APPENDIX W: 

EVALUATION OF 

NOMINATED AREAS OF 

CRITICAL 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

CONCERN 
This Page Intentionally Left Blank 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

APPENDIX W: EVALUATION OF NOMINATED AREAS OF 

CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN 

An Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is defined in the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) as an area “within the public lands where special management 

attention is required (when such areas are developed or used or where no development is required) to 

protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife 

resources or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards.” Nine 

areas were nominated for ACEC designation in the planning area through scoping, through individual or 

group nominations, and from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff recommendations; five of these 

areas had more than one boundary nominated. The nominated areas include: 

 Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, including the existing ACEC, extensions to the existing ACEC, and 

reductions to the existing ACEC 

 Inside Desert ACEC, including a large and small version of the ACEC 

 Jarbidge Foothills ACEC, including a large and small version of the ACEC 

 Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC 

 Middle Snake ACEC 

 Sagebrush Sea ACEC 

 Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, including the existing ACEC and an extension to the existing ACEC 

 Sand Dunes ACEC 

 Sand Point ACEC, including the existing ACEC and an extension to the existing ACEC 

This appendix contains a detailed description of each nominated ACEC or boundary modification and the 

BLM staff evaluation of its relevance and importance and need for special management. The evaluation 

was based on guidance provided by 43 CFR 1610.7-2 and BLM Manual 1613, Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern, which state that potential ACECs to be analyzed in resource management plan 

(RMP) alternatives must meet specified criteria for relevance and importance. 

Relevance is based on the presence of a significant 

 Historic, cultural, or scenic value, including, but not limited to, rare or sensitive archaeological 

resources and religious or cultural resources important to Native American tribes; 

 Fish or wildlife resource, including, but not limited to, habitat for Endangered, Threatened, or BLM 

Sensitive fish or wildlife species, or habitat essential for maintaining species diversity; 

	 A natural process or system, including, but not limited to, Endangered, Threatened, or BLM Sensitive 

plant species; rare, endemic, or relic plants or terrestrial, aquatic, or riparian plant communities; or 

rare geologic features; or 

	 Natural hazard, including, but not limited to, areas of avalanche, dangerous flooding, landslides, 

unstable soils, or seismic activity. 

In the evaluation for relevance, a “yes” answer indicates the area contains the value, resource, process, 

system, or hazard, while a “no” answer indicates the area does not. 

Upon meeting the relevance criteria, a nominated site must then have substantial significance and values
 

that meet one or more of the following importance criteria: 

 Has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

 Has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, unique, 

endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

 Has been recognized as warranting protection in order to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

 Has qualities that warrant highlighting in order to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

 Poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property. 

A-203 August 2010 
Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

In the evaluation for importance, a “yes” answer indicates that the value, resource, system, process, or 

hazard has substantial significance and values and meets one or more of the importance factors listed 

above. A “no” answer indicates the area contains the value, resource, system, process, or hazard, but it is 

not substantially significant and does not meet the importance factors listed above. “N/A” indicates that 

the value, resource, system, process, or hazard is not found within the area. 

Based on these requirements, the nominated extension to the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC was 

dropped from further consideration because while it met the criteria for relevance, it did not meet the 

importance criteria. In addition, the nominated Sand Dunes ACEC was dropped from further 

consideration because it did not meet criteria for relevance or importance. The remaining nominated 

ACECs and their nominated boundary modifications met the criteria for relevance and importance and 

have been included in the alternatives analyzed in this document as proposed ACECs. 

August 2010 A-204 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Jarbidge Field Office 

RELEVANCE AND IMPORTANCE EVALUATION
 

FOR 

NOMINATED AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
 

Approved by: 

_signed copy on file______________

Rick Vander Voet 

Jarbidge Field Office Manager 

 __________________ 

Date 

Concurrence by: 

_signed copy on file______________

Bill Baker 

Twin Falls District Manager 

 __________________ 

Date 

A-205 August 2010 
T10S, R11E

T09S, R08ET09S, R09E 

T08S, R06E T08S, R08ET08S, R09E 

Bruneau River 

Clover Creek 

Jarbidge River 

EF Jarbidge 

T11S, R07E 

T15S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T12S, R11E 

T13S, R11E 

T15S, R10E 

T14S, R12E 

T11S, R06E 

T14S, R10E 

T11S, R08E 

T15S, R06E 

T13S, R12E 

T14S, R06E 

T12S, R09E 

T15S, R07E T15S, R08E 

T14S, R07E T14S, R08E 

T12S, R06E T12S, R08E T12S, R12E 

T13S, R10E 

T10S, R09E T10S, R06E 

T13S, R08E 

T47N, R57E 

T47N, R60E 

T15S, R09E 

T14S, R09E 

T13S, R09E 

T16S, R11E 

T16S, R10E 

T16S, R12E T16S, R06E T16S, R07E T16S, R08E

T09S, R06E 

Three Creek 

84 

93 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC

The Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC is an existing ACEC. The existing ACEC was renominated; two alternate 

boundaries for the ACEC were nominated as well. The area encompassed by the existing boundary is 

presented first, followed by the area encompassed by the nominated extensions to the existing boundary. 

Finally, the area encompassed by the nominated reduced boundary is discussed. 

Existing ACEC 

Nominated ACEC:	 Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC (existing ACEC boundary) 

Nominated by: The existing ACEC was renominated by BLM in accordance with BLM Manual 

1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.1. 

The existing ACEC was renominated by Western Watersheds Project (WWP). 

Location:	 The ACEC encompasses 85,000 acres of BLM-managed land. The ACEC is 

located along the Bruneau River from near Crowbar Gulch upstream to the 

Jarbidge Field Office (FO) boundary, along the Jarbidge River from the Bruneau 

River confluence to the Buck Creek confluence, and along the East Fork of the 

Jarbidge River from the Jarbidge River confluence to the FO boundary. Portions 

of Clover, Deep, Cougar, Dorsey, Columbet, and Dave Creeks are also within the 

ACEC. The ACEC includes the canyons as well as portions of the adjacent 

uplands. 

The ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

0 10 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarb di ge Field Office Bou ndary 

Murphy 

Hot 

Springs 

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. 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

August 2010	 A-206 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

 

 

 

 

 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The only known significant historic resources within the nominated ACEC are on private lands within 

the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons. No 

Cultural Value 

Regionally significant cultural resources are present within the ACEC. Native American use of the area 

extends back thousands of years. While the canyonlands provided food, shelter, and water, the adjacent 

uplands also served as travel corridors between winter villages along the Snake and lower Bruneau 

Rivers and summer camps in the Jarbidge and Owyhee Uplands. The area retains traditional cultural 

importance for the tribes. Many sites are also important for their archaeological value. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

The canyon complex has exceptional rugged-desert scenery and natural qualities. The canyons include 

both basalt and rhyolite forms of volcanic material. The canyons plunge from 300 to over 900 feet from 

the adjacent upland plateaus to the rivers below. Rhyolite columns and spires are present through much 

of the Jarbidge Canyon. The lower portion of the Bruneau River contains basalt canyons. Arch Canyon 

contains a unique, large, natural arch composed of rhyolite spanning Cougar Creek. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: The ACEC contains over 100 miles of canyonland habitat for California 

bighorn sheep (bighorn sheep), a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species, nearly all the bighorn sheep habitat 

within the planning area. The bighorn sheep population within the ACEC is estimated to be 

approximately 200 sheep. The Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the Idaho Department of 

Fish and Game (IDFG) were instrumental in re-introducing bighorn sheep into the Bruneau and Jarbidge 

Canyons in the 1980s and early 1990s. The canyonlands provide secure lambing habitat. The rivers in 

the canyon bottoms, as well as occasional seeps from canyon walls, provide water. Bighorn sheep forage 

is available in both the canyons and adjacent uplands. The vast majority of bighorn sheep observations 

are within the canyon and on the upland plateau up to about 1 mile from the canyon rim. Bighorn sheep 

typically avoid human disturbance and can be socially displaced in the short term from otherwise 

suitable habitat when livestock are present (Bissonette & Steinkamp, 1996). 

Yes 

Big game: The ACEC contains 82,000 acres of big game winter range and supports a substantial amount 

of wintering big game. About half of the wintering mule deer in the planning area use portions of the 

ACEC as winter range. Wintering mule deer and elk include both resident and migratory herds. 

Yes 

Bull trout: The 1987 RMP did not address bull trout, which are listed as Threatened under the 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and are a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species; likely, the species was 

not known to be present within the existing ACEC boundary. However, the ACEC does contain about 2 

miles of spawning and rearing habitat and over 9 miles of migratory habitat for resident and migratory 

(fluvial) bull trout in the Jarbidge River and its East Fork and Dave Creek. The Jarbidge River Distinct 

Population Segment is the southern-most surviving population of bull trout in North America (FWS, 

2004), occurring in a portion of southern Idaho and northern Nevada, and is isolated from other bull trout 

populations by numerous dams. Bull trout in this area are unique in their arid environmental setting. 

Yes 

Redband trout: The ACEC contains habitat for redband trout in four stream reaches, the Bruneau River, 

the Jarbidge River and its East Fork, and Dave Creek. Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons contain habitat for a variety of other BLM 

Sensitive species, including peregrine falcon (Type 3), prairie falcon (Type 4), spotted bat (Type 3), and 

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Type 3 and NV). The upland plateaus adjacent to the canyons contain habitat 

for Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), greater sage-grouse (Type 2), sage sparrow (Type 3), and other 

sagebrush-obligate species. The 2007 Murphy Complex Fires burned a substantial amount of the upland 

habitat on the Diamond A east of Jarbidge Forks to the confluence of Poison Creek in the ACEC. 

The Jarbidge River contains a natural diversity of native fish species. Compared to other rivers in the 

region, the proportion of native to non-native species is unusually high, as there are few, if any, nonnative species present. This is a rather unique characteristic for the fish populations in the Jarbidge River 

Watershed. 

Yes 

A-207 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: Five of the six Idaho populations of Bruneau River phlox, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive 

species, occur within the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons within the ACEC; two additional populations 

can be found in Nevada. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The ACEC contains plant species classified as BLM Sensitive or Watch 

species, including Cusick’s primrose (Type 5) and Simpson’s hedgehog cactus (Type 4). The population 

of Cusick’s primrose within nominated ACEC is in Nevada. While this species is found elsewhere in 

Idaho and Oregon; it is the only population of Cusick’s primrose in the planning area and the only 

population of this species in Nevada. 

Yes 

Upland vegetation: The ACEC contains two plant communities that are generally isolated because of 

topography and are ungrazed: the curl-leaf mountain mahogany woodland community and the mountain 

big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass community. 

Yes 

Riparian systems: Over 90 miles of Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers are free flowing in the ACEC. The 

riparian systems in the ACEC are also unique in that they are typically dominated by Rocky Mountain 

juniper with interspersed quaking aspen and a few pockets of cottonwood. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No known significant hazards. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2) Regionally significant cultural resources are present within the nominated ACEC. Yes 

Scenic Value 

(Factors met: 1) Scenic values are outstanding and have been recommended suitable for Wild and Scenic 

River (WSR) designation. The area contains numerous access locations for public viewing. Areas such as 

Arch Canyon, the Jarbidge River, and the Bruneau River attract visitors from across the West. The 

Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers provide nationally known whitewater recreation experiences. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Bighorn sheep, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species, are 

scattered in small herds across parts of Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and British Columbia. In Idaho, bighorn 

sheep populations in South Hills and Jim Sage Mountains are smaller than in the Bruneau/Jarbidge River 

area. The population in the Owyhee River is larger than the Bruneau/Jarbidge River population. Bighorn 

sheep typically respond negatively to increased human activities by avoiding portions of their habitat 

containing greater disturbance. Research in southern Idaho indicates that livestock can alter bighorn 

sheep habitat use and displace bighorn sheep from their habitat (Bissonette & Steinkamp, 1996), which 

can increase the risk of inbreeding and disease, as well as degradation of the higher-use portions of their 

habitat (Krausman & Bowyer, 2003). Bighorn sheep in Idaho are recovering from a population crash due 

to disease in the late 1990s. This population of bighorn sheep is of more than local importance, 

evidenced in part by the fact that bighorn sheep tags for hunts in this area are in high demand and attract 

applicants from across the United States. 

Yes 

August 2010 A-208 
 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Big game: The ACEC is important to wintering big game from parts of Nevada and Idaho including 

mule deer, pronghorn, and elk. Mule deer and pronghorn are featured big game species in Idaho. Mule 

deer and elk are featured species in Nevada. However, the winter range within the ACEC is primarily of 

local importance. 

No 

Bull trout: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The Jarbidge River in southwest Idaho and northern Nevada is a 

tributary to the Snake River and contains the southernmost existing population of bull trout in North 

America (FWS, 2004). Bull trout are the only fish within the planning area listed as Threatened under the 

ESA and are a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species. Genetic analysis of bull trout in the Columbia River Basin 

indicates Jarbidge River bull trout have a shared evolutionary history with populations in the upper 

Columbia River and Snake River but are genetically separated. For over 100 years, Jarbidge River bull 

trout have been geographically isolated from other populations in the Snake River by more than 150 

miles of unsuitable habitat and several impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake River and at least 

one irrigation diversion on the lower Bruneau River. Bull trout in the Jarbidge River are considered 

significant because they occupy a unique and unusual ecological setting and their loss would result in a 

substantial modification of the species’ range. The bull trout in the Jarbidge River are unique in that a 

portion of their habitat is in an area categorized as semi-arid desert. The ACEC has both spawning and 

migratory habitat for bull trout. Dave Creek (included within the boundary) contains a portion of the 

spawning and rearing area for bull trout within the East Fork of the Jarbidge River. 

Yes 

Redband trout: (Factors met: 1, 2) Redband trout are a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species present in four 

stream reaches within the ACEC. These redband trout are adapted to both the colder streams that are 

critical for bull trout and the warmer, low elevation streams such as the lower Jarbidge River and 

Bruneau River. These populations of redband trout are also unique in that the occupied streams within 

the ACEC lack migration barriers that prevent redband from moving between streams, unlike most of the 

other redband trout streams within the planning area. 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The other fish and wildlife present within the ACEC are found elsewhere in and 

outside the planning area; the populations within the ACEC are primarily of local importance. No 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Bruneau River phlox is a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species 

endemic to the area. All six Idaho populations are present in the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons; five of 

these are within the existing ACEC. Two additional populations can be found in Nevada. Bruneau River 

phlox has a total estimated population of 500 plants. The Idaho populations are relatively stable. The 

only threats are damming the Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers and annual weed invasion. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: Other special status and uncommon plants occur in the area, but are not of 

more than local significance. No 

Upland vegetation: The isolated curl-leaf mountain mahogany woodland and mountain big 

sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass communities are present in other portions of the planning area. These 

sites are largely ungrazed livestock. 

No 

Riparian systems: (Factors met: 1, 2) The Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers are unique; they are two of the 

longest free-flowing streams in southern Idaho. The majority of other desert rivers, including the Snake 

and Owyhee Rivers and Salmon Falls Creek, contain dams. The Jarbidge River system is critical for bull 

trout that migrate between suitable streams between the East Fork of the Jarbidge River and the Jarbidge 

River and potentially overwinter in the lower Jarbidge River. Riparian zones on BLM-managed portions 

of lower Dave Creek, as well as the Jarbidge River and its East Fork and portions of the Bruneau River 

(from about 0.5 miles downstream of Indian Hot Springs almost to the Bruneau Valley) are ungrazed due 

to limited access. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential ACEC. The 

rationale for proposing the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC for designation (under Alternative I) as an 

ACEC is as follows: 

The ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural and scenic values, fish and wildlife 

resources (bighorn sheep, bull trout, and redband trout), and natural systems or processes (special status 

plants and riparian systems). 

A-209 August 2010 
 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values of the ACEC include cross-country 

motorized vehicle use and other surface-disturbing activities, wildland fire and subsequent alteration of 

habitat, and to a lesser extent livestock grazing and recreation. Aside from direct impacts from these 

threats, many of these indirectly affect the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants, 

which are detrimental to the scenic values and the fish and wildlife resources within the ACEC. 

Cross-country motorized vehicle use presents a threat to the cultural and scenic values within the ACEC. 

This type of use also threatens bighorn sheep habitat by creating corridors for the spread of invasive 

plants, which degrades their habitat. Other surface-disturbing activities, such as mineral exploration and 

development13 and right-of-way (ROW) development, are also a threat to cultural and scenic values and 

bighorn sheep; bighorn sheep typically avoid human disturbance. Any activities in the uplands or riparian 

zones that increase sediment to the stream can negatively affect bull trout and redband trout. 

Wildland fire is a threat to several of the relevant and important values within the ACEC. Wildland fires 

that burn the riparian zone can reduce the amount of large wood and streambank shade and increase 

sediment to the stream, affecting bull trout, which require cold clean water with low amounts of sediment 

in stream gravels for spawning and rearing. Components of wildland fire suppression (e.g., the use of 

retardant, constructing control lines) can also be detrimental to fish and aquatic wildlife. Cheatgrass 

frequently increases and may dominate in the canyon lands following wildland fires, affecting habitat for 

bighorn sheep as well as Bruneau River phlox and Cusick’s primrose. 

Livestock grazing is a threat primarily to bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep can be displaced by livestock. 

Livestock water sources as well as salting and supplement sites located in the ACEC have contributed to 

the spread of invasive plants. 

Recreational use within the canyon is a threat primarily to the cultural values within the ACEC. Cultural 

resource sites within the river corridors are susceptible to inadvertent damage from legitimate boating 

parties as well as intentional destruction. 

Portions of the ACEC are included in two Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs): the Bruneau River-Sheep 

Creek WSA and the Jarbidge River WSA. These areas would also be managed according to the Interim 

Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review (IMP). However, if the WSAs were to be 

released to multiple-use management by Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

River segments within the ACEC that have been recommended suitable for designation as WSRs include 

the Bruneau River from Blackrock Pocket to Hot Creek and the Jarbidge River from the Jarbidge Forks to 

the Bruneau River confluence. Outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) for these segments include 

cultural, fish, geological, recreational, scenic, vegetation, and wildlife values. The ACEC also contains 

portions of river segments inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River 

System (NWSRS; ORVs included in parentheses): Jarbidge River south of the Jarbidge Forks (scenic, 

fish), the East Fork of the Jarbidge River (fish), Cougar Point Creek (scenic), and Dave Creek (fish). 

Interim management of these segments requires that they be managed to maintain or enhance their 

ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of 

the river, which does not provide any protection for these values in the higher elevations of the canyon or 

the adjacent upland plateaus. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

13 There are currently seven active mining claims within the ACEC boundary, all at Indian Hot Springs for Bruneau 

jasper. 

August 2010 A-210 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

The cultural and scenic values, the fish and wildlife resources, and natural systems or processes (special 

status plants and riparian systems) of the ACEC would be protected through the following allocations and 

management actions:14 

	 All actions within the portions of the ACEC that are also within WSAs must be consistent with the IMP 

and with allocations and management actions made for WSAs. 

	 Areas within the ACEC with concentrated recreational and livestock grazing use would be a high 

priority for noxious weeds and invasive plants treatment with integrated weed management 

techniques for control, containment, and where possible, eradication. Use of domestic sheep or goats 

to reduce noxious weeds would not be allowed within the ACEC to eliminate potential contact with 

bighorn sheep. 

	 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

	 Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) would be used to suppress wildland fires within the 

ACEC. Fire lines would be rehabilitated to help stabilize soils. 

	 Manage the portion of the Jarbidge ROW corridor within the ACEC as visual resource management 

(VRM) Class III; manage the remainder of the ACEC as VRM Class I. 

	 Adjust livestock grazing so livestock seasons of use would not overlap bighorn breeding and winter 

periods in those pastures that contain bighorn habitat (see Appendix H). 

	 Placing salt or other supplements within the ACEC would be prohibited to reduce livestock use of 

bighorn habitat. 

	 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. Protective measures may include, but not be limited to, implementing a permit system for the 

Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers in coordination with the Bruneau FO, requiring the use of certified 

weed-free forage and straw, and designating camping areas outside the ACEC. 

	 Consider special recreation permits (SRPs) within the ACEC on a case-by-case basis with mitigation 

for negative impacts to relevant and important values. 

