2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page 

LIST OF ACRONYMS.....................................................................................................................III

RECORD OF DECISION ................................................................................................................. 1

Decision ......................................................................................................................... 1

Overview of the Alternatives .......................................................................................... 1

Notice of Modifications ................................................................................................... 2

Environmentally Preferred Alternative............................................................................ 2

Management Considerations/Decision Rationale .......................................................... 3

Mitigation Measures ....................................................................................................... 3

Plan Monitoring .............................................................................................................. 3

Public Involvement ......................................................................................................... 4

APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................ 7

Introduction .................................................................................................................... 7

Purpose and Need ............................................................................................. 7

Planning Area..................................................................................................... 7

Planning Criteria................................................................................................. 8

Planning Issues .................................................................................................. 8

Collaboration ...................................................................................................... 9

Related Plans ................................................................................................... 10

Vision .............................................................................................................. 10

Management Decisions................................................................................................ 10

Public Involvement ........................................................................................... 11

Management Plan Implementation................................................................... 11

Plan Evaluation/Adaptive Management............................................................ 11

Management Decisions.................................................................................... 12

Air Quality (AQ)..................................................................................... 14

Geology (GE)........................................................................................ 14

Soil Resources (SO)............................................................................. 14

Water Resources (WA)......................................................................... 15

Vegetation – Forests and Woodlands (VF)........................................... 15

Vegetation –Riparian and Wetlands (VR)............................................. 16

Vegetation – Nonforested (VN)............................................................. 17

Vegetation – Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds (VW) ................... 17

Fish and Wildlife (FW) .......................................................................... 17

Special Status Species (SS)................................................................. 20

Wildland Fire Management (WF).......................................................... 41

Cultural Resources (CR)....................................................................... 42

Paleontological Resources (PR)........................................................... 43

Visual Resources (VR) ......................................................................... 44

Forestry and Woodland Products (FP) ................................................. 45

Livestock Grazing (LG)......................................................................... 45

Minerals (MN) ....................................................................................... 46

Recreation (RC).................................................................................... 47

Renewable Energy (RE)....................................................................... 56

Transportation and Travel Management (TM)...................................... 56

Lands and Realty (LR).......................................................................... 58
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

Section Page 

ii Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Designations (SD).................................................................... 60

Social and Economic (SE).................................................................... 63

LIST OF PREPARERS.................................................................................................................. 67

REFERENCES CITED .................................................................................................................. 69

GLOSSARY................................................................................................................................ 73

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page 

1 Coeur d’Alene Field Office Planning Area ....................................................................................8

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page 

1 Existing Livestock Allotments in the Planning Area....................................................................45

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 

A Coeur d’Alene Native Fish Strategy (CNFISH) 

B Mineral Leasing Stipulations 

C Best Management Practices 

D Conservation and Restoration Watersheds 

E Old Growth Definitions 

F Elk Coordinating Guidelines 

G Maps 
2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan iii 

LIST OF ACRONYMS

Acronym or Abbreviation Full Phrase 

ACEC area of critical environmental concern 

AML abandoned mine lands 

AMR appropriate management response 

BLM United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management 

BMP best management practices 

BMU bear management unit 

CdA Coeur d’Alene 

CdA RMP Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CNFISH Coeur d’Alene Native Fish Strategy 

DBH diameter at breast height 

EIS environmental impact statement 

ES&R Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation 

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

FO field office 

FORVIS Forest Vegetation Information System 

FRCC fire regime condition class 

FVS forest vegetation simulator 

GIS geographic information system 

HFRA Healthy Forests Restoration Act 

HMP habitat management plan 

HUC hydrologic unit code 

ICBEMP Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project 

IDEQ Idaho Department of Environmental Quality 

IDFG Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

IDL Idaho Department of Lands 

IGBC Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee 

IMP Interim Management Policy (for wilderness study areas) 

ISDA Idaho State Department of Agriculture 

IPNF USDA Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forest 

LAU lynx analysis unit 

MBF thousand board feet 

MFP management framework plan 

MIST minimum impact suppression tactics 

MMBF million board feet 
LIST OF ACRONYMS (continued)

Acronym or Abbreviation Full Phrase 

iv Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 

NOA notice of availability 

NOI notice of intent 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

NRT National Recreation Trail 

OHV off-highway vehicle 

OMRD Open Motorized Road Densities 

Planning Area Coeur d’Alene Field Office RMP Planning Area 

RAC Resource Advisory Council 

RCA riparian conservation area 

RHCA riparian habitat conservation area 

RMO riparian management objective 

RMP resource management plan 

RNA Research Natural Area 

ROD record of decision 

ROW right-of-way 

S&G Idaho Standards for Rangeland Health and 

 Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management 

SRMA Special Recreation Management Area 

TCP traditional cultural property 

TMRD Total Motorized Road Densities 

US United States 

USFS United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 

VRM visual resource management 

WFIP wildland fire implementation plan 

WFSA wildland fire situation analysis 

WSA Wilderness Study Area 

WSR Wild and Scenic River 

WUI wildland-urban interface 
RECORD OF DECISION 

DECISION 

The attached resource management plan (RMP) is hereby adopted for the public lands and 

resources managed by the Coeur d’Alene Field Office, within Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, 

Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties of Idaho. This plan supersedes the Emerald Empire 

Management Framework Plan (BLM 1981), its amendments, and other management 

decisions, which previously guided management of these lands and resources. 

This plan was prepared under the regulations (43 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Part 

1600) implementing the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. An 

environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared for this RMP, in compliance with the 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. 

OVERVIEW OF THE ALTERNATIVES 

The BLM developed four resource management plan alternatives, including a No Action 

Alternative, and analyzed them in detail in an EIS (BLM 2006a, 2006b). Each alternative 

emphasizes a different combination of resource uses, allocations, and restoration measures 

to address issues and resolve conflicts among uses, so program goals are met in varying 

degrees across the alternatives. The four alternatives considered are summarized below. 

Alternative A (No Action—Continue Current Management) 

Referred to as the No Action Alternative, this alternative would continue present 

management practices based on the existing land use plan and amendments. 

Alternative B (Commodity—Utility Emphasis) 

Alternative B emphasized active management for commodities, amenities, and services. 

Under this alternative protection of resources was generally considered secondary to 

commodity production and resource uses. This alternative also emphasized opportunities for 

developed recreation. 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 1 
Record of Decision 

Alternative C (Minimal Active Management—Preservation Emphasis) 

Alternative C included management strategies to preserve and protect noncommodity 

resources, such as wildlife habitat and water quality, and deemphasized commodity 

production and other uses. Under this alternative there would have been much less active 

management of resources than under the other alternatives. This alternative emphasized 

dispersed recreation. 

Alternative D (Proposed Action) 

Alternative D is the Approved RMP with minor modifications and clarifications (see Notice 

of Modifications below). This alternative and the Approved RMP emphasize a balanced, 

conservation management of commodity and noncommodity resources. It incorporates 

many management objectives and actions from the first three alternatives, and includes 

different management direction, when deemed necessary. 

NOTICE OF MODIFICATIONS

The Approved RMP is identical to Alternative D of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS 

(PRMP/FEIS), with minor modifications and clarifications identified as a result of a recent 

congressionally mandated land exchange, internal review of the PRMP/FEIS, and 

consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding federally listed threatened and 

endangered species. These minor modifications and clarifications did not result in substantial 

changes to the proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns, therefore a 

supplemental FEIS is not necessary. The modifications and clarifications are: 

• Total acres of public land managed by the BLM changed from 96,898 to 97,935; the 

maps in Appendix G reflect current land status, and 

• Minor clarifications in conservation measures regarding Canada lynx, gray wolf, bald 

eagle, and white sturgeon. 

ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 

The BLM determined Alternative D, the Approved RMP, to be the environmentally 

preferable alternative when considering both the human (social and economic) environment 

and the natural environment. The Council on Environmental Quality has defined the 

environmentally preferable alternative as the one that will promote the national 

environmental policy, as expressed in Section 101 of NEPA. This section lists six broad 

policy goals for all federal plans, programs, and policies, as follows: 

• Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for 

succeeding generations; 

• Ensure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally 

pleasing surroundings; 

• Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, 

risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences; 

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Record of Decision 

• Preserve important historical, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage 

and maintain, wherever possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety 

of individual choice; 

• Achieve a balance between population and resource use that will permit high 

standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and 

• Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable 

recycling of depletable resources. 

Based on these criteria, identifying the environmentally preferable alternative involves 

balancing current and potential resource uses, resource impacts and mitigation to maintain a 

healthy environment while meeting human needs. Alternative D provides this balance. 

Alternatives A and B could be viewed as the least environmentally preferable alternatives 

because they offer the most intensive active management for uses of the area but provide the 

fewest restrictions for protecting resources. Alternative C would be more protective of many 

natural and biological values than the other alternatives but would provide for fewer or 

restricted uses, resulting in the greatest economic and social impacts. Also, the emphasis on 

minimal active management under this alternative could result in undesired conditions, 

especially in regard to wildland fire potential. 

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS/DECISION RATIONALE 

Approval of the attached RMP considers of a number of factors, including input from 

Native American tribes, state and county governments, other federal agencies, the Coeur 

d’Alene Resource Advisory Council (RAC), interested organizations, and the public. 

Approval of the RMP is the best approach to addressing the planning issues identified 

through scoping, meeting the purpose and need of the planning process, and providing an 

optimal balance in managing resource uses while considering potential impacts to public 

lands. 

MITIGATION MEASURES 

The Approved Plan contains appropriate mitigation and management actions to avoid or 

minimize environmental impacts where practicable. BMPs, use restrictions, and stipulations 

will be used, as identified in the plan, for activities such as road construction, recreational 

development and mineral activities. Additional mitigation may also be developed during site 

specific activity and project level analysis. 

PLAN MONITORING 

BLM planning regulations (43 CFR 1610.4-9) require continuous monitoring of RMPs and 

periodic formal evaluations. The BLM will monitor the Approved Plan to determine 

whether the objectives set forth in this document are being met and if the land use plan 

direction is effective. Monitoring for each program area is outlined in the management 

decisions section of the Approved Plan. If monitoring shows land use plan actions or BMPs 

are not effective, the BLM may modify or adjust management without amending or revising 

the plan, as long as assumptions and impacts disclosed in the analysis remain valid and 

broad-scale goals and objectives are not changed. Where the BLM considers taking or 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 3 
Record of Decision 

approving actions that alter or do not conform to overall direction of the plan, the BLM will 

prepare a plan amendment or revision and appropriate environmental analysis. 

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 

BLM conducted an extensive public outreach program to encourage broad public 

participation during the development of this RMP. Participation by the public and state and 

federal agencies enhanced BLM’s understanding of the various viewpoints for consideration 

in developing: the alternatives for analysis; the preferred alternative for public comment on 

the Draft EIS/RMP; the proposed alternative for the Final EIS and Proposed RMP; and the 

final decision implementing the RMP. 

Scoping 

The BLM conducted formal public scoping from September 3 to November 15, 2004. 

During the scoping period, the BLM held five public meetings, distributed a newsletter to 

interested parties, established a project Internet Web site, and published notices in the Federal 

Register and local newspapers. BLM received 41 comment letters and e-mails, containing over 

200 comments. The BLM analyzed these comments and used the results to identify the 

planning issues (see attached RMP), to develop alternatives, and to conduct environmental 

analysis of the alternatives. 

Draft RMP/EIS 

On January 13, 2005, the BLM published the Draft RMP/EIS and provided for a 90-day 

public review and comment period. Copies of the document were distributed upon request 

and it was available for viewing on the Internet Web site and at the Coeur d’Alene Field 

Office. During the comment period, the BLM conducted three publicly noticed meetings 

and distributed a newsletter to interested parties. BLM received 68 comment letters and emails, containing almost 700 individual comments. 

Proposed RMP/Final EIS 

Public comments on the Draft RMP/EIS, internal review, consultation with the Coeur 

d’Alene Tribe and consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service, were considered and 

incorporated in Proposed RMP/FEIS. The Proposed RMP/FEIS was published on 

October 27, 2006, and contained responses to all substantive comments received on the 

Draft. BLM distributed copies upon request, made the document available on the Internet 

Web site and at the Coeur d’Alene Field Office. The BLM also distributed newsletters to all 

interested parties and published notices in the Federal Register and local newspapers. 

Publication of the Federal Register Notice of Availability initiated a 30-day protest period. 

Record of Decision/Approved RMP 

Copies of this Record of Decision (ROD) and Approved RMP are available upon request or, 

are available for viewing on the project Internet Web site, at the Coeur d’Alene Field Office, 

and at the BLM Idaho State Office in Boise. 

4 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 
Record of Decision 

PROTESTS AND APPEALS 

BLM policy on land use planning specifies the types of decisions that are considered land 

use planning decisions, and those that are consider implementation level decisions. This 

policy is outlined in the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (BLM 2005). Land use 

planning decisions are subject to protest, in accordance with land use planning regulations 

(43 CFR 1610.5-2). Implementation level decisions are not subject to protest, but may be 

appealed as described by 43 CFR 4.4. 

All decisions covered by this ROD, with the exception of the route designations for 

motorized travel, are land use planning decisions that were protestable upon publication of 

the Proposed RMP. In accordance with 43 CFR 1610.5-2, the decision of the Director of 

BLM regarding protests is the final decision for the Department of the Interior and is not 

subject to further administrative appeal. 

Results of Protest Review 

BLM received two protest letters on the proposed land use plan decisions contained in the 

Proposed Coeur d’Alene RMP/Final EIS. One letter was from Dr. Fred Rabe. The other 

was jointly submitted by Friends of the Clearwater, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, The Lands 

Council, and WildWest Institute. The main protest points in these letters pertained to: 

• The range of alternatives in regard to wilderness values, mineral development, forest 

vegetation management, ACECs, and travel management 

• The plan’s effects on wilderness values 

• ACEC designations 

• Travel management in the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area 

• Protection of fish and wildlife habitats 

• Identification of old growth stands 

• Mineral leasing stipulations 

The Director of BLM addressed all protests without requiring significant changes to the 

proposed land use plan decisions.

Appealable Decisions and Procedures 

Route designations for motorized travel in this ROD are subject to appeal. Opportunity for 

administrative appeal for all other decisions ended with the close of the protest period which 

followed publication of the Proposed RMP. Any party adversely affected by the motorized 

route designations may appeal within 30 days of receipt of this decision, in accordance with 

the provisions of 43 CFR Part 4.4. The publication of the Notice of Availability of this 

ROD/Approved RMP in the Federal Register will be considered the date the decision is 

received. An appeal should state the specific route(s) location by township, range, and 

section on which the decision is being appealed. The appeal must be filed with the Field 

Manager, at the following address: 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 5 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 7 

APPROVED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN

INTRODUCTION

This Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP) provides for managing public lands and 

resources administered by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Coeur d’Alene Field 

Office (CDA FO). 

Purpose and Need 

This RMP responds to changing ecological, socioeconomic, institutional, and regulatory 

conditions since the approval of the previous land use plan. New laws, regulations, and 

policies created additional public land management considerations. User demands and 

impacts have also evolved, requiring changes in management direction. 

The purpose of this RMP is to provide a single, comprehensive land use plan that will guide 

management of the public lands and resources administered by the CDA FO, in accordance 

with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, in order to meet the continuing 

needs of the local communities and the broader public. 

Planning Area 

Decisions apply to public lands administered by the CDA FO in Benewah, Bonner, 

Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties of Idaho (see Figure 1). A detailed land status 

map of the planning area can be found in Appendix G (Map 1). 
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8 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Figure 1. Coeur d’Alene Field Office Planning Area

Planning Criteria 

Planning criteria were identified in the Notice of Intent (NOI) published in the Federal 

Register at the beginning of the scoping period (September 3, 2004). The BLM received no 

comments on these criteria, which were carried forward to use in forming judgments about 

decision making, analysis, and data collection during the planning process. These criteria are 

as follows: 

• The plan will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and current policies. This 

includes local, state, tribal, and federal air quality standards, as well as water quality 

standards from the Idaho Non-Point Source Management Program Plans. 

• The RMP planning effort will be collaborative and multijurisdictional. The BLM will 

strive to ensure that its management decisions complement other planning 

jurisdictions and adjoining properties, within the boundaries described by law and 

federal regulations. 

• All previously established Wilderness Study Areas will continue to be managed for 

wilderness values and character until Congress designates them as wilderness areas 

or releases them for multiple use management. 

• In the RMP, the BLM will recognize all valid existing rights. 

• As part of this RMP process, the BLM will analyze areas for potential designation as 

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) in accordance with 43 CFR 

1610.7-2 and river corridors for suitability for designation under the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers Act. 

Planning Issues 

After the formal scoping period, the BLM analyzed public comments received, input from 

collaborative partners, and preliminary internal planning, to identify the primary issues that 

should be addressed in the RMP. Through analysis the BLM identified the following 

planning issues: 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 9 

• Opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized recreation, while protecting natural 

and cultural resources. 

• Managing vegetation treatments and providing forest products, while mitigating 

impacts to fish and wildlife habitat and protecting water quality, native plant 

communities, old growth forest, and cultural resources. 

• Adjusting land ownership to provide public benefits and improved access. 

• Managing invasive plant species. 

• Managing lands and resources to reduce the risk of harm or damage from fire to the 

public and their property. 

• Strategies and priorities to protect healthy watersheds and/or restore damaged 

watersheds and riparian areas. 

Collaboration 

The BLM invited Native American tribes, the Idaho Governor’s office, state agencies, 

county governments, the USDA Forest Service (Idaho Panhandle National Forests), the US 

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the 

Coeur d’Alene Resource Advisory Council (RAC) to participate in the planning process. 

All four tribes with interests in the planning area were consulted, however, only the Coeur 

d’Alene Tribe expressed a desire for more direct involvement. The CDA FO staff met with 

tribal staff to address concerns and to ensure that the RMP did not conflict with the tribe’s 

Integrated Resource Management Plan, which was under development. 

The CDA FO staff also met with Idaho Departments of Lands, Parks and Recreation, 

Environmental Quality, and Fish and Game to discuss their concerns and involvement in the 

planning process. The Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Quality, and 

Fish and Game provided data and suggestions at several stages in the process. The 

Governor’s office reviewed the Proposed RMP for consistency with state and local plans, 

regulations, and policies and identified no concerns. 

The BLM maintained continuous dialog with the commissioners from all five counties in the 

planning area and conducted an economic workshop with the commissioners from Bonner 

County. 

The CDA FO also met regularly with the Idaho Panhandle National Forests staff to discuss 

relationships and consistency of RMP decisions with those in the National Forest Land and 

Resources Management Plan (Forest Plan), which was being revised. 

The USFWS provided key suggestions during alternative development. The BLM also 

conducted formal consultation on the RMP with USFWS, in accordance with Section 7 of 

the Endangered Species Act. 
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10 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

The RAC also actively participated in the development of the RMP, providing advice and 

suggestions throughout the planning process. 

Related Plans 

Planning regulations require that BLM plans be consistent with officially approved or 

adopted resource related plans of other federal, state, local, and tribal governments to the 

extent those plans are consistent with federal laws and regulations applicable to public lands. 

The following plans were reviewed and considered during development of the RMP/EIS: 

• Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project: Project Data (Forest 

Service and BLM 2001); 

• Interior Columbia Basin Final EIS (Forest Service and BLM 2000); 

• Canada Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy (Forest Service and USFWS 

2000); 

• Summary of the Draft EIS, Northern Rockies Lynx Amendment (BLM and Forest 

Service 2004); 

• Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s Final Area Wide Risk Management 

Plan (IDEQ 2004b); 

• A View to the Future: A Comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan for Idaho 

(SHPO 2002); 

• Idaho’s 2003-2007 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan 

(Idaho State Parks and Recreation 2003); 

• Proposed Land Management Plan, Idaho Panhandle National Forests (Forest 

Service 2006); and 

• The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for 

the Integrated Resource Management Plan (Coeur d’Alene Tribe 2005). 

Vision 

The vision identified for the planning area is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity 

of the public lands and resources within the planning area for the use and enjoyment of 

present and future generations. 

MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

Management decisions in this RMP include the following: 

• Goals—Broad statements of desired outcomes that are usually not quantifiable; 

• Objectives—Specific desired outcomes that are usually, but not always, quantifiable 

and measurable and may have established timeframes for achievement; objectives 

are identified as means to achieve goals; 

• Actions (Management Actions)—Anticipated actions to achieve desired outcomes, 

including actions to maintain, restore, or improve land health; 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 11 

• Allocations (Allowable Uses)—Uses and allocations that are allowable, restricted, or 

prohibited on the public lands and mineral estate; allocations identify surface lands 

and subsurface mineral interests where uses are allowed, including any restrictions 

that may be needed to meet goals and objectives; and 

• Monitoring—The process of tracking the implementation of land use plan decisions 

and collecting and assessing data necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of those 

decisions. 

Public Involvement 

During implementation of this RMP, the BLM, subject to funding, will identify and 

implement specific projects to comply with identified decisions. During planning and 

analysis of these specific projects, the BLM will provide opportunities for public, 

collaborative partner, and interested party involvement. The BLM may also develop 

implementation level plans to provide more specific guidance for managing certain areas or 

resources. The public, collaborative partners, and interested parties will also be invited to 

participate in these planning processes. 

Management Plan Implementation 

To achieve the goals and objectives set forth in this plan, the CDA FO will develop an 

implementation strategy. This strategy will tie management decisions in the RMP to specific 

proposed projects on the ground and will identify budget and work load planning 

requirements. This strategy will be updated as needed and made available to the public. 

Implementation of all proposed actions and decisions identified will be contingent upon 

actual funding and priorities.

Plan Evaluation/Adaptive Management 

Evaluation is a process in which the plan and monitoring data are reviewed to see if 

management goals and objectives are being met and if management actions are appropriate 

and remain effective. Land use plan evaluations determine if decisions are being 

implemented, if mitigation measures are satisfactory, if there are significant changes in the 

related plans of other entities, if there are new data of significance to the plan, and if 

decisions should be changed through amendment or revision. Monitoring data gathered over 

time is examined and used to draw conclusions on whether or not management actions are 

meeting stated objectives, and if not, why. Conclusions are then used to make 

recommendations to continue current management or to adopt management by identifying 

necessary changes in management practices to meet objectives. 

The BLM will use periodic land use plan evaluations to determine if the decisions in the 

RMP, supported by the accompanying NEPA analysis, are still valid in light of new 

information and monitoring data. Unexpected actions, new information, or significant 

changes in other plans, legislation, or litigation may also trigger evaluations. 

The Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance defines adaptive management as a 

system of management practices based on clearly identified outcomes, monitoring to 

determine if management actions are meeting outcomes, and, if not, facilitating management 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

12 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

changes that will best ensure that outcomes are met or reevaluated. This RMP fosters 

adaptiveness by presenting goals and objectives that focus on reaching outcomes rather than 

identifying inflexible standards and prescriptions that may not be applicable in certain 

situations. 

When actions or management practices are found to be ineffective, the plan may be 

modified without amending or revising it, as long as assumptions and impacts disclosed in 

the analysis remain valid and broad-scale goals and objectives are not changed. This 

approach uses on-the-ground monitoring, scientific information review, and practical 

experience consideration and common sense to adjust management and modify 

implementation of the plan to reach the desired outcomes. 

Management Decisions 

The following plan decisions are identified by type (goal, objective, action, allocation, or 

monitoring) and are organized by program. The following decisions use the words 

restoration and rehabilitation interchangeably, it should be noted that while management 

actions taken by the BLM can promote or facilitate natural processes, areas and functions are 

restored through the work of natural processes. Decisions regarding wildlife resources also 

use the words habitat and species synonymously, please note that BLM has been delegated 

management authority over habitats and that other agencies are charged with managing 

species and populations. Therefore, in discussions regarding actions to species the text 

should be read as actions to habitat that effect species. The following programs have been 

addressed in this planning effort: 

• Resources: 

o Air quality (AQ) 

o Geology (GE), 

o Soil resources (SO), 

o Water resources (WA), 

o Vegetation—forests and woodlands (VF), 

o Vegetation—riparian and wetlands (VR), 

o Vegetation—nonforested (VN), 

o Vegetation—invasive species and noxious weeds (VW), 

o Fish and wildlife (FW), 

o Special status species (SS), 

o Wildland fire management (WF), 

o Cultural resources (CR), 

o Paleontological resources (PR), 

o Visual resources (VR), 

• Resource uses: 

o Forestry and woodland products (FP), 

o Livestock grazing (LG), 
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2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 13 

o Minerals (MN), 

o Recreation (RC), 

o Renewable energy (RE), 

o Transportation and travel management (TM), 

o Lands and realty (LR), 

• Special designations (SD); and 

• Social and economics (SE). 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

14 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Resources 

Air Quality (AQ) 

 Goal AQ-1 – Comply with existing air quality laws and regulations to meet health and safety requirements. 

Objective AQ-1.1 – Manage prescribed 

fire and wildland fire use in a manner to 

minimize degradation of the airshed. 

Action AQ-1.1.1 – Include minimization of impacts on air quality as a criterion in 

Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA), Wildland Fire Implementation Plans 

(WFIPs), and Prescribed Fire Burn Plans.

Action AQ-1.2.1 – Follow procedures outlined in the Montana/Idaho Airshed Group 

Smoke Management Plan.

Action AQ-1.2.2 – Conduct planned activities in accordance with the Idaho State 

Implementation Plan of the Clean Air Act (upon completion) and other plans and 

policies that control smoke emission on public lands. 

Objective AQ-1.2 – Cooperate with 

other members of the Montana/Idaho 

Airshed Group on smoke management. 

Action AQ-1.2.3 – Ensure treatments using prescribed fire are consistent with US 

Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Interim Air Quality Policy on Wildland and 

Prescribed Fires or with more current direction.

Action AQ-1.3.1 – Prescribe and implement BMPs to reasonably prevent 

degradation of air quality when authorizing actions (Appendix C). 

Objective AQ-1.3 – Ensure that all 

authorized activities on public lands 

meet federal and IDEQ air quality 

standards and regulatory requirements. 

Action AQ-1.3.2 – Specify that compliance with federal and IDEQ standards is 

required when authorizing actions.

Objective AQ-1.4 – Cooperate with 

Native American tribes for air quality 

management within reservations. 

 Action AQ-1.4.1 – Coordinate directly with affected tribes regarding prescribed fire 

and wildland fire use within a reservation boundary. Notify tribes of activities on lands 

adjacent to the reservation that may impact air quality within the reservation.

Geology (GE) 

Goal GE-1 – Provide for nonmineral uses of geologic values consistent with other resource goals. 

Action GE-1.1.1 – Develop plans for interpretive, recreational trails and informative 

sites near unique features. 

Action GE-1.1.2 – Identify where unique features exist. 

Objective GE-1.1 – Promote the 

scientific, educational, and recreational 

use and access to unique features. 

Goal GE-2 – Protect the public from geologic hazards on public lands. 

Objective GE-2.1 – Consider geologic 

hazards when authorizing activities.

Action GE-2.1.1 – Identify where geologic hazards exist.

Soil Resources (SO) 

Goal SO-1 – Manage soils on public land to maintain, restore, or improve soil erosion class and watershed health. 

Action SO-1.1.1 – Implement BMPs for surface-disturbing activities (Appendix C).

Action SO-1.1.2 – Subwatersheds identified for restoration (See Appendix D and 

Map 2 in Appendix G) should be considered and reviewed by BLM for restoration 

opportunities to reduce adverse erosion and sediment. 

