Conservation Measures Addressed in Forest Plan

The following Table displays how the conservation measures for species are addressed through the direction and documentation in the Final Forest Plan. 

The Shoshone NF is roughly 55 percent designated wilderness and 30 percent inventoried roadless. Almost all management activities occur on the remaining 15 percent of the Forest. 

A very small percentage of the forest will be impacted during the planning period. Only 2 percent of the forest will receive any vegetation treatment in the next decade. This low level 

of impact means that much of the habitat for various species is in a natural condition. Plan direction is targeted at those habitat components that are most likely to be impacted. 

Many habitat components are addressed through the general vegetation direction that focuses on maintaining the natural variability of vegetation conditions.

Conservation measures, such as “work with game and fish department”, that do not meet the definitions for standards and guidelines are incorporated into the management 

approach discussions for the appropriate resource section. 

Species/Status Conservation Measures

From Viability Assessments

In Forest Plan Location In Plan/Comments

Wolverine(candidate) Actively patrol for snowmobiles that are trespassing 

in wilderness.

Implied Management actions that have adverse effects on threatened, endangered, proposed, 

or candidate species or their habitats shall not be allowed if the effects of those actions 

would contribute to the loss of viability of the species. (TES-STAND-01)

Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive)

----------------------------

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

---------------------------

Grizzly 

Bear(threatened)

---------------------------

Black-backed 

woodpecker (sensitive)

---------------------------

Olive-sided 

Flycatcher(sensitive

---------------------------

Gillette’s Checkerspot 

(sensitive)

Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

create a mosaic of habitats and reduce 

encroachment from shrubs and trees into 

grasslands.

Utilize prescribed fire to create a mosaic of habitats 

and to reduce tree and shrub encroachment.

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Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

create a mosaic of habitats and reduce 

encroachment from shrubs and trees into 

grasslands.

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Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

provide diverse habitats across the landscape.

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Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

provide foraging and nesting habitat in mature 

conifer areas.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

provide foraging and nesting habitat.

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Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

create potential habitat for Gillette’s checkerspot.

Yes Vegetation conditions are similar to those that would occur with fire regimes that have 

been subjected to natural disturbance processes. Areas of fire regime condition class 1 

are maintained and other areas characterized by condition classes 2 or 3 are improved 

to condition class 1 by either natural or management initiated disturbance processes. 

(FIRE-GOAL-06)

Disturbance processes have moved 60,000 to 165,000 acres from fire regime condition 

classes 2 or 3 to fire regime condition class 1. (FIRE-OBJ-01)

Disturbance processes have maintained 86,000 to 176,000 acres in fire regime condition 

class 1. (FIRE-OBJ-02)

Managing unplanned ignitions to accomplish resource benefits is authorized Forestwide 

where compatible with agency policy and other resource management direction and 

objectives. Wildfire may be used to protect, maintain, and enhance resources and as 

nearly as possible be allowed to function in its natural role. (FIRE-STAND-03)

Cover types for grassland, sagebrush, willow, and aspen are commonly maintained and 

restored by limiting future conifer encroachment and eliminating existing conifer 

encroachment. Wildfire and prescribed fire, as well as mechanical treatments, are used 

to achieve vegetation maintenance and restoration goals and objectives. (Management 

approach – vegetation)

Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)
Canada 

Lynx(threatened)

Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

provide future foraging habitat and a mosaic of 

different habitats across the landscape.

Yes The above direction on fire also contributes to this conservation measure

Manage vegetation to mimic or approximate natural succession and disturbance 

processes while maintaining habitat components necessary for the conservation of lynx. 

(Appendix 1 - Objective VEG 01)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Assess road crossings and prioritize which barriers 

need to be fixed.

Yes Replace undersized culverts and bridges. (RDTR-GOAL-07)

Trumpeter 

Swan(sensitive)

Avoid disturbing trumpeter swan pairs during the 

breeding season.

Yes Design management actions within known nesting or denning sites of sensitive species 

to avoid disrupting the reproductive success of those sites during the nesting and 

denning periods. (SENS-STAND-02)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Avoid or minimize insecticide use in shrubland 

habitats to maintain a food source for loggerhead 

shrikes (and other insectivores). Postpone all 

insecticide use until loggerhead shrikes and other 

insectivores have completed their breeding cycle.

Yes Design and implement management actions in occupied sensitive species habitat to 

avoid actions that contribute to a trend towards Federal listing for these species. (SENSSTAND-07)

Highly toxic insecticides (specifically organophosphorous and carbamate) should not be 

used in suitable greater sage-grouse summer use habitat. (SENS-GUIDE-04)

Bighorn 

Sheep(sensitive)

Close all occupied core BHS habitat and the area 

within 26 km of the occupied core habitat to pack 

goat use. This is needed to protect core BHS herds 

from the potential for contact with pack goats. The 

closure for the 26 km buffer is to protect foraying 

bighorn sheep from coming into contact with pack 

goats. This measure effectively closes the entire 

Shoshone N.F., except the Washakie R.D. to goat 

pack use.

Yes

Maintain low risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep and domestic goats to 

wild bighorn sheep within core bighorn sheep ranges. (SENS-GOAL-03)

Domestic sheep and goat allotments shall not overlap with core native bighorn sheep 

ranges. (SENS-STAND-05)

Do not allow recreational pack goat use in core native bighorn sheep ranges, except for 

authorized special use permits. (SENS-STAND-06)
Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) 

Sage sparrow (sensitive) 

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

---------------------------

Ruffed Grouse(MIS)

---------------------------

Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

---------------------------

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

Consider resting burned areas from grazing to 

provide adequate regeneration of native vegetation.

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Consider resting burned and/or mechanically 

treated aspen stands from livestock grazing to 

provide for successful aspen regeneration.

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Consider resting burned areas from grazing to 

provide adequate regeneration of native vegetation.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Rest burned areas from grazing to provide adequate 

regeneration of native vegetation.

Yes Prior to restocking wildland fire areas with livestock native vegetation regeneration 

should be sufficient to maintain satisfactory range conditions. (GRAZ-GUIDE-03) (added 

after conservation measure review 6/14/2013)

Grizzly 

Bear(threatened)

Continue to implement food storage order #04-00-

104.

Yes Inside the primary conservation area, minimize grizzly bear/human conflicts using food 

storage, information and education, and other management tools. (TES-STAND-06)

Canada 

Lynx(threatened)

---------------------------

American 

Marten(sensitive)

---------------------------

Wolverine(candidate)

Continue to implement the Northern Rockies Lynx 

Management Direction (USFS 2007).

