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are greater than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). The soil is saturated at a depth of 70 to100 plus centimeters (27 to 39 inches) on riparian sites (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Bare ground does not exceed 5% of soil surface cover (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Soil surface horizon is dark and cool to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with little resistance indicating a good capacity for infiltration and root growth in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Exposed roots are not readily visible on the soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001).

Vegetative composition is 20 to 50% overstory canopy cover of trees of which no more than 15% is conifers (Amundson and others 2000; Campbell and Bartos 2000; Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Understory relative composition is 20 to 60% shrubs, 10 to 40% graminoids and 20 to 60% forbs (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Aspen suckers and saplings, less than 150 centimeters (60 inches) tall average more than 500 per acre (Mueggler 1988), mature aspen average 500 plus per acre (Mueggler 1988; Campbell and Bartos 2000), or at least one young age class with greater than 500 stems per acre. Watershed or landscape composition of age classes within the aspen types is 40% grasses, forbs, aspen suckers and saplings, 30% young, mid-aged and mature forest and 30% old forest (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Mueggler 1988).

Shrub species with up to 50 percent cumulative understory cover may include Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes spp. (currant or gooseberry) Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Salix spp. (willow), Cornus sericea (dogwood), Rubus idaeus or Rubus parviflora (thimbleberry), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape) and Acer glabrum (vine maple) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Forb species with up to10% cumulative or individual understory cover may include Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Maianthemum stellatum (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza berteroi or Osmorhiza depauperata (sweet anise), Mertensia ciliata (mountain bluebells), Geranium spp.(wild geranium), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica) Lupinus argenteus (silver lupine), Rudbeckia occidentalis

2-7 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

(coneflower), Valeriana spp. (valerian), Sidalcea oregana (checker mallow), Ligusticum grayi (licorice root), Actea rubra (baneberry), Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woolyhead parsnip) and Agastache urticifolia (horsemint) Annual forbs are less than 2% of the understory cover (Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Graminoid species with up to 20% individual or cumulative understory cover may include Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Elymus lanceolatus (streambank wheatgrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Poa wheeleri (Wheeler bluegrass), Deschampsia elongata (slender hairgrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass) Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex rossii (Ross’ sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge) and Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush) (Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Effective rooting depths are less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Exposed sections of the soil surface may be dry, crusted and warm to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil surface has presence of exposed roots and/or patches of bare ground over more than 5% of the surface (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Other indicators include presence of stream incision or bare, steep banks along stream/spring channel (USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 2001).

Overstory cover of aspen is less than 20% (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Overstory tree composition is more than 15% conifers (Amundson and others 2000; Campbell and Bartos 2000). Understory composition is less than 20% shrubs, less than 10% graminoids and/or less than 20% forbs (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Aspen suckers and saplings, less than 150 centimeters (60 inches) tall average less than 500 per acre (Mueggler 1988). Aspen suckers show low, multi-branched growth form indicative of frequent clipping and/or removal of bark through rubbing or foraging animals (Kay 2001, 2002). Mature aspen average less than 500 per acre (Mueggler 1988). The number of diseased stems in the stand is greater than 30% (Amundson and others 2000).

2-8 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

More than 2% cover of any of the following forbs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Descurainia pinnata (Western tansymustard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes) and all annual forbs (Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 5% cover of the following shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) or Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 5% understory cover of any of the following graminiods: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) (Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with strong resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil surface horizons are light in color due to loss of topsoil and organic matter. Exposed roots are visible on soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Stream incision or bare, steep banks along stream/spring channel are evident. Bare ground exceeds 20% of surface composition (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Overstory cover of aspen is less than 10% (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Overstory tree composition is more than 40% conifers (Amundson and others 2000; Campbell and Bartos 2000). Understory composition is less than 5% shrubs, less than 5% perennial graminoids and/or less than 10% perennial forbs (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Aspen suckers and saplings, less than 150 centimeters (60 inches) tall average less than 100 per acre (Mueggler 1988). More than 80% of aspen suckers have an irregular growth form indicative of frequent clipping and

2-9 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009 more than 80% of trees have exposed cambium layers where bark has been removed (Kay 2001, 2002). Remnant aspen stand less than one acre in size or consisting of fewer than 50 trees per acre. More than 50% of trees are diseased (Amundson and others 2000).

Vegetative cover is 25% or more individually or 40% total Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Rudbeckia occidentalis (coneflower), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) and Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) (Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Vegetative cover is greater than 30% Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) or Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004). Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA APHIS 2002; USDA ARS 1998; Glover 2003).

2-10 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

Cottonwood Group Elevation: 5000 to 7600 feet Slope: 2 to 15% Depth to groundwater: generally >100 centimeters, often variable

Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are greater than 15 centimeters (6 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a). The soil is saturated at a depth of 50 to100 plus centimeters (20 to 39 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a). Bare ground does not exceed 2% of soil surface cover (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a). Soil surface horizon is dark and cool to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with little resistance indicating a good capacity for infiltration and root growth in the top 20 centimeters (8 inches) of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil may contain gravelly or stony layers indicating past depositional flood events. No exposed roots are visible on the soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001).

Vegetative composition is 20 to 70% overstory cover of trees with less than 10% of the overstory cover consisting of Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Szaro 1989; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a). Understory composition is 20 to 50% shrubs, 20 to 50% graminoids and 10 to 20% forbs (Boggs 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a). Cottonwood suckers and saplings, less than 150 centimeters (60 inches) tall average 5 to 10% of understory cover in a mature stand and 20 to 70% understory cover in a recently disturbed (by fire or flood) stand (Howell 2003, USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Shrub species with 0 to 50 percent understory cover may include Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes species (currant or gooseberry) Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Salix species (willow), Cornus sericea (dogwood),Rhus trilobata (skunkbush sumac), Symphoricarpos oreophilus, rotundifolius or longiflorus (snowberry), Rosa woodsii ultramontana (wild rose), Shepherdia canadensis or Shepherdia argentea (baffaloberry), and Mahonia repens (Oregon grape). (Boggs 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Forb species with 0 to 10 percent understory cover may include Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Maianthemum stellatum (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza berteroi or Osmorhiza depauperata (sweet anise), Geranium richardsonii or Geranium viscosissimum (wild geranium), Paeonia brownii (wild peony) Viola palustris (marsh violet), Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed) and Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis), Galium spp. (bedstraw), Lupinus caudatus (tailcup lupine), Lupinus argenteus (silver lupine) or Lupinus leucophyllus (velvet lupine), Senecio or Packera spp. (groundsel), Allium spp.

2-11 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

(wild onion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock) and Solidago canadensis (goldenrod). Annual forbs are less than 2% total of the understory cover (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Graminoid species with 0 to 20 percent understory cover may include Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Leymus triticoides (beardless wildrye), Elymus lanceolatus (streambank wheatgrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome) and Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass), Agrostis pallens (shore bentgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex vallicola (valley sedge), Carex athrostachya (slenderbeak sedge), Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush) and Carex praegracilis (field sedge) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Effective rooting depths are less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a). Exposed sections of the soil surface may be dry, crusted and warm to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 20 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2000). Soil surface may have presence of exposed roots and patches of bare ground over more than 5% of the surface (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a). Channel incision has occurred or bare, steep banks exist along the stream channel (; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 2001).

Overstory cover of cottonwood less is than 20% (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a;). Overstory tree composition is more than 10% Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Szaro 1989; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a;). Understory composition is less than 20% shrubs, less than 20% graminoids and/or less than 10% forbs (Boggs 1992; Howell 2003, Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a). Cottonwood suckers and saplings, smaller than 150 centimeters (60 inches) average less than 5 percent of understory cover (Howell 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Cottonwood suckers show low, multi-branched growth form indicative of frequent clipping and/or removal of bark through rubbing or foraging animals. The number of diseased trees in the stand is greater than 30%. Cottonwood stand situated at Forest boundary fence in an area were livestock congregate.

2-12 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

More than 2% understory cover of any of the following forbs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard), Artemisia ludoviciana (herbaceous sage), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Thlaspi arvense (pennycress), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify), Hackelia floribunda (stickseed or forget-me-not), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax) and Nemophila pedunculata (littlefoot blue-eyes). (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a;)

Understory cover of 5 to 30% of the following shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Boggs 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Understory cover of 5-25% any of the following graminiods: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), and Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a). A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with strong resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil surface horizons are light in color due to loss of topsoil and organic matter. Exposed roots are visible on soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Channel incision or bare, steep banks along stream/spring channel are evident (; USDA FS 2001; U SDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground exceeds 20% of surface composition (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Overstory cover of cottonwoods is less is than 10% (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a). Understory composition is less than 5% shrubs, less than 5% perennial graminoids and/or less than 5% perennial forbs (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a). Annual plant composition is greater than 50% understory cover (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others

2-13 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

1993a). Cottonwood suckers and saplings, less than 150 centimeters (60 inches) tall are absent from the stand. More than 50% of trees are diseased. Remnant cottonwood stand is less than one acre in size.

Vegetative cover is 25% or more individually or 40% total Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard), Artemisia ludoviciana (herbaceous sage), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Thlaspi arvense (pennycress), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify), Hackelia floribunda (stickseed or forget-me-not), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax) and Nemophila pedunculata (littlefoot blue-eyes), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) and Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Vegetative cover is greater than 30% Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) or Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Boggs 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the cottonwood area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004). Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

2-14 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

Tall Forb Elevation: 7000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 30% Depth to groundwater: generally >70 centimeters

Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are greater than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). The soil is saturated at a depth of 70 to100 plus centimeters (27 to 39 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Bare ground does not exceed 10% of soil surface cover (Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; USDA FS 1996; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Soil surface horizon is dark and cool to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with little resistance indicating a good capacity for infiltration and root growth in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Exposed roots are not readily visible on the soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001).

Vegetative composition is 50 to 85% forbs, 10 to 30% graminoids and 5-10% shrubs and/or trees (Amundson and others 2000; Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; Murray and others 1991; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Desirable forb species with total cover up to 85% may include Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Agastache urticifolia (horsemint), Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip), Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed), Maianthemum stellatum / Maianthemum racemosa (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza occidentalis (sweet anise), Mertensia ciliata / Mertensia oblongifolia (mountain bluebells), Geranium viscosissimum / Geranium richardsonii (wild geranium), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica), Delphinium occidentale (tall larkspur), Valeriana occidentalis (valerian), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Sidalcea oregana (checker mallow), Ligusticum grayi (licorice root), Senecio serra (tall groundsel), Senecio integerrimus / Senecio triangularis (ragwort), Lupinus polyphyllus / Lupinus argenteus (lupine), Hackelia floribunda / Hackelia micrantha (forget-me-not), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woollyhead parsnip), Oreostemma alpigenum (tundra aster), Symphyotrichum spathulatum (mountain aster), Eucephalus elegans (elegant aster), Crepis acuminata (hawkweed), Zigadenus elegans (Mountain death camas), Helianthella uniflora (sunflower), Polemonium spp. (Jacob’s ladder), Monardella odoratissima (mountain horsemint), Dodecathion spp. (shooting stars) and Solidago canadensis (goldenrod). Annual forbs are less than 2% of the understory cover (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Rosiere 2002; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Graminoid species with up to 30% cumulative or individual understory cover may include Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Bromus porteri (nodding brome), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Danthonia intermedia

2-15 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

(oatgrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (foxtail), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Festuca rubra (red fescue), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex heteroneura (different nerve sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beak sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge) and Juncus arcticus (baltic rush) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Shrub and tree species with up to 10 percent cumulative or individual cover may include Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Symphoricarpos rotundifolia (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes species (currant or gooseberry), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Salix species (willow), Lonicera involucrata (twinberry), Sambucus racemosa (elderberry), Dasiphora fruticosa (shrubby cinquefoil), Acer glabrum (vine maple), Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffry pine) and Pinus flexilis (limber pine) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988;; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Effective rooting depths are less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Exposed sections of the soil surface may be dry, crusted and warm to the touch. A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon. Soil surface has presence of exposed roots and/or patches of bare ground over more than 10% of the surface (; Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997Pellant and others 2005; USDA FS 1996; USDA NRCS 2001; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Vegetative composition is less than 50% desirable forbs, more than 30% graminoids and more than 20% shrubs and/or trees (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; Murray and others 1991; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

There is more than 5% cover of any of the following forbs: Galium spp. (bedstraw), Rudbeckia occidentalis (coneflower), Helenium hoopesii (Orange sneezeweed), Polygonum spp. (knotweed), Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Potentilla gracilis (cinquefoil), Geum macrophyllum (avens), Arnica chamissonis (arnica), Collomia linearis (tiny trumpet), Madia glomerata (mountain tarweed), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), and Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

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More than 5% cover of the following shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 5% understory cover of any of the following graminiods: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Agrostis exarata (bentgrass), Dactylis glomerata (orchardgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), and Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). A pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with strong resistance indicating evidence of compaction in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon. Soil surface horizons are light in color due to loss of topsoil and organic matter. Exposed roots are visible on soil surface (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground exceeds 35% of surface composition (; Howell 2003; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; USDA FS 1996; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Vegetative composition is less than 10% desirable forbs, more than 60% graminoids and more than 30% shrubs and/or trees (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; Murray and others 1991; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

There is more than 30% cover of any of the following forbs: Galium spp. (bedstraw), Rudbeckia occidentalis (coneflower), Helenium hoopesii (Orange sneezeweed), Polygonum spp. (knotweed), Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Potentilla gracilis (cinquefoil), Geum macrophyllum (avens), Arnica chamissonis (arnica), Collomia linearis (tiny trumpet), Madia glomerata (mountain tarweed), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), and Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 30% cover of the following shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Campbell and Bartos 2000; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

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More than 50% understory cover of any of the following graminiods: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Agrostis exarata (bentgrass), Dactylis glomerata (orchardgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), and Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue) (Hamilton 1992; Howell 2003; Houston 1954; Manning and Padgett 1995; Mueggler 1988; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004). Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

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Dry to Moist Meadow Group Elevation: 5200 to 10,500 feet Slope: 1 to 10% Depth to ground water: 55 to 100 cm. for moist meadow, 100+ cm. for dry meadow

Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are greater than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Soil structure is granular to 30 centimeters (12 inches) depth (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Vegetative composition is 75% or more perennial grasses, sedges or rushes (Howell 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b;Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Forb and shrub composition is 0-25% (Howell 2003; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Bare ground does not exceed 5% (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a).

