Chapter 2• Alternatives
BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 41

Chapter 2: Alternatives

2.0 INTRODUCTION

As described in Chapter 1, the purpose 

and need for this land use planning 

process is to fulfill Congressional mandates from OPLMA that directed BLM 

to prepare comprehensive (Resource) 

Management Plans for the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA and Red Cliffs NCA. 

This legislation also required BLM to 

take actions and make land use allocations on public lands in Washington 

County that require the SGFO RMP to 

be amended. The Amendment is limited 

in scope to two issues: 1) identification 

of areas of public land in Washington 

County where biological conservation 

is a priority and the development of 

appropriate management to conserve 

and restore plant and animal species 

and natural communities within these 

areas; and 2) modification of certain 

existing OHV area designations (open, 

limited, or closed), to be in compliance 

with federal regulations, BLM’s Travel 

and Transportation Management Manual 

M-1626 and related agency policies.

This chapter describes and compares 

four alternative management approaches, 

consisting of three new alternatives for 

the long-term management of the Beaver 

Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs, and a 

No Action Alternative that includes the 

goals, objectives, and management decisions that apply from the SGFO RMP. 

These approaches vary by the scope and 

intensity of potential land use allocations, 

allowable uses, and management actions 

needed to achieve specific goals and objectives and address identified planning 

issues. The three new alternatives share a 

common conservation theme for management of the resource values for which 

each NCA received Congressional designation, through OPLMA. The St. George 

Field Office RMP goals, objectives, and 

management decisions comprise the No 

Action Alternative for the NCA management plans.

Also included in this chapter are tables 

displaying four management alternatives 

that address the two planning issues 

considered in the Amendment to 

the SGFO RMP. Like the alternative 

management approaches for the NCAs, 

these vary by the scope and intensity of 

potential land use allocations, allowable 

INTRODUCTION

Great Basin Collared 

Lizard

Crotaphytus bicintores has 

two black neck bands with a 

white band in between, giving 

the appearance of a collar. 

Females are not as brightly 

colored as males, except 

during the breeding season. 

Collared lizards are very 

tolerant of heat and are often 

seen basking on the top of 

rocks during the day.

Photo 2-1 Great Basin Collared Lizards, Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan
42 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 43

uses, and management actions to 

achieve specific goals and objectives. 

Similarly, applicable goals, objectives, and 

management decisions from the SGFO 

RMP comprise the No Action Alternative 

for the Amendment. 

Each alternative is subsequently assessed 

for potential environmental consequences and these are summarized in 

table formats for the two NCAs and the 

Amendment in this chapter. A detailed 

discussion of potential impacts by 

alternative for each of the three planning areas is presented in Chapter 4, 

Environmental Consequences. 

2.1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE 

ALTERNATIVES

Using public comments, input from 

Cooperating Agencies, and issues and 

concerns identified by BLM staff and 

management, the interdisciplinary 

Planning Team drafted three new alternatives to address management of the two 

NCAs and the planning issues identified 

for the Amendment. One other alternative, Alternative A (No Action), provides 

the current management goals, objectives, and actions, as stated in the SGFO 

RMP, for each program or resource value. 

Implementing regulations for NEPA 

require the formulation of a reasonable 

range of alternatives to address identified resource conflicts or concerns. Each 

action alternative must meet the purpose 

and need for the plans, be viable and 

reasonable, be responsive to issues identified in scoping, and consistent with the 

established planning criteria (Appendix 

B). For the NCAs, each alternative was 

evaluated to ensure that it complied with 

the mandates from OPLMA, as well as 

FLPMA, other relevant laws, regulations, 

and policies, and the purpose, significance, and mission statements of each 

NCA. Similarly, the alternatives for the 

Amendment to the SGFO RMP were evaluated to ensure that they complied with 

FLPMA, as well as other relevant federal 

laws, regulations, and BLM policies. 

Public input received during the scoping 

process (Photo 2-2 and Photo 2-3) was 

considered in the development of the alternatives and their management options; 

the public scoping process is described 

in more detail in Chapter 5. A number 

of state agencies, including the Utah 

Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), 

provided data and input that assisted the 

development of alternatives. Other federal agencies, including the USFWS and 

the United States Forest Service (USFS)-

Dixie National Forest participated in 

the planning process. The State of Utah; 

Washington County, Utah; and Mohave 

County, Arizona, as formal Cooperating 

Agencies to this planning process, and 

the Shivwits Band of the Paiute Indian 

Tribe of Utah, were directly involved in 

the planning process and the development of alternatives. The Cooperating 

Agencies reviewed and provided comments on the preliminary drafts of the 

RMPs and RMP Amendment/Draft EIS. 

Chapter 5 provides additional detail on 

consultation and coordination related to 

this planning process.

2.1.1 Management Guidance 

Common to All Alternatives

In the alternative decision tables that 

follow (Table 2-1 through Table 2-73), 

management direction (referred to in the 

tables as Guidance) that is common to all 

four alternatives are clearly displayed, as 

it crosses all columns in the tables. This 

guidance includes management actions 

carried forward from various planning 

documents, including Recovery Plans, 

Habitat Management Plans, Habitat 

Conservation Plans, and the SGFO RMP, 

where these actions were found to be acceptable and reasonable under 

all the alternatives.

One important management consideration that is common to all alternatives, resource programs, and the three 

planning areas is the integration of 

land health standards described in the 

Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix 

D). They identify the characteristics of 

healthy ecosystems on public lands and 

management actions that promote them. 

After approval in 1997, the land health 

standards became BLM-Utah policy, 

guiding the planning for and administration of public lands. They have been incorporated into all relevant management 

decisions proposed for the Beaver Dam 

Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs and the 

Amendment to the SGFO RMP.

2.1.2 Management Guidelines

The purpose, significance, and mission 

statements for the two NCAs guided the 

development of the management actions 

presented in the alternatives (refer to 

Chapter 1 for these statements). Also considered were the planning criteria that are 

shown in Appendix B, the desired future 

conditions for the resources, and resource 

uses of each NCA; these are presented 

as goals and objectives in the alternative 

tables (Table 2-1 through Table 2-73).

2.2 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF 

THE ALTERNATIVES

2.2.1. Alternative A (No Action)

Alternative A (No Action) is required by 

NEPA and serves as a baseline against 

which to compare the environmental 

consequences that could be associated 

with implementation of other alternatives. Under this alternative, management 

for the two NCAs, and the public lands 

affected by the RMP Amendment, would 

primarily be derived from management 

decisions in the 1999 St. George Field 

Office Record of Decision and Resource 

Management Plan, as amended. Unless 

otherwise noted, or unless there is no 

similar action, Alternative A (No Action) 

directly quotes, rather than paraphrases 

or updates, the goals, objectives, and 

management decisions from this Record 

of Decision/RMP. As written, this alternative may not always clearly convey 

that it describes how resource values and 

public land programs have been managed since 1999. A description of the 

ongoing management provides a baseline 

against which to compare the three new 

alternatives and their environmental 

consequences. However, this alternative 

also reflects recent mandates for the three 

planning areas from OPLMA. As examples, the designation of BLM-managed 

wilderness in Washington County, 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

"There are two primary 

choices in life: to 

accept conditions as 

they exist, or accept 

the responsibility for 

changing them."

–Denis Waitley, 

American Motivational 

Speaker, 1933-

"The difference 

between a mountain 

and a molehill is your 

perspective."

–Al Neuharth, 

Founder of USA Today, 

1924-2013

Photo 2-3 Public Scoping Meeting, Salt Lake 

City, Utah, June 2010

Photo 2-2 Climbers at Public Scoping 

Meeting, St. George, Utah, March 2012
44 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 45

through OPLMA, modified decisions 

from the SGFO RMP. These modifications are reflected in Alternative A (No 

Action) for the Red Cliffs NCA as two 

designated wilderness units are located 

entirely or partially within this NCA. 

Alternative A (No Action) has also been 

updated to include the mandates from 

OPLMA that withdrew the public lands 

in both NCAs from entry, appropriation, 

and disposal under the public land laws 

(OPLMA Section 1974 (g) (1) and 1975 

(g) (1). While Alternative A (No Action) 

continues to provide considerable valid 

management direction for the two NCAs, 

and the public lands that could be affected by the Amendment of the SGFO RMP, 

in many instances, management decisions 

from the SGFO RMP conflict with the 

mandates of OPLMA or lack the specificity needed for future management. This 

alternative does not meet the purpose and 

need for a comprehensive management 

plan for either NCA nor does it address 

the two planning issues identified for the 

Amendment, but is carried forward for 

analysis to comply with the requirements 

of NEPA and to serve as a baseline for the 

comparison of impacts associated with 

the three new alternatives.

2.2.2 Alternative B

Alternative B attempts to balance resource protection and human uses of 

the public lands in the two NCAs and 

on public lands that are addressed in 

the Amendment. For the two NCAs, 

management would focus on protecting 

native vegetation communities, wildlife habitats, cultural resources, and the 

scenic qualities of each area from threats, 

particularly loss to or damage from wildland fires. The restoration of damaged 

lands is also emphasized under this alternative. Changes are proposed related to 

livestock grazing management strategies 

in Beaver Dam Wash NCA. Sustainable 

public recreation uses would be managed through zoning of the two NCAs, 

permitting, and the development of 

sustainable facilities that enhance visitor 

experiences. Under Alternative B, in the 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA, an Old Spanish 

National Historic Trail Management 

Corridor is proposed and management 

actions are identified to conserve, protect, 

and restore trail resources, associated 

settings, and primary uses within that 

corridor. Emphasis would be placed on 

environmental education, interpretation, 

and opportunities for citizen stewardship of NCA resources. Alternative B 

incorporates elements from the other 

alternatives, as well as unique elements 

that would further goals and objectives 

relating to scientific research opportunities in the two NCAs.

This alternative for the Amendment proposes to satisfy OPLMA’s mandate related 

to areas of public land where biological 

conservation is a priority through two 

approaches: 1) the administrative designation of new ACECs and the retention 

of existing ACEC designations; and 2) the 

implementation of special management 

for public lands identified by the public 

during scoping where biological conservation is a priority, but where the species 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

present may not meet both the relevance 

and importance criteria required for 

ACEC designation. Three new ACECs 

(Photo 2-4) would be designated and 

eight existing ACECs would be carried 

forward. Management prescriptions are 

proposed for the new ACECs that would 

help to ensure the protection of these 

species through balanced levels of land 

use allocations and restrictions on 

public uses. 

The biological conservation objectives 

mandated by OPLMA would also be 

satisfied through the implementation of 

special management prescriptions for an 

approximately 87,000 acre area of public 

lands, labeled by BLM as the Bull Valley 

Mountains Multi-Species Management 

Area, to protect crucial habitat and migration corridors for mule deer (Photo 2-5), 

other wildlife species, and diverse predators in northwestern Washington County.

Changes are proposed for existing OHV 

area designations that would remove the 

mountain biking area designations and 

change the acres designated as “Open,” 

“Limited,” and “Closed,” for cross-country motorized OHV travel, to comply 

with federal regulations and BLM’s Travel 

and Transportation Management guidance. The acreage identified as “Open” to 

cross-country OHV vehicle travel would 

be reduced from 80,668 acres under 

Alternative A (No Action) to 21,442 under this alternative.

2.2.3 Alternative C

Alternative C represents an approach 

to the conservation and protection of 

resource values that emphasizes higher 

levels of restrictions on certain land uses 

and activities, while continuing to allow 

for compatible public uses. Management 

of the two NCAs would also focus on 

protecting the ecological and scenic 

values of the NCAs from damage or loss 

to natural and human-caused impacts. 

Restoration of damaged lands would 

emphasize the use of native vegetation 

species and the least invasive methods to 

accomplish goals and objectives. Under 

this alternative, public lands in the NCAs 

would not be available for livestock 

grazing in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA. 

This alternative identifies acres in each 

NCA that would be managed for wilderness characteristics and as heritage areas 

focused on the protection of cultural 

resources. In the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA, an Old Spanish National Historic 

Trail Management Corridor is proposed 

in Alternative C and management actions are identified to conserve, protect, 

and restore trail resources, associated 

settings, and primary uses within that 

corridor. Like Alternative B, this alternative emphasizes environmental education 

outreach, interpretation, and 

scientific research.

This alternative for the Amendment proposes to satisfy OPLMA’s mandate related 

to areas of public land where biological 

conservation is a priority through the 

two approaches described above under 

Alternative B. Fourteen new ACECs for 

threatened, endangered or at-risk species are proposed for administrative 

designation and eight existing ACEC 

Gierisch Mallow

Sphaeralcea gierischii is a 

perennial with reddishorange flowers. This member 

of the mallow family is 

found only on gypsum 

outcrops associated with 

the Harrisburg Member of 

the Kaibab Formation in 

Washington County, Utah, 

and the adjacent northern 

Mohave County, Arizona.

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus are 

primarily browsers, foraging 

on a variety of shrubs and 

forbs including leaves, 

needles, succulent stems, and 

grasses. Mule deer also enjoy 

domestic crops, and fruits 

and nuts. They need water 

as well—approximately 0.5 

gallons a day per 100 lbs of 

body weight—so their home 

range is closely associated 

with water sources. Home 

range sizes for adult does 

are estimated to be 0.3 to 1.2 

square miles, but bucks may 

roam up to 4 square miles 

or more.

Photo 2-5 Alternative B & C Propose to 

Protect Crucial Habitat for Mule Deer and 

Other Wildlife Species

Photo 2-4 Alternative B Proposes New 

ACECs for Species Such as the Federallylisted Endangered Gierisch Mallow

USFWS UDWR
46 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 47

designations would be carried forward 

under this alternative. Management 

prescriptions are proposed for the new 

ACECs that would help to ensure the 

protection of the relevant and important 

values of the ACECs, through higher levels of restrictions on public land allocations and uses.

Like Alternative B, this alternative proposes special management prescriptions 

for an approximately 87,000 acre area of 

public lands, informally labeled by BLM 

as the Bull Valley Mountains MultiSpecies Management Area, to protect 

crucial habitat and migration corridors 

for mule deer, other wildlife species, 

and diverse predators in northwestern 

Washington County.

As under Alternative B, mountain biking area designations would be removed 

and acres designated as “Open” for 

cross-country motorized OHV travel 

would be reduced to comply with federal regulations and BLM’s Travel and 

Transportation Management guidance. 

Alternative C would designate the highest amount of acreage, 385,033 acres, of 

public lands in the SGFO as Limited.

2.2.4 Alternative D

Alternative D emphasizes a broader array and higher levels of public use and 

access, while still meeting the mandates 

of “conservation, protection, and enhancement” of resource values in the 

two NCAs. It emphasizes diverse and 

sustainable recreation uses of the two 

NCAs through the development of new, 

non-motorized trails and visitor facilities. Public lands within the NCAs would 

continue to be available for livestock 

grazing (Photo 2-6). Corridors would be 

retained or designated to accommodate 

new utility and/or transportation ROWs. 

Cultural and paleontological resources 

would be managed for conservation, 

scientific research, and public use. In the 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA, an Old Spanish 

National Historic Trail Management 

Corridor is proposed and management 

actions are identified to conserve, protect, 

and restore trail resources, associated 

settings, and primary uses within that 

corridor. Like Alternatives B and C, this 

alternative emphasizes environmental 

education outreach, interpretation, and 

scientific research. 

The Amendment to the SGFO RMP 

addresses OPLMA’s mandate related 

to biological conservation through 

the retention of eight existing ACEC 

designations and special management 

prescriptions for an approximately 87,000 

acre area of public lands, labeled by BLM 

as the Bull Valley Mountains MultiSpecies Management Area, to protect 

crucial habitat and migration corridors 

for mule deer, other wildlife species, 

and diverse predators in northwestern 

Washington County.

Mountain biking area designations 

would be removed and acres designated 

as “Open” for cross-country motorized 

OHV travel would be reduced when 

compared to Alternative A (No Action), 

to comply with federal regulations 

and BLM’s Travel and Transportation 

Management guidance.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

2.2.5 The Preferred Alternative

A requirement for BLM land use planning processes is that a preferred alternative be identified in the draft RMPs. 

Alternative B represents the preferred 

alternative for the new Beaver Dam Wash 

and Red Cliffs NCA RMPs and for the 

Amendment to the SGFO RMP. The preferred alternative balances resource protection with compatible public uses. This 

alternative reflects an effort to identify an 

optimum course of action to conserve, 

protect, enhance, and restore values in 

the NCAs (Photo 2-7). Issues considered 

by BLM during the development of the 

preferred alternative included concerns 

identified by the public through scoping; 

specific environmental values, resources, 

and resource uses; opportunities to 

resolve resource conflicts, and relevant 

federal laws, regulations, and the planning criteria for this process.

The SGFO RMP Amendment addresses 

two issues that resulted from the passage 

of OPLMA in 2009. OPLMA at Section 

1979 mandated BLM to identify areas of 

public land where biological conservation is a priority and undertake activities 

to conserve and restore plant and animal 

species and natural communities. This 

legislative direction would be accomplished under Alternative B, through four 

new ACEC designations for threatened 

or endangered species and the retention 

of eight existing ACECs. It would also be 

accomplished through the identification 

of special management for the 87,000 

acre Bull Valley Mountains Multi-Species 

Management Area, to protect crucial 

habitat and migration corridors for mule 

deer, other wildlife species, and diverse 

predators in northwestern Washington 

County. This alternative would also 

modify current OHV area designations, to comply with federal regulations 

and BLM’s Travel and Transportation 

Management guidance.

2.2.6 Alternatives Considered but 

Eliminated From Detailed Study

2.2.6.1 Designating new ACECs within 

Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs

Pursuant to FLPMA at Sec. 202 (c) (3), 

BLM is to give priority to the designation 

of ACECs to direct special management 

attention, through land use restrictions and management prescriptions, to 

ensure that the relevant and important 

values of each ACEC are protected. Two 

"If you’re riding ahead 

of the herd, take a look 

back every now and 

then to make sure it’s 

still there."

–Will Rogers, Cowboy 

& Humorist, 1879-1935

"Here is your country. 

Cherish these natural 

wonders, cherish the 

natural resources, 

cherish the history and 

romance as a sacred 

heritage, for your 

children and your 

children’s children."

–Theodore Roosevelt, 

26th President of 

the United States, 

1858-1919

Photo 2-6 Alternative D Proposes to Retain 

Livestock Grazing in the NCAs

Photo 2-7 The Northern-Most Population of Joshua Trees in Utah, Located in the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA, is an Important Resource Value
48 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 49

nominations were received from the 

public recommending that new ACECs 

be administratively designated in the 

Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs, 

through the current RMP process. These 

nominations identified the federally-listed Mojave desert tortoise as the relevant 

and important resource value for which 

ACEC designation would be warranted 

for the public lands within the NCAs 

(Photo 2-8). (The reader is referred to 

Appendix E for the Evaluation Report for 

ACECs, to review BLM’s evaluation of all 

nominations received during this planning process). 

In furtherance of the multi-resource 

conservation purposes for which the two 

NCAs were Congressionally-designated 

in 2009, OPLMA Section 1974 and 

1975, put in place withdrawals, segregations, and limits on specific uses of the 

public land that could be authorized in 

the NCAs. These mandates, in concert 

with other federal laws, regulations, and 

agency policies, provide a high level of 

protection for all resource values in the 

NCAs. The administrative designation 

of new ACECs (and the retention of 

existing ACEC designations) within the 

NCAs would be duplicative and provide 

no higher standard of resource protection than what is currently afforded by 

Congressional designation. According 

to BLM policy, as stated in BLM Manual 

1613-Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

(release 1-1541, 9/29/88): “If, however, 

the management attention provided under the Congressional designation is adequate to protect a resource or value, it is 

not necessary or appropriate to designate 

it as an ACEC” (BLM Manual 1613.51).

For these reasons, administratively 

designating new ACECs or retaining 

existing ACECs in the two NCAs were 

not carried forward as alternatives in this 

planning process.

2.2.7 Adaptive Management 

Adaptive management is a formal, 

systematic, and rigorous approach to 

learning from the results of management 

actions, accommodating change, and 

improving management. It involves synthesizing existing knowledge, exploring 

alternative actions, and making explicit 

forecasts about their results. Management 

actions and monitoring programs are 

carefully designed to generate reliable 

feedback and clarify the reasons underlying results. Actions and objectives are 

then adjusted based on this feedback and 

improved understanding to continue to 

try to achieve the desired future conditions. In addition, decisions, actions, and 

results are carefully documented and 

communicated to others, so that knowledge gained through experience is passed 

on, rather than lost when individuals 

move or leave the organization.

Secretary of the Interior Order 

Number 3270 calls for BLM and other 

Department of the Interior bureaus 

to incorporate adaptive management 

principles into management plans and 

programs. The Secretarial Order also 

directs that Adaptive Management: The 

U.S. Department of the Interior Technical 

Guide (USDOI 2007) serve as the technical basis for implementing adaptive 

management programs.

Adaptive management recognizes that 

ecosystems are very complex and understanding of their processes and responses 

to management actions is limited. Thus, 

the greatest hurdle to overcome in 

implementing effective restoration and 

other management actions is uncertainty 

regarding their effectiveness. Adaptive 

management acknowledges that there are 

incomplete data when dealing with natural resources and that through continued 

research and monitoring of management practices, new information will be 

collected (Photo 2-9 and Photo 2-10). 

This new information is evaluated, and a 

determination is made whether to adjust 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

the strategy accordingly to improve success in meeting plan objectives.

As the Technical Guide points out, adaptive management is only warranted when 

all of the following criteria can be met:

▶ There is a need to take action in the 

face of uncertainty;

▶ There is an opportunity to apply 

learning;

▶ The objectives of management are 

clear;

▶ The value of reducing uncertainty is 

high;

▶ Uncertainty can be expressed in a 

set of competing testable models;

▶ A monitoring program design can 

be put in place with a reasonable 

expectation of reducing uncertainty.

The ecosystems of both NCAs meet all of 

the above-listed criteria, as they are complex and highly variable systems whose 

natural conditions have been altered by 

past land uses. Although some research 

has been conducted, and monitoring of 

resource values is ongoing, there is still a 

relatively high level of uncertainty about 

the effects of various management treatments for increasing native plant cover 

or restoring at risk species habitats, as 

"I can’t change the 

direction of the wind, 

but I can adjust my sails 

to always reach 

my destination."