Action SO-1.1.3 – Apply appropriate reclamation measures to mitigate adverse 

erosion and sediment delivery. 

Objective SO-1.1 – Ensure that 

management actions for other 

resource programs incorporate 

adequate soil protection. 

Action SO-1.1.4 – Implement Riparian Conservation Area Management Guidelines 

in Appendix A as management guidance.

 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 15 

Soil Resources (SO) 

Action SO-1.2.1 – Before authorizing any soil-disturbing activity on slopes 

exceeding 55% and/or in areas exhibiting potential slope instability (including jackstrawed trees, convergent slopes, and perched water table), evaluate to determine 

potential landslide risk. Landslide-prone delineation and evaluation shall include field 

assessment by an interdisciplinary team that includes a soil or watershed specialist. 

When landslide-prone areas are identified, implement Category 4 RCA buffers as 

outlined in the CNFISH (see Appendix A).

Action SO-1.2.2 – Avoid locating road or timber harvesting on, or adjacent to, active 

landslides, slump blocks, or other mass wasting processes. 

Objective SO-1.2 – Manage soildisturbing activities to protect 

landslide-prone areas and minimize 

potential for mass wasting. 

Action SO-1.2.3 – Existing roads occurring on landslide-prone areas will receive a 

priority for restoration (decommissioning, obliteration, or partial recontouring).

Water Resources (WA) 

Goal WA-1 – Maintain, improve, or restore water quality to sustain designated beneficial uses on public lands. 

Objective WA-1.1 – Comply with 

state and federal requirements to 

protect public waters.

Action WA-1.1.1 – Prescribe and implement BMPs to reasonably prevent degradation 

of water quality (Appendix C).

Objective WA-1.2 – Protect and 

maintain watersheds so that they 

appropriately capture, retain, and 

release water of quality that meets or 

exceeds state and federal standards. 

Action WA-1.2.1 – Implement CNFISH management direction in Appendix A. 

Objective WA-1.3 – Manage streams 

to maintain or restore designated 

beneficial use support status and, 

where feasible, achieve delisting of 

Clean Water Act 303(d) stream 

segments.

Action WA-1.3.1 – Cooperate with adjacent landowners, agencies, tribes, individuals, 

communities, and municipalities to meet beneficial use criteria. 

Action WA-1.4.1 – Prescribe and implement BMPs (Appendix C) to facilitate 

maintenance or improvement of attributes (i.e., vegetation, channel geometry) 

identified through PFC assessment and/or other qualitative or quantitative survey 

methods.

Action WA-1.4.2 – Prescribe and implement BMPs to facilitate maintenance or 

improvement of desired attributes, including: 

• channel width/depth ratio; 

• streambank conditions; 

• substrate conditions; and 

• large woody material characteristics. 

Action WA-1.4.3 – Identify existing and desired future conditions through PFC 

assessment, channel classification, and/or other qualitative or quantitative survey 

methods.

Objective WA-1.4 – Protect all 

designated beneficial uses by 

preventing or limiting nonpoint source 

pollution; maintain or improve existing 

water quality and quantity through 

implementation of BMPs. 

Action WA-1.4.4 – Implement CNFISH management direction in Appendix A.

Vegetation – Forests and Woodlands (VF) 

Goal VF-1 – Restore forest vegetations towards historic species composition, structure, and function across the 

landscape. Composition is the tree, shrub, grass, and forb class components in a stand or community and can be 

measured by numbers and abundances of the same classes. Structure is the horizontal and vertical physical elements of 

forests and the spatial interrelationships of ecosystems. Function includes energy flows of materials across and within 

the landscape and how one ecosystem influences another (Forest Service 2003).

Action VF-1.1.1 – Utilize Forest Vegetation Inventory System (FORVIS) Inventory for 

55,000 acres of public lands managed by the Coeur d’Alene Field Office.

Objective VF-1.1 – Determine present 

species composition, structure, and 

function.

Action VF-1.1.2 – Conduct forest vegetation inventory on remaining acres 

(approximately 27,500 acres) of public lands managed by the Coeur d’Alene Field 

Office. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

16 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Vegetation – Forests and Woodlands (VF) 

Action VF-1.2.1 – Emphasize the use of natural disturbances, prescribed fire, and 

appropriate silvicultural methods to restore historic composition within wet/warm 

vegetation cover type (See Map 3 in Appendix G for the general location of this forest 

vegetation type within the planning area). 

Action VF-1.2.2 – Emphasize the use of natural disturbances, prescribed fire, and 

appropriate silvicultural methods to restore historic composition within dry conifer 

vegetation cover type (See Map 3 in Appendix G for the general location of this forest 

vegetation type within the planning area). 

Action VF-1.2.3 – Emphasize the use of regeneration harvest and natural and artificial 

regeneration to restore historic composition within the wet/cold vegetation cover type 

(See Map 3 in Appendix G for the general location of this forest vegetation type within 

the planning area). 

Action VF-1.2.4 – Conserve and restore aspen, birch, and cottonwood stands.

Monitoring VF-1.2.5 – Conduct field surveys to verify and/or update the FRCC and 

historic fire regime data prior to initiating structure and function restoration treatments. 

Action VF-1.2.6 – Restore forest structure and function by reducing tree density and 

brush/shrub competition using appropriate silvicultural treatments including, but not 

limited to, intermediate treatments, release treatments, use of pesticides, and 

prescribed burning. Aerial spraying to control brush/shrub competition will not occur.

Prioritize these treatments within FRCC 2 and FRCC 3 areas.

Objective VF-1.2 – Restore forest 

stands to historic species composition, 

structure, and function by conducting 

vegetative treatments on 

approximately 8,200 acres. 

Action VF-1.2.7 – When applying treatments in the vicinity of old growth stands, 

ensure that these treatments will fully maintain or contribute toward the restoration of 

the structure and composition of old growth stands according to the pre-fire 

suppression old growth conditions characteristic of the forest type, taking into 

account: 

• Contribution of the stand to landscape fire adaptation and watershed 

health; and 

• Retaining the large trees contributing to old growth structure in accordance 

with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. 

Old growth stands are those that meet the definition specified in Appendix E. 

Objective VF-1.3 – Maintain or 

enhance wildlife habitat function 

through the above objectives and 

actions, and in accordance with the 

goals, objectives, and actions listed in 

the Fish and Wildlife and Special 

Status Species sections.

Objective VF-1.4 – Return the function 

of wildland fire to its natural role in the 

ecosystem through the above 

objectives and actions and in 

accordance with the goals, objectives, 

and actions listed in the Wildland Fire 

Management Section.

Vegetation –Riparian and Wetlands (VR) 

Goal VR-1 – Provide for the Proper Functioning Condition of riparian and wetland areas.

Action VR-1.1.1 – Complete riparian and wetland inventory and assessment.

Monitoring VR-1.1.2 – Monitor nonfunctional and functional at-risk areas to detect 

upward or downward trend. 

Action VR-1.1.3 – Improve degraded riparian and wetland vegetation by 

implementing CNFISH guidance in Appendix A.

Objective VR-1.1 – Strive to achieve 

Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) for 

at least 75% of the riparian and 

wetland areas across the field office. 

Action VR 1.1.4 – Maintain riparian and wetland areas in PFC so their condition rating 

is not degraded.
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 17 

Vegetation – Nonforested (VN) 

Goal VN-1 – Maintain native and desirable nonnative plant communities. 

Action VN-1.1.1 – Where appropriate, treat sites to prevent tree species invasion/ 

dominance.

Action VN-1.1.2 – Actively prevent non-authorized off-road motorized and mechanical 

vehicle access/use.

Objective VN-1.1 – Ensure that grass, 

forb, and shrub plant communities 

occur within site potential and are 

stable in health and vigor, and protect 

soil from erosion. 

 Action VN-1.1.3 – Improve native communities through methods such as seeding 

where site potential allows and where a diversity of native vegetation is not being 

recruited.

Vegetation – Invasive Species and Noxious Weeds (VW) 

Goal VW-1 – Prevent and control invasive and noxious weed infestations using integrated weed management techniques.

Objective VW-1.1 – Comply with state 

and federal requirements to manage 

noxious weeds. 

Action VW-1.1.1 – Prescribe and implement activities to manage noxious weeds.

Objective VW-1.2 – Coordinate efforts 

with other members of Cooperative 

Weed Management Areas. 

Action WV-1.2.1 – Follow procedures in Cooperative Weed Management Area 

Annual Operating Plans. 

Action VW-1.3.1 – Prioritize weed species based on treatment goals as identified in 

the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Cooperative Weed Management 

Area guidance: 

• Priority I–Eradication (new invaders) 

• Priority II–Containment (localized populations) 

• Priority III–Management (widespread species) 

Objective VW-1.3 – Identify and 

prioritize invasive/noxious weeds and 

areas for treatment. 

Action VW-1.3.2 – Prioritize treatment areas on BLM-administered public lands: 

• Areas with collected weeds fees 

• High use areas 

• Disturbed areas 

• Sensitive areas

 Other areas 

Action VW-1.4.1 – Integrate effective weed control methods, including biological, 

manual, cultural, and herbicidal techniques. Applications of herbicides will not include 

aerial spraying.

Action VW-1.4.2 – When necessary, revegetate treated areas and areas vulnerable 

to weed invasion. Establish vegetation using methods appropriate for the site, such as 

seed mixtures and fertilizer.

Monitoring VW-1.4.3 – Inventory, map, and monitor weed populations.

Action VW-1.4.4 – Develop weed prevention measures. The focus will be on grounddisturbing projects and permitted activities. Measures may include preproject 

treatments, washing equipment, minimizing soil disturbance, and establishing 

desirable vegetation. Incorporate measures into contracts and permits. 

Objective VW-1.4 – Apply an 

integrated weed management program 

for BLM-administered public lands. 

Action VW-1.4.5 – Educate the public regarding weed identification, control, and 

prevention. 

Fish and Wildlife (FW) 

Goal FW-1 – Manage aquatic, riparian, and wetland habitats to provide for a natural abundance and diversity of fish and 

wildlife with self-sustaining populations in northern Idaho. 

Objective FW-1.1 – Promote recovery 

of aquatic, riparian, and wetland 

habitats, including 

maintaining/improving watersheds. 

Action FW-1.1.1 – Establish Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) consistent with 

RMOs and S&G in the CNFISH (see Appendix A and Appendix D).

Objective FW-1.2 – Protect high Action FW-1.2.1 – Follow priorities in Appendix D when implementing conservation 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

18 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Fish and Wildlife (FW) 

and restoration activities.

Action FW-1.2.2 – Within prioritized subwatersheds, identify Desired Future Condition 

for riparian and aquatic resources. 

quality aquatic, riparian, and wetland.

Action FW-1.2.3 – Do not undertake management activities that will degrade existing 

habitat in conservation subwatersheds. Do not undertake management activities that 

will retard attainment of trends towards improvement of aquatic habitats in restoration 

subwatersheds. 

Action FW-1.3.1 – Remove fish migration barriers where appropriate and feasible.

Action FW-1.3.2 – Return altered streams to natural channels when practical and 

beneficial for sport fish. 

Action FW-1.3.3 – Install large woody debris in streams where it is lacking. 

Action FW-1.3.4 – Enhance streamside shade through active management, such as 

planting. 

Objective FW-1.3 – Enhance aquatic 

habitat for sport fish where it does not 

conflict with native fish or other native 

aquatic species. Emphasis will be 

placed on native sport fish species.

Action FW-1.3.5 – Enhance spawning and rearing reaches of streams (e.g., instream 

structures).

Goal FW-2 – Provide terrestrial habitats for a natural abundance and diversity of native and desirable nonnative wildlife 

species with self-sustaining populations in northern Idaho. 

Action FW-2.1.1 – All roads on crucial and important winter range for deer and elk will 

be closed to public vehicular access from December 1 to March 31 each year. This 

includes vehicles that can travel off established roadways (e.g., 4X4s, snowmobiles, 

etc.) (See Maps 4-7 in Appendix G). 

Action FW-2.1.2 – Consider incorporation of ID F&G recommendations in Appendix F 

(or most recent recommendations) during implementation or approval of actions 

affecting elk habitat.

Action FW-2.1.3 – When practical, include big game forage and cover requirements in 

design of vegetation treatments: 

• Rejuvenate and enhance the shrub and herb components of big game winter 

ranges by simulating or promoting natural disturbance regimes in white-tailed 

deer habitats. 

• To provide suitable forage areas, promote the use of 10-acre or smaller clearcuts and design forest openings such that cover is within 150 feet of all parts of 

the opening. Dispose of slash by fall broadcast burning or cutting to less than 1 

foot high. 

• Provide closed canopy forests (old growth) in low elevation forests where 

white-tailed deer winter (70% overall cover with 70% crown closure on winter 

ranges). Half of the winter range should be key winter range, which consists of 

85% crown closure, 250 mature stems/acre, and canopy heights at least 90 feet 

high. 

• Protect riparian areas as habitat and population linkage areas. Where practical, 

fence riparian habitat and maintain adjacent cover strips of at least 250 feet and 

at least 20 acres. 

Action FW-2.1.4 – Close and partially obliterate all newly constructed roads upon 

completion of the need and purpose for the road. 

Action FW-2.1.5 – Reduce (through decommissioning) or maintain open motorized 

route densities to one mile of motorized route per square mile or less, outside of urban 

or rural areas.

Action FW-2.1.6 – Restore fire as an ecological process in early-seral, shrubdominated forests. 

Objective FW-2.1 – Protect or 

enhance habitats for big game species. 

Action FW-2.1.7 – Evaluate and maintain existing deer and elk habitat management 

plans and identify need to develop new ones.
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 19 

Fish and Wildlife (FW) 

Action FW-2.2.1 – Retain an appropriate supply of living trees > 14 inches dbh (or 

largest available) to supply future snags at the frequency identified in the table below, 

and, consistent with objectives for forest vegetation: 

Cover Type Snags/acre

 Wet Cold Conifer 8.1 

 Dry Conifer 3.3 

 Wet Warm Conifer 5.4 

Action FW-2.2.2 – In areas where firewood cutting may reduce snag density below the 

desired levels: 

• Allow selected trees to mature past rotation age to provide future large 

snags. 

• “Leave” trees will be marked to prevent commercial firewood cutting. 

• Snags should be located away from roads where they will likely go 

unnoticed or are beyond the desirable distance to collect firewood. 

• If snags are left close to roads, a “Wildlife Tree: Do Not Cut” sign will be 

placed on the snag.

Action FW-2.2.3 – Retain 21-inch or greater dbh live trees, snags, and logs, preferably 

in clumps when consistent with the vegetation treatment objective. 

Action FW-2.2.4 – Retain snags >14 inches dbh (or largest available) according to the 

following table: 

Cover Type Snags/acre

 Wet Cold Conifer 8.1 

 Dry Conifer 3.3 

 Wet Warm Conifer 5.4 

Action FW-2.2.5 – Apply the State of Washington’s Guidelines for Selecting Reserve 

Trees (2005). 

Action FW-2.2.6 – Avoid or minimize, to the extent practicable, adverse impacts on 

migratory birds when conducting vegetation treatments.

Action FW-2.2.7 – When applying treatments in the vicinity of old growth stands, follow 

guidance outlined in the forest vegetation section, Action VF-1.2.7. 

Action FW-2.2.8 – When consistent with goals and objectives in the forest vegetation 

section, identify mid-seral forest stands that could be brought into late-seral conditions 

in the near future, and use appropriate vegetation treatments to encourage this 

development. 

Action FW-2.2.9 – Emphasize uneven-aged silvicultural management techniques 

where appropriate and where consistent with goals and objectives in the forest 

vegetation and wildland fire management section. 

Action FW-2.2.10 – Protect and enhance waterfowl habitat through CNFISH guidance 

in Appendix A, and through development of habitat management plans (HMPs). 

Objective FW-2.2 – Maintain adequate 

habitat for snag- and cavity-dependent 

animals, with emphasis on migratory 

birds, waterfowl, and bats. 

Action FW-2.2.11 – Provide for the ingress and egress of bats when closing AML. 

Action FW-2.3.1 – Maintain forest stand structure in a 100-yard buffer around active 

raptor nests outside of urban and rural areas, or within 50 yards inside urban or rural 

areas.

Action FW-2.3.2 – Restrict authorized activities within a 100-yard buffer around 

occupied nests outside of urban and rural areas, or within 50 yards inside urban or 

rural areas to protect occupied nests.

Action FW-2.3.3 – Implement “Suggested Practices for Raptor Protection on Power 

Lines: The State of the Art in 2006” (or most recent guidance) when issuing ROWs for 

power lines. 

Objective FW-2.3 – Protect raptors 

and their habitats.

Action FW-2.3.4 – For new mineral leases in the vicinity of active raptor nests, specify 

a no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-4 in Appendix B). 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

20 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Fish and Wildlife (FW) 

Action FW-2.4.1 – In small clear-cuts (<10 acre), supplement natural succession by 

planting with native grasses and forbs where appropriate.

Action FW-2.4.2 – Retain ridge top cover for grouse habitat when consistent with 

forest vegetation treatment objectives.

Objective FW-2.4 – Provide or improve 

grouse habitat. 

Action FW-2.4.3 – Retain logs > 14 inches (or largest available) according to the 

following: 

 

 Cover type Logs/acre

Wet cold conifer 10.1 

Dry conifer 3.9 

Wet warm conifer 7.8 

Objective FW-2.5 – Protect furbearer Action FW-2.5.1 – Implement CNFISH (see Appendix A) to protect habitat.

habitat.

Action FW-2.5.2 – Maintain and enhance old growth forest stands.

Objective FW-2.6 – To provide the 

appropriate balance of diverse habitats, 

restore forest vegetation toward historic 

species composition, structure, and 

function in accordance with Objective 

VF-1.2 as discussed above.

Action FW-2.6.1 – Implement actions VF-1.2.1 through VF-1.2.7 as discussed above. 

Special Status Species (SS) 

Goal SS-1 – Conserve listed species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. 

Objective SS- 1.1 Comply with 

recovery activities for all Threatened 

and Endangered (T& E) species.

Action SS-1.1.1 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for all Threatened and Endangered Species. 

1) Determine the distribution of known populations and suitable habitats. 

a) Participate in systematic surveys and share information with partners, including 

the Idaho Conservation Data Center. 

b) A spatial database of species habitat information will be maintained for BLM 

public lands. 

2) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of the species.

a) If direct or indirect negative impacts on the species or its habitat are occurring, 

then BLM will modify the ongoing activity to avoid or minimize negative impacts 

and to promote conservation and recovery of species. 

b) Section 7 consultation will be completed for ongoing activities that may affect 

the species and its habitats.

3) Ensure that new federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation and 

recovery of the species. 

a) Complete project-level inventories in suitable habitats during project planning if 

inventory information is unavailable or inadequate. The SO will issue 

instruction memorandum concerning special status species project-level 

inventories and assessment. 

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts on the species or their habitat are 

anticipated, then modify the proposed action to avoid or minimize anticipated 

negative impacts and to promote conservation and recovery of species. 

c) Section 7 consultation will be completed for new activities that may affect the 

species and their habitat. 

4) Compile a general list of BMPs that will apply to all programs, to the extent that such 

a list will assist with consultation and species recovery. The intent of implementing 

BMPs is to avoid or minimize negative impacts. The SO will coordinate development 

of BMPs with FO, District Office (DO), USFWS, and IDFG, and issue Instruction 

memorandum. The FO will implement BMPs. 

5) Adaptive management will be implemented as needed to achieve conservation 

objectives. As species such as bald eagle become delisted, then continue 

application of these conservation measures to reduce the need for relisting at some 

future date. 

6) Support conservation easements, cooperative management efforts, and other 

programs on adjacent nonfederal lands to support suitable habitat or restoration 

areas. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 21 

Special Status Species (SS) 

7) Analyze, at the project level, projects involving the application of pesticides that may 

affect the species. Design these projects such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and recovery of species and minimize risks of exposure. 

a) The benefits and risks of vegetation treatment will be evaluated, including the 

following: application methods; chemicals, carriers, and surfactants used; 

needed treatment buffers; and use of nonchemical weed control (for example, 

bio-controls, hand pulling). If management objectives can effectively be 

accomplished using nonchemical methods, such is the proposed action. 

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers to avoid species’ exposure to 

harmful chemicals. 

c) Implement appropriate revegetation and weed control measures to reduce the 

risks of nonnative species infestations following any ground/soil disturbing 

actions in or near suitable habitat. 

8) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with adjacent land owners and local 

governments regarding control of invasive plants in riparian areas through 

cooperative weed management programs. 

9) Design application of pesticides in accordance with the Vegetation – Invasive 

Species and Noxious Weeds program. 

10) Conduct fire suppression efforts, as possible, to protect suitable habitat. Human life 

and firefighter safety and property take priority over species protection. 

a) Review Fire Management Plans for adequacy in addressing conservation 

measures and modify the plan if needed. 

11) Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) activities will be implemented to 

promote habitat rehabilitation for all species. 

a) If needed and if natural recovery does not achieve habitat objectives, then 

implement ES&R activities to promote rehabilitation of suitable habitat. 

b) As needed, protect disturbed areas using temporary closures or other 

measures until the desired vegetation is reestablished and self-sustaining. 

12) Incorporate conservation measures into Community Assistance agreements 

throughout the fire management program. 

13) Approve mining plans of operation or allow notice level operations so as not to 

preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

a) To the extent allowed by law, modify existing plans of operation or notice-level 

operations that conflict with species management objectives in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat. For notice level operations, inform the operator that 

modifications to proposed activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. 

b) To the extent allowed by law, avoid approving new plans of operation or noticelevel operations that conflict with species management objectives in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat. Consider the seasonal nature of the proposed 

activities, and whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the 

species. For notice level operations, inform the operator that modifications to 

proposed activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. If a plan of 

operations will be approved in suitable habitat, then apply stipulations to 

support or to not preclude species recovery. A notice will require modification 

by the operator until BLM determines that it will not result in undue or 

unnecessary degradation. 

14) When offering leases within special status species habitat, specify a controlled 

surface use stipulation on 40,239 acres to prevent degradation of habitat (see CSU2 in Appendix B). 

15) Manage existing and new recreation facilities (such as boat access, paved 

campgrounds, vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, etc.) so as to not preclude 

conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of the physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to species resulting from human uses. Modify 

existing facilities to avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

16) Manage dispersed use sites (such as informal areas, including camping areas and 

tie-up areas for pack animals and boats) so as not to preclude conservation and 

recovery of species. This includes limiting disturbances to species resulting from 

human uses. 

17) Approve development of renewable energy resources so as not to preclude 

conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

18) Manage existing roads, OHV routes and areas, and nonmotorized trails so as not to 

preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

22 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

19) Manage new roads, OHV routes and areas, and nonmotorized trails so as not to 

preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

20) Where feasible and funding is available, acquire private lands within suitable 

habitats through land exchange or purchase. 

a) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Priority should be given to 

private lands that are adjacent to public lands and/or a population occurring on 

BLM and private lands. 

21) Issue new and review existing land use permits and leases so as not to preclude 

conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of physical 

facilities as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

22) Issue new and review existing rights-of-way at renewal so as not to preclude 

species habitat conservation and recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

Action SS-1.1.2 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for bull trout, to include determination of the 

distribution of known populations and suitable habitats. 

1) Implement CNFISH to protect bull trout habitat (Appendix A). 

2) Follow Appendix D when implementing conservation and restoration activities for 

bull trout. 

3) Implement project-specific in-water work windows, as appropriate, to minimize 

potential adverse impacts to bull trout individuals and their habitat. 

Action SS-1.1.3 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for white sturgeon to include determination of the 

distribution of known populations and suitable habitats. 

1) Implement CNFISH to protect white sturgeon habitat (Appendix A). 

2) Chemicals potentially toxic to white sturgeon will not be applied on BLMadministered lands within RCAs adjacent to the Kootenai River between May 1 and 

July 15. 

Action SS-1.1.4 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for woodland caribou. 

1) Conduct fire suppression efforts, as possible, to protect suitable habitat. Human life 

and firefighter safety and property take priority over species protection. 

a) Apply minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) within woodland caribou 

habitat. Consult with resource advisors to determine where MIST should be 

applied to avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

b) Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas within 

woodland caribou habitat. Avoid conducting other related suppression activities 

in these habitats. 

2) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to conserve suitable habitat for woodland 

caribou by developing fire management prescriptions that restrict fires to small 

areas while not restricting caribou movement or habitat use. 

3) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to develop management prescriptions 

within woodland caribou habitat that restrict fires to small areas while not restricting 

animal movement or habitat use. 

4) Nonfire fuels projects will be designed to develop management prescriptions within 

woodland caribou habitat that restrict projects to small areas while not restricting 

animal movement or habitat use. 

5) Forest management will be conducted in a manner that is compatible with woodland 

caribou recovery goals. 

a) Implement silvicultural prescriptions to control insects and disease that do not 

adversely affect caribou habitat. 

b) Implement standards and guidelines for timber management to maintain and 

enhance caribou habitat. Techniques such as uneven-aged management and 

extended rotations may be necessary to enhance or restore caribou habitat.

Action SS-1.1.5 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for bald eagle. 

1) Conserve mature riparian forests (i.e., cottonwood galleries) in suitable habitat to 

maintain their integrity for use by bald eagles. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 23 

Special Status Species (SS) 

a) Eradication of nonnative invasive species will be emphasized in riparian areas 

that compete with cottonwood regeneration. Continue to identify problem areas 

and implement appropriate weed control measures. 

b) Allow commercial timber management projects or firewood cutting when 

negative impacts on suitable bald eagle habitat can be avoided or minimized. 

Ensure that such activities maintain or improve old growth stand characteristics 

within 1⁄2-mile of nest and communal roost sites. 

c) As needed, suitable habitat in riparian forests will be closed to non-commercial 

firewood cutting and post the closure. 

2) Identify nest sites, communal roost sites, and key foraging areas for bald eagles. 

3) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of species.

a) Ongoing activities will be reviewed where local consultation has not yet been 

completed within 21⁄2-miles of bald eagle nests or within the area designated in 

the local bald eagle nest management plan, and within one mile of communal 

roost sites. 

b) Avoid implementing activities within 1⁄2-mile of bald eagle nest sites during the 

breeding season (February 1 through July 31) and communal roost sites and 

key foraging areas during the wintering season (November 15 to February 15). 

4) Update or develop management plans for nest sites, communal roost sites, or key 

foraging areas. 

5) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as possible, to protect suitable habitat. 

Human life and firefighter safety and property take priority over species protection. 

a. Apply minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) within 1⁄2-mile of nests 

and traditional communal roosting areas for bald eagle. Resource 

advisors will be consulted to determine where MIST should be applied to 

avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

b. Fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas will not be located 

within 1⁄2-mile of nests and traditional communal roosting areas for bald 

eagle. Avoid conducting other related suppression activities in these 

habitats. 

6) Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) activities will be implemented by 

planting locally appropriate nesting and roosting trees for bald eagle. 

7) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to avoid burning adjacent to suitable 

habitat for bald eagle. 

8) Nonfire fuels projects will be designed to include seed mixes that will enhance or 

promote the growth of willows, cottonwoods, or other target species for bald eagle. 