Species that individually or collectively dominate with up to 75 percent relative cover may include Poa secunda (Sandberg’s or Nevada bluegrass), Elymus trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass), Leymus cinereus (Great Basin wildrye), Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Deschampsia elongata (slender hairgrass), Danthonia spp. (oatgrass, any species), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Bromus marginatus (Mountain brome), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Muhlenbergia richardsonis (mat muhly), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (Western needlegrass), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), Agrostis capillaris (Colonial bentgrass), Agrostis variabilis (mountain bentgrass), Agrostis pallens (seashore bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex scirpoidea (singlespike sedge), Carex exserta (shorthair sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge), Carex praegracilis (field sedge), Carex microptera (small-wing sedge, Carex petasata (Liddon sedge), Carex pachystachya (thickhead sedge) Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush), Juncus confusus (Colorado rush), Juncus longistylis (longstyle rush), Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush) and Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). (Note: Douglas sedge may dominate a dry site in functioning condition, but also tend to indicate a drying trend in a moist meadow.)

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Effective rooting depths are less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Subangular blocky or platy soil structure is present in the top 30 centimeters of the soil horizon and/or a pointed probe pushed in the ground meets with strong resistance (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil surface contains hummocks, patches of bare ground greater than 5 square centimeters (2 inches) in size and/or bare ground greater than 5% (; Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995USDA FS

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1989; USDA NRCS 2001; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Another indicator is a stream/spring channel with incised or bare, steep banks along stream/spring channel (; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 2001).

Vegetative cover that is 40% or more annual grasses or grass-likes, forbs and/or shrubs (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 3% relative cover of any of the following grasses: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow foxtail), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) and Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 3% relative cover of any of the following forbs or shrubs: Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Tragopogon spp. (false dandelion), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species) Rumex spp.(sorrel or dock), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Rosa woodsii ssp. ultramontana (wild rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are less than 5 centimeters (2 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Platy, subangular blocky or hard, massive soil structure beginning within the upper 10 centimeters of the soil horizon where a pointed probe pushed into the ground meets with strong resistance (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Stream channel incision or extensive hummocking has occurred resulting in drying of the meadow as seen by vegetation changes and remnant mottles or gleying in the soil profile (; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground exceeds 10% of basal ground cover (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a).

Relative vegetative cover that is 60% or more annual grasses, annual or perennial forbs and/or shrubs (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

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Conversion of the meadow cover toward a dominance of any of the following grasses or grass-like plants: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow foxtail), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush) and Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) in moist meadows (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 20% relative cover of any of the following forbs or shrubs: Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Tragopogon spp. (false dandelion), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species) Rumex spp.(sorrel or dock), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999).

More than 40% relative cover of the following species: Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Wyethia spp. (mulesears, any species), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (green rabbitbrush) and Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a).

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

2-21 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

Wet Meadow Group Elevation: 5200 to 10,000 feet Slope: 0 to 12% Depth to groundwater: 0 to 50 centimeters

Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are greater than 20 centimeters (8 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). The soil is saturated at a depth of 0-50 centimeters (0-20 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Soil surface is moist and cool to the touch. Vegetative composition is 80% or more perennial grasses, sedges or rushes. Forb and shrub composition is 0-20% (Howell 2003; USDA FS 2001; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Bare ground does not exceed 5%, unless the meadow is within the flow area for a spring or stream system where litter can be removed by water (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a). If the meadow has free-flowing water, then the interspaces between plant basal area should not exceed 5 centimeters (2 inches).

Species with up to 80 percent relative cover may include Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Agrostis humilis (alpine bentgrass), Hierochloe hirta ssp. arctica (northern sweetgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex aquatalis (water sedge), Carex utriculata/Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex scopulorum (mountain sedge), Carex simulata (analogue sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex illota (sheep sedge), Carex jonesii (Jones’s sedge) Carex luzulina (woodrush sedge), Carex magellanica (boreal bog sedge), Carex lenticularis (lakeshore sedge), Carex nervina (nerved sedge), Carex praeceptorum (early sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex aurea (golden sedge), Juncus drummondii (Drummond’s sedge), Juncus mertensianus (Merten’s sedge), Juncus nevadensis (Sierra sedge), Juncus saximontanus (Rocky Mountain sedge), Juncus longistylis (longstyle sedge) Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush), Juncus nevadensis (Nevada rush) and Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Other graminiod species that may occur with up to 20 percent relative cover include Poa secunda (Sandberg’s or Nevada bluegrass), Deschampsia spp. (hairgrass), Calamagrostis scopulorum (reedgrass), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Poa secunda ssp. juncifolia (Nevada bluegrass), Deschampsia spp. (hairgrass), Calamagrostis scopulorum (reedgrass), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Carex praegracilis (field sedge) and Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge). In a moist, but not wet meadow type, many of the graminoid species listed above could dominate the site and indicate desirable function (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999, Winward 2000).

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Forb and shrub species that occur at up to 20% relative vegetative cover include Mimulus primuloides (little yellow monkeyflower), Dodecatheon alpinum (alpine shooting stars), Caltha leptosepala (marsh marigold), Stellaria longipes (longstalk starwort), Pedicularis groenlandica (elephants head), Erigeron peregrinus (subalpine daisy), Platanthera spp. (bog orchid), Gentiana spp. (gentian), Parnassia spp. (grass-of-Parnassus), Allium validum (Pacific onion), Ranunculus cymbalaria (alkali buttercup), Viola spp. (violets), Sidalcea spp. (checker mallow), Polygonum bistortoides (American bistort) and Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Salix spp. (Willows), Ledum glandulosum (Labrador tea) and Kalmia microphylla (alpine laurel) may be present where water is flowing or in wet depressions (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987- 1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Effective rooting depths are less than 20 centimeters (8 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Soil surface may be dry and warm to the touch. Platy or subangular blocky soil structure occurs in the top 30 centimeters of soil. Other indicators include presence of hummocks, patches of bare ground greater than 5 square centimeters (2 inches) in size and/or total average bare ground greater than 5%, and channel incision or bare, steep banks along stream/spring channel (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a).

Vegetative cover is 20% or more forbs and/or non-willow shrubs (Howell 2003; USDA FS 2001; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). More than 20% cover of Juncus arcticus.

More than 5% cover of any of the following graminiods: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (short-awn foxtail), Alopecurus pratense (meadow foxtail), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Muhlenbergia filiformis (pull-up muhly), Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

More than 2% cover of any of the following forbs or shrubs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),

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Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Effective rooting depths are less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) (Howell 2003; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999). Platy, subangular blocky or hard, massive soil structure beginning within the upper 30 centimeters of the soil horizon (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001). Soil surface horizons are light in color due to loss of topsoil and organic matter. Surface likely to be warm and dry to the touch. Incision of the stream channel or extensive hummocking has occurred resulting in drying of the meadow as seen by vegetation changes and remnant mottles or gleying in the soil profile (; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground is greater than 10% of ground cover (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; Weixelman and others 1993c, 1999a; Winward 2000).

Relative cover of Juncus acrticus (Baltic rush) is greater than 40%. Relative vegetative cover is more than 20% Alopecurus aequalis (short-awn foxtail), Agrostis spp. (redtop or bentgrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Bromus inermis (smooth brome). Vegetative cover is greater than 10% Eleocharis spp. (spike rush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000).

More than 5% cover of any of the following forbs or shrubs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush) (Howell 2003; Manning and Padgett 1995; USDA NRCS 1991a,b, 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 1993a, 1999; Winward 2000). Or, total forb cover is greater than 80%.

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, campgrounds, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Mountain Brush Group Elevation: 6000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 4 to 50% Precipitation: 12 to 22 inches

Functioning:

Little or no formation of rills is evident, or if present occurring on steeper slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Pedestals and terracettes are rare or absent. No active pedestalling of perennial plants or rocks is apparent, and no exposed roots visible (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001, USDA NRCS 2009). Erosion pavement, coarse fragments remaining after soil erodes, is limited to natural drainages in amounts less than 10% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is less than 20% (Amundson and others 2000; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987, Williams 2009). Soil surface has loose to granular structure and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 30 to 65 percent relative cover; forbs occur of 10 to 20% relative cover, and canopy cover the shrub layer is 20 to 85 percent, (NatureServe 2002; Nelson and Jensen 1987; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994, Williams 2009). Fire frequency is 30 to 100 years (Amundson 2000 and others; NatureServe 2002, USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Graminoid species that can occur up to 65 percent relative cover include Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Elymus multisetus (tall squirreltail), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Poa canbyi (Canby bluegrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), and Bromus marginatus (mountain brome). At higher elevations Carex rossii (Ross’s sedge), Carex phaeocephala (dunhead sedge) and Calamagrostis rubescens may be found (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Graminoid species indicating desired function that may be present in smaller amounts include Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Overstory shrubs are mixed with more than one dominant species including Purshia tridentata (bitterbrush), Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Amelanchier alnifolia

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(serviceberry), Ribes cereum (wax currant), Ribes montigenum (gooseberry currant), Ribes spp. (currant or gooseberry), Prunus spp. (chokecherry), Holodiscus dumosus (rockspirea), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Sambucus nigra (elderberry), Sambucus racemosa (elderberry), Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry) and Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Other common shrubs that may occur in the stand with a cover generally less than five percent each are Crataegus douglasii (hawthorne), Rhus trilobata (sumac), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Shepherdia argentea (buffaloberry), Shepherdia canadensis (buffaloberry), Chamaebatiaria millefolium (fernbush), Parthenocissus vitacea (woodbine), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Artemisia frigida (prairie sagewort), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat), Tetradymia glabrata (horsebrush), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush) Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) and/or Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Tree species that may occur in amounts generally less than five percent are Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffery pine), Pinus washoensis (Washoe pine), Populus tremuloides (aspen) and at higher elevations Abies concolor (white fir), Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir) and Pinus flexilis (limber pine) (NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Hydrophyllum capitatum (dwarf waterleaf), Linum lewisii (Lewis flax), Hackelia floribunda (wild forget-me-not), Hackelia patens (spotted stickseed), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Agastache urticifolia (giant hyssop), Castilleja flava (yellow paintbrush), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Mertensia ciliata, Mertensia oblongifolia and Mertensia longifolia (bluebells), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Helianthella uniflora (one-flowered sunflower), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Geranium viscosissimum (geranium), Lithophragma spp. (woodland star) and Solidago canadensis (Canada goldenrod) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

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Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is found in plant interspaces and outside of natural flow patterns in amounts greater than 10% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is greater than 20% (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Desired graminoids are present at less than 30% relative cover. Perennial forbs occur at less than 10% of relative cover. Desirable shrub relative cover is less than 20% (NatureServe 2002; Nelson and Jensen 1987; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994; Williams 2009). Canopy cover of tree species is greater than 10%. Fire frequency is less than 30 years (NatureServe 2002,USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b;).

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Tetradymia glabrata (horsebrush), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are individually more than 5% of the canopy cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Or, Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry) occurs at a canopy cover greater than 15%. (Zamudio 2003).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 30% of the total relative cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble maustard) or other annuals are greater than 5% of the total relative cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Presence of more than 2% of the following forbs: Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox), Iris missouriensis (wild iris) and Chenopodium spp. (goosefoot) (Nelson and Jensen 1987; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987- 1999, 2003a,b).

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There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is apparent throughout the soil surface in amounts exceeding 30% of the ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002). Bare ground exceeds 40% of ground cover (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987).

Desired graminoids are present at less than 10% relative cover. Perennial forbs occur at less than 5% of relative cover. Desirable shrub canopy cover is less than 10% (NatureServe 2002; Nelson and Jensen 1987; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Fire frequency is less than 5 years (NatureServe 2002, USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b;).

Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Tetradymia glabrata (horsebrush), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are individually more than 40% of the total canopy cover (NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) or other non-native species are cumulatively more than 50% of the total relative cover.

Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard) or other annuals are cumulatively greater than 30% of the total relative cover (Linne 1978; NatureServe 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Mountain Big Sagebrush Group Elevation: 6000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 50% Precipitation: 10 to 25 inches

Functioning:

Little or no formation of rills is evident, or if present occurring on steeper slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Pedestals and terracettes are rare or absent. No active pedestalling of perennial plants or rocks is apparent, and no exposed roots visible (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001, USDA NRCS 2009). Erosion pavement, coarse fragments remaining after soil erodes, is limited to natural drainages in amounts less than 10% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is less than 20% (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface has loose to granular structure and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 10 to 65 percent relative cover; the shrub layer is 10 to 25 percent relative cover; and forbs occur at 5 to 75% of relative cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Fire frequency is 10 to 40 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminoid species that can occur up to 65 percent cover include Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread grass), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass) (Linne 1978; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush) and/or Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) dominate the shrub canopy cover component with a canopy cover of 10 to 35% (Goodrich; Miller et. al. 2001; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Common overstory shrubs that may occur in the stand with a cover generally up to five percent each are Purshia

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tridentata, Purshia glandulosa or Purshia stansburiana (bitterbrush or cliffrose), Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia or Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Ribes spp. (currant/gooseberry), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea) and Atriplex canescens (four-wing saltbush) (Linne 1978; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Pinus spp. (other pines), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Abies concolor (white fir) and Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir) may also be present, but are less than 5% canopy cover (USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Hackelia floribunda (wild forget-me-not), Hackelia patens (spotted stickseed), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Agastache urticifolia (giant hyssop), Calochortus spp. (mariposa and sego lily), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Antennaria rosea (rosy pussytoes), Frasera speciosa (elkweed), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Helianthella uniflora (one-flowered sunflower), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Allium spp. (wild onion), Geranium viscosissimum (geranium), Geum spp. (avens) and Euthamia occidentalis (western goldentop) (Linne 1978; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is found in plant interspaces and outside of natural flow patterns in amounts greater than 10% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is greater than 20% (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Perennial graminoids are present at less than 10% relative cover; perennial forbs occur at less than 5% of relative cover; annual grasses or forbs are greater than 5% relative cover; and shrub canopy cover is less than 10% or greater than 50% (Goodrich; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999,

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2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Fire frequency is less than 10 years or greater than 40 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (mountain big sage) and/or Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) are less than 10% or more than 35% of the canopy cover (Goodrich; Miller et al. 2001; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Eriogonum spp. (buckwheats) are less than 1% of relative cover. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are individually more than 5% of the canopy cover (USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome) or other seeded or non-native species are more than 30% of the total relative cover (Reid and others 2002). Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) or other annuals are greater than 5% of the total relative cover.

There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is apparent throughout the soil surface in amounts exceeding 35% of the ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002). Bare ground exceeds 50% of ground cover (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987).

Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (mountain big sage) and/or Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) are less than 5% of the canopy cover or non- existent and has been for more than 10 years (Connelly and others 2000; Goodrich; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Eriogonum spp. (buckwheats) are less than 1% of relative cover. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush),

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Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 40% of the total canopy cover (USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Fire frequency is less than 10 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; Tart 2003; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) or other annuals are greater than 30% of the cumulative relative cover (Connelly and others 2000; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome) or other seeded or non-native species are more than 50% of the relative cover Perennial forbs occur at less than 5% of relative cover or are absent (Connelly and others 2000; Goodrich; Mooney 1985; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Wyoming Big Sagebrush Group Elevation: 4500 to 6800 feet Slope: 0 to 45% Precipitation: 6 to 13 inches

Functioning:

Rills are rare, but a few can be expected on steep slopes in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Little or no active pedestalling of perennial plants or rocks is apparent and occurrence is limited to water flow areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement, coarse fragments remaining after soil erodes, is limited to natural drainages in amounts less than 5% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is less than 20% (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface has loose to granular structure and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 20 to 50 percent relative cover. Shrubs are 10 to 30 percent canopy cover. Forbs occur at five to 15% relative cover. Fire frequency is 20 to 60+ years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminoid species that may occur up to 50 percent cover include Leymus cinereus (Great Basin wildrye), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum speciosum (desert needlegrass), Achnatherum webberi (Webber needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Distichlis spicata (inland saltgrass), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama), Carex exserta (shorthair sedge), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta) and Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush) is the dominant shrub with a canopy cover of 10-30%. Overstory shrubs that may occur in the stand with a cover of up to five percent are Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Atriplex canescens (four-wing saltbush), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) and Tetradymia canescens (gray horsebrush) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Sphaeralcea coccinea (scarlet globemallow), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Opuntia polyacantha (pricklypear), Chaenactis douglasii (pincushion), Erigeron spp.

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(fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Stanleya pinnata (Prince’s plume), Calochortus spp. (mariposa and sego lily), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Ranunculus glaberrimus (sagebrush buttercup), Packera and Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur) and Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is found in plant interspaces, outside of natural flow patterns in amounts greater than 5% of ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Bare ground is greater than 30% (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminoids are present at less than 20% relative cover. Shrub canopy cover is less than 10%. (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Fire frequency is 10 to 20 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush) has a canopy cover of less than 10%. Eriogonum spp. (buckwheats) are less than 1% of relative cover. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 5% of the total canopy cover. More than five percent Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) or annuals such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) cumulatively exceed 5% relative cover. (Allen and Knight 1984; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 30% of the total relative cover. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome) or other annual grasses are greater than 5% of the relative cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

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Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is apparent throughout the soil surface in amounts exceeding 20% of the ground cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002). Bare ground exceeds 50% of ground cover (Goodrich; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987).

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush) cover is less than 5% or non-existent (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Eriogonum spp. (buckwheats) are less than 1% of relative cover or absent. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 40% of the canopy cover. Fire frequency is less than 10 years or exceeds 120 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 50% of the relative cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) or species such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) or other annuals exceed 30% of relative cover (Allen and Knight 1984; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Black Sagebrush Group Elevation: 5000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 50% Precipitation: 8 to 20 inches

Functioning:

Rills are rare, but a few can be expected on steep slopes in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Little or no active pedestalling of perennial plants or rocks is apparent and occurrence is limited to water flow areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground and pavement are less than 60% cover of soil surface (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987). Soil surface has loose to granular structure and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 15 to 40 percent relative cover. The shrub layer is 10 to 30 percent canopy cover. Forbs occur at 2 to 10% of relative cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Fire is a rare occurrence at 100+ year intervals (Linne 1978; Miller 2002; Monsen 2002; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminoid species that may occur up to 40 percent cover include Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum speciosum (desert needlegrass), Achnatherum webberi (Webber needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and Distichlis spicata (inland saltgrass) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Artemisia nova (black sagebrush) is the dominant shrub with a canopy cover of 10-30%. Overstory shrubs that may occur in the stand with a cover of up to five percent are Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada jointfir), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (sulfur buckwheat), Purshia stansburiana (cliffrose), Purshia tridentata or Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) and Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Sphaeralcea coccinea (scarlet globemallow), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox),

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Opuntia polyacantha (pricklypear), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Arabis spp. (rockcress), Stanleya pinnata (Prince’s plume), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Castilleja nana (dwarf alpine paintbrush), Packera multilobata (groundsel), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron austiniae (sagebrush daisy), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy), Pediocactus simpsonii (Simpson hedgehog cactus), Ionactis alpina (lava aster), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Agoseris glauca (pale agoseris) Chaenactis douglasii (dusty maiden), Antennaria microphylla (littleleaf pussytoes), Allium acuminatum (tapertip onion), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Erysimum capitatum (wallflower), Arenaria aculeata (prickly sandwort), Arenaria kingii (King’s sandwort) and Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground and pavement are 60-80% of ground cover. Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking.

Graminoids are present at less than 15% relative cover. Annual grasses or forbs are greater than 5% relative cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Shrub canopy cover is less than 10%. Fire has burned more than 50% of the site within the last 30 years.

Artemisia nova (black sagebrush) has a canopy cover of less than 10%. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 5% of the total canopy cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) or annual species such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) exceed 5 % of relative cover (Allen and Knight 1984; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 20% of the total relative cover.

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Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent. Bare ground and pavement are greater than 80% of ground cover.

Artemisia nova (black sagebrush) cover is less than 5% or non-existent. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 15% of the canopy cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Fire frequency is less than 10 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 30% of the relative cover.

Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) or annual species such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) exceed 20% of relative cover.

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Low Sagebrush Group Elevation: 5000 to 11,800 feet Slope: 2 to 30% Precipitation: 10 to 22 inches

Functioning:

Rills are rare to few depending on the cover of surface rock fragments and can be expected to occur primarily on steeper slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Little or no active pedestalling of perennial plants or rocks is apparent and occurrence is limited to water flow areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground and pavement are less than 50% cover of soil surface (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Jensen, Peck and Wilson 1988; Howell 2007). Soil surface has loose to granular structure, often with high clay content and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition, surface gravel and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 15 to 40 percent relative cover. The shrub layer is 10 to 30 percent canopy cover. Forbs occur at 2 to 15% of relative cover (Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Zamora and Tueller 1973). Fire is a rare occurrence and tends to be patchy occurring at intervals of 40 to 90 plus years (Blaisdell et. al. 1982; Linne 1978; Steinberg 2002; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminoid species that may occur up to 40 percent cover include Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thuber’s needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum lemmonii (Lemmon’s needlegrass), Psuedoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Pascopyron smithii (western wheatgrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue) and Melica bulbosa (oniongrass). (Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Winward and McArthur 1995; Zamora and Tueller 1973).

Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula (little sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba (alkali sagebrush) or Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis (Lahontan sagebrush) is the dominant shrub with a canopy cover of 10-30%. Overstory shrubs and trees that may occur in the stand with a cover of up to five percent are Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (parsnipflower buckwheat), Eriogonum umbellatum (sulphur- flower buckwheat), Purshia tridentata or Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry), Tetradymia canescens (spineless horsebrush), Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Juniperus oesteosperma (Utah juniper) and Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid

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and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Winward and McArthur 1995; Zamora and Tueller 1973).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Antennaria microphylla (littleleaf pussytoes), Phlox austromontana (mountain phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Pediocactus simpsonii ( mountain ball cactus), Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine), Lupinus arbustus (longspur lupine), Lupinus caudatus (tailcup lupine), Astragalus lentiginosus (freckled milkvetch), Astragulus oophorus (egg milkvetch), Astragalus purshii (woollypod milkvetch), Astragalus utahensis (Utah milkvetch), Astragalus atratus (mourning milkvetch), Chaenactis douglasii (dusty maiden), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Castilleja flava (yellow paintbrush), Castilleja nana (dwarf alpine paintbrush), Castilleja linearifolia (Wyoming paintbrush), Packera multilobata (groundsel), Senecia integerrimus (lambstongue ragwort), Penstemon rydbergii (Rydberg’s penstemon), Penstemon palmeri (Palmer’s penstemon), Penstemon confusus (Owen’s Valley beardstongue), Penstemon humilus (low beardstongue), Penstemon speciosus (showy penstemon), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Lomatium nudicale (barestem biscuitroot), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Ionactis alpinum (lava aster), Mertensia oblongifolia (sagebrush bluebells), Arenaria kingii (King’s sandwort), Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed), Zigadenus paniculatus (death camas), Allium acuminatum (tapertip onion), Calochortus nuttallii (sego lily), Fritillaria atropurpurea (leopard lily), Heuchera parvifolia (littleflower alumroot), Ipomopsis aggregata (scarlet Gilia), Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox), Pedicularis centranthera (dwarf lousewort), Draba densifolia (denseleaf draba), Arabis holboellii (Holboell’s rockcress), Arabis sparsiflora (sicklepod rockcress), Trifolium andersonii (five-leaf clover), Cryptantha spp. (cryptantha), Hackelia micrantha (Jessica sticktight), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Machaeranthera canescens (hoary tansyaster), Pleiacanthus spinosus (thorn skeletonweed), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Crepis occidentalis (largeflower hawksbeard), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker’s balsamroot), Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Agoseris glauca (pale agoseris), Erigeron pumilus (shaggy fleabane), Erigeron argentatus (silver fleabane), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy) and Lewisia rediviva (bitterroot). (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002; Winward and McArthur 1995; Zamora and Tueller 1973).

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground and litter are 50-70% of ground cover. Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking.

Graminoids are present at less than 15% relative cover. Annual grasses or annual forbs are greater than 5% relative cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid

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and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Shrub canopy cover is less than 5%. Fire has burned more than 50% of the site within the last 30 years.

Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula (little sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba (alkali sagebrush) or Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis (Lahontan sagebrush) has a canopy cover of less than 10%. Wyethia amplexicaulis (mule-ears), Wyethia mollis (woolly mule-ears), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) or Juniperus oesteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 5% of the total canopy cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Annual forb species such as Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) exceed 1% of relative cover (Allen and Knight 1984; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 20% of the relative cover. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), or other annual grasses are greater than 5% of the relative cover (Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Elymus elymoides (squirreltail) or Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass) exceed 5% relative cover.

Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the (All States or Western States) Noxious Weed List (USDA APHIS 2002; USDA ARS 1998; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent. Bare ground and litter are greater than 70% of ground cover. Fire has burned more than 50% of the stand at less than ten year intervals.

Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula (little sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba (alkali sagebrush) or Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis (Lahontan sagebrush) cover is less than 5% or non-existent. Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Wyethia mollis (woolly mule-ears), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) or Juniperus oesteosperma (Utah juniper) are more than 15% of the canopy cover (Goodrich; Linne 1978; Nelson and Jensen 1987; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002). Fire frequency is less

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than 10 years (Goodrich; Reid and others 2002; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; USDI BLM 2002).

Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), or other annual grasses are greater than 20% of the relative cover. Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species are more than 30% of the relative cover. Elymus elymoides (squirreltail) or Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass) exceed 30% relative cover.

Annual forb species such as Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) exceed 20% of relative cover.

Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA APHIS 2002; USDA ARS 1998; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

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Pinyon – Juniper Woodland Group Elevation: 5000 to 8000 feet Slope: 5 to 60% Precipitation: 10 to 20 inches

Introductory Note: Pinyon and/or juniper can be a component of many plant communities, and tree dominance represents one possible stage in the successional cycle. Historical information indicates grasses, forbs and shrubs have existed in and dominated these woodland plant communities for far longer than pinyon and juniper. The woodland plant communities do not represent a single natural geographic division or natural land type, but are an assemblage of many ecosystems. Disturbance, particularly fire, kept these plant communities from becoming tree-dominated (Tausch 1999a).

Various authors have had a difficult time describing pinyon and/or juniper plant communities due to the historic transitory nature of these communities, and the current ability of pinyon and juniper to dominate and replace existing vegetation in absence of historic processes. Most authors agree that pinyon and juniper have been expanding since European settlement in the West, and actions need to be taken to reverse this trend.

Miller and Tausch (2001) have attributed the causes of this rapid expansion of pinyon and juniper to a reduced role of fire, introduction of domestic livestock grazing, shifts in climate and increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide. Miller and Tausch further explain these fire-dependent plant communities are being replaced by fire-safe plant communities through a reduction in understory fine-fuels as a result of the competitive advantage given pinyon-juniper since European settlement. However, particularly where pinyon is present, as the tree-canopy expands these sites become susceptible to catastrophic crown fires that may further alter the successional dynamics and lead to sites dominated by exotic weeds and annuals.

Thus, describing this plant group is an attempt to encompass the many sites on which pinyon and/or juniper is a component including those sites that are far outside their normal successional pathway with pinyon and/or juniper expansion. Also, it is assumed the plant communities included in this group are the more productive low and big sagebrush and other shrub/tree dominated sites as opposed to sparsely vegetated sites with natural fire cycles greater than 100 years.

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Functioning:

Rills are few to common with the occurrence of rills more frequent on steeper slopes and with high canopy cover (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Pedestals are rare to few and occurrence is limited to water flow areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2005). Erosion pavement, coarse fragments remaining after soil erodes, is limited to natural drainages in amounts from less than 10% of ground cover (Weixelman and others 2003). Bare ground is less than 25% (Amundson and others 2000; Johnson and Elsbernd 1997). Litter accumulation under trees is less than 2.5 cm. deep (Horman and Anderson 2003). Soil surface has loose to granular structure and is stabilized by organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Graminiods are present at 30 to 60 percent relative cover; forbs occur at 10 to 20% of relative cover and the shrub layer is 30 to 60 percent relative cover (USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Pinyon and/or juniper canopy cover is less than 15% (Boyles 1998; Miller and Tausch 2001).

Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper), and/or Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon) are the dominant tree species. Other tree species include Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) and Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper). According to Robin Tausch, (personal communication Nov. 2004) Utah juniper is usually below and in the pinyon-juniper zone and western juniper is often above and in the pinyon-juniper zone. When the two juniper species occur near each other, hybrids are common. Pinyon pines tend to be more invasive and less fire resistant than junipers. In functioning condition, these sites are open woodland with the majority of trees less than 10 feet (3 meters) tall or less than 45 years old (Miller and others; 1999, Miller and Tausch 2001).

The most common understory shrubs are sagebrush species: Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush), Artemisia tridentata spp, tridentata (basin big sagebrush), Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Artemisia nova (black sagebrush) and Artemisia frigida (fringed sagebrush). Other common understory shrubs that may occur in the stand are Purshia tridentata/Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), Purshia mexicana (cliffrose), Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia/Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed), Ephedra viridis/Ephedra nevadensis (Mormon tea), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Eriogonum caespitosum (mat buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur buckwheat), Prunus andersonii (desert peach), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Isocoma spp. (mock goldenbush), Mahonia spp. (barberry), Tetradymia spp. (horsebrush) Ribes spp. (currant/gooseberry), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Dalea spp. (indigo bush) and Rhus trilobata (skunkbush sumac)

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(Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 2003).

Graminoid species that can occur up to 60 percent cover include Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread grass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), and Pleuraphis jamesii (Galleta grass) (Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 2003).

Graminoid species indicating desired function that may be present in smaller amounts include Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Aristida spp. (three-awn) Melica bulbosa (oniongrass), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass) and Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue) (Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999; 2003a,b, Weixelman and others 2003).

Common understory forbs include Arabis spp. (rockcress), Astragalus purshii (Pursh locoweed), Astragalus spp. (locoweed or milkweed), Antennaria spp. (pussytoes) Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Chaenactis douglasii (Douglas chaenactis), Collinsia parviflora (blue-eyed Mary), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawk’s beard), Erigeron aphanactis (fleabane daisy), Erigeron compositus (fernleaf daisy), Ipomopsis spp. (gilia), Lepidium spp. (pepperweed), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Machaeranthera spp. (tansyaster), Opuntia spp. (pricklypear), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Phlox spp. (phlox), Packera or Senecio spp. (groundsel), Sphaeralcea coccinea (globemallow), Gayophytum ramosissimum (pinyon groundsmoke) Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) and Arenaria spp. (sandwort) (Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Weixelman and others 2003).

Fire frequency is 10 to 30 years (Amundson and others 2000; Linne 1978; Miller and Tausch 2001). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is found in plant interspaces and outside of natural flow patterns in amounts from 10 to 20% of ground cover (Weixelman and others 2003). Bare ground

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is 25 to 50% (Weixelman and others 2003). Litter accumulation under trees is greater than 2.5 cm. deep (Horman and Anderson 2003). Soil surface is loose, lacks structure or is hard and crusted. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002).

Perennial graminoids are present at 10 to 30% relative cover; perennial forbs occur at less than 5% relative cover and shrub canopy cover is less than 30% (Chambers and Tausch 2004; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Pinyon and/or juniper canopy cover is 15 to 35% (Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001) More than 50% of trees are greater than 10 feet (3 meters) tall or older than 45 years (Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001).

With increases in pinyon and/or juniper dominance there is a reduction in shrub and perennial herbaceous understory (Linne 1978; Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001). Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Descurainia spp. (tansy mustard), Lepidium spp. (pepperweed), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Salsola spp. (Russian thistle), Halogeton glomerata (halogeton), Iva axillaris (poverty weed), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax) or other annuals are greater than 5% of the total relative cover (Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; Svejcar 1999). Encroachment of pinyon or juniper (except Juniperus scopulorum-Rocky Mountain juniper) into aspen or riparian ecosystems is a sign that the system is functioning at risk.

Fire frequency is less than 10 years or greater than 30 to 80 years (Linne 1978; Miller and Tausch 2001). There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 5% of the area.

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Erosion pavement is apparent throughout the soil surface in amounts exceeding 20% of the ground cover (Weixelman and others 2003). Litter accumulation under trees is greater than 2.5 cm. deep (Horman and Anderson 2003). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent (USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002). Bare ground exceeds 50% of ground cover (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997; Weixelman and others 2003).

Perennial graminoids and forbs are present at less than 10% relative cover and relative cover of shrub species is less than 5% and has been for more than 10 years. (Chambers and Tausch 2004; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b). Pinyon and/or juniper cover is greater than 35% (Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001) More than

2-46 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

80% of trees are greater than 10 feet (3 meters) tall or older than 45 years (Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001).

There is a significant reduction in shrub and herbaceous understory, which is replaced by bare ground or annuals and invasive species (Linne 1978; Miller and others 1999; Miller and Tausch 2001). Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Descurainia spp. (tansy mustard), Lepidium spp. (pepperweed), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Salsola spp. (Russian thistle), Halogeton glomerata (halogeton), Iva axillaris (poverty weed), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax) or other annuals are greater than 20% of the total relative cover (Linne 1978; Tueller and others 1979; Svejcar 1999).

Fire frequency is greater than 80 years (Linne 1978; Miller and Tausch 2001). Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

2-47 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

Mahogany Group Elevation: 6500 to 9500 feet Slope: 4 to 75% Precipitation: 14 to 22 inches

Functioning:

Rills are few to common with the occurrence of rills more frequent on steeper slopes and with high canopy cover (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001; USDA NRCS 2009). Pedestals are rare to few and occurrence is limited to water flow areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2005). Bare ground and pavement are less than 25% cover of soil surface (Johnson and Elsbernd 1997). Soils are typically shallow, nutrient- poor rock outcrops and steep talus slopes (Ross 1999). Organic matter decomposition and/or biological crust are usually present and help supply nutrients to these nutrient poor plant communities. Mahogany is a species that may fix nitrogen (Jones and Ogle 2000; Lepper and Fleschner 1977; USDA FS 1989; USDA NRCS 2001; USDI BLM 2002; Youngberg and Hu 1972).

Graminiods are present at 5 to 50 percent relative cover. The shrub layer is 10 to 50 percent canopy cover. Forbs occur at 5 to 20% of relative cover (USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994). Canopy cover of Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is 10 to 85% (Amundson & others 2000; Dealy 1974; Jones 1999; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Graminoid species that may occur up to 50 percent cover include Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), the dominant grass on limestone soils, Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) the dominant grass on most volcanic soils, Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (Western needlegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Carex rossii (Ross’s sedge), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Carex filifolia ( threadleaf sedge), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Poa wheeleri (Wheeler’s bluegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Leucopoa kingii (spikefescue), Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica stricta (rock melic) (Banner and others 1990; Jones 1999; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Common forb species occurring in desired condition include Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Sedum lanceolatum (stonecrop), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Helianthella uniflora (one-flower sunflower), Linum lewisii (blue flax), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Arabis spp. (rockcress), Petrophyton caespitosum (rockspirea), Streptanthus spp. (jewelflower), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Eriogonum spp.

2-48 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

(shrubby buckwheat), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Packera/Senecio spp. (groundsel), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Ipomopsis spp. (gilia), Arenaria spp. (sandwort), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster), Ionactis alpina (lava aster), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy), Erigeron pumilus ( shaggy daisy), Eriophyllum lanatum (woolly daisy), Lomatium spp. (biscuit root) and Mimulus densus (yellow and purple monkeyflower). (Howell 2004; Jones 1999; Muggler and Stewart 1980; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Shrubs that may occur in the stand with a cover of 5 to 25 percent include: Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Artemisia nova (black sagebrush), Purshia tridentata or glandulosa (bitterbrush), Ribes spp. (currant), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry) and Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry). Shrub species that may occur at amounts up to 5 percent include: Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Arctostaphylos spp. (bearberry) and Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) (Banner and others 1990; Howell 2004; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987- 1999, 2003a,b).

Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is the dominant overstory tree and/or tall shrub species with a canopy cover of 10 to 50 percent. True mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) may be present on the eastern part of the Forest at elevations usually lower than Cercocarpus ledifolius, and little-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus intricatus) is found only sporadically in our area (Davis 1990). Other tree or large shrub species found in mahogany woodlands amounts less than 5 percent include: Abies concolor (white fir), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Pinus flexilis (limber pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine), Pinus longaeva (bristlecone pine) and Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine) (Banner and others 1990; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; Ross undated; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b; Whitehorse Associates 1994).

Fire cycles in mountain mahogany are 50 to 100+ years (Amundson and others 2000; Gruell and others 1994). Mountain mahogany is easily killed by fire, but generally most mahogany stands do not have sufficient understory to carry a fire completely through the stand and just those trees on the edge of the stand die (Ross undated). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact less than 5% of the area.

Functioning at Risk:

Active rill formation is evident in exposed areas (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Recent pedestalling of plants and rocks is evident with most pedestals in flow paths and interspaces or on exposed slopes (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Bare ground and pavement are 26 to 50% of ground cover. Organic matter and/or biological crusts are lacking.

2-49 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

Perennial graminoids such as Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), and Poa fendleriana (muttongrass) are present at less than 5% relative cover. Perennial grasses Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) and Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass) are present at more than 5% relative cover.

Annual grasses and forbs such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Sisymbrium spp. (tumblemustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Tragopogon dubius (salsify), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort) and Salsola tragus (Russian thistle) are present and competing with perennials (Jones and Ogle 2000; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; Ross undated; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Shrub cover is more than 5%. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea) and/or Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) (Mueggler and Stewart 1980; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) has a canopy cover of less than 10 percent. Current year leader growth on mahogany is mostly unavailable due to past hedging/high- lining and/or current grazing use exceeds 30% (Davis 1990, Jones and Ogle 2000; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; Williams 2000). Mahogany stand is all mature, even-aged with little understory cover (Amundson and others 2000; Davis 1990; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; Ross undated). More than 50% of the mahogany trees in a stand have been critically damaged by fire, disease, insects, sapsuckers or rodents.