–Jimmy Dean, 

Country Singer 

and Businessman, 

1928-2010

"Know or listen to 

those who know."

–Baltasar Gracian, 

Philosopher, 1601-1658

Photo 2-8 Mojave Desert Tortoise on Fringe of St. George Metropolitan Area, Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan

Photo 2-9 Mojave Desert Tortoise with GPS 

Tracker for Research

© Cameron Rognan

Photo 2-10 Tortoise Den Marked for 

Research, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
50 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 51

examples. In this chapter, the objectives 

or “desired future conditions” for various 

natural resource values are identified, as 

well as management actions intended to 

conserve, protect, enhance, and restore 

ecosystems to meet those objectives. The 

predicted outcomes of implementing 

planned actions and the uncertainty/assumptions associated with their implementation are discussed in Chapter 

4 (Environmental Consequences). 

Monitoring (Photo 2-11) is an important 

component of RMP implementation and 

will be used to gauge the effectiveness of 

actions at achieving the objectives. The 

RMPs also call for continued support 

of scientific research that furthers the 

understanding of natural processes and 

complex ecosystems. 

The RMPs envision applying adaptive management principles within the 

framework of the Technical Guide. 

However, adaptive management does 

not give BLM managers an “open book” 

to implement any action necessary to 

achieve plan objectives. If a proposed 

approach is outside of the scope of the 

alternatives evaluated in the draft RMPs, 

a plan amendment and additional NEPA 

analysis could be required.

2.2.8 Format of Alternatives

For each alternative, BLM established 

goals and objectives for management 

and identified the management actions 

and allowable uses necessary to achieve 

those desired outcomes. Because RMPs 

are broad in scale, site-specific implementation-level decisions are typically 

made after the RMP is adopted. In some 

cases, however, these implementationlevel decisions are included within the 

alternatives. Where implementation-level 

decisions are included in the alternatives, 

they are grouped together at the end of 

the applicable table.

For the purposes of this planning effort, 

goals, objectives, and management actions are defined as follows:

Goals–describe broad direction and 

desired conditions for each resource or 

resource use. The goals stay the same for 

all alternatives. Goals are derived from 

OPLMA, FLPMA, other federal laws, 

regulations, and policy guidance, as well 

as input from public scoping.

Objectives–describe more detailed outcomes or “desired future conditions” for 

different components of the resource or 

resource use that meet the overall goals.

Management Actions–describe efforts 

that BLM managers anticipate taking to 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

achieve the objectives, relying on the best 

available science. As new information 

or technologies become available, certain management actions may be added, 

modified, or discontinued, using an adaptive management approach. Any modified 

or new actions would be consistent with 

the RMP goals and objectives. Also, if new 

information shows that an action conflicts 

with an objective, then that action would 

be discontinued. In other words, the objectives take precedence over the actions 

in this adaptive approach.

Some of the management actions and 

decisions identified in the RMPs for the 

two NCAs and Amendment to the SGFO 

RMP would be put into effect as soon 

as the Records of Decision are signed; 

others may require several years to fully 

implement. Following approval of the 

NCA RMPs, an implementation strategy 

will be developed to establish priorities, 

timelines, and funding needs.

2.2.9 Types of BLM Decisions

2.2.9.1 Land Use Plan Decisions

Land use plan (RMP) decisions represent 

the desired outcomes and the actions 

needed to achieve them. Such decisions 

were attained using the planning process 

found in 43 CFR 1600 and guide future 

land management actions and subsequent 

site-specific implementation decisions. 

When presented to the public as proposed decisions, land use plan decisions 

can be protested to the BLM Director; 

however, they are not appealable to the 

Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA).

Administrative Special Area 

Designations

Administrative designations, made by the 

BLM, are considered special area designations and are made in the land use 

planning process. These include the designation of ACECs, Outstanding Natural 

Areas, Research Natural Areas, and other 

areas requiring special management. 

Other administrative designations that 

are statutorily authorized to the Secretary 

of the Interior may have already been 

designated within the planning area or 

may be recommended for designation 

through BLM’s land use planning process. Examples of Secretarial designations made by other Interior bureaus for 

lands outside their jurisdiction include 

National Historic and Natural Landmark 

designations that are made by the 

National Park Service (NPS); the Joshua 

Tree National Natural Landmark (Photo 

2-12), located within Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA, is a Secretarial designation that 

was made by the NPS in 1966. The draft 

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

“When we tug at a 

single thing in nature, 

we find it attached to 

the rest of the world”

–John Muir, Naturalist, 

1838-1914

Joshua Tree

Yucca brevifolia is endemic 

to the Mojave Desert. It's 

spectacular flowers appear 

infrequently, only in 

years when moisture and 

temperatures are favorable. 

Flowers are pollinated by a 

single species of yucca moth, 

which feeds exclusively on the 

Joshua tree.

Photo 2-11 BLM Staff Performing Cave Monitoring Activities Photo 2-12 Joshua Tree Bloom, Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark
52 Chapter 2 BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 2 53

ALTERNATIVE TABLES ALTERNATIVE TABLES

RMP for Beaver Dam Wash NCA makes 

recommendations for modifications to 

that Secretarial designation, through this 

planning process.

Land Use Allocations 

Land use allocations (Photo 2-13) are 

land use plan-level decisions that set apart 

geographic areas for specific resources 

or uses, such as areas where wildland 

fire use is not desired, where ROWs 

would be granted for utilities development, or where livestock grazing will be 

authorized. Allocations have geographic 

boundaries and are represented by polygons on the included maps. The management of allocated resources is described 

through the decisions proposed under the 

four alternatives.

2.2.9.2 Implementation Decisions

Implementation or activity-level decisions are management actions tied to 

a specific location. These are decisions 

that take action to implement land use 

plan decisions and are generally appealable to the IBLA under 43 CFR 4.410. 

Implementation decisions generally 

constitute BLM’s final approval to allow 

on-the-ground actions to proceed. These 

types of decisions require appropriate 

site-specific planning and NEPA analysis. 

They may be incorporated into implementation plans (activity or project plans) 

or may exist as stand-alone decisions.

Unlike land use plan decisions, implementation decisions cannot be protested 

to the BLM Director under the planning 

regulations. Instead, implementation 

decisions (Photo 2-14) are subject to various administrative remedies, particularly 

appeals to the IBLA. Where implementation decisions are made as part of the 

land use planning process, they are still 

subject to the appeals process or other 

administrative review as prescribed by 

the specific resource program regulations.

2.3 ALTERNATIVE TABLES

The following tables (Table 2-1 through 

Table 2-73) display potential management decisions and actions by alternative 

and by the three planning areas: Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA, Red Cliffs NCA, and 

those areas of the SGFO affected by the 

Amendment to the current RMP. Unless 

otherwise noted, or unless there is no 

similar action, Alternative A (No Action) 

directly quotes, rather than paraphrases 

or updates, the goals, objectives, and 

management decisions from this Record 

of Decision/RMP. As written, this alternative may not always clearly convey that 

it describes the management of resource 

values and public lands programs that 

has been ongoing since 1999. A description of the current management provides 

a baseline against which to compare the 

three new alternatives and their environmental consequences. In many instances, 

no similar resource decision was included 

in the 1999 RMP and this is reflected in 

the alternative tables for the two NCAs.

Acreage data in the tables and elsewhere 

in the draft RMPs, draft Amendment and 

Draft EIS are based on the best available 

geographic information system (GIS) 

data and may not meet BLM standards 

for accuracy or content. Different data 

sources and input scales may cause 

some misalignment of data layers that, 

in turn, may affect the accuracy of the 

data. As a rule, data are based on the 

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 

Zone 12 projection referencing the North 

American Datum (NAD) of 1983.

"There is no decision 

that we can make that 

doesn't come with 

some sort of balance 

or sacrifice."

–Simon Sinek, Author, 

1973-

"Many of the great 

achievements of 

the world were 

accomplished by tired 

and discouraged men 

who kept on working."

–Brigham Young, 

2nd President of The 

Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter Day Saints, 

1801-1877

Photo 2-14 Implementation Decision: Restoration of the Orson B. Adams House in the Red 

Cliffs NCA

Photo 2-13 Land Use Allocation: Proposed Visual Resource Management Class III in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA
BDWNCA Chapter 2 55

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-1

2.3.1 Beaver Dam Wash NCA Alternative Tables

Table 2-1 Air Quality

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Federal and state air quality standards are met in the NCA.

Objectives

BLM’s objective for airshed 

management will be to ensure 

that authorizations granted to 

use public lands and BLM’s 

own management programs 

will comply with and support 

local, state, and federal laws, 

regulations, and implementation plans pertaining to air 

quality.

Air quality is improved by reducing windblown dust levels from motorized vehicle travel on 

unpaved roads and from the loss of vegetative cover to wildfires.

Short-term air quality impacts (e.g., smoke, haze, windblown dust) that result from wildfires 

are minimized through appropriate fire suppression responses and through proactive management to minimize the potential for future wildfires.

Research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and anthropogenic 

factors that affect air resources and climate change is supported.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, protect physical and biological (cryptogamic) soil crusts, and minimize wind erosion of soils (refer to Appendix F for BMPs for all programs and resources).

Management Actions

All BLM actions and use authorizations will be designed 

or stipulated so as to protect 

the high-quality airshed 

within Zion National Park 

and other Class I areas in the 

region and to otherwise minimize impacts to visibility.

Reclaim closed routes that are not required for administrative purposes, non-motorized recreational uses, or as fire breaks. Use appropriate methods on reclaimed routes (e.g., soil binders, vertical mulching) to minimize windblown dust until vegetative cover has been restored.

Use aggregate, gravel base, or other environmentally-acceptable soil binders, as needed, at 

major trailheads, waysides, and high-use recreation sites, and on BLM-maintained roads to 

minimize windblown dust.

Coordinate with Washington County Public Works Department to post speed limits on unpaved roads, as needed, to lessen windblown dust created by motorized vehicle travel.

Implement post-wildfire Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ES&R) actions that will 

stabilize soils and re-establish vegetative cover to minimize windblown dust levels.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to minimize new surface 

disturbances that would contribute to increased soil erosion and windblown dust.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install air quality monitoring equipment and collect data on ozone 

levels, visibility (haze) and other appropriate air quality indicators through federal and nonfederal grants; partnerships with other federal agencies, state, tribal and local governmental 

entities, academic institutions, and private entities; and through cooperative agreements or 

other appropriate methods.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install one or more solar-powered weather stations in the NCA to 

collect data on temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, soil moisture, solar radiation, and other variables that could signal changing climatic conditions.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the carbon sequestration value of intact desert shrublands and the potential of degraded desert shrubland restoration to mitigate 

increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that are contributing to global warming.

Table 2-1 Air Quality
56 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 57

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-2 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-2

Table 2-2 Water Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

sustainable, likely to achieve desired outcomes, and that minimize new surface disturbances and impacts on other resource 

values of the NCA.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness 

of the treatments in meeting management objectives. Conduct monitoring, as determined by the project-specific monitoring 

plans, to evaluate effectiveness of re-vegetation and ES&R actions.

Monitor water quality in Beaver Dam Wash to determine if the designation standard for beneficial uses established by the 

Utah Division of Water Quality (UDWQ) is being met.

Management Actions

BLM will coordinate with local and state agencies as water 

protection plans are developed to ensure that federal 

land management actions or 

practices do not jeopardize 

drinking water quality.

Meet the goals of the 

Colorado River Basin Salinity 

Control Act by implementing 

administrative actions in this 

Plan and continuing to prevent the movement of salts 

into drainages and waterways 

that flow into the Virgin 

River or its tributaries.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands from willing sellers within the NCA that would benefit the conservation and protection of surface and groundwater resources.

Pursue acquisition of surface and groundwater rights from willing sellers to benefit the conservation and protection of wildlife and improve aquatic habitats and riparian resources. 

Do not authorize land uses that would export water from the NCA.

Work through the State of Utah’s water rights system to ensure that BLM obtains water rights 

on all inventoried point water sources (springs, seeps, wells, reservoirs, etc.) for authorized 

beneficial uses of water within the NCA, including wildlife, recreation, domestic use within 

visitor facilities, and the improvement of aquatic habitats and riparian resources.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect water quality 

in streams, springs, seeps, and associated riparian areas.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Inventory the NCA to locate all springs and seeps, map the areal extent of associated riparian 

vegetation, evaluate water quality and flow rates, and document all spring developments.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to develop a conceptual groundwater model of quantity recharge of 

springs, seeps, and surface flows within and adjacent to the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect data and monitor changes in precipitation patterns (e.g., 

timing, frequency, intensity of events) that are predicted to alter surface and ground water 

quantity and availability.

Table 2-2 Water Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Water resources are conserved and protected to fulfill the purposes of the NCA and sustain 

ecosystem resiliency under changing climatic conditions.

Objectives

BLM’s objectives for soil and 

water resources will be to 

work with municipalities, 

state and local agencies, and 

other interested parties to: 

a) Protect community watersheds and sources of culinary 

water;

b) Reduce erosion, stream 

sedimentation, and 

salinization;

c) Improve water quality in 

streams and rivers;

d) Promote water 

conservation;

e) Ensure compliance with 

state and federal laws pertaining to water quality and 

pollution prevention;

f) Ensure water availability 

for the maintenance of key 

natural systems and human 

enjoyment;

g) Where necessary to meet 

essential community needs, 

identify environmentally 

suitable sites for water storage and routes for water 

transport.

BLM will comply with the 

provisions of Executive 

Orders 11988 and 11990 that 

require federal agencies to 

protect wetlands under their 

jurisdiction and avoid development within floodplains 

wherever possible.

Surface water quality is suitable for appropriate beneficial uses, complies with approved 

federal and state standards, and meets or exceeds the applicable Utah Standards and Guides 

(Appendix D).

Salinity and sediment loads in the Beaver Dam Wash do not increase as a result of land uses 

and authorized activities on public lands in the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and 

anthropogenic factors that affect water resources (e.g., fire cycles, vegetation succession) and 

that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, minimize wind and water erosion, and 

ensure that surface disturbances do not cause accelerated sedimentation in surface water sources. Inspect construction-related 

equipment and vehicles for petroleum and other chemical leaks when they arrive on-site.

Implement post-fire ES&R actions to restore riparian vegetation and minimize soil erosion that could impair water quality 

in springs, seeps, and in Beaver Dam Wash. In planning re-vegetation projects for disturbed or fire-damaged riparian areas, 

identify specific resource and management objectives, desired plant communities, and methods that are ecologically 

Table 2-2 Water Resources
58 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 59

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-3 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-3

Table 2-3 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% 

of vertebrate and paleo-botanical sites for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

and Public Use.

Allocate and manage 100% of 

vertebrate and paleo-botanical sites for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% 

of invertebrate fossil localities for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

and Public Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of invertebrate fossil localities for Scientific and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Authorize the use of hand tools by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits 

and BLM Paleontological Resource Use Permits to conduct site-specific paleontological field 

studies and specimen collections at localities allocated to Scientific Use and Conservation for 

Future Use.

No similar action. Authorize the use of mechanized equipment on a caseby-case basis by researchers 

holding valid NCA Scientific 

Research Permits or BLM 

Paleontological Resource Use 

Permits.

Resources Excavation Permits 

to conduct site-specific paleontological field studies and 

specimen collections at localities allocated to Scientific 

Use and Conservation for 

Future Use.

Do not authorize the use of 

mechanized equipment for 

geological and paleontological field studies.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Prohibit the collection of 

common invertebrate fossils 

for commercial or personal 

use.

Same as Alternative B. Allow the casual collection of 

reasonable amounts of common invertebrate specimens 

for personal use, either by 

surface collection or the use 

of non- powered hand tools 

that result in negligible surface disturbance.

The collection of petrified 

wood on public lands is 

limited to 250 pounds per 

person per year for personal 

use only. No commercial use 

will be permitted to avoid 

the rapid depletion of the 

resource.

Prohibit the collection of petrified wood for personal use 

(as defined by federal regulations in 43CFR 3622).

Same as Alternative B. Allow the collection of 

petrified wood for personal 

use, consistent with federal 

regulations in 43 CFR 3622, 

either by surface collection or 

the use of non- powered hand 

tools that result in negligible 

surface disturbance.

No similar action. Monitor high significance (scientific or interpretive) sites with fossil resources that are not 

feasible or desirable to excavate or collect to document their condition. The frequency of 

monitoring action for identified sites would be determined by the physical nature of the 

resource and potential threats. When monitoring indicates the need, management actions 

would be taken to conserve and protect these resources through physical measures and land 

use restrictions.

Table 2-3 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Paleontological resources, unique geologic features, and examples of geologic processes are 

conserved and protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, 

consistent with the mandates of OPLMA and the legislative purposes for which the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA was Congressionally-designated.

Objectives

In managing cultural and 

paleontological resources on 

public lands, BLM will seek 

to:

a) Employ reasonable measures and land use controls 

needed to reduce impacts 

from urbanization and human encroachment;

b) Apply the principles of 

conservation management 

to selected areas to maintain 

such resources in their present condition for future study 

and enjoyment;

c) Reduce looting and vandalism through increased 

public education, surveillance, and enforcement;

d) Provide for legitimate field 

research by credible scientists 

and institutions,

e) Ensure compliance with 

applicable state and federal laws for consultation, 

assessment, and mitigation 

including consultation with 

interested or affected Indian 

tribes;

f) Provide for stabilization, 

maintenance, and interpretation of selected sites for public enjoyment and education.

Scientifically important paleontological and geological resources are identified, managed, and 

allocated to appropriate uses that increase knowledge about geological processes and the history of life on Earth.

Designate paleontological resources currently documented or projected to occur in the 

NCA to Use Allocations (as defined by BLM Manual Section 8110.42 and Land Use Planning 

Handbook H-1601-1). Focus on the Use Allocations that are consistent with the legislative 

mandate from OPLMA for the NCA: Scientific Use, Conservation for Future Use, and Public 

Use. Do not allocate resources of scientific interest to Traditional Use, Experimental Use, or 

Discharged from Management, as these would not be consistent. See Table 2-4 for descriptions of each Use Allocation category.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Regular monitoring patrols and condition assessments are conducted at fossil localities in the NCA by BLM staff and trained 

volunteer Site Stewards.

No commercial sale or use of petrified wood is permitted in the NCA.

Management Actions

No similar action. Conduct paleontological surveys in areas with high potential for scientifically important fossil 

localities (Potential Fossil Yield Categories classes 3, 4, and 5).

Table 2-3 Geologic and Paleontological Resources
60 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 61

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-3 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-4

Table 2-4 Use Allocation Categories

Use Allocation Categories Management Action Desired Management Outcome

Scientific Use Permit appropriate research Resource preserved until research potential 

or data recovery potential realized

Conservation for Future Use Protective measures; special administrative 

designations

Resource preserved until conditions for use 

are met

Public Use Determine appropriate public uses Resource preserved long term, with on-site 

interpretation

Traditional Use Determine limitations on uses, in consultation with culturally affiliated American 

Indian Tribes

Resource preserved long term

Table 2-3 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection and excavation of unique and scientifically important fossil specimens by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits and BLM Paleontological 

Resource Use Permits.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Only authorize surface collection of unique and scientifically important fossil specimens 

by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits and BLM Paleontological 

Resource Use Permits if specimens are at risk of theft, vandalism, or loss to natural erosion 

and if feasible methods for in-situ protection are not available.

Monitor localities allocated to Conservation for Future Use on a regular basis, with monitoring frequency to be determined by the nature of the resource and potential threats.

Public Use:

No similar action. Prior to developing a locality for public use ensure the paleontological resources at the site 

and in the surrounding area have been fully documented.

No similar action. Install informational signing and kiosks on site etiquette and the Paleontological Resource 

Protection Act (PARPA) at Public Use sites (e.g., trails, trailheads) where appropriate.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will collaborate with 

local communities, organizations, local and state agencies, 

Indian tribes, and other interested parties in developing 

and implementing plans for 

the restoration, stabilization, 

protection, and/or interpretation of appropriate historical, 

archaeological, or paleontological sites and resources on 

public lands in Washington 

County.

Develop on and off-site interpretation for significant paleontological sites and specimens, and 

geological features to foster an appreciation for the unique nature of these resources.

Develop on and off-site interpretation for areas within the NCA where the geologic history of 

southwestern Utah can be observed and appreciated.

Support education outreach programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities that focus on 

paleontological resources and the geologic history of Earth.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in Site Stewardship that increase public 

awareness of the need to conserve and protect at-risk fossil resources.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in inventory and data recovery projects that 

enhance public understanding of the geologic and paleo-environmental history of the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories and increase the fossil locality database for 

the NCA in partnership with the Utah Geological Survey, natural history museums, academic 

institutions, avocational groups, and trained volunteers.

Recruit and train youth and veteran groups, citizen stewards, and other volunteers to participate in inventory and data recovery projects that enhance public understanding of the earth 

history of the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific research studies at sites allocated to Scientific Use that 

collect paleo-environmental data that could serve as a baseline for comparison with modern 

climate trends.

Table 2-4 Use Allocation Categories
62 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 63

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-5 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-6

Table 2-6 Soil Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Soil resources function to sustain the ecological health, species biodiversity, and resilience of 

native vegetation communities and watersheds.

Objectives

BLM’s objectives for soil and 

water resources will be to 

work with municipalities, 

state and local agencies, and 

other interested parties to: 

a) Protect community watersheds and sources of culinary 

water;

b) Reduce erosion, stream 

sedimentation, and 

salinization;

c) Improve water quality in 

streams and rivers;

d) Promote water 

conservation;

e) Ensure compliance with 

state and federal laws pertaining to water quality and 

pollution prevention;

f) Ensure water availability 

for the maintenance of key 

natural systems and human 

enjoyment;

g) Where necessary to meet 

essential community needs, 

identify environmentally 

suitable sites for water storage and routes for water 

transport.

Native vegetation communities provide sufficient plant cover and litter accumulation to protect soils from wind and water erosion.

Soils exhibit infiltration and permeability rates that are appropriate to specific soil types, land 

forms, and climatic variables.