9) Conserve mature upland forests in suitable habitat to maintain their integrity for use 

as bald eagle nesting, roosting, or perching substrate. 

a) Commercial timber management projects or firewood cutting will be allowed 

when negative impacts on suitable bald eagle habitat can be avoided or 

minimized. Ensure that such activities maintain or improve old growth stand 

characteristics within 1⁄2-mile of nest and communal roost sites. 

b) Close suitable habitat areas to noncommercial firewood cutting if management 

problems arise. 

10) Maintain and promote suitable habitat and restore areas for bald eagles while 

implementing rangeland health standards and guidelines (S&Gs). 

11) Manage livestock grazing and trailing to promote nesting and roosting tree growth 

and recruitment, healthy riparian communities, or a combination of these objectives. 

12) As needed, disturbed areas will be protected using temporary closures or other 

measures until the cottonwood saplings (or other target tree species) are 

reestablished and self-sustaining. 

13) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing allotments with nest sites and 

communal roost sites to identify problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures. 

14) Manage livestock facilities to promote nesting and roosting tree growth and 

recruitment, healthy riparian communities, or a combination of these objectives. 

15) When offering leases within special status species habitat, specify a timing limitation 

(see TL-2 in Appendix B) for leasing within bald eagle winter feeding areas. 

16) Existing facilities will be modified to avoid or minimize negative impacts and avoid 

development of new recreation facilities or expansion of existing facilities within 1⁄2-

mile of nests and traditional communal roosting areas of bald eagle if negative 

impacts are expected. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

24 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

17) Minimize human activity within 1⁄2-mile of nests and traditional communal roosting 

areas of bald eagle. Close areas, either seasonally or year-round, as needed and 

post the closure. 

18) Commercial and noncommercial recreation permits, including outfitter camps, will be 

issued so as not to preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes 

management of physical facilities (such as camps), as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses. 

a) Modify existing permits that conflict with providing bald eagle suitable habitat 

conditions. 

b) Avoid issuing new recreation permits if negative impacts are expected. The 

seasonal nature of the proposed activities will be considered, and whether this 

conflicts with bald eagle recovery needs. In particular, avoid permitting new 

recreation activities within 1⁄2-mile of nests and traditional communal roosting 

areas of bald eagle. If a recreation permit is issued, stipulations will be applied 

to the permit to support or to not preclude species conservation and recovery. 

Avoid issuing recreation permits if negative impacts are expected. 

19) Eagle viewing and interpretive areas can provide a unique experience for the public. 

Opportunities should be sought for viewing areas where access can be controlled 

and disturbance risks can be minimized. 

20) Educate recreation users at boat ramps and at designated camp areas about the 

need to conserve habitat for bald eagles. 

21) To the extent allowed by law, modify existing geothermal leases within 1⁄2-mile of 

nests and traditional communal roosting areas of bald eagle if negative impacts are 

expected. 

22) To the extent allowed by law, do not permit new geothermal development within 1⁄2-

mile of nests and traditional communal roosting areas of bald eagle if negative 

impacts are expected. 

23) Modify roads, routes, and trails if negative impacts are occurring within 1⁄2 -mile of 

nest sites or communal roosts of bald eagles. The need for seasonal OHV use 

restrictions within or adjacent to these habitat areas will be evaluated to reduce 

disturbances to the species. Seek opportunities to close and reclaim OHV routes or 

nonmotorized trails and use areas if negative impacts are occurring. 

24) Avoid constructing new roads, routes, trails, and areas if negative impacts are 

expected within 1⁄2-mile of nest sites or communal roosts of bald eagles. The need 

for seasonal OHV use restrictions within or adjacent to these habitat areas will be 

considered to reduce disturbances to the species. Avoid opening new roads, routes, 

trails, and areas in suitable habitat. 

25) Retain active nest sites in public ownership unless compelling circumstances 

necessitate the land tenure adjustment. Avoid the loss of suitable habitat from 

Federal ownership. Should public land with suitable habitat be proposed for 

conveyance out of federal ownership, at a minimum, the BLM will encourage the 

proponent to consider a conservation easement which protects this habitat. 

26) Avoid renewing existing permits or leases and issuing new permits or leases if 

negative impacts are expected within 1⁄2-mile of nest sites or communal roosts of 

bald eagles. The seasonal nature of the proposed activities will be considered, and 

whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the species. If a permit or 

lease will be issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the permit 

that support or do not preclude species conservation and recovery and that avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

27) Avoid renewing existing rights-of-way or issuing new rights-of-way if negative 

impacts are expected within 1⁄2-mile of nest sites or communal roosts of bald eagles. 

The seasonal nature of the proposed activities will be considered, and whether this 

conflicts with conservation and recovery of the species. If a right-of-way will be 

issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the right-of-way that 

support or do not preclude species conservation recovery and that avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

28) Explore the potential for new designations that will enhance species recovery, such 

as relict, good-condition, cottonwood galleries. 

29) Prescribed fires will not be ignited when forecasted weather conditions would push 

smoke toward known, occupied eagle nests. 

30) To the extent practicable, BLM will avoid flying within 1/2 mile of known active bald 

eagle nests when using aircraft for fire suppression activities. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 25 

Special Status Species (SS) 

Action SS-1.1.6 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for Canada lynx. 

Vegetation - Forests and Woodlands

1) Manage vegetation to mimic or approximate natural succession and disturbance 

processes while maintaining habitat components necessary for the conservation of 

Canada lynx (See Map 8 in Appendix G). Unless a broad-scale assessment has 

been completed that substantiates different historic levels of stand initiation 

structural stages (early seral), disturbance in each LAU will be limited as follows: 

 a. If more than 30 percent of the lynx habitat in an LAU is currently in a stand 

initiation structural stage that does not yet provide winter snowshoe hare 

habitat, then no additional habitat may be regenerated by vegetation 

management projects. 

 b. Fuel treatment projects that create stand initiation structural stage will be 

included in the 30 percent calculation – meaning that if a fuel treatment project 

within the WUI creates more that 30 percent, then other projects that want to 

regenerate more will have to be modified or deferred until the standard could 

be met. 

 c. Cumulative total of fuel treatment projects that do not meet the vegetation 

standards shall not exceed 6% of mapped lynx habitat managed by BLM 

within the planning area. This standard applies to all vegetation management 

projects and fuel treatment projects outside the WUI. 

 d. Fuel treatment projects in the WUI should be designed to promote lynx 

conservation. 

 e. The BLM will ensure that no more than three adjacent LAUs administered by 

the BLM within the action area exceed the 30 and 15 percent lynx habitat 

thresholds. 

2) Provide a mosaic of habitat conditions through time that support dense horizontal 

cover and high densities of snowshoe hare. Winter snowshoe hare habitat will be 

provided in both the stand initiation structural stage and in mature, multistory conifer 

vegetation. 

3) Denning habitat should be distributed in each LAU in the form of pockets of large 

amounts of large woody debris, either downed logs or root wads, or large piles of 

small wind-thrown trees (“jack-strawed piles”). If denning habitat appears to be 

lacking in the LAU, then projects should be designed to retain some coarse woody 

debris, piles, or residual trees to provide denning habitat in the future. 

Special Status Species

1) Map the location and intensity of snow-compacting activities and designated and 

groomed routes that occurred inside LAUs from 1998 to 2000. The mapping is to be 

completed within one year of the decision on this RMP. 

a. Monitoring - Changes in activities and routes are to be monitored every five 

years. 

2) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of the species. 

a. Ongoing activities will be reviewed where local consultation has not yet been 

completed within LAUs. 

b. A project proposal that deviates from one or more Canada lynx standards may 

proceed, subject to ESA requirements, either if a written determination is made 

that the project is not likely to adversely affect lynx or if it may result in shortterm adverse effects on lynx but if long-term benefits to lynx and its habitat will 

result. 

c. Document and evaluate the conditions under this action. 

3) Maintain or restore lynx habitat connectivity within and between LAUs, and in 

linkage areas.

a. Ensure that new or expanded permanent developments and vegetation 

management projects are maintained for habitat connectivity in an LAU or 

linkage area. 

b. Identify potential highway crossings and fencing when highway or forest 

highway construction or reconstruction is proposed. 

c. Changes in LAU boundaries will be based on site-specific habitat information 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

26 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

and after review by the BLM State Office. 

Wildland Fire Management

1) Wildland fire use activities will be conducted to restore ecological processes and 

maintain or improve lynx habitat. 

a. Avoid construction of permanent firebreaks on ridges or saddles. 

2) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to conserve suitable habitats by avoiding or 

minimizing negative impacts on suitable habitat and use prescribed fire for 

enhancing habitats. 

a) Do not create permanent travel routes that facilitate snow compaction in lynx 

habitat. Avoid construction of permanent firebreaks on ridges or saddles. 

b) Vegetation management projects will be planned to recruit a high density of 

conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs where such habitat is scarce or not available. 

Give priority to stem-exclusion, closed-canopy structural stage stands for lynx 

or their prey (e.g., mesic, monotypic lodgepole stands). Winter snowshoe hare 

habitat should be near denning habitat. 

3) Non-fire fuels projects will be designed to conserve and enhance habitat within 

LAUs: 

a) Do not create permanent travel routes that facilitate snow compaction in lynx 

habitat. Avoid construction of permanent firebreaks on ridges or saddles. 

b) Vegetation management projects should be planned to recruit a high density of 

conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs where such habitat is scarce or not available. 

Give priority to stem-exclusion, closed-canopy structural stage stands for lynx 

or their prey (e.g., mesic, monotypic lodgepole stands). Winter snowshoe hare 

habitat should be near denning habitat. 

4) Annually report the acres of vegetation management projects that occurred in winter 

snowshoe hare habitat during the previous fiscal year. 

a) The type of activity, acres, and location (unit, LAU) will be reported.

5) Report the acres of fuel treatment projects that occurred in lynx habitat within the 

wildland urban interface, when the project decision is approved. Report whether or 

not the fuel treatment met the vegetation standards. If not, report which standard(s), 

how many acres were affected, and why they were not met. The Field Office will 

report to the BLM Idaho State Office. 

Forestry and Woodland Products

1) Within LAUs, vegetation management will be focused in areas that have the 

potential to improve winter snowshoe hare habitat but presently have poorly 

developed understories that lack dense horizontal cover. 

a. Timber management projects shall not regenerate more than 15 percent 

of lynx habitat on NFS or BLM lands in an LAU in a ten-year period. 

b. The BLM will not conduct precommercial thinning operations within any 

BLM-administered LAUs that exceed the 30 and 15 percent lynx habitat 

thresholds. Precommercial thinning projects that reduce snowshoe hare 

habitat may occur from the stand initiation structural stage (early seral) 

until the stands no longer provide winter snowshoe hare habitat only: 

i. Within 200 feet of administrative sites, dwellings, or outbuildings; or 

ii. For research studies or genetic tree tests evaluating genetically 

improved reforestation stock; or 

iii. Based on new information that is peer reviewed and accepted by 

the BLM State Office and FWS, where a written determination 

states that a project is not likely to adversely affect lynx or that a 

project is likely to have short-term adverse effects but will result in 

long-term benefits to lynx and its habitat. 

iv. For conifer removal in aspen, or daylight thinning around individual 

aspen trees, where aspen is in decline. 

v. For daylight thinning of planted rust-resistant white pine where 

80% of the winter snowshoe hare habitat is retained. 

vi. To restore whitebark pine. 

c. Vegetation management projects that reduce snowshoe hare habitat in 

multi-story mature or late successional forests may occur only: 

i) Within 200 feet of administrative sites, dwellings, outbuildings, 

recreation sites, and special use permit improvements, including 

infrastructure within permitted ski area boundaries; or 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 27 

Special Status Species (SS) 

ii) For research studies or genetic tree tests evaluating genetically 

improved reforestation stock; or 

iii) For incidental removal during salvage harvest (e.g. removal due to 

location of skid trails). 

iv) Timber harvest is allowed in areas that have potential to improve 

winter snowshoe hare habitat but presently have poorly developed 

understories that lack dense horizontal cover (e.g., uneven age 

management systems could be used to create openings where 

there is little understory so that new forage can grow. 

2) Vegetation management projects should be planned to recruit a high density of 

conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs where such habitat is scarce or not available. 

Priority should be given to stem-exclusion, closed-canopy structural stage stands for 

lynx or their prey (e.g., mesic, monotypic lodgepole stands). Winter snowshoe hare 

habitat should be near denning habitat. 

a. Habitat for alternate prey species, primarily red squirrel, should be 

provided in each LAU. 

b. Fire and fuels management projects conducted under the exceptions to 

standards will not occur in greater than six percent of the mapped lynx 

habitat administered by the BLM within the planning area, during the 

estimated 15-year life of the plan, or until previously treated areas again 

provide suitable habitat. 

c. Fuel treatment projects in the WUI should be designed to promote lynx 

conservation. 

3) Annually report the acres of vegetation management projects that occurred in winter 

snowshoe hare habitat during the previous fiscal year. 

 a. The type of activity, acres, and location (unit, LAU) will be reported. 

4) Report the acres of fuel treatment projects that occurred in lynx habitat within the 

wildland urban interface, when the project decision is approved. Report whether or 

not the fuel treatment met the vegetation standards. If standard(s) are not met, 

report which standard(s), how many acres were affected, and why they were not 

met. The Field Office will report to the Idaho State Office. 

Livestock Grazing

1) Manage livestock grazing to be compatible with improving or maintaining lynx 

habitat. 

a. In fire- and harvest-created openings, livestock grazing should be managed so 

that impacts do not prevent shrubs and trees from regenerating. 

b. In aspen stands, livestock grazing should be managed to contribute to their 

long-term health and sustainability. 

c. In riparian areas and willow fens, livestock grazing should be managed to 

contribute to maintaining or achieving a preponderance of mid- or late-seral 

stages, similar to conditions that would have occurred under historic 

disturbance regimes. 

d. In shrub-steppe habitats, livestock grazing should be managed in the elevation 

ranges of forested lynx habitat in LAUs, to contribute to maintaining or 

achieving a preponderance of mid- or late-seral stages, similar to conditions 

that would have occurred under historic disturbance regimes. 

Minerals

1) Manage human activities, such as exploring and developing minerals, to reduce 

impacts on lynx and its habitat. 

a) Monitoring - For mineral development sites and facilities, remote monitoring 

should be encouraged to reduce snow compaction. 

b) For mineral development sites and facilities that are closed, a reclamation plan 

that restores lynx habitat should be developed. 

c) Winter access for mineral exploration and development should be limited to 

designated routes or designated over-the-snow routes. 

Recreation

1) Manage recreational activities to maintain lynx habitat and connectivity. 

a) Activities will be concentrated in existing developed areas, rather than 

developing new areas in lynx habitat. 

b) Recreation developments and operations should be planned in ways that both 

provide for lynx movement and maintain the effectiveness of lynx habitat. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

28 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

Renewable Energy

1) Manage human activities, such as exploring and developing energy resources, to 

reduce impacts on lynx and its habitat. 

a) Monitoring - For energy development sites and facilities, remote monitoring 

should be encouraged to reduce snow compaction. 

b) For energy development sites and facilities that are closed, a reclamation plan 

that restores lynx habitat should be developed. 

c) Winter access for energy exploration and development should be limited to 

designated routes or designated over-the-snow routes. 

Transportation and Travel Management

1) Maintain the lynx’s natural competitive advantage over other predators in deep snow 

by discouraging the expansion of snow compacting activities in lynx habitat. 

a) New permanent roads should not be built on ridge tops and saddles or in areas 

identified as important for lynx habitat connectivity. New permanent roads and 

trails should be situated away from forested stringers. 

b) Cutting brush along low-speed, low- traffic roads should be done to the 

minimum level necessary to provide for public safety. 

c) On new roads built for projects, public motorized use should be restricted. 

Effective closures should be provided in road designs. When the project is 

over, these roads should be reclaimed or decommissioned, if not needed for 

other management objectives. 

d) Designated over-the-snow routes or play areas should not expand outside 

baseline areas of consistent snow compaction by LAU or in a combination of 

immediately adjacent LAUs, unless designation serves to consolidate use and 

improve lynx habitat. 

e) This does not apply inside permitted ski area boundaries, to winter logging, to 

rerouting trails for public safety, to accessing private inholdings. 

f) Use the same analysis boundaries for all actions subject to this guideline. 

2) Reduce adverse highway effects on lynx by cooperating with other agencies to 

provide for lynx movement and habitat connectivity and to reduce the potential of 

lynx mortality. 

a) Methods to avoid or reduce effects on lynx should be used in lynx habitat when

upgrading unpaved roads to maintenance levels 4 or 5, if the result would be 

increased traffic speeds and volumes, or a foreseeable contribution to 

increases in human activity or development. 

b) Methods to avoid or reduce effects on lynx should be used when constructing 

or reconstructing highways across federal land. Methods could include fencing, 

underpasses, or overpasses. 

Lands and Realty

1) Retain lynx habitat in federal ownership to the extent possible, while balancing other 

needs. 

2) Lynx habitat needs and connectivity will be provided for when developing new or 

expanding existing ski areas. 

3) When developing or expanding ski areas, provisions should be made for adequately 

sized inter-trail islands that include coarse woody debris, so winter snowshoe hare 

habitat is maintained. 

4) When developing or expanding ski areas, nocturnal foraging should be provided 

consistent with the ski area’s operational needs, especially where lynx habitat 

occurs as narrow bands of coniferous forest across mountain slopes. 

5) When developing or expanding ski areas and trails, access roads and lift termini 

should be located to maintain and provide lynx diurnal security habitat. 

6) Manage human activities within lynx habitat, such as non-recreational special uses 

and placement of utility transmission corridors to reduce impacts on lynx and lynx 

habitat. Winter access for non-recreational special uses should be limited to 

designated routes or designated over-the-snow routes. 

Action SS-1.1.7 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for gray wolf, endangered population. 

1) The quality and quantity of forage on big game winter range will be improved. 

2) Active den and rendezvous sites within pack territories for gray wolves will be 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 29 

Special Status Species (SS) 

identified. 

3) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of the species.

a) Ongoing activities will be reviewed where local consultation has not yet been 

completed within known pack territories of gray wolves. 

b) Avoid implementing activities within one mile of active den and rendezvous 

sites of gray wolves from April 1 to June 30. 

4) Fire suppression will be conducted to protect suitable habitat. Human life and 

firefighter safety and property take priority over species protection. 

a) Apply minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) within one mile of active den 

and rendezvous sites for gray wolf. Resource advisors will be consulted to 

determine where MIST should be applied to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts. 

b) Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas within one mile 

of active den and rendezvous sites for gray wolf. Avoid conducting other 

related suppression activities in these habitats. 

5) Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) activities will be implemented by 

planting locally appropriate vegetation preferred by big game species for gray wolf. 

6) Designate wildland fire use projects to include appropriate burn prescriptions that 

maximize the conservation of big game habitat for gray wolf. 

7) Nonfire fuels projects will be designed to emphasize improving big game winter 

ranges for gray wolf. 

8) Forest management actions that maintain the integrity of wolf habitat will be 

implemented. 

a) Avoid new road construction or reconstruction within one mile of active den 

sites and rendezvous sites. 

b) Apply appropriate spatial (one mile) and temporal (April 1 to June 30) buffers to 

avoid human disturbance around den and rendezvous sites. 

9) Modify existing facilities to avoid or minimize negative impacts and avoid 

development of new recreation facilities or expansion of existing facilities within one 

mile of active den and rendezvous sites of gray wolf if negative impacts are 

expected. 

10) As possible and where there is the potential to reduce conflicts between people and 

wolves, move dispersed camps to locations or modify them to mitigate negative 

impacts on gray wolves. 

11) Commercial and noncommercial recreation permits, including outfitter camps, will be 

issued so as not to preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes 

management of facilities (such as camps), as well as disturbances to the species 

resulting from human uses. 

a) Where there is the potential to reduce conflicts between people and wolves, 

modify outfitter camps or the permit stipulations to minimize negative impacts 

on wolves or their habitat. 

b) Avoid issuing new recreation permits if negative impacts are expected. If a 

recreation permit is issued, apply stipulations to the permit to support or to not 

preclude species conservation and recovery. Avoid issuing recreation permits if 

negative impacts are expected. Avoid placing new outfitter camps and issuing 

permits that will have negative impacts on gray wolf habitat or will increase 

conflicts between people and gray wolf. 

12) To the extent allowed by law, modify existing geothermal leases within one mile of 

active den and rendezvous sites of gray wolf if negative impacts are expected. 

13) To the extent allowed by law, do not permit new geothermal development within one 

mile of active den and rendezvous sites of gray wolf if negative impacts are 

expected. 

14) If a geothermal lease or sale will be issued in suitable habitat, stipulations will be 

applied to address habitat management requirements, including measures to avoid 

increasing conflicts between wolves and people. 

15) Modify roads, routes, and trails if negative impacts are occurring within one mile of 

active den and rendezvous sites of gray wolves. The need for seasonal OHV use 

restrictions within or adjacent to these habitat areas will be evaluated to reduce 

disturbances to the species. BLM will seek opportunities to close and reclaim OHV 

routes or nonmotorized trails and use areas if negative impacts are occurring. 

16) Avoid constructing new roads, routes, trails, and areas if negative impacts are 

expected within one mile of active den and rendezvous sites of gray wolves. The 

need for seasonal OHV use restrictions within or adjacent to these habitat areas will 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

30 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

be considered to reduce disturbances to the species. Avoid opening new roads, 

routes, trails, and areas in suitable habitat. 

17) Manage recreational travel to reduce human/wolf interactions to promote wolf 

recovery. 

a) Eliminate, as appropriate, mechanized cross-country travel (designate areas as 

limited or closed) within one mile of active den or rendezvous sites.

b) The need for seasonal restrictions or permanent closings within one mile of 

active den or rendezvous sites will be evaluated. 

c) Development of OHV routes or nonmotorized trails will be avoided within one 

mile of active den or rendezvous sites. 

18) Maintain regular compliance checks on road and OHV closures to protect key wolf 

habitat areas and to identify problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures. 

19) Retain active den and rendezvous sites in public ownership unless compelling 

circumstances necessitate the land tenure adjustment. The loss of suitable habitat 

from federal ownership will be avoided. If property with suitable habitat will be 

transferred out of federal ownership, then permanent conservation easements may 

be attached to the transfer that will offer equal or greater protection than under 

federal management. Such measures must be approved by the State Director. 

20) Avoid renewing existing permits or leases and issuing new permits or leases if 

negative impacts are expected within one mile of active den and rendezvous sites of 

gray wolves. The seasonal nature of the proposed activities will be considered and 

whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the species. If a permit or 

lease will be issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the permit 

that support or do not preclude species conservation and recovery and that avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

21) Avoid renewing existing rights-of-way or issuing new rights-of-way if negative 

impacts are expected within one mile of active den and rendezvous sites of gray 

wolves. The seasonal nature of the proposed activities will be considered and 

whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the species. If a right-of-way 

will be issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the right-of-way 

that support or do not preclude species conservation recovery and that avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

22) Poisoning of rodents will be conducted underground when within one-half mile of 

active den sites. 

 Action SS-1.1.8 – For gray wolf experimental nonessential population: 

• When USFWS, ID F&G, or the Nez Perce Tribe determines that five or fewer 

breeding pairs are established within an experimental population area, restrict 

human access between April 1 and June 30 within one mile of active wolf den 

or rendezvous sites. 

• Same as management actions as for gray wolf, endangered population for 

BLM-authorized actions within one mile of active den and rendezvous sites 

identified by USFWS, ID F&G, or the Nez Perce Tribe. 

• When six or more breeding pairs are established within an experimental 

population area, no land use restrictions may be employed (50 CFR 

17.84(i)(4)). Always exercise due care to avoid taking a gray wolf when 

conducting normal operations. 

Action SS-1.1.9 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for grizzly bear. 

1) All BLM public lands within grizzly bear management units (BMU) will be identified, 

including core areas. BLM public lands will be identified by Management Situation 1-

5. Identify all BLM public lands outside of recovery zones that are occupied by 

grizzly bears. 

2) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of the species.

a) Ongoing activities will be reviewed where local consultation has not yet been 

completed within known BMUs. 

3) Cooperate in the management of habitat inside grizzly bear recovery zones. 

a) Participate in the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem grizzly bear 

subcommittee. 

b) Implement habitat allocations that the FWS has approved (See Map 8 in 

Appendix G). 

The Ball-Trout BMU currently has 1,393 acres of BLM public lands. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 31 

Special Status Species (SS) • The current 1,163 acres of core habitat will become baseline for the 

BLM. 

• The linear density of 0.66 Total Motorized Road Densities (TMRD) and 

0.30 Open Motorized Road Densities (OMRD) after the access road to 

Farnham Forest will become baseline for the BLM. 

• Vegetation treatment could temporarily impact core habitat for three 

consecutive years of any ten year period. This allocation will not be 

affected by Forest Service treatments. 

• Loss of core habitat resulting from actions on private land is acceptable 

with no compensation. 

• Construction of temporary roads will be only for life of the project and 

closed to the general public. 

• For the Farnham Forest RNA/ACEC: 

-BLM may seek an easement to develop an access road from the 

Westside County Road to public land, with a potential reduction to 

core habitat by 0.05% for the entire BMU. The resulting core habitat 

will remain 1.65% above the target of 69%. 

The Boulder Creek BMU currently has 1,537 acres of BLM public lands. 

• The 453 acres of core habitat will become baseline for the BLM after 

road closures occur as proposed in the Two Tail Project. 

• The linear density of 2.12 road miles per square mile will become 

baseline for the BLM after road closures occur as proposed in the Two 

Tail Project. 

• Vegetation treatment could temporarily impact core habitat for three 

consecutive years of any ten year period. This allocation will not be 

affected by Forest Service treatments. 

• Loss of core habitat resulting from actions on private land is acceptable 

with no compensation. 

• Construction of temporary roads will be only for life of the project and 

closed to the general public. 

• Explore opportunities to install a locked gate across the powerline road. 

This action will increase core habitat to 553 acres of BLM public land 

and reduce linear density to 1.13 road miles per square mile across 

BLM public land. 

The Long Smith BMU currently has 150 acres of BLM public lands. 

• The current 44 acres of core habitat will become baseline for the BLM. 

• The current linear density of 2.68 road miles per square mile will 

become baseline for the BLM. 

• Vegetation treatment could temporarily impact core habitat for three 

consecutive years of any ten year period. This allocation will not be 

affected by Forest Service treatments activities. 

• Loss of core habitat resulting from actions on private land is acceptable 

with no compensation. 

• Construction of temporary roads will be only for life of the project and 

closed to the general public. 

• Work to close an apparent dead-end spur road of about 0.25 miles in 

length that straddles a property line. This action will not increase core 

habitat within the BMU, but it will reduce linear road density across BLM 

public lands from 9.34 to 8.52. 

The Myrtle BMU currently has 320 acres of BLM public lands. 

• The current 40 acres of core habitat will become baseline for the BLM. 

• The current linear density of 1.25 road miles per square mile will 

become baseline for the BLM. 

• Vegetation treatment could temporarily impact core habitat for three 

consecutive years of any ten year period. This allocation will not be 

affected by Forest Service treatments. 

• Loss of core habitat resulting from actions on private land is acceptable 

with no expected compensation. 

• Construction of temporary roads will be only for life of the project and 

closed to the general public. 

The North Lightning BMU currently has 562 acres of BLM public lands. 

• The current 278 acres of core habitat will become baseline for the BLM. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

32 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) • The current linear density of 0.34 road miles per square mile will 

become baseline for the BLM. 