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In general, implementation of the Northern Rockies 

Lynx Management Direction (USFS 2007) would 

benefit marten as well. Especially, Standards and 

Guidelines related to vegetation management.

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In general, implementation of the Northern Rockies 

Lynx Management Direction (USFS 2007) would 

benefit wolverines as well. Especially, Standards and 

Guidelines related to vegetation management and 

winter recreation.

Yes Use the Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction (appendix 1) or best available 

science to provide guidelines for conservation of Canada lynx. (TES-GUIDE-03)

Trumpeter 

Swan(sensitive)

Coordinate with the WGFD to identify potential 

breeding wetlands and evaluate if there is potential 

to improve breeding habitat.

Implied Shoshone personnel collaborate with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on 

species population management including state-listed species and species of greatest 

conservation concern as identified in the state action plan.
Bighorn 

Sheep(sensitive)

Coordinate with the WGFD to seasonally close 

motorized access to crucial bighorn sheep winter 

range during critical time periods.

Yes On bighorn sheep crucial winter range, management activities that disturb bighorn 

sheep should be conducted outside the season of use (December 1 through April 30) or 

designed to reduce disturbance to bighorn sheep when the activity is necessary to 

sustain or improve bighorn sheep crucial winter range conditions. (SENS-GUIDE-03)

Timing restriction on disturbances near concentrated bighorn sheep lambing areas 

should be in effect April 1 through June 30 as needed with a minimum distance of 1 mile 

from the lambing site. Short-term projects designed to improve bighorn sheep habitat 

such as prescribed burning are exempt. (SENS-GUIDE-06)

Big game crucial winter range and parturition areas provide forage, water, and secure 

habitat for deer, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. (Desired conditions – species of local 

concern).

Big game crucial winter range provides habitat to support big game population 

objectives. (SPLC-GOAL-01)

Minimize human disturbance in big game crucial winter range. (SPLC-GOAL-02)

Program planning utilizes Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s State Wildlife Action 

Plan (Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2010c), Strategic Habitat Plan (Wyoming 

Game and Fish Department 2009), and mapping of moose, elk, mule deer, and bighorn 

sheep winter range, parturition areas, and migration corridors. (Management approach 

– species of local concern)

Shoshone personnel will work with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to assess 

shifts in winter range use by big game in response to changes such as temperature, 

precipitation, and predation. Managers will work with the Wyoming Game and Fish 

Department to explore changes in management that should be considered to respond to 

shifts in big game winter range use. (Management approach – species of local concern)

Seasonal closures are used where necessary in winter range and parturition areas to 

lower open road densities, limit disturbance from motorized use, and provide increased 

secure habitat during the winter and spring. Seasonal closures and or closure dates may 

be adjusted to allow access for recreational hunting opportunities. The Wyoming Game 

and Fish Department provides input on closure modifications. Management activities 

conducted during seasonal closures consider the need to conduct the management 

activity during the season of use, the duration of the management activity, the benefit 

to big game winter range/parturition areas, potential mitigation measures, and presence 

of big game in that particular year. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be 

consulted before a seasonal closure is changed. (Management approach – species of 

local concern)
Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Coordinate with WGFD in assessing the impact of 

non-native trout on amphibian populations.

Yes Shoshone personnel collaborate with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on 

species population management including state-listed species and species of greatest 

conservation concern as identified in the state action plan. (Management approach –

Sensitive species).

In managing habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the Forest Service coordinates 

management with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on impacts to genetically 

pure cutthroat trout from stocking nonnatives and to identify stream segments suitable 

for reintroduction of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. In cooperation with the 

Wyoming Game and Fish Department, a list and map of priority drainages for potential 

expansion of Yellowstone cutthroat trout have been developed. (Management approach 

– sensitive species)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Do not allow for the application of insecticides or 

herbicides in aquatic habitats, or any other chemical 

that would threaten water quality or aquatic life, 

with the exception of pesticides used to restore 

native aquatic life (e.g. rotenone).

Yes Favor pesticides with half-lives of 3 months or less when practicable to achieve 

treatment objectives.. Apply at lowest effective rates as large droplets or pellets. Follow 

the label directions. Favor selective treatment. Use only aquatic-labeled chemicals in the 

WIZ. (WCP-MM-17a)

With proper administration and compliance, fish toxicants may be used to remove 

nonnative fish species in order to reestablish native Yellowstone cutthroat trout outside 

wilderness. Inside wilderness, a minimum requirement decision guide and National 

Environmental Policy Act analysis will be completed to determine if the use of toxicants 

and fish stocking is appropriate. (Management approach – Sensitive species)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Do not introduce non-native trout to lakes and 

rivers known to be of high value to amphibians.

Yes Nonnative trout should not be introduced into currently unoccupied trout habitat that is 

known to be of high value to amphibians. (SENS-GUIDE-05) (added after conservation 

measure review 6/14/2013)

Gray 

Wolf(experimental, 

nonessential

Encourage livestock producers to minimize 

depredations by proactively increasing riders on 

grazing allotments and moving livestock to different 

pastures away from wolf activity.

Yes

Conflicts between livestock and large predators are minimized to the extent possible, 

while following Federal and State of Wyoming laws and regulations. (Desired Conditions

- Commercial livestock grazing)

Various techniques such as the presence of sheep dogs or herders, delaying livestock 

turn-out dates until after lambing/calving is complete, and the use of electric fencing 

and fladry at localized sites should be utilized to minimize wolf depredation on livestock. 

(TES-GUIDE-09) (this guideline is being moved to sensitive species section).

Elk(species of local 

concern)

Identify and maintain sufficient elk security habitat 

outside of the Grizzly Bear Primary Conservation 

Area.

Yes Secure habitat for big game will be maintained at existing herd unit secure habitat 

percentages shown in Table 11. Secure habitat has increased within elk herd units that 

are near or below the minimum percentage of secure habitat, particularly along 

migration corridors. (Desired Condition - species of local concern).

Secure habitat for big game is being maintained and/or improved in elk herd units. 

(SPLC-GOAL-03)

Secure habitat for big game occurs at or above the minimum condition of 30 percent 

(Table 11). (SPLC-OBJ-01)

Management activities should maintain secure habitat above 30 percent for elk (Table 

11). (SPC-GUIDE-03)
Peregrine 

Falcon(sensitive)

If an active eyrie is located, avoid project activities 

and human disturbance within 1⁄2 mile of the eyrie 

from February 1 – August 1.