	 Motorized vehicle use within the ACEC would be limited to designated routes. To avoid disturbing 

bighorn sheep during wintering and lambing periods or to protect other relevant and important values, 

seasonal closures of specific designated routes may be considered during the Comprehensive 

Transportation and Travel Management Plan (CTTMP). 

	 Continue to maintain the low level of human disturbance in bighorn habitat by not constructing new 

roads or substantially improving other routes in the ACEC. Some designated routes within the ACEC, 

including the road to Indian Hot Springs, could have spot surface treatments to reduce resource 

damage due to road braiding and to improve public safety. 

	 The ACEC would be a ROW avoidance area; new ROWs would be restricted to ROW corridors and 

locations of existing ROWs. 

	 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1; where practical, acquire private and/or 

State inholdings. The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the 

ACEC boundary. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development. 

	 Recommend lands within the ACEC for withdrawal from mining laws for locatable exploration and 

development. 

Extensions to the Existing ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Extensions to the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC 

Nominated by: The extensions to the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC were nominated by BLM 

in accordance with BLM Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, 

Section 21A.2.b., to include additional habitat for bull trout and cultural resource 

14 Under the No Action Alternative, the ACEC would be managed as described in the Areas of Critical Environmental 

Concern section of Chapter 2. 

A-211 August 2010 
 

T10S, R11E

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

T09S, R08E T09S, R09E 

T08S, R06E 

T08S, R08E T08S, R09E 

C 

Bruneau River 

Clover Creek 

Jarbidge River 

EF Jarbidge 

T11S, R07E 

T15S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T12S, R11E 

T13S, R11E 

T15S, R10E 

T14S, R12E 

T11S, R06E 

T14S, R10E 

T11S, R08E 

T12S, R07E 

T15S, R06E 

T13S, R12E 

T14S, R06E 

T12S, R09E 

T15S, R07E 

T13S, R06E 

T15S, R08E 

T14S, R07E T14S, R08E 

T12S, R06E T12S, R08E T12S, R12E 

T13S, R10E 

T10S, R06E T10S, R09E

T13S, R08E 

T47N, R57E 

T15S, R09E 

T14S, R09E 

T13S, R09E 

T16S, R11E 

T16S, R10E 

T16S, R12E T16S, R06E T16S, R07E T16S, R08E

T09S, R06E 

Three Creek 

84 

93 

sites; the Idaho Conservation Data Center (CDC) suggested BLM consider 

including habitat for Davis peppergrass within the existing ACEC as well. 

WWP requested that “future expansion of these areas [current ACECs] be 

considered,” although no specific boundary for expanding the existing ACECs 

was identified. 

Location:	 The nominated extensions would encompass about 38,000 acres of BLMmanaged land; if added to the existing ACEC, the new ACEC would total 

123,000 acres of BLM-managed land. The nominated extensions include the 

remainder of the Jarbidge River and Bruneau River-Sheep Creek WSAs not 

already within the existing ACEC, as well as bull trout habitat along the Jarbidge 

River above the confluence with the East Fork, Dave Creek, Jack Creek, and 

Buck Creek. The eastern boundary of the existing ACEC south of Three Creek 

Highway was also modified to follow a road. 

The nominated extensions are contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea 

ACEC. 

0 10 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarb di ge Field Office

Bou ndary 

Murphy 

Hot 

Springs 

No warranty isT4 ma7de by t N, R60hEe Bureau of Land

Management. The accuracy, reliability, or 

completeness of these data for individual use 

or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. 

The analysis documented below assessed whether the extensions contributed to relevant and important 

values of the existing ACEC or contained new relevant and important values. The analysis focused only 

on the values within the nominated extensions; for information on the values within the existing ACEC, 

see the description in the Existing ACEC section. 

August 2010	 A-212 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC contain several historic sites associated with early 20th 

century mining, including a short segment of the Crippen Grade (an old freight road to the town of 

Jarbidge) and the ruins of several log cabins. 

Yes 

Cultural Value 

Several additional archaeological sites would be included by the nominated ACEC extensions. Yes 

Scenic Value 

In addition to the scenic values for the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, the Jarbidge River south of the 

Jarbidge Forks contains numerous rhyolite columns, spires, and a few window rocks that are visible from 

the Jarbidge Road. Aspen are present on some of the hillsides and draws. The majority of the Jarbidge 

River riparian zone contains a mix of juniper, willows, dogwood, with some cottonwood and limber 

pine. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC would add the remaining 

bighorn sheep habitat in the planning area, about 7 additional miles of canyons, to the ACEC. Yes 

Big game: The big game values within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC are the same as 

those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, an additional 

28,000 acres of big game winter range are within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC. 

Yes 

Bull trout: The 1987 RMP did not address bull trout; likely, the species was not known to be present 

within the existing ACEC boundary. Bull trout were listed as a Threatened species in 1998 by FWS. The 

nominated extensions to the existing ACEC would cover the remaining BLM-managed portion of Dave 

Creek as well as migratory bull trout habitat on the Jarbidge River above the confluence with the East 

Fork and all of the BLM-managed portions of Jack Creek. These areas total approximately 8 miles of 

streams for bull trout. 

Yes 

Redband trout: The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC would add occupied redband trout 

habitat to the existing ACEC, including habitat in the Jarbidge River above the confluence with the East 

Fork, Dave Creek, and Deer Creek (NV). 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The other fish and wildlife values within the nominated extensions to the 

existing ACEC are the same as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge 

ACEC. In addition, the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC would include the majority of the 

playas within the planning area. Playas are important to migrating waterfowl and shorebirds during the 

spring. Playas are also important breeding habitat for Great Basin spadefoot toad; however, playas within 

the nominated extensions are not the only breeding habitat for spadefoot toads within the planning area. 

In some parts of the planning area, fairy shrimp also occupy playas (Rudeen, 2006), although the playas 

within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC have not been inventoried. Playas function as 

seasonal water sources for a number of wildlife species. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC include no additional populations 

of Bruneau River phlox. No 

Davis peppergrass: Davis peppergrass, a Type 3 and NV BLM Sensitive species, is present in playas 

within the nominated extensions; the population of Davis peppergrass is declining range wide. Davis 

peppergrass is a fleshy, perennial native mustard (forb) adapted to grow in seasonally flooded areas. The 

species is restricted to a narrow suite of environmental conditions, occurring in playas on volcanic plains 

where the regional vegetation is dominated by big sagebrush and, to a lesser extent, shadscale. Playas are 

naturally flat-bottomed basins where water from the adjacent uplands transports silt, clay, and minerals. 

Playas supporting Davis peppergrass have a hard clay bottom and are inundated with water during 

springs with average or above average precipitation. Playas typically dry out in the summer, becoming 

hard. Davis peppergrass plants show distinct differences in leaf size, shape, and plant phenology between 

playas. This suggests the species disperses poorly, probably not beyond individual playas, and there is 

minimal pollination between neighboring playas. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC include no additional 

occupied habitat for any of the other special status plant species that occur in the existing ACEC. No 

A-213 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Upland vegetation: The upland vegetation values within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC 

are the same as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

Riparian system: The riparian values within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC are the same 

as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; the Jarbidge River above 

the confluence with the East Fork, as well as Dave, Jack, and Deer Creeks, which are unrestricted and 

free-flowing on BLM-managed lands, would be included in the nominated extensions. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No known significant hazards. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

The historic values of the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC are similar to those in the 

surrounding area. More important, regionally significant historic resources are located outside the 

nominated extensions on private and Forest Service lands. 

No 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2) Numerous regionally significant archaeological sites are located within the nominated 

extensions to the existing ACEC. Many sites associated with playas suggest a unique adaptation to the 

arid uplands, which involved transplanting stream-adapted shellfish to seasonal lakes to augment food 

supplies. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

(Factors met: 1) Scenic values within the nominated extensions are outstanding and have been 

recommended suitable for WSR designation. The nominated extensions along the Jarbidge River are 

viewed by hundreds of people traveling to Jarbidge, NV, during the late spring into late fall. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: Although a few bighorn sheep have been occasionally reported in the Jarbidge 

Canyon south of the Jarbidge Forks, bighorn sheep do not routinely occupy the area. The main road to 

Jarbidge, Nevada, lies in the bottom of the canyon. Other main access roads include the roads to the 

Diamond A, Buck Creek Canyon and Deer Creek Grade. The extension of the ACEC would have a 

limited benefit for bighorn sheep. 

Yes 

Big game: The importance of the big game values within the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC 

is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. No 

Bull trout: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The importance of the bull trout values within the nominated extensions 

to the existing ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge 

ACEC; however, the remaining occupied bull trout habitat within the planning area would be included. 

The nominated extensions would cover more bull trout habitat in Dave Creek, which is crucial spawning, 

rearing, foraging, migratory, and overwintering habitat for bull trout within the Jarbidge River system 

(FWS, 2004). Jack Creek is one of the spawning streams in the Jarbidge River Watershed. In 1998, 

BLM, the Forest Service, and Elko County cooperatively replaced a culvert on lower Jack Creek with a 

bridge to remove a bull trout barrier to a spawning stream. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) 

has subsequently confirmed bull trout spawning in Jack Creek. 

Yes 

August 2010 A-214 
 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Redband trout: (Factors met: 1, 2) The importance of the redband trout values within the nominated 

extensions to the existing ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, more of the occupied redband trout habitat within the Jarbidge River 

Watershed would be included. 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The importance of the other fish and wildlife values within the nominated 

extensions to the existing ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. In addition, the wildlife values of the playas within the nominated extensions 

are not of more than local importance. Spadefoot toads breed in a number of other playas in the planning 

area; the playas within the nominated extensions are not of more than local importance as breeding 

habitat. Fairy shrimp are present in a number of playas in southern Idaho. Fairy shrimp known to be 

present in the planning area are not unique (Rudeen, 2006). Although a number of wildlife species use 

the playas as a source of drinking water at some times of the year, playas only temporarily alter the 

distribution of wildlife. Playas are used by shorebirds and waterfowl during spring migration. During fall 

migration the playas are usually dry. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: N/A N/A 

Davis peppergrass: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Davis peppergrass, a Type 3 and NV BLM Sensitive species, is 

limited in its distribution to portions of southeastern Oregon, south-central Idaho, and north-central 

Nevada, with the majority of known populations occurring in Idaho. There are fewer than 300 

populations in six distinct clusters or distribution centers. The Bruneau-Jarbidge populations are a 

population stronghold. The Mountain Home populations show downward trend due to poor ecological 

condition of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. The remaining populations are currently stable. Threats to 

Davis peppergrass include habitat alteration in and surrounding playas and invasion of exotic annuals. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: N/A N/A 

Upland vegetation: The importance of the upland vegetation values within the nominated extensions to 

the existing ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge 

ACEC. 

No 

Riparian systems: (Factors met: 1, 2) Approximately 10 additional miles of riparian zone are included in 

the nominated extensions. This includes about 8 miles of bull trout habitat. Both Buck Creek and the 

Jarbidge River south of the Jarbidge Forks have roads in close proximity to the stream. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC be expanded to include the 

nominated extensions (under Alternative IV, the Preferred Alternative) is as follows: 

The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural and 

scenic values, fish resources (bull trout and redband trout), and natural systems or processes (special 

status plants and riparian systems). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values of the nominated extensions to the 

existing ACEC include cross-country motorized vehicle use and other surface-disturbing activities, 

wildland fire and subsequent alteration of habitat, and to a lesser extent livestock grazing and recreation. 

Aside from direct impacts from these threats, many of these indirectly affect the introduction and spread 

of noxious weeds and invasive plants. Many of these threats are similar to those described for the 

existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. 

Threats resulting from cross-country motorized vehicle use and other surface-disturbing activities in the 

nominated extensions are similar to those described for the existing ACEC. 

In addition to the wildland fire threat described for the existing ACEC, wildland fire also presents a threat 

to Davis peppergrass. Wildland fire, including soil erosion and deposition following wildland fire, can 

negatively affect habitat for Davis peppergrass (Moseley, 1996). Davis peppergrass can also be impacted 

by the constructions of fire lines that damage plants directly or increase sediment in occupied playas. 

A-215 August 2010 
 

Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

In addition to the livestock grazing threat described for the existing ACEC, livestock grazing also presents 

a threat to Davis peppergrass. Livestock trailing and trampling in occupied playas while they are wet 

damages the perennial plants (Moseley, 1996). Stock ponds dug in playas may alter their hydrology and 

contribute to the spread of invasive species. Livestock congregating in or near playas also impacts 

cultural resources associated with playas. 

Threats resulting from recreation in the nominated extensions are similar to those described for the 

existing ACEC. 

The majority of the nominated extensions to the existing ACEC are also within the Bruneau River-Sheep 

Creek and Jarbidge River WSAs; these areas would also be managed according to the IMP. However, if 

the WSAs were to be released to multiple-use management by Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

The nominated extensions to the existing ACEC would include additional portions of river segments 

inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS (ORVs included in parentheses): Jarbidge River south 

of the Jarbidge Forks (scenic, fish) and Dave Creek (fish). Interim management of these segments 

requires that they be managed to maintain or enhance their ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only 

extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any 

protection for these values in the higher elevations of the canyon or the adjacent upland plateaus. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The cultural and scenic values, the fish and wildlife resources, and natural systems or processes (special 

status plants and riparian systems) of the ACEC would be protected through the allocations and 

management actions described for the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; additional management actions 

for Davis peppergrass, bull trout, and cultural resources would include:15 

 Restore playas occupied by Davis peppergrass to improve natural hydrologic function and habitat on 

a case by case basis. Restoration activities may include filling pit reservoirs, stabilizing erosion areas, 

and planting native species with similar pollinators. 

 Monitor juniper encroachment into the riparian area, and consider juniper treatments to improve bull 

trout habitat. 

 Special stipulations would apply for noxious weed and invasive species treatments in Davis 

peppergrass habitat. 

	 Adjust livestock seasons of use or stocking rates on a pasture-specific basis to minimize conflicts with 

bull trout spawning (late August through early November) and Davis peppergrass during flowering 

and when playas are most likely to contain water (December to June). 

	 Range infrastructure would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for retention, modification, or 

removal. New infrastructure would be allowed to the extent that it protects bull trout habitat, cultural 

resources, or botanical values. 

	 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1; where practical, acquire private and/or 

State inholdings. The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the 

ACEC boundary. 

Reduced Boundary 

Nominated ACEC: Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC (reduced boundary) 

Nominated by:	 C.E. Brackett Cattle Co., Brackett Livestock, Inc, Brackett Ranches Limited 

Partnership, Bert and Paula Brackett, Chet and Kim Brackett, Jake Brackett, Gus 

and Kimberly Brackett, Ira and Kim Brackett, and Chuck B. Jones (Simplot 

15 Under the No Action Alternative, the existing ACEC boundary would be retained, and the ACEC would be managed 

as described in the Areas of Critical Environmental Concern section of Chapter 2. 

August 2010	 A-216 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Livestock Co.) nominated a portion of the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC to 

continue to be designated as an ACEC. 

Location:	 The nominated ACEC would encompass 57,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The majority of the nominated ACEC lies within the Bruneau and Jarbidge 

Canyons; some of the adjacent uplands are included within the boundary as well. 

Portions of the existing ACEC that would not be included within this boundary 

include areas south of the Jarbidge River WSA on the Bruneau River, Jarbidge 

River, and East Fork of the Jarbidge River, as well as areas north of Sheepshead 

Draw. 

The ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Bruneau 

R

vi er 

Murphy Hot 

Springs 

Jarbidge River 

T11S, R06E T11S, R07E

T15S, R06E 

T14S, R06E 

T15S, R07E 

T13S, R06E 

T15S, R08E 

T14S, R07E T14S, R08E 

T12S, R06E 

T13S, R08E 

T15S, R09E 

T14S, R09E 

T13S, R09E 

84 

93 

0 5 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarbidge Fie ld Office Boundary 

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. 

The analysis documented below focused on differences between the nominated reduced boundary and 

the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC (see the Existing ACEC section). 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The historic values within the nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. No 

Cultural Value 

The cultural values within the nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

A-217 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Scenic Value 

The scenic values within the nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: The nominated ACEC contains approximately 45 miles of canyonland habitat 

for a population of bighorn sheep, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species. The bighorn sheep values within the 

nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC are the same as those documented for the existing boundary 

of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, the nominated ACEC would contain roughly 2/3 of the 

occupied bighorn sheep habitat, the majority of the area where bighorn sheep are commonly observed. 

Roughly 16 miles of canyons and adjacent plateaus with occupied bighorn sheep habitat from Blackrock 

Pocket in the Bruneau Canyon northward would no longer be within the ACEC. Additional bighorn 

habitat that is used less frequently south of the Jarbidge Forks and along the Bruneau River from the 

Deep Creek area to Blackrock Pocket and north of Sheepshead Draw would also no longer be within the 

ACEC. 

Yes 

Big game: The big game values within the nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC are the same as 

those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, 28,000 acres of 

big game winter range would no longer be in the ACEC if the boundary were reduced. 

Yes 

Bull trout: The nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC would contain only the bull trout habitat 

within the Jarbidge River below the confluence with the East Fork; however, the extent to which bull 

trout occupy or utilize that reach is not known. The known occupied bull trout habitat would no longer 

be within the nominated ACEC. 

No 

Redband trout: The nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC would contain occupied redband trout 

habitat in the Bruneau River and the Jarbidge River below the confluence with the East Fork. However, 

occupied redband trout habitat within the East Fork of the Jarbidge River and Dave Creek would no 

longer be within the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The other fish and wildlife values within the nominated reduced boundary of the 

ACEC are the same as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: The Bruneau River phlox values within the nominated reduced boundary of the 

ACEC are the same as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; 

however, one population would no longer be in the ACEC if the boundary were reduced. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The other special status plant values within the nominated reduced boundary 

of the ACEC are the same as those documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge 

ACEC, except the nominated ACEC would no longer contain Cusick’s primrose. 

Yes 

Upland vegetation: The nominated ACEC would no longer contain the curl-leaf mountain mahogany 

woodland community or the mountain big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass community. No 

Riparian system: The nominated ACEC would contain fewer than 45 miles of free-flowing reaches of the 

Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers and would no longer contain riparian systems dominated by Rocky 

Mountain juniper. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No known significant hazards. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, Yes, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; No, or 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry N/A 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

August 2010 A-218 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2) The importance of the cultural values within the nominated reduced boundary of the 

ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

Scenic Value 

(Factors met: 1) The importance of the scenic values within the nominated reduced boundary of the 

ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

California bighorn sheep: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The importance of the bighorn sheep values within the 

nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of 

the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, the boundary of the nominated ACEC would leave more than 1/3 

of the occupied bighorn habitat outside the ACEC. 

Yes 

Big game: The importance of the big game values within the nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC 

is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. No 

Bull trout: N/A N/A 

Redband trout: (Factors 1, 2) Only the redband trout habitat in the Jarbidge River below the confluence 

with the East Fork and portions of the Bruneau River would be included in the nominated ACEC. These 

reaches lack migration barriers that would prevent redband trout from moving between streams. Summer 

water temperatures in both reaches approach the threshold of redband survival. 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The importance of the other fish and wildlife values within the nominated 

reduced boundary of the ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the BruneauJarbidge ACEC. No 

Natural System or Process 

Bruneau River phlox: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The importance of the Bruneau River phlox values within the 

nominated reduced boundary of the ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of 

the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC; however, the boundary of the nominated ACEC would leave out one of the 

five populations present in the existing ACEC. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The importance of the other special status plant values within the nominated 

reduced boundary of the ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the BruneauJarbidge ACEC. No 

Upland vegetation: N/A N/A 

Riparian Systems: (Factors met: 1, 2) The importance of the riparian system values within the nominated 

reduced boundary of the ACEC is the same as that documented for the existing boundary of the BruneauJarbidge ACEC, except less than half of the canyonlands would be protected under this nominated 

ACEC. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC (reduced boundary) for 

designation (under Alternative III) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural and scenic values, fish and wildlife 

resources (bighorn sheep and redband trout), and natural systems or processes (special status plants 

and riparian systems). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values of the nominated ACEC include crosscountry motorized vehicle use and other surface-disturbing activities, wildland fire and subsequent 

alteration of habitat, and to a lesser extent livestock grazing and recreation. Aside from direct impacts 

from these threats, many of these indirectly affect the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and 

invasive plants, which are detrimental to the scenic values and the fish and wildlife resources within the 

nominated ACEC. Threats resulting from these activities in the nominated ACEC are similar to those 

described for the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC. 