• Vegetation treatment could temporarily impact core habitat for three 

consecutive years within each parcel of BLM public land and waiting ten 

years between each parcel of land. This allocation will not be affected 

by Forest Service treatments. 

• Loss of core habitat resulting from actions on private land is acceptable 

with no compensation. 

• Construction of temporary roads will be only for life of the project and 

closed to the general public. 

The Scotchman BMU currently has 362 acres of BLM public lands. 

• The current 11 acres of core habitat will not restrict actions on BLM 

public lands. 

• The current linear density of 2.74 and 2.48 road miles per square mile 

(TMRD and OMRD respectively) will become baseline for the BLM. 

c) Maintain or improve habitat conditions consistent with objectives for the BMU 

and MS. 

d) Coordinate with the IGBC to develop and implement guidelines for sanitation 

and food storage on BLM public lands, as needed. 

4) Manage habitat outside of recovery zones identified as occupied by grizzly bears. 

a) Establish a baseline for open and total motorized route densities on BLM public 

lands occupied by grizzly bears that are outside of recovery zones. 

b) Increases of open motorized route densities on BLM public lands above the 

baseline conditions will not be allowed. 

c) Increases in total motorized route densities as a result of temporary roads 

(roads gated to the public) above baseline conditions are acceptable. 

d) Existing habitat value will be maintained or enhanced in areas outside of 

recovery zones that are occupied by grizzly bears. 

e) Coordinate with the IGBC to develop and implement guidelines for sanitation 

and food storage on BLM public lands, as needed. 

5) Cooperate to protect and restore habitat connectivity between grizzly bear recovery 

zones. 

a) BLM public lands within linkage areas that are important to provide landscape 

connectivity between recovery zones will be identified. 

b) Within linkage areas, provide for grizzly bear landscape connectivity by 

participating in the development and management of grizzly bear habitat on 

BLM public lands. 

6) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as much as possible, to protect suitable 

habitat. Human life and firefighter safety and property take priority over species 

protection. 

a) MIST will be applied within BMUs. Resource advisors will be consulted to 

determine where MIST should be applied to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts. 

b) Fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas will not be located within 

grizzly bear core areas. Avoid conducting other related suppression activities in 

these habitats. 

c) Coordinate with the USFS and IDL personnel regarding fire suppression 

activities in grizzly bear habitat. 

7) When ES&R activities are warranted, include requirements that promote grizzly bear 

habitat rehabilitation, minimize disturbance in project planning and implementation 

activities, and do not increase human /bear interactions (e.g., planting clover near 

roads). Activities will be consistent with the management guidelines for the MS. 

Seed mixes will be designed that emphasize native vegetation and meet bear 

management habitat needs. 

8) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to be consistent with grizzly BMU 

direction. 

9) Prescribed fire projects will not create permanent motorized access routes or trails 

within grizzly bear core areas. Avoid creating other motorized access routes or trails 

within BMUs if negative impacts are anticipated. Emphasize rehabilitating roads and 

trails developed for project implementation. 

a) Prescribed fire projects will be implemented that avoid other conflicts with 

grizzly bears, as needed. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 33 

Special Status Species (SS) 

10) Nonfire fuels projects will not create permanent motorized access routes or trails 

within grizzly bear core areas. Avoid creating other motorized access routes or trails 

within BMUs if negative impacts are anticipated. Emphasize rehabilitating roads and 

trails developed for project implementation. 

a) Nonfire projects will be implemented that avoid other conflicts with grizzly 

bears, as needed. 

11) Forest management will be conducted in a manner that is compatible with grizzly 

bear recovery goals. Timber harvest and associated road building will be compatible 

with grizzly bear habitat requirements for the BMU and identified areas of bear 

occupancy outside of recovery zones. 

12) Existing facilities will be modified to avoid or minimize negative impacts and avoid 

development of new recreation facilities or expansion of existing facilities within 

BMUs if negative impacts are expected. 

13) As possible and where there is the potential to reduce conflicts between people and 

grizzly bear, move dispersed camps to locations or modify them to mitigate negative 

impacts on grizzly bears. 

14) Commercial and noncommercial recreation permits, including outfitter camps, will be 

issued so as not to preclude conservation and recovery of species. This includes 

management of physical facilities (such as camps), as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses. 

a) Where there is the potential to reduce conflicts between people and grizzly 

bear, modify outfitter camps or the permit stipulations to minimize negative 

impacts on grizzly bears or their habitat. 

b) Avoid issuing new recreation permits if negative impacts are expected. If a 

recreation permit is issued, apply stipulations to the permit to support or to not 

preclude species conservation and recovery. Avoid issuing recreation permits if 

negative impacts are expected. Avoid placing new outfitter camps and issuing 

permits that will have negative impacts on grizzly bear habitat or will increase 

conflicts between people and grizzly bears. When permits are issued, 

educational programs will be required for outfitters and their clients regarding 

grizzly bear identification and conservation. 

15) To the extent allowed by law, existing geothermal leases within BMUs will be 

modified if negative impacts are expected. 

16) To the extent allowed by law, do not permit new geothermal development within 

BMUs if negative impacts are expected. 

17) If a geothermal lease or sale will be issued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to 

address habitat management requirements, including measures to avoid increasing 

conflicts between bears and people. 

18) Effective closure devices for motorized vehicles will be installed on nonmotorized 

trails within core grizzly bear areas on BLM public lands. 

19) Minimize construction of nonmotorized trails in grizzly bear habitat if negative 

impacts are anticipated. 

20) Avoid the loss of grizzly bear habitat in recovery zone and linkage areas from 

federal ownership. Should public land in the Grizzly Bear recovery zone be 

proposed for conveyance out of federal ownership, at a minimum, the BLM will 

encourage the proponent to consider a conservation easement which protects 

Grizzly Bear habitat. 

21) Avoid renewing existing permits or leases and issuing new permits or leases if 

negative impacts are expected within BMUs. The seasonal nature of the proposed 

activities will be considered and whether this conflicts with conservation and 

recovery of the species. If a permit or lease will be issued or reissued in suitable 

habitat, apply stipulations to the permit that support or do not preclude species 

conservation and recovery and that avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

22) Avoid renewing existing rights-of-way or issuing new rights-of-way if negative 

impacts are expected within BMUs. The seasonal nature of the proposed activities 

will be considered and whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the 

species. If a right-of-way will be issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply 

stipulations to the right-of-way that support or do not preclude species conservation 

recovery and that avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

Action SS-1.1.10 – In cooperation with the IDFG, USFWS, USFS, and other partners, 

implement conservation measures for yellow-billed cuckoo. 

1) Mature riparian forests (i.e., cottonwood galleries) will be conserved in suitable 

habitat to maintain their integrity for use by yellow-billed cuckoo. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

34 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

a) Eradication of nonnative invasive species will be emphasized in riparian areas 

that compete with cottonwood regeneration. Continue to identify problem areas 

and implement appropriate weed control measures. 

b) As needed, suitable habitat in riparian forests will be closed to noncommercial 

firewood cutting and post the closure. 

2) Identify known populations and suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. 

3) Ensure that ongoing federal actions either support or do not preclude conservation 

and recovery of the species. 

a) Ongoing activities will be reviewed where local consultation has not yet been 

completed within areas with known populations of yellow-billed cuckoo. 

b) Avoid implementing activities that have the potential to disturb or displace 

known populations of yellow-billed cuckoos during the breeding season (May 

through September). 

4) Management plans for nest sites, communal roost sites, or key foraging areas will 

be updated or developed. 

5) In restoration areas, consider planting or other habitat enhancement measures to 

improve cuckoo habitat value. 

6) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as possible, to protect suitable habitat. 

Human life and firefighter safety and property take priority over species protection. 

a) MIST will be applied within suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo. Consult 

with resource advisors to determine where MIST should be applied to avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

b) Fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas will not be located within 

suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo. Avoid conducting other related 

suppression activities in these habitats. 

7) ES&R activities will be implemented to promote habitat rehabilitation by planting 

locally appropriate nesting and roosting trees for yellow-billed cuckoo. 

8) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to avoid burning adjacent to suitable 

habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo. 

9) Nonfire fuels projects will be designed to include seed mixes that will enhance or 

promote the growth of willows, cottonwoods, or other target species for yellow-billed 

cuckoo. 

10) Maintain and promote suitable habitat and restore areas for yellow-billed cuckoos 

while implementing rangeland health standards and guidelines (S&Gs). 

a) Livestock grazing and trailing will be managed to promote nesting and roosting 

tree growth and recruitment, healthy riparian communities, or a combination of 

these objectives. 

b) As needed, disturbed areas will be protected using temporary closures or other 

measures until the cottonwood saplings (or other target tree species) are 

reestablished and self-sustaining. 

c) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing allotments with nest sites and 

communal roost sites to identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures. 

d) Livestock facilities will be managed to promote nesting and roosting tree 

growth and recruitment, healthy riparian communities, or a combination of 

these objectives. 

11) Existing facilities will be modified to avoid or minimize negative impacts and avoid 

development of new recreation facilities or expansion of existing facilities within 

suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo if negative impacts are expected. 

12) Educate recreation users at boat ramps and at designated camp areas about the 

need to conserve habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. 

13) To the extent allowed by law, existing geothermal leases within suitable habitat for 

yellow-billed cuckoo will be modified if negative impacts are expected. 

14) To the extent allowed by law, do not permit new geothermal development within 

suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo if negative impacts are expected. 

15) Modify roads, routes, and trails if negative impacts are occurring within suitable 

habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. The need for seasonal OHV use restrictions within 

or adjacent to these habitat areas will be evaluated to reduce disturbances to the 

species. BLM will seek opportunities to close and reclaim OHV routes or 

nonmotorized trails and use areas if negative impacts are occurring. 

16) Avoid constructing new roads, routes, trails, and areas if negative impacts are 

expected within suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. The need for seasonal 

OHV use restrictions within or adjacent to these habitat areas will be considered to 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 35 

Special Status Species (SS) 

reduce disturbances to the species. Avoid opening new roads, routes, trails, and 

areas in suitable habitat. 

17) Avoid renewing existing permits or leases and issuing new permits or leases if 

negative impacts are expected within suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. 

Consider the seasonal nature of the proposed activities, and whether this conflicts 

with conservation and recovery of the species. If a permit or lease will be issued or 

reissued in suitable habitat, stipulations will be applied to the permit that support or 

do not preclude species conservation and recovery and that avoid or minimize 

negative impacts. 

18) Avoid renewing existing rights-of-way or issuing new rights-of-way if negative 

impacts are expected within suitable habitat for yellow-billed cuckoos. Consider the 

seasonal nature of the proposed activities and whether this conflicts with 

conservation and recovery of the species. If a right-of-way will be issued or reissued 

in suitable habitat, stipulations will be applied to the right-of-way that support or do 

not preclude species conservation recovery and that avoid or minimize negative 

impacts. 

19) Explore the potential for new designations that would enhance species recovery, 

such as relict, good condition, cottonwood galleries. 

Objective SS-1.2 – Manage habitat for 

special status species consistent with 

USFWS recovery plans.

Action SS-1.2.1 – As USFWS updates recovery plans, identify appropriate 

management actions to incorporate into the RMP. 

Objective SS-1.3 – Comply with 

conservation and recovery direction for 

all Threatened and Endangered (T& E) 

plant species.

Action SS-1.3.1 In cooperation with the IDFG Conservation Data Center (CDC), 

USFWS, and other partners, implement conservation measures for T&E plant species. 

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides that may affect the species will be 

analyzed at the project level and designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and recovery of species and minimize risks of exposure. 

a) The benefits and risks of vegetation treatment will be evaluated, including the 

following: application methods; chemicals, carriers, and surfactants used; 

needed treatment buffers; and use of non-chemical weed control (for example, 

bio-controls, hand pulling). If management objectives can effectively be 

accomplished using non-chemical methods, then non-chemical methods are 

preferred. 

b) Appropriate spatial and temporal buffers will be applied to avoid species’ 

exposure to harmful chemicals. 

c) Implement appropriate revegetation and weed control measures to reduce the 

risks of nonnative species infestations following any ground/soil disturbing 

actions in or near suitable habitat. 

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with adjacent land owners and local 

governments regarding control of invasive plants in riparian areas through 

cooperative weed management programs. 

3) Cooperate in the development and implementation of interagency inventory methods 

and data standards for mapping or database management. 

a) In cooperation with CDC and USFWS, all known populations, high priority 

habitat areas, and suitable habitat for BLM lands will be recorded and mapped. 

b) Commit to an annual inventory effort to a level permitted by funding. Surveys 

and inventories will be prioritized to address areas of suitable habitat with a 

high likelihood of species occurrences. Inventories will be designed to 

complement other program needs. 

c) In cooperation with CDC, a spatial database of species information will be 

maintained. 

4) Monitoring - Following current monitoring protocols, regular monitoring of any 

populations found on BLM lands will be conducted. 

5) To promote species recovery, habitat management plans or other implementationlevel plans will be updated or developed as needed. 

6) As funding allows, participate in research essential to recovery of the species; 

cooperate in determining specific limiting factors in terms of habitat needs and 

characteristics; and cooperate in population viability analyses to ensure that 

recovery criteria objectives are being met. 

7) Seed banks will be supported in a suitable long-term seed storage facility, as 

needed, and as funding allows. 

8) Working with other agencies, compile a general list of BMPs that will apply to all 

programs, to the extent that such a list will assist with consultation and species 

recovery. The intent of implementing BMPs is to avoid or minimize negative 
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36 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

impacts. The BLM’s Idaho State Office will coordinate development of BMPs with 

CdA FO, CdA District Office, USFWS, and CDC and will issue an instruction 

memorandum. The CdA FO will implement the BMPs. 

9) As funding allows, the establishment and maintenance of new populations in 

suitable habitat will be supported. The goal of these activities is to maintain or 

enhance viable populations. 

10) Ensure that ongoing federal actions support or do not preclude species recovery. 

a) As needed, ongoing activities in high priority habitat areas will be reviewed 

where local consultation has not yet been completed. 

b) Determine if direct or indirect negative impacts on the species or their habitat 

are occurring as a result of discretionary ongoing BLM actions. If so, the 

activity will be modified to avoid or minimize anticipated negative impacts and 

promote species recovery. 

c) Where needed, Section 7 consultation will be completed for ongoing activities 

that may affect listed species and their habitat. 

11) Ensure that new federal actions support or do not preclude species recovery. 

a) Project-level inventories will be completed in suitable habitat during project 

planning, if inventory information is not available or adequate. The SO will 

issue an instruction memorandum concerning special status species projectlevel clearance inventories. 

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts on the species or their habitat are 

anticipated as a result of new BLM actions, the activity will be modified to avoid 

or minimize the impacts and promote species recovery. 

c) Where needed, Section 7 consultation will be completed for new activities that 

may affect listed species and their habitat. 

12) Monitoring - Site-specific implementation and effectiveness monitoring will be 

completed. Management will be adjusted as needed to ensure that management 

objectives are met. 

13) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as possible, to protect high priority 

habitat. 

a) Review the Fire Management Plan for adequacy in addressing conservation 

measure. The plan will be modified if needed. 

b) MIST will be applied in suitable habitat, as appropriate. Resource advisor(s) 

will be consulted to determine where MIST tactics should be applied to avoid 

or minimize negative impacts. 

c) Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, and fueling areas within known 

populations. These and other related suppression activities in and adjacent to 

high priority habitat areas will be avoided if negative impacts may occur. 

d) As needed, coordinate with US Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands 

personnel regarding fire suppression activities in or near suitable habitat. 

14) ES&R activities will be implemented to promote species habitat rehabilitation. 

a) As needed, disturbed areas will be protected using temporary closures or 

other measures until site-specific stabilization and rehabilitation plan goals 

specific to the species and habitat are met. 

b) If needed for vegetation restoration, native seed mixes will be designed that 

emphasize local stock and promote species recovery. 

c) Burned area rehabilitation projects involving the application of pesticides in 

suitable habitat will be analyzed and implemented in accordance with item 1. 

15) Wildland fire use projects (where allowed) will be designed to conserve suitable 

habitat. When developing wildland fire use plans, avoid burning suitable habitat if 

negative impacts are expected, and develop appropriate burn prescriptions that 

maximize the conservation of suitable habitat. 

16) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to conserve suitable habitat. When 

developing prescribed fire plans, avoid or minimize negative impacts on suitable 

habitat and use prescribed fire as a tool for assisting with species conservation. 

17) Nonfire fuels management projects will be implemented involving the use of 

chemicals in accordance with item 1. 

18) Promote restoration of suitable habitat following fire, burned area rehabilitation, 

restoration treatments, or other major disturbances. As needed, disturbed areas will 

be protected using temporary closures or other measures until the risk of erosion or 

other impacts has passed and habitat components are reestablished and selfsustaining. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 37 

Special Status Species (SS) 

19) Promote establishment and maintenance of habitats that support populations. 

a) Non-fire fuels management projects in or near known populations will be 

avoided, unless such projects will enhance species recovery or are necessary 

for hazardous fuels reduction near the wildland-urban interface. 

b) Protection measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts on known populations. 

c) In suitable habitat, native seed mixes will be designed that emphasize local 

stock and promote species recovery. 

20) Incorporate conservation measures into Community Assistance Agreements 

throughout the fire management program. 

21) Projects involving the application of pesticides that may affect the species or 

suitable habitat will be analyzed at the project level and designed such that pesticide 

applications will support conservation and recovery and minimize risks of exposure. 

Site-specific stipulations will be developed locally using the following criteria: 

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation treatment, including application 

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants used; needed treatment buffers; 

and use of nonchemical weed control (for example, bio-controls, hand pulling). 

If management objectives can effectively be accomplished using nonchemical 

methods, then non-chemical methods are preferred. 

b) Appropriate spatial and temporal buffers will be applied to avoid species 

exposure to harmful chemicals. 

c) Eradication of competing nonnatives in high priority habitat areas will be 

emphasized as a top priority. 

d) Appropriate revegetation and weed control measures will be implemented to 

reduce the risks of nonnative species infestations following any ground/soil 

disturbing actions in or near known populations. 

22) Manage livestock grazing and trailing so as not to preclude conservation and 

recovery of species. This includes maintaining or enhancing suitable habitat while 

implementing current rangeland health standards and guidelines (S&G). 

a) In suitable habitat that has not been surveyed, surveys will be scheduled so 

occurrence information is available for S&G assessments associated with 

permit and lease renewals. The survey prioritization process will be used as 

described under item 3 a). 

b) As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, livestock grazing permits 

and leases will be modified. 

c) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing allotments with known 

populations to identify problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures. 

23) Manage livestock facilities to promote maintenance of suitable habitat while 

implementing rangeland health S&Gs. As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify existing and avoid placement of new livestock facilities in or 

adjacent to high priority habitat areas. 

24) Approve plans of operations or allow notice level operations so as not to preclude 

conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

a) To the extent allowed by law, modify existing plans of operation or notice-level 

operations that conflict with species management objectives in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat. For notice level operations, the operator will be informed that 

modifications to proposed activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. 

b) To the extent allowed by law, avoid approving new plans of operation or noticelevel operations that conflict with species management objectives in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat. Consider the seasonal nature of the proposed 

activities, and whether this conflicts with conservation and recovery of the 

species. For notice level operations, the operator will be informed that 

modifications to proposed activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. 

If a plan of operations will be approved in suitable habitat, then apply 

stipulations to support or to not preclude species recovery. A notice will require 

modification by the operator until the BLM determines that it will not result in 

undue or unnecessary degradation. 

25) When offering mineral leases within special status plant species habitat, specify a 

no surface occupancy stipulation on 17,967 acres to prevent degradation of habitat 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

38 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

(see NSO-5 in Appendix B). 

26) Existing and new developed recreation facilities (paved campgrounds, vault toilets, 

interpretive kiosks, etc.) will be managed so as not to preclude species conservation 

and recovery. 

a) As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, existing facilities will be 

modified. 

b) Avoid development of new recreation facilities or expansion of existing facilities 

in or adjacent to high-priority habitat areas, if negative impacts are anticipated. 

27) Dispersed use sites (informal areas, including camping areas and tie-up areas for 

pack animals) will be managed so as not to preclude species habitat conservation 

and recovery. 

a) Disturbances will be limited to the species resulting from human uses. In 

addition, human activity in and adjacent to high priority habitat areas will be 

minimized, if negative impacts are occurring. 

b) Monitoring - Close areas, either seasonally or year-round, as needed to 

protect the species and its habitat, and post and monitor the closure. 

28) Commercial and noncommercial recreation permits will be issued so as not to 

preclude species habitat conservation and recovery. This includes management of 

physical facilities (such as camps), as well as disturbances to the species resulting 

from human uses. 

a) If needed, existing permits that negatively impact high priority habitat areas for 

the species will be modified. 

b) Avoid issuing recreation permits if negative impacts are expected. In particular, 

avoid permitting new recreation activities in high priority habitat areas. If a 

recreation permit is to be issued, stipulations will be applied to the permit to 

support or to not preclude species conservation and recovery. 

29) Development of renewable energy resources will be approved so as not to preclude 

conservation and recovery of species. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

30) Roads, OHV routes and areas, as well as nonmotorized trails, will be managed in 

accordance with goals for promoting species habitat conservation and recovery. 

This includes management of physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses. 

a) Routes in high priority habitat areas will be modified, if negative impacts are 

occurring. Restrictions will be implemented to reduce disturbance. Seek 

opportunities to close and revegetate OHV routes or nonmotorized trails and 

use areas in and adjacent to high priority habitat areas, if negative impacts are 

occurring. 

b) Construction of new trails, roads, routes, and areas will be avoided if negative 

impacts are expected. In particular, avoid opening new trails, routes, and areas 

in and adjacent to high priority habitat areas. 

c) Regular compliance checks on OHV closures will be maintained to protect 

known populations and to identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures. 

31) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise to support conservation easements, 

cooperative management efforts, and other programs on adjacent nonfederal lands 

to support known populations or potential habitat. 

32) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise to coordinate with adjacent land 

owners and local governments regarding control of invasive plants through 

cooperative weed management programs. One of BLM’s priorities within the 

cooperative weed program will be protection of listed and candidate plants on BLM 

lands. 

33) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise to establish special designation areas 

(e.g., ACECs) that will enhance species recovery. 

34) Private lands that support known populations will be acquired through land 

exchange or purchase, as opportunities arise, and where feasible and funding is 

available. Priority should be given to lands that are adjacent to or near public lands 

and/or a population occurring on BLM and private lands. 

35) Retain known populations in federal ownership unless such a transfer will result in a 

net benefit to the species. 

a) Each land tenure decision will be reviewed in terms of species habitat. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 39 

Special Status Species (SS) 

b) Avoid the loss of known populations from federal ownership. If property with 

known populations is to be transferred out of federal ownership, permanent 

conservation easements will be attached to the transfer or other measures will 

be taken that will result in equal or greater protection than under federal 

management. Such measures must be approved by the BLM State Director. 

36) New land use permits and leases will be issued, and existing permits and leases will 

be reviewed at renewal, so as not to preclude species habitat conservation and 

recovery. This includes management of physical facilities, as well as disturbances to 

the species resulting from human uses. 

a) Avoid issuing new permits or leases, or renewing existing permits or leases, 

within or adjacent to high-priority habitat areas if negative impacts are 

expected. 

b) If a permit or lease is to be issued or reissued in such areas, stipulations will be 

applied to the permit that support or do not preclude species recovery and that 

avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

37) Issue new rights-of-way, and review existing rights-of-way at renewal, so as not to 

preclude species habitat conservation and recovery. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

a) Avoid issuing rights-of-way, or renewing existing rights-of-way, in or adjacent to 

high-priority habitat areas if negative impacts are expected. 

b) If a right-of-way is to be issued or reissued in such areas, stipulations will be 

applied to the right-of-way that support or do not preclude species recovery 

and that avoid or minimize negative impacts. 

38) Approve plans of operations or allow notice level operations so as not to preclude 

species habitat conservation and recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting from human uses. 

a) To the extent allowed by law, modify plans of operation or notice-level 

operations that may have negative impacts on the species or their habitat. For 

notice level operations, the operator will be informed that modifications to 

proposed activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. 

39) To the extent allowed by law, avoid approving plans of operation or notice-level 

operations that may have negative impacts on the species or their habitat. For 

notice level operations, the operator will be informed that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. If a plan of operations is to be 

approved in or adjacent to high priority habitat areas, stipulations will be applied to 

support or to not preclude species recovery. A notice will require modification by the 

operator until BLM determines that it will not result in undue or unnecessary 

degradation.Development of saleable or leasable minerals will be approved so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation and recovery. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the species resulting 

from human uses. Existing mineral leases will be modified if negative impacts are 

expected. 

40) Avoid development of saleable or leasable minerals in or adjacent to high priority 

habitat areas, if negative impacts are expected. If a minerals lease or sale is to be 

issued in or adjacent to high priority habitat areas, a no surface occupancy 

stipulation will be applied (see NSO-5 in Appendix B) to support or to not preclude 

species recovery. 

 Action SS-1.3.2 In cooperation with the IDFG Conservation Data Center (CDC), 

USFWS, and other partners, implement conservation measures specific to the 

management of water howellia. 

1) Mature riparian forests will be conserved in suitable habitat to protect habitat 

needed by pollinators of this species. 

 a) Do not authorize commercial firewood cutting within riparian forests. 

2) Retain forest structure on the edge of riparian areas with known populations or in 

suitable habitat for shading these wetland areas. 

a) Commercial timber management projects or firewood cutting will be allowed 

when negative impacts on suitable habitat can be avoided or minimized. 

 b) Suitable habitat areas will be closed to noncommercial firewood cutting if 

management problems arise.
Approved Resource Management Plan 

40 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Status Species (SS) 

Goal SS-2 – Ensure that BLM-authorized actions are consistent with the conservation needs of special status species and 

do not contribute to the need to list any special status species under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. 

SENSITIVE ANIMALS 

Action SS-2.1.1 – Implement the strategies outlined in CNFISH (Appendix A). 

Action SS-2.1.2 – Adverse impacts on listed and sensitive species will be avoided 

and/or minimized. 

Action SS-2.1.3 – Continue to inventory for populations of sensitive fish species. 

Where populations do exist, ensure that management of permitted activities maintains 

and/or improves the quality of habitat.

Objective SS-2.1 – Implement 

recovery activities for fish and wildlife 

species that inhabit aquatic, riparian, 

and wetland areas. 

Monitoring SS-2.1.4 – Maintain an updated 6th field HUC map in GIS with current fish 

distribution. 

Objective SS-2.2 – Maintain adequate 

habitat for snag- and cavity-dependent 

animals, with emphasis on migratory 

birds and bats. 

Action SS-2.2.1 – Implement actions under FW-2.2. 

Objective SS-2.3 – Implement 

recovery activities for fisher. 

Action SS-2.3.1 – Implement actions under FW-2.2.

Objective SS-2.4 – Implement 

recovery activities for wolverine. 

Action SS-2.4.1 – Cooperate with ID F&G to inventory for wolverine. 

Action SS-2.4.2 – Authorized actions will be prohibited on or near potential denning 

habitat.

 Action SS-2.4.3 – Outside the Crystal Lake WSA, BLM-authorized actions and 

snowmobile use will be restricted within one mile of known denning sites from 

December 1 to March 31; if the Crystal Lake WSA is released from further study, then 

BLM-authorized actions and snowmobile use will continue to be restricted within the 

WSA from December 1 to March 31.

