APPENDIX E: 

BEST MANAGEMENT 

PRACTICES 
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Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix E 

APPENDIX E: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 

This appendix provides a general summary of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that, when applied 

with other management actions applicable to resources and resource uses described in Chapter 2, would 

aid in achieving goals and objectives. These are to be considered as tools available to reduce detrimental 

environmental effects. Additional practices may be added or included in this list as they are developed 

and found to reduce unwanted impacts from management actions. Likewise, actions included in this list 

that do not achieve the desired results may be altered to achieve the desired results or removed from 

consideration. These are examples of the types of practices compiled from many sources that could be 

applied alone or in combination as necessary to make progress towards or to achieve objectives. 

While the overall vision embraces the use of these BMPs to reduce or minimize impacts, they are not to 

be considered a land use plan decision. These BMPs are dynamic and may be updated or modified 

without a plan amendment. BMPs used in site-specific situations could be incorporated into the proposed 

action or used as mitigation measures to reduce impacts and analyzed through the NEPA process. 

The BMPs are identified by type of use or activity; however, these BMPs can be applied to a variety of 

situations. Even though these BMPs may be identified for specific situations or actions, it should not be 

inferred that these BMPs can only be applied to or are the best ones for those specific situations. 

Vegetation Treatments 

 The economic effects of alternative fuels management practices would be considered. Local 

involvement and economic benefits from fuels reduction projects would be promoted. 

 Collaborate with local partners to assess Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas and to develop or 

update County Wildfire Protection Plans. 

	 Fire project planners should coordinate with the archaeologist to incorporate, as necessary, best 

cultural protection practices in treatments using prescribed fire. Examples of cultural protection 

practices to be considered may include but are not limited to: 

- Reducing fuels manually on vulnerable sites or features. 

- Disposing of debris away from cultural features. 

- Using low-intensity backing fire in areas near historic features. 

- Saturating ground or grass adjacent to vulnerable structures with water, foam, or gel before 

burning. 

- Pre-burning site(s) at lower intensity than planned for the surrounding areas. 

- Limiting fire intensity and duration over vulnerable sites. 

- Using a fast-moving, higher intensity fire over lithic scatters, where rock materials are vulnerable 

to longer-duration heating. 

- Creating fire breaks near or around sites. 

- Wrapping structures in fire-proof materials or using retardant or foam to protect structures. 

- Covering rock art or wrapping carved trees or other such features in fire retardant fabric. 

- Reducing fuels and smoke near rock art. 

- Covering fuels near rock art with foam, water, or retardant, avoiding the rock art. 

 Hazardous materials and abandoned mine sites identified in any specific fuels management or 

vegetation treatment area should be avoided. 

 The use of hazardous substances (e.g., gasoline in riparian zones, explosives) for prescribed fire 

control should be avoided whenever practical. 

	 Treatments should be designed to minimize impacts to the character of the managed recreation 

setting and to the recreation experiences and benefits desired by the recreation participant. In areas 

where the setting character or the desired benefit outcomes are not defined, treatments would be 

designed to minimize impacts to the recreational resource or users. 

	 Treatments occurring in visual resource Management (VRM) Class I and II areas should consider 

visual qualities to preserve the landscape character. Wherever possible, landscape modifications 

would replicate the natural line, form, color, and texture found in the surrounding area. Treatments 

that result in long-term disruption of natural visual qualities (e.g., drill seeding that establishes 

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vegetation rows) should not be used unless the visual impacts can be hidden through treatment 

design. 

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants 

	 Incorporate noxious weed and invasive plant prevention into all project designs; including but not 

limited to: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR), fuels, range 

infrastructure, wildlife, fisheries, botany, soil, watershed, cultural resource, paleontology, recreation, 

and stream restoration projects. 

	 Encourage noxious weed and invasive plant awareness and education in employee development, 

training plans, and orientation for field, fire, and administrative positions. 

	 Promptly treat recreation sites or other high use areas when invasive species are found. 

Wildland Fire Suppression 

	 In the event a wildland fire escapes initial attack, a resource advisor should be assigned to ensure 

that resource management concerns are adequately addressed and that necessary mitigation occurs. 