A-219 August 2010 
 

Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

The majority of the nominated ACEC is also within the Bruneau River-Sheep Creek and Jarbidge River 

WSAs; these areas would also be managed according to the IMP. However, if the WSAs were to be 

released to multiple-use management by Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

The segments of the Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers within the nominated ACEC have been recommended 

suitable for designation as WSRs. ORVs for these segments include cultural, fish, geological, 

recreational, scenic, vegetation, and wildlife values. Interim management of these segments requires that 

they be managed to maintain or enhance their ORVs. However, the Wild and Scenic corridor only 

extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any 

protection for these values in the higher elevations of the canyon or the adjacent upland plateaus. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The cultural and scenic values, fish and wildlife resources (bighorn sheep and redband trout), and natural 

systems or processes (special status plants and riparian systems) of the ACEC would be protected 

through the following allocations and management actions16: 

 All actions within the portions of the ACEC that are also within WSAs must be consistent with the IMP 

and with allocations and management actions made for WSAs. 

	 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible, eradication. Use of 

domestic sheep or goats to reduce noxious weeds would not be allowed within the ACEC to eliminate 

potential contact with bighorn. 

 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

 Manage the ACEC as VRM Class I 

 Placing salt or other supplements within the ACEC would be prohibited to reduce livestock use of 

bighorn habitat and protect winter range. 

	 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. Protective measures may include, but not be limited to, implementing a permit system for the 

Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers in coordination with the Bruneau FO, requiring the use of certified 

weed-free forage and straw, and designating camping areas outside the ACEC. 

	 SRPs within the ACEC would be considered on a case-by-case basis with mitigation for negative 

impacts to relevant and important values. 

	 Motorized vehicle use within the ACEC would be limited to designated routes. To avoid disturbing 

bighorn sheep during wintering and lambing periods or to protect other relevant and important values, 

seasonal closures of specific designated routes may be considered during the CTTMP. 

	 Some designated routes within and adjoining the ACEC, including the road to Indian Hot Springs, 

could be improved to reduce resource damage due to road braiding, improve public safety, and 

facilitate visitor traffic. 

 The ACEC would be a ROW avoidance area; no overhead authorizations would be allowed. 

 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1; where practical, acquire private inholdings. 

The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the ACEC boundary. 

 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development. 

 Recommend lands within the ACEC for withdrawal from mining laws for locatable exploration and 

development. 

16 Under the No Action Alternative, the existing ACEC boundary would be retained, and the ACEC would be managed 

as described in the Areas of Critical Environmental Concern section of Chapter 2. 

August 2010	 A-220 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Inside Desert ACEC 

Two boundaries were nominated for the Inside Desert ACEC. The area encompassed by the larger 

boundary is presented first, followed by the area encompassed by the smaller boundary. 

Large Boundary 

Nominated ACEC: Inside Desert ACEC (large) 

Nominated by: The Inside Desert ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM 

Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b.; the 

Idaho CDC suggested BLM consider special management for slickspot 

peppergrass. 

An ACEC for the slickspot peppergrass metapopulation within the Jarbidge FO 

was nominated by WWP, although no specific boundary was identified. The large 

boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC encompasses the vast majority 

of the slickspot peppergrass metapopulation within the planning area. 

Location:	 The nominated ACEC would encompass 73,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The nominated ACEC would be located between Clover Creek and the Jarbidge 

River and from Clover Butte south to approximately Poison Butte. The nominated 

ACEC would be adjacent to the Juniper Butte Range. The nominated ACEC 

boundary encompasses 99% of the acres supporting slickspot peppergrass 

populations on BLM-managed lands in the Jarbidge FO; the boundary was drawn 

along existing pasture fences to make the nominated ACEC manageable. 

The nominated ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

84 

93 0 5 

Miles Idaho 

Nevada 

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. 

A-221 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

Historic resources within the nominated ACEC are primarily related to the early livestock industry and 

include sheep camps, cairns, and fences. No significant historic sites are known within the area. No 

Cultural Value 

The area is characterized by a low to moderate density of archaeological sites including sites that are of 

traditional cultural importance to the tribes and some that have important scientific value. Yes 

Scenic Value 

The Jarbidge Mountains are visible to the south and provide some scenic value. Scenic values are not 

outstanding. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The area contains habitat for a several special status species, including Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and 

NV), ferruginous hawk (Type 3), greater sage-grouse (Type 2), loggerhead shrike (Type 3 and NV), sage 

sparrow (Type 3), kit fox (Type 4), and pygmy rabbit (Type 2). The area contains habitat for antelope 

and mule deer. Wildland fires have reduced and fragmented the habitat to a large degree. The majority of 

the areas burned in the 1980s and 1990s were seeded to crested wheatgrass as part of fire rehabilitation. 

No fish habitat or riparian zones are present within the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: Slickspot peppergrass is a rare, annual or biennial forb endemic to sagebrush 

steppe in southwestern Idaho (Moseley, 1994). Slickspot peppergrass is a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species 

that is Proposed for listing as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The nominated 

ACEC contains high quality habitat for slickspot peppergrass, which is characterized by intact sagebrush 

steppe, low abundance of non-native species, and low levels of human-caused disturbances (Colket, 

2006; FWS, 2003; Moseley, 1994). 

Yes 

Other special status plants: Earth lichen is a Type 4 BLM Sensitive plant that also occurs in slickspots in 

the nominated ACEC. Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No known hazards. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

Although important, the cultural resources here are generally dispersed and similar to those of the 

surrounding area in terms of age and function. No 

Scenic Value 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The presence of kit fox is of local importance. Kit fox are considered uncommon in Idaho; southern 

Idaho is at the northern extent of its range. Habitat conversion and fragmentation have reduced the value 

of the area for sage-grouse, pygmy rabbit, loggerhead shrike, Brewer’s sparrow, and sage sparrow. 

No 

August 2010 A-222 
 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: (Factors met: 2, 3) Slickspot peppergrass is a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species that 

is Proposed for listing as Endangered under the ESA. The population of slickspot peppergrass in the 

nominated ACEC is the most genetically diverse of the known slickspot peppergrass populations. The 

nominated ACEC contains 99% of the acres supporting slickspot peppergrass populations on BLMmanaged lands in the planning area. 

Slickspot peppergrass is one of the few flowering plant species with two life cycle types: annual and 

biennial. Slickspot peppergrass is highly specific to slickspots that developed on remnant Pleistocene 

surfaces (Fisher, Eslick, & Seyfried, 1996). Slickspots, also known as mini-playas or natric sites, are 

small soil inclusions with a silt loam surface crust, a restrictive hardpan, and a subsurface clay layer 

(argillic horizon) (Fisher, et al., 1996; Lewis & White, 1964; Sandoval, Fosberg, & Lewis, 1959). Soils 

in slickspots tend to be more alkaline or saline than the adjacent uplands. Slickspots can range in size 

from a square foot to interlinked complexes over 900 square feet. Slickspots are associated with shrub 

interspaces in sagebrush steppe and are visually distinct, due to their high reflectance and sparsely 

vegetated surface (Fisher, et al., 1996). 

Physical disturbance of slickspots when they are wet can disrupt underlying soil structure essential for 

slickspot peppergrass recruitment (Meyer, Quinney, & Weaver, 2006). Disturbances include livestock 

hoof prints, drill seeding, fire-fighting activities (e.g., fire lines), and cross-country motorized vehicle 

tracks (Meyer, Quinney, & Weaver, 2005; Meyer, et al., 2006). Repeated and severe penetrating 

disturbances, especially during saturated soil conditions during the spring, may be precursors to slickspot 

invasion by non-native species (e.g., bur buttercup, clasping-leaf pepperweed), further reducing slickspot 

integrity (FWS, 2003). Degradation of slickspot peppergrass habitat has been attributed to large, 

uncharacteristic wildland fires; conversion of sagebrush steppe to non-native annual grasslands; historic 

over-grazing by livestock; and historic rangeland rehabilitation practices (e.g., drill seeding) (Colket, 

2005; FWS, 2003; Lesica & DeLuca, 1996; Moseley, 1994; Noss, LaRoe, & Scott, 1995; Peters & 

Bunting, 1994; Whisenant, 1990). Habitat loss and degradation, fragmentation, and population isolation 

may correspondingly result in the loss of genetic fitness (Moseley, 1994; Reed & Frankham, 2003). 

Many slickspot peppergrass element occurrences (EOs) occur in fragmented sagebrush steppe or nonnative annual grasslands and are highly susceptible to reduced genetic diversity and gene flow (I. 

Robertson, 2004; I. C. Robertson & Klemash, 2003). An EO is a specific geographic location where “a 

species or natural community is, or was, present” (NatureServe, 2002). 

Yes 

Other special status plants: Earth lichen is a Type 4 BLM Sensitive plant species. Earth lichen in the 

nominated ACEC is not more than locally important. No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Inside Desert ACEC for designation as an ACEC 

(under Alternative IV-A) is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for natural systems or processes 

(slickspot peppergrass). 

Threats to the slickspot peppergrass within the nominated ACEC include wildland fire, noxious weeds and 

invasive plants, and livestock grazing. Any other activities that result in surface disturbance are also a 

potential threat to slickspot peppergrass. 

Wildland fires are a threat to slickspot peppergrass, through the effects of the fire itself as well as the 

effects of wildland fire suppression activities. Wildland fires and subsequent rehabilitation also has altered 

habitat in the majority of slickspot peppergrass habitat in the planning area. Drill seeding following fires 

from the 1980s through the 1990s converted large portions of slickspot habitat to non-native perennial 

communities. Soil erosion and deposition following wildland fires as well as the construction of fire lines in 

slickspot habitat are also threats to slickspot peppergrass. 

A-223 August 2010 
 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Noxious weeds and invasive plants are also a threat to habitat for slickspot peppergrass within the ACEC. 

Livestock grazing also can be a threat to slickspot peppergrass within the nominated ACEC. Livestock 

grazing in slickspot peppergrass habitat can result in trampling of slickspots and plants when the soils are 

moist. In some instances, range infrastructure can present a threat to slickspot peppergrass through 

increased trampling around water sources and trailing along fences; these actions can also result in the 

spread of invasive plants, further impacting the species. In other cases, properly located fences could 

help protect concentrations of slickspots from the impacts of livestock grazing. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The natural systems or processes (slickspot peppergrass) of the ACEC would be protected through the 

following allocations and management actions: 

 Restore slickspot peppergrass habitat by planting native shrubs, grasses, and forbs to improve 

ecological function and increase pollinators. 

 Seed only native species, with emphasis on plants with similar pollinators. 

 Where practical, vegetation treatments, including drill seeding, would avoid concentrations of 

slickspots. 

 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible, eradication. 

 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

 Staging areas for fire suppression and rehabilitation activities would be located outside the ACEC. 

 Manage the ACEC as VRM Class III. 

 The ACEC would not be available for livestock grazing. 

 Remove troughs, fences, or other infrastructure within the ACEC. 

 Camping would not be allowed within the ACEC. 

 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1; where practical, acquire private and/or 

State inholdings. The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the 

ACEC boundary. 

 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development. 

Small Boundary 

Nominated ACEC: Inside Desert ACEC (small) 

Nominated by: The Inside Desert ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM 

Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b.; the 

Idaho CDC suggested BLM consider special management for slickspot 

peppergrass. 

Location: The nominated ACEC would encompass 41,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The nominated ACEC would be located from Clover Butte south to approximately 

Middle Butte in several pastures near the Juniper Butte Range. The nominated 

ACEC boundary encompasses 68% of the acres supporting slickspot 

peppergrass on BLM-managed lands within the Jarbidge FO. 

The nominated ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

August 2010 A-224 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

84 

93 0 5 

Miles Idaho 

Nevada 

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. 

The analysis documented below focused on differences between the small boundary and the large 

boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC (see the Large Boundary section). 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The historic values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those documented 

for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. No 

Cultural Value 

The cultural values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those documented 

for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. Yes 

Scenic Value 

The scenic values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those documented 

for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The fish and wildlife values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: The slickspot peppergrass values within the small boundary of the nominated 

ACEC are the same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC; 

however, the small boundary would encompass only 68% of the acres supporting slickspot peppergrass 

in the planning area. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The other special status plant values within the small boundary of the 

nominated ACEC are the same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside 

Desert ACEC. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

The natural hazards within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. No 

A-225 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

The importance of the cultural values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as 

that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. No 

Scenic Value 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The importance of the fish and wildlife values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the 

same as that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. No 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: (Factors met: 2, 3) The importance of the slickspot peppergrass values within the 

small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the 

nominated Inside Desert ACEC. The nominated ACEC contains 68% of the acres supporting slickspot 

peppergrass in the planning area. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: The importance of the other special status plant values within the small 

boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the 

nominated Inside Desert ACEC. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Inside Desert ACEC for designation (under Alternative 

IV-B, the Preferred Alternative) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for natural systems or processes 

(slickspot peppergrass). 

Existing and potential threats to the slickspot peppergrass within the nominated ACEC include wildland 

fire, noxious weeds and invasive plants, and livestock grazing. Any other activities that result in surface 

disturbance are also a potential threat to slickspot peppergrass. These threats are similar to those 

described for the large boundary of the nominated Inside Desert ACEC. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The natural systems or processes (slickspot peppergrass) of the ACEC would be protected through the 

same allocations and management actions as described for the large boundary of the Inside Desert 

ACEC 

August 2010 A-226 
Two boundaries were nominated for the Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. The area encompassed by the larger 

boundary is presented first, followed by the area encompassed by the smaller boundary. 

Large Boundary 

Nominated ACEC: Jarbidge Foothills ACEC (large) 

Nominated by: The Jarbidge Foothills ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM 

Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b.; the 

Idaho CDC suggested BLM consider special management for the concentration 

of special status species in the area. 

Location: The nominated ACEC would encompass 136,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The nominated ACEC would be located in the southern 1/3 of the planning area. 

The boundary would run from the canyon of the East Fork of the Jarbidge River 

to Salmon Falls Creek and from Three Creek Highway to the southern boundary 

of the Jarbidge FO. 

The nominated ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Murphy

Hot

Springs

T47N, R63E

Salmon Falls 

Creek Reservoir

Cedar Creek 

Reservoir

Cedar Creek

Clover Creek

EF Jarbidge

T15S, R11E

T14S, R11E

T15S, R14E

T14S, R14E

T15S, R13E T15S, R10E

T14S, R12E

T15S, R12E

T14S, R10E

T47N, R61E

T47N, R60E

T15S, R09E

T16S, R11E

T16S, R10E

T14S, R09E

T16S, R12E T16S, R13E T16S, R14E

T47N, R58E

T47N, R64E

T13S, R10E T13S, R11E T13S, R09E T13S, R12E T13S, R13E T13S, R14E T13S, R15E

Three Creek

84

93

0 5

Miles

Idaho

Nevada

Idaho

Nevada

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary NTo4 w7Nar,r Ran62Ety 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 Tgua 46Nra, Rnt64E eed.

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

A-227 August 2010 

Jarbidge Foothills ACEC 
 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The Toana Freight Road, a freight and stage route that serviced Idaho mining communities between 1870 

and 1883, runs through the eastern portion of the nominated ACEC. Based on its importance in the early 

settlement and development of Idaho Territory, the Toana Freight Road was recently listed on the 

National Register of Historic Places. 

Yes 

Cultural Value 

The Jarbidge Foothills area was used extensively by Native Americans for thousands of years. For the 

tribes, many of the sites created by this use serve as important links to ancestral lifeways and play a 

critical role in maintaining traditional tribal culture. In addition, many of the sites contain important 

archaeological information concerning human adaptation to the semi-arid environment of southern Idaho 

over time. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

The area contains a variety of scenic landscapes including deep, rugged canyons; uplifted cliffs; and a 

variety of plant communities. The area has a few large springs along Cedar Creek producing large 

volumes of water at their source. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: The area contains 13 of the 24 streams occupied by redband trout, a Type 2 BLM 

Sensitive species, within the planning area. Yes 

Columbia spotted frog (spotted frog): The nominated ACEC would contain all known occupied habitat 

for spotted frog (a Candidate and Type 1 and NV BLM Sensitive species) within the planning area. Yes 

Greater sage-grouse (sage-grouse): Browns Bench/Monument Springs is a regionally important 

stronghold area for sage-grouse, a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species. Sage-grouse from this area connect 

sage-grouse in the Shoshone Basin to the east with sage-grouse in northern Nevada and further west in 

Idaho. Sage-grouse habitat in this area has remained relatively intact and has generally not been 

fragmented by wildland fire. The changes in elevation and plant communities provide quality late-brood 

habitat for sage-grouse. Both resident and migratory sage-grouse are present in the area. The large 

boundary of the nominated ACEC would contain 90,000 acres of key sage-grouse habitat. At least 14 

active sage-grouse leks, associated satellite leks, and sage-grouse nesting habitat are present within the 

large boundary of the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Big game: The nominated ACEC has winter and summer habitat for a resident population of mule deer, 

pronghorn, and elk. These numbers are naturally augmented by mule deer, pronghorn, and elk that move 

to the area in the winter from Nevada. About 1/3 of the mule deer present in the planning area winter in 

the nominated ACEC area. 

Yes 

Other wildlife: The nominated ACEC contains the majority of occupied Columbian sharp-tailed grouse 

(sharp-tailed grouse) winter and nesting habitat. Sharp-tailed grouse are a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species 

and were re-introduced into the area by IDFG as part of a multi-state effort (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and 

Washington). Transplant efforts have been successful and to date have helped to prevent listing of this 

grouse subspecies. 

The area contains some occupied habitat for pygmy rabbit (Type 2) and historic habitat for mountain 

quail (Type 3). 

At higher elevations, the area contains limited aspen habitat for Lewis woodpecker (Type 3), northern 

goshawk (Type 3 and NV), Virginia warbler, and willow flycatcher (Type 3). Ferruginous hawk (Type 3) 

nesting has been documented in some scattered junipers in lower elevations. Prairie falcons (Type 4) and 

other raptors are known to nest in a number of canyons including Cedar, Flat, House, Pole, and Salmon 

Falls Creeks, as well as the cliffs associated with Browns Bench. 

Waterfowl nest in the oxbows associated with the low gradient portion of Salmon Falls Creek, and 

beaver ponds are present in some of the perennial streams. Because of the diversity of habitats, a variety 

of nesting birds are present, including the following: 

 riparian zones – spotted sandpiper, yellow-breasted chat, yellow warbler, and willow flycatcher 

(Type 3); 

Yes 

August 2010 A-228 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

 aspen – house wren, mountain bluebird, mountain chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, red-naped 

sapsucker, tree swallow, and yellow-rumped warbler; 

 mountain shrub – Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), chipping sparrow, and green-tailed towhee; 

 mountain mahogany – orange-crowned warbler, spotted towhee, and Virginia warbler; 

 mountain big sagebrush – Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), sage-grouse (Type 2), sage sparrow 

(Type 3), and vesper sparrow; 

 Wyoming big sagebrush – Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), loggerhead shrike (Type 3 and NV), 

sage-grouse (Type 2), sage sparrow (Type 3), and vesper sparrow; and 

 cliffs – golden eagle and white-throated swift. 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: A few areas within the nominated ACEC contain plant species classified as BLM 

Sensitive species, including broadleaf fleabane (Type NV), four-wing milkvetch (Type 3), Newberry’s 

milkvetch (Type 4), Simpson’s hedgehog cactus (Type 4), and two-headed onion (Type 3). 

Yes 

Upland vegetation: Some of the late seral range sites in the planning area occur within the nominated 

ACEC. Plant communities in the nominated ACEC include aspen woodlands, mountain mahogany 

woodlands, high elevation low sagebrush, black sagebrush, mountain shrub, mountain big sagebrush, 

riparian zones, and salt desert shrub. 