 Action SS-2.4.4 – Close and partially obliterate all newly constructed roads upon 

completion of the need and purpose for the road.

 Action SS-2.4.5 – Reduce (through decommissioning) or maintain open motorized 

route densities to one mile of motorized route per square mile or less, outside of urban 

or rural areas.

SENSITIVE PLANTS 

Action SS-2.5.1 – Inventory, monitor, and cooperate with other agencies, 

organizations, and individuals to continue gathering information on special status 

plants and rare plant communities. 

Action SS-2.5.2 – Project areas will be inventoried to determine if special status 

plants or rare plant communities are present prior to authorizing activities that could 

potentially impact these plants/communities. 

Action SS-2.5.3 – Appropriate mitigation/guidelines (e.g., avoidance of occupied 

areas, distances from occupied habitat) will be designed when a project occurs near 

special status plant population(s). 

Action SS-2.5.4 – Continue cooperative participation in recovery plans, management 

plans, and conservation strategies for special status plant species.

Action SS-2.5.5 – Conservation actions, inventory, and monitoring for special status 

species will be prioritized based on habitats risk/threats, rarity, and endemism. 

Priorities are: 

• Federally Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Proposed Species. 

• Rangewide/Globally Imperiled Species – High Endangerment possibility. 

• Rangewide/Globally Imperiled Species – Moderate Endangerment: Species of 

Concern.

Objective SS-2.5 – Ensure that rare 

plant populations/associated habitats 

and rare plant communities are stable 

or continue to improve in vigor and 

distribution. 

Action SS-2.5.6 – Prioritize weed control at special status plant populations 

threatened by weed infestation. Methods of weed spraying within or near habitat will 

be formulated on site-specific and species-specific basis. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 41 

Special Status Species (SS) 

 Action SS-2.5.7 – Seeding within occupied habitat will be avoided unless clearly 

beneficial for special status plants. 

 Action SS-2.5.8 – Where special status species can be conserved and habitat 

connectivity improved through interagency cooperation, acquisition of lands through 

land tenure adjustments, easements, and interagency cooperation will be considered. 

 Action SS-2.5.9 – Awareness, appreciation, and understanding of rare plants and 

their habitats will be promoted through education of CdA FO personnel and public 

outreach.

 Action SS-2.5.10 – For new mineral leases within or adjacent to special status plant 

species, specify a no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-5 in Appendix B). 

Wildland Fire Management (WF) 

Goal WF-1 – Protect life and property while returning fire to its natural role in the ecosystem. 

Action WF-1.1.1 – Suppress all wildland fires within the WUI using AMR “full 

suppression” options, striving to reach control status within one operational period. 

All fires outside of the WUI will have the full range of AMR options available.

Action WF-1.1.2 – Use the WFSA process to: 

• Identify suppression tactics appropriate for threatened resources. 

• Employ suppression tactics to protect valuable resources and assets while 

adhering to minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) in special management 

areas (e.g., WSA, ACEC, Recreation Sites, etc.).

Action WF-1.1.3 – A more involved presence in the local wildland fire suppression 

community will be developed so as to ensure that this objective is met.

Action WF-1.1.4 – Consider the following criteria in establishing fire management 

priorities: 

• Firefighter and public safety is the first priority. 

• Other priorities include: 

o Protect cultural and natural resources. 

o Protect areas with highly erodible soils. 

o Protect Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) consistent with the 

Riparian Management Objectives (RMOs). 

o Protect areas at risk of invasion by nonnative plant species. 

o Protect commercial forest resources and plantations. 

o Protect active grazing allotments and improvements. 

o Protect and/or maintain municipal watersheds and special status species and 

habitats. 

o Protect developed recreation sites and structures on public lands. 

o Minimize the cost of fire protection

Objective WF-1.1 – Provide an 

Appropriate Management Response 

(AMR) to all wildland fires emphasizing 

firefighter and public safety while 

protecting resources and assets and 

minimizing suppression costs. 

Action WF-1.1.5 – Access and use restrictions, such as closures, may be imposed 

during times of severe fire danger to mitigate the risk of wildland fire, in accordance 

with the Idaho Fire Restriction Agreement, which is administered by the Northern 

Rockies Coordinating Group.

Action WF-1.2.1 – Approximately 50,605 acres have potential for wildland fire use to 

provide resource benefits and not damage economically valuable resources or 

assets.

Action WF-1.2.2 – Plans for implementing wildland fire use in identified areas will be 

developed. 

Objective WF-1.2 – Allow wildland fire 

use in areas outside of the WUI (See 

Map 9 in Appendix G).

Action WF-1.2.3 – Develop a more involved presence in the local wildland fire 

suppression community so as to ensure that this objective is met. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

42 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Wildland Fire Management (WF) 

Objective WF-1.3 – Stabilize and 

prevent degradation to natural and 

cultural resources; minimize threats to 

life or property resulting from the effect 

of a fire, and repair/replace/construct 

physical improvements necessary to 

prevent degradation of land or 

resources.

Action WF-1.3.1 – When needed, emergency stabilization activities will be 

implemented as soon as possible, and completed within one year after containment of 

a wildland fire. 

Objective WF-1.4 – Repair or improve 

fire-damaged lands unlikely to recover 

naturally, and repair or replace minor 

facilities damaged by fire.

Action WF-1.4.1 – When needed, rehabilitation activities will be implemented as soon 

as possible, and completed within three years after a wildland fire. 

Allocation WF-1.5.1 – Identify areas where fuels treatments will improve or protect 

economically valuable resources and emphasize use of small diameter trees. Areas 

where fuels treatments will improve or protect noncommodity natural resources will be 

identified (See Map 10 in Appendix G). 

• Approximately 4,166 acres will be available for forest fuels treatments using a full 

complement of treatment options.

• Approximately 54,523 acres will be available for forest fuels treatments with 

restrictions to achieve special management objectives (e.g., some ACEC, SRMA, 

deer/elk winter range, VRM II, etc.).

• Forest fuels treatments will not be allowed on approximately 24,861 acres (e.g., 

WSA, some ACEC, CNFISH buffers, etc.), except under special circumstances 

identified in management decisions for the protected resources. This does not 

apply to wildland fire use.

Action WF-1.5.2 –A treatment plan for identified areas will be developed. Treatments 

to areas identified for improvement and/or protection will emphasize the resource at 

greatest risk (e.g., WUI, timber, recreation, mining, watershed, vegetation, and wildlife 

habitat), when site conditions are suitable.

Action WF-1.5.3 – Fuels treatments (prescribed fire, mechanical, chemical, or 

biological) will be conducted on identified areas.

Objective WF-1.5 – Improve or protect 

valuable resources and improve the 

FRCC through the use of fuels 

treatment activities within the 8,200 

acres where vegetation treatments will 

occur.

Action WF-1.5.4 – Coordinate fuels treatment activities with adjacent land owners and 

other management agencies.

Action WF-1.6.1 – Identify areas where fuels treatments will reduce hazards and 

emphasize the use of small diameter trees.

Action WF-1.6.2 – A Management Ignited Fire Plan (MIFP) will be developed for 

identified areas.

Action WF-1.6.3 – Conduct mechanical fuels treatments on identified areas.

Action WF-1.6.4 – Conduct outreach to educate the public on prevention of wildland 

fire (county mitigation plans and North Idaho Fire Prevention CO-OP).

Action WF-1.6.5 – Coordinate fuels treatment activities with adjacent land owners and 

other management agencies.

Objective WF-1.6 – Reduce impact 

from wildland fire to WUI areas, 

municipal watersheds, and 

infrastructure.

 

Action WF-1.6.6 – Collaborate with local partners to assess WUI areas and update 

existing county wildland fire protection plans.

Cultural Resources (CR) 

Goal CR-1 – Preserve and protect significant cultural resources and ensure that they are available for appropriate uses. 

Action CR-1.1.1 – Priority areas will be identified based on cultural resource data 

gaps to focus priority inventory efforts. 

Action CR-1.1.2 – Consult with Native American tribes to identify Traditional Cultural 

Properties (TCPs). 

Objective CR-1.1 – Conduct proactive 

cultural resource inventories in priority 

areas. 

Action CR-1.1.3 – Background research will be conducted to identify potential trail 

routes and implement on-the-ground inventories to record segments of the Mullan 

Trail. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 43 

Cultural Resources (CR) 

Action CR-1.1.4 – Coordinate with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to establish a formal 

agreement regarding consultation. 

Monitoring CR-1.2.1 – Cultural resources will be monitored and assessed, including 

TCPs, to determine if cultural resource objectives are being met.

Monitoring CR-1.2.2 – A long-term monitoring schedule will be developed that 

identifies a representative sample of cultural sites and TCPs that will be examined in 

order to recommend site protection measures to protect at-risk sites. 

Action CR-1.2.3 – Motorized vehicle use, including snowmobiles, will be confined to 

designated roads in the Rochat Divide Area.

Action CR-1.2.4 – Designate no surface occupancy (NSO-3) for leasable minerals 

along the Rochat Divide ridge system. 

Objective CR-1.2 – Identify cultural 

properties requiring physical or 

administrative protection measures to 

protect site integrity and implement 

necessary measures. 

Action CR-1.2.5 – Identify opportunities for cultural heritage education to emphasize 

important cultural resource values and to assist in protecting sites or areas. 

Action CR-1.3.1 – Within five years of the signing of the ROD for this RMP, a 

schedule will be established to update existing cultural records on an annual basis. 

Information needed to better allocate resource use categories includes site 

characteristics, chronological placement, geomorphic relationships, and overall data 

potential. Methodology to collect such information may include, but will not be limited 

to, detailed photography, intensive mapping, excavations, geomorphic analysis, and 

other forms of analyses. 

Objective CR-1.3 – Standardize 

cultural site record information and 

evaluation documentation to allocate 

sites to cultural use categories. 

Action CR-1.3.2 – Sites or areas will be evaluated and nominated to the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

Action CR-1.4.1 – Cultural resource management plans will be prepared for the 

Rochat Divide area and Liberal King Mill. 

Objective CR-1.4 – Develop cultural 

resource management plans for 

significant cultural resources, including 

TCPs. Action CR-1.4.2 – Additional sites and/or areas requiring the development of cultural 

resource management plans will be identified.

Goal CR-2 – Reduce imminent threats and resolve potential conflicts from natural or human-caused deterioration, or 

potential conflict with other resources uses, by ensuring that all authorizations for land use and resource use will comply 

with National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106. 

Action CR-2.1.1 – Identify and evaluate sites and/or TCPs to determine potential 

effects.

Action CR-2.1.2 – Develop new and/or implement existing protocol agreements with 

State Historic Preservation Office and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Office to 

streamline the consultation process. 

Action CR-2.1.3 – Government-to-government consultation with Native American 

tribes will be completed.

Action CR-2.1.4 – Effects to site integrity will be minimized by ensuring consideration 

of cultural resources early in the project planning process and by project redesign, 

cancellation, or mitigation when significant cultural resources are identified from 

inventories or consultation.

Monitoring CR-2.1.5 – Monitor a sample of previously completed land use 

authorizations on an annual basis to determine if site objectives were met. 

Objective CR-2.1 – Minimize potential 

effects from proposed land use 

authorizations. 

Action CR-2.1.6 - Coordinate with fire management activities through the use of 

resource advisors to avoid possible impact on cultural resources.

Paleontological Resources (PR) 

Goal PR-1 – Preserve and protect significant paleontological resources and ensure that they are available for appropriate 

uses. 

Action PR-1.1.1 – Areas that may contain significant paleontological resources will be 

identified and inventoried.

Objective PR-1.1 – Identify priority 

geographic areas for field inventory 

and protect recorded sites. Action PR-1.1.2 – Areas that may contain paleontological resources will be 

inventoried prior to land use authorizations. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

44 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Paleontological Resources (PR) 

Action PR-1.1.3 – Appropriate measures will be developed to protect identified 

paleontological resources on a case-by-case basis.

Visual Resources (VR) 

Goal VR-1 – Manage landscapes across the public lands in a manner that will protect scenic quality values and promote 

aesthetically pleasing surroundings. 

Allocation VR-1.1.1 – As mapped (See Map 11 in Appendix G), visual resources on 

BLM lands will be managed under the following class designations: 

• Class I: 20,120 acres 

• Class II: 24,698 acres 

• Class III: 51,768 acres 

• Class IV: 1,349 acres 

Action VR-1.1.2 – If or when the Grandmother Mountain or Crystal Lake Wilderness 

Study Areas are released by Congress from further study, the released area will be 

managed under a VRM Class II designation, except for Lund Creek RNA within the 

Grandmother Mountain WSA, which will continue to be managed under VRM Class I.

Action VR-1.1.3 – If or when the Selkirk Crest Wilderness Study Area is released by 

Congress from further study, it will be managed under a VRM Class II designation.

Action VR-1.1.4 – Lands acquired by the BLM subsequent to adoption of this 

resource management plan will be managed in accordance with the mapped 

management class delineations of this alternative.

Objective VR-1.1 – Use the visual 

resource management system to 

manage visual resources in a 

manner that is consistent with 

management direction of the other 

resource programs. 

Action VR-1.1.5 – For new mineral leases within VRM Class II areas, specify 

controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-1 in Appendix B). 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 45 

Forestry and Woodland Products (FP) 

Goal FP-1 – Provide forest products (saw logs, biomass, firewood, hog fuel, etc.) to help meet local and national demands 

while protecting the natural component of the environment. 

Action FP-1.1.1 – Identify and treat areas to promote forest health and restore forest 

stands to historic species composition, structure, and function by: 

• Retaining large diameter trees when consistent with treatment objectives. 

• Treating areas with excessive forest fuel loading and ingrowth. 

• Treating areas with insect or disease infestation. 

• Treating areas where other disturbances have occurred (e.g., fire, ice storm, 

etc.).

Allocation FP-1.1.2 – Approximately 4,166 acres will be available for forest 

vegetation treatments using a full complement of harvest systems and other treatment 

methods. 

Allocation FP-1.1.3 – Approximately 54,523 acres will be available for forest 

vegetation treatments with restrictions to achieve special management objectives 

(e.g., some ACEC areas, SRMA, deer/elk winter range, VRM II, etc.). 

Allocation FP-1.1.4 – Vegetation harvest treatments will not be allowed on 

approximately 24,861 acres (e.g., WSA, some ACEC areas, CNFISH Buffers, etc.), 

except under special circumstances identified in management decisions for the 

protected resources. 

Action FP-1.1.5 – Forest products will be salvaged from areas where disturbances 

have occurred (e.g., fire, ice storm, wind storm, etc.) within constraints as defined in 

other resource management sections.

Objective FP-1.1 – Provide a PSQ of 

4.4 MMBF/year over 15 years of 

commercial forest products (e.g., saw 

timber, hew wood, pulp, fuel wood, 

biomass, etc.) from vegetation 

treatments designed to improve forest 

health on at least 8,200 acres. 

Note: The PSQ is the allowable 

harvest level that can be maintained 

without decline over the long term if the 

schedule of harvests and regeneration 

are followed. PSQ recognizes a level 

of uncertainty in meeting the 

determined level; this uncertainty is 

typically based on other environmental 

factors that preclude harvesting at a 

particular time (for example, because 

of watershed or habitat concerns). A 

PSQ is not a commitment to offer for 

sale a specific level of timber volume 

every year. 

Action FP-1.1.6 – Commercial forest products resulting from other authorized uses 

(e.g., R/W Grants, Mining Activities, Special Use Permits, Road Maintenance, fire 

wood permits, etc) will be recovered.

Livestock Grazing (LG) 

Goal LG-1 – Provide opportunities for grazing while meeting Rangeland Health Standards. 

Allocation LG-1.1.1 –Four allotments will be available for livestock grazing, with allocations identified 

in Table 1, unless there is no demand for this use (Also see Map 12 in Appendix G). 

Allocation LG-1.1 – 

Maintain up to 

approximately 1,218 

acres available for 

livestock grazing, 

while assuring 

rangeland health 

standards and 

guidelines are being 

met. 

Table 1 Existing Livestock Allotments in the Planning Area 

Allotment Acres Type of 

Livestock 

Season of Use AUMs 

Twin Peaks 

36002 

199 Cattle 6/1-10/31 148 

Long Mountain 

36009 

779 Cattle 6/15-9/15 101 

Trout Creek 

36012 

231 Cattle 5/1-10/15 30 

Ninemile Creek 

36020 

9 Horse 6/1-10/30 5 

Objective LG-1.2 – 

Determine level 

management for each 

allotment.

Action LG-1.2.1 – Within one year of Record of Decision, complete a review for each allotment and 

assign level of management (high/low). 

Objective LG-1.3 – 

Authorize livestock 

grazing while assuring 

that watersheds; 

riparian/wetlands; 

stream 

channel/floodplain; 

native plant 

Monitoring LG-1.3.1 – Monitoring will be conducted to assure that resource objectives are being met. 

Resource Uses 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

46 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Livestock Grazing (LG) 

communities; 

seedings; exotic plant 

communities; water 

quality; and 

threatened and 

endangered 

plant/animal 

objectives are being 

met.

Minerals (MN) 

Fluid – Oil and Gas, Tar Sands, Geothermal Resources, and Coal Bed Natural Gas

Goal MN- 1. – Make fluid minerals available for exploration, acquisition, and production consistent with other resource 

goals. 

Allocation MN-1.1.1 – Approximately 76,048 acres are open to leasing subject to 

the terms and conditions of the standard lease form. Some of these acres have 

further constraints, as defined in the following actions (See Map 13 in Appendix G). 

Allocation MN-1.1.2 – Approximately 30,080 acres are open to leasing subject to the 

terms and conditions of the standard lease form and no surface occupancy (NSO) 

constraint to protect resources (See Appendix B and Map 13 in Appendix G).

Allocation MN-1.1.3 – Approximately 67,971 acres are open to leasing subject to the 

terms and conditions of the standard lease form and Conditional Surface Use 

constraints to protect resources (See Appendix C and Map 13 in Appendix G).

Allocation MN-1.1.4 – Approximately 28,749 acres are open to leasing subject to the 

terms and conditions of the standard lease form and timing limitations to protect 

resources (See Appendix C and Map 13 in Appendix G).

Allocation MN-1.1.5 – Approximately 21,887 acres are closed to leasing (WSAs and 

existing withdrawals) (See Map 13 in Appendix G). 

Objective MN-1.1 – Identify areas 

open to leasing subject to minor and 

major constraints to protect resources.

Action MN 1.1.6 – All of the above actions apply to leasing of geothermal resources.

Solid Minerals – Locatable, Mineral Materials, and Leasable

Goal MN-2 – Make locatable minerals, mineral materials, and non-energy leasable minerals available for exploration, 

acquisition, and production consistent with other resource goals. 

Allocation MN-2.1.1 – Approximately 92,382 acres will be open to the operation of the 

mining laws; 5,403 acres will be closed to the operation of the mining laws, pending 

approval of recommended withdrawals (See Map 14 in Appendix G).

Allocation MN-2.1.2 – Approximately 76,048 acres are open to solid mineral leasing 

and mineral material disposal. Approximately 21,887 acres are withdrawn from solid 

mineral leasing and mineral material disposal (See Map 13 in Appendix G).

Objective MN-2.1 – Identify area(s) 

open to the operation of the mining 

laws, mineral material disposal, and 

solid mineral leasing.

Allocation MN-2.1.3 – Surface use stipulations outlined in Appendix B will apply to 

solid mineral leasing and mineral material disposal (See Map 13 in Appendix G).
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 47 

Recreation (RC) 

Goal RC-1 – Provide opportunities for quality outdoor recreation experiences ensuring enjoyment of natural and cultural 

resources on BLM-managed or partnered lands and waters. 

Objective RC-1.1 – Identify and 

classify units of public land on which to 

provide prescribed outdoor recreation 

opportunities with a mixed emphasis 

towards both community recreationtourism markets and 

undeveloped/dispersed recreation 

tourism markets.

Allocation RC-1.1.1 – The following recreation management areas will be established, 

identifying a corresponding market for each special recreation management area 

(SRMA) (See Map 15 in Appendix G): 

 Rural Roaded 

Natural 

Semiprimitive Total 

Coeur d’Alene Lake 

Community 

(community based market) 216 1,978 0 2,194 

Gamlin Lake 

(community based market) 187 1,695 0 1,882 

Rochat Divide/Pine Creek 

(undeveloped/dispersed 

market) 0 14,826 31,619 46,445 

Killarney Lake 

(community based market) 0 247 0 247 

Widow Mountain 

(undeveloped/dispersed 

market) 0 612 12,948 13,560 

Silver Valley 

(community based market) 3,054 12,845 434 16,333 

Huckleberry Campground 77 83 0 160 

Extensive Recreation 

Management Area 

(custodial management - no 

target market) 2,017 12,073 3,024 17,114 

Total 5,551 44,359 48,025 

Objective RC-1.2 – Manage the Coeur 

d’Alene Lake SRMA for land- and 

water-based leisure activities for 

outdoor sport, relaxation, social group 

or family affiliation, and personal 

enrichment or learning through 

environmental study within accessible 

natural forested lakeshore settings.

Action RC-1.2.1 – Maintain the existing rural and roaded-natural settings (which are 

characterized by a culturally modified pastoral environment or by a generally natural 

appearing environment with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of man) by: 

• Providing paved and improved road access and motorized boat access to 

developed recreation facilities. 

• Providing accessible recreation facilities for user convenience, resource 

protection, and visitor health and safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use in developed sites at moderate to high levels, 

where contact between visitors is frequent or common and opportunities for 

solitude are either not provided or are minimal. 

• Accommodating visitor use outside of developed sites at moderate levels, 

where contact between visitors may be less frequent and opportunities to 

interact with the natural environment may either be present or prevalent. 

• Providing a regular periodic onsite management presence to monitor use, 

address user and resource conflicts, and enhance visitor safety. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

48 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Recreation (RC) 

Action RC-1.2.2 – The following recreation facilities will be maintained in good 

condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, and functional for the intended use level 

and purpose) at the indicated Maintenance Level (ML) where: 

ML 1 low maintenance intensity 

ML 2 moderate maintenance 

intensity 

ML 3 high maintenance intensity 

Facility (See Map 15 in 

Appendix G) ML 

Beauty Bay Recreation Site 2 

Blackwell Island Recreation Site 3 

Blue Creek Bay (undeveloped) 2 

Cougar Bay Wildlife Viewing Area 

(undeveloped) 

2 

Mica Bay Boater Park 3 

Mineral Ridge Boat Launch 2 

Mineral Ridge Scenic Area 3 

Ross Point (undeveloped) 2 

Windy Bay Boater Park 2 

Action RC-1.2.3 – Operate developed sites as fee areas where federal fee collection 

criteria are met. This will include the following (See Map 15 in Appendix G): 

• Blackwell Island Recreation Site 

• Mica Bay Boater Park 

• Windy Bay Boater Park 

• Mineral Ridge Boat Launch Site 

• As new facilities are constructed, evaluate the need for assessing use 

fees in accordance with current guidance at the time.

Action RC-1.2.4 – Additional special uses will be authorized when there is a 

demonstrated public need or benefit and the uses are consistent and compatible with 

the area’s management objective and managed condition. 

Action RC-1.2.5 – Continue to authorize by special recreation permit, existing 

commercial recreation uses of developed recreation sites by: 

• Having vendors provide delivery of rental water craft to boat launching 

sites. 

• Having youth summer camps provide overnight canoeing/sailing/boating 

adventures to Mica Bay and Windy Bay Boater Parks. 

• Additionally including any new permits on a case-by-case basis. 

Action RC-1.2.6 – Provide controls and limit management actions to protect visitors 

and developed recreation sites or to protect and enhance water, riparian, and wildlife 

resource values that contribute to the area’s unique setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class II management constraints. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 49 

Recreation (RC) • Limiting motorized vehicles to designated developed roads. 

• Closing the Blackwell Canals to motorized boats (except that portion 

developed for boat launching). 

• Closing developed day-use sites to camping (overnight occupancy). 

• Continuing other special restrictions at Blackwell Island Recreation Site, 

Mica Bay Boater Park, or Blue Creek Bay (undeveloped) regarding 

firewood collection, firearms possession, or alcohol use or possession.

• Establishing additional rules as needed in response to changing 

situations.

• Enforcing the established 14-day campground stay limit and other 

established rules of use for developed recreation sites. 

• Using volunteer campground hosts to provide visitor services. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 

Action RC-1.2.7 – Acquire additional lands suitable for the development of needed 

boating and camping facilities and for preservation of recreation resource values in 

accordance with the following priorities: 

• Existing recreation use areas and facilities at risk of being lost to 

continued public use. 

• Lands in proximity to Coeur d’Alene suited for boat launching and parking 

developments. 

• Lake-view lands suited for camping developments in proximity to major 

highway corridors. 

• Bald Eagle perching or nesting habitat. 

• Other lands with important recreation, wildlife, wetland or riparian values.

Action RC-1.2.8 – Continue to follow the multi-agency Memorandum of 

Understandings concerning joint recreation facility operations. Expand working 

relationships where possible for joint resource management activities.

Action RC-1.2.9 – Strive to involve user groups, volunteers, Native American tribes, 

and other interested public to help maintain resources through partnerships, volunteer 

agreements, adoption programs, or other similar cooperative efforts.

Action RC-1.2.10 –Enhance environmental education opportunities at the Mineral 

Ridge National Recreation Trail through maintenance of the interpretive trail, guide 

booklet, and bald eagle viewing booklet. Additionally, plan and construct or implement 

additional interpretive or environmental education sites or projects at: 

• Blackwell Island Recreation Site 

• Cougar Bay Wildlife Viewing Area 

• Blue Creek Bay (undeveloped) 

• Loff’s Bay (undeveloped) 

Action RC-1.2.11 – Recreation site development projects will be planned and 

implemented at the Wallace L Forest Conservation Area (Blue Creek Bay) that 

consider the following: 

• Public camping 

• Docks for day use and overnight moorage 

• A community use boat launching ramp 

• An upland trail system for nonmotorized uses 

• Wildlife viewing and interpretive facilities 

Action RC-1.2.12 – Plan and implement site development at Loff’s Bay that consider 

the following: 

• Additional launch site parking 

• Public camping 

• Day-use picnicking, trail, wildlife viewing, and interpretive facilities
Approved Resource Management Plan 

50 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Recreation (RC) 

Action RC-1.2.13 – Enter into a cooperative management agreement with the city of 

Post Falls and Kootenai County for their joint development and operation of a 

community park at Ross Point.

Action RC-1.2.14 – Site development plans for Cougar Bay Wildlife Viewing Area will 

be implemented to provide the following: 

• Paved access road and a six stall parking area 

• Toilet facilities 

• Trail and viewing deck 

• Lake access trail for canoe launching

Action RC-1.2.15 – Initiate project planning for the John C. Pointner Memorial Wildlife 

Sanctuary. Manage the area in conjunction with the Cougar Bay Wildlife Viewing Area 

and adjoining property owners, and consider development of trails and wildlife viewing 

facilities.

Action RC-1.2.16 – At existing developed facilities, improvements will be made when

needed for: 

• Life, safety, and health 

• Accessibility compliance 

• Component renewal 

• Deferred maintenance 

• Modernization 

• Resource protection 

Action RC-1.3.1 – Maintain the existing roaded-natural setting (which is characterized 

by a culturally modified pastoral environment or by a natural appearing environment 

with moderate evidence of the sights and sound of man) by: 

• Providing improved road access and motorized boat access to developed 

recreation facilities. 

