CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION DOCUMENTATION CX No. DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2019-0007-CX
A. BACKGROUND
BLM Office: Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey NCA Lease/Serial/Case File No.: Proposed Action Title/Type: Boulders Disc Golf Special Recreation Permit Applicant: Gem State Disc Golfers. – Terek Worley Location of Proposed Action: The disc golf tournament location is downstream from Swan Falls Dam near Fisherman’s Point. (see Attachment – Maps).
Description of Proposed Action: Gem State Disc Golfers submitted a special recreation permit (SRP) application for a weekend disc-golf tournament. The tournament would be held in September near Fisherman’s Point along the Snake River downstream of Swan Falls Dam. It is anticipated that approximately 50 people would attend. All attendees will practice leave no trace principles.
The permittee would be subject to the following conditions in order to minimize impacts associated with operating on public lands.
1. The permittee will comply with all applicable federal, state, county and local laws and regulations in the conduct of the permit. 2. All necessary clearances and permits shall be obtained from each jurisdictional agency within your operating area. 3. The Special Recreation Permit does not create an exclusive right of use of an area by the permittee. The permittee shall not interfere with other valid uses of the public lands by other users within the permit area. 4. Permittee will provide adequate staff certified to handle emergency first aid, CPR, and ensure that operations are safe as possible for participants. 5. The permittee shall provide adequate communication onsite to effectively respond to emergencies and be capable of communicating with emergency services at all times during the event. 6. Nothing in this permit shall be construed as a license for permittees, employees, or clients to use areas of the public lands which are otherwise restricted or closed. 7. The permittee is responsible for ensuring that participants stay within designated use areas. 8. The permittee shall take reasonable measures to ensure that participants will not harass wildlife or livestock in the vicinity. 9. The permittee shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the United States and/or its agencies and representatives against and from any and all demands, claims, or liabilities of every nature, including, but not limited to damages to property and injuries to or death of persons that arise directly or indirectly from, or are that are in any way connected with the permittee’s use and occupancy of the lands authorized by this permit.
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 1 10. The granting of a permit in no way accepts or implies liability by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for loss of private property or for any injury to persons. The permittee assumes all risks for any and all injury, loss, or damages on lands involved, or costs incurred from the suppression of fire resulting from carelessness of the permittee, his agent, or program participant. The permittee must have the required minimum insurance coverage under which the "United States Government/Bureau of Land Management" is named as additional insured on the insurance policy. Proof of insurance is required 14 days before scheduled date. 11. Current Leave No Trace practices will be followed. 12. Parking will be located to minimize disturbance to vegetation and soil and reduce the risk of vegetation ignition by catalytic converters and spread of noxious weed species. 13. Vehicles will stay on designated roads, no cross-country travel by vehicle allowed. 14. Permittee will provide a written post-use report and pay additional fees owed to the BLM within 30 days after each tour. Numbers of participants and staff will be included in this report. 15. When American antiquities or other objects of historic or scientific interest including, but not limited to historic or prehistoric ruins, vertebrate fossils or artifacts are discovered, the objects will be left intact. Collection of antiquities is prohibited by law. The permittee will also report any cultural discoveries to the BLM. 16. Failure to comply with permit stipulations may result in permit revocation and/or rejection of future permit applications.
B. LAND USE PLAN CONFORMANCE
This proposed Action is subject to the following land use plans: Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan Date Plan Approved/Amended: September 30, 2008
The proposed action is in conformance with the LUP, even though it is not specifically provided for, because it is clearly consistent with the following LUP decision(s):
1. Requests for recreational special use permits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine compatibility with NCA management objectives. Requests for Special Recreation Permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and have been a recognized use in the 2008 Snake River Birds of Prey RMP (2.14 Recreation pg. 2-19). 2. Provide a range of developed and undeveloped recreational opportunities with existing and new amenities, while protecting resource values, minimizing user conflicts, and promoting public safety. C: COMPLIANCE WITH NEPA: The Proposed Action is categorically excluded from further documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with 516 DM 11.9, H.1 Category Description: Recreation Management – Issuance of Special Recreation Permits for day use or overnight use up to 14 consecutive nights; that impacts no more than 3 staging area acres; and/or for recreational travel along roads, trails, or in areas authorized in a land use plan.
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 2 This CX cannot be used for commercial boating permits along Wild and Scenic Rivers. This CX cannot be used for the establishment or issuance of Special Recreation Permits for “Special Area” management (43 CFR 2932.5). This categorical exclusion is appropriate in this situation because there are no extraordinary circumstances that would introduce potential effects that may significantly affect the environment. The proposed action has been reviewed, and none of the extraordinary circumstances described in 43 CFR Part 46.215 apply.
The following list of Extraordinary Circumstances (43 CFR Part 46.215) was considered:
1. Have significant impacts on public health or safety.
No, does not apply. Rationale: The Proposed Action would not have any significant impacts to public health or safety. Adequate safety precautions would be implemented to ensure public safety including: comprehensive outdoor first aid kit and emergency procedures/evacuation plan and communication capabilities.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Jared Fluckiger – Outdoor Recreation Planner 03/06/19
2. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands; wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988); national monuments; migratory birds; or ecologically significant or critical areas, or is not in compliance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act.
No, does not apply. Rationale: The proposed action takes place in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Requests for Special Recreation Permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and have been a recognized use in the 2008 Snake River Birds of Prey RMP (2.14 Recreation pg. 2-19). The authorization of this permit would not have any effect on natural resources or unique geographic characteristics such as those listed above. No significant impacts to wetlands, streams, or flood planes are present. Specialist Signature/Date: Plants: Mark E. Steiger 3/25/19 Specialist Signature/Date: Wildlife: Joseph Weldon 3/13/19 Specialist Signature/Date: Hydrology/Water Quality: J. Allen Tarter
3. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources [NEPA Section 102(2) (E)].