The fire return interval is less than 25 years (Morgan and others 1996). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact greater than 5% of the area. There is a presence of any species on the Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona or Oregon Noxious Weed List (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003).

Not Functioning:

Rill formation is severe and well defined (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). There is abundant, active pedestalling with many rocks and plants pedestalled, and exposed plant roots are common (Pellant and others 2005; USDA NRCS 2001). Organic matter and/or biological crusts are absent. Bare ground and pavement are greater than 50% of ground cover.

Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany) canopy cover is less than 5% or non- existent. Shrub canopy cover is more than 15%. Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow

2-50 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 2 Oct. 2009

rabbitbrush), , Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), and/or Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed) (Mueggler and Stewart 1980; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

Annual grasses and forbs such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Sisymbrium spp. (tumblemustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Tragopogon dubius (salsify), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort) and Salsola tragus (Russian thistle) are greater than 5% relative cover (Jones and Ogle 2000; Mueggler and Stewart 1980; Ross undated; USDA NRCS 1991a,b 1987-1999, 2003a,b).

The dominant perennial graminoids such as Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass) and Poa fendleriana (muttongrass) are absent.

Fire frequency is less than 10 years due to a conversion to annual vegetation (Morgan and others 1996; Ross 1999). Noxious weeds represent more than 5% relative vegetative cover (USDA NRCS 2007; Glover 2003). Roads, powerlines, mine disturbance and/or fences impact more than 40% of the area (Connelly and others 2000; Opdam and Wascher 2004; Sanford and other 2008; Solé and others 2004).

2-51 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

PART 3 – MATRICES

STREAM GROUP page 3-2

ASPEN GROUP page 3-4

COTTONWOOD GROUP page 3-6

TALL FORB GROUP page 3-8

DRY TO MOIST MEADOW GROUP page 3-10

WET MEADOW GROUP page 3-12

MOUNTAIN BRUSH GROUP page 3-14

MOUNTAIN BIG SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 3-16

WYOMING BIG SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 3-18

BLACK SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 3-20

LOW SAGEBRUSH GROUP page 3-22

PINYON – JUNIPER WOODLAND GROUP page 3-24

MAHOGANY GROUP page 3-26

3-1 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Stream Group Elevation: 4500 to 10,000 feet Slope: 0 to 40% Depth to groundwater: 0 to 50 centimeters

Stream Attribute Description Functioning Functioning Not at Risk Functioning Stream 1 Temperature <20ºC (<16°C 20 to 22ºC >22ºC (>16°C Water bull trout (>16°C bull bull trout Quality† streams) trout streams) streams) 2 pH 6.5 to 8.5 pH <6.5 or >8.5 <6.5 or >8.5 units pH units pH units 3 Dissolved oxygen >6 mg/l <6 mg/l <6 mg/l 4 Fecal coliform <200/400 per >200/400 per >200/400 per E. coli 100 ml 100 ml 100 ml 5 Turbidity State >State standard standard (if standard (if (if applicable) applicable) applicable) Stream 6 Streambank stability >80% (>90% 70%-80% <70% Condition TES streams) (70-90% TES streams) 7 Head cuts None present <50 cm depth >50 cm depth Vegetation 8 Relative cover of >80% 40-80% <40% species in Group “A” 9 Relative cover of <20% 20-60% >60% species in Group “B” 10 Relative cover of None <5% >5% noxious weeds 11 Relative cover of < 2% 2-20% > 20% annuals Disturbance 12 Estimated % of area Affects < 5% Affects 5- Affects > 40% affected by roads, of area 40% of area of area campsites or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1 through #7 and #10 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1 through #7 and #10 are functioning at risk, then the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • Management problems are indicated when any one of the attributes is “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes and attributes #6 and #7 are “not functioning,” then the site has crossed an ecological threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. †Nevada water quality standards shown in the matrix are for class A waters and, therefore, are not applicable to all surface waters. The applicable standard, if any, in NAC 445A should be used for each surface water assessed. In locations were there is only a narrative standard (no numerical standard) for a water quality parameter, numerical data are collected to assess condition.

3-2 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Species Indicative of Desired Function Willows: Salix lucida lasiandra (Pacific willow), Salix boothii (Booth willow), Salix geyeriana (Geyer’s willow), Salix lutea (yellow willow), Salix exigua (coyote willow) at low elevations, Salix lemmonii (Lemmon willow), Salix scouleriana (Scouler willow), Salix wolfii (Wolf willow), Salix orestera (Sierra willow), Salix commutata (undergreen willow), Salix eastwoodiae (mountain willow), Salix lasiolepis (arroyo willow), Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow) and Salix drummondiana (Drummond willow). Other shrubs/trees: Cornus sericea (dogwood), Ribes inerme (currant), Ribes aureum (golden currant), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Rhus trilobata (skunkbush), Ledum glandulosum (Labrador tea), Lonicera involucrata (twinberry), Artemisia cana (silver sagebrush), Chamaebatiaria millefolium (fernbush), Shepherdia argentea or Shepherdia canadensis (buffaloberry), Rubus parviflora or Rubus idaeus (thimbleberry), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Populus angustifolia (narrowleaf cottonwood), Populus balsamifera trichocarpa (black cottonwood), Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood) and Populus tremuloides (aspen). Graminoids: Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Calamagrostis scopulorum (reedgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex aquatalis (water sedge), Carex utriculata or Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex scopulorum (mountain sedge), Carex simulata (analogue sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex aurea (golden sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex microptera (ballhead sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush), Juncus nevadensis (Nevada rush), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s or Nevada bluegrass) and Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush). Forbs: Mimulus primuloides (little yellow monkeyflower), Mimulus guttatus (yellow monkeyflower), Allium validum (swamp onion), Dodecatheon alpinum (alpine shooting stars), Caltha leptosepala (marsh marigold), Polemonium occidentale (Western polemonium), Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica), Ligusticum grayi (Gray’s licorice-root), Mertensia ciliata (tall bluebells), Veronica americana (speedwell), Maianthemum stellatum (false Solomon’s seal), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woollyhead parsnip), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Saxifraga odontoloma (brook saxifrage), Parnassia palustris or Parnassia fimbriata (grass of Parnassus), Pedicularis groenlandica (elephants’ head), Viola spp. (violets), Gentiana spp. (gentian), Hypericum scouleri or Hypericum anagalloides (St. Johns wort), Valeriana occidentalis (Western valerian), Sidalcea spp. (checker mallow), Polygonum bistortoides (American bistort) and Platanthera stricta or Platanthera dilatata (bog orchid).

Group B –Species Indicative of Management Problems Graminoids: Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (short-awn foxtail), Alopecurus pratense (meadow foxtail), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Muhlenbergia filiformis (pull-up muhly), Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush), Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush). Forbs: Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Senecio or Packera spp. (groundsel), Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum (watercress), Myriophyllum verticillatum (water milfoil), Lemna spp. (duckweed) and Arnica chamissonis (arnica). Shrubs: Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush).

3-3 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Aspen Group Elevation: 6100 to 9000 feet Slope: 2 to 40% Depth to groundwater: generally >100 cm., often variable

Aspen No Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not . description Risk Functioning 1 Root depth ≥ 10 cm. 5-10 cm. < 5 cm. Soil 2 Soil structure is blocky or platy Structure soft, Structure firm, Structure hard, in the rooting zone (0-30 cm) granular blocky to platy platy 3 Bare ground <5% 5-20% >20% Vegetation 4 Absolute canopy cover of aspen >40% 10-40% <10% 5 Absolute conifer canopy cover <15% 15-40% >40%

6 Aspen suckers/saplings less than Multiple age ≥50 parent trees <50 parent trees 150 centimeters (60 in) classes or at least & <500suckers/ & <500 one young age saplings per acre. saplings/suckers class >500 stems per acre per acre Young aspen with low, multi- Little or no < 80% of young ≥ 80% of young branched growth form or visible damage to aspen affected aspen affected removal of bark by rubbing or young aspen foraging 7 Relative understory cover of ≥ 70% 20-70% < 20% species in Groups “A and B” 8 Relative understory cover forbs ≤ 2% 2-25% > 25% in group “C” 9 Relative understory cover of ≤ 5% 5-25% > 25% graminoids in Group “D” 10 Relative understory cover of ≤ 5% 5-30% > 30% shrubs in Group “E” 11 Relative cover of noxious weeds None ≤ 5% >5% Hydrology 12 Presence of head-cutting No head-cutting Head-cutting Head-cutting resulting in incision. present present, incision present, incision < 50cm. ≥ 50cm. Disturbance 13 Estimated % of area affected by Roads or Campsites or Campsites and roads, campsites or other campsites <5% of roads 5-40% of roads >40% of disturbance area area area

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #3 and #6 through #10 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #3 and #6 through #12 are functioning at risk, then the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If the majority of attributes and attributes #6, #10 or #11 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-4 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Shrub species with up to 50 percent understory cover may include Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes spp. (currant or gooseberry) Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Salix spp. (willow), Cornus sericea (dogwood), Rubus idaeus or Rubus parviflora (thimbleberry), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape) and Acer glabrum (vine maple).

Group B – Associated Species Indicative of Desired Function Forb: Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Maianthemum stellatum (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza berteroi or Osmorhiza depauperata (sweet anise), Mertensia ciliata (mountain bluebells), Geranium spp.(wild geranium), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica) Lupinus argenteus (silver lupine), Rudbeckia occidentalis (coneflower), Valeriana spp. (valerian), Sidalcea oregana (checker mallow), Ligusticum grayi (licorice root), Actea rubra (baneberry), Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woolyhead parsnip) and Agastache urticifolia (horsemint). Graminoid: Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Elymus lanceolatus (streambank wheatgrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Poa wheeleri (Wheeler bluegrass), Deschampsia elongata (slender hairgrass), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass) Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex rossii (Ross’ sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge) and Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush).

Group C – Forb Species Indicative of Management Problems Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Descurainia pinnata (Western tansymustard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes) and all annual forbs.

Group D – Graminiod Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Arrhenatherum elatius

(tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa palustris

(fowl bluegrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush).

Group E – Shrub Species Indicative of Management Problems Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) or Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush).

3-5 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Cottonwood Group Elevation: 5000 to 7600 feet Slope: 2 to 15% Depth to groundwater: generally >100 centimeters, often variable

Cottonwood No Attribute Functioning Functioning Not . description at Risk Functioning Soil 1 Root depth > 15 cm. 10-15 cm. < 10 cm. 2 Soil structure is blocky or Structure soft, Structure Structure hard, platy in the rooting zone (0- granular firm, blocky platy 30 cm) to platy 3 Soil saturation 50-100 cm. >100 cm >100 cm. 4 Bare ground <2% 2-20% >20% Vegetation 5 Absolute canopy cover of 20-60% 10-20% < 10% cottonwood 6 % understory cover of ≥ 5% <5% None cottonwood saplings or suckers less than 60 in. 7 Cottonwood w/disease 0-30% 30-50% >50% 8 Relative understory cover of 20-50% 5-20% < 5% shrubs in Group “A” 9 Relative understory cover of ≥ 20% 10-20% < 10% species in Group “B” 10 Relative understory cover ≤ 2% 2-25% >25% forbs in group “C” 11 Relative understory cover of <5% 5-25% >25% graminoids in Group “D” 12 Canopy cover of shrub < 5% 5-30% >30% species in Group “E” 13 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 14 Presence of head-cutting No head- Head-cutting Head-cutting resulting in incision. cutting present, present, incision present incision < ≥ 50cm. 50cm. Disturbance 15 Estimated % of area affected Roads or Campsites or Campsites and by roads, campsites or other campsites roads 5-40% roads >40% of disturbance <5% of stand of stand stand

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #4 through #6 and #9 through #14 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #4 through #6 and #9 through #15 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes and attributes #6, #11 or #13 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-6 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Shrub species may include Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes species (currant or gooseberry) Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Alnus incana (alder), Betula occidentalis (birch), Salix species (willow), Cornus sericea (dogwood),Rhus trilobata (skunkbush sumac), Symphoricarpos oreophilus, rotundifolius or longiflorus (snowberry), Rosa woodsii ultramontana (wild rose), Shepherdia canadensis or Shepherdia argentea (baffaloberry), and Mahonia repens (Oregon grape).

Group B – Associated Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Leymus triticoides (beardless wildrye), Elymus lanceolatus (streambank wheatgrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome) and Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass), Agrostis pallens (shore bentgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex vallicola (valley sedge), Carex athrostachya (slenderbeak sedge), Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush) and Carex praegracilis (field sedge). Forbs: Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood), Maianthemum stellatum (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza berteroi or Osmorhiza depauperata (sweet anise), Geranium richardsonii or Geranium viscosissimum (wild geranium), Paeonia brownii (wild peony) Viola palustris (marsh violet), Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed) and Clematis ligusticifolia (western white clematis), Galium spp. (bedstraw), Lupinus caudatus (tailcup lupine), Lupinus argenteus (silver lupine) or Lupinus leucophyllus (velvet lupine), Senecio or Packera spp. (groundsel), Allium spp. (wild onion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock) and Solidago canadensis (goldenrod).