Yes Human activities are restricted within 0.5 mile of occupied peregrine falcon areas 

between March 15 and July 31 for nest sites, or July 1 and September 15 for hack sites. 

Protection distance may vary, depending on local topography, potential for disturbance, 

and location of important habitat components. (SENS-STAND-09)

Northern 

Goshawk(sensitive

If an active nest is located, avoid project activities 

within 1⁄4 mile that would disturb nesting goshawks 

from April 1 – August 31.

Yes Within 0.25 mile of active goshawk nests, management activities that have the potential 

to disturb nesting goshawks should not be allowed between April 1 and August 31. 

(SENS-GUIDE-02)

Wolverine(candidate) If important denning habitat is identified outside of 

wilderness (i.e. beartooth plateau) snowmobiling in 

these areas may need to be restricted.

Yes Design management activities to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to proposed, 

threatened, endangered, and candidate species during breeding, young rearing, or at 

other times critical to survival. (TES-STAND-02)
Mule Deer(species of 

local concern)

---------------------------

Elk (species of local 

concern)

If necessary, coordinate with the WGFD to 

seasonally close motorized access to crucial mule 

deer winter range during critical time periods.

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In cooperation with the WGFD seasonally close 

motorized access to crucial elk winter range during 

critical time periods.

Yes Minimize human disturbance in big game crucial winter range. (SPLC-GOAL-02)

On big game crucial winter range, management activities that disturb big game should 

be conducted outside the season of use (December 1 through April 30) or designed to 

reduce disturbance to big game when the activity is necessary to sustain or improve 

crucial winter range conditions. Exceptions are allowed for over-snow motorized use as 

follows: 

• Over-snow motorized vehicle use is permitted on roads and trails open to 

wheeled motorized vehicles within crucial big game winter range consistent with law 

and regulations (see MVUM map).

• Over-snow motorized vehicles use is permitted on designated groomed 

snowmobile trails within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted on designated ungroomed snowmobile trails 

within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted within identified crucial big game winter range 

exemption areas (see Map C). (SPC-GUIDE-04)

Area closures for public motorized recreation in big game crucial winter range during the 

season of use (December 1 through April 30) may be modified to allow public motorized 

access to assist Wyoming Game and Fish in big game population management. (SPCGUIDE-05)

Apply seasonal restrictions as needed on motorized use of travelways to reduce 

disturbance in sensitive big game areas, such as birthing areas and winter range. (SPCGUIDE-09)

Program planning utilizes Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s State Wildlife Action 

Plan (Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2010c), Strategic Habitat Plan (Wyoming 

Game and Fish Department 2009), and mapping of moose, elk, mule deer, and bighorn 

sheep winter range, parturition areas, and migration corridors. (Management approach 

– species of local concern)

Shoshone personnel will work with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to assess 

shifts in winter range use by big game in response to changes such as temperature, 

precipitation, and predation. Managers will work with the Wyoming Game and Fish 

Department to explore changes in management that should be considered to respond to 

shifts in big game winter range use. (Management approach – species of local concern)

Seasonal closures are used where necessary in winter range and parturition areas to 

lower open road densities, limit disturbance from motorized use, and provide increased 

secure habitat during the winter and spring. Seasonal closures and or closure dates may 

be adjusted to allow access for recreational hunting opportunities. The Wyoming Game 

and Fish Department provides input on closure modifications. Management activities 

conducted during seasonal closures consider the need to conduct the management 

activity during the season of use, the duration of the management activity, the benefit 

to big game winter range/parturition areas, potential mitigation measures, and presence 

of big game in that particular year. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be 

consulted before a seasonal closure is changed. (Management approach – species of 

local concern)
Northern 

Goshawk(sensitive)

If project activities will reduce potential nesting 

habitat within a known goshawk territory, identify 

and manage alternative and replacement nest sites 

within the territory

Yes Opportunities to restore degraded sensitive species habitat should be identified and 

addressed when planning other management activities. (SENS-GUIDE-01)

Hoary Bat(sensitive) In areas where hoary bats are known to occur, 

conduct timber harvest activities from October 1 –

April 15 if feasible, to avoid impacting breeding and 

migrating populations.

Implied Design and implement management actions in occupied sensitive species habitat to 

avoid actions that contribute to a trend towards Federal listing for these species. (SENSSTAND-07)

Grizzly 

Bear(threatened)

Incorporate all components of the Final 

Conservation Strategy for the Grizzly Bear in the 

Greater Yellowstone Area.

Yes Numerous goals (03, 05), standards (04, 05, 06, 09, 11, 13), and guidelines (04, 05, 07, 

08, 16) in Threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate species section (FP pg 37-

42)

Grizzly bear habitat will be managed using the Conservation Strategy or best available 

science. (Management approach – threatened, endangered, proposed, and candidate 

species)

Bald Eagle (sensitive) Known nest and winter roost sites will be protected 

per the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines 

(USFWS 2007).

Yes Design management actions within known nesting or denning sites of sensitive species 

to avoid disrupting the reproductive success of those sites during the nesting and 

denning periods. (SENS-STAND-02)

Human activities are restricted within 250 yards of bald eagle winter roosting areas 

between November 15 and March 1. Human activities are restricted within 400 yards of 

an active nest between February 1 and August 15. (SENS-STAND-08)

Fringed MyotisSpotted

BatTownsend’s Bigeared

Bat(sensitive)

Limit human disturbance, and where necessary, 

close caves and abandoned mines to human use 

that have documented bats populations

Yes Limit human disturbance at caves and abandoned mines where bat populations are 

documented. When closing mines or caves for safety or protection reasons, minimize 

disturbance and effects to microclimate, and provide access for bats. (SENS-STAND-04)

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) 

Sage sparrow (sensitive) 

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Limit the number of new roads. Reclaim old roads 

that are not being used. Discourage road 

construction and other developments where it 

would reduce sagebrush habitat patch size.

Yes Roads and trails not needed for long-term objectives are decommissioned, stabilized, 

and restored to a more natural state. (RDTR-GOAL-02)

Maintain contiguous sagebrush communities by avoiding fragmentation (roads, power 

lines, infrastructure, fire, etc.) of suitable greater sage-grouse habitat. (SENS-GOAL-07)

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

Limit the number of new roads. Reclaim old roads 

that are not being used. Discourage road 

construction and other developments where it 

would reduce habitat patch size.