	 If one of the following is being threatened or has the potential to be threatened, the authorized officer 

should be notified and a resource advisor should be dispatched: 

- Public health and safety, 

- WUI, 

- Sage-grouse habitat, or 

- Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs), Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), or National 

Historic Trails (NHTs). 

	 Through the authorized officer or resource advisor, an archaeologist should be notified to provide 

technical expertise, identify cultural resources that may be encountered, and identify best cultural 

protection practices to be used during suppression activities. 

	 Prior to wildland fire season, potential areas of conflict between archaeological resources and 

wildland fire suppression activities should be identified. 

	 Use the minimum control line width necessary for containing fires; following containment, additional 

control lines should be avoided. 

	 Existing roads should be used for dozer lines before new dozer lines are constructed. 

	 Use of natural firebreaks and existing roads and trails to contain a wildland fire would be encouraged 

within special designations (e.g., WSAs, ACECs, and NHTs). 

	 Equipment used during extended attack should be cleaned before arriving on site and prior to 

demobilization to minimize the spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants. Wash stations should be 

set up in base camps and staging areas when practical. 

	 Staging areas and base camps for extended attack fires should not be placed in special designations, 

noxious weed patches, or riparian areas to the extent practical. 

	 Establishment of control lines, base camps, and support facilities in known special status species 

habitat should be avoided unless life and property are threatened. 

	 Within WSAs, wildland fire management activities would follow BLM Manual H-8550-1, Interim Policy 

for Lands under Wilderness Review. The use of earth-moving equipment within these areas requires 

approval of the authorized officer. 

	 The resource values, hazards present, and management prescriptions within specific areas should be 

evaluated when applying guidelines to ACECs. 

Livestock Grazing 

General 

	 Ensure noxious weed and invasive plant prevention and control are considered in the management of 

all grazing allotments. 

	 Implement grazing practices that allow for periodic rest through the growing season. 

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 Use utilization level as an indicator for the continuation or modification of annual grazing plans. 

 Manage water availability to alter distribution of livestock to maintain plant vigor and habitat for wildlife 

and special status plant species. 

 Consider kind and breed of livestock to improve both the distribution pattern and forage preference. 

 Encourage the use of animal husbandry practices, such as early weaning of calves or culling of 

problem cattle, to encourage dispersal of cattle out of riparian and other sensitive areas. 

Upland Areas 

	 Periodically treat crested wheatgrass seedings to prevent development of wolf plants (i.e., large, 

robust plants with a great deal of coarse material that makes the plants unpalatable). 

	 Manage livestock grazing to reduce disturbance to special status birds in native plant communities 

during nesting (Appendix H, Table H- 3). For example, resting some pastures during nesting, active 

herding of livestock between pastures. 

	 In sage-grouse nesting habitat, manage livestock grazing to ensure a minimum of 5 to 6 inches of 

residual herbaceous cover is available during nesting in pastures in native shrub communities 

(Connelly, Knick, Schroeder, & Stiver, 2004). Residual herbaceous cover in conjunction with spring 

plant growth should ensure adequate nesting cover the following spring. Growth of herbaceous plants 

during the April through May nesting season would likely result in an additional 1.6 to 2.4 inches of 

cover at the nest site (Hausleitner, Reese, & Apa, 2005). 

	 Closely monitor aspen stands, mountain shrub communities, and riparian areas to ensure these 

areas important for mule deer fawning (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004) and elk calving retain 

adequate cover for mule deer fawns and elk calves. Limit livestock utilization to less than 25% of 

current annual growth of aspen and key shrub (e.g., chokecherry and serviceberry) twigs less than 5 

feet. Maintain cover of the herbaceous understory of aspen stands, mountain shrub communities, and 

riparian areas at 90% of site potential. Schedule livestock use to reduce or eliminate impacts to mule 

deer fawning and wintering habitat (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004). 

	 In pronghorn fawning areas, time livestock use to minimize the overlap with fawning (Appendix H, 

Table H- 4). In pastures grazed prior to fawning in pronghorn fawning areas, maintain adequate 

herbaceous cover to provide hiding cover for pronghorn fawns. To provide suitable security cover, 

manage pastures that contain pronghorn fawning habitat to ensure a minimum of 12 to 16 inches of 

herbaceous cover is available from mid May to mid June (Autenrieth, 1976; Yoakum, 2004b). 