Group C – Forb Species Indicative of Management Problems Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Descurainia pinnata (tansy mustard), Artemisia ludoviciana (herbaceous sage), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Thlaspi arvense (pennycress), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify), Hackelia floribunda (stickseed or forget-me-not), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax) and Nemophila pedunculata (littlefoot nemophila).

Group D – Graminiod Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) and Carex douglasii Douglas sedge).

Group E – Shrub Species Indicative of Management Problems Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush).

3-7 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Tall Forb Group Elevation: 7000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 30% Depth to groundwater: generally >100cm.

Tall Forb No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Functioning description Risk Soil 1 Root depth > 20 cm. 10-20 cm. < 20 cm. 2 Soil structure is blocky or Structure soft, Structure firm, Structure hard, platy in the rooting zone granular blocky to platy platy (0-30 cm) 3 Soil saturation ≤100 cm. >100 cm >150 cm. 4 Bare ground <10% 10-35% >35% Vegetation 5 Canopy cover of forbs in 50-85% 10-50% <10% Group “A” 6 Canopy cover of 10-30% 30-60% >60% graminoid species 7 Canopy cover of shrubs <10% 10-30% 30% and/or trees 8 Canopy cover of forbs in <5% 5-30% >30% Group “C” 9 Canopy cover graminoids <5% 5-50% >50% in Group “D” 10 Canopy cover of Woods’ ≤5% 5-30% >30% rose and/or big sagebrush 11 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 12 Presence of pedestalling Pedestals none Slight to Abundant active of plants and rocks or rare, limited moderate active pedestalling with to water flow pedestalling in many rocks or patterns, no flow paths, plants pedestalled, exposed roots interspaces and roots exposed present expose areas Disturbance 13 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% Affects 5-40% Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, of area of area area mining or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #4, #5 and #8 through #11 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #5 and #8 through #11 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #5, #9 or #11 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-8 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Thalictrum spp. (meadowrue), Aquilegia formosa (columbine), Aconitum columbianum (monkshood),

Agastache urticifolia (horsemint), Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip), Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed), Maianthemum stellatum / Maianthemum racemosa (False Solomon’s seal), Osmorhiza occidentalis (sweet anise), Mertensia ciliata / Mertensia oblongifolia (mountain bluebells), Geranium viscosissimum / Geranium richardsonii (wild geranium), Angelica kingii (King’s angelica), Delphinium occidentale (tall larkspur), Valeriana occidentalis (valerian), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Sidalcea oregana (checker mallow), Ligusticum grayi (licorice root), Senecio serra (tall groundsel), Senecio integerrimus / Senecio triangularis (ragwort), Lupinus polyphyllus / Lupinus argenteus (lupine), Hackelia floribunda / Hackelia micrantha (forget-me-not), Sphenosciadium capitellatum (woollyhead parsnip), Oreostemma alpigenum (tundra aster), Symphyotrichum spathulatum (mountain aster), Eucephalus elegans (elegant aster), Crepis acuminata (hawkweed), Zigadenus elegans (Mountain death camas), Helianthella uniflora (sunflower), Polemonium spp. (Jacob’s ladder), Monardella odoratissima (mountain horsemint), Dodecatheon spp. (shooting stars) and Solidago canadensis (goldenrod).

Group B – Associated Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminoids: Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Elymus glaucus (blue wildrye), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Bromus porteri (nodding brome), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Danthonia intermedia (oatgrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (foxtail), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Festuca rubra (red fescue), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex heteroneura (different nerve sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beak sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge) and Juncus arcticus (baltic rush) Shrubs/trees: Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Symphoricarpos rotundifolia (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry), Ribes spp. (currant or gooseberry), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Salix spp. (willow), Lonicera involucrata (twinberry), Sambucus racemosa (elderberry), Dasiphora fruticosa (shrubby cinquefoil), Acer glabrum (vine maple), Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose), Populus tremuloides, Abies lasiocarpa (subalpine fir), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) and Pinus flexilis (limber pine).

Group C – Forb Species Indicative of Management Problems Galium spp. (bedstraw), Rudbeckia occidentalis (coneflower), Hymenoxys hoopesii Orange sneezeweed), Polygonum spp. (knotweed), Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Potentilla gracilis (cinquefoil), Geum macrophyllum (avens), Arnica chamissonis (arnica), Collomia linearis (tiny trumpet), Madia spp. (tarweed), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), and Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes).

Group D – Graminoid Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Agrostis exarata (bentgrass), Dactylis glomerata (orchardgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), and Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue).

3-9 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Dry to Moist Meadow Group Elevation: 5200 to 10,500 feet Slope: 1 to 10% Depth to ground water: 55 to 100 cm. for moist meadow, 100+ cm. for dry meadow

Dry to Moist No. Attribute Functioning Functioning Not Meadow description at Risk Functioning Soil 1 Root depth > 10 cm. 5-10 cm. < 5 cm. 2 Soil structure is blocky or Structure soft, Structure Structure platy in the rooting zone granular firm, blocky hard, platy (0-30 cm) to platy 3 Bare ground <5% 5-10% >10% Vegetation 4 Relative cover of perennial ≥ 75% 60-75% < 60% grasses or grasslikes in Group “A” 5 Relative forb cover ≤ 25% 25-40% > 40% 6 If moist meadow, relative ≤ 20% 20-50% > 50% cover of Douglas sedge 7 Relative cover of the <3% 3-30% >30% graminoids in Group “B” 8 Relative cover of forb < 3% 3-20% >20% and/or shrub species in Group “C” 9 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds 10 Relative cover of species in < 3% 3-40% ≥ 40% Group “D” Hydrology 11 Presence of head-cutting No head- Head-cutting Head-cutting resulting in incision. cutting present, present, present incision < 50 incision ≥ cm. 50cm. 12 Presence of hummocks None Hummocks Hummocks present abundant Disturbance 13 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% Affects 5- Affect > 40% powerlines, fences, mining of area 40% of area of area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #3 through #5 and #9 through #11 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #7, #9, #10 or #11 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #9, #10 or #11 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-10 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

 Group A – Graminoid Species Indicative of Desired Function Species with 0-70 percent cover may include Poa secunda (Sandberg’s or Nevada bluegrass), Elymus trachycaulus (Slender wheatgrass), Leymus cinereus (Great Basin wildrye), Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Deschampsia elongata (slender hairgrass), Danthonia spp. (oatgrass, any species), Poa cusickii (Cusick’s bluegrass), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Bromus marginatus (Mountain brome), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Muhlenbergia richardsonis (mat muhly), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (Western needlegrass), Trisetum spicatum (spike trisetum), Agrostis capillaris (Colonial bentgrass), Agrostis variabilis (mountain bentgrass), Agrostis pallens (seashore bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex scirpoidea (singlespike sedge), Carex exserta (shorthair sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge), Carex praegracilis (field sedge), Carex microptera (small-wing sedge, Carex petasata (Liddon sedge), Carex pachystachya (thickhead sedge) Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush), Juncus confusus (Colorado rush), Juncus longistylis (longstyle rush), Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush) and Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge). (Note: Douglas sedge may dominate a dry site in functioning condition, but also tend to indicate a drying trend in a moist meadow.)

 Group B – Graminoid Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow foxtail), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Agrostis stolonifera (redtop) and Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) in moist meadows.

 Group C – Forb/Shrub Species Indicative of Management Problems Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Tragopogon spp. (false dandelion), Chorispora tenella (cross flower), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species) Rumex spp.(sorrel or dock), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Rosa woodsii ssp. ultramontana (wild rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush).

 Group D – Species Indicative of Not Functioning Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Wyethia spp. (mulesears, any species), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (green rabbitbrush) and Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose).

3-11 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Wet Meadow Group Elevation: 5200 to 10,000 feet Slope: 0 to 12% Depth to groundwater: 10 to 100 centimeters

Wet No. Attribute Functioning Functioning Not Meadow description at Risk Functioning Soil 1 Root depth > 20 cm. 15-20 cm. < 15 cm. 2 Soil structure is blocky or Structure soft, Structure Structure platy in the rooting zone granular firm, blocky hard, platy (0-30 cm) to platy 3 Soil saturation 0-50 cm. 20-50 cm 50-100+ cm. 4 Bare ground <5% 5-10% >10% Vegetation 5 Relative cover of perennial ≥ 80% 20-80% < 20% grasses or grasslikes in Group “A” 6 Relative forb cover ≤ 20% 20-80% > 80% 7 Relative cover of Juncus ≤ 20% 20-40% ≥ 40% arcticus. 8 Relative cover of the 0-5% >5-20% >20% graminoids in Group “C” 9 Relative cover of forb or < 2% ≥ 2% ≥ 5% shrub species in Group “D” 10 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 11 Presence of head-cutting No head- Head-cutting Head-cutting resulting in incision. cutting present, present, present incision < 50 incision ≥ cm. 50cm. 12 Presence of hummocks None Hummocks Hummocks present abundant Disturbance 13 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% Affects 5- Affect > 40% powerlines, fences, mining of area 40% of area of area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1 and #7 through #11 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1 and #7 through #11 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #10 or #11 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-12 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Species Indicative of Desired Function Species with 0-80 percent cover may include Deschampsia caespitosa (tufted hairgrass), Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint), Agrostis humilis (alpine bentgrass), Hierochloe hirta ssp. arctica (northern sweetgrass), Carex nebrascensis (Nebraska sedge), Carex microptera (smallwing sedge), Carex aquatalis (water sedge), Carex utriculata/Carex rostrata (beaked sedge), Carex scopulorum (mountain sedge), Carex simulata (analogue sedge), Carex pellita (woolly sedge), Carex illota (sheep sedge), Carex jonesii (Jones’s sedge) Carex luzulina (woodrush sedge), Carex magellanica (boreal bog sedge), Carex lenticularis (lakeshore sedge), Carex nervina (nerved sedge), Carex praeceptorum (early sedge), Carex vesicaria (blister sedge), Carex aurea (golden sedge), Juncus drummondii (Drummond’s sedge), Juncus mertensianus (Merten’s sedge), Juncus nevadensis (Sierra sedge), Juncus saximontanus (Rocky Mountain sedge), Juncus longistylis (longstyle sedge) Juncus ensifolius (swordleaf rush), Juncus nevadensis (Nevada rush) and Scirpus microcarpus (bulrush).

Group B – Associated Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Poa secunda ssp. juncifolia (Nevada bluegrass), Deschampsia spp. (hairgrass), Calamagrostis scopulorum (reedgrass), Glyceria striata (fowl mannagrass), Glyceria grandis (American mannagrass), Phleum alpinum (alpine timothy), Carex praegracilis (field sedge) and Carex athrostachya (slender beaked sedge). In a moist meadow type, any of the graminoid species listed above could dominate the site and indicate desirable conditions. Forbs/shrubs: Mimulus primuloides (little yellow monkeyflower), Dodecatheon alpinum (alpine shooting stars), Erigeron peregrinus (subalpine daisy), Caltha leptosepala (marsh marigold), Platanthera dilatata (bog orchid), Gentiana spp. (gentian), Parnassia spp. (grass-of-Parnassus), Allium validum (Pacific onion), Ranunculus cymbalaria (alkali buttercup), Stellaria longipes (longstalk starwort), Pedicularis groenlandica (elephants head), Viola spp. (violets), Sidalcea spp. (checker mallow), Polygonum bistortoides (American bistort), Botrychium spp. (moonwort), and Equisetum spp. (horsetail). Salix spp. (Willows), Ledum glandulosum (Labrador tea) and Kalmia microphylla (alpine laurel) may be present where water is flowing or in wet depressions.

Group C – Graminoid Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa palustris (fowl bluegrass), Alopecurus aequalis (short- awn foxtail), Alopecurus pratense (meadow foxtail), Hordeum brachyantherum (meadow barley), Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) Agrostis stolonifera (redtop), Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass), Agrostis scabra (rough bentgrass), Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Muhlenbergia filiformis (pull-up muhly), Carex douglasii (Douglas sedge) and Eleocharis spp. (spikerush). Also Juncus arcticus (Baltic rush) in amounts greater than 20%.

Group D – Forb/Shrub Species Indicative of Management Problems Rumex spp. (sorrel or dock), Cirsium spp. (thistle, any species), Cicuta douglasii (water hemlock), Thermopsis rhombifolia (yellow pea), Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster, any species), Veratrum californicum (false hellebore), Iris missouriensis (wild iris), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil, any species), Epilobium spp. (willow herb), Penstemon (any species), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle), Equisetum spp. (horsetail), Nemophila brevifolia (basin blue eyes), Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) and Artemisia tridentata (any subspecies big sagebrush).