Yes Roads and trails not needed for long-term objectives are decommissioned, stabilized, 

and restored to a more natural state. (RDTR-GOAL-02)

National Forest System roads and trails needed for long-term objectives and to meet 

desired conditions are constructed and maintained in a manner that provides for user 

safety and minimizes impacts to natural resources. (RDTR-GOAL-01)
Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

---------------------------

Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive)

Trumpeter 

Swan(sensitive)

---------------------------

North American River

Otter(sensitive)

Water Vole(sensitive)

Locate roads and trails outside of riparian areas to 

prevent loss of habitat. Use standard water quality 

conservation practices when conducting activities 

within riparian areas, including timber harvest or 

road and trail construction/reconstruction.

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Locate roads and trails outside of riparian areas to 

prevent loss of habitat and to reduce potential 

disturbance during nesting.

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Locate roads and trails outside of riparian areas to 

prevent loss of habitat.

Yes Implement appropriate watershed conservation practices to protect soil, aquatic, and 

riparian systems as contained in Forest Service Handbook 2509.25 Watershed 

Conservation Practices Handbook. (S&W-STAND-01)

Numerous criteria found in WCP Management Measures 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11.

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Maintain and improve known breeding sites. Yes Design management actions within known boreal toad, Columbian spotted frog, and 

northern leopard frog habitat to maintain or improve habitat conditions. (SENS-STAND11) (added after conservation measure review 6/14/2013).

Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive)

North American River

Otter(sensitive)

Maintain forested cover along edges of riparian 

areas where it naturally exists.

Implied Allow no action that will cause long-term change away from desired condition in any 

riparian or wetland vegetation community. Consider management of stream 

temperature and large woody debris recruitment when determining desired vegetation 

community. In degraded systems, progress toward desired condition within the next 

plan period. (WCP-MM-3b)

Design grazing systems to limit utilization of woody species. Where woody species have 

been historically suppressed, or where the plant community is below its desired 

condition and livestock are a key contributing factor, manage livestock through control 

of time/timing, intensity, and duration/frequency of use so as to allow for riparian

hardwood growth extension and reproduction. Manage woody species in riparian areas 

to provide for stream temperature, bank stability and riparian habitat. (WCP-MM-3j)

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) Sage sparrow 

(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

---------------------------

Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Maintain native grasses and forbs through proper 

grazing limitations.

Use rotational grazing systems to provide rest and 

areas with reduced potential for cowbird parasitism. 

Provide for retention of about 50% of current year’s 

growth of herbaceous vegetation for nesting cover 

in the following season.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Maintain native grasses and forbs through proper 

grazing limitations. 

Use rotational grazing systems to provide rest.

Yes

Management activities that affect sagebrush habitat should avoid fragmenting the 

habitat into monocultures of native and nonnative species. (MIS-GUIDE-01)

Design management actions within known nesting sites of management indicator 

species to avoid disrupting reproductive success of those breeding sites during the 

nesting period. Sites, periods, and mitigation measures shall be determined during 

project planning. (MIS-STAND-01)

Provide a sustainable supply of forage that helps achieve other resource desired 

conditions on National Forest System lands and supports ranching in local communities. 

(GRAZ-GOAL-01)

Rangeland conditions are maintained or improved over time. (GRAZ-GOAL-02)

Follow the annual allowable use guidelines in Table 6. Allowable annual use is measured 

at predetermined key representative monitoring sites and applies at the time the 

livestock leave the unit. (VEG-GUIDE-03)
Red-breasted 

Nuthatch(MIS)

Maintain or improve mature conifer forest (4C) with 

snags which is capable of supporting the viability of 

red-breasted nuthatches.

Yes Table 3 and Table 4 display the current and desired age class distribution areas across 

the Shoshone. (Desired Condition - Vegetation)

Snags within a project area where timber harvest is conducted should generally be 

retained in sufficient numbers to maintain an average of two to three snags per acre 

averaged over 1,000 acres. Snag size classes should be representative of stand size 

classes, including some snags representing the largest size classes. (VEG-GUIDE-08)

Shiras Moose(species of 

local concern)

Maintain sufficient mature conifer forest within 

moose winter range to provide thermal cover. 

Implied Table 3 and Table 4 display the current and desired age class distribution areas across 

the Shoshone. (Desired Condition FP pg. 31)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Sage Grouse(candidate)

---------------------------

Trumpeter 

Swan(sensitive)

Maintain water abundance and associated 

vegetation at springs and seeps.

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Maintain wetlands

Yes Restore and maintain healthy watersheds, including wetlands, riparian areas, and 

floodplains. (S&W-GOAL-01)

Riparian and other wetland habitats are maintained in a condition that maintains water 

quality and species habitat. (VEG-GOAL-07)

All accepted groundwater development proposals should be designed to maintain 

groundwater levels necessary in order to avoid or minimize impacts on groundwaterdependent resources (e.g., springs, wetlands, fens, streamflows, etc.). (S&W-GUIDE-03)

Avoid long-term reduction in organic ground cover and organic soil layers in any wetland 

(including peat in fens). (WCP-MM-6c)

Avoid any loss of rare wetlands such as fens and springs. (WCP-MM-6e)

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

Maintain wetlands and native grasses and forbs 

through proper grazing limitations. 

Utilize rotational grazing systems.

Yes Provide a sustainable supply of forage that helps achieve other resource desired 

conditions on National Forest System lands and supports ranching in local communities. 

(GRAZ-GOAL-01)

Follow the annual allowable use guidelines in Table 6. Allowable annual use is measured 

at predetermined key representative monitoring sites and applies at the time the 

livestock leave the unit. (VEG-GUIDE-03)

Rangeland conditions are maintained or improved over time. (GRAZ-GOAL-02)

Restore and maintain healthy watersheds, including wetlands, riparian areas, and 

floodplains. (S&W-GOAL-01)

Boreal Owl(sensitive)

Mule Deer(species of 

local concern)

Northern 

Goshawk(sensitive)

Shiras Moose(species of 

local

concern)

Manage aspen for retention and expansion over 

current levels.

Yes Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

Increase aspen cover type by at least 15,000 acres, including 3,500 acres accomplished 

with mechanical treatments. (VEG-OBJ-03)
Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive)

---------------------------

North American River

Otter(sensitive)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive) 

Water Vole(sensitive)

Gillette’s 

Checkerspot(sensitive

Manage dispersed camping and recreational uses so 

that degradation of riparian areas does not occur, 

and achieve improvements in existing degraded 

areas. 