Soil crusts are conserved, protected, and restored to perform vital functions such as enhancing infiltration, maintaining soil stability, and facilitating plant growth or re-establishment.

Salinity and sediment contributions from public lands into the Colorado River system, 

via Beaver Dam Wash to the Virgin River, are minimized through appropriate land use 

management.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and 

anthropogenic factors that affect soil and vegetation resources (e.g., fire return, nutrient 

cycles) and that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, minimize wind and water erosion, and 

ensure that surface disturbances do not cause accelerated wind or water erosion.

Implement post-fire ES&R actions designed to minimize soil erosion and facilitate re-vegetation of desired native plant 

communities.

Management Actions

Meet the goals of the 

Colorado River Basin Salinity 

Control Act by implementing administrative actions in 

this Plan and continuing to 

require the use of BMPs in areas of highly erodible, saline 

soils to reduce or prevent the 

movement of salts into

Minimize damage to or loss of top soil and soil crusts through project design, permit stipulations, and public education.

Locate new trails, trailheads, or other facilities on soils suitable for development, such as areas 

less prone to wind and water erosion and previously disturbed areas.

Table 2-5 Cave and Karst Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Cave and karst resources are conserved and protected for the benefit of present and future 

generations.

Objectives

No similar action. Caves and karst resources are evaluated for significance, pursuant to the Federal Cave 

Resources Protection Act, and managed for appropriate uses such as conservation, scientific, 

recreational, and educational uses.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As needed, implement National White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and BLM IM 2010-181 in the management 

of cave resources.

Management Actions

No similar action. Initiate systematic inventories in areas of the NCA with high potential for cave and karst 

resources.

No similar action. Evaluate newly identified cave and karst resources for significance under the criteria defined 

in the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and 43 CFR Part 37. Propose significant caves 

and karst resources for inclusion in the National Cave System.

No similar action. Manage cave and karst 

resources evaluated as significant for Conservation for 

Future Use, Scientific Use, 

and Public Use.

Manage cave and karst 

resources evaluated as significant for Conservation for 

Future Use and Scientific Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Develop implementationlevel Cave Management Plans 

for significant cave and karst 

resources that are identified 

for Public Use to identify 

appropriate management 

objectives and actions needed 

to protect resource values.

No similar action. Same as Alternative B.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Develop on-site interpretation for significant cave and 

karst resources that are managed for Public Use.

Develop off-site interpretation for significant cave and 

karst resources that are managed for Conservation for 

Future Use and Scientific Use.

Same as Alternative B.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Authorize scientific research in cave and karst resources that do not contain cultural or paleontological resources through NCA Scientific Research Permits. Where cultural or paleontological resources are present, authorize scientific research through permits issued under the 

legal authorities of PARPA and the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific research studies to collect data on cave biota and geologic 

processes that could serve as a baseline for comparison with modern climate trends.

Table 2-5 Cave and Karst Resources Table 2-6 Soil Resources
64 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 65

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-6 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7 

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Goal

Biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem resilience are conserved, protected, and restored in the unique native vegetation communities created by the convergence of the Mojave 

Desert and Great Basin ecoregions.

Objectives

BLM’s overall objective for 

vegetation management 

will be to ensure that the 

amount, type, and distribution of vegetation on public 

lands in Washington County 

reflects desired plant communities. These are defined 

as plant communities that 

produce the kind, proportion, and amount of vegetation necessary to meet or 

exceed management objectives for a given ecological 

site. Development of such 

communities will sustain a 

desired level of productivity 

for wildlife, livestock, and 

nonconsumptive purposes 

while maintaining properly 

functioning ecological conditions. BLM will apply Utah 

Standards for Rangeland 

Health and Guidelines for 

Grazing Management (SGFO 

RMP Appendix 3) in managing its various resource 

programs and monitor the 

results to ensure vegetation 

management objectives are 

being met. Collaboration 

with affected operators, 

government agencies, Indian 

tribes, and interested organizations will be promoted 

to bring together resources 

needed to complete specific 

management plans, implement approved recommendations, and monitor and 

evaluate the results.

Native perennial and annual communities exhibit species diversity, suitable canopy cover, 

plant density, and age class diversification appropriate to each ecological site type.

Desired plant communities provide sufficient plant cover and litter accumulation to protect 

soils from wind and water erosion and to enhance nutrient cycling.

Loss of late-successional desert shrublands (e.g., creosote-bursage, blackbrush communities), 

perennial understory vegetation, and soil crusts to wildfires is minimized through management actions to prevent wildfires, suppress wildfires, and control or eradicate non-native invasive annual grass species (Bromus spp.).

Resilience of native plant communities to climate change is maintained by re-introducing native species that have been lost or by introducing other appropriated native species.

Connectivity of native plant communities is maintained by restoring closed roads and other 

linear features that interrupt species dispersal. 

Genetic integrity of native communities is protected by using source-identified seed and other 

plant materials for restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., vegetation succession), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., livestock grazing, recreation) that affect vegetation communities and that may influence climate 

change.

Table 2-6 Soil Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

drainages and waterways that 

flow into the Virgin River or 

its tributaries.

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect soils and soil 

crusts.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to complete detailed soil surveys and ecological site inventories in the 

NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies relating to soil crust function and regeneration in 

disturbed and fire-altered desert ecosystems.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that focus on developing cost-effective methods to 

restore biological (cryptogamic) soil crusts in disturbed and fire-altered desert ecosystems.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to collect data and monitor changes in the timing, frequency, and 

intensity of storms, flood events, and droughts and the effects of these climatic changes on soil 

crust function and regeneration.

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities
66 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 67

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in areas to 

be re-vegetated. In corporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Pursue opportunities to conduct inventories for unique or rare plants and “hanging gardens” 

in the limestone formations of the Beaver Dam Mountains.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the long term effectiveness of herbicidal treatments for exotic invasive annual grasses in arid ecosystems.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop ecologically sustainable and cost-effective biological treatments to control and eradicate noxious weeds and non-native invasive 

annual grasses in arid ecosystems.

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Monitor the timing, frequency, and intensity of fall precipitation events in the NCA, as these 

events can be used to predict high invasive annual grass production in the following spring 

that will fuel catastrophic wildfires during the summer months.

Resample vegetation study plots and monitoring transects established in the 1970s to determine if native plant species are shifting their elevational distribution in response to climate 

change.

RIPARIAN VEGETATION

Goal

Riparian areas sustain productive and diverse ecosystems and properly functioning 

watersheds.

Objectives

BLM’s objective, to the extent 

practical, will be to manage riparian areas so as to 

maintain or restore them to 

properly functioning conditions and to ensure that 

stream channel morphology 

and functions are appropriate 

to the local soil type, climate, 

and landform.

Healthy riparian areas are conserved and protected through land use restrictions, protective 

measures, and other management actions.

Healthy riparian areas exhibit appropriate species composition and structural diversity to provide suitable forage, nesting or breeding habitats, and cover for diverse terrestrial and aquatic 

wildlife.

Degraded riparian areas are restored to proper functioning condition or better, ensuring that 

stream channel morphology and functions are appropriate to the local soil type, climate, and 

landform.

Employ the best available science relating to natural recovery patterns of riparian communities in arid lands.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., vegetation succession), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., 

livestock grazing, recreation) that affect riparian vegetation communities and that may influence climate change.

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Manage land uses and authorized activities to ensure that ecological systems meet or exceed management objectives identified 

in the Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D). 

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on native vegetation communities for all land 

uses and authorized activities.

Management Actions

Native Vegetation Communities Conservation:

No similar action. Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

Native Vegetation Communities Protection:

Site specific plans to identify 

desired plant communities, 

establish specific management objectives, and recommend practices to be 

employed to achieve desired 

results, where appropriate, 

will be prepared in collaboration with affected livestock 

operators, the Utah Division 

of Wildlife Resources 

(UDWR), the Washington 

County Water Conservancy 

District, and other interested parties, agencies, or 

organizations.

Implement landscape-level fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects on the Beaver Dam 

Slope in partnership with adjacent federal and state land managing agencies in Utah, Arizona, 

and Nevada.

Design fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects to conserve and protect unburned native vegetation communities, evaluating factors such as vegetation types, seasonal wind direction, and expected fire behavior in project planning.

Design fuel breaks to incorporate topographic features, water courses, major ephemeral 

drainages, road networks, and utility corridors, to minimize new surface disturbances and the 

loss of native vegetation.

Design fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects to utilize those methods that are environmentally sensitive and minimize new surface disturbances.

Employ appropriate wildfire suppression tactics to minimize loss of unburned and onceburned native vegetation communities, particularly late-successional desert shrublands.

“Fire management actions 

would include full suppression, mechanical non-fire 

fuel treatments, and prescribed fire. Because of the 

suppression emphasis, the 

appropriate management 

response (AMR) would be 

applied to generally keep fire 

sizes small and fire would not 

play a large role in resource 

enhancement" (BLM UT040-04-054 2005).

Authorize the use of biological controls, targeted grazing, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods 

to develop fuel breaks and 

hazard fuel reduction projects 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method). 

Authorize the use of hand 

removal, low impact mechanical methods, or a combination of these methods to develop fuel breaks and hazard 

fuel reduction projects (see 

Table 2-8 for descriptions of 

each method).

Authorize the use of biological controls, flaming, targeted 

grazing, hand removal, herbicides, mechanical methods, 

or a combination of methods 

to develop fuel breaks and 

hazard fuel reduction projects 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method). 

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect native 

vegetation communities and prevent wildfires.
68 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 69

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Options may include, but 

are not limited to, fencing, 

barriers, selected closures, 

vegetative manipulations, 

seasonal use restrictions 

for camping or recreation, 

and adjustments in grazing 

management.

Prohibit new surface disturbing projects or activities within 500 feet of the edge of the 

riparian zone, except when 

the project would improve 

riparian resource conditions. 

This restriction does not 

apply to the maintenance of 

existing spring developments 

and conveyance systems.

Prohibit new surface disturbing projects or activities within 1000 feet of the edge of the 

riparian zone, except when 

the project would improve 

riparian resource conditions. 

This restriction does not 

apply to the maintenance of 

existing spring developments 

and conveyance systems.

Prohibit surface disturbing 

projects or activities within 

250 feet of the edge of the 

riparian zone, except when 

the project would improve 

riparian resource conditions. 

This restriction does not 

apply to the maintenance of 

existing spring developments 

and conveyance systems.

Rangelands that have been 

burned, reseeded, or otherwise treated to alter vegetative 

composition will be closed to 

livestock grazing as follows:

a) Burned rangelands, whether by wildfire or prescribed 

burning, will be ungrazed for 

a minimum of one complete 

growing season following the 

burn;

b) Rangelands that have 

been reseeded or otherwise 

chemically or mechanically 

treated will be ungrazed for 

a minimum of two complete 

growing seasons following 

treatment.

Exclude livestock from 

areas where riparian restoration has been implemented 

through rest/rotation systems, fencing, water management, temporary closure 

of portions or all of the 

allotment, or other methods 

that will achieve the goal 

of protecting the project or 

treatment areas from grazing impacts until identified 

resource goals and objectives 

have been met.

Public lands of the NCA are 

unavailable for livestock grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Options may include, but are 

not limited to, fencing, barriers, selected closures, vegetative manipulations, seasonal 

use restrictions for camping or 

recreation, and adjustments in 

grazing management.

Temporarily close riparian restoration project areas to those land uses and authorized activities that have the potential to impact the success of the treatments until monitoring indicates 

that identified resource goals and objectives for these treatments have been met.

Livestock salt blocks and 

other nutritional supplements 

will be located away from riparian/wetland areas or other 

permanently located or other 

natural water sources. BLM 

will encourage that the locations of these supplements be 

moved every year.

Prohibit placement of 

livestock salt blocks and 

other nutritional supplements 

within 1500 feet of the edge 

of the riparian zone.

Public lands of the NCA are 

unavailable for livestock grazing over the life of the RMP.

Prohibit placement of 

livestock salt blocks and 

other nutritional supplements 

within 500 feet of the edge of 

the riparian zone.

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the ecological values of riparian areas and appropriate public 

land use etiquette to protect these areas.

Involve volunteers, schools, youth groups, veterans, and partner organizations in riparian 

resource monitoring and restoration projects to increase public awareness and foster citizen 

stewardship of NCA resources.

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Manage land uses and authorized activities to ensure that riparian areas meet or exceed management objectives identified in 

the Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D).

Employ appropriate wildfire suppression tactics to minimize impacts on riparian areas, while protecting firefighter and public 

safety and private property as first priorities.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on riparian areas that may result from land 

uses and authorized activities.

Management Actions

Riparian Vegetation Conservation:

Monitoring studies will be 

established in riparian areas 

where increased recreation, 

OHV use, or grazing patterns 

are believed to be adversely 

impacting goals for riparian 

management. Impacts on key 

riparian species will be monitored...as resource conditions 

warrant and priorities allow. 

Regular monitoring of species 

and sites will be conducted to 

determine whether vegetative 

conditions and objectives are 

being achieved. If declining 

trends are identified, BLM 

will work with livestock 

operators, user groups, and 

other affected agencies, communities, or organizations to 

identify causes of the declining trends and to recommend 

and take corrective action.

Inventory riparian areas to establish baseline data on functioning conditions, trends in native 

plant composition, and infestations of noxious weeds and invasive species.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands within the NCA that would benefit the conservation, 

protection, and restoration of riparian areas.

Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings. 

Develop and implement re-vegetation plans for damaged riparian areas to minimize soil erosion and re-establish desired plant communities. Plans will specify seed/plant sources, seed/

plant mixes, and soil preparation. Utilize salvage vegetation from the project area to the extent 

possible.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution 

data to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments in meeting management objectives.

Conduct monitoring, as determined by project-specific monitoring plan, to evaluate effectiveness of restoration and ES&R treatments.

Riparian Vegetation Protection:

Options may include, but 

are not limited to, fencing, 

barriers, selected closures, 

vegetative manipulations, 

seasonal use restrictions 

for camping or recreation, 

and adjustments in grazing 

management.

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

using biological controls, targeted grazing, hand removal, 

herbicides, mechanical 

methods, or a combination 

of methods, depending on 

target species, infestation 

level, site characteristics, 

and project size (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method).

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

through hand removal methods, depending on target 

species, infestation level, site 

characteristics, and project 

size (see Table 2-8 for descriptions of this method).

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

using biological controls, 

flaming, targeted grazing, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project size (see 

for Table 2-8 descriptions of 

each method).

No similar action. Allow adequate time between treatments for native woody species to establish in a treated 

area before treating adjacent patches.
70 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 71

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-7 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-8

Table 2-7 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in riparian 

areas to be re-vegetated. In corporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into 

vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Collect and maintain baseline data on riparian vegetation species composition, noxious 

weeds, and non-native species infestations.

Pursue opportunities to develop and maintain baseline data on the terrestrial, avian, and 

aquatic wildlife that utilize these areas.

Pursue opportunities to develop baseline data on taxa found in the riparian areas that are not 

well studied, such as amphibians, insects, other invertebrates, fungi, and lichens.

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to monitor the areal extent and species composition of riparian vegetation communities as a possible predictor of decreased precipitation and changes in seasonal 

precipitation patterns in the Mojave Desert.

Pursue opportunities to identify key riparian features within and adjacent to the NCA that 

must be protected to allow multi-species habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors 

under changing climate conditions.

Table 2-8 Vegetation Management Toolbox

Tool Methodology/Rationale Possible Uses

Hand Removal Hand pulling, hoeing, and digging out targeted 

individuals or groups of plants.

Hand treatment to eliminate small weed populations, to control specific weed species, and to 

promote restoration.

Mechanical Mowing, weed-whipping, cutting (chainsaw), 

and brush removal. Good for small to mediumscale targets, possible negative impacts to habitat 

by equipment (such as soil compaction, creation 

of disturbed soils, burrow collapse).

Treatment of hazard fuels for fire control. 

Removal of invasive species as pretreatment 

before restoration seeding. Cutting to remove 

exotic tree species. 

Flaming Use of small, hand-held torches or flame-emitting devices to burn individual noxious weed 

plants or small weed infestations. 

Flaming specific weed targets, as a general weed 

treatment.

Targeted Grazing Use of contracted grazing animals in specific 

settings, such as along roadways, at trailheads, 

to reduce hazardous fuels and weed infestations. Variables include type of livestock, timing 

and duration of treatment, stocking rates, and 

frequency.

Applicable for small to medium target areas, can 

be targeted on specific weed species, and is relatively cost-effective. Possible negative impacts to 

native species, biological soil crusts, and to habitat (such as soil compaction, creation of disturbed 

soils, burrow collapse).

Contracted domestic sheep and goats herds 

would not be used for targeted grazing projects 

where appropriate separation distances from 

desert bighorn herds could not be maintained. 

Domestic sheep and goat herds would be contained within the target area, through temporary 

fencing, herding, etc., and removed immediately 

upon completion of the contracted work.

As a hazard fuel reduction method, specific 

weed treatments, and pretreatment for restoration seeding. 

Herbicides Spraying individual plants or populations, 

sometimes in conjunction with stump-cutting. 

Spraying specific project areas.

Good for small to large scale projects, costeffective weed control, essential for eradication 

of some problematical species. Negative impacts 

related to potential human and ecological exposures to chemicals.

Target spraying to eradicate or control exotic 

annuals for hazard fuel reduction or as a means 

to prepare areas for restoration seeding and/or 

outplantings with native species.

Seeding/Outplanting Hand-seeding, seeding by aerial applications 

and small seed drills, hand plantings of plugs or 

individual plants, inoculation with cryptogamic 

crust species or mycorrhizae.

Good for small to large-scale projects.

Hand-seeding and outplantings for small restoration projects or to introduce seed source islands 

within partially restored native habitat. Aerial 

seed applications and seeding with small drills for 

larger scale projects. Inoculation to restore cryptogamic crusts or help plant establishment. 

Watering Supplemental water, artificial water. Supply water to increase success of restoration 

efforts, to enhance seed production and outplanting survival.

Biological Control Release of specific organisms on target populations. Good for large-scale targets.

Possible impacts if organism shifts to new host.

Release of biological control organisms to 

control widespread and relatively common nonnative species. 

Table 2-8 Vegetation Management Toolbox
72 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 73

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

to tortoises and important 

habitats.

No similar action Evaluate the use of “backburning” as a fire suppression 

tactic in late successional 

shrublands, including Joshua 

tree woodlands and blackbrush communities, on a 

case-by-case basis.

Require NCA Manager approval prior to employing 

this tactic.

Prohibit “backburning” as 

a fire suppression tactic in 

late successional shrublands, including Joshua tree 

woodlands and blackbrush 

communities with exceptions 

when it is deemed essential to 

protect human life, property, 

and the effective control of 

the fire.

Evaluate the use of “backburning” as a fire suppression 

tactic in late successional 

shrublands, including Joshua 

tree woodlands and blackbrush communities, on a 

case-by-case basis.

Require Resource Advisor 

approval prior to employing 

this tactic.

Wildland Fire Use:

“Wildland fire use is not allowed" (BLM UT-040-04-054 

2005).

Do not authorize wildfire use in the NCA, as there are no fire-adapted vegetative communities present in which fire has historically played an important role in ecosystem function.

Management-Ignited (Prescriptive) Fire:

“Fire management actions 

would include full suppression, mechanical non-fire 

fuel treatments, and prescribed fire. Because of the 

suppression emphasis, the 

appropriate management 

response (AMR) would be 

applied to generally keep fire 

sizes small and fire would not 

play a large role in resource 

enhancement" (BLM UT040-04-054 2005).

Do not authorize the use of management-ignited (prescriptive) fire in any of the ecological 

systems of the NCA for hazard fuel reduction or vegetation type conversions, as these are not 

fire-adapted communities in which fire has historically played an important role in ecosystem 

function.

Prescriptive fire could be authorized as part of scientific studies, as described below under 

Scientific Research.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about fire prevention and reporting wildfires.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about native vegetation communities and why fire did not historically play an important role in ecosystem function for these communities.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that will develop reliable methods to forecast catastrophic wildfire seasons using the timing of fall and winter precipitation events.

No similar action. Only authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes as part of scientific 

studies authorized under an 

NCA Research Permit and 

other required permits.

Do not authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Do not authorize prescriptive fires for research purposes within designated critical habitat for 

the Mojave desert tortoise or other federally-listed species.

Do not authorize prescriptive fires for research purposes in unburned late successional shrublands, including mesic and thermic blackbrush communities and Joshua tree woodlands.

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

FIRE SUPPRESSION

Goal 

Wildfire suppression activities support the conservation and protection of NCA resource 

values and comply with legal, regulatory, and agency policy requirements.

Objectives

Fire suppression on public 

lands in Washington County 

will be directed by objectives 

and prescriptions identified 

in the Dixie Fire Management 

Plan scheduled for completion in 1999. The highest priorities of fire suppression will 

be to protect life, firefighter 

safety, property, and critical 

resource values. The BLM will 

coordinate with stakeholders 

at local and regional levels as 

well as adjacent land management agencies in formulating 

and implementing the final 

Fire Management Plan.

Suppression activities prioritize firefighter and public safety, protect private property, conserve 

and protect NCA resource values, and minimize overall suppression costs through planning 

and efficient management of tactical and human resources.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that affect the fire return intervals that influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives 

Employ rapid and appropriate suppression responses to minimize fire size and duration in the NCA.

Management Actions

In both the Beaver Dam 

Slope ACEC and the 

Washington County HCP 

Reserve, BLM will suppress 

wildfires in accordance with 

the guidelines in Fighting 

Wildfire in Desert Tortoise 

Habitat: Considerations for 

Land Managers, (T. Duck et 

al, 1994 – Desert Tortoise 

Council; International 

Symposium of Wildland Fire, 

1995). Generally, the guidelines call for applying the 

principle of “minimum tool.” 

Under this concept, BLM 

will use the least disruptive 

approach to initial attack and 

fire suppression needed to 

extinguish the fire and meet 

other resource objectives for 

the affected area. Qualified 

resource advisors will be onsite during fire suppression to 

guide firefighter activities so 

as to minimize harm

Conserve and protect unburned areas through appropriate fire suppression responses, while 

prioritizing firefighter and public safety and the protection of private property.