Yes 

Riparian systems: Numerous streams within the nominated ACEC have irrigation diversions; however, a 

number of other streams are free flowing through the nominated ACEC. Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards identified. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

The Toana Freight Road on Browns Bench is the most significant historic resource within the nominated 

ACEC, but only a small portion of the historic road is included in the area under consideration. No 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1) Regionally significant cultural resources are located throughout the nominated ACEC 

area. The physical integrity and cultural values attached to many of these sites are threatened by 

increasing levels of use and development. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

Scenic values are not of more than local significance. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: (Factors met: 1, 2) Redband trout are Type 2 BLM Sensitive species occurring in the 

perennial streams in the Jarbidge Foothills. Portions of 13 of 24 streams occupied by redband trout in the 

planning area are present in the nominated ACEC. Redband trout in the Jarbidge Foothills exist in 

isolated populations or “strongholds” that are unable to migrate to adjacent suitable habitats when 

threatened by low streamflow conditions or other environmental disturbance such as wildland fire. 

Several of the streams within the nominated ACEC [Deadwood, Deer (ID), Cedar, Flat, Deadman] lack 

or have limited connectivity with other streams. Due to the lack of connectivity between the redband 

trout occupied streams, these fish are vulnerable to population declines. Recent studies of redband trout 

populations in drainages similar to those found in the Jarbidge Foothills suggest that redband trout are 

declining in their lower elevation habitats (Zoellick, Allen, & Flatter, 2005). This indicates the 

Yes 

A-229 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

importance of retaining or restoring connectivity between redband trout populations in desert basins such 

as those that occur in the Jarbidge Foothills. 

Columbia spotted frog: (Factors met: 2, 3) Spotted frog populations are part of a larger, but fragmented, 

population of spotted frogs in northern Nevada. The Great Basin population of spotted frog is of national 

significance. Great Basin Columbia spotted frog populations continue to decline in portions of Nevada. 

The species was originally categorized as a Candidate-9, but has been elevated to Candidate-3 by the 

Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Spotted frogs are presently found only on less than 1,000 acres in two 

areas of Shack and Rocky Canyon Creeks. Potentially suitable habitat occurs in several other drainages 

(House, China, Cedar, and Flat Creeks) within the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Greater sage-grouse: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Sage-grouse are declining range wide. Declines in sagegrouse numbers in southern Idaho and northern Nevada are linked to habitat alteration and fragmentation 

due to the conversion of sagebrush steppe habitat to agricultural and suburban development, as well as 

several large wildland fires and subsequent conversion to non-native grassland. Sage-grouse in this area 

are of regional importance. The nominated ACEC contains important wintering and breeding habitat and 

maintains the connectivity between sage-grouse populations in Nevada and the Shoshone Basin. Radiocollared sage-grouse movements from leks in the Browns Bench area have been documented moving in 

excess of 10 miles. Radio-collared sage-grouse in the Shoshone Basin have been documented to winter 

in the Browns Bench/Monument Springs/China Mountain areas. Both resident and migratory sagegrouse are present. The higher elevations support a large number of wintering sage-grouse as well as 

provide important late season sage-grouse brood habitat. 

Yes 

Big game: The nominated ACEC area provides fawning and calving areas for resident mule deer, 

pronghorn, and elk, although not of more than local significance. The majority of pronghorn and elk 

wintering in the area are from Nevada. The nominated ACEC contains most of big game winter range 

within the planning area. 

No 

Other wildlife: Mountain shrub and aspen habitats provide sharp-tailed grouse winter habitat. Sharptailed grouse (Type 3) in the area provide connectivity to a population of sharp-tailed grouse in the 

Shoshone Basin. At least one sharp-tailed grouse lek has been documented within the nominated ACEC, 

and sharp-tailed grouse are known to nest immediately adjacent to the nominated ACEC. At this time, 

sharp-tailed grouse population in the area is not more than locally significant. 

Mountain quail (Type 3) were historically present within the nominated ACEC. IDFG and BLM records 

suggest that mountain quail have likely been extirpated from the area. Historical records indicate that 

mountain quail were occasionally harvested in the 1960s and 1970s from this general area. There have 

been no mountain quail documented within the nominated ACEC in the last 20 years. No 

Ferruginous hawk (Type 3), Lewis woodpecker (Type 3), northern goshawk (Type 3 and NV), Virginia 

warbler, and pygmy rabbit (Type 2) numbers within the nominated ACEC are low, and habitat is 

generally limited for these species. They are not of more than local importance. 

Although the vegetation communities support a high diversity of birds, these are not of more than local 

interest. Other areas with similar diversity include the City of Rocks, Rock Creek Canyon, and the South 

Hills to the east of the planning area. 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: Special status plants occur in the area, but are not of more than local significance. No 

Upland vegetation: (Factors met: 2) The nominated ACEC contains one of the last large, contiguous 

blocks of high-quality sagebrush steppe habitat in the planning area. Although there are other blocks of 

similar size and quality within the region, the habitat within the nominated ACEC is important for 

maintaining connectivity between other regional blocks of habitat. The area has a moderate amount of a 

natural variety of habitats in close proximity including several types of riparian zones, low sagebrush 

communities, black sagebrush communities, mountain big sagebrush, mountain shrub, mountain 

mahogany savannah, and aspen. Depending on slope, soils can be quite erosive. Numerous roads, jeep 

trails, and fences cross the nominated ACEC. The 2007 Murphy Complex Fires burned 18,000 acres of 

the nominated ACEC. However, the nominated ACEC is unique within the planning area in that 78% of 

the nominated ACEC area has not burned within the last 20 years (107,000 acres). 

Yes 

August 2010 A-230 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Riparian systems: The riparian systems in the area have altered streamflows and are not more than 

locally significant. No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC for designation (under 

Alternative IV-A) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural values, fish and wildlife 

resources (redband trout, Columbia spotted frog, and sage-grouse), and natural systems or processes 

(upland vegetation). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC include 

wildland fire, alterations of riparian systems, and surface-disturbing activities. These threats all contribute 

to the alteration and fragmentation of upland and riparian habitats. 

Wildland fire is the primary threat to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC. Since 

the 1970s, wildland fires have reduced the amount of sagebrush habitat present in the planning area by 

roughly two-thirds. Throughout the West as well as locally, habitat conversion and fragmentation in part 

due to wildland fire have contributed to declining sage-grouse numbers and the loss of leks. Within the 

nominated ACEC, over 17,000 acres of sage-grouse habitat burned in the 2007 Murphy Complex Fires, 

reducing the value of sage-grouse habitat in some areas, and previous wildland fires have affected 

several thousand additional acres. However, the majority of the nominated ACEC has not burned in the 

last 20 years; large wildland fires within these areas may reduce habitat quality for sage-grouse as well as 

contribute to fragmentation of a relatively contiguous area of intact sagebrush steppe. 

Alterations of riparian systems primarily are a threat to redband trout and spotted frog. Dams and 

diversions of streams to irrigate private land have resulted in the dewatering of portions of some streams, 

contributing to the fragmentation of redband trout habitat. This has reduced ability of redband trout to 

move between streams. Threats to spotted frog include loss of habitat due to down cutting of streams, 

lowered water table, habitat fragmentation, and sediment from roads on steep gradients. 

Several uses are potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC. 

Generally, surface-disturbing activities that remove vegetation or create corridors for the introduction and 

spread of noxious weeds and invasive species would negatively affect the relevant and important values; 

these disturbances include livestock grazing infrastructure and transportation and travel routes. The 

physical integrity and the cultural values attached to many archaeological sites are threatened by 

increasing levels of use and development as well, particularly increasing levels of cross-country motorized 

vehicle use. 

River segments within the nominated ACEC that have been inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the 

NWSRS include Rocky Canyon Creek and Salmon Falls Creek south of Salmon Falls Reservoir. ORVs 

for Rocky Canyon Creek include wildlife values, while ORVs for the Salmon Falls Creek segment include 

recreational values. Interim management of these segments requires that they be managed to maintain or 

enhance their ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on 

each side of the river, which does not provide any protection for these values outside this corridor. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The cultural values, fish and wildlife resources (redband trout, spotted frog, and sage-grouse), and natural 

systems or processes (upland vegetation) of the ACEC would be protected through the following 

allocations and management actions: 

 Improving, expanding, connecting, and restoring native plant communities would be a high priority 

within the ACEC. 

A-231 August 2010 
Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

	 Restore mountain shrub habitat for sage-grouse. 

	 Restore habitat for spotted frogs in Rocky Canyon, Timber Canyon, Shack, and Bear Creeks. 

	 Restore redband trout habitat and reduce habitat fragmentation in redband trout occupied 

watersheds. 

	 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible, eradication. 

	 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

	 Manage the majority of the ACEC as VRM Class III, where not otherwise designated as VRM Class I 

or II (see the Visual Resources section of Chapter 2). 

	 Livestock seasons of use or stocking rates would be adjusted within the ACEC to minimize conflicts 

with redband trout, sage-grouse wintering, breeding, and nesting periods (see Appendix H); and 

restoration projects. 

	 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. Protective measures may include but not be limited to designating camping areas within the 

ACEC; requiring the use of certified weed-free forage and straw; and installing protective barriers to 

protect relevant and important values. 

	 Routes would be designated through the CTTMP to increase core habitat size for sage-grouse. 

	 BLM-managed lands within the ACEC can be exchanged for non-BLM-managed lands, consistent 

with the Land Tenure section of Chapter 2; where practical, acquire private and/or State inholdings. 

The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the ACEC boundary. 

	 The ACEC would be available for salable mineral development; where practical, use existing mineral 

pits and minimize new salable mineral developments within ACEC. Seasonal closures that restrict 

use or activities at the pits during important seasonal periods for fish and wildlife may be included 

when existing salable mineral permits are reauthorized and in new permits. 

Small Boundary 

Nominated ACEC: Jarbidge Foothills ACEC (small) 

Nominated by: The Jarbidge Foothills ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM 

Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b.; the 

Idaho CDC suggested BLM consider special management for the concentration 

of special status species in the area. 

Location: The nominated ACEC would encompass 66,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The nominated ACEC would be located in the southeast corner of the planning 

area. The boundary would run from Salmon Falls Creek west to the House Creek 

Allotment, and from Three Creek Highway south to the southern boundary of 

Jarbidge FO. This boundary for the Jarbidge Foothills ACEC would focus 

management on a block of primarily BLM-managed lands and would reduce the 

amount of private land that would be in the ACEC boundary. 

The nominated ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

August 2010	 A-232 
 

T15S, R10E

T14S, R10E

T15S, R09E

T14S, R09E

T 47N, R58E

T13S, R09E T13S, R10E

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

T15S, 

Salmon Falls 

Creek Reservoir 

Cedar Creek 

Reservoir 

Cedar Creek

Clover Creek 

EF Jarbidge 

T15S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T15S, R14E 

T14S, R14E 

T15S, R13E 

T14S, R12E 

T15S, R12E 

T47N, R61E No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land T47N, R62E T47N, R63E T47N, R64E

Management. The accuracy, reliability, or 

completeness of these data for individual use 

r aggregate use with other data is not gua T46NranR

te64Eed. 

T16S, R11E T16S, R10E T16S, R12E T16S, R13E T16S, R14E 

T16S, R09E 

T13S, R11E T13S, R12E T13S, R13E T13S, R14E T13S, R15E 84 

93 

0 5 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

o

The analysis documented below focused on differences between the small boundary and the large 

boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC (see the Large Boundary section). 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The historic value within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for 

the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Cultural Value 

The cultural values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those documented 

for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Scenic Value 

The scenic values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those documented 

for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: Redband trout, a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species, are found in Cedar Creek, Salmon Falls 

Creek, and portions of China Creek in the nominated ACEC. Yes 

Columbia spotted frog: Spotted frogs, a Candidate and Type 1 BLM Sensitive species, do not occur 

within the small boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

Greater sage-grouse: The sage-grouse values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the 

same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. However, 

the small boundary of the nominated ACEC would only contain 47,000 acres of key sage-grouse habitat. 

At least 10 active sage-grouse leks, associated satellite leks, and sage-grouse nesting habitat are present 

within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Big game: The big game values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC; however, the small 

boundary of the nominated ACEC would only contain a small portion of winter and summer big game 

habitat. 

Yes 

A-233 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Other wildlife: The other wildlife values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same 

as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC; however, the 

small boundary of the nominated ACEC would contain a smaller portion of habitat for these species. In 

addition, ferruginous hawk and spotted sandpiper have not been observed within the small boundary of 

the nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: The special status plants within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the 

same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Upland vegetation: The upland vegetation values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are 

the same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Riparian systems: The riparian values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as 

those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Natural Hazard 

The natural hazards within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC are the same as those 

documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

The importance of the historic value within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as 

that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1) The importance of the cultural values within the small boundary of the nominated 

ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Yes 

Scenic Value 

The importance of the scenic values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as 

that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: Redband trout only occur in three creeks within the small boundary of the nominated 

ACEC. Redband trout are present in 21 additional streams, several of which allow for movement 

between streams [Bruneau River, East Fork of the Jarbidge River, Jarbidge River above the confluence 

with the East Fork, as well as Deer (NV), Jack, Buck, and Dave Creeks]. Redband trout in Cedar Creek 

are limited to roughly a 7-mile reach with poor connectivity to other redband trout bearing streams. 

Redband trout in China Creek are potentially linked to other tributary streams above Salmon Falls Creek 

Dam (Shoshone, North Fork, Bear, and Shack Creeks). Warm water temperature may limit fish 

movements during the summer. 

No 

Columbia spotted frog: N/A N/A 

Greater sage-grouse: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The importance of the sage-grouse values within the small 

boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the 

nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. However, the nominated ACEC supports the best key sage-grouse 

habitat in the planning area particularly considering the impacts of the 2007 Murphy Complex Fires. 

Yes 

Big game: The importance of the big game values within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC is 

the same as that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

August 2010 A-234 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Other wildlife: The importance of the other wildlife within the small boundary of the nominated ACEC 

is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. No 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: The importance of the special status plants within the small boundary of the 

nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge 

Foothills ACEC. 

No 

Upland vegetation: (Factors met: 2) The importance of the upland vegetation values within the small 

boundary of the nominated ACEC is the same as that documented for the large boundary of the 

nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. However, some of the other large blocks of high-quality sagebrush 

steppe habitat outside small boundary of the nominated ACEC contain substantially greater amounts of 

private land. The 2007 Murphy Complex Fires burned 2,000 acres of the nominated ACEC. However, 

the nominated ACEC is unique within the planning area in that 76% of the nominated ACEC has not 

burned within the last 20 years (58,000 acres). 

Yes 

Riparian systems: The importance of the riparian values within the small boundary of the nominated 

ACEC is the same as those documented for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills 

ACEC. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC for designation (under 

Alternative IV-B, the Preferred Alternative) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural values, wildlife resources 

(sage-grouse), and natural systems or processes (upland vegetation). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC include 

wildland fire and surface-disturbing activities. These threats contribute to the alteration and fragmentation 

of upland habitats and are similar to those described for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge 

Foothills ACEC. 

Wildland fire is the primary threat to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC; this 

threat is similar to that described for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. Within 

the small boundary of the nominated ACEC, over 4,000 acres of sage-grouse habitat burned in the 2007 

Murphy Complex Fires. 

Several uses are potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC; these 

threats are similar to those described for the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC. 

Within the nominated ACEC, Salmon Falls Creek south of Salmon Falls Reservoir has been inventoried 

as eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS for a recreational ORV. Interim management of this segment 

requires that it be managed to maintain or enhance their ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only extends 

0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any protection for 

this value outside this corridor. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The cultural values, wildlife resources (sage-grouse), and natural systems or processes (upland 

vegetation) of the ACEC would be protected through the same allocations and management actions as 

described for the large boundary of the Jarbidge Foothills ACEC, except the management prescribed for 

redband trout and spotted frogs would not apply. 

A-235 August 2010 
 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC 

Nominated by: The Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with 

BLM Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b. 

Location: The nominated ACEC would encompass 1,000 acres of BLM-managed land. The 

nominated ACEC would be located along the lower Bruneau River within the 

northernmost portion of the Bruneau River-Sheep Creek WSA. 

84 

93 0 1 

Miles Idaho 

Nevada 

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. 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Values 

No historic resources are known. No 

Cultural Values 

No significant cultural resources are known. No 

Scenic Values 

No outstanding scenic resources. The view of the Bruneau River and Canyon from within the ACEC is 

impressive, but not of more than local interest. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Bruneau Hot springsnail: The Bruneau hot springsnail was listed as an Endangered species in 1998 

(FWS, 1998) and is a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species. Geothermally influenced seeps and springs in the 

Bruneau River and one of its tributaries (Hot Creek, outside of the planning area) are the only locations 

where this species occurs in the world. In 1992, the geothermal springs along the Bruneau River above 

and below the confluence of Hot Creek, were surveyed for the presence of Bruneau hot springsnail 

(Mladenka, 1992). During this survey, snails were identified in 53 geothermal springs and seeps along 

the east side of the Bruneau River and 65 springs on the west side. The nominated ACEC would protect 

the geothermal springs on the east side of the Bruneau River, which is the entire suitable habitat in the 

Yes 

August 2010 A-236 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

planning area. Approximately one-third of the global population of these snails exists within the 

nominated ACEC. 

Other wildlife: A number of other special status wildlife are present within the nominated ACEC, 

including Great Basin black-collared lizard (Type 3), long-nose snake (Type 3), western groundsnake 

(Type 3), ferruginous hawk (Type 3), prairie falcon (Type 4), spotted bat (Type 3), and Townsend’s bigeared bat (Type 3 and NV). A few mule deer and pronghorn use the area as winter range. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: Numerous BLM Sensitive plant species occur in the area including Packard’s 

cowpie buckwheat (Type 3) and spine-node milkvetch (Type 4) – both perennials, and rigid threadbush 

(Type 4), spreading gilia (Type 3), and white-margin waxplant (Type 4) – all annuals. One of six Idaho 

populations of Bruneau river phlox (Type 3 and NV) occurs in the canyon itself; two additional 

populations can be found in Nevada. 

Yes 

Thermal springs and seeps: Thermal springs and seeps are present within the nominated ACEC, 

supporting the Bruneau hot springsnail. Since the early 1990s, the water flows at the thermal springs and 

seeps have declined, reducing habitat for this Endangered species. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards are present. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Values 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Values 

N/A N/A 

Scenic Values 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Bruneau Hot springsnail: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Bruneau hot springsnail is endemic to this reach of the 

Bruneau River and is listed as Endangered under ESA and is found only in thermal springs. The entire 

global population occurs in the geothermal seeps and springs along a five-mile reach of the lower 

Bruneau River and a portion of Hot Creek (outside of the planning area). The proposed ACEC would 

cover the east side of the Bruneau River along the five-mile section where the species occurs. Rangewide surveys indicate a 27% decline in the total number of geothermal springs from 211 in 1991 to 155 

in 1998. During this same time period, the number of springs occupied by the snail went from 131 to 89. 

Data are not available for the number of geothermal springs or the number occupied by the snail from 

1999 to present. The snail is very small (0.22 inches) and is unable to move between spring sources if 

conditions within a spring become unsuitable. Groundwater pumping to irrigate farmland has dried up a 

number of springs that previously had this species, and reduced the flows and habitat at several other 

springs (FWS, 2002). 

In addition to changes in the thermal springs, invasion by reed canary grass and hydrilla is impacting the 

habitat of the listed snail. Bruneau Hot springsnail are also vulnerable to introduced predators such as the 

non-native guppies and a species of tilapia that now occurs in a few of the small geothermal springs 

along the Bruneau River and Hot Creek (FWS, 2002). 

Yes 

A-237 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Other wildlife: The Bruneau Canyon in this reach supports a number of special status wildlife, including 

Great Basin black-collared lizard (Type 3), long-nose snake (Type 3), western groundsnake (Type 3), 

ferruginous hawk (Type 3), prairie falcon (Type 4), and spotted bat (Type 3), Townsend’s big-eared bat 

(Type 3 and NV). Long-nose snake, western groundsnake, and Great Basin black-collared lizards are at 

the northern extent of their range in southwestern Idaho, and the Bruneau Canyon is near the eastern 

extent of their range in Idaho. Although these species are at the edge of their range, it is not known if 

they are of more than local significance. Expansion of invasive non-native annuals is a threat to these 

species. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: (Factors met: 1, 2) The amount of spine-node milkvetch (Type 4) is unique within 

Idaho. The Idaho population is isolated from other populations in Utah, northern Arizona, and southern 

Nevada. The Idaho population in the Bruneau Valley has the highest density of spine-node milkvetch in 

the United States. 

