Natural Resources Conservation Service

Conservation Practice Standard

Restoration and Management of RARE or Declining Habitats

(Ac.)

Code 643

# DEFINITION 

Restoring and managing rare and declining habitats and their associated
wildlife species to conserve biodiversity.

# PURPOSE

Provide habitat for rare and declining species.

# CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES {#conditions-where-practice-applies .unnumbered}

Sites that previously or currently support the rare or declining habitat
targeted for restoration or management.

Rare and declining habitats in Utah include the following:

-   Lowland Riparian

-   Wetlands

-   Mountain Riparian

-   Shrubsteppe

-   Mountain Shrub

-   Flowing Water (Lotic)

-   Wet Meadows

-   Grasslands

-   Standing Water (Lentic)

-   Aspen Forest

    These habitats are described in detail in Utah's Comprehensive
    Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS). Key facts, associated rare
    and declining species, threats, and conservation actions are also
    listed for each habitat. (Sutter, et al 2005).

# CRITERIA {#criteria .unnumbered}

Methods used will be designed to protect the soil resource from erosion
and compaction.

Invasive species and noxious weeds shall be controlled. When possible,
control will be done on a "spot" basis to protect native forbs and
legumes that benefit native pollinators and other wildlife.

Undisturbed areas shall be conserved on a sufficient extent of the area
to sustain disturbance-intolerant species.

Species and seeding rate specifications will be prepared to achieve
desired habitat condition.

Only high quality and ecologically adapted plant materials will be used.
When feasible, only local ecotypes will be used.

Site preparation, planting dates and methods, and plant material care
and handling shall optimize vegetation survival and growth.

A pretreatment assessment of the targeted habitat will be documented to
provide a baseline for comparison with post-treatment habitat
assessment.

Use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals shall not compromise
the intended purpose of this practice

# CONSIdERATIONS

All necessary local, state, and federal permits shall be obtained by the
landowner (or designee) prior to the restoration.

Confer with other agencies and organizations to develop guidelines and
specifications for conserving declining habitats.

Incorporate appropriate conservation actions from Utah's CWCS specific
to the habitat(s) being restored or managed.

Haying, grazing and other management activities will be planned and
managed (including exclusion) as necessary to achieve and maintain the
intended purpose.

Vegetative manipulations to restore plant and/or animal diversity can be
accomplished by prescribed burning or mechanical, biological or chemical
methods, or a combination of the four.

Vegetation management and maintenance activities should not be conducted
during the nesting season except when necessary to achieve the desired
habitat condition.

**PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS**

Specifications for this practice shall be prepared for each habitat
type. Specifications shall be recorded using approved specifications
sheets and job sheets. Narrative statements in the conservation plan or
other acceptable documentation may provide supplemental information to
the specifications and job sheets.

.

**OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE**

Habitat conditions should be evaluated on a regular basis to adapt the
conservation plan and schedule maintenance to ensure the desired habitat
condition.

Management and maintenance activities should be rotated to mimic natural
disturbance regimes.

**REFERENCES**

Barbour, M.G. and W. D. Billings (eds.). 2000. *North American
Terrestrial Vegetation***.** Cambridge University Press, New York,
Second Edition, 695 pages

Gorrell, J.V., M.E. Anderson, K.D. Bunnell, M.F. Canning, A.G. Clark,
D.E. Dolsen, F.P. Howe. 2005. *Utah Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation
Strategy (CWCS*). Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Publication Number
05-19. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, UT.
<http://wildlife.utah.gov/cwcs/>

Kuchler, A.W. 1964 Potential Natural *Vegetation of the Conterminous
United States.* American Geography Society, Special Publication 36. 116
pages + map Second edition (revised), 1975.

Noss, R.F., E.T. LaRoe III, and J.M. Scott. 1995. *Endangered ecosystems
of the United States: a preliminary assessment of loss and
degradation***.** Biological Report 28; National Biological Service,
Washington, D.C. <http://biology.usgs.gov/pubs/ecosys.htm>