	 Place salt and other supplements in annual grasslands or non-native perennial grassland sites. If 

specific pastures contain only native habitats, place salt and supplements in areas that are already 

disturbed including, but not limited to adjacent gravel pits, dirt roads or jeep trails, or water troughs 

located in the uplands (Braun, 2006). 

	 In pastures with non-native plant communities, place salt and other supplements at least 0.25 miles 

from native plant communities. If space limits this practice, place supplements to minimize livestock 

congregation in native plant communities. 

	 Place livestock waters or supplements more than 1 mile away from agricultural land, where possible, 

to provide adjacent to agricultural land relatively large blocks of suitable nesting and wintering habitat 

for pheasants, as well as nesting habitat for other taller grass dependent species such as northern 

harriers, short-eared owls, and several songbirds. 

Riparian Areas 

	 Use off-site water developments in upland areas to reduce livestock concentrations in riparian areas. 

	 Treat upland areas to enhance forage production and palatability for wildlife and livestock to attract 

animals away from riparian areas. 

	 Place salt, molasses, and other supplements in the uplands at least 0.25 miles away from riparian 

areas. 

	 Use barriers (e.g., trees, brush, rocks, and fences) along streambanks to stabilize and discourage 

livestock access to sensitive or unstable areas. 

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	 Use localized hardened crossings to limit surface disturbance and reduce erosion at streamside 

livestock watering and crossing areas as long as fish migration through the watering areas is not 

impeded. 

	 Use frequent riding and herding to control livestock distribution and use in areas with identified 

resource concerns such as in riparian areas, wet meadows, or stream crossings. 

	 Use gap fencing in conjunction with gullies, cliffs, and other natural barriers to limit livestock trailing 

and bedding in riparian areas; bed livestock in the uplands where possible. 

	 When water gaps are necessary, locate water gaps in rocky areas (natural or manmade) to minimize 

trampling damage to streambanks and streambeds. Use narrow water gaps to discourage livestock 

from loafing at the water source. 

	 Manage livestock grazing in riparian areas to minimize damage to woody and herbaceous species 

and provide cover and forage to big game (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004) and a variety of birds 

and other wildlife. 

	 Limit grazing intensity, frequency, or alter season of use to encourage riparian plant vigor, regrowth, 

and energy storage and minimize compaction of riparian soils. 

	 Adjust the timing of livestock grazing to minimize damage to streambanks and wet meadows in 

spring, when these areas are most vulnerable to trampling and soil compaction. 

	 Ensure utilization levels provide for sufficient herbaceous and woody vegetation during periods of 

high flow to protect streambanks, dissipate energy, and trap sediments. 

	 When moving livestock into a pasture, move them in at a location that is far away from riparian areas 

to help regulate the timing, duration, and amount of riparian use in large pastures that contain 

adequate stock water (Gillen, Krueger, & Miller, 1985). 

Range Infrastructure 

Fence Construction and Location 

	 Remove unnecessary fences from BLM-managed lands, including former livestock holding pastures, 

unused exclosures, and fences that no longer meet the needs for which they were constructed. 

	 Emphasize reducing fence densities, and consider implementing livestock control methods such as 

herding, turning off waters, and placement of salt or supplements as alternative management 

practices prior to constructing new fences (Autenrieth, et al., 2006; Yoakum, 2004a). Evaluate 

pasture fences for retention or removal and in coordination with the permit holder, the Idaho 

Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), and the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW), as appropriate. 

	 When reconfiguring pastures within an allotment and when the allotment size allows, larger pasture 

sizes (greater than 3,000 acres) are preferred to smaller pasture sizes to meet big game objectives. 

	 Modify fences that cross big game migration routes (e.g., Davison clips, let-down fence, or other 

techniques) to ensure that pronghorn and mule deer movements are not blocked if snow 

accumulation exceeds 12 inches (Autenrieth, et al., 2006; Sheldon, Lindzey, & Rudd, 2006; Yoakum, 

2004a). 

	 To reduce impacts to pronghorn, install new fences only as a last resort when other efforts, including 

turning off waters, moving salt, or herding, have been documented to have failed. When new fences 

are constructed, the minimum pasture size should be at least 3,000 acres. Exclosures fences should 

be at least 10 acres to accommodate big game use (Gross & Knight, 2000). If it is necessary to 

restrict big game to protect resource values, including rare plant habitat, such exclosures should be of 

adequate height (at least 8 feet) to prevent big game access. 