Utilize qualified Resource Advisors to guide suppression actions for all fires to help ensure 

that ecological systems and resource values are conserved and protected to the maximum 

extent possible.

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management
74 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 75

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize loss of top soil and soil crusts during restoration projects and ES&R actions.

In planning re-vegetation projects for disturbed and fire-damaged areas, identify desired plant communities and use ecologically sustainable methods that minimize new surface disturbances and impacts on other resource values of the NCA.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness 

of the treatments.

Conduct monitoring to evaluate effectiveness of re-vegetation and ES&R actions, as determined by the project-specific monitoring plans.

Management Actions

Site specific plans to identify 

desired plant communities, 

establish specific management objectives, and recommend practices to be 

employed to achieve desired 

results, where appropriate, 

will be prepared in collaboration with affected livestock 

operators, the Utah Division 

of Wildlife Resources, the 

Washington County Water 

Conservancy District, and 

other interested parties, agencies, or organizations.

Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

Maximize the use of microsites of fertile soils (“fertile islands”) and areas where biological soil 

crusts are regenerating.

Authorize the use of artificial water, carbon sequestration soil treatments, or other methods 

that have been shown to increase success of restoration efforts in desert ecosystems.

Authorize the inoculation of cryptogamic soil crust species or mycorrhizae to restore biological soil crusts and assist plant establishment.

The use and perpetuation 

of native plant species will 

be emphasized. However, 

when restoring or rehabilitating disturbed or degraded 

rangelands, nonintrusive and 

non-native species will be 

approved for use where native 

species:

a) Are not available;

b) Are not economically 

feasible; 

c) Cannot achieve ecological 

objectives as well as nonnative species; and/or

d) Cannot compete with already established non-native 

species.

Authorize the use of native 

seeds, plant materials, and 

native plant cultivars for 

re-vegetation efforts, in the 

following order of preference: 

1. Locally derived sources; 

2. Regionally derived sources.

Only authorize use of nonnative plant species when all 

the following criteria are met: 

a) Desired native species are 

not available;

b) The natural biological 

diversity of the treatment area 

would not be diminished;

c) Exotic and naturalized species can be confined within 

the treatment area; 

d) Restoration of native 

vegetation species would be 

facilitated by use of the nonnative species; 

Authorize the use of native 

seeds and plant materials 

from locally derived sources 

for re-vegetation efforts.

Authorize the use of native 

seeds, plant materials, and 

native plant cultivars for 

re-vegetation efforts, in the 

following order of preference:

1. Locally derived sources;

2. Regionally derived sources;

3. Native to the Mojave 

Desert ecoregion.

Only authorize use of nonnative plant species when the 

following criteria are met:

a) Desired native species are 

not available;

b) Exotic and naturalized 

species can be confined 

within the treatment area.

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Limit the size of prescriptive 

fires for research purposes to 

no more than one acre for all 

studies proposed under an 

NCA Research Permit.

Do not authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes in the NCA.

Limit the size of prescriptive 

fires for research purposes to 

no more than five acres for 

all studies proposed under an 

NCA Research Permit.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install one or more solar-powered weather stations in the NCA to 

collect data on temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, soil moisture, solar radiation, and other variables that could signal changing climatic conditions that influence wildfire 

frequency and severity.

ES&R ACTIONS AND OTHER NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITY RESTORATION

Goal

Biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem resilience are restored in disturbed and firedamaged native vegetation communities.

Objectives 

BLM will conduct rehabilitation of lands affected 

by wildfire in accordance 

with provisions of the approved Dixie Normal Fire 

Rehabilitation Plan (1997). 

Any rehabilitation will 

require site-specific analysis including full cultural 

resource inventories on lands 

to be disturbed and appropriate consultation. In all cases, 

BLM will apply standards 

and guidelines approved for 

various resources included 

in Utah BLM’s Standards 

for Rangeland Health and 

Guidelines for Grazing 

Management (SGFO RMP 

Appendix 3). Deference will 

be given to the use of least 

disruptive practices in areas 

being managed primarily for 

their natural values, including primitive recreation areas, 

designated wilderness areas, 

riparian zones, areas of critical environmental concern, 

and rivers recommended as 

suitable for inclusion in the 

National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System.

Species richness and landscape heterogeneity are re-established in disturbed and fire-damaged vegetation communities through restoration projects and post-fire ES&R actions.

Genetic integrity of native communities is protected by using source-identified seeds and 

other plant materials for restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Progress is made toward restoration of late successional shrublands, including Joshua trees 

and blackbrush.

Restoration methods employ the best available science relating to natural recovery patterns of 

native vegetation communities.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., role of 

soil crusts, gramnivores, herbivores), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., livestock grazing, recreation) that affect the re-establishment of native 

vegetation communities and that may influence climate change.
76 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 77

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-9

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, exhibits, demonstration treatment areas, websites) that inform visitors about vegetation/habitat 

restoration projects and ES&R actions.

Involve volunteers, school, youth and veterans groups, academic institutions, and partner 

organizations in restoration projects whenever feasible to increase public awareness and foster 

increased citizen stewardship of NCA lands and resources.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in areas to 

be re-vegetated. Incorporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies of the insect and avian pollinators that occur in the 

NCA and their role in the persistence and/or recovery of native species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to better understand the role of gramnivores (e.g., ants, birds, rodents, other small mammals) and herbivores in the persistence and/

or recovery of native species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to improve the success of re-vegetation techniques for late successional species in disturbed and fire-damaged vegetation 

communities.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop native plant materials and native plant 

cultivars that can quickly re-establish in fire-damaged arid lands and prevent infestations of 

noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop cost effective and ecologically sustainable biological methods to control or eradicate noxious weeds and invasive species.

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Monitor the timing, frequency, and intensity of fall precipitation events in the NCA, as these 

events can be used to predict high invasive annual grass production in the following spring 

that will fuel catastrophic wildfires during the summer months.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the carbon sequestration value of 

intact desert shrublands and the potential for restoration of degraded desert shrublands to be 

used to mitigate increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Table 2-9 Fire and Fuels Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Seed mixes used for rehabilitation will reflect a diversity 

of plant types suitable to the 

soils, climate, and landform 

of the area being restored. 

Mixes will be designed to 

meet a range of purposes 

appropriate for the land 

involved including wildlife, 

watershed, soil retention, 

livestock, and fire ecology.

e) Use of non-native species 

would benefit threatened, 

endangered species, including 

the desert tortoise.

Include a high proportion of early colonizing 

(early successional) annual and perennial species 

in seed mixes or plantings to 

quickly re-establish soil cover, 

minimize invasive species 

establishment, and facilitate 

the re-establishment of late 

successional species.

Include a high proportion 

of early colonizing (early 

successional) native annual 

and perennial species in 

seed mixes or plantings to 

quickly re-establish soil cover, 

minimize invasive species 

establishment, and facilitate 

the re-establishment of late 

successional species.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Include species in seed mixes 

or plantings that will function 

as “nurse” plants to facilitate 

the re-establishment of species (e.g., Joshua trees) that 

require shade during initial 

growth stages.

Include native species in seed 

mixes or plantings that will 

function as “nurse” plants to 

facilitate the re-establishment 

of species (e.g., Joshua trees) 

that require shade during 

initial growth stages.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. To implement seeding restoration, authorize the use 

of non-invasive (e.g., aerial 

applications, hand scattering, 

surface distribution of encapsulated seeds, mulching) and 

minimally invasive seeding 

(e.g., small seed drills, hand 

raking) methods, as well 

as plug plants, containerized plants, and other plant 

materials. 

To implement seeding 

restoration, authorize the 

use of non-invasive seeding 

methods (e.g., aerial applications, hand scattering, surface 

distribution of encapsulated 

seeds, mulching), as well 

as plug plants, containerized plants, and other plant 

materials.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. To protect seeds from 

rodents, birds, and other 

gramnivores, authorize the 

use of non-invasive (e.g., seed 

encapsulation, mulching) 

and minimally invasive (e.g., 

small seed drills, hand raking) seed protection methods.

To protect seeds from rodents, birds, and other gramnivores, authorize the use of 

non-invasive seed protection 

methods (e.g., seed encapsulation, mulching).

Evaluate the use of invasive 

seed protection methods 

(e.g., harrowing, chaining) 

outside of designated critical 

habitats on a case-by-case 

basis.

Authorize the use of such 

methods only when scientific 

research demonstrates that 

the benefits would clearly 

outweigh the negative effects 

on listed species, habitats, 

and other resource values.

No similar action. Authorize hand planting of plugs, other plant materials, and containerized plants for vegetation restoration and ES&R treatments.
78 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 79

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-10 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-10

Table 2-10 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Conduct monitoring and treat all weed infestations for a minimum of 5 years or until target 

species is eradicated.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Involve volunteers, youth and veterans groups, and diverse partner organizations in the identification and mapping of noxious weed and exotic invasive species infestations and in weed 

treatment projects that employ hand removal and hand tool methods.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop ecologically sustainable and cost-effective biological controls for noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to test the effectiveness of herbicides approved 

for use on public lands in the reduction of exotic invasive annual grasses in Mojave Desert 

communities.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the effects of changing precipitation 

patterns and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels on the spread and dominance of 

non-native invasive annual grasses in the Mojave Desert.

Table 2-10 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Ecological integrity of native vegetation communities is conserved, protected, and restored.

Objectives

In accordance with national 

and state policies, BLM will 

continue working with the 

Washington County Weed 

Supervisor through written 

agreement for the control of 

noxious weeds on and near 

public lands. In order to 

prevent the introduction and 

spread of noxious weed species, BLM will seek to develop 

partnerships with landowners, Washington County, state 

agencies, other federal land 

management agencies, and 

interested organizations. Such 

partnerships will formulate 

and analyze an integrated 

weed management approach 

to develop public awareness 

programs, establish weed 

management objectives and 

priorities, develop and apply 

common inventory techniques, implement approved 

treatments and control 

measures, and monitor and 

report results.

Infestations of noxious weeds and exotic invasive species are controlled and ultimately eradicated using Integrated Weed Management (IWM).

New infestations of noxious weeds and exotic invasive species are prevented through management actions and project design.

Ecologically sustainable and cost effective methods are employed for all IWM treatments.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles 

(e.g., seasonal precipitation), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., livestock grazing, recreation) 

that affect the establishment and proliferation of noxious weeds and invasive species, and alter 

the historic fire regime.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Employ weed prevention BMPs (Appendix F) as appropriate for surface-disturbing projects and activities.

Require the use of certified weed-free hay or other feed for livestock or recreational stock.

Require the use of certified weed-free mulch and seed for reclamation, restoration, and re-vegetation projects.

Management Actions

No similar action. Complete a systematic inventory of noxious weeds on public lands in the NCA.

Develop and maintain a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of all noxious weed 

and invasive species treatment projects conducted in the NCA.

Specific weed treatments 

will be determined by plant 

species, site characteristics, 

and management objectives. 

A combination of approaches 

may be employed to achieve 

the most environmentally sound results including mechanical, biological, 

and chemical techniques or 

changes in land use.

Authorize the use of biological controls, targeted grazing, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods for 

weed treatments, depending 

on target species, infestation 

level, site characteristics, 

and project scale (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method).

Authorize the use of hand 

removal methods for weed 

treatments (see Table 2-8 for 

descriptions of this method).

Authorize the use of biological controls, flaming, targeted 

grazing, hand removal, herbicide, mechanical methods, 

or a combination of methods 

for weed treatments, depending on target species, infestation level, site characteristics, 

and project scale (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method).

Table 2-10 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species
80 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 81

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-11 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-11

Table 2-11 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

place emphasis on nontortoise management (see Map 

2.9). Winter grazing on these 

allotments will continue in 

accordance with current 

grazing prescriptions from 

November 1 to March 15. 

Otherwise, grazing will be 

managed in accordance with 

the Desert Tortoise Recovery 

Plan, BLM’s Rangewide 

Desert Tortoise Plan, and 

other applicable studies.

Provide 3,099 initial AUMs 

of livestock forage within the 

NCA. AUM numbers may be 

adjusted depending on the 

results of ongoing rangeland 

monitoring.

Provide 3,099 initial AUMs 

of livestock forage within the 

NCA. AUM numbers may be 

adjusted depending on the 

results of ongoing rangeland 

monitoring.

(Map 2-1)

a) Beaver Dam Slope; 

b) Castle Cliffs;

c) Cedar Pocket; 

d) Scarecrow Peak.

Provide 1,861 initial Animal 

Unit Months (AUMs) of 

livestock forage through a 

reduction of permitted use to 

the 20 year average of actual 

use in the NCA. AUM numbers may be adjusted depending on the results of ongoing 

rangeland monitoring.

(Map 2-1)

a) Beaver Dam Slope;

b) Castle Cliffs; 

c) Cedar Pocket;

d) Scarecrow Peak;

e) Within designated critical 

habitat for the Mojave desert 

tortoise within the ROW corridor that bisects the NCA.

Eliminate 3,099 AUMs of 

livestock forage over the life 

of the RMP.

(Map 2-2)

a) Beaver Dam Slope; 

b) Castle Cliffs;

c) Cedar Pocket;

d) Scarecrow Peak.

Provide 3,099 initial AUMs 

of livestock forage within the 

NCA. AUM numbers may be 

adjusted depending on the 

results of ongoing rangeland 

monitoring.

(Map 2-1)

Spring grazing by livestock 

will be eliminated on those 

portions of the Castle Cliffs, 

Beaver Dam Slope, and 

Scarecrow Peak allotments 

within the ACEC except for 

the two special management 

areas recommended by the 

UDWR and the easternmost 

portion of the Woodbury 

Desert Study Area, which 

place emphasis on nontortoise management (see Map 

2.9). Winter grazing on these 

allotments will continue in 

accordance with current 

grazing prescriptions from 

November 1 to March 15. 

Otherwise, grazing will be 

managed in accordance with 

the Desert Tortoise Recovery 

Plan, BLM’s Rangewide 

Desert Tortoise Plan, and 

other applicable studies.

Manage these allotments with 

the following seasons of use:

a) Beaver Dam Slope:

22,363 acres: Nov 1—March 

15

8,112 acres: Nov 1—May 31

b) Castle Cliffs

3,209 acres: Nov 1—March 15

5,100 acres: Nov 1—May 31

c) Cedar Pocket 

2,079 acres: Oct 16—May 31

d) Scarecrow Peak

6,334 acres: Nov 1—March 15

14,795 acres: Nov 1—May 31

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-11 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Livestock grazing is managed in conformance with the mandates of OPLMA Section 1975 

(e) (4) and in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the ecological, scenic, wildlife, 

recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of the NCA.

Objectives

BLM objectives for grazing 

management on public lands 

throughout Washington 

County will be to:

a) Promote healthy, sustainable rangeland ecosystems 

that produce a wide range of 

public values such as wildlife 

habitat, livestock forage, recreation opportunities, clean 

water, and safe and functional 

watersheds;

b) Restore and improve 

public rangelands to properly 

functioning condition, where 

needed;

c) Provide for the sustainability of the BLM objectives for 

grazing management western 

livestock industry and communities that are dependent 

upon productive, healthy 

rangelands;

d) Ensure that public land 

users and stakeholders have a 

meaningful voice in establishing policy and managing 

public rangelands.

Manage livestock grazing to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mojave Desert and Great 

Basin ecosystems and to promote the resilience and survival of native vegetation communities 

under predicted climate change scenarios.

Manage livestock grazing to achieve Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D) for upland 

and riparian vegetation communities, by adjusting use levels, timing and intensity of grazing, 

and by developing improvement and restoration projects.

Management Guidance Common To All Alternatives

The Woodbury Desert Study Area (approximately 1,063 acres in the Castle Cliffs Allotment) would remain unavailable for 

livestock grazing over the life of the RMP.

Conversions of types of livestock from cattle to sheep or other kind of livestock will not be authorized.

Management Actions

Spring grazing by livestock 

will be eliminated on those 

portions of the Castle Cliffs, 

Beaver Dam Slope, and 

Scarecrow Peak allotments 

within the ACEC except for 

the two special management 

areas recommended by the 

UDWR and the easternmost 

portion of the Woodbury 

Desert Study Area, which

Continue to make 61,995 

acres of the following allotments available for livestock 

grazing within the NCA:

Make 61,995 acres of the 

following allotments unavailable for livestock grazing 

within NCA over the life of 

the RMP:

Continue to make 61,995 

acres of the following allotments available for livestock 

grazing within the NCA:

Table 2-11 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

AHorse

Ca

nyon

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

s

t

M

o

u

n

t

a

in

Peak

Canyon

Indian

H

e

ll

H

o

le

Pa

s

s

C

a

s

t

le

C

li

ff

Bulldog Knolls

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

e

x

M

i

n

e

U

ta

h

Hill

B

u

l

l

d

o

g

C a n y o n

B

u

ll

do

g

Pa

s

s

P

ow

e

rl

i

n

e

Sc

a

re

c

ro

w

Pe

a

k

Catclaw

Canyon

T

4

0

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

3

S

R 20 W

R 19 W

M

O

J

AV

E

DESERT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Ja

c

ks

o

n

Sp

r

ing

Wash

Jackson

We

l

l

B

a

dge

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Reber

Wa

s

h

R

e

b

e

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Cra

zy

Sp

r

i

n

g

Sa

m

Sp

r

i

n

g

Mi

d

dl

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

In

d

i

a

n

Spring

G

r

ap

e

v

i

n

e

Spring

We

lc

o

m

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Burgess

Creek

Welcome

Castle

Cliff

WashSummi

t

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Pa

h

c

o

o

n

Sp

r

i

n

g

P a h c

o

o n

S p

r

i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

Ik

ToSt.George,

Utah

ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

Beaver

DamSlope

Allotment

CastleCliff

Allotment

Scarecrow

Peak

Allotment

Cedar

Pockets

Allotment

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018W

t

LivestockGrazing

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeA(NoAction),B,D

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

AvailableforGrazingwithSeasonofUse11/1-5/31

AvailableforGrazingwithSeasonofUse10/16-5/31

AvailableforGrazingwithSeasonofUse11/16-5/31

UnavailableforGrazing

AllotmentManagedbyAZStripFieldOffice

Fence

GrazingPastureBoundary

GrazingAllotmentBoundary

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

AvailableforGrazingwithSeasonofUse11/16to3/15

AvailableforGrazingwithSeasonofUse11/1to3/15

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

A

Canyon

Pe

a

k

Jackso

n

Gulch

Po

t

t

e

rs

Pe

a

k

L

a

n

d

i

n

g

S

t

r

i

p

Hollow

Red

Ho

rse

Ca

nyo

n

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

s

t

M

o

u

n

ta

in

Peak

Canyon

Indian

He

ll

H

o

le

Pas

s

Ca

s

tle

Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

B U L L Jackso

n

Pe

a

k

S

q

u

a

re

To

p

Mo

u

n

ta

in

Miners

Canyon

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

e

x

M

i

n

e

Ja

r

vis

Peak

Ut

a

h

Hill

B

u

l

l

d

o

g

C a n y o n

B

ull

d

o

g

Pa

s

s

Pow

e

rl

i

n

e

Mine

Horse

Canyon

Sc

a

re

c

ro

w

Pe

a

k

Catclaw

Canyon

T

3

9

S

T

4

0

S T 4

0

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

3

S

R 20 W

R 19 W

1

3

5

9

1

3

8

1

M

O

J

AV

E

DES

E

RT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

Ca

n

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Beaver Dam

East

Fork

We

l

l

Be

n

t

ley

Sp

r

i

n

g

Bentley

Wash

Sp

r

i

ng

Wash

Ja

c

ks

o

n

Sp

r

i

ng

Co

l

e

Spring

Wash

Jackson

We

l

l

Ba

dge

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Reber

Wa

s

h

Re

b

e

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Cr

azy

Sp

r

i

n

g

Sa

m

Sp

r

i

n

g

Mi

ddle

Sp

r

i

n

g

In

di

a

n

Spring

G

r

ap

e

v

i

n

e

Spring

We

l

c

o

m

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Burgess

Creek

Welcome

Castle

Cliff

WashSummi

t

Sp

r

i

n

g

Qu

a

i

l

Sp

r

i

n

g

Toblin

Grapevine Grap

e

v

i

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e

Sp

r

i

ng

Sp

r

i

n

g

O

a

k

P

a

t

c

h

Sp

r

i

n

g

Limekil

Ma

nga

n

n

es

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Manganese Rods Spring

Wash

Wash

We

l

l

We

ll

Pa

h

c

o

o

n

Sp

r

i

n

g

P a h c o

o

n

S p

r

i n g

W a s h

Cedar

Pockets Wash

D

o

dge

Sp

r

i

ng

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

ToSt.George,

Utah

ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

Beaver

DamSlope

Allotment

CastleCliff

Allotment

Scarecrow

Peak

Allotment

Cedar

Pockets

Allotment

T 039 S T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

t

UnavailableforGrazing

AllotmentManagedbyAZStripFieldOffice

Fence

GrazingPastureBoundary

GrazingAllotmentBoundary

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

LivestockGrazing

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeC

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

82 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 83

MAP 2-1 MAP 2-2
84 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 85

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-11 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-11

Table 2-11 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

water sources, and construction of drift or pasture fences.

Changes in Kind of Livestock:

Conversions of kinds of livestock from cattle to sheep will 

not be allowed where BLM, 

in consultation with the 

UDWR, determines that such 

will jeopardize the health or 

viability of existing herds of 

desert bighorn sheep in the 

Beaver Dam Mountains.

Same as Alternative A. Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative A.

Recreation Facilities:

No similar action. Exclude trailheads, developed 

campgrounds, and other recreation and visitor facilities 

from permitted grazing use.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on increasing public understanding 

of the history of livestock grazing in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for 

scientific studies developed 

to understand the effects of 

livestock grazing on native 

vegetation community recovery after wildfires.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-11 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Establish grazing utilization 

levels at 40% of current year’s 

growth on allotments in designated critical habitat for the 

desert tortoise.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Establish grazing utilization 

levels at 45% of current year’s 

growth on allotments in designated critical habitat for the 

desert tortoise.