• Providing accessible recreation facilities for user convenience, resource 

protection, and visitor health and safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use in developed areas at moderate levels where 

contact between visitors is common and opportunities for solitude are minimal, 

but outside of developed sites where contacts are less frequent and 

opportunities to interact with the natural environment are prevalent. 

• Providing indirect management controls coupled with a regular and periodic 

onsite management presence to monitor use, address user and resource 

conflicts, and enhance visitor safety. 

Objective RC-1. 3 – Manage Killarney 

Lake SRMA for water-based leisure for 

outdoor sport, relaxation, and social 

group or family affiliation within a 

unique, natural wetland setting. 

Action RC-1.3.2 – Maintain Killarney Lake Boat launch, Killarney Lake Picnic Site, and 

Popcorn Island facilities in good condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, and 

functional for the intended use level and purpose) at a moderate maintenance intensity 

level. Improvements will be made when needed for: 

• Life, safety, and health 

• Accessibility compliance 

• Component renewal 

• Deferred maintenance 

• Modernization 

• Resource protection 

Action RC-1.3.3 – Developed sites will be operated as fee areas where they meet 

federal fee collection criteria. This includes the Killarney Lake Boat Launch site (fee for 

overnight camping).

Action RC-1.3.4 – Consider Special recreation permit authorizations for commercial, 

competitive, and organized group activities on a case-by-case basis. Authorize special 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 51 

Recreation (RC) 

uses when there is a demonstrated public need or benefit and the uses are consistent 

and compatible with the area’s management objective and managed condition.

Action RC-1.3.5 – Limit resource management actions to protect developed recreation 

sites and to protect and enhance water, riparian, and wildlife resource values that 

contribute to the area’s unique setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class II management constraints.

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated developed roads. 

• Enforcing the established 14-day campground stay limit and other 

established rules of use for developed recreation sites. 

• Using volunteer campground hosts to provide visitor services. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 

Action RC-1.3.6 – Conduct activity-level planning to resolve facility development and 

visitor health and safety issues. Proceed cooperatively with other involved agencies to 

produce an integrated plan.

Action RC-1.3.7 – Provide signs, brochures, and take other outreach actions advising 

visitors of potential health risks related to metals contamination. 

Action RC-1.4.1 – Maintain rural and roaded-natural settings (which are characterized 

a culturally modified pastoral environment or by a generally natural appearing 

environment with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of man) by: 

• Providing improved road access to developed recreation facilities. 

• Providing accessible recreation facilities for user convenience, resource 

protection, and visitor health and safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use in developed areas at moderate to high levels 

where contact between visitors is frequent or common and opportunities for 

solitude are minimal, but outside of developed sites where contacts are less 

frequent and opportunities to interact with the natural environment are 

prevalent. 

• Providing indirect management controls coupled with a regular and periodic 

onsite management presence to monitor use, address user and resource 

conflicts, and to enhance visitor safety. 

Action RC-1.4.2 – The Gamlin Lake Recreation Site will be maintained in good 

condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, and functional for its intended use) at a 

moderate maintenance intensity level. Additional facilities added later will be 

maintained at the same level.

Action RC-1.4.3 – Consider special recreation permit authorizations for commercial, 

competitive, and organized group activities on a case-by-case basis. Special uses will 

be authorized when there is a demonstrated public need or benefit and the uses are 

consistent and compatible with the area’s management objective and managed 

condition.

Objective RC-1.4 – Manage Gamlin 

Lake (Expanded) SRMA for day-use 

nonmotorized trail or water-related 

activities, for personal relaxation or 

reflection, exercise or fitness, and 

personal enrichment or learning 

through environmental study.

Action RC-1.4.4 – Resource management and human actions will be limited to protect 

developed recreation sites and to protect and enhance water, riparian, timber, and 

wildlife resource values that contribute to the area’s unique setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class III management constraints. 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated developed roads. 

• Closing the day-use area to camping (overnight occupancy). 

• Closing the area to grazing but leaving specified trails open to equestrian 

uses. 

• Managing the timber resource under custodial guidelines. 

• Designing roads and trails to minimize soil erosion and impacts on special 

status plants and rare plant communities. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

52 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Recreation (RC) 

Action RC-1.4.5 – Revise the Gamlin Lake activity plan to include the added lands 

around Gold Hill, but continue to implement actions already approved by the 

Management Plan for the Gamlin Lake Special Management Area BLM (1995). These 

include: 

• Selective tree removal along trails to open the canopy to allow additional snow 

accumulations and to improve the trails for cross-country skiing. 

• Acquisition of additional lands on the north end of the lake and construction of 

parking and a small boat launching facility. 

• Construction of wildlife viewing platforms and boardwalk adjacent to the 

wetlands. 

Implement these actions as modified by the above actions. 

Action RC-1.5.1 – Maintain the roaded-natural setting (which is characterized by a 

generally natural appearing environment with moderate evidence of the sights and 

sounds of man) and semiprimitive motorized setting (which is characterized by a 

predominantly unmodified natural environment altered with primitive roads and trails) 

by: 

• Providing improved road access to trailheads and primitive road and trail 

recreation routes through the area. 

• Providing recreation facilities for resource protection, and visitor health and 

safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use at access points at low to moderate levels where 

contact between visitors is anticipated and opportunities for solitude are 

minimal, but away from the access points contacts are less frequent and 

opportunities to interact with the natural environment are predominant. 

• Providing primarily indirect management controls apparent mostly at trailhead 

access points. Conduct patrols to monitor use and resource conditions. 

Action RC-1.5.2 – Maintain the recreation sites at Sheep Springs and Tingley Springs 

in good condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, and functional for the intended 

use level and purpose) at a moderate maintenance intensity level. Facility 

improvements will be made as needed for: 

• Life, safety, and health 

• Accessibility compliance 

• Component renewal 

• Deferred maintenance 

• Resource protection 

Action RC-1.5.3 – Authorize additional special uses when there is a demonstrated 

public need or benefit and the uses are consistent and compatible with the area’s 

management objective and managed condition.

Action RC-1.5.4 – Authorize the one current special recreation permit for commercial 

outfitting and guiding activities. Additional proposed commercial uses that will duplicate 

services or overlap with the existing permit will not be considered. 

Objective RC-1.5 – Manage the 

Rochat Divide/Pine Creek SRMA 

(backcountry motorized zone) to 

provide opportunities for visitors to 

engage in motorized primitive road and 

trail- related activities for adventure, 

exploration, challenge or risk, outdoor 

sport, and social group or family 

affiliation in mid-country and 

backcountry settings.

Action RC-1.5.5 – Provide controls (including motorized vehicle restrictions when 

necessary) and limit management actions to protect developed recreation facilities and 

primitive roads and trails or to protect the scenic values that contribute to the area’s 

aesthetic setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class II and III management constraints. 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated travel routes. 

• Limiting motorized vehicle use of single-track trails to two-wheeled 

vehicles. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 53 

Recreation (RC) 

Action RC-1.5.6 – Conduct activity-level planning to design an interconnected 

recreation road and trail network. Specific easement acquisition needs will be 

identified and acquired on a willing-seller basis. Strive to involve user groups, 

volunteers, and other interested public to help plan and maintain the travel system 

through partnerships, volunteer agreements, adoption programs, or other similar 

cooperative efforts.

Action RC-1.5.7 – Manage the Middle Fork Pine Creek Road as a motorized trail for 

“rock crawling” (extreme 4WD) activities. Only limited maintenance actions will be 

performed, and restrictions will be established when necessary for minimizing 

unacceptable resource damages. 

Action RC-1.5.8 – Acquire easements needed to provide a continuous trail route 

along the Coeur d’Alene St. Joe Divide from the Rochat Divide Road to the National 

Forest boundary. It will be managed as a motorized route except for the portion within 

the Crystal Lake WSA. Washouts will be repaired on the Calusa Creek road, and it will 

be maintained as a connecting ATV trail to the Coeur d’Alene St. Joe Divide Trail. 

Allow motorized use of the trail within the WSA portion, if the WSA is released for 

multiple uses by Congress. 

Action RC-1.6.1 – Maintain the existing semiprimitive recreation setting (which is 

characterized by a predominantly unmodified natural environment altered with primitive 

roads and trails) by: 

• Providing primitive road access to trailhead facilities and trail access through 

the area. 

• Providing recreation facilities primarily for resource protection. 

• Accommodating visitor use at access points at low to moderate levels where 

contact between visitors is anticipated and opportunities for solitude are 

minimal, but away from the access points where contacts are less frequent 

and opportunities to interact with the natural environment are predominant. 

• Providing primarily indirect management controls apparent mostly at trailhead 

access points. Conduct patrols to monitor use and resource conditions. 

Action RC-1.6.2 – Authorize additional special uses when there is a demonstrated 

public need or benefit and the uses are consistent and compatible with the area’s 

management objective and managed condition.

Action RC-1.6.3 – Authorize the one current special recreation permit for commercial 

outfitting and guiding activities. Do not consider any additional proposed commercial 

uses for hunting or that will overlap with the existing permit duplicating services.

Objective RC-1.6 – Manage Rochat 

Divide/Pine Creek SRMA (backcountry 

nonmotorized zone) to provide 

opportunities for visitors to engage in 

nonmotorized trail-related activities for 

adventure, challenge or risk, solitude, 

outdoor sport, and social group or 

family affiliation within a backcountry 

setting.

Action RC-1.6.4 – Provide controls and limit management actions to protect 

developed recreation facilities and primitive roads and trails or to protect the scenic 

values that contribute to the area’s aesthetic setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class I or II management constraints. 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated travel routes. 

• Closing the Crystal Lake Trail from Sheep Springs to equestrian and 

mechanized uses. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 

Objective RC-1.7 – Manage the Silver 

Valley SRMA for motorized road and 

trail-related activities for adventure, 

exploration, and social group or family 

affiliation within front and mid-country 

forested mountain settings.

Action RC-1.7.1 – Maintain the rural and roaded-natural settings (which are 

characterized by a culturally modified environment or by a generally natural appearing 

environment with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of man) by: 

• Providing paved and improved road access to developed sites and areas. 

• Providing accessible recreation facilities, including trails for user convenience, 

resource protection, and visitor health and safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use in developed areas at moderate to high levels 

where contact between visitors is frequent or common and opportunities for 

solitude are either not provided or are minimal. 

• Accommodating visitor use outside of developed areas at moderate levels 

where contact between visitors may be less frequent and opportunities to 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

54 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Recreation (RC) 

interact with the natural environment may either be present or prevalent. 

• Providing indirect management controls coupled with a regular and periodic 

onsite management presence to monitor use, address user and resource 

conflicts, and enhance visitor safety. 

Action RC-1.7.2 – Resource management actions will be limited to protect the 

recreation setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class II, III, and IV management constraints (as mapped). 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated roads and trails. 

• Limiting motorized vehicle use of single-track trails to two-wheeled vehicles. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) on 

new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) on 

new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA. 

Action RC-1.7.3 – Conduct activity-level travel management planning to design an 

interconnected recreation road and trail network. Work in conjunction with the Forest 

Service and other partners to make logical connections and to: 

• Make consistent travel designations. 

• Identify easement and acquisition needs. 

• Produce consistent brochures, maps, and other information. 

• Provide consistent signing. 

Action RC-1.7.4 – Cooperate with the Forest Service on the Pulaski Tunnel trail 

project. 

Action RC-1.7.5 – Involve user groups, volunteers, and other interested public to help 

plan and maintain the travel system through partnerships, volunteer agreements, 

adoption programs, or other similar cooperative efforts.

Action RC-1.7.6 – Consider special recreation permit authorizations for commercial, 

competitive, and organized group activities on a case-by-case basis. Special uses will 

be authorized when there is a demonstrated public need or benefit and the uses are 

consistent and compatible with the area’s management objective and managed 

condition. 

Action RC-1.8.1 – Maintain the existing semiprimitive motorized setting (which is 

characterized by a predominantly unmodified natural environment altered with 

primitive roads and trails) by: 

• Providing primitive road access to trailhead facilities and trail access through 

the area. 

• Providing recreation facilities for resource protection and visitor health and 

safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use at access points at low to moderate levels where 

contact between visitors is anticipated and opportunities for solitude are 

minimal, but away from the access points where contacts are less frequent 

and opportunities to interact with the natural environment are predominant. 

• Providing primarily indirect management controls apparent mostly at trailhead 

access points. Conduct patrols to monitor use and resource conditions. 

Objective RC-1.8 – Manage the

Widow (Grandmother) Mountain 

SRMA for motorized and nonmotorized 

outdoor activities in a backcountry 

setting for adventure, solitude, scenic 

and cultural appreciation, and using 

and practicing outdoor skills.

Action RC-1.8.2 – Provide controls and limit management actions to protect 

developed recreation facilities and primitive roads and trails or to protect the scenic 

values that contribute to the area’s aesthetic setting by: 

• Applying VRM Class I or II management constraints. 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated travel routes. 

• Limiting motorized vehicle use of single-track trails to two-wheeled 

vehicles.

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA.

• BLM lands will be designated right-of-way avoidance areas if they are 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 55 

Recreation (RC) 

adjacent to Forest Service Inventoried Roadless Areas and 

1) The recreational setting for the BLM parcels is semiprimitive. 

2) The IPNF manages the Inventoried Roadless Area as backcountry or 

recommended wilderness. 

3) There are no roads within the parcel that will be the most practical way 

to or through the area in the future. 

Action RC-1.8.3 – Coordinate management activities with the Forest Service.

Action RC-1.8.4 –Crater Lake Saddle, Orphan Point Saddle, and Crater Peak 

recreation sites will be maintained in good condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, 

and functional for the intended use level and purpose) at moderate maintenance 

intensity level. Facility improvements will be made as needed for: 

• Accessibility compliance needs 

• Component renewal 

• Deferred maintenance 

• Resource Protection 

Action RC-1.8.5 – Continue to authorize one special recreation permit for commercial 

outfitting and guiding activities. Additional proposed commercial uses that will overlap 

with the existing permit, duplicating services, will not be considered. Additional special 

uses will be authorized when there is a demonstrated public need or benefit and the 

uses are consistent and compatible with the area’s management objective and 

managed condition.

Action RC-1.9.1 – Maintain the existing rural and roaded-natural settings (which are 

characterized by a culturally modified pastoral environment or by a generally naturally 

appearing environment with moderate evidence of the sights and sounds of humans) 

by: 

• Providing improved road access including a developed campground road 

system. 

• Providing accessible recreation facilities for user convenience, resource 

protection, and visitor health and safety. 

• Accommodating visitor use at moderate to high levels where contact between 

visitors is frequent and opportunities for solitude are not provided. 

• Providing a regular periodic onsite management presence to monitor use, 

address user and resource conflicts, and enhance visitor safety. 

Action RC-1.9.2 – Maintain Huckleberry Campground in good condition (defined as 

safe, clean appearing, and functional for its intended use) at a high maintenance 

intensity level.

Action RC-1.9.3 – Operate Huckleberry Campground as a federal fee collection area 

providing reservation services in the future when onsite communications become more 

reliable.

Action RC-1.9.4 – Consider commercial special use permit applications for vending 

services, such as the sale of firewood, on a case-by-case basis. 

Action RC-1.9.5 – Provide controls and limit management actions to protect visitors 

and developed recreation facilities by: 

• Applying VRM Class II management constraints. 

• Limiting motorized vehicles to designated developed roads. 

• Enforcing the established 14-day campground stay limit and other 

established rules of use for developed recreation sites. 

• Using volunteer campground hosts to provide visitor services. 

• Specifying no surface occupancy stipulation (see NSO-7 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to protect developed recreation sites. 

• Specifying controlled surface use stipulation (see CSU-3 in Appendix B) 

on new mineral leases to prevent adverse impacts on use of this SRMA.

Objective RC-1.9 – Manage 

Huckleberry Campground SRMA, a 

developed riverside tract, for overnight 

RV camping, providing visitors the 

opportunity for rest, relaxation, and 

social group or family affiliation. Also, 

manage this site to serve as a staging 

area from which visitors can pursue 

offsite day-use adventures.

Action RC-1.9.6 – Facility improvements will be made for: 

• Accessibility compliance needs 

• Component renewal 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

56 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Recreation (RC) • Deferred maintenance 

• Modernization 

• Increased camping capacity 

Action RC-1.10.1 – Recreation activities will be regulated in accordance with standard 

rules of use and adopted travel restrictions. Monitoring - Take administrative and 

monitoring actions where needed. 

Action RC-1.10.2 – Special recreation permit authorizations for commercial, 

competitive, and organized group activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Authorize special uses when there is a demonstrated public need or benefit and the 

uses are consistent and compatible with the area’s management objective and 

managed condition.

Objective RC-1.10 – Where outdoor 

recreation activities occur within the 

Extensive Recreation Management 

Area, provide needed custodial 

management to fulfill basic land 

stewardship responsibilities of the 

agency.

Action RC-1.10.3 – Continue the R&PP lease to Idaho Department of Parks and 

Recreation at Old Mission State Park.

Renewable Energy (RE) 

Goal RE-1. – Provide opportunities for the development of renewable energy resources compatible with other resource 

goals.

Objective RE-1.1 – Provide 

opportunities for production of energy 

through use of biomass as part of the 

commercial forest products program 

(see Allocation FP-1.1).

Action RE-1.1.1 – Same as Actions FP-1.1.1 through FP-1.1.6.

Objective RE-1.2 – Provide 

opportunities for development of 

geothermal energy resources.

Allocation RE-1.2.1 – This action is the same as Fluid Minerals, Allocations MN-1.1.1 

through MN-1.1.5. 

Action RE-1.3.1 – Right-of-way grants will be issued for wind energy development 

projects consistent with Lands and Realty Program; specifically, Objective LR-1.1 and 

Allocations and Actions LR-1.1.1 through LR-1.1.5.

Action RE-1.3.2 - Programmatic policies and BMPs in the Wind Energy Development 

Program will be adopted. 

Objective RE-1.3 – Provide 

opportunities for development of wind 

energy resources.

Action RE-1.3.3 - Wind energy development will be considered on case-by-case basis. 

Transportation and Travel Management (TM) 

Goal TM-1 – Provide adequate administrative access for resource management needs and appropriate public access to 

recreation opportunities on BLM-managed or partnered lands and waters. 

Allocation TM-1.1.1 – Allow motorized vehicle use as mapped (See Maps 4-7 in 

Appendix G) and quantified as follows: 

• Open Designation: 0 acres 

• Limited Designation: 97,304 acres 

• Closed Designation: 631 acres 

Allocation TM-1.1.2 – Except for snowmobile use, motorized vehicle travel will be 

restricted within limited areas to designated routes as mapped and quantified as 

follows: 

• 108 miles of motorized routes available to all classes of vehicles year-round 

• 68 miles of motorized routes available to with restrictions by vehicle class or 

season of use 

Objective TM-1.1 – Consistent with the 

management direction of other resource 

programs, make area travel 

management designations to classify 

BLM lands as open, limited, or closed to 

motorized vehicle use, define spatial, 

temporal, or functional travel restrictions 

within limited areas, and then identify 

needed implementation actions. 

Allocation TM-1.1.3 – Cross-country travel by snowmobile will be allowed on frozen 

and snow-covered ground except closed areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Rochat 

Divide roadless area, Wolverine den sites, Coeur d’Alene Lake Special Recreation 

Management Area, Gamlin Lake Special Recreation Management Area, and 

developed recreation or administrative sites. 

• 63,512 acres available for use by snowmobiles during the winter season (not 

all acres are physically accessible). 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 57 

Transportation and Travel Management (TM) • 34,423 acres closed to cross-country snowmobile use. 

Action TM-1.1.4 – In closed or limited areas, the following vehicle uses will be 

allowed without prior explicit written permission: 

• Any military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle being used for 

emergency purposes. 

• Any combat or combat support vehicle when used in times of national defense 

emergencies. 

• Official use as defined in the OHV regulations. 

Action TM-1.1.5 – Additional exempt uses as defined in the OHV regulations may be 

allowed on a case-by-case basis with prior written permission from the authorized 

officer. 

Action TM-1.1.6 – Apply cross-country travel restrictions to mechanized 

nonmotorized forms of travel the same as snowmobiles.

Action TM-1.1.7 – For public safety and to avoid user conflicts, the following 

restrictions will apply to nonmotorized use in the specified developed recreation sites: 

Closed to equestrian: 

• Mineral Ridge Trail (3.3 miles) 

• Beauty Bay Trail (0.4 miles) 

• Blackwell Island Boardwalk (0.5 miles) 

• Gamlin Lake Trail (Certain specific trails and trail segments determined 

through activity-level planning) 

Closed to mountain bikes: 

• Mineral Ridge Trail (3.3 miles) 

• Beauty Bay Trail (0.4 miles) 

• Blackwell Island Boardwalk (0.25 miles) 

Action TM-1.1.8 – Within areas designated limited, adjustments to the transportation 

network restrictions may be considered annually provided adopted changes are 

consistent with the management direction of other resources programs. Changes 

may add or eliminate available routes, change allowed seasons of use, or modify 

allowed types of use.

Action TM-1.1.9 – Work collaboratively with the Forest Service and other land 

owners to jointly and uniformly communicate travel and transportation closure and 

restriction requirements to public land visitors through publication of common maps, 

the use of consistent signs, and other coordinated means.

Action TM-1.1.10 – If or when Wilderness Study Areas are released by Congress 

from further study, the existing limited travel designations will continue to apply. 

However, implementation-level decisions on route restrictions may be considered 

annually provided adopted changes are consistent with the management direction of 

other resources programs. Changes may add or eliminate available routes, change 

allowed seasons of use, or modify allowed types of use.

Action TM-1.1.11 – Areas, roads, or trails may be temporarily closed during times of 

severely high fire danger, as described in the Wildland Fire Management Section.

Action TM-1.2.1 – Recognize the critical importance of certain local transportation 

routes to BLM land and resource management activities by recommending (with 

concurrence of the local jurisdiction) the following select routes be designated as 

Federal Land Management Highways: 

• Latour Creek Road (Eastside Highway District, Kootenai County) 

• Killarney Lake Road (Eastside Highway District, Kootenai County) 

• Pine Creek Road (Shoshone County) 

• East Fork Pine Creek Road (Shoshone County) 

• Yellowstone Trail Road including Landing Road (Eastside Highway District, 

Kootenai County) 

Action TM-1.2.2 –System roads and trails will be maintained in good condition 

(defined as safe and functional for their intended levels and types of use).

Objective TM-1.2 – Consistent with the 

management direction of other 

resources programs, identify and assign 

management and maintenance 

classifications to transportation facilities 

needed by or administered by the BLM. 

Action TM-1.2.3 – Recognize the critical importance of the Rochat Road by 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

58 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Transportation and Travel Management (TM) 

nominating it for designation as a “public road,” making it part of the Public Road 

Transportation System and eligible for Public Land Highway funds. 

Action TM-1.2.4 – BLM roads will be explicitly designated as administrative routes 

except roads subsequently designated public in accordance with Action TM-1.2.3, 

above. Public use of both public and administrative routes will be allowed in 

accordance with established restrictions.

Lands and Realty (LR) 

Goal LR-1 – Meet public needs for use authorizations such as rights-of-way, leases, and permits when such needs are 

consistent with other resource values. 

Allocation LR-1.1.1 – Right-of-way corridors will be designated across the planning 

area as delineated in the 1992 Western Regional Corridor Study (updated in 2003) 

(see Map 16 in Appendix G), except as noted below. Nominal corridor width will be 

1,320 feet on each side of the centerline of existing facilities. If a designated or 

existing corridor passes through a SRMA or ACEC, additional uses within the corridor 

will be allowed only to the extent that the additional use does not conflict with the 

purpose for SRMA or ACEC designation. Section 368 of the Energy Policy Act of 

2005 (designation of West-wide energy corridors) is being implemented through the 

current development of an interagency Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement (PEIS). The final PEIS will identify plan amendment decisions that will 

address numerous energy corridor related issues, including the use of existing 

corridors (potentially including enhancements and upgrades), identification of new 

corridors, supply and demand considerations, and compatibility with other corridor 

and project planning efforts. The identification of corridors in the PEIS may affect the 

Coeur d’Alene planning area, and the approved PEIS will amend the Coeur d’Alene 

RMP. 

Action LR-1.1.2 – Require rights-of-way authorization holders to follow BMPs (see 

Appendix C) when appropriate to protect vegetation and wildlife habitat and to 

minimize soil disturbance. 

Action LR-1.1.3 – To the extent possible, locate such authorized uses and 

applications for such uses where impacts on other resources will be the least 

disturbing. 

Allocation LR-1.1.4 – Designate 20,445 acres as exclusion areas for ROWs, leases, 

permits, etc. In these areas, issuance of use authorizations will not be allowed: 

• WSAs 

• WSR Corridors (wild designations) 

• Windy Bay RNA/ACEC 

• Lund Creek RNA/ACEC 

• Farnham Forest RNA/ACEC 

• Hideaway Islands RNA/ACEC 

Objective LR-1.1 – Issue use 

authorizations consistent with other 

resource values.

Allocation LR-1.1.5 – Designate 13,735 acres as avoidance areas for the issuance 

of use authorizations. In these areas, efforts will be made to reroute a proposal. They 

may be allowed if no reasonable alternative is found; however, special mitigations 

may be required to protect resource values. They may also be allowed if they 

support or promote other management objectives for the area. The areas are:

• RCAs. 

• Developed recreation sites. 

• WSR Corridors (scenic or recreation designations). 

• BLM lands with a semiprimitive recreational setting, adjacent to 

inventoried roadless areas that the Forest Service manages as 

backcountry or recommended wilderness and that contain no roads that 

will be the most practical way to or through the area in the future. Lands 

meeting this criterion total approximately 2,390 acres adjacent to Pinchot 

Butte, Grandmother Mountain, and Selkirk Inventoried Roadless Areas. 

Goal LR-2 – Provide for public ownership of lands (or interest in lands) with high resource and/or public use values. 

Objective LR-2.1 – Adjust and Action LR-2.1.1 – Lands including, but not limited to, those that generally meet one 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 59 

Lands and Realty (LR) 

or more of the criteria below will be retained or acquired. Those lands that do not 

meet these criteria will be available for adjustment. Utilize specific criteria contained 

in other sections to identify acquisitions where so delineated.

• High-value timberlands and growing sites 

• Special Recreation Management Areas (SRMAs) 

• Riparian and wetland habitat 

• Public or administrative access 

• Traditional Cultural Uses and/or significant archaeological and historic sites 

• Consolidation for management efficiency 

• Hazardous material sites (do not acquire and exchange or otherwise 

dispose of only with potentially responsible parties) 

• Municipal watersheds 

• Specified in objectives SS-1.1, SS-1.2, and SS-1.3 and subordinate 

actions.

• Special designation areas

Allocation LR-2.1.2 – A land tenure adjustment program will be implemented with 

approximately 87,240 acres considered for retention and 9,530 acres considered for 

adjustment, based on the criteria under Action LR-2.1.1, above. Exchange or 

disposal of lands with hazardous materials can be done only with potentially 

responsible parties (See Map 17 in Appendix G).

Action LR-2.1.3 – Manage lands or interests in lands acquired in a manner 

consistent with adjacent or nearby public lands, or managed for the goals and 

objectives for which they were acquired.

Action LR-2.1.4 – Work with willing partners to acquire land that is in the public 

interest.