	 For new fences and existing fences where wildlife mortality has been documented, place markers on 

the wires between fence posts or use other proven methods to improve the visibility of the fence and 

reduce wildlife mortality. 

Water Developments 

	 Turn off and drain troughs and open tanks without functioning wildlife escape ramps until the escape 

ramps are repaired or replaced; ensure troughs and open tanks have functioning wildlife escape 

ramps prior to livestock entering the pasture. Deep (greater than 3 feet), open storage tanks should 

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not be reinforced with an earthen berm to prevent big game entering and becoming trapped in the 

tank. Consideration can be given to enclose deep tanks to preclude big game mortality. Floating 

boards and similar devices are unstable and should not be used (Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory 

Committee, 2006). 

	 Anchor troughs without wires, poles, and other obstructions directly over the trough surface to reduce 

injuries and make the troughs more accessible to bats (Tuttle, Chambers, & Theimer, 2006). 

	 Fence ponds or reservoirs for wildlife to exclude livestock and provide an alternate watering source 

for livestock within the pasture. The exclosure should be of adequate size, greater than 15 acres, to 

encourage big game use and maximize potential waterfowl and shorebird production. To the extent 

needed, control noxious weeds and invasive species around ponds with herbicide, and plant the area 

to a mix of desirable grasses, forbs, and shrubs. 

	 Evaluate ponds and reservoirs as habitat for amphibians. Where habitat is occupied by amphibians, 

take measures to maintain or improve habitat quality, including planting aquatic cover, providing 

basking areas, reducing trampling at critical times of the year, and providing water from spring 

through fall (Appendix H, Table H- 3) (CSFTT, 2003). 

	 Explore alternative strategies to divert water that have no detrimental impact on the spring source or 

riparian habitat (e.g., locating collection devices far enough below the spring source that it has no 

detrimental impact on the spring source or surrounding riparian vegetation (CSFTT, 2003), leaving 

adequate water at the spring source to maintain or enhance the existing condition). 

	 Modify developed springs and restore associated riparian vegetation by diverting water back to the 

natural stream channel and constructing wildlife-compatible livestock exclosure fences around 

springs and associated riparian vegetation (CSFTT, 2003). To maintain wetlands and riparian 

vegetation in the natural stream channel, use demand regulators (e.g., flow restrictors, shut off 

valves, float valves) on troughs to return water to the spring when the trough is full (CSFTT, 2003). 

	 Ensure wetlands are maintained when adding troughs or extending pipelines drawing water from 

springs. 

Transportation and Travel

	 In coordination with IDFG, NDOW, and local highway districts, evaluate primitive roads and trails and 

consider seasonal restrictions. Primitive roads in sage-grouse nesting and big game winter habitat 

would have the highest priority for seasonal closures during sensitive periods (Mule Deer Working 

Group 2004, (Braun, 2006; Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee, 2006). 

	 Through the transportation and travel management planning process, address important wildlife 

habitat values including key sage-grouse breeding habitat (Braun, 2006; Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory 

Committee, 2006) and big game parturition and winter habitats (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004) 

through actions such as closing or rerouting roads and seasonal restrictions. 

	 To the extent practical, schedule road realignments and other major construction to occur between 

June 21 and November 30 in big game winter habitat and sage-grouse habitat. 

	 Spray along roadsides to minimize sources of noxious weed and invasive plant seed that could be 

transported to other areas. 

	 Ensure road blading and roadside herbicide applications are coordinated chronologically to minimize 

herbicide use and increase effectiveness. 

	 Use spot grading whenever possible to reduce route braiding. 

Land Use Authorizations 

Communication Towers and Overhead Transmission Lines 	 Construct new powerlines next to existing roads to the extent possible. 

	 Remove wires from abandoned overhead power or telephone lines; cut off poles near ground level 

and remove them. 

	 Design towers to prevent raptors from using them as perches. 

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	 Design towers and adjacent structures with the smallest footprint possible; however, a larger footprint 

for self-supporting towers is preferable to guy-supported towers with a smaller footprint. 

	 Install daytime visual markers on guyed towers or other proven methods to prevent collisions by 

birds. 

	 Downshield security lighting for on-the-ground facilities to minimize attraction to birds and bats. 