Rangelands that have been 

burned, reseeded, or otherwise treated to alter vegetative 

composition will be closed to 

livestock grazing as follows:

a) Burned rangelands, whether by wildfire or prescribed 

burning, will be ungrazed for 

a minimum of one complete 

growing season following the 

burn; 

b) Rangelands that have 

been reseeded or otherwise 

chemically or mechanically 

treated will be ungrazed for 

a minimum of two complete 

growing seasons following 

treatment.

Temporarily exclude livestock 

grazing from all vegetation 

restoration and ES&R project 

areas until monitoring indicates that identified resource 

goals and objectives have 

been met.

Use fencing, closures (e.g., 

of pastures, portions of the 

allotment, or the entire allotment), grazing rest/rotation 

systems, or other methods 

that will achieve the goal of 

protecting the project areas 

from grazing impacts.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. When grazing permits and 

preference are voluntarily 

relinquished, the allotment 

or portion of the allotment 

associated with the permits 

within the NCA would no 

longer be available for livestock grazing over the life of 

the RMP.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

No similar action.

Implementation Decisions

No similar action. Complete new Allotment 

Management Plans for the 

Beaver Dam Slope, Castle 

Cliffs, and Scarecrow Peak 

Allotments within 5 years of 

approval of the NCA Record 

of Decision and RMP.

Public lands within the NCA 

would be unavailable to grazing over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Range Developments:

Rangeland projects may be 

developed where assessments 

show the need to improve 

livestock management by 

establishing proper livestock 

control or distribution. 

Projects may include installation of cattle guards, development or reconstruction of

Only authorize the development of new range developments when these would 

further the purposes of the 

NCA and benefit diverse 

resource values (e.g., wildlife, 

recreational use).

Remove range improvements 

that do not further the purposes of the NCA nor benefit 

diverse resource values (e.g., 

wildlife, recreational use).

Same as Alternative B.
86 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 87

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-12 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-12

Table 2-12 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

A biologically diverse landscape is conserved, protected, and restored to support a variety of 

habitats and native plant and animal species.

Objectives

BLM’s objective for forestry 

management is to provide 

woodland products on a 

sustained yield basis to meet 

local needs where such use 

does not limit the accomplishment of goals for the 

management of other important resources. Where feasible, harvest of forest products 

will be encouraged in areas of 

proposed or existing vegetative treatments to lessen the 

need for additional treatment 

or land disturbance.

Manage harvesting and use of woodland products, native plants, and plant materials to conserve biological diversity and further restoration goals for native vegetation communities and 

species habitats.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Fees or permits would not be required for the collection of small quantities of pinyon pine seeds (pine nuts) for non-commercial personal use.

Management Actions

Fuelwood and Post Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Closed to Fuelwood Harvest: 

Beaver Dam Slope ACEC 

(45,822 acres), Beaver Dam 

Wash riparian area, Critical 

Habitat-Mojave Desert 

Tortoise.

Do not authorize commercial or non-commercial fuelwood or post harvesting in the NCA.

Christmas Tree Harvesting for Commercial or Non-Commercial Purposes:

Christmas tree sales will not 

be permitted in areas closed 

to fuelwood sales as depicted 

in Table 2-8.

Do not authorize commercial or non-commercial Christmas tree harvesting in the NCA.

Campfire Materials:

On-site use of dead and down 

fuelwood for campfires will 

be allowed except where 

otherwise prohibited by 

planning decision or permit 

stipulations.

Allow the on-site use of 

dead and down materials for 

campfires, except in riparian 

areas.

Do not allow on-site use of 

dead and down materials for 

campfires.

Require that visitors provide fuelwood for use in 

campfires.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-12 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Native Seed Harvesting for Commercial or Non-Commercial Purposes:

Closed to commercial 

and non-commercial seed 

harvests: Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC (45,822 acres), Critical 

habitats for special status 

species-Mojave desert tortoise (50,908 acres).

Do not authorize native seed harvesting for commercial or non-commercial purposes in the 

NCA.

No similar action. Authorize native seed collection for scientific research through an NCA Scientific Research 

Permit.

No similar action. Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and within 

adjacent areas of the northeastern Mojave Desert in 

southwestern Utah.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

studies and for restoration 

projects to be completed 

within the NCA.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and adjacent 

areas within the northeast 

Mojave Desert of southwestern Utah, Arizona, and 

Nevada.

Native Desert Vegetation Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Because demand will rapidly 

exhaust the available supply, 

desert vegetation sales will 

be limited to designated salvage areas only. These areas 

typically include lands under 

construction for ROWs or 

other projects undertaken or 

approved by BLM.

Do not authorize the commercial harvesting, removal, salvage, and/or sale of native desert 

vegetation (e.g., cacti, succulents, other native species) in the NCA.

Exceptions will be made for...

the collection of vegetative 

products for Native American 

ceremonial or religious purposes, excluding federallylisted species.

Authorize the individual collection of native plant materials (excluding all federally-listed native plant species) by Native Americans for religious, ceremonial, and traditional purposes.

Native Seed, Plants, and Plant Material Collection for Research, Conservation, and Restoration:

Exceptions will be made for...

the collection of vegetative 

products for Native American 

ceremonial or religious purposes, excluding federallylisted species.

Authorize collection of native seeds, plants, seedlings, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for scientific research through an NCA Scientific Research Permit and a Utah 

BLM Specimen Collection permit, where required.

No similar action. Authorize the collection of native seeds, seedlings, plants, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and future use in restoration projects. Seed collection 

will follow the Seeds for Success Protocol, in partnership with the Great Basin and Mojave 

Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological soil crust communities 

will follow the best available protocols. 

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

Table 2-12 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials
88 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 89

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-12 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-13

Table 2-13 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for listed species are conserved, protected, and restored to support viable populations 

that no longer require listing protection under the ESA.

Habitats for species proposed, petitioned, or candidates for listing under the ESA are managed, conserved, protected, and restored to support viable populations, precluding the need 

to list species.

Objectives

BLM will manage public 

lands to meet the goals and 

objectives of recovery plans, 

conservation agreements 

and strategies, approved 

activity level plans, and the 

Washington County HCP 

Implementation Agreement 

related to the recovery of 

special status animals in 

Washington County. As 

part of its plan implementation, BLM will work with its 

partners to promote public 

education on species at risk, 

significance to the human 

and biological communities, 

and reasons for protective 

measures that will be applied 

to the lands involved. BLM’s 

objective will be to collaboratively manage habitat for 

federally-listed species so 

as to achieve recovery and 

delisting. Approved recovery 

plans will guide management 

decisions. Recovery plan 

actions already implemented 

will be evaluated for effectiveness in achieving desired 

effects and revised where 

studies show objectives have 

not been met. BLM will also 

collaborate with appropriate 

local, state, and federal agencies in the management of 

habitat for nonlisted special 

status animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Upland vegetation communities provide high quality forage or a high quality prey base, as 

well as cover, shade, and breeding areas that will sustain viable populations of biologically 

diverse terrestrial and aquatic species.

Riparian areas and natural water sources provide high quality habitat, thereby sustaining viable populations of biologically diverse terrestrial and aquatic species.

Habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors are conserved, protected, and 

restored to support species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing 

climate conditions.

Management of discretionary activities does not contribute to the need to list candidate or 

proposed species under the ESA.

Public awareness of special status species is enhanced through education, interpretation, and 

volunteer opportunities that further species conservation and habitat restoration.

Research is supported that increases the knowledge of threatened and endangered species that 

inhabit the NCA and the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-12 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and within 

adjacent areas of the northeastern Mojave Desert in 

southwestern Utah.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

studies and for restoration 

projects to be completed 

within the NCA.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and adjacent 

areas within the northeast 

Mojave Desert of southwestern Utah, Arizona, and 

Nevada.

No similar action. Authorize the collection of 

native seedlings, plants, cuttings, and biological soil crust 

materials for restoration projects on public lands within 

the NCA and within adjacent 

areas of the northeastern 

Mojave Desert in southwestern Utah.

Authorize the collection 

of native seedlings, plants, 

cuttings, and biological soil 

crust materials for restoration projects to be completed 

within the NCA.

Authorize the collection 

of native seedlings, plants, 

cuttings, and biological soil 

crust restoration projects on 

public lands within the NCA 

and adjacent areas within the 

northeast Mojave Desert of 

southwestern Utah, Arizona, 

and Nevada.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites, educational programs, school curriculum) that focus on increasing public understanding of research related to the development of improved plant materials and restoration 

techniques for arid lands. 

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to improve the success of re-vegetation techniques for late successional species in disturbed and fire damaged vegetation 

communities.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop native plant materials and native plant 

cultivars that can quickly re-establish in fire-damaged arid lands and prevent infestations of 

noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Table 2-13 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Species Proposed for 

Listing under ESA
90 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 91

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-13 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-13

Table 2-13 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Only authorize new land uses in special status species habitats if reasonable alternative locations outside of these habitats do not exist and impacts to habitats can be avoided or appropriately mitigated.

Maintain habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors through project 

placement, design, and permit stipulations to support special status species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

Public Education and Interpretation

As part of its plan implementation, BLM will work with 

its partners to promote public 

education on species at risk, 

significance to the human 

and biological communities, 

and reasons for protective 

measures that will be applied 

to the lands involved.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about appropriate land use etiquette and the need to protect 

populations and habitats for terrestrial and aquatic species that are listed or proposed for listing under the protection of the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about terrestrial and aquatic special status species, their evolutionary adaptations to an arid landscape where surface water is limited, and the factors that have 

contributed to the need to list these species under the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about the rich biodiversity created by the convergence of the 

Mojave Desert and Great Basin ecosystems that can be experienced in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the habitat value of native vegetation 

communities of different successional stages for diverse wildlife species to improve habitat 

protection and restoration project planning for special status species.

Table 2-13 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations that apply to public lands from USFWS-approved 

Recovery Plans, Biological Opinions issued under Section 7 of the ESA. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions 

through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Continue active management programs to inventory, monitor, protect, and restore habitats for special status species, to control detrimental non-native species, and to re-establish extirpated populations, as necessary, to maintain the unique ecosystem 

biodiversity of NCA.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on critical habitats and listed species populations that may result from land uses and authorized activities.

Management Actions

Population Management:

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of special status 

species populations into current or historic habitats in the NCA, in coordination with USFWS 

and UDWR, to assist recovery and delisting of threatened or endangered species and preclude 

the need to list other at-risk species.

Monitor the long term success of population management actions and use Adaptive 

Management Strategies to improve desired outcomes.

In collaboration with affected 

state and federal agencies, 

predator control in either 

area may be allowed using 

techniques designed to control target species only. This 

will reduce the loss of hatchlings and juvenile tortoises to 

predators such as coyotes and 

ravens.

Collaborate with USFWS, UDWR, and appropriate United States Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) agencies on predator control, if other management actions have not been successful 

in reducing documented predation levels that have been shown to be measurably impacting 

the recovery of viable populations of listed species. Require the development of target speciesspecific predator control plans supported by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and 

need for action, designate specific goals to be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most 

ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish those goals.

Habitat Management:

No similar action. Suppress wildfires in special status species habitats using tactics that minimize fire size, 

impacts on species populations, native vegetation communities, and other ecosystem components, while ensuring that firefighter safety and private property are given highest priority.

Prioritize habitat restoration projects and post-fire ES&R treatments as follows:

1. Designated critical habitats for federally-listed threatened and endangered species;

2. Habitats for candidate and proposed species for listing under ESA.

No similar action. Manage livestock grazing to 

avoid impacts on special status species through seasonof-use restrictions or other 

modifications to livestock 

grazing systems.

NCA would be unavailable 

for livestock grazing over the 

life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Do not authorize recreational activities or uses in areas where special status species habitats 

may be degraded by these authorizations.
92 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 93

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-14 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-14

Table 2-14 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and Other Riparian-Dependent 

Special Status Bird Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the riparian areas and the diverse avian species that depend 

upon this habitat.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, youth groups, and citizen scientists to assist with collecting observations of southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and 

other riparian-obligate avian species in the NCA along Beaver Dam Wash.

Table 2-14 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and Other Riparian-Dependent 

Special Status Bird Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and yellow-billed cuckoo 

(Coccyzus americanus occidentalis) populations that utilize habitats in the NCA would be 

stable or increasing, helping to meet recovery and delisting goals for each species.

Objectives

BLM will protect potential 

flycatcher habitat through 

implementation of land use 

prescriptions for riparian 

resources described earlier 

in this Plan. Among other 

things, the prescriptions will 

allow no surface occupancy 

for fluid mineral leasing, 

limit off-road travel, discourage ROW construction, and 

prohibit sales of fuelwood 

and mineral materials. The 

prescriptions also call for 

retention and acquisition of 

prospective habitat.

Riparian habitats along Beaver Dam Wash and elsewhere in the NCA would include the 

vegetative species diversity, density, and canopy cover required to provide suitable habitat for 

southwestern willow flycatchers.

Cottonwood gallery forests along Beaver Dam Wash would provide suitable habitat for 

yellow-billed cuckoos.

Riparian areas would be in proper functioning condition and provide adequate foraging, 

roosting, and nesting sites for riparian-obligate special status avian species.

Research is supported that increases baseline data related to riparian-obligate avian species 

that utilize the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management of riparian habitat would be consistent with the Final Recovery Plan: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 

(Empidonax traillii extimus) (USFWS 2002) and the Biological Opinion issued by USFWS for the Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

Proposed RMP.

Management Actions

Where known active nest sites 

are located on public lands, 

BLM will implement seasonal 

closures for the period of 

April 1 to August 30 within 

0.5 mile of nests for discretionary permits authorizing 

construction or other disruptive activity.

In conjunction with affected 

partners and landowners, 

BLM will help identify desired 

plant communities needed to 

support viable flycatcher habitat. Where consistent with 

USFWS consultations, BLM 

will work with its partners in 

reestablishing desirable plant 

species, including willow and 

cottonwood, for long-term 

habitat enhancement and 

removal of undesired species 

in selected areas.

Maintain a database of observations of southwestern willow flycatchers and yellow-billed 

cuckoos.

Develop maps of potential habitats for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed 

cuckoo that include location, size, shape, spacing, and condition of habitat areas.

Manage potential habitat for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoos to allow natural regeneration into suitable habitat as rapidly as natural conditions allow.

Manage suitable habitat for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoos to conserve and protect its suitability for nesting, foraging, and occupancy.

Monitor changes in the relative abundance, health, reproductive success, and distribution of 

populations, in partnership with USFWS and UDWR.

Authorize the translocation, and population augmentation of southwestern willow flycatcher 

and yellow-billed cuckoos, in consultation with USFWS and UDWR.

Table 2-14 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and Other Riparian-Dependent 

Special Status Bird Species
94 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 95

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-15 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-16

Table 2-16 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations in the NCA have made measurable progress 

toward meeting the recovery goals, objectives, and identified criteria for viable populations 

established by Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 1994) and the Revised 

Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011).

Objectives

BLM will work collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to accomplish 

the goals and the objectives 

of the Washington County 

HCP and Red Cliffs Desert 

Reserve. Major goals include 

the preservation and protection of the desert tortoise and 

its habitat so as to achieve 

full recovery of the tortoise as 

well as their listed or sensitive species found within the 

Upper Virgin River Recovery 

Unit.

Land uses and authorized activities are managed to conserve, protect, and restore habitats to 

meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover), reproductive, and home range requirements of 

viable desert tortoise populations.

Ecologically intact core areas of designated critical habitat are conserved and protected from 

fragmentation and loss of native vegetation communities through appropriate land use allocations and management actions across BLM programs.

Ecological integrity of damaged native vegetation communities is restored through appropriate re-vegetation methods and the control and eradication of noxious weeds and non-native 

invasive species.

Land uses and authorized activities are managed so that habitats provide ecological diversity 

and connectivity to create genetic resilience for desert tortoise populations under changing 

climatic conditions.

Research is supported that increases the knowledge of Mojave desert tortoise life histories and 

population dynamics in the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations identified in the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave 

Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011), as well as the terms and conditions from the Biological Opinions for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA to assist recovery and delisting of the desert tortoise. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Install tortoise barrier fencing along U.S. Highway 91 or other heavily traveled public use roadways in the NCA to minimize 

tortoise injuries and mortalities caused by motorized vehicles.

Coordinate with Washington County to post speed limits on heavily traveled public use roads where tortoise barrier fencing 

has not been installed to minimize tortoise injuries and mortalities caused by motorized vehicles.

Management Actions

Population Management:

In collaboration with affected 

state and federal agencies, 

predator control in either 

area may be allowed using 

techniques designed to control target species only. This 

will reduce the loss of hatchlings and juvenile tortoises to 

predators such as coyotes and 

ravens.

Authorize the translocation and population augmentation of desert tortoises in consultation 

with USFWS and UDWR.

Monitor changes in the relative abundance, health, reproductive success, and distribution of 

tortoise populations, in partnership with USFWS and UDWR.

Collaborate with USFWS, UDWR, and appropriate USDA agencies on predator control if 

other management actions have not been successful in reducing documented predation levels 

that have been shown to be measurably impacting the recovery of viable desert tortoise populations. Require the development of target species-specific predator control plans supported 

by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and need for action, designate specific goals to 

be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish 

those goals.

Table 2-15 Special Status Bird Species: California Condor

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) populations that may utilize habitats in the 

NCA would be stable or increasing, helping to meet recovery and delisting goals for this 

species.

Objectives

No similar action. Native vegetation communities and riparian areas sustain potential roosting sites and a high 

quality prey base for California condors.

Environmental hazards that may affect California condors are reduced or eliminated.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management of habitat would be consistent with the Recovery Plan for the California Condor (USFWS 1996) and Biological 

Opinions issued by USFWS.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and supplemental releases of California condors 

into historic habitats in coordination with USFWS.

Maintain a database of observations of California condors and their prey, should they be 

observed using the NCA.

Coordinate with partners (e.g., UDWR, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife 

Federation) to promote the use of non-lead ammunition in the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about California condors and the captive breeding and release 

programs ongoing on public lands on the Arizona Strip.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform hunters about the need to use non-lead ammunition to minimize impacts 

on California condors and other predators and scavengers.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about the need to pack out food wastes and litter that may cause 

choking and death when consumed by condors.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, youth groups, and citizen scientists to assist with collecting observations of California condors in the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, 

natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence the prey base of condors under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-15 Special Status Bird Species: California Condor Table 2-16 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise
96 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 97

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-16 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-16

Table 2-16 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

population trends, tortoise 

health, vegetation condition 

and trend, and other factors 

needed to assess the effectiveness of management actions. 

Where it is determined that 

recovery objectives are not 

being met, BLM will work 

with its interested partners 

to determine the cause of 

such failure and to adjust its 

management prescriptions 

accordingly.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the effects of predicted higher winter 

temperatures on desert tortoise hibernation patterns, using observed changes as an indicator 

to monitor climate change.

Table 2-16 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Habitat Conservation, Protection, and Restoration:

No similar action. Prioritize the acquisition of non-federal lands or interests in critical tortoise habitat within the 

NCA boundaries from willing land owners through purchase, exchange, or donation. 

Whenever possible, acquire both surface and subsurface rights to avoid the creation of split 

estates.

Acquire conservation easements when such interest would further the goals of recovery and 

delisting of the desert tortoise or other at-risk species.

Prioritize conservation and protection of critical habitat through firebreaks, appropriate wildfire suppression responses, and control or eradication of noxious weeds and invasive species.

Establish monitoring plots and conduct long-term monitoring using desired plant species 

frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness of the vegetation restoration projects.

Require reclamation for activities that result in the loss or degradation of tortoise habitat. 

Good quality habitat would be restored to as close to pre-disturbance conditions as practicable. Damaged habitats would be improved to good quality through restoration, wherever 

practicable. Additional mitigation measures may be included in decision documents to offset 

the loss of quality and quantity of tortoise habitat.

Authorized actions that may result in adverse effects (“incidental take”) of desert tortoises 

would require implementation of project stipulations including personnel education programs, pre-construction clearances, operational restrictions, and procedures for moving 

tortoise out of harm’s way.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will also work with state 

and local agencies, school 

districts, and interested 

citizen groups to develop 

educational programs to 

increase public awareness of 

habitat requirements, desert 

ecosystems, reasons for 

protective management, and 

other factors related to species recovery.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about Mojave Desert species, their evolutionary adaptations to 

an arid landscape where surface water is limited, and the factors that have contributed to the 

need to list these species under the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate land use etiquette and the need to protect populations and habitats for desert tortoises and other Mojave Desert wildlife. Encourage public 

land users to pack out food scraps and litter that will attract predators that prey on tortoises, 

particularly juveniles.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about the rich biodiversity of the NCA created by the convergence 

of the Mojave Desert and Great Basin ecosystems.

Scientific Research

BLM will continue to authorize and support research 

needed to determine habitat 

requirements, causes of increased mortality, and other 

essential factors related to the 

management of the desert 

tortoise and its eventual 

recovery. BLM will also collaborate with the UDWR, the 

USFWS, university researchers, and other interested 

parties in developing and 

implementing monitoring 

studies that will evaluate

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the level and effects of predation on 

desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the effects of intensive non-motorized 

recreation on desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the relative abundance of desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine age classes, gender ratios, and the 

health of desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the effects of livestock grazing on 

tortoise populations and post-fire native vegetation community recovery.
98 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 99

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-17 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-17

Table 2-17 BLM Sensitive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Habitat Conservation, Protection, and Restoration:

No similar action. Only authorize new land uses in sensitive species habitats if reasonable alternative locations 

outside of these habitats do not exist and impacts to species populations and habitats can be 

mitigated.

Maintain habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors through project 

placement, design, and permit stipulations to support sensitive species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

Public Education and Outreach

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about sensitive species, their evolutionary adaptations, and the 

factors that have contributed to declining populations.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the relative abundance of sensitive 

species populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine age classes, gender ratios, and the 

health of sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the level and effects of predation on 

sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to establish a long-term monitoring program to detect changes in seasonal migrations patterns (arrival and departure dates) of selected migratory bird species as 

potential indicators of climate change.

Table 2-17 BLM Sensitive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for aquatic and terrestrial BLM sensitive species support viable, self-sustaining populations that do not require listing under the ESA.