Bruneau River phlox is a Type 3 and NV BLM Sensitive plant endemic to the area. All six Idaho 

populations of this species are present in the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons in Idaho; one of these is 

found within the nominated ACEC. Two additional populations can be found in Nevada. Bruneau River 

phlox has a total estimated population of 500 plants. The Idaho populations are relatively stable. The 

only threats are damming the river and annual weed invasion. 

Rigid thread bush (Type 4) is often found within the lower Bruneau Canyon as well as other special 

status plants such as Packard’s cowpie buckwheat (Type 3), spreading gilia (Type 3), and white-margin 

waxplant (Type 4). This high concentration of special status plants is unique; this assemblage of species 

does not occur elsewhere in Idaho. 

Yes 

Thermal springs and seeps: (Factors met: 1, 2) The geothermal springs along the Bruneau River and in 

Hot Creek are the only habitats where the Bruneau Hot springsnail can be found in the world. This 

species has evolved to occupy these unique spring habitats and is sensitive to actions that affect the 

surface flows from the springs, the temperature of the spring, or the substrates within the springs. The 

snail is very small (0.22 inches) and is unable to move between spring sources if conditions within a 

spring become unsuitable. Land management actions that affect the springs, even if only temporarily, 

could result in a direct loss of a population of snails within a spring or series of springs. The spring 

sources that would be protected by the proposed ACEC are essential to the persistence of the Bruneau 

Hot springsnail in the long-term. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC for designation [under 

Alternatives I, IV (the Preferred Alternative), and V] as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for fish resources (Bruneau Hot 

springsnail) and natural processes or systems (special status plants). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC include 

noxious weeds and invasive plants, mineral exploration and development, cross-country motorized 

vehicle use, and livestock grazing. 

Noxious weeds and invasive plants are affecting both the special status plants as well as the Bruneau hot 

springsnail within the nominated ACEC. A quarter of the nominated ACEC has been burned, contributing 

to the expansion of cheatgrass and posing a long-term threat to native annuals in large part due to 

competition. The continued expansion of reed canary grass and now the noxious weed hydrilla is 

impairing habitat for the Bruneau hot springsnail. Both of these invasive plants reduce the amount of open 

water and inhibit the growth of diatoms and other periphyton on which the snails feed. 

Mineral exploration and development is a potential threat to the relevant and important values within the 

nominated ACEC. Salable mineral development has the potential to threaten the special status plant 

August 2010 A-238 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

assemblage through removal of habitat for these species. Of greater concern for the Bruneau hot 

springsnail would be exploration and development for geothermal energy, as the continuing decline in the 

aquifer is the primary concern for the continued existence of the Bruneau hot springsnail. 

Cross-country motorized vehicle use is a threat to the special status plants within the nominated ACEC. 

Based upon field visits to the area within the nominated ACEC in 2006, cross-country motorized vehicle 

use is degrading habitat in areas with special status plants. In addition to direct damage to plants and 

their habitat, this activity increases soil erosion and the spread of non-native invasive plants. 

Livestock grazing is a threat to the special status plants within the nominated ACEC. Livestock grazing 

and its associated infrastructure may directly damage special status plants and their habitat and can also 

contribute to the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants. 

The nominated ACEC is included in the Bruneau River-Sheep Creek WSA. The area within the 

nominated ACEC would also be managed according to the IMP. However, if the WSA were to be 

released to multiple-use management by Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

The segment of the Bruneau River within the nominated ACEC has been recommended suitable for 

designation as a WSR. ORVs for this segment include cultural, fish, geological, recreational, scenic, 

vegetation, and wildlife values. Interim management of this segment requires that it be managed to 

maintain or enhance its ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high water 

mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any protection for these values in the higher 

elevations of the canyon or the adjacent upland plateaus. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The fish resources (Bruneau hot springsnail) and natural processes or systems (special status plants) of 

the ACEC would be protected through the following allocations and management actions: 

Under Alternatives I, IV (the Preferred Alternative), and V: 

 All actions within the ACEC must be consistent with the IMP and with allocations and management 

actions made for WSAs, unless the WSA is released by Congress. 

 Restore native upland and riparian plant communities within the ACEC to improve habitat for special 

status species. 

 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible, eradication. 

 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

 The ACEC’s VRM Class would follow WSA guidelines. In the event the WSA is released, manage the 

ACEC as VRM Class III. 

 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1. 

 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development. 

Under Alternative I and IV (the Preferred Alternative ) only, specific to livestock grazing management: 

	 The ACEC would be available for livestock grazing and new infrastructure as long as they are 

compatible with recovery of the area, including protecting seed production of special status plants and 

reducing impacts to their pollinators. 

Under Alternative V only, specific to livestock grazing management: 

 The ACEC would not be available for livestock grazing. 

A-239 August 2010 
Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Middle Snake ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Middle Snake ACEC 

Nominated by: The Middle Snake ACEC was nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM 

Manual 1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.2.b.; the 

Idaho CDC suggested BLM consider special management for the special status 

plants in the area. 

Location: The nominated ACEC would encompass 7,000 acres of BLM-managed lands; 

these lands are separated in several areas by blocks of private land. The 

nominated ACEC would be located from an area southeast of King Hill to the 

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The nominated ACEC would extend 

from the Jarbidge FO boundary in the Snake River to the canyon rim or to 

existing fences on the adjacent uplands. 

84 

93 

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. 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife Yes or 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? No 

Historic Value 

Although historic sites are present, none possess national or regional significance. No 

Cultural Value 

Several archaeological sites that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are located 

within the nominated ACEC. In addition to their scientific value, these sites are of traditional cultural Yes 

importance to the tribes. 

Scenic Value 

The breaks from the upland plateau down to the floodplain offer some topographic relief of scenic value; 

scenic values can be seen from a major transportatio n route (Interstate 84). A section of the area between 

Lower Salmon Dam and Bliss Bridge contains several large freshwater springs. Rapids in the somewhat Yes 

confined canyon increase the scenic quality in areas. 

0 2 

Miles Idaho 

Nevada 

August 2010	 A-240 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Snake River snails: A portion of the global population of the Snake River physa (Endangered, Type 1 

BLM Sensitive) and the majority of the global population of the Bliss Rapids snail (Threatened, Type 1) 

reside in the Snake River within the nominated ACEC. Both snails are primarily in the eastern portion of 

the nominated ACEC. Other special status mollusks found in the Snake River within the nominated 

ACEC include the California floater (Type 3), Columbia pebblesnail (Type 3), and short-face lanx (Type 

2). This reach of the Snake River also contains a portion of the occupied habitat of the Utah valvata snail 

(Type 1), which is currently listed as Endangered but is being reviewed by the US Fish and Wildlife 

Service for possible delisting. 

Yes 

Shoshone sculpin: Shoshone sculpin are a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species found in approximately two 

dozen springs or streams in the Hagerman Valley area of southern Idaho and are found nowhere else in 

the world (Griffith & Daley, 1984). These small native fish have narrow habitat requirements and are 

essentially restricted to the clear, cold (16o

C year round), well-oxygenated water of freshwater springs. 

Yes 

White sturgeon: About 22 miles of the Snake River flow through the nominated ACEC; however, only 

the portions downstream from the Bliss Dam are free-flowing (Bliss Dam lies roughly at the midpoint). 

White sturgeon, a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species, are present in this free-flowing reach of the Snake 

River. While the habitat is not the best within range for white sturgeon, this segment contains the best 

habitat in the upper Snake River. Because of the free-flowing nature of this reach, sturgeon are able to 

reproduce naturally and do not require hatchery supplementation to sustain the population; this is the 

upper-most reach of the Snake River with a self-sustaining population of sturgeon. 

Yes 

Other wildlife: Tens of thousands of waterfowl winter in this portion of the Snake River including 

mallard, widgeon, ring-neck duck, scaup, American coot, and Canada geese. These waterfowl are 

typically more concentrated along river reaches with slower moving water. Islands in the Snake River are 

occasionally used by white pelicans. Scattered areas along this reach of the Snake River provide habitat 

for wintering bald eagles, which were delisted in 2007. 

The uplands within the nominated ACEC provide nesting habitat for burrowing owl, long-billed curlew, 

golden eagle, and prairie falcon (Type 4 BLM Sensitive). Cliffs within the nominated ACEC provide 

habitat for a variety of bat species, including several that are special status species [spotted bat (Type 3) 

and Townsend’s big-eared bat (Type 3 and NV)]. Western toads, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species, are 

present in several areas within the nominated ACEC boundary. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: Several BLM Sensitive plant species occur within the nominated ACEC, including 

calcareous buckwheat (Type 3), Greeley’s wave-wing (Type 3), Janish penstemon (Type 3), matted 

cowpie buckwheat (Type 3), and Snake River milkvetch (Type 4). A few other plant species (e.g., desert 

dandelion and Torrey’s blazingstar) formerly on the Idaho BLM Sensitive List are also present in the 

nominated ACEC. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

Several scars have been left by old landslides. The most recent large landslide was in 1993 on the north 

bank of the Snake River near Bliss, across the river from the nominated ACEC. That land slide 

temporarily blocked the Snake River. 

Yes 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, Yes, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; No, or 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry N/A 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

A-241 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

The cultural resources within the nominated ACEC are significant but generally not rare or unique for 

the region. No 

Scenic Value 

The scenic values are not unique or of more than local significance. Scenic values are mixed and are not 

outstanding. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Snake River snails: (Factors 1, 2) The nominated ACEC contains a portion of the global population of 

Snake River physa snail (Endangered, Type 1) and the majority of the global population of Bliss Rapids 

snail (Threatened, Type 1). This reach of the Snake River was identified in the Snake River Aquatic 

Species Recovery Plan as the recovery area for these species (FWS, 1995). A number of other special 

status mollusks are found in the Snake River in this area including California floater (Type 3), Columbia 

pebblesnail (Type 3), and short-face lanx (Type 2). According to information in the Idaho 

Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (IDFG, 2005), the majority of the known Idaho 

distribution for these species is within the reach of the Snake River between Hagerman downstream to 

King Hill. 

Yes 

Shoshone sculpin: (Factors 1, 2) Most of the known locations of Shoshone sculpin (Type 2) are outside 

of the nominated ACEC and the planning area, but there is one spring on the south side of the Snake 

River within the nominated ACEC, just upstream of Bliss Bridge, where a moderate-sized population 

was discovered (Griffith & Daley, 1984). The spring source where Shoshone sculpin have been found is 

the only habitat that is suitable to support this native fish in the planning area. 

Yes 

White sturgeon: (Factors 1, 2) The nominated ACEC covers the majority of spawning habitat for white 

sturgeon (Type 2) within the planning area. Because of the free-flowing nature of this reach, sturgeon are 

able to reproduce naturally and do not require hatchery supplementation to sustain the population; this is 

the upper-most reach of Snake River with a self-sustaining population of sturgeon. 

Yes 

Other wildlife: Although bats, nesting golden eagles, and prairie falcons (Type 4) are present, these 

wildlife values are not of more than local importance. The only western toad breeding habitat known in 

the planning area is within the nominated ACEC; however, western toads (Type 3) are generally 

widespread and are more abundant in other locations in Idaho. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

Special status plants: (Factors met: 1, 2) The Snake River breaks in this area contain a mixture of soils. 

Slopes exceed 20% in over 30% of the nominated ACEC, and the wind erosion hazards for the soils are 

generally rated as severe to very severe; water erosion hazards are generally rated medium. The mix of 

old lake bed sediments and volcanic soils provides habitat to a number of uncommon plants including 

several presently categorized as special status species: calcareous buckwheat (Type 3), Greeley’s 

wavewing (Type 3), Janish penstemon (Type 3), matted cowpie buckwheat (Type 3), and Snake River 

milkvetch (Type 4). Torrey’s blazingstar and several other formerly BLM Sensitive plant species are 

present. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

Landslides or slumps do not occur frequently and are not a significant threat to humans. No 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Middle Snake ACEC for designation (under 

Alternatives I and V) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for its fish resources (special status snails, 

Shoshone sculpin, white sturgeon) and natural systems or processes (special status plants). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values of the nominated ACEC include 

noxious weeds and invasive plants, wildland fires, mineral exploration and development, cross-country 

motorized vehicle use and other recreational uses, and livestock grazing. 

Noxious weeds and invasive plants threaten the habitat for the special status plants and animals within 

the nominated ACEC. Many of the upland areas have been invaded by non-native annual species. 

August 2010 A-242 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Noxious weeds (e.g., Russian knapweed, puncture vine, Scotch thistle, Canada thistle, and bull thistle) 

are present and increasing in the nominated ACEC. Purple loosestrife, Russian olive, and tamarisk are 

present and scattered along the Snake River riparian zone. The threat of noxious weeds and invasive 

plants is directly related to the other threats to the nominated ACEC, as they all contribute to the 

introduction and spread of these species. 

Wildland fire threatens the relevant and important values of the nominated ACEC through the fire itself as 

well as activities associated with wildland fire suppression. Wildland fires have negatively impacted some 

of the habitat for Janish penstemon, Greeley’s wave-wing, and ochre-flowered buckwheat. Cow-pie 

buckwheat is known to be intolerant of fire. Following wildland fires, cheatgrass usually dominates the 

burned areas, reduces or prohibits the recovery of these Sensitive plant species, and promotes future 

wildland fires. The lack of vegetation following fire, as well as disturbance areas created by wildland fire 

suppression activities, can lead to increased sedimentation into the Snake River, negatively affecting 

habitat for special status species that reside there. 

Mineral exploration and development has the potential to threaten the relevant and important values 

within the nominated ACEC. Within the nominated ACEC, there is one active mining claim and an active 

gravel pit located adjacent to an area containing Janish penstemon. Habitat adjacent to the gravel pit 

could be affected by expansion of the pit or failure of the side of the pit, as well as by the spread of 

noxious weeds and invasive species associated with activity at the pit. Activities associated with mineral 

exploration and development can also increase sedimentation into the Snake River, negatively affecting 

the special status fish and aquatic invertebrates and their habitat. 

Cross-country motorized vehicle use and other recreational uses threaten the relevant and important 

values of the nominated ACEC. Cross-country motorized vehicle use throughout the nominated ACEC 

has impacted habitat for some of the BLM Sensitive species. Several areas along the Snake River within 

the nominated ACEC also receive a high amount of use by fishermen. Fishermen have created new 

routes to access additional locations and to avoid areas where the main access has been powdered or 

rutted. Water erosion further increases the depth of the ruts created by motorized vehicles; these 

disturbance areas are typically invaded by cheatgrass. Erosion due to cross-country motorized vehicle 

use can also increase sedimentation into the Snake River, negatively affecting the special status fish and 

aquatic invertebrates and their habitat. Cross-country motorized vehicle use and unattended campfires 

increase the chance of wildland fire; both of these activities occur within the nominated ACEC. 

Livestock grazing also presents a threat to the relevant and important values of the nominated ACEC. 

Trailing of livestock in areas rated as severe for soil erosion is a concern affecting Sensitive plant species 

habitat as well as riparian and aquatic resources. Disturbance areas where livestock have concentrated 

have increased soil erosion and promoted the spread of invasive plants and noxious weeds. 

Two segments of the Snake River within the ACEC have been inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the 

NWSRS. ORVs for the Hagerman Reach include fish, geological, historical, recreational, and wildlife 

values; ORVs for the King Hill Reach include fish, geological, recreational, and wildlife values. Interim 

management of these segments requires that they be managed to maintain or enhance their ORVs. 

However, the WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, 

which does not provide any protection for these values outside this corridor. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The fish resources (Snake River snails, Shoshone sculpin, and white sturgeon) and natural systems or
 

processes (special status plants) of the ACEC would be protected through the following allocations and 

management actions:
 

Under Alternatives I and V:
 

 Restore habitat for special status plants within the ACEC. Maintain existing high-quality special status 

plant habitat. 

A-243 August 2010 
Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

	 Where habitat is suitable, transplant or seed special status plants within the ACEC. 

	 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible eradication. Special 

conditions would apply in habitat occupied by special status plant species. 

	 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

	 Mitigate the effects of surface-disturbing activities in the ACEC, such as recreation and transportation. 

	 Implement use restrictions within the Middle Snake ACEC in areas with slopes greater than 20%, or 

in areas where soils are categorized greater than moderate for either wind or water erosion. 

	 Manage the ACEC as VRM Class III. 

	 Livestock trailing through the ACEC would be allowed in the designated trailing corridor, but livestock 

would not be allowed to remain in the ACEC overnight. 

	 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. Protective measures may include, but not be limited to, improving access routes to 

recreational sites along the Snake River, installing barriers to protect relevant and important values, 

and implementing measures to address water quality and public health concerns. 

	 BLM-managed lands within the ACEC can be exchanged for non-BLM-managed lands, consistent 

with the Land Tenure section of Chapter 2, in order to obtain lands with relevant and important values 

or to improve management; where practical, acquire private and State inholdings. The ACEC 

designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the ACEC boundary. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

	 Recommend lands within the ACEC for withdrawal from mining laws for locatable exploration and 

development. 

Under Alternative I only, specific to livestock grazing management and salable mineral development: 

	 The Asquena pasture within the ACEC would be available for livestock grazing; the remainder of the 

ACEC would not be available for livestock grazing. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to new salable mineral development and expansion of existing 

developments. 

Under Alternative V only, specific to livestock grazing management and salable mineral development:
 

 The ACEC would not be available for livestock grazing. 

 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development.
 

August 2010	 A-244 
T11S, R05E T11S, R06E

T12S, R05E T12S, R06E

T10S, R05E T10S, R06E

51

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Sagebrush Sea ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Sagebrush Sea ACEC 

Nominated by: The Sagebrush Sea ACEC was nominated by WWP. 

Location: The Sagebrush Sea ACEC would encompass 958,000 acres of BLM-managed 

land. The nominated ACEC would occupy roughly the southern 2/3 of the 

planning area. It would extend from the Bruneau River on the west to Salmon 

Falls Creek on the east. Its southern boundary would follow the southern 

boundary of the Jarbidge FO. The northern boundary would follow the road that 

runs from Balanced Rock to Crows Nest to Clover Crossing, then follow Clover 

Creek along its east and north canyon rims to Clover Creek’s confluence with the 

Bruneau River. 

The nominated ACEC contains areas within two existing ACECs (Salmon Falls 

Creek and Bruneau-Jarbidge), as well as other nominated ACECs (both 

nominated modifications to the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, the nominated 

extension to the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, and both boundaries for the 

Inside Desert ACEC and the Jarbidge Forks ACEC). The analysis below notes 

whether the relevant and important values within the nominated Sagebrush Sea 

ACEC are also within another existing or nominated ACEC. 

T15S, R12E 

Roseworth 

Murphy 

Hot 

Springs 

Salmon Falls 

Creek Reservoir 

Cedar Creek 

Reservoir 

Bruneau River 

Clover Creek 

Jarbidge River 

Cedar Creek 

EF Jarbidge 

T11S, R11E 

T15S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T11S, R12E T11S, R13E 

T15S, R14E 

T11S, R14E T11S, R10E T11S, R15E 

T14S, R14E 

T15S, R13E 

T12S, R11E 

T13S, R11E 

T15S, R10E 

T14S, R15E 

T13S, R13E 

T14S, R10E T14S, R12E 

T13S, R15E 

T10S, R11E 

T13S, R14E 

T11S, R08E 

T12S, R07E 

T15S, R06E 

T10S, R15E 

T12S, R15E 

T13S, R12E 

T14S, R06E 

T12S, R09E 

T10S, R13E 

T15S, R07E 

T10S, R14E 

T13S, R06E 

T15S, R08E 

T14S, R07E T14S, R08E 

T12S, R08E T12S, R12E 

T10S, R12E 

T13S, R10E 

T10S, R09E T10S, R10E 

T13S, R08E 

T13S, R07E 

T47N, R56E T47N, R57E 

T47N, R60E 

T15S, R09E 

T14S, R09E 

T13S, R09E 

T16S, R11E 

T16S, R10E 

T16S, R12E T16S, R06E T16S, R07E T16S, R08E T16S, R13E T16S, R14E 

Buhl 

Castleford 

Three Creek 

93 

84 

93 

0 10 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarbidge Fiel d Office Boud a ry 

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. 