3-13 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Mountain Brush Group Elevation: 6000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 4 to 50% Precipitation: 12 to 22 inches

Mountain No. Attribute Functioning Functioning Not Brush description at Risk Functioning Soil 1 Bare ground < 20% 20-30% > 30% 2 Soil surface of decomposing Present, acting Diminished, Absent from soil organic matter or biological to stabilize soil found where surface crust protected 3 Erosion pavement < 10% 10-30% > 30% Vegetation 4 Canopy cover of shrubs in 20-85% 10-20% < 10% Group “A” 5 Relative cover of forbs and >10% forbs 5-10% forbs <5% forbs grasses in Group “B” 30-65% grasses 10-30% grasses <10% grasses 6 Relative cover of grasses in ≤ 30% 30-50% > 50% Group “C” 7 Relative cover of annual ≤ 5% 5-30% ≥ 30% species in Group “D” 8 Relative cover of shrubs or 0-5% 5-40% >40% trees in Group “E” 9 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 10 Presence of rills/ rill formation No rills Active rill Rill formation is present, except formation in severe and well- possibly on exposed areas defined steeper slopes 11 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals none Slight to Abundant active plants and rocks or rare, limited moderate active pedestalling with to water flow pedestalling in many rocks and patterns flow paths, plants interspaces and pedestalled, roots expose areas exposed Disturbance 12 Fire frequency 30-100 years <30 years <5 years

13 Estimated % roads, powerlines, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% Affect > 40% of fences, mining or other area of area area disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #5, #7 and #9 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #6, #7, #8 and #9 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #6, #7 or #9 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-14 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009 Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Purshia tridentata or Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Ribes cereum (wax currant), Ribes montigenum (gooseberry currant), Ribes niveum (snow currant), Ribes inerme (whitestem currant), Rubus idaeus (raspberry), Rubus parviflora (thimbleberry), Holodiscus dumosus (rockspirea), Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Crataegus douglasii (hawthorne), Rhus trilobata (sumac), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Shepherdia argentea (buffaloberry), Shepherdia canadensis (buffaloberry), Chamaebatiaria millefolium (fernbush), Parthenocissus vitacea (woodbine), Sambucus nigra (black elderberry), Sambucus racemosa (red elderberry), Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Artemisia frigida (prairie sagewort), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat) and Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea) Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush), Artemisia tridentata ssp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) and/or Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush).

Group B – Associated Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Elymus multisetus (tall squirreltail), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Poa canbyi (Canby bluegrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), and Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Carex rossii (Ross’s sedge), Carex phaeocephala (dunhead sedge) and Calamagrostis rubescens. Forbs: Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Hydrophyllum capitatum (dwarf waterleaf), Linum lewisii (Lewis flax), Hackelia floribunda (forget-me-not), Hackelia patens (spotted stickseed), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Agastache urticifolia (hyssop), Castilleja flava (yellow paintbrush), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Mertensia ciliata, Mertensia oblongifolia and Mertensia longiflora (bluebells), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Helianthella uniflora (one-flowered sunflower), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Geranium viscosissimum (geranium), Lithophragma spp. (woodland star) and Solidago canadensis (goldenrod).

Group C – Non-native Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass) or other seeded, non-native species.

Group D – Annual Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble maustard) or other annuals.

Group E – Shrub/Tree Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Tetradymia glabrata (horsebrush), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper).

3-15 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Mountain Big Sagebrush Group Elevation: 6000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 50% Precipitation: 10 to 25 inches

Mountain No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Functioning Big description Risk Sagebrush Soil 1 Bare ground < 20% > 20% > 50% 2 Soil surface of Present, acting to Diminished, Absent from soil decomposing organic stabilize soil found where surface matter or biological crust protected 3 Erosion pavement < 10% 10-35% > 35% 4 Mountain or sub-alpine big 10-35% < 10% or >35% < 5% and has been Vegetation sagebrush canopy cover for ≥ 10 years. 5 Relative cover of perennial 5-50% forbs <5% forbs <5% forbs species in Group “B” 10-65% grasses <10% grasses <10% grasses 6 Relative cover of non- ≤ 30% 30-50% > 50% native grasses in Group “C” 7 Relative cover of annual ≤ 5% 5-30% ≥ 30% species in Group “D” 8 Canopy cover of shrubs or 0-5% 5-30% >30% trees in Group “E” 9 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 10 Presence of rills/ rill No rills present, Active rill Rill formation is formation except possibly on formation in severe and well- steep slopes exposed areas defined. 11 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals none or Slight to Abundant active plants and rocks rare, limited to moderate active pedestalling with water flow patterns pedestalling in many rocks and flow paths, plants pedestalled, interspaces and roots exposed expose areas Disturbance 12 Fire frequency 10-40 years <10 or >40 years <10 years

13 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, mining area area area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #5, #6 #7 and #9 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 or #12 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #1, #7 or #9 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-16 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush) and/or Artemisia tridentata spp. spiciformis (subalpine big sagebrush) dominate the shrub canopy cover component. Other shrub species include Purshia tridentata, Purshia glandulosa or Purshia stansburiana (bitterbrush or cliffrose), Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia or Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Ribes spp. (currant/gooseberry), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea) and Atriplex canescens (four-wing saltbush).

Group B – Grass/Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread grass), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass). Forbs: Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Hackelia floribunda (wild forget-me-not), Hackelia patens (spotted stickseed), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch/locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Agastache urticifolia (giant hyssop), Calochortus spp. (mariposa and sego lily), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Antennaria rosea (rosy pussytoes), Frasera speciosa (elkweed), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Helianthella uniflora (one-flowered sunflower), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur), Allium spp. (wild onion), Geranium viscosissimum (geranium), Geum spp. (avens) and Euthamia occidentalis (western goldentop).

Group C – Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium (intermediate wheatgrass), Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus inermis (smooth brome) or other seeded or non-native graminoid species.

Group D – Annual Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard) or other annuals.

Group E – Shrub/Tree Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Tetradymia canescens (horsebrush), Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon), Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper).

Group F – Eriogonum Species Indicative of Desired Function Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum brevicaule (shortstem buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (parsnipflower buckwheat), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum racemosum (redroot buckwheat) and Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur buckwheat). 3-17 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Wyoming Big Sagebrush Matrix Elevation: 4500 to 6800 feet Slope: 0 to 45% Precipitation: 6 to 13 inches

Wyoming No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Big description Risk Functioning Sagebrush 1 Bare ground < 20% > 20-50% > 50% Soil 2 Soil surface decomposing Present, acting Diminished, Absent from soil organic matter or biological to stabilize soil found where surface crust protected 3 Erosion pavement < 5% 5-20% > 20% Vegetation 4 Wyoming big sagebrush canopy 10-30% < 10% < 5% and has cover been for ≥10 years 5 Relative cover of perennial 5-15% forbs <5% forbs <5% forbs species in Group “B” 20-50% grasses <20% grasses <20% grasses 6 Relative cover of non-native ≤ 30% 30-50% > 50% grasses in Group “C” 7 Relative cover of annual ≤ 5% 5-30% ≥ 30% species in Group “D” 8 Canopy cover of shrubs or trees 0-5% 5-40% >40% in Group “E” 9 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 10 Presence of rills/ rill formation Rills rare, Active rill Rill formation is except possibly formation in severe and well- on steep slopes exposed areas defined.

11 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals none Slight to Abundant active plants and rocks or rare, limited moderate active pedestalling to water flow pedestalling in with many rocks patterns flow paths, and plants interspaces and pedestalled, expose areas roots exposed Disturbance 12 Fire frequency 20-60+ years 10-20 years <10 years

13 Estimated % roads, powerlines, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of fences, mining or other area area area disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #5, #6, #8 and #9 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #6, #7, #8, #9 or #12 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #7, #9 or #12 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-18 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush) is the dominant shrub canopy cover component. Other overstory shrubs may include Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Atriplex canescens (four-wing saltbush), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat) and Tetradymia canescens (gray horsebrush).

Group B – Grass/Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Leymus cinereus (Great Basin wildrye), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum speciosum (desert needlegrass), Achnatherum webberi (Webber needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Distichlis spicata (inland saltgrass), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama), Carex exserta (shorthair sedge), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta) and Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue). Forbs: Sphaeralcea coccinea (scarlet globemallow), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Opuntia polyacantha (pricklypear), Chaenactis douglasii (pincushion), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Lomatium spp. (biscuitroot), Stanleya pinnata (Prince’s plume), Calochortus spp. (mariposa and sego lily), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Ranunculus glaberrimus (sagebrush buttercup), Packera & Senecio spp. (groundsel), Delphinium spp. (larkspur) and Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed).

Group C – Non-Native Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass), Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species.

Group D – Annual Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) or other annuals.

Group E – Shrub/Tree Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush) Juniperus occidentalis (Western juniper) or Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper).

Group F – Eriogonum Species Indicative of Desired Function Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum brevicaule (shortstem buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (parsnipflower buckwheat), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum racemosum (redroot buckwheat) and Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur buckwheat).

3-19 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Black Sagebrush Group Elevation: 5000 to 10,000 feet Slope: 2 to 50% Precipitation: 8 to 20 inches

Black No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Sagebrush description Risk Functioning

Soil 1 Bare ground/pavement < 60% 60-80% > 80% 2 Soil surface of Present, acting Diminished, found Absent from soil decomposing organic to stabilize soil where protected surface matter or biological crust Vegetation 3 Black sagebrush canopy 10-30% 5-10% < 5% cover 4 Relative cover of grasses in 15-40% <15% <5% Group “B” 5 Relative cover of grasses in <20% 20-30% >30% Group “C” 6 Relative cover of annuals in < 5% 5-20% ≥ 20% Group “D” 7 Relative cover of shrubs or <10% 10-40% >40% trees in Group “E” 8 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 9 Presence of rills/ rill Rills rare, Active rill Rill formation is formation except possibly formation in severe and well- on steep slopes exposed areas defined. 10 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals none Slight to moderate Abundant active plants and rocks or rare, limited active pedestalling pedestalling with to water flow in flow paths, many rocks and patterns interspaces and plants expose areas pedestalled, roots exposed Disturbance 11 Fire frequency 100+ years 10-30 years <10 years

12 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, mining area area area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #2 and #4 through #8 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #4 through #8 or #11 is functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #6, #7, #8, or #11 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level. .

3-20 Resource Implementation Protocol for Condition Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Artemisia nova (black sagebrush) is the dominant shrubs species. Other shrubs that may occur to a lesser extent are Ephedra nevadensis (Nevada jointfir), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Krascheninnikovia lanata (winterfat), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (sulfur buckwheat), Purshia tridentata or Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), and Purshia stansburiana (cliffrose).

Group B – Grass/Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum speciosum (desert needlegrass), Achnatherum webberi (Webber needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta), Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) and Distichlis spicata (inland saltgrass). Forbs: Sphaeralcea coccinea (scarlet globemallow), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Opuntia polyacantha (pricklypear), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Arabis spp. (rockcress), Stanleya pinnata (Prince’s plume), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Castilleja nana (dwarf alpine paintbrush), Packera multilobata (groundsel), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Erigeron austiniae (sagebrush daisy), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy), Pediocactus simpsonii (Simpson hedgehog cactus), Ionactis alpina (lava aster), Crepis acuminata (hawksbeard), Agoseris glauca (pale agoseris) Chaenactis douglasii (dusty maiden), Antennaria microphylla (littleleaf pussytoes), Allium acuminatum (tapertip onion), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Erysimum capitatum (wallflower), Arenaria aculeata (prickly sandwort), Arenaria kingii (King’s sandwort) and Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed).

Group C – Non-Native Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass), Agropyron cristatum (crested wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species.

Group D – Annual Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard) or other annuals.

Group E – Shrub/Tree Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) and Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine).

3-21 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009 Low Sagebrush Group Elevation: 5000 to 11,800 feet Slope: 2 to 30% Precipitation: 10 to 22 inches

Low No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Sagebrush description Risk Functioning

Soil 1 Bare ground/pavement < 50% 50-70% > 70% 2 Soil surface of Present, acting Diminished, found Absent from soil decomposing organic to stabilize soil where protected surface matter or biological crust Vegetation 3 Low sagebrush canopy 10-30% 5-10% < 5% cover 4 Relative cover of grasses in 15-40% <15% <5% Group “B” 5 Relative cover of grasses in <20% 20-30% >30% Group “C” 6 Relative cover of annuals in <5% 5-20% >20% Group “D” 7 Relative cover of shrubs or < 10% 10-40% > 40% trees in Group “E” 8 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 9 Presence of rills/ rill Rare to few Active rills Rill formation is formation rills present, formation in severe and well- primarily on exposed areas defined steeper slopes 10 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals none Slight to moderate Abundant active plants and rocks or rare, limited active pedestalling pedestalling with to water flow in flow paths, many rocks and patterns interspaces and plants expose areas pedestalled, roots exposed Disturbance 11 Fire frequency 40-90+ years & 10-30 years or <10 years and patchy stand replacing stand replacing 12 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, mining area area area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, and #4 through #8 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #6 through #8 is functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #6, #7, #8 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-22 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub Species Indicative of Desired Function Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula (little sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba (alkali sagebrush) or Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis (Lahontan sagebrush) is the dominant shrub species. Other shrubs that may occur are Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum caespitosum (matted buckwheat), Eriogonum heracleoides (parsnipflower buckwheat), Eriogonum umbellatum (sulphur-flower buckwheat), Purshia tridentata or Purshia glandulosa (bitterbrush), Symphoricarpos spp. (snowberry), Tetradymia canescens (spineless horsebrush), Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Juniperus oesteosperma (Utah juniper) and Juniperus occidentalis.