	 Incorporate noxious weed and invasive plant species prevention provisions in all special use permits, 

road use permits, and easements. 

	 Additional BMPs for wind energy development can be found in Appendix N. 

Minerals 

Leasable Minerals 

	 Ensure noxious weed and invasive plant prevention and control are considered in mining, oil and gas 

operations, and reclamation. 

Salable Minerals 

	 Avoid locating new salable mineral developments in big game or sage-grouse winter or breeding 

habitat. Locate new salable mineral developments in annual or non-native grass communities rather 

than in native plant communities. 

	 For gravel pits in big game or sage-grouse winter or breeding habitat, schedule blasting, crushing, 

screening and other operations from mid June through November. 

	 Issue decorative rock permits in big game or sage-grouse winter or breeding habitat so rock gathering 

occurs between mid June and November. Monitoring of the pit areas in big game or sage-grouse 

habitat should include the monitoring of pioneered routes to other areas that have rock. Post 

pioneered routes as closed. 

	 Minimize the spread of noxious weed and invasive plant species caused by moving infested gravel 

and fill material (e.g., close the pit, aggressively treat infested areas). 

Works Cited 

Autenrieth, R. E. (1976, February 24-26, 1976). A Study of Birth Sites Selected by Pronghorn Does and 

the Bed Sites of Fawns. Paper presented at the 7th Pronghorn Antelope Workshop, Twin Falls, 

ID. 

Autenrieth, R. E., Brown, D. E., Cancino, J., Lee, R. M., Ockenfels, R. A., O'Gara, B. W., et al. (2006). 

Pronghorn Management Guide (4th ed., pp. 158). Bismarck, ND: Pronghorn Workshop and North 

Dakota Game and Fish Department. 

Braun, C. E. (2006). A Blueprint for Sage-Grouse Conservation and Recovery. Tucson, AZ: Grouse, Inc. 

Connelly, J. W., Knick, S. T., Schroeder, M. A., & Stiver, S. J. (2004). Conservation Assessment of 

Greater Sage-Grouse and Sagebrush Habitats. Unpublished Report. Western Association of Fish 

and Wildlife Agencies. 

CSFTT. (2003). Conservation Agreement and Strategy: Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris) Great 

Basin Population, Nevada, and Northeastern Subpopulations, Jarbidge-Independence and Ruby 

Mountain: Columbia Spotted Frog Technical Team. 

Gillen, R. L., Krueger, W. C., & Miller, R. F. (1985). Cattle Use of Riparian Meadows in the Blue 

Mountains of Northeastern Oregon. Journal of Range Management, 38(3), 205-209. 

Gross, J. A., & Knight, J. E. (2000). Elk Presence Inside Various-Sized Cattle Exclosures. Journal of 

Range Management, 53(3), 287-290. 

Hausleitner, D., Reese, K. P., & Apa, A. D. (2005). Timing of Vegetation Sampling at Greater SageGrouse Nests. [Research Note]. Rangeland Ecology and Management, 58, 553-556. 

Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee. (2006). Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in 

Idaho: Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee. 

Mule Deer Working Group. (2004). North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan: Western Association of 

Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 

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Sheldon, D., Lindzey, F., & Rudd, B. (2006). Movement and Distribution Patterns of Pronghorn Antelope 

in Relation to Roads in Southwestern Wyoming (Final Report No. FHWA-WY-06/02F). Laramie, 

WY: USDOT, Federal Highway Administration and State of Wyoming Department of 

Transportation. 

Tuttle, S. R., Chambers, C. L., & Theimer, T. C. (2006). Potential Effects of Livestock Water-Trough 

Modifications on Bats in Northern Arizona. [Peer Reviewed]. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 34(3), 602-

608. 

Yoakum, J. D. (2004a). Foraging Ecology, Diet Studies, and Nutrient Values. In B. W. O'Gara & J. D. 

Yoakum (Eds.), Pronghorn: Ecology and Management (pp. 447-502). Boulder, CO: University 

Press Colorado. 

Yoakum, J. D. (2004b). Habitat Characteristics and Requirements. In B. W. O'Gara & J. D. Yoakum 

(Eds.), Pronghorn: Ecology and Management (pp. 409-445). Boulder, CO: University Press 

Colorado. 

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