Where known nesting of this species occurs, 

consider regulating recreational use during the 

nesting season to avoid disturbance.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Manage dispersed camping and recreational uses so 

that degradation of riparian areas does not occur, 

and achieve improvements in existing degraded 

areas.

Yes

Campsites should be at least 200 feet from trails, lakes, or wet meadows, and 100 feet 

from streams or creeks. (REC-GUIDE-02)

Allow no action that will cause long-term change away from desired condition in any 

riparian or wetland vegetation community. Consider management of stream 

temperature and large woody debris recruitment when determining desired vegetation 

community. In degraded systems, progress toward desired condition within the next 

plan period. (WCP-MM-3b)

Provide habitat capable of contributing to conservation and viability of sensitive species, 

which will keep sensitive species from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. 

(SENS-GOAL-01)

Design management actions within known nesting or denning sites of sensitive species 

to avoid disrupting the reproductive success of those sites during the nesting and 

denning periods. (SENS-STAND-02)

Elk(species of local 

concern)

Manage domestic livestock grazing on elk crucial 

winter ranges to provide sufficient forage for 

wintering elk.

Yes Provide a sustainable supply of forage that helps achieve other resource desired 

conditions on National Forest System lands and supports ranching in local communities. 

(GRAZ-GOAL-01)

Follow the annual allowable use guidelines in Table 6. Allowable annual use is measured 

at predetermined key representative monitoring sites and applies at the time the 

livestock leave the unit. (VEG-GUIDE-03)

On big game winter ranges, livestock grazing can be utilized as a tool to improve forage 

conditions and maintain big game use on winter ranges. During periods of prolonged 

drought, management of forage on winter range and parturition areas will be discussed 

with permittees and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to identify cooperative 

means to maintain forage quantity and quality for livestock and wildlife. (Management 

approach – commercial livestock grazing)

Within big game crucial winter range grazing strategies will provide sufficient forage to 

maintain big game herd objectives and maintain satisfactory range conditions. 

(MA5.4-STAND-02)

Hoary Bat(sensitive) Manage land where hoary bats occur that provides 

adequate roosting and foraging habitat to maintain 

stable populations (secure roosting sites and diverse 

forest habitats with a mixture of forest and small 

open areas).

Yes Provide habitat capable of contributing to conservation and viability of sensitive species, 

which will keep sensitive species from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. 

(SENS-GOAL-01)

Retain large diameter snags and roost trees for cavity-nesting birds and bats as 

described in the vegetation section. (SENS-STAND-10)
Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive) 

Water Vole(sensitive)

---------------------------

Gillette’s 

Checkerspot(sensitive)

Manage livestock and ungulate grazing/browsing so 

that potential habitat is improved or maintained, 

particularly during drought years. 

Retention of vegetative cover at the wetland edge 

would be the primary emphasis factor, as well as 

maintaining the ecological processes that provide 

for the long term maintenance of these habitats.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Manage livestock grazing so that potential habitat is 

improved or maintained, particularly during drought 

years.

Yes Rangeland conditions are maintained or improved over time. (GRAZ-GOAL-02)

Riparian and other wetland habitats are maintained in a condition that maintains water 

quality and species habitat. (VEG-GOAL-07)

Follow the annual allowable use guidelines in Table 6. Allowable annual use is measured 

at predetermined key representative monitoring sites and applies at the time the 

livestock leave the unit. (VEG-GUIDE-03)

Livestock should be removed from the unit when monitoring of key riparian areas 

reflects one or more of these criteria:

• Utilization of herbaceous species reaches 40 to 50 percent by weight, which is 

generally equivalent to an average stubble height of 3 to 4 inches on Carex species on 

spring use units and 4 to 6 inches on summer/fall use units

• Utilization of woody plants reaches 15 to 20 percent of the current annual 

growth

• Annual streambank alteration due to livestock exceeds 20% of the 

representative reach or streambank stability (trend) is at the moderate level or lower

(VEG-GUIDE-05)

Manage livestock use through control of time/timing, intensity, and duration/frequency 

of use in riparian areas and wetlands to maintain or improve long-term stream health. 

Exclude livestock from riparian areas and wetlands that are not meeting or moving 

towards desired condition objectives where monitoring information shows continued 

livestock grazing would prevent attainment of those objectives. (WCP-MM-3f)

Maintain the extent of stable banks in each stream reach at 74% or more of reference 

conditions. Consider degree of livestock trampling and riparian vegetation utilization on 

or immediately adjacent to stream banks when timing livestock moves between units. 

(WCP—MM-3k)

Elk (species of local 

concern)

Management activities that disturb calving elk 

should be conducted outside of the critical time 

period except when the project is designed to 

maintain or improve elk calving area conditions (i.e. 

prescribed fire).

Yes Timing restrictions on disturbances near elk parturition areas on the Washakie and Wind 

River ranger districts shall be in effect May 15 through June 30 with a minimum distance 

of 0.5 mile from the calving areas. Short-term projects designed to improve elk habitat, 

such as prescribed burning, are exempt. (SPLC-STAND-01)

Timing restrictions on disturbances near parturition areas on the Clarks Fork, Greybull, 

and Wapiti ranger districts shall be on a case-by-case basis when good data support the 

action. (SPLC-STAND-02)

Bighorn Sheep

(sensitive)

Management activities that disturb wintering 

bighorn sheep should be conducted outside of the 

critical time period except when the project is 

designed to maintain or improve crucial winter 

range conditions (i.e. prescribed fire).

Yes On bighorn sheep crucial winter range, management activities that disturb bighorn 

sheep should be conducted outside the season of use (December 1 through April 30) or 

designed to reduce disturbance to bighorn sheep when the activity is necessary to 

sustain or improve bighorn sheep crucial winter range conditions. (SENS-GUIDE-03)

Timing restriction on disturbances near concentrated bighorn sheep lambing areas 

should be in effect April 1 through June 30 as needed with a minimum distance of 1 mile 

from the lambing site. Short-term projects designed to improve bighorn sheep habitat 

such as prescribed burning are exempt. (SENS-GUIDE-06)
Elk (species of local 

concern)

Shiras Moose(species of 

local concern) 

Mule Deer(species of 

local concern)

Management activities that disturb wintering 

elk/moose/mule deer should be conducted outside 

of the critical time period except when the project is 

designed to maintain or improve crucial winter 

range conditions (i.e. prescribed fire).