Action LR-2.1.5 – Consult with appropriate Native American tribes regarding land 

tenure adjustments.

Action LR-2.1.6 – Necessary public access will be retained when lands are 

transferred out of federal ownership.

Action LR-2.1.7 – Those public lands withdrawn from the public land laws, the 

mining laws, or the mineral leasing laws will be retained. At the termination of the 

withdrawal, BLM will use the criteria contained in Action LR-2.1.1 to determine 

whether the lands formerly withdrawn should be retained or be available for 

adjustment.

Action LR-2.1.8 – Isolated parcels that meet the criteria contained in Action LR2.1.1, but are not in a management area, may be retained. 

Action LR-2.1.9 – Recognizing the scattered nature and odd configuration of some 

public lands in retention areas, allow the adjustment of such lands when it is 

determined that they meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• Generally fragmented and/or isolated. 

• Difficult and uneconomic to manage. 

• Relatively inaccessible to the public. 

• Does not contain high resource values.

Action LR-2.1.10- Land sales (Sec 203, FLPMA) will not be a mechanism for 

disposing of public lands except for very unique situations, specifically Historical 

Occupancy Trespass and Hazmat. 

consolidate public land ownership (or 

interest in lands such as easements) to 

protect resources and promote uses.

Action LR-2.1.11- Public or administrative access to BLM-administered lands will 

continue to be pursued with adjacent land owners.

Action LR-2.2.1 – Recommend the continuation of all withdrawals, initiated by other 

agencies that are currently in effect, unless the initiating agency requests that the 

withdrawal be terminated. 

Action LR-2.2.2 – Recommend modification or revocation of withdrawals that are no 

longer needed, in whole or part, for the purpose for which they were withdrawn.

Objective LR-2.2 – Recommend new 

withdrawals, or retain existing ones, to 

protect cultural and natural resources 

from impacts that will otherwise result 

from authorized uses.

Action LR-2.2.3 – Recommend new withdrawals on a case-by-case basis when such 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

60 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Lands and Realty (LR) 

action is necessary to protect resource values.

Special Designations (SD) 

Goal SD-1 – Protect relevant and important values and protect the public from natural hazards. 

Allocation SD-1.1 – Designate the 

Hideaway Islands as an RNA/ACEC in 

order to preserve the existing plant 

communities in an unmodified condition 

as a typical representation of a black 

cottonwood/red-osier dogwood habitat 

type for the primary purpose of research 

and education (See Maps 18 and 19 in 

Appendix G).

Action SD-1.1.1 – BLM will manage the area in a nondestructive and 

nonmanipulative manner. 

• Apply surface use stipulations (e.g., NSO-1 in Appendix B) to allow 

mineral leasing and sales without impacting relevant and important 

values. 

• Manage as a ROW exclusion area. No ROWs (e.g., for a road) will be 

granted within or through the RNA.

• The RNA/ACEC will be closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles.

• No vegetation manipulation (including timber harvest) will be conducted, 

except for treatments to prevent spread of invasive species. The 

vegetation must remain in a natural, untreated state for scientific study 

and education.

Action SD-1.2.1 – Scientists and educators are encouraged to use the area for 

study purposes. 

Allocation SD-1.2 – Designate Lund 

Creek as an RNA/ACEC in order to 

protect the unique natural features and 

ecological diversity for research and 

education (See Maps 18 and 20 in 

Appendix G). 

Action SD-1.2.2 – All uses of Lund Creek must be nondestructive:

• No vegetation manipulation (including timber harvest) will be conducted, 

except for treatments to prevent spread of invasive species. The 

vegetation must remain in a natural, untreated state for scientific study 

and education. 

• Apply surface use stipulations (e.g., NSO-1 in Appendix B) to allow 

mineral leasing and sales without impacting relevant and important values. 

• Manage as a ROW exclusion area. No ROWs (e.g., for a road) will be 

granted within or through the RNA; excluding Forest Road 301.

Action SD-1.3.1 – Scientists and educators are encouraged to use the area for 

study purposes.

Action SD-1.3.2 –All uses of Farnham Forest must be nondestructive.

• No vegetation manipulation (including timber harvest) will be conducted, 

except for treatments to prevent spread of invasive species. The vegetation 

must remain in a natural, untreated state for scientific study and education. 

• Apply surface use stipulations (e.g., NSO-1 in Appendix B) to allow mineral 

leasing and sales without impacting relevant and important values. 

• Manage as a ROW exclusion area. No ROWs (e.g., for a road) will be granted 

within or through the RNA.

• The RNA/ACEC will be closed to motorized and mechanized vehicles.

Objective SD-1.3 – Designate Farnham 

Forest as an RNA/ACEC in order to 

protect the unique natural features and 

ecological diversity for research and 

education (See Maps 18 and 21 in 

Appendix G). 

Action SD-1.3.3 – Acquire trail/road easement across private land from the county 

road for administrative access

Action SD-1.4.1 – Management actions and authorized uses will be limited to those 

that maintain or enhance the remnant grassland community: 

• Apply surface use stipulations (e.g., NSO-1 in Appendix B) to allow mineral 

leasing and sales without impacting relevant and important values. 

• Manage as a ROW exclusion area. No ROWs (e.g., for a road) will be granted 

within or through the RNA.

• Fire will be used as needed to prevent woody species invasion/dominance and 

to reduce litter accumulation.

Monitoring SD-1.4.2 – Monitor for weed invasion/encroachment and treat, if 

necessary.

Objective SD-1.4 – Designate Windy 

Bay as an RNA/ACEC in order to 

preserve the remnant grassland 

community for scientific research and 

education (See Maps 18 and 22 in 

Appendix G).

Action SD-1.4.3 – Conduct public outreach with adjacent landowners for awareness 

of site rarity. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 61 

Special Designations (SD) 

Action SD-1.5.1 – Management actions and authorized uses must protect or 

enhance these resource values: 

• Apply surface use stipulations (e.g., NSO-1 in Appendix B) to allow mineral 

leasing and sales without impacting relevant and important values. 

• Recommend withdrawal from mining laws. 

Objective SD-1.5 – Designate Pulaski 

Tunnel as an ACEC in order to 

encourage public use through 

interpretation (See Maps 18 and 23 in 

Appendix G). 

Action SD-1.5.2 – Encourage public and other agency involvement in developing 

interpretive plans for this area. 

Goal SD-2 – Identify river segments suitable for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System, protecting 

outstandingly remarkable resource values in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and BLM manual guidance. 

Allocation SD-2.1.1 – Make suitability recommendations for the following river 

segments: 

• Little North Fork Clearwater River (3.61 miles) – wild classification (2.51 

miles) from its source at Fish Lake downstream to Forest Road # 1925 and 

the remaining downstream segment classified as recreational (1.10 miles). 

• Lost Lake Creek (3.43 miles) – wild classification from its source 

downstream to Forest Road #1925 and the remaining downstream segment 

classified as scenic (0.34 miles). 

• Little Lost Lake Creek (3.09 miles) – wild classification for its entire length. 

• Lund Creek (3.88 miles) – wild classification for its entire length. 

Action SD-2.1.2 – Until designated or released to multiple-use by Congress, adopt 

the following protective management guidelines: 

• Approve no actions altering the free-flowing nature of the eligible stream 

segments through impoundments, diversions, channeling, or riprapping. 

• Approve no actions that will measurably diminish a stream segment’s 

identified outstandingly remarkable value(s), affecting its potential future 

suitability. 

• Approve no actions that will modify the setting or level of development of an 

eligible river segment to a degree that will change its identified potential 

classification. 

• Wild eligible segments – apply surface use stipulation NSO-1 (Appendix B) 

and manage as a ROW exclusion area. 

• Scenic and recreation eligible – apply controlled surface use stipulation CSU3 (Appendix B) and manage as a ROW avoidance area. 

Action SD-2.1.3 – Protective management is subject to valid existing rights.

Action SD-2.1.4 – Defer implementation action on the suitability recommendations 

contained at Allocation SD-2.1.1 until the Forest Service makes suitability 

determinations affecting National Forest Lands on the same streams. Coordinated 

implementation actions will be taken if suitability recommendations between the 

agencies are in concurrence. Proceed unilaterally with implementation actions 

affecting only the BLM lands if agency recommendations diverge.

Objective SD-2.1 – Select river 

segments suitable for inclusion in the 

National Wild and Scenic River System 

(See Maps 24 and 25 in Appendix G). 

Action SD-2.1.5 – Defer making a suitability recommendation on the Kootenai 

River until the Forest Service completes evaluation of suitability affecting the 

National Forest Lands along the River in Idaho and Montana. In the interim, 

protective management will be provided in accordance with the following 

guidelines: 

• Approve no actions altering the free-flowing nature of the eligible stream 

segments through impoundments, diversions, channeling, or riprapping. 

• Approve no actions that will measurably diminish a stream segment’s 

identified outstandingly remarkable value(s), affecting its potential future 

suitability. 

• Approve no actions that will modify the setting or level of development of an 

eligible river segment to a degree that will change its identified potential 

classification. 

Reevaluate suitability when National Forest Lands are recommended as either 

suitable or nonsuitable. A suitable recommendation will be made contingent on 

Forest Service concurrence and implementation will be favored in accordance with 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

62 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Special Designations (SD) 

Section 2 (a) (ii) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by encouraging the Governor of 

the State of Idaho to petition the Secretary of the Interior for designation.

Goal SD-3 – Manage Wilderness Study areas (WSAs) so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness 

until such time as Congress either designates them as wilderness or releases them from further study. 

Objective SD-3.1 – Manage wilderness 

characteristics of WSAs so as not to 

impair the suitability of such areas for 

preservation as wilderness until 

Congress determines otherwise (See 

Map 24 in Appendix G).

Action SD-3.1.1 – Manage WSAs in accordance with BLM Manual H-8550-1, 

Interim Policy for Lands Under Wilderness Review.

Action SD-3.2.1 – Adopt the following management prescription for the Selkirk Crest 

area: 

• Designate the area as an Extensive Recreation Management Area. 

• Designate the area as VRM Class II. 

• Limit wheeled vehicles to designated routes. 

• No restrictions on snowmobiles. 

• Vegetation treatments will be allowed as outlined in the forest vegetation 

section. 

• Designate as open to leasable minerals development. 

• Designate as open for locatable minerals development.

• Manage as a ROW Avoidance Area.

Action SD-3.2.2 – Adopt the following management prescription for the Crystal Lake 

area:

• Include the area in the Rochat Divide/Pine Creek SRMA and manage for 

semiprimitive motorized recreation. 

• Limit vehicle use to designated routes. 

• Designate the area as VRM Class II. 

• Leasable minerals are subject to leasing stipulation NSO-1 (Appendix B). 

• Manage as a ROW Avoidance Area. 

Objective SD-3.2 – If released by 

Congress from further study, manage the 

WSAs for multiple uses consistent with 

management direction of the other 

resource programs. 

 

Action SD-3.2.3 – Adopt the following management prescription for the 

Grandmother Mountain area:

• Include the area in the Widow Mountain SRMA and manage for 

semiprimitive motorized recreation. 

• Limit vehicle use to designated routes. 

• Designate the area as VRM Class II, except for Lund Creek RNA, which will 

continue as Class I. 

• Leasable minerals are subject to leasing stipulation NSO-1 (Appendix B). 

• Maintain Lund Creek as a RNA/ACEC. 

• Manage as a ROW Avoidance Area. 

Goal SD-4 – Administratively designate and manage select areas to provide special or unique quality outdoor recreation 

opportunities. 

Allocation SD-4.1.1 – Continue the National Recreation Trail (NRT) designations 

for the Mineral Ridge and the Marble Creek trail system and nominate the following 

additional routes for designation (See Map 24 in Appendix G): 

• Beauty Bay Trail: 0.4 miles 

• Blackwell Island Boardwalk: 0.25 miles 

• Gamlin Lake Trails: 4.3 miles 

• Crystal Lake Trails: 3.2 miles 

Action SD-4.1.2 – Maintain the trails and related facilities in good condition (defined 

as safe, clean appearing, and functional for their intended use).

Objective SD-4.1 – Manage select 

routes as National Recreation Trails to 

provide opportunities for visitors to 

pursue trail-related outdoor recreation 

activities for enjoyment and appreciation 

of open-air outdoor areas. 

Action SD-4.1.3 – Maintain recreation settings and provide appropriate visitor 

controls for the areas, as described in the Recreation and the Travel and 

Transportation Management sections.
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 63 

Special Designations (SD) 

Action SD-D4.2.1 – Recognize the following sites as Watchable Wildlife Viewing 

Areas (See Map 24 in Appendix G): 

• Blackwell Island 

• Blue Creek Bay 

• Lower Coeur d’Alene River 

• Cougar Bay 

• Gamlin Lake 

• Wolf Lodge Bay

Action SD-D4.2.2 – Maintain the recreation and transportation facilities related to 

the viewing areas in good condition (defined as safe, clean appearing, and functional 

for their intended use).

Objective SD-D4.2 – Manage select 

sites as Watchable Wildlife Viewing 

Areas to highlight and provide 

opportunities for visitors to observe 

wildlife in natural settings for personal 

enrichment or learning through 

environmental education.

Action SD-D4.2.3 – Maintain wildlife habitats, maintain recreation settings, and 

provide appropriate visitor controls for the areas as described in the Wildlife, 

Recreation, and Transportation and Travel Management sections. 

Social and Economic (SE) 

Native American Tribal Uses

Goal SE -1 – Manage natural and cultural resources consistent with treaty and trust responsibilities for Native American 

tribes. 

Action SE-1.1.1 – Consult with Native American tribes to identify culturally significant 

plants, animals, fish, and important habitats.

Action SE-1.1.2 – Consult with Native American tribes and allow collection of 

vegetal resources consistent with management direction of other resource programs. 

Monitoring SE-1.1.3 – Incorporate important habitat information into monitoring 

protocols to assess habitat conditions.

Objective SE-1.1 – Maintain and, where 

possible, improve natural and cultural 

resource conditions to enhance 

opportunities to exercise Native 

American traditional uses. 

Action SE-1.1.4 – Coordinate with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to establish a formal 

agreement regarding consultation.

Health and Safety

Goal SE-2 – Reduce threats to public health, safety, and property from exposure to hazards associated with AMLs and 

hazardous materials. 

Action SE-2.1.1 – Identify Abandoned Mine Lands (AML), hazardous materials, solid 

waste, and other hazard sites.

Action SE-2.1.2 – Assess the level of risk at hazard sites and prioritize high-risk 

sites.

Action SE-2.1.3 – Rank physical hazard sites for corrective actions. 

Action SE-2.1.4 – Maintain an inventory of AML and hazardous material sites with 

site files and databases.

Objective SE-2.1 – Identify potential 

hazard sites and prioritize those that 

pose a risk.

Action SE-2.1.5 – Regularly assess recreation facilities and use areas for safety 

hazards and, when deemed necessary, develop and take corrective actions to 

correct these hazards.

Action SE-2.2.1 – Newly discovered or reported hazards will be investigated and 

corrected or mitigated in a timely manner using standard procedures.

Objective SE-2.2 – Whenever 

practicable or possible, mitigate newly 

discovered or reported physical and 

chemical hazards within 120 days to 

ensure visitor or public safety. 

Action SE-2.2.2 – All incidences of hazardous materials on public land will be 

handled as outlined in the District’s contingency plan.

Action SE-2.3.1 – Pursue the reduction of hazards, particularly at abandoned mines 

and facilities on public lands, to ensure they are safe for employees and the public.

Objective SE-2.3 – Correct physical 

safety hazards and cleanup hazardous 

materials sites on public lands. Action SE-2.3.2 – Cleanup and reclamation of sites will be conducted in accordance 

with the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) 

and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

(CERCLA).

Objective SE-2.4 – Ensure that the Monitoring SE-2.4.1 – Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions at hazardous 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

64 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Social and Economic (SE) 

substance sites.

Monitoring SE-2.4.2 – Review the performance no less than every five years of the 

remedy for sites where hazardous substances remain to ensure the remedy remains 

protective. 

Action SE-2.4.3 – All actions authorizing the use of or potential for closed and 

remediated sites where potentially hazardous substances remain at the site on 

public lands will comply with federal and state regulations, and where appropriate, 

special stipulations will be developed as part of the permit, lease, or other action to 

assure human and natural resource safety. 

remedy at closed/remediated sites 

remains protective of human health, 

welfare, and/or the environment where 

potentially hazardous substances 

remain.

Action SE-2.4.4 – Closed and remediated sites with potentially hazardous 

substances remaining at the site should be restricted. 

• These sites will be restricted according to mineral leasing stipulation NSO6 (Appendix B). 

• The sites will be closed to motorized vehicles when appropriate (See 

Maps 4-7 in Appendix G). 

• Ensure mineral developments are appropriately handled and bonded.

Action SE-2.5.1 – Take actions to clean up hazards and protect the public while 

maintaining consistency and coordination with the Environmental Protection 

Agency’s Records of Decision for Bunker Hill / Coeur d ‘Alene Basin.

Action SE-2.5.2 – Continue coordination and cooperative efforts with the Natural 

Resource Damage federal trustees to restore the public lands and values in the 

Basin.

Action SE-2.5.3 – Coordinate and work with the Environmental Protection Agency 

to clean up mixed ownership sites involving public land and to aid in implementing 

the Records of Decision for Bunker Hill / Coeur d ‘Alene Basin.

Action SE-2.5.4 – Coordinate and work with the Coeur d’Alene River Basin 

Commission in implementing the Coeur d’Alene Basin Record of Decision.

Action SE-2.5.5 – Ensure that BLM employees are properly trained and equipped to 

work with and around the contaminated and hazard areas within the Basin.

Action SE-2.5.6 – Because of the extensive floodplain contamination, recreation 

planning within the Lower Coeur d’Alene River area will be coordinated with 

stakeholders to protect users. 

Action SE-2.5.7 – Recreation planning and uses around Coeur d’Alene Lake must 

consider the State and Coeur d’Alene Tribe Lake Management Plan dealing with the 

protection of the water quality and metals.

Objective SE-2.5 – Continue to manage 

and clean up contaminated public lands 

in the Coeur d’Alene basin and in parts 

of the expanded Bunker Hill/Coeur 

d’Alene Basin Superfund Site listing to 

protect the public, BLM employees, and 

the environment. 

Action SE-2.5.8 – Recreation planning and use authorizations within the Silver 

Valley must consider mining and floodplain contamination and incorporate special 

conditions to ensure protection of people and the environment.

Action SE-2.6.1 – All actions authorizing the use of or potential for hazardous 

materials on public lands will comply with federal and state regulations, and where 

appropriate, special stipulations will be developed as part of the permit, lease, or 

other action to assure human and natural resource safety.

Action SE-2.6.2 – Lands, realty, and minerals actions involving hazardous materials

will be reviewed periodically for compliance with federal and state regulations, and 

special stipulations will be developed as part of the permit, lease, or other action.

Action SE-2.6.3 – Exchange or disposal of lands with hazardous materials can be 

done only with potentially responsible parties. 

Action SE-2.6.4 – Unauthorized storage, treatment, or disposal of hazardous 

materials on public lands cannot be permitted.

Objective SE-2.6 – Safeguard human 

health, prevent environmental damage, 

and limit BLM liability from hazards by 

appropriate use authorization actions on 

public lands.

Action SE-2.6.5 – Sites with hazardous materials should stipulate no surface 

occupancy for mineral leases (see NSO-6 in Appendix B). Ensure mineral 

developments are appropriately handled and bonded. 

Sites with significant known hazardous materials will be closed to motorized vehicles 

when appropriate (See Maps 4-7 in Appendix G). 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 65 

Social and Economic (SE) 

Goal SE-3 – Provide opportunities for economic benefits while protecting cultural and natural resources. 

Objective SE-3.1 – Balance resource 

protection with opportunities for 

commercial activities and other 

noncommercial human uses. 
Approved Resource Management Plan 

66 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

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2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 67 

LIST OF PREPARERS 

Name Role/Responsibility

BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office 

Scott Pavey Planning and Environmental 

Coordinator, RMP Project Manager 

Jeff Casey Fire Use Specialist 

Bill Cook Natural Resource Specialist 

LeAnn (Eno) Abell Botanist 

Doug Evans Biological Science Technician-Weeds 

Scott Forssell Realty Specialist 

Janna Paronto Realty Specialist 

David Fortier 

Environmental Engineer/Public Health 

and Safety—Abandoned Mine 

Lands/Hazardous Materials) 

Dean Huibregtse Rangeland Management Specialist 

Terry Kincaid Outdoor Recreation Planner 

Brian White Outdoor Recreation Planner 

Howard E. Merriman, Jr. Supervisory GIS Specialist 

Mark Reeves Area Forester 

Scott R. Robinson Wildlife Biologist 

Scott Sanner Mining Engineer 

David Sisson Archaeologist 

Mike Stevenson Hydrologist 

Gregory S. Thorhaug GIS Specialist 

Brad C. Wagner Range Technician/Fuels 

Cindy Weston Resource Coordinator/Fisheries 

Biologist 

Mindy Wright Cartographic Technician 

Contractor—Tetra Tech, Inc.

David Batts Principal-in-Charge, QA/QC 

David Munro 

Project Manager, Vegetation, Riparian 

and Wetlands, Invasive and Noxious 

Weeds 
List of Preparers 

68 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

Name Role/Responsibility

David Kane Wildlife, Special Status Species, 

Vegetation, Grazing 

Summer Adamietz Recreation, Transportation, and Travel 

Wynn Bruce Air Quality 

Connie Callahan Lands and Realty, QA/QC 

Kevin Doyle Cultural Resources, Indian Trust, 

Paleontological Resources 

Cameo Flood Forests, Forest Projects, Fire 

Andrew Gentile Renewable Energy 

Derek Holmgren Visual Resources, Special Designations 

Genevieve Kaiser GIS, Socioeconomics, Renewable 

Energy 

Erin King, RPA Socioeconomics, Tribal Trust, Cultural 

Resources 

Mike Manka Fisheries, Special Status Fish, Wild and 

Scenic Rivers 

Craig Miller Terrestrial Wildlife, Special Status 

Terrestrial and Plant Species 

Angie Nelson QA/QC 

Stephanie Phippen Soils, Geology, Minerals 

Holly Prohaska Grazing 

Roger Thomas Public Health and Safety, Hazardous 

Materials, Abandoned Mine Lands 

Randolph Varney Technical Editing 

Jon Welge Botany, Wetlands, Rangeland 

Tom Whitehead, RG, CH Water Resources 

Ann Zoidis QA/QC 
References Cited 

72 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

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2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 69 

REFERENCES CITED 

BLM (US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management). 1981. Emerald Empire Management 

Framework Plan. Coeur d’Alene Resource Area, Coeur d’Alene District. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 1982a. North Idaho Timber Management Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Coeur d’Alene, 

Idaho: USDI Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d’Alene District. 

. 1982b. North Idaho Range Management Program Summary Report. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: USDI 

Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d’Alene District. 

. 1985. Designation Order ID060-04, designating Hideaway Islands as An RNA. Coeur d’Alene BLM 

District, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 1989a. Land Tenure Adjustment Plan Amendment for the Emerald Empire and Chief Joseph 

Management Framework Plans. Coeur d’Alene District. August 1989. 

. 1991. Record of Decision, Vegetation Treatment on BLM Lands in Thirteen Western States, BLM 

Idaho. Boise, Idaho. 

. 1993. Update to MFPs to Include Land Acquisition Management Guidelines. Coeur d’Alene 

District office, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 1994. Environmental Assessment for Noxious Weed Control on the Coeur d’Alene District, USDI 

Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d’Alene District. 

. 1997. Idaho standards for rangeland health and guidelines for livestock grazing management. USDI 

Bureau of Land Management. Boise, Idaho. 

. 2003. The Interior Columbia Basin Strategy. Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management 

Project. USDA Forest Service and USDI BLM. Boise, Idaho. 
References Cited 

70 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

. 2004a. Northern Rockies Lynx Amendment Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Prepared by 

USDI BLM management units in Idaho and parts of Utah. 

. 2004b. Final Coeur d’Alene Fire Management Plan. USDI Bureau of Land Management Coeur 

d’Alene Field Office, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 2005. Land Use Planning Hand Book. H-1601-1. Internet Web site: 

http://www.blm.gov/nhp/efoia/wo/ handbook/h1601-1.pdf. 

. 2006a. Proposed Coeur d’Alene RMP/Final EIS. USDI Bureau of Land Management. Coeur 

d’Alene Field Office, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 2006b. Draft Coeur d’Alene RMP/EIS. USDI Bureau of Land Management. Coeur d’Alene Field 

Office, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

BLM and USDA Forest Service. 2004. Northern Rockies Lynx Amendment Draft Environmental Impact 

Statement Summary. Prepared by USDI BLM management units in Idaho and parts of Utah. 

Coeur d’Alene Tribe. 2005. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement 

for the Integrated Resource Management Plan. Coeur d’Alene Tribe Natural Resources Department. 

Plummer, Idaho. 

Forest Service. 1995a. Inland native fish strategy environmental assessment decision notice and finding of no 

significant impact. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: USDA Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forests. 

. 2003. Technical Report: Analysis of the management situation for revision of the Kootenai and 

Idaho Panhandle Forest Plans. USDA Forest Service, Kootenai National Forest. Libby, Montana. 

Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

. 2006. Proposed Land Management Plan, Idaho Panhandle National Forests. USDA Forest Service 

Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

Forest Service and BLM. 2000. Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project Final EIS. Prepared 

by USDA Forest Service, Boise, Idaho. 

Ruediger, Bill, Jim Claar, Steve Gniadek, Bryon Holt, Lyle Lewis, Steve Mighton, Bob Naney, Gary Patton, 

Tony Rinaldi, Joel Trick, Anne Vandehey, Fred Wahl, Nancy Warren, Dick Wenger, and Al 

Williamson. 2000. Canada lynx conservation assessment and strategy. USDA Forest Service, USDI 

Fish and Wildlife Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, and USDI National Park Service. 

Missoula, Montana. 

State of Washington. 2005. Guidelines for Selecting Reserve Trees. Prepared by Washington State 

Department of Natural Resources. 
References Cited 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 71 

US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). 1990. Coeur d’Alene BLM District, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. 

Emerald Empire Resource Area Off-Road Vehicle Designations. Federal Register Notice, October 29, 

1990. 
References Cited 

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2007 Draft Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 73 

GLOSSARY 

ACQUIRED LANDS. As distinguished from public lands, those lands in federal ownership that have been 

obtained by the government by purchase, condemnation, or gift or by exchange for such purchased, 

condemned, or donated lands or for timber on such lands.

ACTIVITY PLAN. A document that describes management objectives, actions, and projects to implement 

decisions of the RMP or other planning documents. Usually prepared for one or more resources in a specific 

area. 

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT. A type of natural resource management in which decisions are made as part of 

an ongoing science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied 

strategies, and incorporating new knowledge into management approaches that are based on scientific 

findings and the needs of society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, and practices. 

ADJACENT. The area outside of a mapped habitat area, but within a zone of influence to the habitat area for 

which a BLM activity may affect a species. Some activities, such as those that can affect watershed conditions 

and erosion, can have wide zones of influence for aquatic species. Other activities, such as those that do not 

affect the suitable habitat but can affect use of that habitat, can have a narrower zone of influence. Thus, this 

adjacent zone of influence will vary among species and land use activities. The species-specific and land usespecific application of this term is determined at the local level.