A-245 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

Historic resources within the nominated ACEC are primarily related to the early livestock industry and 

include sheep camps, cairns, rock corrals, rock fences, and the remnants of failed homesteads. The Toana 

Freight Road, a freight and stage route that serviced Idaho mining communities between 1870 and 1883, 

runs through the eastern portion of the nominated ACEC. Based on its importance in the early settlement 

and development of Idaho Territory, the Toana Freight Road was recently listed on the National Register 

of Historic Places. 

Yes 

Cultural Value 

Due to its size, the area contains numerous archaeological sites. Site density varies by terrain and 

proximity to critical resources. Many sites have traditional cultural relevance to the tribes and are also 

important for their scientific value. The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries 

of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC as well as the existing and two nominated boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which have cultural values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

The area contains a variety of scenic landscapes including deep, rugged canyons, uplifted cliffs, several 

streams with riparian zones, and a variety of plant communities. The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC 

encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which 

have scenic values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Bull trout: The area contains all known occupied habitat for bull trout (Threatened, Type 1) within the 

planning area for both resident and migratory (fluvial) bull trout. The Jarbidge River Distinct Population 

Segment is the southern-most surviving population of bull trout in North America (FWS, 2004), 

occurring in a portion of southern Idaho and northern Nevada, and is isolated from other bull trout 

populations by numerous dams. Within the planning area, this population segment is found in the 

Jarbidge River and its East Fork and Dave and Jack Creeks. Bull trout in this area are unique in their arid 

environmental setting. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the existing and nominated expanded boundaries of 

the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, both of which have bull trout values that meet relevance and importance 

criteria. 

Yes 

Redband trout: The area contains all 24 streams occupied by redband trout (Type 2 BLM Sensitive) 

within the planning area, including the perennial streams in the Jarbidge Foothills and most of the 

perennial streams in the Jarbidge River and Salmon Falls Creek Watersheds. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge 

Foothills ACEC, the existing and two nominated boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, and the 

existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, all of which have redband trout values that meet relevance and 

importance criteria. 

Yes 

Columbia spotted frog: The area contains all known occupied habitat for spotted frog (a Candidate and 

Type 1 and NV BLM Sensitive species) within the planning area. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge 

Foothills ACEC, which has spotted frog values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Greater sage-grouse: The nominated ACEC would contain the vast majority of the active sage-grouse 

leks and their winter and nesting habitat. The nominated ACEC would contain 252,000 acres of key 

sage-grouse habitat, nearly 90% of the key sage-grouse habitat within the planning area. There are 

currently 39 active sage-grouse leks, associated satellite leks, and sage-grouse nesting habitat present 

within the nominated ACEC. Sage-grouse are a Type 2 BLM Sensitive species; both resident and 

migratory sage-grouse are present in the area. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills 

ACEC, both of which have sage-grouse values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

August 2010 A-246 
 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

California bighorn sheep: The nominated ACEC would encompass all habitat used by bighorn sheep, a 

Type 3 BLM Sensitive species; bighorn sheep are concentrated in the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons. 

The bighorn sheep population within the ACEC is estimated to be approximately 200 sheep. The 

Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and the IDFG were instrumental in re-introducing bighorn 

into the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons in the 1980s and early 1990s. The canyonlands provide secure 

lambing habitat. The rivers in the canyon bottoms, as well as occasional seeps from canyon walls, 

provide water. Bighorn sheep forage is available in both the canyons and adjacent uplands. The vast 

majority of bighorn sheep observations are within the canyon and on the upland plateau up to about 1 

mile from the canyon rim. Bighorn sheep typically avoid human disturbance and can be socially 

displaced in the short term from otherwise suitable habitat when livestock are present (Bissonette & 

Steinkamp, 1996). 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which have bighorn sheep values that meet relevance and importance 

criteria. 

Yes 

Other special status wildlife: The nominated ACEC would contain the vast majority of nesting habitat for 

Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), sharp-tailed grouse (Type 3), ferruginous hawk (Type 3), Lewis 

woodpecker (Type 3), loggerhead shrike (Type 3 and NV), mountain quail (Type 3), northern goshawk 

(Type 3 and NV), prairie falcon (Type 4), sage sparrow (Type 3), and willow flycatcher (Type 3). Kit 

fox, a Type 4 BLM Sensitive species, have been sighted in a portion of the nominated ACEC (Rudeen, 

2006). The majority of the habitat for spotted bat (Type 3), Townsend’s big-eared bat (Type 3 and NV), 

and other bat species occurs in various river canyons within the nominated ACEC. The extent of Piute 

(Great Basin) ground squirrel (Type 3) distribution in the area is unknown. The nominated area contains 

all recently documented pygmy rabbit habitat (Type 2). 

Yes 

Other fish and wildlife: The area would encompass 629,000 acres of elk, mule deer, and pronghorn 

winter range, over 95% of the big game winter range within the planning area, as well as the important 

transitional, fawning, calving, and summer range for big game. Some of the elk, mule deer, and 

pronghorn are part of migratory herds that winter in Idaho and move back to Nevada in the late spring 

through fall. 

The Jarbidge River contains a natural diversity of native fish species. Compared to other rivers in the 

region, the proportion of native to non-native species is unusually high, as there are few, if any, nonnative species present. This is a rather unique characteristic for the fish populations in the Jarbidge River 

Watershed. However, stocked rainbow trout are present in Salmon Falls Creek, Cedar Creek, and an 

unnamed tributary, and brook trout, a non-native fish, have been found in Flat and Cedar Creeks. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: The nominated ACEC would cover all known occupied habitat for slickspot 

peppergrass in the planning area. Slickspot peppergrass is a rare, annual or biennial forb endemic to 

sagebrush steppe in southwestern Idaho (Moseley, 1994). Slickspot peppergrass is a Type 1 BLM 

Sensitive species that has been Proposed for listing as Endangered under the ESA. The nominated ACEC 

contains high quality slickspot peppergrass habitat, which is characterized by intact sagebrush steppe, 

low abundance of non-native species, and low levels of human-caused disturbances (Colket, 2006; FWS, 

2003; Moseley, 1994). 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries of the nominated Inside Desert 

ACEC, all of which have slickspot peppergrass values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Davis peppergrass: The nominated ACEC would cover all known occupied habitat Davis peppergrass in 

the planning area. Davis peppergrass, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species, is present in playas within the 

nominated ACEC; the population of Davis peppergrass is declining range wide. Davis peppergrass is a 

fleshy, perennial native mustard (forb) adapted to grow in seasonally flooded areas. The species is 

restricted to a narrow suite of environmental conditions, occurring in playas on volcanic plains where the 

regional vegetation is dominated by big sagebrush and, to a lesser extent, shadscale. Playas are naturally 

flat-bottomed basins where water from the adjacent uplands transports silt, clay, and minerals. Playas 

supporting Davis peppergrass have a hard clay bottom and are inundated with water during springs with 

average or above average precipitation; some water may also collect during summer thunderstorms. 

Playas typically dry out in the summer, becoming hard. Davis peppergrass plants show distinct 

A-247 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

differences in leaf size, shape, and plant phenology between playas. This suggests the species disperses 

poorly, probably not beyond individual playas, and there is minimal pollination between neighboring 

playas (Moseley, 1996). 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the extensions to the existing Bruneau-Jarbidge 

ACEC, which has Davis peppergrass values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Bruneau River phlox: Five of the six Idaho populations of Bruneau River phlox, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive 

species, occur within the nominated ACEC. Bruneau River phlox is found in both the Bruneau and 

Jarbidge Canyons. Two additional populations can be found in Nevada. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which have Bruneau River phlox values that meet relevance and 

importance criteria; the nominated Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC also has Bruneau River phlox values 

that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Other special status plants: A few areas within the nominated ACEC contain other plant species 

classified as BLM Sensitive or Watch species including broadleaf fleabane (Type NV), Cusick’s 

primrose (Type 5), earth lichen (Type 4), four-wing milkvetch (Type 3), Newberry’s milkvetch (Type 4), 

Simpson’s hedgehog cactus (Type 4), and two-headed onion (Type 3). The population of Cusick’s 

primrose within nominated ACEC is in Nevada. While this species is found elsewhere in Idaho and 

Oregon; it is the only population of Cusick’s primrose in the planning area and the only population of 

this species in Nevada. 

Yes 

Upland vegetation: The Unvegetated Vegetation Sub-Group (VSG) covers 44% of the nominated ACEC 

(421,000 acres); the vast majority of this is classified as Recent Burn due to the 2007 Murphy Complex 

Fires (391,000 acres). The Native Shrub VSG comprises 33% of the vegetation within the nominated 

ACEC (318,000 acres). A variety of plant communities within the Native Shrub VSG are represented 

within the nominated ACEC, including communities dominated by various combinations of native 

shrubs and grasses, as well as limited amounts of woodland and mountain brush communities (13,000 

acres). Only 3% of the vegetation within the nominated ACEC is classified within the Native Grass VSG 

(29,000 acres). The Non-Native Perennial VSG comprises 12% of the vegetation within the nominated 

ACEC (117,000 acres), the majority of which is within the crested wheatgrass community (108,000 

acres). The Non-Native Understory VSG comprises another 6% of the vegetation within the nominated 

ACEC (55,000 acres); this VSG is dominated by the Wyoming big sagebrush/crested wheatgrass 

community (46,000 acres). Vegetation communities within the Annual VSG are present on nearly 2% of 

the nominated ACEC (18,000 acres). 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills 

ACEC and the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, all of which have upland vegetation values that meet 

relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Riparian systems: The Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers have not been dammed, allowing natural processes 

to operate in that watershed. However, there are dams on Cedar and Salmon Falls Creeks and smaller 

irrigation diversions on a majority of the smaller creeks within the nominated ACEC that can be a barrier 

to fish movements; these diversions can also lead to dewatering of these streams. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which have riparian values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards. No 

August 2010 A-248 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

Most of the historic resources in the nominated ACEC are similar to resources in the surrounding areas. 

Their significance is primarily local. An exception is the regionally significant Toana Freight Road, 

which occupies only a very small portion of the entire area. 

No 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2) Numerous regionally significant archaeological sites are present but their distribution 

is not uniform. In general, the canyonland and foothill areas of the Sagebrush Sea are most sensitive. The 

nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills 

ACEC as well as the existing and two nominated boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of 

which have cultural values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

Other than the canyons, the scenic values are not more than of local significance. Although scenic values 

are unique in some areas (Bruneau, Jarbidge, and Salmon Falls Creek Canyons), in the majority of the 

area, scenic values are not regionally unique or significant. The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC 

encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which 

have scenic values that meet relevance and importance criteria. 

No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Bull trout: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The Jarbidge River contains the southernmost population of bull trout in 

North America (FWS, 2004). Bull trout are the only fish within the planning area listed as Threatened 

under the ESA and are a Type 1 BLM Sensitive species. Genetic analysis of bull trout in the Columbia 

River Basin indicates Jarbidge River bull trout have a shared evolutionary history with populations in the 

upper Columbia River and Snake River but are genetically separated. For over 100 years, Jarbidge River 

bull trout have been geographically isolated from other populations in the Snake River by more than 150 

miles of unsuitable habitat and several impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake River and lower 

Bruneau River. Bull trout in the Jarbidge River are considered significant because they occupy a unique 

and unusual ecological setting and their loss would result in a substantial modification of the species’ 

range. The bull trout in the Jarbidge River are unique in that a portion of their habitat is in an area 

categorized as semi-arid desert. The nominated ACEC has both spawning and migratory habitat for bull 

trout. Dave Creek is believed to be a crucial spawning area for bull trout within the watershed of the East 

Fork of the Jarbidge River. 

Bull trout also meet relevance and importance criteria in the existing and expanded boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, both of which are encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Yes 

Redband trout: (Factors met: 1, 2) Redband trout are Type 2 BLM Sensitive species occurring in the 

perennial streams in the Jarbidge Foothills and in most of the perennial streams in the Jarbidge River and 

Salmon Falls Creek Watersheds; the nominated ACEC contains all occupied redband trout habitat within 

the planning area. Redband trout in the Jarbidge Foothills exist in isolated populations or “strongholds” 

that are unable to migrate to adjacent suitable habitats when threatened by low streamflow conditions or 

other environmental disturbance such as wildfire. Due to the lack of connectivity between the redband 

trout occupied streams, these fish are vulnerable to population declines. Recent studies of redband trout 

populations in drainages similar to those found in the Jarbidge Foothills suggest that redband trout are 

declining in their lower elevation habitats (Zoellick, et al., 2005). This indicates the importance of 

retaining or restoring connectivity between redband trout populations in desert basins such as those that 

Yes 

A-249 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

occur in the Jarbidge Foothills. Redband trout in the Jarbidge River Watershed are less isolated than 

those in the Jarbidge Foothills and can freely migrate between suitable stream habitats throughout the 

Jarbidge and Bruneau River Watersheds. 

Redband trout also meet relevance and importance criteria in the existing and two nominated boundaries 

of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, the large boundary of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills ACEC, and the 

existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, all of which are encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea 

ACEC. 

Columbia spotted frog: (Factors met: 2, 3) Spotted frog populations are part of a larger, but fragmented, 

population of spotted frogs in northern Nevada. The Great Basin population of spotted frog is of national 

significance. Great Basin Columbia spotted frog populations continue to decline in portions of Nevada. 

The species was originally categorized as Candidate-9, but has been elevated to Candidate-3 by the 

FWS. Spotted frogs are presently found only on less than 1,000 acres in Shack and Rocky Canyon 

Creeks. Potentially suitable habitat occurs in several other drainages (House, China, Cedar, and Flat 

Creeks) within the nominated ACEC. 

Spotted frogs also meet relevance and importance criteria in the large boundary of the nominated 

Jarbidge Foothills ACEC, which is encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Yes 

Greater sage-grouse: (Factors met: 1, 2, 3) Sage-grouse (Type 2) are present in much of the area in 

sagebrush with suitable habitat, and the nominated ACEC contains over 90% of the active sage-grouse 

leks within the planning area. Locally, sage-grouse are a mix of resident and migratory forms. Although 

there is some information on the movements of sage-grouse in the western portion of the area, sagegrouse movements and habitat use in the southeastern part (Browns Bench) of the area are better 

documented. Sage-grouse in this area have been documented to move over 10 miles into northern 

Nevada and 15 miles east to the Shoshone Basin. Radio-collared sage-grouse in the Shoshone Basin have 

been documented to winter in the Browns Bench/Monument Springs/China Mountain areas. Sage-grouse 

in this area provide connectivity to sage-grouse regionally. The Browns Bench/China Mountain area is 

presently a stronghold or key area for sage-grouse. Over 60% of vegetation within the nominated ACEC 

has been altered, mostly through wildland fire and fire rehabilitation projects; aside from areas classified 

as Recent Burn, most of altered vegetation is within the Non-Native Perennial VSG. Forty-five percent 

of the nominated ACEC, including at least 60 sage-grouse leks, burned in the Murphy Complex Fires in 

2007 (430,000 acres17), further fragmenting habitat and impacting habitat used by sage-grouse and other 

sagebrush associated wildlife. 

Sage-grouse also meet relevance and importance criteria in both boundaries of the nominated Jarbidge 

Foothills ACEC, both of which are encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Yes 

California bighorn sheep: (Factors met: 1, 2) Bighorn sheep, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive species, are 

concentrated in the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons. Bighorn sheep are scattered in small herds across 

parts of Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and British Columbia. In Idaho, bighorn sheep populations in the South 

Hills and Jim Sage Mountains are smaller than in the Bruneau/Jarbidge River area. The population in the 

Owyhee River is larger than the Bruneau/Jarbidge River population. Bighorn sheep in Idaho are 

recovering from a population crash in the late 1990s. Human disturbance and disease continue to 

suppress bighorn sheep nationwide (Krausman & Bowyer, 2003; Lawson & Johnson, 1982). This 

population of bighorn sheep is of more than local importance, evidenced in part by the fact that bighorn 

sheep tags for hunts in this area are in high demand and attract applicants from across the United States. 

Bighorn sheep habitat in the Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons accounts for less than 10% of the nominated 

ACEC. The majority of the nominated ACEC is not generally suitable for bighorn sheep. 

Bighorn sheep also meet relevance and importance criteria in the existing and two nominated boundaries 

of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which are encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Yes 

17 This acreage is larger than the acreage within the Murphy Complex Fire perimeter that is mapped as Recent Burn 

in the post 2007 fire vegetation map; the vegetation map delineates unburned islands, while the fire history map is 

based on fire perimeters. 

August 2010 A-250 
 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Other special status wildlife: Generally, the other special status wildlife within the nominated ACEC are 

not of more than local importance. Mountain shrub and aspen habitats provide Columbian sharp-tailed 

grouse winter habitat. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Type 3) in the area provide connectivity to sharptailed grouse to a population in the Shoshone Basin. The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse population in 

the nominated ACEC is small and is currently not of more than local importance. 

Mountain quail (Type 3) were historically present within the nominated ACEC. IDFG and BLM records 

suggest that mountain quail have likely been extirpated from the majority of the area. Historical records 

indicate that mountain quail were occasionally harvested in the 1960s and 1970s from this general area. 

The last mountain quail documented within the nominated ACEC was in the Jarbidge Canyon in 2001. 

Habitat within the planning area is very limited for Lewis woodpecker (Type 3), northern goshawk (Type 

3 and NV), and willow flycatcher (Type 3). The limited nesting habitat makes these species of only local 

importance. 

Prairie falcons (Type 4), spotted bat (Type 3), and Townsend’s big-eared bat (Type 3 and NV) are 

associated with major canyons but forage well into the uplands. Canyonlands, which are used by these 

species for day roosts, are found only in a small portion of the nominated ACEC. 

Nesting habitat for Brewer’s sparrow (Type 3 and NV), loggerhead shrike (Type 3 and NV), ferruginous 

hawk (Type 3), and sage sparrow (Type 3) is fairly widespread over the area. Songbirds are associated 

with sagebrush habitats locally and nest wherever suitable habitat is present. The majority of active 

ferruginous hawk nests within the planning area are found within the nominated ACEC. These species 

are of primarily local significance regarding connectivity and genetics. 

Kit fox (Type 4) in the area have been documented west of Clover Creek, in a small portion of the 

nominated ACEC (Rudeen, 2006). Kit fox are at the northern part of their range in southern Idaho. It is 

not known if kit fox are present east of Clover Creek or the size of their population. 

The nominated ACEC covers more than the presently occupied habitat for pygmy rabbit (Type 2) within 

the planning area. Habitat fragmentation, primarily due to wildland fire, has contributed to the isolation 

of pygmy rabbit and Piute ground squirrels (Type 3) locally. 

No 

Other fish and wildlife: The big game winter range values are not unique or of more than local 

importance. While there is high quality big game habitat in a portion of the nominated ACEC (e.g., 

Jarbidge Foothills, Diamond A, and the Jarbidge and Clover Creek Canyons), the high quality habitat is 

present on less than 20% of the area following the 2007 Murphy Complex Fires. High quality big game 

habitat is present south into Nevada and west of the Bruneau Canyon. 

In addition, the assemblage of fish within the nominated ACEC is not unique or of more than local 

importance. Stocked and non-native fish are present in several major drainages. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

Slickspot peppergrass: (Factors met: 1, 2) Slickspot peppergrass is of more than local importance; 

however, this species is found in only a small portion (<10%) of the area. Slickspot peppergrass is a 

Type 1 BLM Sensitive species that has been Proposed for listing as Endangered under the ESA. The 

nominated ACEC encompasses the known occupied slickspot peppergrass habitat within the planning 

area and the largest contiguous habitat within the range of the species. The Jarbidge population of 

slickspot peppergrass is the most genetically diverse of the known slickspot peppergrass populations. 

Slickspot peppergrass is one of the few flowering plant species with two life cycle types: annual and 

biennial. Slickspot peppergrass is highly specific to slickspots that developed on remnant Pleistocene 

surfaces (Fisher, et al., 1996). Slickspots, also known as mini-playas or natric sites, are small soil 

inclusions with a silt loam surface crust, a restrictive hardpan, and a subsurface clay layer (argillic 

horizon) (Fisher, et al., 1996; Lewis & White, 1964; Sandoval, et al., 1959). Soils in slickspots tend to be 

more alkaline or saline than the adjacent uplands. Slickspots can range in size from a square foot to 

interlinked complexes over 900 square feet. Slickspots are associated with shrub interspaces in sagebrush 

steppe and are visually distinct, due to their high reflectance and sparsely vegetated surface (Fisher, et 

Yes 

A-251 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

al., 1996). 