Yes On big game crucial winter range, management activities that disturb big game should 

be conducted outside the season of use (December 1 through April 30) or designed to 

reduce disturbance to big game when the activity is necessary to sustain or improve 

crucial winter range conditions. Exceptions are allowed for over-snow motorized use as 

follows: 

• Over-snow motorized vehicle use is permitted on roads and trails open to 

wheeled motorized vehicles within crucial big game winter range consistent with law 

and regulations (see MVUM map).

• Over-snow motorized vehicles use is permitted on designated groomed 

snowmobile trails within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted on designated ungroomed snowmobile trails 

within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted within identified crucial big game winter range 

exemption areas (see Map C). (SPC-GUIDE-04)

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) Sage sparrow 

(sensitive )

Sage Grouse(candidate)

---------------------------

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Prevent or reduce the risk for large stand 

replacement fires in sagebrush habitat. 

Conduct prescribed burns that are small and patchy 

and maintain habitat diversity. 

Retain areas of large expanses of sagebrush habitat 

(minimize edge created).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Prevent or reduce the risk for large stand 

replacement fires in sagebrush habitat. 

Conduct prescribed burns that are small and patchy 

and maintain habitat diversity. 

Retain areas of large expanses of sagebrush and 

shrub-steppe habitat.

Yes

Manage sagebrush and willow habitats to provide a range of age, canopy cover, and size 

classes that are within natural ranges on a watershed or landscape scale. (VEG-GOAL-05)

Maintain contiguous sagebrush communities by avoiding fragmentation (roads, power 

lines, infrastructure, fire, etc.) of suitable greater sage-grouse habitat. (SENS-GOAL-07)

In areas dominated with sagebrush, provide a mosaic of open (5 percent) to moderate 

(25 percent) shrub canopy cover. (MIS-GOAL-04)

Prevent or minimize the loss of sagebrush habitat to large, stand-replacement fires. 

(MIS-GOAL-05)

Design prescribed burns in sagebrush communities to create or maintain a mosaic of 

patches (3 to 40 acres in size) of differing age classes with interspersed grass and forb 

habitat. 

(MIS-STAND-02)

Management activities that affect sagebrush habitat should avoid fragmenting the 

habitat into monocultures of native and nonnative species. (MIS-GUIDE-01)
Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) 

Sage sparrow (sensitive 

)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Sage Grouse(candidate)

---------------------------

Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive)

---------------------------

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

Prioritize and aggressively treat invasive weeds to 

prevent additional loss of sagebrush habitats.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Prioritize and aggressively treat invasive weeds to 

prevent additional loss of grassland habitats.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Prioritize and aggressively treat invasive weeds to 

prevent additional loss of grassland/wetland 

habitats

Yes Where possible, protect from wildfire and avoid using prescribed fire where invasive 

plants are established and fire would exacerbate the spread of the invasive plants, 

particularly cheatgrass. (INVS-GUIDE-02)

An emphasis is placed on controlling infestations on winter ranges, in sagebrush 

communities, and inventorying for invasive plants before any ground disturbing activity. 

(Management approach – invasive species).

Rangeland conditions are maintained or improved over time. (GRAZ-GOAL-02)

Manage rangeland plant communities to favor the replacement of invasive species with 

desirable native species. (VEG-GOAL-01)

Reduce adverse impacts from invasive plant and aquatic species. (INVS-GOAL-01)

Reduce invasive plant density, infestation size, and/or occurrence on at least 2,000 acres 

annually. (INVS-OBJ-01)

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) Sage sparrow 

(sensitive)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Provide a mosaic of open (5%) to moderate (25%) 

shrub canopy cover on the landscape.

Yes In areas dominated with sagebrush, provide a mosaic of open (5 percent) to moderate 

(25 percent) shrub canopy cover. (MIS-GOAL-04)

Sage Grouse(candidate) Provide escape ramps at livestock watering facilities. Yes Livestock watering facilities should provide escape ramps for small mammals and birds. 

(GRAZ-GUIDE-02) (added after conservation measure review 6/14/2013)

Boreal Toad Columbia 

Spotted Frog

Northern Leopard Frog 

(sensitive)

Provide forested cover along edges of riparian areas 

where it naturally exists to maintain temperature 

control of water.

Yes Implement appropriate watershed conservation practices to protect soil, aquatic, and 

riparian systems as contained in Forest Service Handbook 2509.25 Watershed 

Conservation Practices Handbook. (S&W-STAND-01)

Allow no action that will cause long-term change away from desired condition in any 

riparian or wetland vegetation community. Consider management of stream 

temperature and large woody debris recruitment when determining desired vegetation 

community. In degraded systems, progress toward desired condition within the next 

plan period. (WCP-MM-3b)

Design grazing systems to limit utilization of woody species. Where woody species have 

been historically suppressed, or where the plant community is below its desired 

condition and livestock are a key contributing factor, manage livestock through control 

of time/timing, intensity, and duration/frequency of use so as to allow for riparian 

hardwood growth extension and reproduction. Manage woody species in riparian areas 

to provide for stream temperature, bank stability and riparian habitat. (WCP-MM-3j)
Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive)

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive)

---------------------------

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) 

Sage sparrow (sensitive)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Re-establish native bunch grasses in habitat now 

dominated by non-native weeds.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Re-establish sagebrush and native bunch grasses in 

habitat now dominated by non-native weeds.

Yes Manage rangeland plant communities to favor the replacement of invasive species with 

desirable native species. (VEG-GOAL-01)

Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive)

---------------------------

Ferruginous 

Hawk(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive)

---------------------------

Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) 

Sage sparrow (sensitive) 

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Retain grassland and sagebrush habitats (no type 

conversions).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Retain grassland habitat (no type conversions).

------------------------------------------------------------------

Retain sagebrush habitat (no type conversions).

Implied Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

The desired Forestwide mix of cover types is shown in Table 1 and the current mix is 

shown in Table 2. (Desired Condition - Vegetation)

Restore and maintain a diverse range of forested and non-forested ecosystems. 

(VEG-GOAL-01)

Provide habitat capable of contributing to conservation and viability of sensitive species, 

which will keep sensitive species from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. 

(SENS-GOAL-01)
Short-eared

Owl(sensitive)

Retain grassland, wetland, and sagebrush habitats 

(no type conversions).

Implied The desired Forestwide mix of cover types is shown in Table 1 and the current mix is 

shown in Table 2. (Desired Condition - Vegetation)

Restore and maintain a diverse range of forested and non-forested ecosystems. 

(VEG-GOAL-01)

Provide habitat capable of contributing to conservation and viability of sensitive species, 

which will keep sensitive species from being listed under the Endangered Species Act. 