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed to conserve, protect, and restore habitats to meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover), reproductive, and home range 

requirements of sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Ecologically intact core areas of sensitive species habitats are conserved and protected from 

fragmentation and loss of native vegetation communities through appropriate management 

actions across all BLM programs.

Ecological integrity of damaged native vegetation communities is restored, through appropriate re-vegetation methods and control and eradication of noxious weeds and invasive nonnative species.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed so that habitats provide ecological diversity and connectivity to create resiliency for sensitive species populations under 

changing climate conditions.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to sensitive species 

that occupy and/or utilize the NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of habitats for at-risk species under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations that apply to public lands from Executive Orders, 

Conservation Agreements and Strategies, and BLM policies. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Continue active management programs to inventory, monitor, protect, and restore habitats for sensitive species, control detrimental non-native species, and re-establish extirpated populations, as necessary, to maintain biodiversity.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on critical habitats as a result of land uses, 

authorized activities, and habitat restoration actions.

Management Actions

Population Management:

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of native sensitive 

species into historical and current habitats, in consultation with UDWR, to restore populations and enhance or maintain current populations, distributions, and genetic diversity.

Monitor the long term success of the population actions and use Adaptive Management 

Strategies to improve desired outcomes.

Monitor changes in relative abundance and distribution of sensitive species populations in the 

NCA, in partnership with UDWR.

Collaborate with UDWR and appropriate USDA agencies on predator control, if other 

management actions have not been successful in reducing documented predation levels that 

have been shown to be measurably impacting the recovery of viable populations of sensitive 

species. Require the development of target species-specific predator control plans, supported 

by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and need for action, designate specific goals to 

be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish 

those goals.

Table 2-17 BLM Sensitive Species
100 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 101

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-18 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-18

Table 2-18 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

b) Eradicate exotic fish species in selected reaches;

c) Reintroduce desired native 

fish species;

d) Restore degraded habitats;

e) Implement controls over 

conflicting land use;

f) Reestablish instream population maintenance flows 

through agreements and other appropriate mechanisms.

Monitor land uses and authorized activities in Beaver Dam Wash, such as livestock grazing, 

recreation, and casual prospecting, that have the potential to degrade water quality, damage riparian vegetation, and collapse stream banks that provide shade and cover for aquatic 

species.

Restrict, modify, or eliminate any land uses and authorized activities that are shown to degrade aquatic habitat in the Beaver Dam Wash.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and along 

Beaver Dam Wash within the NCA (e.g., trailhead kiosks) that educate visitors about Virgin 

spinedace and desert sucker, their evolutionary adaptations, and the factors that are contributing to declining populations.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to increase the amount of baseline data and scientific knowledge related 

to the specific habitat requirements of native fish of Beaver Dam Wash.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to collect data on changing precipitation patterns in the Beaver Dam 

Wash watershed that have the potential to impact aquatic habitats under predicted climate 

change scenarios.

Table 2-18 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Aquatic habitats in Beaver Dam Wash support stable or increasing populations of BLM 

sensitive fish species including Virgin spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis) and desert sucker 

(Catostomus clarki), helping to ensure that neither of these species requires listing under the 

ESA.

Objectives

Management of public 

land habitat for listed and 

sensitive fish species in the 

Virgin River and associated 

tributaries will be guided 

by the 1995 Virgin River 

Fishes Recovery Plan and 

the 1995 Virgin Spinedace 

Conservation Agreement and 

Strategy. Implementation of 

the plan and the strategy has 

been underway since their 

respective approvals and will 

continue in collaboration 

with the UDWR, the USFWS, 

the Washington County 

Water Conservancy District, 

and other interested local, 

state, and federal entities. The 

overriding goal is to achieve 

recovery of the species to allow downlisting and eventual 

delisting of the two endangered fish and to eliminate 

the need for listing of the 

spinedace. Objectives include 

eliminating significant threats 

to the fish and their habitats 

and to stabilize and enhance 

specific reaches of occupied 

and historic habitat.

Aquatic habitat in the Beaver Dam Wash on public lands provides interspersed pools, runs, 

and riffles of clear, cool water of sufficient quality and quantity to support viable populations 

of Virgin spinedace and desert sucker.

Non-native invasive fish species are eradicated in Beaver Dam Wash.

Research is supported that increases baseline data related to Virgin River native fish in the 

NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of aquatic habitats for at-risk species 

under predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management actions will be guided by the Virgin River Fishes Recovery Plan (USFWS 1995), Virgin River Resource 

Management Plan and Recovery Program (USFWS 2000) and Fish and Wildlife 2000: Special Status Fish Habitat Management 

(BLM 1991).

Management Actions

BLM will provide appropriate support to active partners 

in the Virgin River Fishes 

Recovery Team in implementing the following measures called for in the plans: 

a) Monitor fish populations 

and habitat conditions;

Assist with monitoring efforts for Virgin spinedace and desert sucker populations in cooperation with UDWR and the partners of the Virgin River Recovery Program.

Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of Virgin spinedace and desert sucker into suitable habitats in the NCA.

Assist with eradication of non-native invasive fish species in cooperation with UDWR and the 

partners of the Virgin River Recovery Program.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands within the NCA that would benefit the conservation, 

protection, and restoration of aquatic habitats. 

Table 2-18 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species
102 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 103

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-19 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-19

Table 2-19 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for monitoring and research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence the prey base of 

raptors under predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-19 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Diverse raptor populations that utilize the NCA are viable or increasing and do not require 

listing under the ESA. BLM sensitive raptor species present in the NCA include: bald eagle 

(Haliaeetus leucocephalus), burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), ferruginous hawk (Buteo 

regalis), northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), and short eared owl (Asio flammeus).

Objectives

BLM will continue to implement recovery plans for the 

federally-listed species and 

collaborate with the UDWR 

and interested conservation 

groups in conducting inventories, protecting nest sites 

and aeries, and preserving 

associated habitats.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed to conserve, protect, and 

restore habitats to meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover/perching), reproductive, and 

home range requirements of diverse species of raptors.

Habitats for raptors provide high quality roosting and nesting sites and diverse prey base, 

thereby sustaining viable populations of these species.

Environmental hazards that could impact raptors are minimized.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of raptors and the prey base that they utilize in the NCA.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Monitor potential habitat for raptors and maintain a database of raptor observations.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of bald eagles, 

ferruginous hawks, northern goshawks, and short eared owls where doing so would not be 

detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Authorize the population augmentation of burrowing owls and the installation of artificial 

nest burrows where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Maintain a geospatially linked database of observations of diverse raptors and their prey.

Coordinate with partners (e.g., UDWR, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife 

Federation) to promote the use of non-lead ammunition in the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate the public about raptors and their role in the ecosystems of the NCA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform hunters about the need to use non-lead ammunition to minimize impacts 

on raptors.

Scientific Research

Biological surveys will 

be conducted to identify 

sensitive species occurrence, 

nesting sites (for the northern 

goshawk and ferruginous 

hawk), and special habitat 

requirements. Data gained 

from the surveys will be used 

by BLM, UDWR, and other 

affected partners to develop 

and implement recommendations for habitat management 

needed to maintain healthy 

populations of the species 

involved and reduce the need 

for additional listings.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on raptor species that occur in the 

NCA and develop location maps of nesting and roosting sites, as well as information on the 

prey base for each species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for raptors, carnivores, and other predatory 

species, including rodents, desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii), and black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus).

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, birding enthusiasts, and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that utilize the NCA.

Table 2-19 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species
104 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 105

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-20 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-20

Table 2-20 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue research opportunities that focus on changes in the seasonal migration patterns of 

selected migratory bird species as potential indicators of climate change.

Table 2-20 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Migratory bird species and Birds of Conservation Concern that utilize the NCA do not require listing under the protection of the ESA (see Appendix G for species list).

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Biologically diverse habitats that provide essential breeding, nesting and roosting sites, space, 

cover, and food for migratory birds would be conserved, protected, and restored.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of migratory birds and their diverse habitat requirements.

Research is encouraged that identifies changes in migration patterns as a potential indicator 

of climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternative

Only authorize actions that would adversely impact nesting migratory birds if they are subject to seasonal restrictions or 

mitigation requirements.

Management Actions

No similar action. Minimize disturbances or adverse effects on breeding bird populations that might result from 

authorized activities through seasonal restrictions, special permit stipulations, or other appropriate mitigation measures.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and at on-site venues along Beaver Dam 

Wash that educate the public about migratory bird species, the causes for declining populations, and the need to protect riparian habitats and seasonal migration routes.

Promote opportunities for viewing and photographing diverse species of migratory birds 

through interpretive materials, recreation trails, and special outreach activities such as guided 

birding hikes along Beaver Dam Wash.

In partnership with the National Audubon Society and others, recruit and train youth groups, 

citizen stewards, and other volunteers to participate in annual migratory bird counts in 

Beaver Dam Wash and elsewhere in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories of riparian areas along the Beaver Dam 

Wash and Welcome Creek to identify avian species that utilize the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on migratory birds and other 

avian species and develop location maps of occupied habitats and nesting sites.

Pursue opportunities to conduct systematic inventories of migratory birds that utilize the 

NCA and evaluate the condition of the preferred habitats for each species.

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, birding enthusiasts, and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

migratory birds, Birds of Conservation Concern and Partners in Flight species.

Table 2-20 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern
106 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 107

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-21 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-21

Table 2-21 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to collect population and life history data on the kit 

fox in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for the kit fox.

Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories of caves, abandoned mines, cliffs, and other 

suitable habitats to identify all of the bat species that utilize the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on bat species and develop location maps of occupied habitats, hibernacula, and maternity roost sites.

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, cave enthusiasts, 

and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

sensitive mammal species.

Table 2-21 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for BLM sensitive mammal species support viable populations that do not require 

listing under the ESA. Sensitive mammals present in the NCA include: kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), Allen’s big-eared bat (Idionycteris phyllotis), big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops macrotis),

fringed myotis (Myotis thysanodes), spotted bat (Euderma maculatum), Townsend’s big-eared 

bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), and western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii).

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Habitats for the kit fox provide for a diverse and healthy prey base, as well as sufficient reproductive and home range requirements.

Habitats for sensitive bat species provide high quality maternity and roosting sites, winter 

hibernacula, and a diverse prey base, thereby sustaining viable populations of these species.

Caves, karst resources, and abandoned mines allow for unimpeded ingress and egress by 

diverse bat species.

Research is supported that increases the baseline data related to sensitive mammal species and 

the habitats that they utilize in the NCA.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As needed, implement National White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and BLM IM 2010-181 in the management 

of habitats for sensitive species bats.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of sensitive 

mammal species where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native 

species.

Do not authorize the use of herbicides, pesticides, or poisons that are injurious or toxic to 

sensitive mammal species, will damage native vegetation communities, or will reduce the 

quality and quantity of species that comprise their prey base.

Manage caves, karst resources, and abandoned mines to protect bat habitat (e.g., foraging, 

roosting, maternity sites, winter hibernacula) and reduce the potential spread of contagious 

diseases, such as White Nose syndrome, in bat populations.

Require the installation of bat-friendly gates in caves and karst features that require access 

restrictions or closure.

Where appropriate, limit abandoned mine closure methods to the installation of bat-friendly 

gates for those abandoned mines that provide habitat (e.g., foraging, roosting, maternity sites, 

winter hibernacula) for bats.

Install bat friendly escape ramps in troughs or other artificial water sources.

Do not authorize activities that have the potential to disturb bats within a 0.25 mile radius of 

maternity roost sites and winter hibernacula, including all entrances to caves, karst features, 

and abandoned mines.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and on, such as 

at abandoned mines in the Beaver Dam Mountains, to inform visitors about the many sensitive mammal species found in the NCA, as well as their diverse habitats and prey.

Table 2-21 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species
108 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 109

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-22 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-23

Table 2-23 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Aquatic and terrestrial habitats support viable populations of diverse native wildlife species 

and provide for biological diversity, ecological resilience, and species persistence under predicted climate change scenarios.

Objectives

BLM’s overall objective for 

fish and wildlife habitat management will be to maintain 

habitats in properly functioning conditions to support 

natural wildlife diversity, 

reproductive capability, and 

appropriate human use and 

enjoyment. An important 

objective of BLM’s habitat 

management program will 

be to work with state, local, 

and other federal partners 

to minimize or eliminate the 

need for additional listing of 

species under the Endangered 

Species Act in Washington 

County.

Crucial and substantial habitats for diverse native wildlife species on public lands provide 

high quality forage or a high quality prey base, as well as water, space, cover, and breeding 

areas, thereby sustaining viable populations and overall ecosystem biodiversity and resilience.

Multi-species habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors are conserved 

and protected between ecological zones to facilitate species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under predicted climate change scenarios.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of wildlife and their diverse habitat requirements.

Research is encouraged that increases general understanding of ecosystem processes and 

anthropogenic influences on changing climatic conditions.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Develop new wildlife waters in collaboration with UDWR in areas where field studies reveal the need for such to maintain 

healthy, viable populations of mule deer or other game and nongame species. Such waters will be developed in accordance 

with the objectives and guidelines of applicable game, nongame, and habitat management plans.

Ensure that all existing and proposed artificial wildlife waters include escape ladders or are designed to allow safe access by 

game birds.

Ensure that all new or replacement range-type fencing conforms to BLM specifications that allow safe passage for game and 

nongame wildlife species.

Management Actions

BLM will manage suitable 

public land habitats for the 

recovery or reestablishment 

of native populations through 

collaborative planning with 

local, state, and federal 

agencies, user groups, and 

interested organizations. 

BLM will also seek to limit 

additional adverse impacts 

to crucial habitats on public 

lands from urbanization and 

encroachment to preserve the 

integrity of wildlife corridors 

and migration routes and 

access to key forage, nesting, 

and spawning areas.

Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and augmentation of priority native wildlife 

species populations (as defined in BLM Manual 1745 or subsequent guidance) into current 

or historic habitats in the NCA, in coordination with USFWS and UDWR in order to (a) 

maintain current population numbers, distributions, and genetic diversity, and (b) restore or 

enhance native species populations.

Table 2-22 BLM Sensitive Reptile and Amphibian Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Reptiles and amphibians identified as BLM sensitive species do not require listing under the 

ESA. Sensitive reptiles and amphibians present in the NCA include the common chuckwalla 

(Sauromalus ater), desert iguana (Dipsaurus dorsalis), desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis), 

Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), sidewinder 

(Crotalus cerastes), speckled rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii), western banded gecko (Coleonyx 

variegatus), western thread-snake (Leptotyphlops humilis), zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus 

draconoides), and Arizona toad (Bufo microscaphus).

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Introduced populations would increase to the point of being viable, self-sustaining populations of native endemic reptile and amphibian species.

Biologically suitable habitats would be conserved and protected.

Research is supported that increases the baseline data related to reptiles and amphibians in 

the NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of reptile and amphibian habitats under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of Arizona toad, 

northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens), lowland leopard frogs (Rana yavapaiensis), and relict 

leopard frogs (Rana onca) to suitable habitat locations, where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of sensitive reptile species, where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Do not authorize the use of herbicides, pesticides, or poisons that are injurious or toxic to 

sensitive reptile or amphibian species, will damage native vegetation communities, or will 

reduce the quality and quantity of species that comprise their prey base.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and along 

Beaver Dam Wash to inform visitors about the diverse species that occupy these habitats.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories to identify amphibians and reptiles that are 

found in springs/seeps, and along Beaver Dam Wash.

Pursue opportunities to increase the amount of baseline data and scientific knowledge related 

to the life histories, population trends, habitat requirements, and threats to amphibians and 

reptiles in the NCA to inform the management of aquatic habitats.

Table 2-22 BLM Sensitive Reptile and Amphibian Species Table 2-23 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management
110 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 111

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-23 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-23

Table 2-23 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Ensure that all existing and 

proposed livestock water 

troughs include escape ladders for game birds.

No similar action. Same as Alternative B.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about the diverse fish and wildlife species of the NCA.

No similar action. Enhance opportunities for public viewing and photographing of bighorn sheep, mule deer, 

game birds, and other wildlife through special outreach activities such as guided wildlife 

photography hikes.

Authorize documentary and educational filming of wildlife through film permits, consistent 

with the Congressionally-defined purposes of conservation, protection, and restoration of 

resource values on public lands in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to collect population and life history data on carnivore species, such as mountain lion (Puma concolor) and bobcat (Lynx rufus), in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for raptors, carnivores, and other predatory 

species, including rodents, desert cottontails, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to identify key riparian connectivity zones within and outside the NCA 

that will facilitate wildlife movement under predicted changes in seasonal precipitation patterns and increased ambient temperatures.

Table 2-23 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni):

Desert bighorn sheep 

habitat in the Beaver Dam 

Mountains will continue to 

be managed in collaboration 

with the UDWR to support 

the existing herd in that location. Existing water developments will be maintained 

with the help of volunteers 

and interested organizations.

Manage desert bighorn sheep habitat in the NCA portion of the Beaver Dam Mountains to 

assist UDWR in achieving long-term herd population goals and objectives.

No similar action. Implement seasonal restrictions on recreational uses such as climbing or rappelling when 

monitoring indicates that these are impacting bighorn sheep populations during lambing 

(March 1 through May 31) and breeding seasons (July 1 through August 31).

Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus):

Crucial mule deer winter 

range will be protected 

from the potential effects of 

fluid mineral leasing with a 

Category 2 seasonal stipulation to close the lands to 

exploration or development 

from November 1 to April 

15. Elk calving areas will be 

closed for the same reason from May 1 to July 30. 

These seasonal use restrictions will also be applied to 

mineral materials sales, forest 

product sales, and ROWs 

construction.

In collaboration with the 

UDWR and other interested 

parties, BLM will develop 

new wildlife waters in areas 

where field studies reveal the 

need for such to maintain 

healthy, viable populations of 

mule deer or other game and 

nongame species. Such waters 

will be developed in accordance with the objectives and 

guidelines of applicable game 

and nongame management 

plans, habitat management 

plans, and allotment management plans.

Manage mule deer habitat to assist UDWR in achieving long-term herd population goals and 

objectives.

Restrict dispersed camping to designated sites that do not impede wildlife access to water 

sources.

Remove unnecessary range-type fencing within the NCA to lessen potential for injuries and 

entanglement by mule deer, particularly fawns.

Include native vegetation species that benefit mule deer in upland habitat restoration and 

ES&R projects.

Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), and Other Game Birds:

No similar action. Include native vegetation species that provide forage, cover, and nesting opportunities for 

quail and other game birds in habitat restoration and ES&R projects.
112 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 113

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Prehistoric Habitation Sites, Campsites, or Specialized Activity Areas:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of 

these NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and Public 

Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP- eligible 

sites for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP-eligible site 

types for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

Public Use, and Traditional 

Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching in prehistoric habitation sites, campsites, or specialized activity areas.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of the actions 

listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at 

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites 

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites.

NRHP- eligible prehistoric 

habitation sites, campsites, 

or specialized activity areas 

would not be managed for 

Public Use over the life of the 

RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Heritage resources are conserved, protected, and restored for the benefit of present and future 

generations, consistent with the mandates from OPLMA.

Objectives

In managing cultural and 

paleontological resources on 

public lands, BLM will seek 

to:

a) Employ reasonable measures and land use controls 

needed to reduce impacts 

from urbanization and human encroachment; 

b) Apply the principles of 

conservation management 

to selected areas to maintain 

such resources in their present condition for future study 

and enjoyment;

c) Reduce looting and vandalism through increased 

public education, surveillance, and enforcement;

d) Provide for legitimate field 

research by credible scientists 

and institutions;

e) Ensure compliance with 

applicable state and federal laws for consultation, 

assessment, and mitigation 

including consultation with 

interested or affected Indian 

tribes;

f) Provide for stabilization, 

maintenance, and interpretation of selected sites for public enjoyment and education.

Heritage resources currently documented or projected to occur in the NCA are allocated and 

managed to the Use Allocations (as defined by BLM Manual Section 8110.42 and Land Use 

Planning Handbook H-1601-1) that are consistent with the legislative mandates from OPLMA 

for the NCA: Scientific Use, Conservation for Future Use, Public Use, and Traditional Use.

Heritage resources of scientific interest currently documented or projected to occur in the 

NCA are not allocated to Experimental Use or Discharged from Management, as these would 

not be consistent with the Congressionally-designated purposes for the NCA, as they relate to 

cultural and historical resources. See Table 2-4 below for descriptions of each Use Allocation 

category.

Public awareness and appreciation of heritage resources is enhanced through education and 

volunteer stewardship opportunities.

Appropriate heritage resource sites or groups of sites are nominated for inclusion in the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), whenever warranted.

The integrity of setting and place is conserved, protected, and restored in areas where natural 

and cultural resources combine to form an important heritage landscape.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As required by federal historic preservation laws, continue consultations with BLM, the Utah State Historic Preservation 

Officer (UTSHPO), American Indian Tribes, and other interested parties to inform and direct management decisions related 

to heritage resources.

Manage properties recommended as “potentially eligible” for inclusion in the NRHP as “eligible properties” until evaluative 

testing determines the status of that resource.

Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans whenever warranted, in consultation with UTSHPO, 

American Indian Tribes, and other interested parties.

Management Actions

No similar action. Conduct regular site monitoring and site condition assessments utilizing BLM staff and 

trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources
114 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 115

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of the actions 

listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at 

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites 

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites.

NRHP- eligible toolstone 

sources or quarries would not 

be managed for Public Use 

over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Rock Art Sites:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% 

of NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, Public Use, 

and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and 

Traditional Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with evidence of public 

visitation for Scientific Use, 

Public Use, and Traditional 

Use.

Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with evidence of public 

visitation for Scientific Use 

and Traditional Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock 

art sites with no evidence 

of public visitation for 

Conservation for Future Use 

and Traditional Use. 

Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with no evidence of public visitation for Conservation 

for Future Use.

Allocate and manage rock 

art sites with no evidence of 

public visitation for Scientific 

Use, Conservation for Future 

Use, and Traditional Use.

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Traditional Use:

No similar action. NRHP- eligible prehistoric habitation sites, campsites, or specialized activity areas would not be managed for Traditional 

Use over the life of the RMP.

Complete implementationlevel Cultural Resource 

Project Plans, in consultation with culturally-affiliated 

American Indian Tribes 

to direct management of 

Traditional Use sites.