Physical disturbance of slickspots when they are wet can disrupt underlying soil structure essential for 

slickspot peppergrass recruitment (Meyer, et al., 2006). Disturbances include livestock hoof prints, drill 

seeding, fire-fighting activities (e.g., fire lines), and cross-country motorized vehicle tracks (Meyer, et 

al., 2005, 2006). Repeated and severe penetrating disturbances, especially during saturated soil 

conditions during the spring, may be precursors to slickspot invasion by non-native species (e.g., bur 

buttercup, clasping-leaf pepperweed), further reducing slickspot integrity (FWS, 2003). Degradation of 

slickspot peppergrass habitat has been attributed to large, uncharacteristic wildland fires; conversion of 

sagebrush steppe to non-native annual grasslands; historic livestock grazing levels; and historic fire 

rehabilitation practices (e.g., drill seeding) (Colket, 2005; FWS, 2003; Lesica & DeLuca, 1996; Moseley, 

1994; Noss, et al., 1995; Peters & Bunting, 1994; Whisenant, 1990). Habitat loss and degradation, 

fragmentation, and population isolation may correspondingly result in the loss of genetic fitness 

(Moseley, 1994; Reed & Frankham, 2003). Many slickspot peppergrass EOs occur in fragmented 

sagebrush steppe or non-native annual grasslands and are highly susceptible to reduced genetic diversity 

and gene flow (I. Robertson, 2004; I. C. Robertson & Klemash, 2003). An EO is a specific geographic 

location where “a species or natural community is, or was, present” (NatureServe, 2002). 

Slickspot peppergrass also meets relevance and importance criteria in both boundaries of the nominated 

Inside Desert ACEC, both of which are encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Davis peppergrass: (Factors met: 1, 2) Davis peppergrass is of more than local importance; however, this 

species is found in only a small portion (<10%) of the area. Davis peppergrass, a Type 3 BLM Sensitive 

species, is limited in its distribution to portions of southeastern Oregon, south-central Idaho, and north 

central Nevada, with the majority of known populations occurring in Idaho. There are fewer than 300 

populations in six distinct clusters or distribution centers. The Bruneau-Jarbidge populations are a 

population stronghold, whereas the Mountain Home populations (outside the planning area) show 

downward trend due to poor ecological condition of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. The remaining 

populations outside the planning area in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada are currently stable. 

Davis peppergrass also meets relevance and importance criteria in the expanded boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, which is encompassed by the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Yes 

Bruneau River phlox: (Factors met: 1, 2) Bruneau River phlox is of more than local importance; 

however, this species is found in only a small portion (<10%) of the area. Bruneau River phlox is a Type 

3 and NV BLM Sensitive species endemic to the area. All six Idaho populations are present in the 

Bruneau and Jarbidge Canyons; five of these are within the nominated ACEC. Two additional 

populations can be found in Nevada. Bruneau River phlox has a total estimated population of 500 plants. 

The Idaho populations are relatively stable. The only threats are damming the Bruneau or Jarbidge 

Rivers and annual weed invasion. Yes 

Bruneau River phlox also meets relevance and importance criteria in the existing and two nominated 

boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC and the nominated Lower Bruneau Canyon ACEC; the 

existing and two nominated boundaries of the Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC are encompassed by the 

nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Other special status plants: Other special status plants occur in the area, but are not of more than local 

importance. No 

Upland vegetation: The area nominated would encompass large blocks habitat for multiple species of 

concern. Portions of the nominated ACEC contain examples of late seral and potential natural 

community for a number of range sites. However, the majority of the native plant communities have 

been highly fragmented by wildland fire and previous non-native perennial seeding projects. There are 

other better examples of intact sagebrush steppe communities outside of the planning area. Native plant 

communities within the nominated ACEC as well as outside the planning area face similar threats. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses both boundaries of the nominated Jarbidge Foothills 

ACEC and the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC, all of which have upland vegetation values that do 

meet relevance and importance criteria. 

No 

August 2010 A-252 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Riparian systems: Most of the streams within the planning area have been substantially altered through 

diversions on non-BLM-managed land and are not of more than local importance. 

The nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC encompasses the existing and two nominated boundaries of the 

Bruneau-Jarbidge ACEC, all of which have riparian values that do meet relevance and importance 

criteria. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria to be considered as a potential 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC for designation (under 

Alternative V) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for cultural values, fish and wildlife 

resources (bull trout, redband trout, spotted frog, sage-grouse, bighorn sheep), and natural systems or 

processes (special status plants). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC include 

wildland fire, noxious weeds and invasive plants, diversion of streams, and a variety of uses, including 

livestock grazing and energy development. These threats may contribute to the alteration and 

fragmentation of upland and riparian habitats. 

Wildland fires are a threat to the relevant and important values in the ACEC, through the effects of the fire 

itself as well as the effects of wildland fire suppression activities. Since the 1970s, wildland fires have 

reduced the amount of sagebrush habitat present in the planning area by roughly two-thirds. Throughout 

the West as well as locally, habitat conversion and fragmentation in part due to wildland fire have 

contributed to declining sage-grouse numbers and the loss of leks. Wildland fires and subsequent 

rehabilitation also has altered habitat in the majority of slickspot peppergrass habitat in the planning area. 

Drill seeding following fires from the 1980s through the 1990s converted large portions of slickspot habitat 

to non-native perennial communities. Soil erosion and deposition following wildland fires as well as the 

construction of fire lines in slickspot habitat are also threats to slickspot peppergrass. Davis peppergrass 

is similarly affected by wildland fire. 

Noxious weeds and invasive plants are also a threat to the relevant and important values within the 

ACEC. These species have affected upland habitat for sage-grouse, bighorn sheep, slickspot 

peppergrass, Davis peppergrass, and Bruneau River phlox, as well as riparian habitats for bull trout, 

redband trout, and spotted frog. 

Alterations of riparian systems primarily are a threat to bull trout, redband trout, and spotted frog. Wildland 

fires that burn the riparian zone can reduce the amount of large wood and streambank shade and 

increase sediment to the stream, affecting bull trout, which require cold clean water with low amounts of 

sediment in stream gravels for spawning and rearing. Dams and diversions of streams to irrigate private 

land have resulted in the dewatering of portions of some streams, contributing to the fragmentation of 

redband trout habitat. This has reduced the ability of redband trout to move between streams. Threats to 

spotted frog include loss of habitat due to down cutting of streams, lowered water table, habitat 

fragmentation, and sediment from roads on steep gradients. 

Several uses are potential threats to the relevant and important values within the nominated ACEC. 

Generally, surface-disturbing activities that remove vegetation or create corridors for the introduction and 

spread of noxious weeds and invasive species would negatively affect the relevant and important values. 

The physical integrity and the cultural values attached to many archaeological sites are threatened by 

increasing levels of use and development as well, particularly increasing levels of cross-country motorized 

vehicle use. ROW development, including wind energy, has the potential to affect upland and riparian 

habitats as well as cultural resources due to increased human activity and habitat fragmentation and loss. 

Livestock grazing also can negatively affect upland and riparian habitats. Livestock grazing in slickspot 

peppergrass habitat can result in trampling of slickspots and plants when the soils are moist. In some 

A-253 August 2010 
Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

instances, range infrastructure can present a threat to slickspot peppergrass through increased trampling 

around water sources and trailing along fences; these actions can also result in the spread of invasive 

plants, further impacting the species. In other cases, properly located fences could help protect 

concentrations of slickspots from the impacts of livestock grazing. Livestock grazing also presents a 

threat to Davis peppergrass. Livestock trailing/trampling in occupied playas results in seed being buried 

too deep for germination and growth and damages the perennial plants. Stock ponds dug in playas may 

alter the hydrology and contribute to the invasion of invasive species. Livestock congregating in or near 

playas also impacts cultural resources associated with playas. 

Portions of the nominated ACEC are included in three WSAs: the Bruneau River-Sheep Creek, the 

Jarbidge River, and the Lower Salmon Falls Creek WSAs. These areas would also be managed 

according to the IMP. However, if the WSAs were to be released to multiple-use management by 

Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

River segments within the nominated ACEC that have been recommended suitable for designation as 

WSRs include the Bruneau River from Blackrock Pocket to Hot Creek and the Jarbidge River from the 

Jarbidge Forks to the Bruneau River confluence. ORVs for these segments include cultural, fish, 

geological, recreational, scenic, vegetation, and wildlife values. The ACEC also contains portions of river 

segments inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS (ORVs included in parentheses): Jarbidge 

River south of the Jarbidge Forks (scenic, fish), the East Fork of the Jarbidge River (fish), Cougar Point 

Creek (scenic), Dave Creek (fish), Rocky Canyon Creek (wildlife), Salmon Falls Creek south of Salmon 

Falls Reservoir (recreation), and Salmon Falls Creek from Salmon Falls Creek Dam to Balanced Rock 

(geological, recreational, scenic). Interim management of these segments requires that they be managed 

to maintain or enhance their ORVs. However, the WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high 

water mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any protection for these values outside this 

corridor. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The cultural values, fish and wildlife resources (bull trout, redband trout, spotted frog, sage-grouse, 

bighorn sheep), and natural systems or processes (special status plants) of the ACEC would be protected 

through the following allocations and management actions: 

 All actions within the portions of the ACEC that are also within WSAs must be consistent with the IMP 

and with allocations and management actions made for WSAs. 

	 Improving, expanding, connecting, and restoring native plant communities through active and passive 

treatments for fuels, noxious weeds, invasive species, and non-native perennial plant communities 

would be a high priority within the ACEC. 

 Implement management actions that improve riparian condition and reduce habitat fragmentation in 

redband trout occupied streams. 

 Within 1 mile of bighorn habitat, use of domestic sheep or goats to reduce noxious weeds would not 

be allowed to eliminate potential contact of domestic sheep/goats with bighorn. 

	 Treatments would include only native plants. Special stipulations would apply for treatments in 

occupied slickspot and Davis peppergrass habitats, such as establishing buffer areas and not 

allowing aerial spraying in occupied habitat. 

	 Restore playas occupied by Davis peppergrass to improve natural hydrologic function and habitat on 

a case by case basis. Restoration activities may include filling pit reservoirs, stabilizing erosion areas, 

and planting native species with similar pollinators. 

 BLM management activities and authorized uses would result in no net loss of native vegetation; this 

restriction would not apply to fire suppression activities. 

 Manage the majority of the ACEC as VRM Class III, where not otherwise designated VRM Class I or 

II (see the Visual Resources section of Chapter 2). 

 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

 Livestock grazing would be at a reduced level of use. 

August 2010	 A-254 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

	 Livestock seasons of use or stocking rates would be adjusted within the ACEC on a pasture-specific 

basis to minimize conflicts with bighorn lambing and sage-grouse breeding and nesting periods (see 

Appendix H) and the active growing period of native grasses. 

	 Reduce livestock infrastructure and associated routes to amounts appropriate to ACEC objectives 

and the levels of livestock grazing within the ACEC. Livestock water troughs, corrals or other related 

livestock facilities in reference areas within the ACEC would be removed. Pipelines would remain in 

the ground to minimize disturbance. 

	 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. Protective measures may include but not be limited to designating camping areas within the 

ACEC; requiring the use of certified weed-free forage and straw; and installing protective barriers to 

protect relevant and important values. 

	 Routes would be designated through the CTTMP to increase core habitat size for sage-grouse. 

	 The ACEC would be a ROW avoidance area; new ROWs would be restricted to ROW corridors and 

locations of existing ROWs. 

	 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1. Where practical, acquire private and State 

inholdings. The ACEC designation and management would apply to lands acquired within the ACEC 

boundary. 

	 The ACEC would be available for salable mineral development; where practical, use existing mineral 

pits and minimize new salable mineral developments within the ACEC. Seasonal closures that restrict 

use or activities at the pits during important seasonal periods for fish and wildlife may be included 

when existing salable mineral permits are reauthorized and in new permits. 

A-255 August 2010 
84

93

0 2

Miles

Idaho

Nevada

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.

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

August 2010 A-256 

Salmon Falls Creek ACEC 

Salmon Falls Creek ACEC is an existing ACEC. The existing ACEC was re-nominated; one alternate 

boundary for the ACEC was nominated as well. The area encompassed by the existing boundary is 

presented first, followed by the area encompassed by the nominated extensions to the existing boundary. 

Existing ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Salmon Falls Creek ACEC (existing ACEC boundary) 

Nominated by: The existing ACEC was re-nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM Manual 

1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.1. 

The existing ACEC was also re-nominated by WWP. 

Location: This ACEC encompasses 3,000 acres of BLM-managed land. The ACEC is 

located along Salmon Falls Creek from the Jarbidge FO boundary to the west 

canyon rim, extending from the Balanced Rock Crossing Park south to the 

private land by Salmon Falls Creek Dam. 

The ACEC is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea ACEC. 

Note: this ACEC designation continues to the east canyon rim of Salmon Falls Creek in the Burley FO; 

however, this portion of the ACEC is not within the current planning area. As a result, the designation and 

management of the Burley FO portion of the ACEC will not be addressed in the Jarbidge RMP. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

No significant historic values are associated with the ACEC. No 

Cultural Value 

Several archaeological sites that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are located 

within the ACEC. In addition to their scientific value, these sites are of traditional cultural importance to 

the tribes. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

The canyon has impressive scenery. In some areas, basalt lava flows are separated by layers of sediment. 

Other areas of the canyon are dominated by rhyolite columns and spires. A few springs on the lower 

portion of canyon walls provide a contrast with the dominant upland vegetation. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: Salmon Falls Creek supports a population of redband trout, a Type 2 BLM Sensitive 

species. Yes 

Other wildlife: The canyon supports a variety of special status species, including prairie falcon (Type 4), 

spotted bat (Type 3), and Townsend’s big-eared bat (Type 3 and NV). Other wildlife values associated 

with the ACEC include habitat for a variety of canyon-nesting species, including canyon wren, cliff 

swallow, rock wren, violet-green swallow, and white-throated swift. Waterfowl nest in the lowergradient reaches. Raptors found in the canyon include American kestrel, golden eagle, great horned owl, 

long-eared owl, red-tailed hawk, and western screech owl. Mule deer reside in the canyon and on the 

plateau adjacent to the canyon rim. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Upland vegetation: The canyon has upland plant communities at or near the Potential Natural 

Community, including Wyoming big sagebrush/bluebunch wheatgrass sites and some late seral riparian 

zones. The entire area has been ungrazed since the 1987 Jarbidge RMP was completed; the area south of 

the confluence with Cedar Creek also received no livestock grazing prior to 1987 due to natural barriers 

(e.g., boulder fields, cliffs, talus slopes). The upland plant communities have been relatively undisturbed 

overall. 

Yes 

Riparian system: Natural streamflow processes have been disrupted by dams on Cedar Creek and 

Salmon Falls Creek on non-BLM-managed lands. 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards identified No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

The cultural resources within the ACEC are significant but generally not rare or unique for the region. No 

A-257 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Scenic Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2) The ACEC contains the easternmost deep canyon in Idaho, making it more than 

locally significant, relatively unique for the south-central portion of the state, and irreplaceable. The 

scenic values of Salmon Falls Creek ACEC are strongly influenced by the geology of the area and the 

high quality of the native vegetation communities. 

Yes 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

Redband trout: (Factor met: 2): The redband trout population within the ACEC is especially fragile, 

given that it is an isolated population in poor habitat. The flow alteration within the canyon has resulted 

in a high degree of sedimentation (see the discussion for Riparian system below). 

Yes 

Other wildlife: Other wildlife values are not more than locally significant. Big game wintering in the area 

is primarily of local interest, and canyons and adjacent upland plateaus throughout the planning area are 

used by wintering wildlife. Several special status species are present; however, due to the relatively small 

size of the area and the wide distribution of those species, the populations within the ACEC are not of 

more than local interest. The other wildlife that use the canyon as habitat are found in other larger 

canyon systems within the planning area and region. 

No 

Natural System or Process: 

Upland vegetation: (Factor met: 2) The upland vegetation communities within the canyon are unique 

because they are relatively undisturbed and have been relatively unaffected by humans. The lands have 

not been grazed by livestock, and over 95% of the ACEC has not burned in the last 20 years. There are 

no travel routes within the canyon, and recreational use of the area is low. There are few areas within 

southern Idaho, especially that are close to human population centers, where human uses are not the 

primary forces influencing the vegetation community. 

Yes 

Riparian system: The riparian system is not more than locally significant or unique. Flow alteration has 

generally eliminated flushing flows, enhancing the collection of sediment in portions of the canyon. The 

lack of flushing flows has reduced the quality of the aquatic habitat for redband trout. Invasive species 

including reed and reed canarygrass are expanding, adversely impacting native riparian vegetation. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The ACEC meets the relevance and the importance criteria to continue to be considered as an 

ACEC. The rationale for proposing the Salmon Falls Creek ACEC for continued designation (under 

Alternatives I and III) as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC meets relevance and importance criteria for scenic values, fish resources (redband 

trout), and natural systems or processes (upland vegetation). 

Existing and potential threats to the relevant and important values within the ACEC include wildland fire, 

expansion of noxious weeds and invasive plants, mineral exploration and development, livestock grazing, 

and utility corridors. 

Wildland fire is a threat to both the scenic values and the native vegetation communities within the ACEC. 

In the last 20 years, only 100 acres within the ACEC have burned. Wildland fire that negatively impacts 

the native upland vegetation also impairs the scenic quality, particularly if the burned area becomes 

dominated by cheatgrass. 

Noxious weeds and invasive plants have impacted the quality of the redband trout habitat, as well as the 

upland vegetation communities and the scenic values. Noxious weeds and invasive species known to be 

present include reed, reed canary grass, Russian olive, Canada thistle, bull thistle, and cheatgrass. 

Activities related to mineral exploration and development have the potential to threaten the scenic quality 

of the area as well as the native vegetation communities; roads associated with these activities may 

increase sedimentation in redband trout habitat as well. There are currently two active mining claims 

within the ACEC. Gold mining activity on BLM-managed land immediately south of Lily Grade in the 

1990s caused damage to the area by promoting the invasion of cheatgrass. 

August 2010 A-258 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Livestock grazing has the potential to threaten the scenic values and native vegetation communities 

within the ACEC as well. The ACEC was closed to livestock grazing in the 1987 Jarbidge RMP. However, 

prior to 1987, the portion of the ACEC north of Cedar Creek was grazed, which contributed to the 

introduction and spread of invasive plants. 

Utility corridors threaten the scenic values of the ACEC. Currently, there are few utility lines that cross the 

ACEC north of the WSA; additional lines would impair the scenic values of the canyon. 

The ACEC from Lily Grade to about 1 mile north of Salmon Falls Creek Dam is within the Lower Salmon 

Falls Creek WSA; these areas would also be managed according to the IMP. However, if the WSA were 

to be released to multiple-use management by Congress, the IMP would no longer apply. 

The segment of Salmon Falls Creek within the ACEC has been inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the 

NWSRS. ORVs for this segment include scenic, recreational, and geological values. Interim management 

of this segment requires that it be managed to maintain or enhance its ORVs. However, the WSR corridor 

only extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, which does not provide any 

protection for these values outside the Wild and Scenic corridor. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The scenic values, fish resources (redband trout), and natural processes or systems (upland vegetation) 

of the ACEC would be protected through the following allocations and management actions:18 

 All actions within the portion of the ACEC that is also a WSA must be consistent with the IMP and 

with allocations and management actions made for WSAs. 

 Restore vegetation within the riparian area to benefit redband trout habitat (e.g., increasing shade in 

the riparian zone). 

 Native species would be used for any vegetation treatments within the ACEC, including for 

Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation. 

 The ACEC would be a high priority for noxious weeds and invasive species treatment with integrated 

weed management techniques for control, containment, and where possible eradication. 

 The ACEC would be a Critical Suppression Area. 

 MIST would be used to suppress wildland fires within the ACEC. 

 Manage the portion of the Jarbidge ROW corridor within the ACEC as VRM Class III; manage the 

remainder of the ACEC as VRM Class I. 

 The ACEC would remain closed to livestock grazing. 