No, does not apply. Rationale: The authorization of this permit would not have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 3 resources. This event utilizes roads and recreation sites that receive high volumes of traffic. This activity would be conducted in areas which are used routinely for travel and recreational use.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Jared Fluckiger – Outdoor Recreation Planner 03/06/19
4. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks.
No, does not apply. Rationale: The event has been reviewed and cleared by resource specialists with knowledge of the area. Activity would take place on areas open for recreational uses and general travel. Leave No Trace principles will be followed. The Bureau has conducted and monitored similar events and the potential associated environmental impacts are well known.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Kara Kirkpatrick-Kreitinger, NEPA Specialist, 04/15/2019
5. Establish a precedent for future actions or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects.
No, does not apply. Rationale: Requests for Special Recreation Permits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and have been a recognized use in the 2008 Snake River Birds of Prey RMP (2.14 Recreation pg. 2-19). The SRP would be for a permit allowing a one point in time event and would not set a precedent for how the area could be used in the future or require other actions.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Kara Kirkpatrick-Kreitinger, NEPA Specialist, 04/15/2019
6. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant environmental effects.
No, does not apply. Rationale: Other human-related activities occurring in the area include casual recreational motorized and non-motorized travel, bird watching, and other recreational and non- recreational activities. The activities combined would not result in a cumulatively significant impacts.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Kara Kirkpatrick-Kreitinger, NEPA Specialist, 04/15/2019
7. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as determined by either the bureau or office.
No, does not apply. Rationale: On 3/22/2019, the BLM archaeologist and the archaeological technician conducted a reconnaissance survey for cultural resources along the disc-golf course. The survey indicated that the tournament would not impact any sites that were eligible to be listed
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 4 on the National Register of Historic Places. The proposal is exempt from inventory and project specific review by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (ISHPO) under the current BLM / ISHPO protocol (2014). Exemption #31 states “Issuance of special-use permits where no surface or resource disturbance is authorized and where there is no potential to affect access to or use of resources by Native Americans.”
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Dean C. Shaw Archeologist 3/22/2019
8. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or on designated Critical Habitat for these species.
No, does not apply. Rationale:
Authorized routes and recreation sites were reviewed by the Botanist and it was determined that the event would not adversely impact any special status plants because the tour will be restricted to existing routes; none of which are known to contain individual endangered or threatened plants or their critical habitat.
Plants Specialist Signature/Date: Mark E. Steiger 3/25/19
The proposal for disc golf tournament in August/September is not expected to impact BLM Special Status Wildlife Species. No known BLM Type 1 Species (threatened, endangered, candidate or proposed species listed under the Endangered Species Act) or critical habitat is known to occur in the event area. Type 2 BLM designated Sensitive Species may be present, but the scope, duration and timing of the activities would have negligible impacts to wildlife or their habitat.
Wildlife Specialist Signature/Date: Joseph Weldon 3/13/2019
The proposed activity is not expected to result in the take of any fish species. It is also not expected to result in a loss of fish habitat complexity, significant introductions of sediment, significant disturbance to streambank vegetation, or alteration of stream flow. This activity is also not expected to impact wetlands or the Clean Water Act requirements.
Fisheries/Aquatic Species: Signature/Date: J. Allen Tarter 3/15/2019
9. Violate a Federal, State, local, or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment.
No, does not apply. Rationale: Implementation of this permit would not be in violation of federal, state, local, or tribal law, or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Jared Fluckiger – Outdoor Recreation Planner 03/06/19
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 5
10. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (Executive Order 12898).
No, does not apply. Rationale: Low income or minority visitors to the area would not be affected any differently by the proposed activities than any other visitor.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Kara Kirkpatrick-Kreitinger, NEPA Specialist, 04/15/2019
11. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on Federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (Executive Order 13007).
No, does not apply. Rationale: This permitted event would not limit access to and ceremonial use of sacred Indian sites on federal lands or adversely affect the physical integrity of known sacred sites.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Dean C. Shaw Archeologist 3/22/2019
12. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non- native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112).
No, does not apply. Rationale: The proposed project would not contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area, or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of species. No new ground-disturbing activities would take place. The use of motorized vehicles would be limited to existing roads. Cross country travel by vehicle would be prohibited.
Specialist Signature/Date: /s/ Lonnie Huter (Weed Management Specialist/) 3/8/2019
D: SIGNATURE: Authorized Officer: /s/ Amanda Hoffman Date: 4/19/2019 Amanda Hoffman Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Manger
Prepared By/Contact Person: Jared Fluckiger, Outdoor Recreation Planner, Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Nationals Conservation Area, Bureau of Land Management 3948 South Development Boise, Idaho83705
Attachments: Attachment A - Maps
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 6
DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2018-0029-CX Field Guide Inc. Bird Watching Tour Special Recreation Permit 7 Boulders R 01 W
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R 01 W No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. U.S. Department of the Interior This map cannot be made Section 508 compliant. Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Miles 0 0.01 0.02 For help with its data or information, please contact the Boise District, XXXXXXX Field Office F BLM Idaho State Office webmaster at (208) 373-4000. Map date: April 03, 2019 R:\loc\planning\NEPA\FRFO\BOPNCA\CX\Recreation\2019\DOI-BLM-ID-B011-2019-0007-CX_Boulders Disc Golf\MapTemplate_Landscape_11x17.mxd