Rock Shelters, Alcoves, and Caves with Cultural Materials:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of these NRHP-eligible sites for Scientific Use, Conservation for 

Future Use, and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage 100% of rock shelters, alcoves, and caves identified as Sacred Sites for 

Conservation for Future Use and/or Traditional Use. 

Allocate and manage identified Traditional Cultural Properties for Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Prioritize Class III inventory in areas with high potential for this site type to occur.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Prohibit geocaching in all Rock Shelters, Alcoves, and Caves with Cultural Materials.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavation with appropriate research design which maximizes conservation of the site resources for future use and Native American and public involvement in 

the research.

Complete NRHP nominations for Scientific Use sites on a priority basis as identified in 

Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Toolstone Sources or Quarries:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of 

these NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and Public 

Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP-eligible 

sites for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Prioritize Class III inventory in areas with high potential for this type of site to occur.

Develop Cultural Resource Project Plans that include management direction related to the 

collection of non-artifact geologic materials from source/quarry locations.
116 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 117

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites;

f) Develop trails, viewing 

platforms, passive barriers, 

or other facilities to manage visitor uses and protect 

resource values at intensively 

visited Public Use sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Ethno-historic Sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, Traditional Use Areas:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of NRHP-eligible ethno-historic sites for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, Public Use, and/or Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage 100% of Traditional Cultural Properties and Traditional Use Areas for 

Conservation for Future Use and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage 100% of sites identified as Sacred Sites for Conservation for Future Use 

and/or Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Develop detailed site records of all identified ethno-historic sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional 

Cultural Properties, and Traditional Use Areas. 

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching in all Ethno-historic Sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, 

and Traditional Use Areas.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and traditional heritage values of sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock art sites identified as Sacred Sites for Conservation for Future Use 

and/or Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Prioritize Class III inventory in areas with high potential for this site type to occur.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards. 

Professionally document all rock art sites by photographing, mapping, and developing 

detailed measured drawings of all elements and cultural materials using the best available 

technology.

Manage all rock art sites as “eligible properties” for inclusion in the NRHP.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching in all Rock Art Sites.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of actions listed 

below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at 

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection 

of artifacts on all sites

NRHP- eligible rock art sites 

would not be managed for 

Public Use over the life of the 

RMP.

Same as Alternative B.
118 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 119

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Prohibit geocaching in all Historic Mining, Ranching/Farming/Livestock Grazing Sites, 

Buildings, and Standing Structures.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

As prioritized by Cultural Resource Project Plans:

a) Complete an intensive archaeological inventory of the resources to collect baseline data;

b) Collect oral histories;

c) Prepare a historic context for each site;

d) Develop photo documentation of historic buildings, structures, features, and landscapes;

e) Complete Level 1 Historic American Building Survey (HABS) documentation, including 

elevations, plans, measured drawings, photos;

f) Complete appropriate level Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) documentation, 

where warranted.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Emphasize conservation of setting and place in management actions identified in Cultural 

Resource Project Plans.

Perform stabilization and/or rehabilitation of buildings or standing structures as prioritized 

by Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level plans (e.g., Cultural Resource Project Plans, Recreation 

Management Plans, Interpretation Plans) to direct management of Public Use sites that may 

contain one or more of actions listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site interpretation for intensively visited Public Use sites to increase 

public awareness and appreciation of historic period mining, ranching and agricultural activities in the NCA; 

b) Install visitor registers at intensively visited Public Use sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public Use sites.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will collaborate with 

local communities, organizations, local and state agencies, 

Indian tribes, and other interested parties in developing 

and implementing plans for 

the restoration, stabilization, 

protection, and/or interpretation of appropriate historical, 

archaeological, or paleontological sites and resources on 

public lands in Washington 

County.

Develop heritage tourism sites focusing on appropriate types of sites that have been identified 

for Public Use.

Sponsor educational programs for school groups, civic organizations, elected officials, and 

public land user groups that increase public appreciation for the unique and irreplaceable 

heritage resources of the NCA.

Sponsor trainings and information dissemination to youth and scout groups, recreational user 

groups, and the general public about programs like Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace that 

help to protect heritage resources.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on heritage resources and appropriate site etiquette when visiting Public Use sites.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in Site Stewardship and Docent programs 

that increase public awareness of the need to conserve and protect heritage resources.

Recruit and train youth and veteran groups, citizen stewards, and other volunteers to

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Historic Roads, Trails, Highways, and Associated Travel-related Sites and Features:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of these NRHP-eligible properties for Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and Public Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Complete Class III level inventory of the travel corridor for each site to establish baseline data 

on linear heritage resources and associated travel-related sites and features.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Trail Stewards.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Prohibit geocaching in all Associated Travel-related Sites and Features.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

Prepare a historic context for each resource as prioritized by Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Emphasize conservation of setting and place in management actions identified in Cultural 

Resource Project Plans.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level plans (e.g., Cultural Resource Project Plans, Recreation 

Management Plans, Interpretation Plans) to direct management of Public Use sites that may 

contain one or more of the actions listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site interpretation for intensively visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at intensively visited Public Use sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA;

d) Install roadside markers and directional signing;

e) Prepare visitor use maps and driving, biking, and hiking guides;

f) Construct pullouts and wayside exhibits with visitor amenities (e.g., restrooms, information 

kiosks), where appropriate.

Historic Mining, Ranching/Farming/Livestock Grazing Sites, Buildings, Standing Structures, and Landscapes:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of NRHP-eligible sites for Scientific Use, Conservation for Future 

Use, and Public Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Complete appropriate scale Class III level inventory to identify all associated sites, features, 

and structures.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions. 

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Trail Stewards.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.
120 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 121

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-24 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-25

Table 2-25 National Historic Trails (Old Spanish National Historic Trail)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Fulfill the conservation and public purposes for which Congress designated the Old Spanish 

Trail (OST) to the National Trails System through Public Law 107-325 in 2002.

Objectives

No similar action. Establish an OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor that provides diverse opportunities for the public to connect with and experience trail history and resources.

Manage the OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor to identify, conserve, and 

protect the historic trail and historic remnants and artifacts for their historic, scientific, educational, interpretative, and recreational values.

Manage the OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor to conserve and protect the 

associated visual setting and natural landscape elements that are evocative of the period of 

trail significance and contribute to resource protection.

Manage the OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor to restore altered natural 

landscape elements of the associated setting to trail-era condition. 

Enhance opportunities for shared OST stewardship through partnerships with the Old 

Spanish Trail Association, American Indian Tribes, state, county, and municipal governments, 

private landowners, and other groups and organizations.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

“Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land located in the NCA, including any land subsequently acquired by the United 

States, is withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws and entry and patenting 

under the mining laws” (OPLMA Section 1975). 

 “Any land or interest in land that is located in the National Conservation Area that is acquired by the United States shall 

(1) become part of the National Conservation Area; and be (2) managed in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976 (USC 1701 et seq.; OPLMA Section 1975; and any other applicable laws (including regulations)” 

(OPLMA Section 1975 (f)). 

Public lands within a National Trail Management Corridor will be retained in federal ownership, in accordance with Section 

203 of FLPMA, as classified in accordance with 43 CFR 2420.

Do not authorize commercial renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar) leases or ROWs in the NCA.

Existing ROWs will be maintained in accordance with the respective ROW grant or other applicable authorization.

As funding and staffing permit, conduct inventories in the NCA to identify the historic trail and historic remnants and artifacts and the associated visual setting and natural landscape elements that are evocative of the period of trail significance and 

contribute to resource protection.

Management Actions

In collaboration with local 

communities, historical associations, and interested government agencies, BLM will 

assist in marking and signing 

portions of the Spanish Trail 

that cross public lands in 

Washington County (Map 

2-3).

Establish the OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor, comprised of approximately 

12,506 acres of public land in the NCA (Map 2-4).

OST: VRM Class III.

(SGFO RMP Map 2.14)

Designate the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor (12,506 acres) as 

VRM Class II.

Designate 4,962 acres of the 

OST National Historic Trail 

Management Corridor as 

VRM Class I (Map 2-5).

Designate 7,544 acres of the

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-24 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

participate in site clean-up and restoration, as well as archaeological inventory and data recovery projects that enhance public understanding of regional cultural history and the heritage 

values of the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Scientific research is encouraged that improves baseline knowledge and general understanding of cultural and historical resources of the NCA.

Research will be authorized at sites allocated to Scientific Use, as described above by the specific type of site.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific research studies at sites allocated to Scientific Use to collect 

paleo-environmental data that can serve as a baseline for comparison with modern climate 

trends.

Table 2-25 National Historic Trails (Old Spanish National Historic Trail )
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122 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 123

MAP 2-3 MAP 2-4
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OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor

VRM Class 1

124 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 125

MAP 2-5 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-25

Table 2-25 National Historic Trails (Old Spanish National Historic Trail)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

OST National Historic Trail 

Management Corridor as 

VRM Class II.

Avoidance area: 63,284 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.3)

Exclusion area: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.2)

Designated ROW Corridor: 

196 acres (Map 2-22)

Manage the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor as a ROW Exclusion 

area, outside of the designated utility and transportation 

corridor through the NCA 

that follows the route of Old 

Highway 91, subject to valid 

existing rights.

Manage the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor as a ROW Exclusion 

area, subject to valid existing 

rights.

Same as Alternative B.

Designated Utility Corridor: 

Following the route of Old 

Highway 91 across the Beaver 

Dam slope from the Arizona 

border to the Shivwits Indian 

Reservation, then from the 

northern boundary of the 

Shivwits Indian Reservation 

to Gunlock Reservoir following the Gunlock road. This 

corridor would be the width 

of the currently fenced road 

ROWs. 

(SGFO RMP Table 2-2) 

(SGFO RMP Map 2.2)

Designated ROW Corridor: 

196 acres. (Map 2-22)

Continue to manage a designated utility and transportation corridor through the 

NCA that follows the route 

of Old Highway 91. Establish 

the width of that designated 

corridor to be 100 feet in 

total width, 50 feet from 

either side of the centerline 

of the current highway (total 

of 60 acres). Limit new utility 

ROWs to subsurface installations within that 100 foot 

wide designated corridor to 

minimize the potential for 

development-related visual 

impacts to associated setting of the OST within the 

OST National Historic Trail 

Management Corridor.

Revoke the designated utility 

and transportation corridor 

through the NCA that follows 

the route of Old Highway 

91 and defined as the width 

of the currently fenced road 

ROW. Continue to recognize 

valid existing rights within 

the corridor.

Continue to manage a designated utility and transportation corridor through the 

NCA that follows the route 

of Old Highway 91. Establish 

the width of that designated 

corridor to be 200 feet in 

total width, 100 feet from 

either side of the centerline of 

the current highway (total of 

128 acres). Limit new utility 

ROWs to subsurface installations within that 200 foot 

wide designated corridor to 

minimize the potential for 

development-related impacts 

to OST resources, values, 

uses, and associated setting 

within the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor.

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 0 acres

Limited to Existing Routes: 

0 acres

Limited to Designated: 

63,480 acres

Closed to OHV use: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.13)

(Map 2-21)

Prior to completion of the TMP, OHV area designations for the OST National Historic Trail 

Management Corridor would be as follows:

Open to Cross Country OHV use: 0 acres

Limited to Existing Routes: 0 acres

Limited to Designated Routes: 12,506 acres

Closed to OHV use: 0 acres

Following completion of the TMP, manage the 12,506 acre OST National Historic Trail 

Management Corridor as Limited to Designated Routes for OHV use.

No similar action. Manage for heritage tourism and auto touring along Old Highway 91 and along the Mojave 

Desert—Joshua Tree Scenic By-way, providing interpretation at Welcome or Orientation 

pullouts and/or wayside exhibits.
126 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 127

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-25 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-26

Table 2-26 Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Fulfill the conservation and public purposes for which NPS registered the Joshua Tree 

National Natural Landmark (NNL) to the national system in 1966.

Objectives

BLM will seek to maintain 

the values associated with the 

Joshua Tree National Natural 

Landmark and the Woodbury 

Desert Study Area and support additional research 

related to the management of 

desert ecosystems in the area.

Native perennial and annual communities exhibit species diversity, suitable canopy cover, 

plant density, and age class diversification appropriate to each ecological site type.

Minimize loss to wildfire of late-successional desert shrublands (e.g., Joshua tree woodlands, 

blackbrush communities), perennial understory vegetation, and soil crusts through management actions to prevent wildfires, appropriately wildfire suppression, and control or eradication of non-native invasive annual grass species.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., vegetation succession), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., livestock grazing, recreation) that affect vegetation communities and that may influence climate 

change.

Public awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of Joshua trees and other native vegetation 

are enhanced through education, interpretation, and volunteer stewardship opportunities.

Management Actions Common to All Alternatives

Continue to monitor the Joshua tree community and other native vegetation in the NNL in partnership with NPS.

Management Actions

No similar action.

(Map 2-6)

Coordinate with NPS to revoke the NNL registration at its current location and identify an 

area within the NCA that better exemplifies an undamaged mature Joshua tree community for 

registration by NPS to the NNL System.

No similar action. No similar action. Public lands of the NCA are 

unavailable for livestock grazing over the life of the RMP.

No similar action.

Joshua Tree NNL: VRM Class 

III.

(SGFO RMP Map 2.14)

Designate the NNL as VRM Class II. Allow construction of facilities that support interpretative opportunities.

Joshua Tree NNL: Avoidance 

area for all ROWs.

(SGFO RMP Map 2.3)

Manage the NNL as an Exclusion area for all types of ROWs.

No similar action. Manage the NNL for public visitation targeting nature photography, hiking, and horseback 

riding.

No similar action. Close and rehabilitate social trails within NNL to improve the naturalness of the setting and 

the visitor experience of the Mojave Desert landscape.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the resource values of the NNL and appropriate public land 

use etiquette to protect native vegetation communities and prevent wildfires.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for studies of post-fire recruitment of Joshua trees in the NNL.

Pursue opportunities for studies of the distribution and abundance of yucca moths, native 

bees, and other pollinators in the NNL.

Table 2-25 National Historic Trails (Old Spanish National Historic Trail)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. With partners (e.g., user 

groups, trail organizations), 

design and construct a nonmotorized trail to provide 

retracement opportunities 

within the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor along Old Highway 

91 and the Mojave Desert—

Joshua Tree Scenic By-way.

With partners (e.g., user 

groups, trail organizations), 

design and construct a nonmotorized trail to provide 

retracement opportunities 

within the OST National 

Historic Trail Management 

Corridor along the Mojave 

Desert—Joshua Tree Scenic 

By-way.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. To improve the naturalness of the setting and the visitor experience of the landscape, all 

identified social trails and redundant routes within OST National Historic Trail Management 

Corridor would be closed and rehabilitated with native vegetation to trail-era condition.

No similar action. To improve the naturalness of the setting and the visitor experience of the landscape, restore 

fire damaged landscapes within the OST National Historic Trail Management Corridor with 

native vegetation to trail-era condition.

No similar action. Utilize objectives, processes, and guidance from the Comprehensive Administration Strategy 

for the Old Spanish National Historic Trail to direct future studies and associated site and 

route segment-specific management plans.

Table 2-26 Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

?ç

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Joshua Tree National

Natural Landmark

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A (No Action)

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark

Woodbury Desert Study Area

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

State

128 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 129

MAP 2-6 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-27

Table 2-27 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal 

Special management attention is directed to the protection of diverse NCA resource values 

and natural systems.

Objectives

Where BLM determines that 

certain public land areas 

require special management 

to prevent irreparable damage to important historic, 

cultural, or scenic values, 

fish and wildlife resources, 

or other natural systems, it 

may, with appropriate public 

participation, designate such 

lands as ACECs.

Re-evaluate existing ACECs when developing new or revised RMPs to determine if special 

management attention through this administrative designation continues to be required.

Management Actions

The Beaver Dam Slope ACEC 

encompasses 45,822 acres. 

This ACEC contains critical 

habitat for the threatened 

desert tortoise, the proper 

management of which is 

considered to be essential 

for the continued survival of 

the population in this part 

of the Northeastern Mojave 

Recovery Unit (USDI/FWS, 

1994). It also contains habitat 

for a diversity of desert plant 

and animal species, many of 

which are listed by state or 

federal agencies as special 

status species. Included in 

the area are the Joshua Tree 

National Natural Landmark 

and the Woodbury Desert 

Study Area.

(Map 2-7)

Revoke the administrative designation of the 45,822-acre Beaver Dam Slope ACEC, as 

described in the SGFO RMP (BLM 1999: Decision AC-10, page 2.68; Map 2-17, page 2-90). 

Manage these public lands in conformance with the Congressionally-defined purposes for the 

designation of the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, the mandates from OPLMA for the NCA, and 

other relevant federal laws, regulations, and agency policies that protect the important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural systems or processes.

Table 2-27 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Beaver Dam Slope ACEC

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Existing ACEC

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

130 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 131

MAP 2-7 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-28

Table 2-28 Visual Resource Management (VRM)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

The open spaces, natural aesthetics, and scenic vistas of the NCA are protected for social, 

economic, and environmental benefits.

Objectives

BLM’s objective will be to 

manage the public lands in 

such a way as to preserve 

those scenic vistas which 

are deemed to be most 

important:

a) In their impact on the 

quality of life for residents 

and communities in the area;

b) In their contribution to the 

quality of recreational visitor 

experiences; 

c) In supporting the regional 

tourism industry and segments of the local economy 

dependent on public land 

resources.

Moreover, BLM will seek to 

complement the rural, agricultural, historic, and urban 

landscapes on adjoining 

private, state, and tribal lands 

by maintaining the integrity 

of background vistas on the 

public lands.

Visual quality and integrity are maintained in accordance with established VRM Class 

criteria:

Class I Objective: The existing character of the landscape is preserved. This class provides for 

natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited management activity. 

The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract 

attention.

Class II Objective: The existing character of the landscape is retained. The level of change to 

the characteristic landscape should be low. Changes can be seen but should not attract the 

attention of the casual viewer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, 

and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class III Objective: The existing character of the landscape is partially retained. The level of 

change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract 

attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the 

basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class IV Objective: Not applicable to the NCA.

Management Actions

No similar action. Use architectural design standards that create a unique and recognizable identity for the 

NCA. The standards would include, but are not limited to: fencing design, signage requirements, vegetative screening, siting requirements, and the height, shape, and color of proposed 

structures.

No similar action. Incorporate visual and architectural design considerations during the project design phase for 

all new surface disturbing projects or activities, regardless of size or potential impact.

No similar action. Conduct ecosystem restoration projects that meet VRM objectives for the NCA over the longterm (over the anticipated life of the restoration project). In the short term (5 years or less) 

or the mid-term (5-10 years), VRM objectives for restoration projects in the NCA would not 

have to be met.

No similar action. Use the best available technology to minimize light emissions from all authorized facilities.

No similar action. Retroactively prioritize and apply architectural design standards to existing structures and 

facilities.

No similar action. Reduce or prevent impacts to night skies through the application of specific mitigation 

measures. These measures could include, but are not limited to: directing all light emissions 

downward, using shielded light sources, using only the minimum illumination necessary, 

using light sources less prone to atmospheric scattering, and using circuit timers or motion 

sensors.

Table 2-28 Visual Resource Management (VRM)
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

AHorse

Ca

nyon

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

s

t

M

o

u

n

t

a

i

n

Peak

Canyon

Indian

H

e

ll

H

o

l

e

Pa

s

s

C

a

s

tl

e

C

li

ff

Bulldog Knolls

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

e

x

M

i

n

e

U

ta

h

Hill

B

u

l

l

d

o

g

C a n y o n

B

u

ll

do

g

Pa

s

s

P

ow

e

rl

i

n

e

Sc

a

re

c

ro

w

Pe

a

k

Catclaw

Canyon

T

4

0

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

3

S

R 20 W

R 19 W

M

O

J

AV

E

DESERT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Ja

c

ks

o

n

Sp

r

ing

Wash

Jackson

We

l

l

B

a

dge

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Reber

Wa

s

h

R

e

b

e

r

Sp

r

i

n

g

Cra

zy

Sp

r

i

n

g

Sa

m

Sp

r

i

n

g

Mi

d

dle

Sp

r

i

n

g

In

d

i

a

n

Spring

G

r

ap

e

v

i

n

e

Spring

We

lc

o

m

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Burgess

Creek

Welcome

Castle

Cliff

WashSummi

t

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Pa

h

c

o

o

n

Sp

r

i

n

g

P a

h c

o o

n

S p

r

i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

Ik

ToSt.George,

Utah

ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

Curly

Hollow

Allotment

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018W

t

VRMClass

Class3

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

VisualResource

Management(VRM)

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeA(NoAction)

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

132 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 133

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-28 MAP 2-8

Table 2-28 Visual Resource Management (VRM)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

VRM Class I: 0 acres

VRM Class II: 0 acres

VRM Class III: 63,480 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.14) (Map 2-8)

Manage the NCA as follows:

VRM Class I: 0 acres

VRM Class II: 63,480 acres

VRM Class III: 0 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 acres (Map 2-9)

Manage the NCA as follows:

VRM Class I: 16,564 acres

VRM Class II: 46,916 acres

VRM Class III: 0 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 acres (Map 2-10)

Same as Alternative B. (Map 2-9)
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

Ik

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

Curly

Hollow

Allotment

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

VRM Class

Class 2

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Visual Resource

Management (VRM)

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative B & D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

Ik

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

Curly

Hollow

Allotment

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

VRM Class

Class 1

Class 2

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Visual Resource

Management (VRM)

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

134 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 135

MAP 2-9 MAP 2-10
136 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 137

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-29 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-30

Table 2-30 Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Lands with wilderness characteristics in the NCA are managed to conserve, protect, and 

restore those values.

Objectives

No similar action. Inventory all lands with wilderness characteristics in the NCA.

Avoid potential project-related impacts through land use authorizations and project design.

Naturalness is conserved and protected through appropriate management actions.

Naturalness is restored in damaged areas through management actions to re-establish native 

vegetation communities.

Management Actions

No similar action. Do not identify management 

prescriptions to specifically 

maintain lands with wilderness characteristics.