Group B – Grass/Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thuber’s needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum lemmonii (Lemmon’s needlegrass), Psuedoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Pascopyron smithii (western wheatgrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue) and Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) Forbs: Phlox austromontana (mountain phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Pediocactus simpsonii ( mountain ball cactus), Lupinus argenteus (silvery lupine), Lupinus arbustus (longspur lupine), Lupinus caudatus (tailcup lupine), Astragalus lentiginosus (freckled milkvetch), Astragulus oophorus (egg milkvetch), Astragalus purshii (woollypod milkvetch), Astragalus utahensis (Utah milkvetch), Astragalus atratus (mourning milkvetch), Chaenactis douglasii (dusty maiden), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Castilleja flava (yellow paintbrush), Castilleja linearifolia (Wyoming paintbrush), Packera multilobata (groundsel), Senecia integerrimus (lambstongue ragwort), Penstemon rydbergii (Rydberg’s penstemon), Penstemon confusus (Owen’s Valley beardstongue), Penstemon humilus (low beardstongue), Potentilla spp. (cinquefoil), Lomatium nudicale (barestem biscuitroot), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Ionactis alpinum (lava aster), Mertensia oblongifolia (sagebrush bluebells), Arenaria kingii (King’s sandwort), Stenotus acaulis (goldenweed), Zigadenus paniculatus (death camas), Allium acuminatum (tapertip onion), Calochortus nuttallii (sego lily), Fritillaria atropurpurea (leopard lily), Heuchera parvifolia (littleflower alumroot), Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox), Pedicularis centranthera (dwarf lousewort), Draba densifolia (denseleaf draba), Arabis holboellii (Holboell’s rockcress), Arabis sparsiflora (sicklepod rockcress), Cryptantha spp. (cryptantha), Hackelia micrantha (Jessica sticktight), Wyethia amplexicaulis (mulesears), Machaeranthera canescens (hoary tansyaster), Pleiacanthus spinosus (thorn skeletonweed), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Crepis occidentalis (largeflower hawksbeard), Balsamorhiza hookeri (Hooker’s balsamroot), Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Agoseris glauca (pale agoseris), Erigeron pumilus (shaggy fleabane), Erigeron argentatus (silver fleabane), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy) and Lewisia rediviva (bitterroot).

Group C – Non-Native Grass Species Indicative of Management Problems Agropyron fragile (Siberian wheatgrass), Agropyron desertorum (desert wheatgrass) or other seeded, non-native species.

Group D – Annual Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), or other annual grasses. Annual forb species such as Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort), Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Brassica spp. (mustard)

Group E – Shrub/Tree Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Juniperus oesteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper) and Pinus monphylla (pinyon pine).

3-23 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009 Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Group Elevation: 5000 to 8000 feet Slope: 5 to 60% Precipitation: 10 to 20 inches

Pinyon- No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not Juniper description Risk Functioning Woodland

Soil 1 Bare ground < 25% 25-50% > 50% 2 Soil surface of Present, acting to Diminished, Absent from soil decomposing organic stabilize soil found where surface matter or biological crust protected 3 Litter accumulation < 2.5 cm. > 2.5 cm. > 2.5 cm. 4 Erosion pavement < 10% 10-20% > 20% 5 Pinyon and/or juniper < 15% 15% -45% >45% Vegetation absolute canopy cover 6 Pinyon-juniper age/height Majority <10 ft. >50% of trees are >80% of trees are & <45 yrs. > 10 ft. & 45 yrs > 10 ft. & 45 yrs 7 Relative cover of shrubs or 30-60% 5-30% < 5% and has trees in Group “A” been for >10 yrs 8 Relative cover of species in 10-20% forbs <5% forbs <10% forbs Groups “B” 30-60% grasses 10-30% grasses and grasses 9 Relative cover of species in ≤ 5% 5-20% ≥ 20% Group “C” 10 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% >5% weeds Hydrology 11 Presence of rills/ rill Rills few to Active rills Rill formation is formation common and formation in severe and well- more frequent on exposed areas defined steeper slopes 12 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals rare to Slight to Abundant active plants and rocks few, limited to moderate active pedestalling with water flow pedestalling in many rocks and patterns flow paths, plants interspaces and pedestalled, roots expose areas exposed Disturbance 13 Fire frequency 10-30 years <10 or >30 years >80 years

14 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, mining area area area or other disturbance • For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1 and #6 through #10 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #5, #6, #7, #9 or #10 is functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #6, #7, #9 or #10 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-24 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Common Tree and Shrub Species Found in Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands

Trees: Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Juniperus occidentalis (western juniper), and/or Pinus monophylla (singleleaf pinyon) are the dominant tree species. Other tree species include Cercocarpus ledifolius (mountain mahogany), Pinus ponderosa (Ponderosa pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) and Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper). Shrubs: Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Mountain big sagebrush) and/or Artemisia tridentata spp. tridentata (basin big sagebrush), Artemisia tridentata spp. wyomingensis (Wyoming big sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Artemisia nova (black sagebrush), Artemisia frigida (fringed sagebrush), Purshia tridentata, Purshia glandulosa or Purshia stansburiana (bitterbrush or cliffrose), Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry), Amelanchier alnifolia or Amelanchier utahensis (serviceberry), Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), Ephedra nevadensis (Mormon tea), Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosa (rubber rabbitbrush), Ericameria and Machaeranthera (goldenweed), Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush), Eriogonum caespitosum (mat buckwheat), Eriogonum ovalifolium (cushion buckwheat), Eriogonum microthecum (slender buckwheat), Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur buckwheat) Eriogonum heracleoides (whorled buckwheat), Rosa woodsii (wild rose), Ribes spp. (currant/gooseberry), and Atriplex canescens (four-wing saltbush), Atriplex confertifolia (shadscale), Grayia spinosa (spiny hopsage), Prunus andersonii (desert peach), Isocoma spp. (mock goldenbush), Mahonia spp. (barberry), Tetradymia spp. (horsebrush) Dalea spp. (indigo bush) and Rhus trilobata (skunkbush sumac)

Group B – Grasses and Forb Species Indicative of Desired Function Grasses: Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue), Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread grass), Achnatherum occidentale (western needlegrass), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg’s bluegrass), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), and Pleuraphis jamesii (galleta grass), Pascopyrum smithii (Western wheatgrass), Elymus trachycaulus (slender wheatgrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Achnatherum nevadense (Nevada needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Aristida spp. (three-awn) Melica bulbosa (oniongrass), Melica spectabilis (purple oniongrass), Leucopoa kingii (spike fescue) and Carex rossii (Ross’s sedge) Forbs: Arabis spp. (rockcress), Astragalus purshii (Pursh’s locoweed), Astragalus spp. (locoweed or milkweed), Antennaria spp. (pussytoes) Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Castilleja angustifolia (Indian paintbrush), Chaenactis douglasii (Douglas chaenactis), Collinsia parviflora (blue-eyed Mary), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawk’s beard), Erigeron aphanactis (fleabane daisy), Erigeron compositus (fernleaf daisy), Ipomopsis spp. (gilia), Lepidium spp. (pepperweed), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Machaeranthera spp. (tansyaster), Opuntia spp. (pricklypear), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Phlox spp. (phlox), Packera or Senecio spp. (groundsel), Sphaeralcea coccinea (globemallow), Gayophytum ramosissimum (pinyon groundsmoke) Linanthus pungens (prickly phlox) and Arenaria spp. (sandwort).

Group C – Herbaceous Species Indicative of Management Problems Poa bulbosa (bulbous bluegrass), Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome), Bromus briziformis (rattlesnake brome), Bromus rubens (red brome), Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Ceratocephala testiculata (bur buttercup), Descurainia spp. (tansy mustard), Lepidium spp. (pepperweed), Sisymbrium altissimum (tumble mustard), Nicotiana attenuata (coyote tobacco), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Salsola spp. (Russian thistle), Halogeton glomerata (halogeton), Iva axillaris (poverty weed), Alyssum spp. (madwort) and Carmelina microcarpa (littlepod false flax).

3-25 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009 Mahogany Group Elevation: 6500 to 9500 feet Slope: 4 to 75% Precipitation: 14 to 22 inches

Mahogany No. Attribute Functioning Functioning at Not description Risk Functioning

Soil 1 Bare ground/pavement < 25% 25-50% > 50% 2 Soil surface of Present, acting Diminished, found Absent from soil decomposing organic to stabilize soil where protected surface matter or biological crust Vegetation 3 Mountain mahogany 10-85% <10% < 5% canopy cover 4 Mahogany hedged or high- Leader growth Leader growth Leader growth lined, availability of leader available mostly unavailable completely growth to ungulates unavailable 5 Absolute cover of species 5-50% < 5% absent in Groups “B” 6 Absolute cover of annuals none < 5% ≥ 5% in Group “C” 7 Absolute cover of shrubs in < 5% 5-15% >15% Group “D” 8 Relative cover of noxious None ≤ 5% > 5% weeds Hydrology 9 Presence of rills/ rill Rills few to Active rills Rill formation is formation common and formation in severe and well- more frequent exposed areas defined on steeper slopes 10 Presence of pedestalling of Pedestals rare Slight to moderate Abundant active plants and rocks to few, limited active pedestalling pedestalling with to water flow in flow paths, many rocks and patterns interspaces and plants expose areas pedestalled, roots exposed Disturbance 11 Fire frequency 25-100+ years < 25 years <10 years

12 Estimated % roads, Affects <5% of Affects 5-40% of Affect > 40% of powerlines, fences, mining area area area or other disturbance

• For a site to be classified as “functioning,” attributes #1, #3, #4, #6 and #8 must be functioning. • If any of attributes #1, #4, #6, #7 or #8 are functioning at risk, the site is classified as “functioning at risk.” • If a majority of attributes or attributes #6, #7 or #8 are “not functioning,” then the site has likely crossed below threshold and may not be ecologically or economically feasible to restore. • Matrices are to be used as guidelines to evaluate functioning level.

3-26 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

Group A – Shrub and Tree Species Indicative of Desired Function Shrubs: Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana (mountain big sagebrush), Artemisia arbuscula (low sagebrush), Artemisia nova (black sagebrush), Purshia tridentata or glandulosa (bitterbrush), Ribes spp. (currant), Amelanchier alnifolia (serviceberry) and Symphoricarpos oreophilus (snowberry) Trees: Abies concolor (white fir), Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain juniper), Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Pinus flexilis (limber pine), Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine), Pinus longaeva (bristlecone pine) and Pinus monophylla (pinyon pine).

Group B –Grasses and Forbs Indicative of Desired Function Graminiods: Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass), the dominant grass on limestone soils, Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) the dominant grass on most volcanic soils, Achnatherum nelsonii (Columbia needlegrass), Hesperostipa comata (needle and thread), Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass), Achnatherum lettermanii (Letterman’s needlegrass), Achnatherum pinetorum (pine needlegrass), Achnatherum occidentale (Western needlegrass), Poa fendleriana (muttongrass), Achnatherum thurberianum (Thurber’s needlegrass), Carex rossii (Ross’s sedge), Carex exserta (shortawn sedge), Carex filifolia ( threadleaf sedge), Elymus elymoides (squirreltail), Poa secunda (Sandberg bluegrass), Poa wheeleri (Wheeler’s bluegrass), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Junegrass), Bromus marginatus (mountain brome), Leucopoa kingii (spikefescue), Leymus cinereus (basin wildrye), Melica bulbosa (oniongrass) and Melica stricta (rock melic). Forbs: Balsamorhiza sagittata (arrowleaf balsamroot), Lithospermum ruderale (stoneseed), Crepis acuminata (tapertip hawksbeard), Sedum lanceolatum (stonecrop), Phlox hoodii (Hood’s phlox), Phlox longifolia (longleaf phlox), Helianthella uniflora (one-flower sunflower), Linum lewisii (blue flax), Erigeron spp. (fleabane/daisy), Lupinus spp. (lupine), Astragalus spp. (milkvetch or locoweed), Arabis spp. (rockcress), Petrophyton caespitosum (rockspirea), Streptanthus spp. (jewelflower), Mahonia repens (Oregon grape), Eriogonum spp. (shrubby buckwheat), Castilleja spp. (Indian paintbrush), Packera/Senecio spp. (groundsel), Penstemon spp. (penstemon), Comandra umbellata (toadflax), Ipomopsis spp. (gilia), Arenaria spp. (sandwort), Symphyotrichum spp. (aster), Ionactis alpina (lava aster), Erigeron aphanactis (rayless daisy), Erigeron pumilus ( shaggy daisy), Eriophyllum lanatum (woolly daisy), Lomatium spp. (biscuit root) and Mimulus densus (yellow and purple monkeyflower).

Group C – Annual Species Indicative of Management Problems Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Bromus rubens (red brome), Bromus japonicus (Japanese brome),

Vulpia octoflora (six-week fescue), Descurainia spp. (tansymustard), Sisymbrium spp.

(tumblemustard), Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton), Tragopogon dubius (salsify), Ceratocephala

testiculata (bur buttercup), Alyssum spp. (madwort) and Salsola tragus (Russian thistle).

Group E – Shrub Species Indicative of Management Problems Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus (yellow rabbitbrush), Ericameria nauseosus (rubber rabbitbrush), Ephedra viridis (Mormon tea), and/or Gutierrezia sarothrae (broom snakeweed)

3-27 Resource Implementation Protocol for Rapid Assessment Matrices-Part 3 Oct. 2009

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