(SENS-GOAL-01)

Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

Restore and maintain healthy watersheds, including wetlands, riparian areas, and 

floodplains. (S&W-GOAL-01)

Riparian and other wetland habitats are maintained in a condition that maintains water 

quality and species habitat. (VEG-GOAL-07)

Avoid any loss of rare wetlands such as fens and springs. (WCP-MM-6e)

Black-backed 

woodpecker (sensitive)

Retain snags in timber harvest units of an adequate 

size and density, if adjacent forest lacks potential 

habitat.

Yes Snags within a project area where timber harvest is conducted should generally be 

retained in sufficient numbers to maintain an average of two to three snags per acre 

averaged over 1,000 acres. Snag size classes should be representative of stand size 

classes, including some snags representing the largest size classes. (VEG-GUIDE-08)

Retain large diameter snags and roost trees for cavity-nesting birds and bats as 

described in the vegetation section. (SENS-STAND-10)

Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive)

North American River

Otter(sensitive)

Re-vegetate decommissioned roads within riparian 

areas.

Yes Roads and trails not needed for long-term objectives are decommissioned, stabilized, 

and restored to a more natural state. (RDTR-GOAL-02)

Boreal Owl(sensitive) Should active owl nests be found, protect the nest 

site with a timing restriction and appropriate buffer. 

Nest stands from 4 to 35 acres have been reported 

for boreal owls

Yes Design management actions within known nesting or denning sites of sensitive species 

to avoid disrupting the reproductive success of those sites during the nesting and 

denning periods. (SENS-STAND-02)

American 

Marten(sensitive)

To maintain habitat connectivity, retain snags and 

CWD of adequate size and density within 

regeneration harvest units.

Yes Snags within a project area where timber harvest is conducted should generally be 

retained in sufficient numbers to maintain an average of two to three snags per acre 

averaged over 1,000 acres. Snag size classes should be representative of stand size 

classes, including some snags representing the largest size classes. (VEG-GUIDE-08)

For the purpose of sustaining site productivity and providing wildlife habitat in stands 

where harvest activities occur and where suitable material exists, coarse woody debris 

should be retained and distributed across the harvest unit in accordance with the ranges 

shown in Table 7. Larger material (greater than 6 inches diameter) should be provided in 

lengths greater than 8 feet when possible. In prescribed burn units and in areas near 

(within 0.25 to 0.5 mile) private property, infrastructure, or other developments, tons 

per acre ranges may be up to one-third lower. (VEG-GUIDE-09)
Brewer’s sparrow 

(sensitive and 

management indicator 

species) Sage sparrow 

(sensitive)

Grasshopper 

Sparrow(sensitive)

Loggerhead 

Shrike(sensitive)

Northern 

Harrier(sensitive)

Sage Grouse(candidate)

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

To reduce the risk of further spread, prescribed 

burns should not occur in areas with cheat grass and 

other non-native weeds.

Yes Prescribed burns should not be conducted in areas where invasive plants are established 

and fire would exacerbate the spread of invasive plants, particularly cheatgrass. (MISGUIDE-03)

Harlequin 

Duck(sensitive)

North American River

Otter(sensitive)

Trumpeter 

Swan(sensitive)

Use standard water quality conservation practices 

when conducting activities within riparian areas, 

including timber harvest or road and trail 

construction/reconstruction

Yes

Implement appropriate watershed conservation practices to protect soil, aquatic, and 

riparian systems as contained in Forest Service Handbook 2509.25 Watershed 

Conservation Practices Handbook. (S&W-STAND-01)

Numerous criteria found in Management Measures 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11. 

Bighorn 

Sheep(sensitive)

Utilize prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to 

maintain and improve bighorn sheep seasonal 

ranges.

Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to

maintain and improve bighorn sheep seasonal 

ranges.

Yes

Habitat conditions for bighorn sheep, particularly non-forested openings of various sizes 

and shapes that provide forage, access to winter range, escape terrain, and access to 

migration routes are improving. (SENS-GOAL-04)

Prescribed fire and other vegetation management projects occur on at least 4,000 acres 

of bighorn sheep foraging areas and connectivity corridors. (SENS-OBJ-02)

Timing restriction on disturbances near concentrated bighorn sheep lambing areas 

should be in effect April 1 through June 30 as needed with a minimum distance of 1 mile 

from the lambing site. Short-term projects designed to improve bighorn sheep habitat 

such as prescribed burning are exempt. (SENS-GUIDE-06)

Cover types for grassland, sagebrush, willow, and aspen are commonly maintained and 

restored by limiting future conifer encroachment and eliminating existing conifer 

encroachment. Wildfire and prescribed fire, as well as mechanical treatments, are used 

to achieve vegetation maintenance and restoration goals and objectives. (Management 

approach – vegetation)
Elk(species of local 

concern)

Mule Deer(species of 

local concern)

---------------------------

Shiras Moose(species of 

local concern)

---------------------------

Short-eared 

Owl(sensitive)

Utilize prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to 

maintain and improve elk/mule deer seasonal 

ranges.

Allow for wildland fire-use, where appropriate, to 

maintain and improve elk seasonal ranges.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Utilize prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to 

maintain and improve moose seasonal ranges, 

especially riparian deciduous shrub habitat.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Utilize prescribed fire to create a mosaic of habitats 

and to reduce tree and shrub encroachment.

Yes

Vegetation conditions are similar to those that would occur with fire regimes that have 

been subjected to natural disturbance processes. Areas of fire regime condition class 1 

are maintained and other areas characterized by condition classes 2 or 3 are improved 

to condition class 1 by either natural or management initiated disturbance processes. 

(FIRE-GOAL-06)

Disturbance processes have moved 60,000 to 165,000 acres from fire regime condition 

classes 2 or 3 to fire regime condition class 1. (FIRE-OBJ-01)

Disturbance processes have maintained 86,000 to 176,000 acres in fire regime condition 

class 1. (FIRE-OBJ-02)

Managing unplanned ignitions to accomplish resource benefits is authorized Forestwide 

where compatible with agency policy and other resource management direction and 

objectives. Wildfire may be used to protect, maintain, and enhance resources and as 

nearly as possible be allowed to function in its natural role. (FIRE-STAND-03)

Both wildfire and prescribed fire are used to achieve and maintain vegetation 

conditions. The initial response to unplanned ignitions in the management area favors 

consideration of managing fires to accomplish resource benefit objectives. In some 

situations, the condition and availability of winter range may warrant protection of the 

winter range from wildfire with a suppression response. (Management approach –

management Area 5.4 managed big game crucial winter range)

Cover types for grassland, sagebrush, willow, and aspen are commonly maintained and 

restored by limiting future conifer encroachment and eliminating existing conifer 

encroachment. Wildfire and prescribed fire, as well as mechanical treatments, are used 

to achieve vegetation maintenance and restoration goals and objectives. (Management 

approach – vegetation) 

Fringed Myotis Spotted

Bat Townsend’s Bigeared

Bat(sensitive)

When closing mines or caves, minimize disturbance 

and effects to microclimate, and provide access for 

bats.