 Monitor recreational use within the ACEC. If this use reaches levels that impair the relevant and 

important values of the ACEC, implement protective measures appropriate to the type of recreational 

activity. 

 The ACEC north and south of Lily Grade crossing would remain closed to motorized vehicle use. 

 The ACEC would remain a ROW avoidance area; new ROWs would be restricted to the Jarbidge 

ROW corridor and locations of existing ROWs. 

 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1. 

 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

 The ACEC would remain closed to salable mineral development. 

 Recommend lands within the ACEC for withdrawal from mining laws for locatable exploration and 

development. 

18 Under the No Action Alternative, the ACEC would be managed as described in the Areas of Critical Environmental 

Concern section of Chapter 2. 

A-259 August 2010 
 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Extension to the Existing ACEC 

Nominated ACEC: Extensions to the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC 

Nominated by: An area 1 mile west of the west rim of Salmon Falls Creek Canyon between 

Salmon Falls Creek Dam and the Cedar Creek confluence was nominated by 

BLM to be included in the existing Salmon Falls Creek ACEC; IDFG suggested 

BLM consider special management for mule deer wintering in the area. 

WWP requested that “future expansion of these areas [current ACECs] be 

considered,” although no specific boundary for expanding the existing ACECs 

was identified. 

Location: The nominated extension would encompass 10,000 acres of BLM-managed land. 

The nominated extension would be located along Salmon Falls Creek from the 

Cedar Creek confluence to the private land by Salmon Falls Creek Dam and 

would extend from the west canyon rim to one mile to the west. 

The nominated extension is contained within the nominated Sagebrush Sea 

ACEC. 

93 

84 

93 

0 2 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

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. 

August 2010 A-260 
 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

The analysis documented below assessed whether the extension contributed to relevant and important 

values of the existing ACEC or contained new relevant and important values. The analysis focused only 

on the values within the nominated extension; for information on the values within the existing ACEC, see 

the Existing ACEC section. 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic 

The upland extension includes segments of the regionally significant Toana Freight Road. Yes 

Cultural 

Several archaeological sites that may be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places are located 

within the nominated extension to the existing ACEC. In addition to their scientific value, these sites are 

of traditional cultural importance to the tribes. 

Yes 

Scenic 

The upland extension offers little in terms of scenery. No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The upland plateau provides year-round habitat for sage-grouse (Type 2 BLM Sensitive). At least one 

sage-grouse lek is within the nominated extension to the existing ACEC. The area is important winter 

range for both mule deer and pronghorn. Mule deer from the southern portion of the planning area are 

funneled to the area by Cedar Creek and Salmon Falls Creek Canyons. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

The upland plateau supports a mix of native shrub and non-native perennial communities and is grazed 

by livestock. Water pipelines and accompanying roads are present. Water pipelines have increased 

livestock distribution in much of the plateau area. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards identified No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

Only a small segment of the Toana Freight Road falls within the nominated extension to the existing 

ACEC. No 

Cultural Value 

The cultural resources within the nominated extension to the existing ACEC are significant but generally 

not rare or unique for the region. No 

Scenic Value 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The wildlife values are not more than locally significant. Big game wintering in the area are primarily of 

local interest. No 

Natural System or Process 

N/A N/A 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

A-261 August 2010 
Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

The nominated extension to the existing ACEC meets the relevance, but not the importance 

criteria, and will not be considered as a potential extension to the existing ACEC. The BLM’s 

rationale for not proposing the nominated extension to the Salmon Falls Creek ACEC for designation as 

part of the Salmon Falls Creek ACEC is as follows: 

Although the nominated extension contains big game winter range, some key sage-grouse habitat, and 

some historic and cultural values, these values are not more than of local importance. Salmon Falls 

Creek Canyon itself contains the majority of the resource values that are of more than local importance. 

List the management prescription(s) necessary to maintain and protect each relevant and 

important value. 

Not applicable, since the nominated area does not meet relevance and importance criteria for potential 

designation. 

August 2010 A-262 
 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Sand Dunes ACEC 

Nominated ACEC:	 Sand Dunes ACEC 

Nominated by: The Sand Dunes ACEC was nominated by WWP. 

Location:	 The Sand Dunes ACEC would encompass 400 acres of BLM-managed land. The 

nominated ACEC would encompass the historic Bruneau Dunes tiger beetle 

habitat within the planning area, located near the Browns Creek Drainage 

approximately 7 miles from the Bruneau Dunes State Park. 

84 

93 0 1 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

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. 

Jarb di ge F ei ld Office Boundary 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic 

No historic values identified No 

Cultural 

No cultural values identified No 

Scenic 

No scenic values identified No 

A-263 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The nominated ACEC contains a small, isolated duneland habitat that was occupied by Bruneau Dunes 

tiger beetles (Type 2 BLM Sensitive) (C. W. Baker, Munger, McCauley, Olson, & Stevens, 1994). Tiger 

beetles were last documented in the nominated ACEC in 1998 (Charles W. Baker & Munger, 2000). 

Idaho CDC has not found larval burrows or adults in the nominated ACEC since that date (B. Bosworth, 

pers. comm., 2009); thus, as of this review, the tiger beetle population in the planning area appears to 

have been extirpated. Monitoring conducted in the 1990s indicated this species was declining since the 

early 1990s (Charles W. Baker & Munger, 2000). 

A permanent water trough was installed about 0.3 miles from tiger beetle habitat in an area where water 

was previously hauled for seasonally grazing sheep and cattle. Trailing by cattle increased in larval 

habitat as a result of the more permanent water source. Bauer reported that livestock trampling collapsed 

burrows and increased larval tiger beetle mortality (1991). In addition, the tiger beetle habitat within the 

nominated ACEC has been invaded by cheatgrass and Russian thistle (Charles W. Baker & Munger, 

2000) and planted with crested wheatgrass, reducing habitat for tiger beetle larvae. Even with restoration 

of the vegetation, beetles would not likely reappear on their own, but would have to be transplanted. 

The nominated ACEC is approximately 7 miles east of Bruneau Dunes State Park, which contains the 

entire global distribution for this narrow endemic. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

The sand dunes have been stabilized with crested wheatgrass. The area is now more blowing sand than a 

significant dune feature. No 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards identified No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

N/A N/A 

Cultural Value 

N/A N/A 

Scenic Value 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

N/A N/A 

Natural System or Process 

N/A N/A 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC does not meet the relevance or importance criteria and will not be 

considered as a potential ACEC. The BLM’s rationale for not proposing the nominated Sand Dunes 

ACEC for designation is as follows: 

August 2010 A-264 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Although the nominated ACEC contains the area historically occupied by Bruneau Dunes tiger beetle, no 

evidence of this species (i.e., adults, larvae, or burrows) has been found within the last several years. The 

criteria for relevance requires the area contain a significant wildlife resource; at this time, there is no 

evidence this area still contains this species. 

List the management prescription(s) necessary to maintain and protect each relevant and 

important value. 

Not applicable, since the nominated area does not meet relevance and importance criteria for potential 

designation. 

A-265 August 2010 
 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Sand Point ACEC 

Sand Point ACEC is an existing ACEC. The existing ACEC was re-nominated with a nominated extension 

on land acquired adjacent to the existing ACEC. The analysis documented below considers both the 

existing ACEC and the nominated extension. 

Nominated ACEC: Sand Point ACEC (existing ACEC plus the Morgan property extension) 

Nominated by: The existing ACEC was re-nominated by BLM in accordance with BLM Manual 

1613, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Section .21A.1.; BLM also 

nominated the Morgan property to be added to the existing ACEC. The Morgan 

property was acquired by BLM using Land and Water Conservation Fund funds 

in 2002; this property is adjacent to the existing ACEC. This land was acquired 

because the relevant and important values in the existing ACEC extended onto 

this property and the previous landowner wanted these values preserved. 

The existing ACEC was also re-nominated by WWP. WWP also requested that 

“future expansion of these areas [current ACECs] be considered,” although no 

specific boundary for expanding the existing ACECs was identified. 

Location: This ACEC would encompass 950 acres of BLM-managed lands; 800 acres are 

in the existing ACEC; 150 acres are in the Morgan property extension. 

The ACEC is located south of the Snake River near Hammett, Idaho. The ACEC 

extends from the high water mark along the Snake River about 0.25 to 0.75 miles 

south into the upland plateau. 

84 

93 0 0.5 

Miles 

Idaho 

Nevada 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

Existing ACEC 

Morgan 

Property 

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. 

August 2010 A-266 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Relevance: Does the area contain a significant historic, cultural or scenic value; fish or wildlife 

resource; natural process or system; or natural hazard? 

Yes or 

No 

Historic Value 

The existing ACEC contains 1.3 miles of Oregon National Historic Trail (NHT) ruts and the south bank 

landing for the Medbury Ferry. The Morgan property extension would add 1 mile of Oregon NHT and 

the historic Morgan cabin to the ACEC. 

Yes 

Cultural Value 

Several large prehistoric archaeological sites are located within the existing ACEC and the Morgan 

property extension. Yes 

Scenic Value 

The breaks from the upland plateau down to the floodplain offer some topographic relief that has scenic 

value. Scenic values are not outstanding. Russian olive and other non-native plants have invaded the 

riparian zone. As a result of a wildland fire in the early 1980s, substantial portions of the uplands are 

now dominated by non-native annuals and perennial grasses. 

No 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

The existing ACEC contains 1.3 miles of Snake River riparian zone; the Morgan property extension 

would add 1.1 miles of Snake River riparian zone. The riparian zone has a few trees used as perches for 

wintering bald eagles, which were officially delisted in 2007; bald eagles are still considered a Type 2 

BLM Sensitive species. Terrestrial plant communities within the existing ACEC and the Morgan 

property extension support nesting habitat for both long-billed curlew and burrowing owls. Several 

thousand waterfowl are known to winter all along the Snake River, including within the existing ACEC 

and the Morgan property extension. 

Yes 

Natural System or Process 

Paleontologic and geologic resources: The Sand Point area, including the existing ACEC and the Morgan 

property extension, contains one of the largest concentrations of Blancan age (3 million years old) 

freshwater snail and clam fossils in the United States. The scientific importance of the Sand Point fossils 

and their geologic context has been recognized since their original discovery in 1902. Fish and mammal 

fossils are also present. The Sand Point fluvial deposits are composed of brownish gray, thick bedded 

sands with minor amounts of interbedded silt and clay. The Morgan property extension would add two 

known paleontological sites to the existing ACEC. 

Yes 

Special status plants: Two BLM Sensitive plant species occur in the existing ACEC: Janish penstemon 

(Type 3) and Snake River milkvetch (Type 4). Yes 

Natural Hazard 

No significant natural hazards are in the area. No 

Importance: Does the value, resource, system, process, or hazard meet one or more of the following 

importance factors: 

1. has more than locally significant qualities that give it special worth, consequence, meaning, 

distinctiveness, or cause for concern, especially compared to any similar resource; 

2. has qualities or circumstances that make it fragile, sensitive, rare, irreplaceable, exemplary, 

unique, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable to adverse change; 

3. has been recognized as warranting protection to satisfy national priority concerns or to carry 

out the mandates of FLPMA; 

4. has qualities that warrant highlighting to satisfy public or management concerns about safety 

and public welfare; or 

5. poses a significant threat to human life and safety or to property? 

Yes, 

No, or 

N/A 

Historic Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The area contains a 2.3-mile section of the Oregon NHT. This site represents a 

unique opportunity to protect culturally and historically significant sites that have been damaged or 

destroyed in other areas through development and agricultural use. 

Yes 

A-267 August 2010 
 

 

 

 

Appendix W Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

Cultural Value 

(Factors met: 1, 2, 3) The existing ACEC and the Morgan property extension contain archaeological sites 

in a riverside setting that meet National Register eligibility criteria. Their importance is enhanced 

because most similar sites in the region are in private ownership and have been altered by agricultural 

development. 

Yes 

Scenic Value 

N/A N/A 

Fish or Wildlife Resource 

For wildlife resources, the area identified is small in relation to the Snake River. The existing ACEC and 

the Morgan property extension represents only a small fraction of range-wide habitat for bald eagles and 

supports limited numbers of nesting long-billed curlew or burrowing owls. Sand Point represents less 

than 1% of the winter habitat used by wintering waterfowl along the Snake River. The wildlife resources 

within the existing ACEC and the Morgan property extension are not of more than local importance. 

No 

Natural System or Process 

Paleontologic and geologic resources: (Factors met: 1, 2) The vertebrate and invertebrate fossil deposits 

at Sand Point have been the subject of scientific study since the early 20th century and have demonstrated 

their continent-wide importance to the study of late Cenozoic biostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, and 

paleoecology. Although the mollusk fossils are most abundant and important, the fish fossils are also 

important in that they represent the most advanced and last occurrence of a diversity of minnows, 

suckers, sculpin, catfish, and sunfish never again seen in western North America (Smith, Swirydezuk, 

Kimmel, & Wilkinson, 1982). Sand Point is the type locality for a species of microtine rodent first 

reported in 1959. Other mammalian fossils include muskrat, pocket gopher, rabbits, voles, horse and 

proboscidians (elephant-like mammals). The assemblage of fossils within the existing ACEC and the 

Morgan property extension is significant due to its topographic and stratigraphic location relative to 

other major Idaho fossil localities of Blancan age; the extensive molluscan fauna far exceeds in 

abundance that found at any of the other Idaho Blancan localities. While the vertebrate fossils within the 

ACEC are protected by regulation, regulations do not automatically protect invertebrate fossils; special 

management is required to protect invertebrate fossils. 

The Sand Point fluvial depositional environment has the smallest exposed extent within the Glenns Ferry 

Formation region. It lies between the Hagerman locality to the east and the Chalk Flat and Grandview 

localities to the west in elevation and time. This geologic formation is important for understanding the 

paleogeography of this part of western North America during the late Cenozoic Era. The geologic 

formations within Sand Point are of more than regional significance because of their use in determining 

the drainage of this portion of western North America prior to the Snake River routing north through 

Hells Canyon. 

Yes 

Special status plants: Other areas within the planning area contain both more occupied habitat and larger 

concentrations of special status plant species. The special status plant resources within the existing 

ACEC are not of more than local importance. 

No 

Natural Hazard 

N/A N/A 

The nominated ACEC (existing ACEC and the Morgan property extension) meets the relevance 

and importance criteria to be considered as a potential ACEC. The rationale for proposing the 

nominated Sand Point ACEC for designation [under Alternatives I, III, IV (the Preferred Alternative), and 

V] as an ACEC is as follows: 

The nominated ACEC (existing ACEC and the Morgan property extension) meets relevance and 

importance criteria for historic values, cultural values, and natural systems or processes (paleontologic 

and geologic values). 

Several activities pose threats to the ACEC’s relevant and important values, including mineral exploration 

and development, run-off from agricultural irrigation, wildland fire suppression activities, cross-country 

motorized vehicle use, and livestock grazing. These activities, as well as other surface-disturbing 

activities, all have the potential to cause direct damage to the relevant and important values, as well as 

cause indirect impacts by accelerating erosion. 

August 2010 A-268 
 

Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

Activities related to mineral exploration and development have the potential to impact all of the relevant 

and important values within the ACEC. Although there are currently no mining claims within the ACEC 

(existing or the Morgan property extension), there have been several mining claims in the past. Placer 

mining within the ACEC boundary in the 1980s caused substantial damage to the cultural resources. This 

area has also been under mineral lease in the past. 

Agricultural run-off primarily impacts the paleontologic and geologic resources within the ACEC. 

Concentrations of fossils are present in several sites within the area where old lake sediments are 

exposed. The sediment layers are classified by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as severe 

for wind erosion potential and medium for water erosion potential. 

The primary threat related to wildland fire suppression activities is construction of control lines using 

bulldozers. In addition, because the primary access to the area currently is on the Oregon NHT itself, 

travel by fire suppression vehicles could cause substantial damage to the Oregon NHT. 

The existing ACEC is currently limited to designated routes; however, routes were never designated 

within the existing ACEC. The primary access to the existing ACEC and the Morgan property extension 

goes through private property and has restricted access; as a result, there is currently little motorized 

activity within either area. If public access to the ACEC were restored, cross-country motorized use would 

likely occur. 

Livestock grazing impacts the relevant and important values within the ACEC as well, although the effect 

is more limited. The majority of the existing ACEC (630 acres) are part of a riparian pasture created in 

1997 that is grazed every three years; the remaining 180 acres in the existing ACEC are grazed every 

year. The proposed 150-acre Morgan property extension is not part of an allotment. Livestock trailing and 

congregating in areas with relevant and important values as well as the placement of range infrastructure, 

salt, and other supplements are the primary threats related to grazing. 

The segment of the Snake River adjacent the ACEC has been inventoried as eligible for inclusion in the 

NWSRS. ORVs for this segment include recreational, fish, historical, and cultural values. Interim 

management of this segment requires that it be managed to maintain or enhance its ORVs. However, the 

WSR corridor only extends 0.25 miles above the high water mark on each side of the river, which does 

not provide any protection for these values present outside the WSR corridor. 

The Oregon NHT is another overlapping designation. The Oregon NHT is managed to preserve and 

protect the historic, scenic, and recreational values of the trail. The Oregon NHT protective corridor 

extends 0.25 miles on either side of the trail or the visual corridor, whichever is less. Within this corridor, 

only the trail-related historic values of the ACEC would be protected; outside this corridor, none of the 

relevant and important values would be protected through the NHT designation. 

If the nominated ACEC meets the relevance and importance criteria, list the relevant and 

important value(s) that need special management attention and describe the management 

prescriptions necessary to protect those values. 

The historic and cultural values and the paleontologic and geologic resources of the ACEC would be 

protected through the following allocations and management actions:19 

Under Alternatives I, III, IV (the Preferred Alternative), and V: 

 Manage paleontological resources within the ACEC in accordance with the 1988 Sand Point Natural 

History Management Plan. Modify the existing plan to encompass the Morgan property extension and 

to be in conformance with the revised RMP. 

 The ACEC would be closed to fossil collecting except under permit for scientific research. 

 Limit BLM management activities and authorized and allowed uses that may contribute to wind or 

water erosion in the ACEC. 

19 Under the No Action Alternative, the existing ACEC boundary would be retained, and the ACEC would be managed 

as described in the Areas of Critical Environmental Concern section of Chapter 2. 

A-269 August 2010 
 

Appendix W	 Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

	 Work cooperatively with adjacent land owners to reduce or eliminate run-off from the agricultural 

fields that erode soils within the ACEC. 

	 No surface-disturbing activities would be allowed in the ACEC unless they are directly related to 

research on the ACEC’s cultural, paleontologic, or geological resources or they can be mitigated. 

	 Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics would be used to suppress wildland fires within the ACEC to 

protect the paleontological resources. The authorized officer may allow the use of bull dozers to 

construct control lines within the ACEC on a case-by-case basis. However, dozer lines would be 

rehabilitated to minimize erosion. 

	 Manage the ACEC as VRM Class III, except within the Oregon NHT protective corridor, which would 

be managed as VRM Class II. 

	 Motorized vehicle use within the ACEC would be limited to designated routes. 

	 Consider upgrading the Wilson Grade Road if there is increased need for access for fire suppression 

activities or research. 

	 Structures directly related to the preservation or interpretation of the site may be allowed (e.g., kiosks, 

protective barriers). 

	 The ACEC would be a ROW exclusion area. 

	 Lands within the ACEC would be in Land Tenure Zone 1. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to mineral leasing. 

	 The ACEC would be closed to salable mineral development. 

	 Recommend lands within the ACEC for withdrawal from mining laws for locatable exploration and 

development. 

Under Alternatives I, III, and IV (the Preferred Alternative) only, specific to livestock grazing management: 

	 The ACEC would be available for livestock grazing. 

	 New range infrastructure may be considered if it does not impair the relevant and important values of 

the ACEC. Any infrastructure would be located so that it does not increase or encourage livestock 

trailing across fossil-bearing areas, cultural resource sites, or Oregon NHT ruts. 

	 Salt or other livestock supplements would not be placed within 0.25 miles of fossil-bearing areas or 

cultural resource sites. Locations off limits to salt or other livestock supplements would be made 

known to the livestock permittees. 

Under Alternative V only, specific to livestock grazing management: 

 The ACEC would not be available for livestock grazing. 

August 2010	 A-270 
Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix W 

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