ALLOTMENT. An area of land where one or more operators graze their livestock. It generally consists of 

public lands but may include parcels of private or state-owned lands. The number of livestock and period of 

use are stipulated for each allotment. 

APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT RESPONSE (AMR). As per policy in the Interagency Standards for Fire and 

Fire Aviation Operations, any specific action suitable to meet fire management unit objectives. Typically, the 

AMR ranges across a spectrum of tactical options (from monitoring to intensive management actions). It is 

developed by using fire management unit strategies and objectives identified in the fire management plan. 

AQUATIC. Living or growing in or on the water. 

AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN. An area established through the planning process, as 

provided in FLPMA, 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; to fish and wildlife resources or other natural systems or processes; or to protect life 

and afford safety from natural hazards. 
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74 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

AVOID. To the extent possible, refraining from implementing the action indicated. If the action needs to take 

place, then stipulations are added or additional steps are taken to minimize impacts. Avoidance is the 

preferred management approach in the identified habitats for species conservation.

BEAR MANAGEMENT UNITS (BMU). Recovery zones are divided into bear management units that are used 

for habitat evaluation and population monitoring. A BMU represents the home range of a one female grizzly 

bear.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP). Generally accepted state-of-the-art techniques and procedures 

used in project-level operations to avoid or minimize impacts on species and their habitats.

BIG GAME. Larger species of wildlife that are hunted, such as elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. 

BIOLOGICAL OPINION. A document prepared by US Fish and Wildlife Service stating their opinion as to 

whether or not a federal action will likely jeopardize the continued existence or adversely modify the habitat 

of a listed threatened or endangered species. 

BOARD FOOT. The nominal quantity of lumber derived from a piece of rough green lumber 1 inch thick and 

1 foot wide by 1 foot long. 

BURNED AREA REHABILITATION. Efforts undertaken within three years of containment of a wildland fire 

to repair or improve fire-damaged lands unlikely to recover naturally to management approved conditions, or 

to repair or replace minor facilities damaged by fire. 

CANDIDATE SPECIES. Any species for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sufficient information 

on biological status and threats to propose as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, 

but for which development of a listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority listing activities (does 

not include proposed species). 

CHEMICAL VEGETATION TREATMENT. Application of herbicides to control invasive species/noxious 

weeds and/or unwanted vegetation. 

COMMUNAL ROOSTS. A forested area where 6 or more eagles traditionally spend the night within 100 

meters of each other.

CORE HABITAT (GRIZZLY BEAR). Areas more than .31 miles away from open or gated roads or high 

intensity human use areas. Generally core habitat is continuous secure blocks of land that have minimal 

fragmentation by roads, residential, agricultural and commercial areas. 

Effective grizzly habitat contains an abundance of many kinds of natural foods, vegetal and animal, so the 

stochastic changes in the abundance of some food items are offset by the presence and availability of other 

items. Diversity also provides required resting, denning, and social areas and space.

CULTURAL RESOURCES. Locations of human activity, occupation, or use. Cultural resources include 

archaeological, historic, or architectural sites, structures, or places with important public and scientific uses, 

and locations of traditional cultural or religious importance to specified social and/or cultural groups. 

DEN SITES (GRAY WOLF). In the Northern Rockies, wolf pups are born any time from late March to late 

April or possibly early May. Some particular dens or denning areas may receive traditional use by a wolf pack 

over time. Wolves are particularly sensitive to human activity near den sites and may abandon them if 

disturbed. Section 7 guidance from FWS indicates that activities or projects that occur within 1.6 km (1 mi) of 

an active wolf den site may negatively affect gray wolves.

DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION (DFC). The condition of BLM resources on a landscape scale that meet 

management objectives. It is based on ecological, social, and economic considerations during the land 
Glossary 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 75 

planning process. It is usually expressed as ecological status or management status of vegetation (species 

composition, habitat diversity, and age and size class of species) and desired soil qualities (soil cover, erosion, 

and compaction). 

DIVERSITY. The relative abundance of wildlife species, plant species, communities, habitats, or habitat 

features per unit of area. 

EASEMENT. Right afforded ‘a person or agency to make limited use of another’s real property for access or 

other purposes. 

ELIGIBLE RIVER SEGMENT. A section of a river that qualifies for inclusion into the National Wild and 

Scenic River System through determination that it is free-flowing and with its adjacent land area possessing at 

least one river-related value considered to be outstandingly remarkable. 

ENDANGERED SPECIES. A designation under the Endangered Species Act in which an individual species is 

in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. 

EMERGENCY STABILIZATION. Emergency stabilization action to stabilize and prevent unacceptable 

degradation to natural and cultural resources, to minimize threats to life or property resulting from the effects 

of a fire, or to repair/replace/construct physical improvements necessary to prevent degradation of land or 

resources. Emergency stabilization actions must be taken within one year following containment of a wildland 

fire. 

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA). A concise public document prepared to provide sufficient evidence 

and analysis for determining whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no 

significant impact. It includes a brief discussion of the need for the proposal, alternatives considered, 

environmental impact of the proposed action and alternatives, and a list of agencies and individuals consulted. 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS). A formal public document prepared to analyze the 

impacts on the environment of a proposed project or action and released for comment and review. An EIS 

must meet the requirements of NEPA, CEQ guidelines, and directives of the agency responsible for the 

proposed project or action. 

FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1976 (FLPMA). Public Law 94-579 signed by the 

President on October 21, 1976. Establishes public land policy for management of lands administered by the 

BLM. FLPMA specifies several key directions for the Bureau, notably (1) management be on the basis of 

multiple-use and sustained yield, (2) land use plans be prepared to guide management actions, (3) public lands 

be managed for the protection, development, and enhancement of resources, (4) public lands be retained in 

federal ownership, and (5) public participation be utilized in reaching management decisions. 

FIELD OFFICE. A geographic portion of a BLM District that is the smallest administrative subdivision in the 

BLM. 

FIRE REGIME. Periodicity and pattern of naturally occurring fires in a particular area or vegetative type, 

described in terms of frequency, biological severity, and area of extent. 

FIRE REGIME CONDITION CLASS (FRCC). A classification of a vegetation community’s variance or 

departure from historic fire conditions. Fire Condition Classes can be: (1) Fire Condition Class 1, 

representing low departure from historic fire regime; (2) Fire Condition Class 2, representing moderate 

departure from historic fire regime; or (3) Fire Condition Class 3, representing high departure from historic 

fire regime. 

FORAGE. All browse-and herbaceous foods that are available to grazing animals. 
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76 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

FOREST HEALTH. The condition in which forest ecosystems sustain sufficient complexity, diversity, 

resiliency, and productivity to provide for specified human needs and values (ICBEMP 2000). 

FUNCTIONAL-AT-RISK. Riparian/wetland areas are classified as functional at-risk when they are in 

functional condition but an existing soil, water, or vegetation attribute makes them susceptible to degradation.

HABITAT. A specific set of physical conditions that surround a single species, a group of species, or a large 

community. In wildlife management, the major components of habitat are considered to be food, water, 

cover, and living space. 

HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN (HMP). A written and approved activity plan for a geographical area 

which identifies habitat management activities to be implemented in achieving specific objectives of planning 

decisions. 

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. A substance, pollutant, or contaminant that, due to its quantity, concentration, or 

physical or chemical characteristics, poses a potential hazard to human health and safety or to the 

environment if released into the workplace or the environment. 

HEW WOOD. Hew wood is generally small diameter logs whose diameters at the small end are between 4” 

and 9” and diameters at the large end are less than 12.

HOG FUEL. An unprocessed mix of bark and wood fiber. 

IMPACT. The effect, influence, alteration, or imprint caused by an action. 

IMPAIRMENT. The degree to which a distance of clear visibility is degraded by man-made pollutants. 

LEASABLE MINERALS. Those minerals or materials designated as leasable under the Mineral Leasing Act of 

1920 (as amended). They include coal, phosphate, asphalt, sulphur, potassium and sodium minerals, and oil 

and gas. Geothermal resources are also, leasable under the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (as amended). 

LOCATABLE MINERALS. Minerals or materials subject to claim and development under the Mining Law of 

1872, as amended. Generally includes metallic minerals such as gold and silver, and other materials not 

subject to lease or sale (some bentonites, limestone, talc, some xeolites, etc.). Whether or not a particular 

mineral deposit is locatable depends on such factors as quality, quantity, mineability, demand, and 

marketability. 

LYNX ANALYSIS UNIT (LAU). The LAU is a project analysis unit upon which direct, indirect, and 

cumulative effects analyses are performed. LAU boundaries should remain constant to facilitate planning and 

allow effective monitoring of habitat changes over time. It covers an area of at least the size used by an 

individual lynx, about 25-50 square miles. 

MANAGEMENT SITUATIONS 1-5 (GRIZZLY BEAR). Management situations further describe BMUs by 

defining specific grizzly bear population and habitat conditions and management direction. Management 

Situation 1 areas are grizzly bear population centers with very high conservation emphasis. Management 

Situation 5 is the least restrictive. Management situations 1-5 are described in detail in the Interagency Grizzly 

Bear Guidelines.

MECHANICAL VEGETATION TREATMENT. Includes mowing, chaining, chopping, drill seeding, and 

cutting vegetation to meet resource objective. Mechanical treatments generally occur in areas where fuel loads 

or invasive species need to be reduced prior to prescribed fire application; when fire risk to resources is too 

great to use naturally started wildland fires or prescribed fires; or where opportunities exist for biomass 

utilization or timber harvest. Examples include: 
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2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 77 

• Mountain Shrub areas adjacent to Wildland Urban Interface areas. 

• Crucial wildlife habitat. 

• Aspen/Conifer cover types in which the harvest or thinning of trees may be desirable. 

MECHANIZED USES. Equipment that is mechanized, including but not limited to mountain bikes, 

wheelbarrows, and game carts. 

MINERAL ENTRY. Claiming public lands (administered by the BLM) under the Mining Law of 1872 for the 

purpose of exploiting minerals. May also refer to mineral exploration and development under the mineral 

leasing laws and the Material Sale Act of 1947. 

MINERAL MATERIALS. Common varieties of sand, building stone, gravel, clay, moss rock, etc., obtainable 

under the Minerals Act of 1947, as amended. 

MINIMIZE. To reduce to the smallest possible amount, extent, size, or degree as is feasible from a technical 

or management standpoint.

MINING LAW OF 1872. Provides for claiming and gaining title to locatable minerals on public lands. Also 

referred to as the “General Mining Laws” or “Mining Laws.” 

MITIGATION. Alleviation or lessening of possible adverse effects on a resource by applying appropriate 

protective measures or adequate scientific study. Mitigation may be achieved by avoidance, minimization, 

rectification, reduction, and compensation. 

MODIFY. To “modify” a management activity could have a wide range of site-specific actions, ranging from 

eliminating the activity, to changing seasonal use, to minor operational changes, to meet the intent of a 

specific conservation measure or its implementing action.

MOTORIZED VEHICLES OR USES. Vehicles that are motorized, including but not limited to jeeps, all-terrain 

vehicles (all-terrain vehicles, such as four-wheelers and three-wheelers), and trail motorcycles or dirt bikes. 

MULTIPLE-USE. Management of the various surface and subsurface resources so that they are jointly 

utilized in the manner that will best meet the present and future needs of the public, without permanent 

impairment of the productivity of the land or the quality of the environment. 

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT OF 1969 (NEPA). Public Law 91-190. Establishes 

environmental policy for the nation. Among other items, NEPA requires federal agencies to consider 

environmental values in decision-making processes. 

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES (NRHP). A listing of architectural, historical, archaeological, 

and cultural sites of local, state, or national significance, established by the Historic Preservation Act of, 1966 

and maintained by the National Park Service. 

NEED FOR CHANGE TOPICS. Resources and land uses initially identified by the BLM that require new 

management direction to address current laws, regulations and policies, or to respond to changes in 

conditions, such as increased recreational demand. 

NOXIOUS WEED. Any plant species which when established is or may become destructive and difficult to 

control by ordinary means. The main differences between a common weed and a noxious weed are: the 

noxious weed’s high capacity for destruction and the extreme difficulty in controlling or eradicating the 

invading species.
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78 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV). A general term referring to any motorized vehicle capable of operating 

on roads, trails, or designed areas that are not maintained. These include motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, 

dune buggies, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. 

OFF-ROAD VEHICLE DESIGNATIONS. Public lands designated for off-highway vehicle use. Lands in the 

planning area are designated as open, limited, or closed for OHV use. 

• Open: Designated areas and trails where off-road vehicles may be operated (subject to operating 

regulations and vehicle standards set forth in BLM Manuals 8341 and 8343). For the purposes of the 

RMP/EIS, an “open area” is defined as an area where all types of motorized vehicles (jeeps, allterrain vehicles, motorized dirt bikes, etc.) and mechanized uses (mountain bikes, wheelbarrows, 

game carts) are allowed to travel freely at all times, anywhere in the area, on roads or cross country, 

subject to the operating regulations and vehicle standards set forth in 43 CFR, subparts 8341 and 

8342. 

• Limited: Designated areas and trails where the use of off-road vehicles is subject to restrictions such 

as limiting the number or types of vehicles allowed, dates and times of use (seasonal restrictions), 

limiting use to existing roads and trails, or limiting use to designated roads and trails. Under the 

designated roads and trails designation, use would be allowed only on roads and trails that are signed 

for use. Combinations of restrictions, such as limiting use to certain types of vehicles during certain 

times of the year, are possible. For the purposes of this RMP/EIS, a “limited area” is an area where 

motorized and mechanized travel is restricted to designated routes, unless otherwise noted. Off-road, 

cross-country travel is prohibited in limited areas. Some existing routes may be closed in limited 

areas. 

• Closed: Designated areas and trails where the use of off-road vehicles is permanently or temporarily 

prohibited. Emergency use of vehicles is allowed. Use may be allowed for other reasons; however 

such use shall be made only with the approval of the authorized officer. For the purposes of this 

RMP/EIS, a “closed area” is where motorized and mechanized use is prohibited in all locations at all 

times. 

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. The physical remains or other physical evidence of plants and animals 

preserved in soils and sedimentary rock formations. Paleontological resources are important for correlating 

and dating rock strata and for understanding past environments, environmental change, and the evolution of 

life. 

PLANNING AREA. The geographical area for which land use and resource management plans are developed 

and maintained. The planning area includes all lands within its boundaries, regardless of ownership. The 

boundary of the planning area for this RMP encompasses Benwah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and 

Shoshone Counties of Idaho. 

PLANNING ISSUES. Concerns, conflicts, and problems with the existing management of public lands. 

Frequently, issues are based on how land uses affect resources. Some issues are concerned with how land uses 

can affect other land uses, or how the protection of resources affects land uses. 

POPULATION (WATER HOWELLIA). Refers to all water howellia plants that occur within a specific 

geographic area. A population can be made up scattered plants generally within one mile of each other.

PRESCRIBED FIRE TREATMENTS (PRESCRIBED BURN). A pre-planned, management-ignited fire 

designed to meet specific resource objectives, such as reducing fuel loads, preparing a site for chemical 

treatment or seeding, or promoting vegetation regeneration. Prescribed fires are useful for reducing fuel loads 

and providing or promoting vegetation regeneration. Prescribed fires can be performed anywhere that 

specific fire prescriptions can be met and fire risks to resources are mitigated after site-specific planning and 
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2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 79 

NEPA analysis. Prescribed fires may be used to reduce undesirable species and fire hazard in Low-elevation 

Shrub areas, to reduce conifer encroachment into decadent aspen stands and rejuvenate mid-elevation shrub. 

PRIMITIVE AND UNCONFINED RECREATION. Non-motorized and undeveloped types of outdoor 

recreation. 

PROBABLE SALE QUANTITY (PSQ). The PSQ is the allowable harvest level that can be maintained without 

decline over the long term if the schedule of harvests and regeneration are followed. PSQ recognizes a level 

of uncertainty in meeting the determined level; this uncertainty is typically based on other environmental 

factors that preclude harvesting at a particular time (for example, because of watershed or habitat concerns). 

A PSQ is not a commitment to offer for sale a specific level of timber volume every year. 

PROPER FUNCTIONING CONDITION. Riparian-wetlands function properly when adequate vegetation, 

landform, or large woody debris is present to dissipate stream energy associated with high water flows. The 

functioning condition of these areas is influenced by geomorphic features, soil, water and vegetation. 

PROPOSED SPECIES. A species proposed for listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered 

Species Act.

PUBLIC LAND. Any land and interest in land (outside of Alaska) owned by the United States and 

administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the BLM. 

RAPTOR. Bird of prey with sharp talons and strongly curved beaks, e.g. hawks, owls, vultures, eagles. 

RECLAMATION. Returning disturbed lands to a form and productivity that will be ecologically balanced and 

in conformity with a predetermined land management plan. 

RECOVERY ZONES (GRIZZLY BEAR). The recovery plan defines recovery zones as the area in each grizzly 

bear ecosystem (i.e. Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak) within which the population and habitat criteria for 

achievement of recovery will be measured.

RECREATION SETTING CHARACTER CONDITIONS. The distinguishing recreational qualities of any 

landscape, objectively defined along a continuum ranging from primitive to urban landscapes, expressed in 

terms of the nature of the component parts of its physical, social and administrative attributes. These 

recreational qualities can be both classified and mapped. This classification and mapping process should be 

based on variation that either exists (i.e., setting descriptions) or is desired (i.e., setting prescriptions) among 

component parts of the various physical, social, and administrative attributes of any landscape. The recreation 

opportunity spectrum is one of the existing tools for doing this. 

RECREATION SETTINGS. The collective, distinguishing attributes of landscapes that influence, and 

sometimes actually determine, what kinds of recreation opportunities are produced. 

RECREATION-TOURISM MARKET. Recreation-tourism visitors, affected community residents, affecting local 

governments and private sector businesses, or other constituents and the communities or other places where 

these customers originate (local, regional, national, or international). Based on analysis of supply and demand, 

land use plans strategically identify primary recreation-tourism markets for each SRMA—destination, 

community, or undeveloped. 

RENDEZVOUS SITES (GRAY WOLF). Rendezvous sites-- especially the first one--may receive traditional use 

by wolf packs. It is also the initial rendezvous site at which wolves appear most sensitive to prolonged or 

substantial human disturbances. Section 7 guidance from FWS indicates that activities or projects that occur 

within 1.6 km (1 mi) of an active wolf rendezvous site may negatively affect gray wolves.
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80 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

RESEARCH NATURAL AREA (RNA). A land management status which reserves the area for uses that are 

compatible with the resource of interest and research for which the area was designated. All RNAs are also 

ACECs and are designated using the ACEC process. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (RMP). A land use plan that establishes multiple-use guidelines, and 

management objectives for a given planning area. 

RESTORATION AREAS (FOR NESTING YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOOS). Areas identified by BLM where the 

riparian vegetative component is currently not meeting the needs of the species. These areas have the site 

potential for a multi-tiered, mature riparian forest—at the size described in the definition for suitable 

habitat—through passive or active management. For example, in some cases a restoration area may be an area 

where the understory shrub component is missing. In other cases, mature cottonwoods are absent in an area 

but young cottonwoods and willows are present with the potential to provide suitable habitat in the near 

future.

RIPARIAN. Situated on or pertaining to the bank of a river, stream, or other body of water. Normally 

describes plants of all types that grow rooted in the water table or sub-irrigation zone of streams, ponds, and 

springs. 

RIPARIAN ZONE. An area encompassing riparian and adjacent vegetation. 

ROADS. Vehicle routes that have been improved and maintained by mechanical means to ensure relatively 

regular and continuous use. (A way maintained strictly by the passage of vehicles does not constitute a road.) 

ROADLESS. Refers to the absence of roads that have been constructed and maintained by mechanical means 

to ensure regular and continuous use. 

ROUTES. A combination of roads, trails, or ways that are used by motorized vehicles (jeeps, all-terrain 

vehicles, motorized dirt bikes, etc.), mechanized uses (mountain bikes, wheelbarrows, game carts), pedestrians 

(hikers), and/or equestrians (horseback riders). 

SCOPING PROCESS. An early and open public participation process for determining the scope of issues to be 

addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. 

SEEDING. Seeding is a vegetation treatment that includes the application of grass, forb, or shrub seed, either 

aerially or from the ground. In areas of gentle terrain, ground applications of seed are often accomplished 

with a rangeland drill. Seeding allows the establishment of native species or placeholder species and 

restoration of disturbed areas to a perennial-dominated cover type, thereby decreasing the risk of subsequent 

invasion by exotic annual grasses. Seeding would be used primarily as a follow-up treatment in areas where 

disturbance or the previously described treatments have removed exotic, annual grasses and their residue. 

SERAL. The developmental phase of a forest stand with characteristic structure and plant species 

composition; typically, young-seral forest refers to seedling or sapling growth stages; mid-seral forest refers to 

pole or medium sawtimber growth stages; and mature or old-seral forests refer to mature and old-growth 

stages. 

SOLITUDE. The state of being alone or remote from habitations; isolation. A lonely or secluded place. 

Factors contributing to opportunities for solitude may include size, natural screening, topographic relief, 

vistas, physiographic variety, and the ability of the user to find a secluded spot. 

SPECIAL RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREA (SRMA). BLM administrative units established to direct 

recreation program priorities, including the allocation of funding and personnel, to those public lands where a 

commitment has been made to provide specific recreation activity and experience opportunities on a 

sustained yield basis. These areas usually require a high level of recreation investment and/or management. 
Glossary 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 81 

SPECIAL RECREATION PERMITS. Authorizations that allow for recreational uses of public lands and related 

waters. Issued as a means to control visitor use, protect recreational and natural resources, and provide for 

the health and safety of visitors. Commercial Special Recreation Permits also are issued as a mechanism to 

provide a fair return for the commercial use of public lands. 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES. Proposed, listed, and candidate species under the ESA, State-listed species, and 

BLM designated sensitive species (see BLM Manual 6840 - Special Status Species Policy). 

TERRESTRIAL. Living or growing in or on the land. 

THREATENED SPECIES. Any species or significant population of that species likely to become endangered 

within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Usually includes only those 

species that have been recognized and listed as threatened by federal and state governments, but may include 

species categorized as rare, very rare, or depleted 

TIMBER. Standing trees, downed trees, or logs which are capable of being measured in board feet. 

TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROPERTIES. A cultural property that is eligible for inclusion in the National 

Register of Historic Places because of its association with a living community’s cultural practices or beliefs 

that: (a) are rooted in that community’s history; and (b) are important in maintaining the community’s 

continuing cultural identity. 

TRADITIONAL USE. Longstanding, socially conveyed, customary patterns of thought, cultural expression, 

and behavior, such as religious beliefs and practices, social customs, and land or resource uses. Traditions are 

shared generally within a social and/or cultural group and span generations. Usually traditional uses are 

reserved rights resulting from Treaty and/or Agreements with Native American groups. 

TRESPASS. Any unauthorized use of public land. 

UNDERSTORY. That portion of a plant community growing underneath the taller plants on the site. 

VALID EXISTING RIGHTS. Legal interests that attach to a land or mineral estate that cannot be divested 

from the estate until that interest expires or is relinquished. 

VEGETATION MANIPULATION. Planned alteration of vegetation communities through use of mechanical, 

chemical, seeding and or prescribed fire or Wildland Fire Use to achieve desired resource objectives. 

VEGETATION TREATMENT. Modification to the vegetative community designed to improve or enhance 

forest health (stand density reduction, stand conversions from undesired species compositions to desired 

species compositions, prescribed fire to enhance survival of mature and older trees, etc.). Depending on the 

purpose of the vegetation treatment, removal of forest products may or may not occur. 

VEGETATION TREATMENT METHODS. There are five types of vegetation treatments that may be used; 

Wildland Fire Use, Prescribed Fire Treatments, Chemical, Mechanical, and Seeding. 

VISUAL RESOURCES. The visible physical features on a landscape, (topography, water, vegetation, animals, 

structure-s, and other features) that comprise die scenery of the area. 

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (VRM). The inventory and planning actions taken to identify visual 

resource values and to establish objectives for managing those values, and the management actions taken to 

achieve the visual resource management objectives. 

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CLASSES. VRM classes identify the degree of acceptable visual change 

within a characteristic landscape. A classification is assigned to public lands based on the guidelines 

established for scenic quality, visual sensitivity, and visibility. 
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82 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

• VRM Class I: This classification preserves the existing characteristic landscape and allows for 

natural ecological changes only. Includes congressionally authorized areas (wilderness) and areas 

approved through the RMP where landscape modification activities should be restricted. 

• VRM Class II: This classification retains the existing characteristic landscape. The level of change in 

any of the basic landscape elements due to management activities should be low and not evident. 

• VRM Class III: This classification partially retains the existing characteristic landscape. The level of 

change in any of the basic landscape elements due to management activities may be moderate and -

evident. 

• VRM Class IV: This classification provides for major modifications of the characteristic landscape. 

The level of change in the basic landscape elements due to management activities can be high. Such 

activities may dominate the landscape and be the major focus of viewer attention. 

• VRM Class V: This classification applies to areas where the characteristic landscape has been so 

disturbed that rehabilitation is needed. Generally considered an interim short-term classification until 

rehabilitation or enhancement is completed. 

WATERSHED. Topographical region or area delineated by water draining to a particular watercourse or body 

of water. 

WILDERNESS. An area formally designated by Congress as a part of the National Wilderness Preservation 

System. 

WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS. Identified by Congress in the Wilderness Act of 1964, namely, size, 

naturalness, outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation, and 

supplemental values such as geological, archaeological, historical, ecological, scenic, or other features. 

WILDERNESS STUDY AREA. Public lands that have been inventoried by the BLM, under the authority of 

Section 603 or Section 202 of the FLPMA, and found to possess the required wilderness characteristics as 

defined in the Wilderness Act of 1964. 

WILDLAND FIRE. Any fire on the landscape, including a prescribed burn or wildfire. 

WILDLAND FIRE USE (WFU). A pre-planned vegetation treatment that involves taking advantage of a 

naturally-ignited wildland fire in an area where fire would benefit resources. WFU would be conducted in 

specific areas needing treatment after a site-specific plan and NEPA analysis are completed and only if 

predetermined prescriptive parameters (e.g., weather/fire behavior) can be met. Until this planning and 

NEPA analysis are accomplished, wildland fires would be suppressed using an AMR. 

WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI). The line, area or zone where structures and other human 

development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. 

WINTER RANGE. An Idaho Department of Fish and Game definition that applies to elk and mule deer. That 

part of the overall range where 90 percent of the individuals are located during the average five winters out of 

ten from the first heavy snowfall to spring green-up, or during a site-specific period of winter. 

WITHDRAWAL. An action that restricts the use of public land and segregates the land from the operation of 

some or all of the public land and mineral laws. Withdrawals are also used to transfer jurisdiction of 

management of public lands to other federal agencies. 
Glossary 

2007 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 83 

WOLF HABITAT (GRAY WOLF). Wolf habitat includes key habitat features and lands that are seasonally 

occupied by prey species in sufficient densities to support wolves. Characteristics of high quality wolf habitat 

include low road densities, low human occurrence, and few sources of disturbance.

WOODLANDS. Plant communities in which trees, often small and characteristically short-boled relative to 

their depths of crown, are present but form only an open canopy, the intervening areas being occupied by 

lower vegetation, commonly grass. Woodland forests contain major and minor forest products (or any wood 

fiber) that have, or may have, merchantability. 
Glossary 

84 Record of Decision and Approved Coeur d’Alene Resource Management Plan 2007 

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