Yes Design management actions within known winter roosting sites or hibernacula (bats) of 

sensitive species to avoid reducing the survival of wintering or roosting populations. 

(SENS-STAND-03)

Ruffed Grouse(MIS) When proposing treatments to regenerate aspen, 

strive to achieve >1,000 stems/acre, > 10 feet in 

height within 10 years post-treatment.

Implied

This is more 

prescriptive 

than what is 

normally put 

in forest plan

Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

Increase aspen cover type by at least 15,000 acres, including 3,500 acres accomplished 

with mechanical treatments. (VEG-OBJ-03)

Disturbance results in 10 to 20 percent of aspen in a seedling/sapling stage (less than 20 

years old). (MIS-GOAL-06)
Elk(species of local 

concern)

---------------------------

Ruffed Grouse(MIS)

When proposing treatments to regenerate aspen, 

treat the most acres of aspen possible at the same 

time to reduce the impacts from elk browsing

------------------------------------------------------------------

When proposing treatments to regenerate aspen, 

treat the most acres of aspen possible at the same 

time to reduce the impacts from livestock grazing 

and wild ungulate (elk) browsing.

When treating small aspen stands consider 

protecting them post- treatment with high fencing 

(Humphrey 2009). These stands are highly 

susceptible to over-grazing/browsing, especially by 

elk. Small aspen stands can be eliminated if the 

aspen suckers are not protected until they are 

above browsing height.

Implied Manage and restore aspen, willow, and sagebrush cover types to reduce or halt their 

decline. (VEG-GOAL-02)

Increase aspen cover type by at least 15,000 acres, including 3,500 acres accomplished 

with mechanical treatments. (VEG-OBJ-03)

Boreal Owl(sensitive) Where appropriate, utilize uneven-aged 

management within harvest units in mature 

spruce/fir habitat. This will provide adequate snags 

and large diameter trees to maintain habitat within 

the harvest units.

Yes Retain large diameter snags and roost trees for cavity-nesting birds and bats as 

described in the vegetation section. (SENS-STAND-10)

Timber harvest should not reduce the acres of older age class stands (structural stages 

4B, 4C, and 5) within a project area if that reduction would reduce the acres of older age 

class stands below 10 percent of the forested acres within the watershed (6th-level 

hydrologic unit boundary). (VEG-GUIDE-07)

Use the scientifically defined reproduction methods shown, by cover type (Table 13), 

which meet the management objectives for the landscape or individual stands of trees 

within a landscape setting. Use and apply both even-aged and uneven-aged 

management systems at scales ranging from a few acres to many hundreds of acres.

These reproduction methods are to be applied in a manner that will encourage natural 

regeneration where artificial regeneration is not necessary for other resource objectives. 

Tree stand vegetation management treatments are to be approved by certified 

silviculturists. (TIM-STAND-03)
Shiras Moose(species of 

local concern)

Where necessary, coordinate with the WGFD to 

seasonally close motorized access to crucial moose 

winter range during critical time periods.

Yes Minimize human disturbance in big game crucial winter range. (SPLC-GOAL-02)

On big game crucial winter range, management activities that disturb big game should 

be conducted outside the season of use (December 1 through April 30) or designed to 

reduce disturbance to big game when the activity is necessary to sustain or improve 

crucial winter range conditions. Exceptions are allowed for over-snow motorized use as 

follows: 

• Over-snow motorized vehicle use is permitted on roads and trails open to 

wheeled motorized vehicles within crucial big game winter range consistent with law 

and regulations (see MVUM map).

• Over-snow motorized vehicles use is permitted on designated groomed 

snowmobile trails within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted on designated ungroomed snowmobile trails 

within crucial big game winter range.

• Snowmobile use is permitted within identified crucial big game winter range 

exemption areas (see Map C). (SPC-GUIDE-04)

Area closures for public motorized recreation in big game crucial winter range during the 

season of use (December 1 through April 30) may be modified to allow public motorized 

access to assist Wyoming Game and Fish in big game population management. (SPCGUIDE-05)

Apply seasonal restrictions as needed on motorized use of travelways to reduce 

disturbance in sensitive big game areas, such as birthing areas and winter range. (SPCGUIDE-09)

Northern 

Goshawk(sensitive

Within known goshawk territories, maintain at least 

60% of the goshawk habitat in a mature condition 

within the Post Fledging Area (PFA). The PFA should 

include all known alternate nests. Suitable goshawk 

habitat consists of mature lodgepole pine, Douglas 

fir, and quaking aspen. The PFA ranges in size from 

200-425 acres (Kennedy 2003).

Implied Design management actions within known nesting or denning sites of sensitive species 

to avoid disrupting the reproductive success of those sites during the nesting and 

denning periods. (SENS-STAND-02)

In known goshawk territories, identify alternate and replacement nest stands of 

comparable habitat quality when it is determined that proposed vegetation 

management activities or disturbances from management activities are likely to impact 

the suitability of nesting habitat. (SENS-STAND-01)

Table 3 and Table 4 display the current and desired age class distribution areas across 

the Shoshone. (Desired Condition - Vegetation)

Northern 

Goshawk(sensitive

Within known goshawk territories, maintain at least 

a 30 acre buffer of mature forest around known nest 

sites.

Yes Timber cutting activities should avoid altering vegetation conditions with a minimum 30-

acre buffer of known goshawk nests. (SENS-GUIDE-11)

Sage Grouse(candidate) Work collaboratively with the WGFD to ensure 

uniform and consistent application of Executive 

Order #2011-5 to maintain and enhance greater 

sage-grouse habitat and populations.

Yes Executive Order for Greater Sage-grouse Core Area Protection (Order 2011-5) (State of 

Wyoming 2011) (Other Guidance – Sensitive species)

Shoshone personnel collaborate with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on 

species population management including state-listed species and species of greatest 

conservation concern as identified in the state action plan. (Management approach –

Sensitive species).