Manage 16,721 acres (Map 

2-11) to protect lands with 

wilderness characteristics with the following 

prescriptions:

a) Manage as VRM Class I;

b) Manage as ROW Exclusion 

area;

c) Manage as Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails 

for OHVs;

d) Do not authorize commercial and non-commercial 

woodland product harvest 

(e.g., pole, post, firewood 

cutting), or seed and plant 

material collection.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-29 Natural Soundscapes

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Public land users can experience natural soundscapes in the NCA.

Objectives

No similar action. Land uses and authorized activities are managed to conserve and protect natural soundscapes.

Management Actions

No similar action. Identify and provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of peace and tranquility afforded by the natural soundscapes of the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on increasing public awareness 

of natural quiet and the benefits of protecting natural soundscapes where they are present in 

the NCA.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Identify appropriate acoustic monitoring locations in the NCA using established protocols.

Install sound level meters and supporting hardware to collect, analyze, and determine the 

levels and types of natural sounds in the NCA and to identify potential anthropogenic sources 

of soundscape impacts.

Table 2-29 Natural Soundscapes Table 2-30 Lands with Wilderness Characteristics
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

?ç

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Lands Managed to Protect

Wilderness Characteristics

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Contiguous but Outside Planning Unit

NCA Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

Lands Managed to Protect Wilderness Characteristics

138 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 139

MAP 2-11 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

High quality sustainable recreation opportunities and visitor services are provided. Those 

opportunities support the quality of life of NCA visitors as well as local communities, regional 

economies and the resource values of the NCA.

Objectives

BLM’s objective for recreation management will be to 

provide an array of quality 

recreation experiences within 

the agency’s capability and 

logical recreation niche to 

meet the reasonable needs 

and expectations of local 

residents and visitors from 

outside the area. Because the 

fiscal and staffing resources 

available to BLM are likely to 

remain inadequate to fully accomplish this objective, BLM 

will use innovative partnerships, pursue grant monies, 

and work with volunteers, 

organized user groups, and 

other recreation providers 

in developing and managing 

selected recreation opportunities on the public lands.

Protect NCA resource and recreation values using the following:

a) Trail and facility design;

b) Directional, informational, regulatory, traffic control, boundary, and trail signs;

c) Maps and associated digital technology;

d) Appropriate law enforcement;

e) Interpretative materials and educational programs;

f) Citizen stewardship.

Recreation Management Areas: Management Actions 

Extensive Recreation 

Management Areas are those 

public land areas where 

recreation management is 

only one of several management programs applied to the 

land and where recreation 

is typically extensive and 

unstructured in character. 

Such areas may contain occasional recreation sites such 

as the Baker Dam or Red 

Cliffs facilities. Emphasis 

will be placed on dispersed 

recreation, trail development, 

signing, maintenance of 

primitive and semiprimitive 

characteristics, management 

or abatement of natural and 

man-made hazards, and 

protection of resources and 

sites of recreational interest 

(Map 2-12).

Remove the Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) administrative designation that 

overlaps the NCA.

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA)

St. George Field Office ERMA

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Extensive Recreation

Management Area (ERMA)

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A (No Action)

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

140 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 141

MAP 2-12 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Establish the Beaver Dam Wash Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), as shown on 

Map 2-13, Map 2-14, and Map 2-15.

No similar action. Beaver Dam Wash SRMA, Recreation and Visitor Services Objectives:

Foster a sense of awareness and stewardship in recreational participants and local community 

partners to maintain recreation values in the NCA.

Provide opportunities for public land users to develop an understanding and appreciation of 

the NCA through on and off-site educational and interpretative materials. 

Develop a nationally recognized non-motorized trail system that provides high quality opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities

Develop trailheads and waysides that share a signature design emblematic of the NCA

No similar action. Establish three Recreation Management Zones (RMZs) within the Beaver Dam Wash SRMA 

as management tools to assist in setting priorities for facilities development, maintenance, and 

law enforcement. Each RMZ would have consistent management objectives across Alternative 

but would vary in size. See Table 2-32 for information about each zone and Appendix H for 

detailed RMZ descriptions and objectives

No similar action. Manage the RMZs as follows:

Frontcountry Zone: 17,030 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 

30,179 acres

Primitive Zone: 16,271 acres

(Map 2-13)

Manage the RMZs as follows:

Frontcountry Zone: 17,030 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 21,422 

acres

Primitive Zone: 25,028 acres

(Map 2-14)

Manage the RMZs as follows: 

Frontcountry Zone: 17,030 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 46,450 

acres

Primitive Zone: 0 acres

(Map 2-15)

No similar action. Allowable uses for other resources and programs within the SRMA are defined by the NCA 

legislation. Allowable recreation uses are defined by RMZ and can be found in Table 2-32

and Appendix H. 

No similar action. Coordinate management of recreational activities and uses with adjacent federal agencies, 

tribal governments, and state, county, and municipal governments.

No similar action. Develop an implementation-level Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) to identify 

specific management actions for recreational activities and visitor services within the SRMA. 

The RAMP would include, but is not limited to:

a) Non-motorized trail system development and management;

b) Motorized route system management;

c) Rock climbing management;

d) Campground development and management;

e) Dispersed camping management;

f) Architectural design standards;

g) Recreational impact monitoring standards and procedures. 

h) Commercial, competitive, and group use management.

No similar action. Develop concessionaire contracts, if necessary, to protect resource values, as well as provide 

for appropriate and sustainable recreation opportunities and visitor services.

No similar action. Manage any non-federal lands that may be acquired within the NCA in conformance with 

RMZ decisions for adjacent public lands.

Special Recreation Permits (SRPs):

No similar action. Prohibit SRPs for competitive equestrian events in the NCA.

No similar action. Prohibit SRPs for competitive motorized events in the NCA.
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

s

t

M

o

u

n

ta

in

Peak

Canyon

Indian

He

ll

Ho

l

e

Pa

s

s

Ca

s

t

l

e

Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

e

x

M

i

n

e

Ja

rvis

Peak

Uta

h

Hill

B

u

l

l

d

o

g

C a n y o n

B

u

lld

o

g

Pa

s

s

Powe

r

l

i

n

e

Sc

a

re

c

ro

w

Pe

a

k

Catclaw

Canyon

T

4

0

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

3

S

R 20 W

R 19 W

M

O

J

AV

E

DES

ERT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

B

e

n

tl

ey

Sp

r

in

g

Bentley

Wash

Ja

c

ks

o

n

Sp

r

in

g

Co

l

e

Spring

Wash

Jackson

We

l

l

B

a

dg

e

r

Sp

r

in

g

Reber

Wa

s

h

R

e

b

er

Sp

r

i

n

g

Cr

a

zy

Sp

r

i

n

g

Sa

m

Sp

r

in

g

Mi

ddl

e

Sp

r

in

g

In

d

i

a

n

Spring

G

r

ap

e

v

i

n

e

Spring

We

l

c

o

m

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Burgess

Creek

Welcome

Castle

Cliff

WashSummi

t

Sp

r

i

n

g

Manganese Rods Spring

Wash

Wash

We

l

l

We

ll

Pa

h

c

o

o

n

Sp

r

in

g

P a h c o o n

S p

r

i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

ToSt.George,

Utah

ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

t

SpecialRecreation

ManagementArea(SRMA)

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeB

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

SpecialRecreationManagementArea(SRMA)

BeaverDamWashSRMA,BackcountryRMZ

BeaverDamWashSRMA,FrontcountryRMZ

BeaverDamWashSRMA,PrimitiveRMZ

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

s

t

M

o

u

n

ta

in

Peak

Canyon

Indian

He

ll

Ho

l

e

Pa

s

s

Ca

s

t

l

e

Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

e

x

M

i

n

e

Ja

rvis

Peak

Uta

h

Hill

B

u

l

l

d

o

g

C a n y o n

B

u

lld

o

g

Pa

s

s

Powe

r

l

i

n

e

Sc

a

re

c

ro

w

Pe

a

k

Catclaw

Canyon

T

4

0

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

1

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

2

S

T

4

3

S

R 20 W

R 19 W

M

O

J

AV

E

DES

ERT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

B

e

n

tl

ey

Sp

r

in

g

Bentley

Wash

Ja

c

ks

o

n

Sp

r

in

g

Co

l

e

Spring

Wash

Jackson

We

l

l

B

a

dg

e

r

Sp

r

in

g

Reber

Wa

s

h

R

e

b

er

Sp

r

i

n

g

Cr

a

zy

Sp

r

i

n

g

Sa

m

Sp

r

in

g

Mi

ddl

e

Sp

r

in

g

In

d

i

a

n

Spring

G

r

ap

e

v

i

n

e

Spring

We

l

c

o

m

e

Sp

r

i

n

g

Wash

Burgess

Creek

Welcome

Castle

Cliff

WashSummi

t

Sp

r

i

n

g

Manganese Rods Spring

Wash

Wash

We

l

l

We

ll

Pa

h

c

o

o

n

Sp

r

in

g

P a h c o o n

S p

r

i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

ToSt.George,

Utah

ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

t

SpecialRecreationManagementArea(SRMA)

BeaverDamWashSRMA,FrontcountryRMZ

BeaverDamWashSRMA,BackcountryRMZ

BeaverDamWashSRMA,PrimitiveRMZ

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

SpecialRecreation

ManagementArea(SRMA)

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeC

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

142 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 143

MAP 2-13 MAP 2-14
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O U N T A I N S

Apex Mine

Jarvis

Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Special Recreation

Management Area (SRMA)

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA)

Beaver Dam Wash SRMA, Backcountry RMZ

Beaver Dam Wash SRMA, Frontcountry RMZ

Beaver Dam Wash SRMA, Primitive RMZ

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

144 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 145

MAP 2-15 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Limit SRPs for motorized recreation activities to roads and primitive roads authorized for use 

by the public.

Discharge of Firearms:

No similar action. Prohibit the discharge of 

firearms on 50,908 acres of 

designated critical habitat for 

the desert tortoise (pursuant 

to the Recovery Plan 1994, revised 2011), except in the act 

of licensed hunting according 

to state laws during prescribed seasons (Map 3-12). 

Discharge of firearms outside 

of critical habitat could be 

restricted if it is shown to 

cause resource degradation, 

create conflicts with other 

recreation uses, or jeopardizes public safety.

Except in the act of licensed 

hunting, all firearms must be 

discharged toward a proper 

backstop sufficient to stop the 

projectile’s forward progress.

Targets must be constructed 

of wood, cardboard, paper or 

similar unbreakable materials. All targets, clays, and 

shells are considered litter after use and must be removed 

and disposed of properly.

Prohibit the discharge of 

firearms, except in the act of 

licensed hunting according to 

state laws during prescribed 

seasons.

Authorize the discharge of 

firearms in the NCA.

Except in the act of licensed 

hunting, all firearms must be 

discharged toward a proper 

backstop sufficient to stop the 

projectile’s forward progress.

Targets must be constructed 

of wood, cardboard, paper or 

similar unbreakable materials. All targets, clays, and 

shells are considered litter after use and must be removed 

and disposed of properly.

No similar action. Prohibit paintball activities of any kind.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Develop an implementation-level Interpretive Master Plan that creates a long-range vision 

to guide interpretative services that emphasize the values and significance of the NCA and 

addresses a long-term strategy for name recognition and branding. The plan will include the 

following:

a) Interpretative goals, objectives, and associated management actions necessary for interpreting themes to key user groups/audiences;

b) Identification of a full range of interpretive services including facilities, programs, activities, exhibits, publications/printed materials, electronic media, and audiovisuals to enhance 

knowledge and appreciation of natural and cultural resources, and to promote stewardship;

c) Identification of opportunities for outreach programs with user groups, local schools, universities, and special interest groups;

d) Identification of opportunities to enrich interpretation through partnerships with municipal, county, state, and national parks, educational institutions, and other organizations;

e) Identification of desired visitor experiences consistent with the RAMP and RMZs;

f) Identification of themes and sub-themes to communicate the story of place (e.g., those narratives that express the unique and compelling character of the NCA);
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle

Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

Designated (Existing Campsite)

Designated (Proposed Campsite)

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

Designated Dispersed Campsites

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative B

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

146 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 147

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31 MAP 2-16

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

g) Consistency with NCA architectural design standards (e.g., color, shape, themes) that will 

apply to all site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated 

spaces;

h) Integration of graphic elements such as logos, logo placements, color schemes, quality, and 

voice across all media to ensure effective recognition and branding for the NCA;

i) Training goals and objectives for staff and volunteers to ensure consistency in interpretive 

themes and professionalism.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the effects of diverse recreation activities on the desert environment.

Implementation Decisions: Beaver Dam Wash SRMA

The remaining Recreation Management decisions in Table 2-31 are not land-use plan decisions; they are implementation decisions. They address issues that were raised during the planning process and have been included to expose the reader to the 

general management direction being proposed for the NCA. These decisions provide the framework for the RAMP.

Recreation Facilities:

No similar action. Develop uniform architectural design standards for all site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated spaces developed in the NCA. These standards 

include construction materials, styles, colors, textures, and interpretive themes.

No similar action. Construct site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated spaces in the Frontcountry Zones to protect resource values, respond to recreational 

use demand, and enhance visitor experiences. Developments could include standard and/or 

expanded amenity fee sites.

No similar action. Issue Recreation Use Permits (RUPs) through the collection of standard or expanded amenity 

fees for the short-term recreational use of specialized sites or facilities (such as campgrounds 

and day use sites) which meet fee collection guidelines as provided for in the Federal Lands 

Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 or subsequent similar authority.

Dispersed Camping:

The Bureau shall restrict 

vehicle-based camping in the 

Desert Wildlife Management 

Area (DWMA) or ACEC 

to within 50 feet of designated routes. Before route 

designation, vehicle-based 

camping shall be limited to 

within 50 feet of existing 

routes. No camping shall be 

authorized for longer than 

14 consecutive days in any 

one area within the DWMA 

and ACEC (SGFO RMP 

Appendix 4).

Limit dispersed camping in the Frontcountry 

and Backcountry Zones to 

designated undeveloped 

campsites located in previously disturbed areas and at 

appropriate distances from 

sensitive natural and cultural 

resources. Each designated 

campsite will include, but is 

not limited to:

(a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite;

(b) A metal campfire 

container.

Designate 38 sites for 

dispersed camping in 

the Frontcountry and 

Backcountry Zones (Map 

2-16). 

Limit dispersed camping in the Frontcountry 

and Backcountry Zones to 

designated undeveloped 

campsites located in previously disturbed areas and at 

appropriate distances from 

sensitive natural and cultural 

resources. Each designated 

campsite will include, but is 

not limited to:

(a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite;

(b) A metal campfire 

container.

Designate 30 sites for 

dispersed camping in 

the Frontcountry and 

Backcountry Zones (Map 

2-17). 

Limit dispersed camping in the Frontcountry 

and Backcountry Zones to 

designated undeveloped 

campsites located in previously disturbed areas and at 

appropriate distances from 

sensitive natural and cultural 

resources. Each designated 

campsite will include, but is 

not limited to:

(a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite;

(b) A metal campfire 

container.

Designate 46 sites for 

dispersed camping in 

the Frontcountry and 

Backcountry Zones (Map 

2-18). 
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

AHorse

Ca

nyon

P a h c o o n

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o

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Wash

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

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Designated(ExistingCampsite)

Designated(ProposedCampsite)

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

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State

DesignatedDispersedCampsites

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeD

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

AHorse

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018W

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Designated(ExistingCampsite)

Designated(ProposedCampsite)

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

BureauofLandManagement

State

DesignatedDispersedCampsites

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeC

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

148 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 149

MAP 2-17 MAP 2-18
150 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 151

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

management of public lands 

within the Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC...Except where further 

restricted, noncommercial 

groups of over 75 persons 

camping in open areas will be 

required to obtain a letter of 

authorization from BLM that 

will establish requirements 

for public sanitation and garbage removal and other terms 

needed to protect the integrity of the habitat. Competitive 

events will not be authorized 

to prevent direct and indirect habitat degradation and 

tortoise mortality (USDOI/

USFWS 1994).

authorized on roads in the 

NCA if they meet the following criteria: 

a) Event staging takes place 

outside the NCA or takes 

place on designated roads 

and/or at trailheads inside the 

NCA;

b) The event causes no new 

surface disturbance;

c) Event scheduling complies 

with seasonal restrictions to 

protect wildlife and habitats, 

(e.g., restrictions on events 

during desert tortoise active 

season, generally between 

March 15 and October 15).

events in the NCA.

No similar action. Group size limits for competitive non-motorized events 

would be set on a case-bycase basis. Factors for the 

determination of limits could 

include, but are not limited 

to: type of event, length of 

event, number of participants, potential for resource 

impacts, potential for impacts 

to other visitors, and compatibility with RMZs.

Do not authorize SRPs for 

competitive non-motorized 

events in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.

Organized Group SRPs:

The following use prescriptions will be applied to 

management of public lands 

within the Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC...Except where further 

restricted, noncommercial 

groups of over 75 persons 

camping in open areas will be 

required to obtain a letter of 

authorization from BLM that 

will establish requirements 

for public sanitation and garbage removal and other terms 

needed to protect the integrity of the habitat. Competitive 

events will not be authorized 

to prevent direct and indirect habitat degradation and 

tortoise mortality (USDOI/

USFWS 1994).

Authorize SRPs for organized groups (e.g., scouting events, church events, school classes, 

historical reenactments) on a case-by-case basis, if the proposed event conforms to an 

implementation-level Interpretive Master Plan, when developed (see Public Education and 

Interpretation below).

Group size for organized groups would be set on a case-by-case basis. Factors for the determination of limits could include, but are not limited to: type of activity, type of transportation, length of stay, potential for resource impacts, potential for impacts to other visitors, and 

compatibility with RMZs.

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Designated undeveloped campsites may be added or removed as needed to minimize resource 

impacts or meet recreation needs.

Allow dispersed camping in the Primitive Zone.

No similar action. Provide public education on minimum impact camping through a variety of on- and off-site 

media.

No similar action. Campfires are allowed, restricted, or prohibited in accordance with applicable fire management policies and restrictions.

Non-motorized Trails:

No similar action. Design and construct the non-motorized trail system to the professional standards outlined in 

Appendix I to ensure that trail design:

a) Addresses the needs of equestrians, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers;

b) Protects diverse NCA resource values from direct or indirect recreation impacts by promoting compliance with regulatory requirements and visitor use restrictions;

c) Results in sustainable systems;

d) Provides high quality experiences;

e) Serves the abilities of non-motorized recreational users;

f) Offers opportunities for looping, varying distances, linking between geographic areas and 

trailheads, and connecting to heritage and other educational resources.

g) Minimizes user conflicts by separating user groups whenever feasible;

h) Limits the desire to venture off-trail.

No similar action. New trails could be constructed in the Primitive Zone if monitoring shows negative impacts 

to natural and/or cultural resource values from off-trail uses. Trail construction would be 

accompanied by the requirement for visitors to stay on trails. Monitoring parameters, trail 

alignments, and potential off-trail restrictions would be developed as part of the RAMP.

No similar action. Authorize the development of new non-motorized trails in the Frontcountry or Backcountry 

Zones.

Commercial Special Recreation Permits (SRPs):

No similar action. Limit SRPs for recreation 

activities to 10% of overall 

visitation (overall visitation is 

defined as the total number 

of all visits: commercial and 

non-commercial, motorized 

and non-motorized).

Same as Alternative B. Limit SRPs for recreation 

activities to 20% of overall 

visitation.

No similar action. Set group size limits for 

SRPs on a case-by-case basis. 

Factors for the determination 

of limits would include, but 

are not limited to: type of activity, type of transportation, 

length of stay, potential for 

resource impacts, potential 

for impacts to other visitors, 

and compatibility with RMZs.

All SRPs would be limited to 

a group size of 15, including 

guides.

Same as Alternative B.

Competitive SRPs:

The following use prescriptions will be applied toSRPs for competitive running 

and bicycling events could be

Do not authorize SRPs for 

competitive non-motorized

Same as Alternative B.
152 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 153

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-31

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Recreational prospecting or 

mining, defined in 43 CFR 

3809.5 and BLM Handbook 

H-3809-1 as “casual use,” 

would be limited to the following activities:

a) Collection of geochemical, 

rock, soil, or mineral specimens using non-motorized 

hand tools;

b) Hand-panning;

c) Non-motorized sluicing.

Do not allow motorized, 

mechanized, electronic, or 

battery-operated prospecting or mining (e.g., portable 

suction dredges, gold spears, 

metal detectors, small dry 

washers).

Before engaging in “casual 

use” prospecting or mining 

activities, the following must 

occur:

a) A written request must 

be submitted to the NCA 

Manager at least 15 calendar 

days in advance;

b) Written notification from 

the NCA manager must be 

received verifying that requested activities are “casual 

use” and not prohibited in the 

NCA.

Prohibit “casual use” recreational prospecting or 

mining.

Same as Alternative B.

Monitoring:

No similar action. Develop a comprehensive program for monitoring recreational impacts in the NCA as part of 

the RAMP. The program would focus primarily on the identification of illegal trails and would 

include a progression of appropriate management actions.

Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Handcarts, buggies, wagons, or other animal-drawn vehicles would be limited to travel on 

roads and primitive roads designated through the approved TMP. All proposed activities (e.g., 

historical reenactments) would require an SRP or a letter of authorization from the NCA 

Manager.

Rock Climbing:

No similar action. Develop a Climbing Management Plan as part of the RAMP. The plan would:

a) Identify areas where climbing would be authorized;

b) Identify potential climbing restrictions such as group size limits or seasonal closures;

c) Establish monitoring protocols to identify resource impacts;

d) Establish procedures for authorizing new climbing areas.

All authorized climbing areas would remain open until the Climbing Management Plan is 

complete. 

No similar action.

(Map 2-19)

Authorize six new climbing 

areas in the Woodbury Road 

area. Authorize two new 

climbing areas in the Utah 

Hills area. (Map 2-20)

No new climbing areas 

would be authorized until the 

Climbing Management Plan 

is complete (Map 2-19).

Same as Alternative B.

(Map 2-20)

Other Recreational Uses:

No similar action. Only permit physical geocaches in the Frontcountry 

and Backcountry Zones.

Allow virtual geocaches in 

all RMZs provided they are 

compliant with other zone 

restrictions.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to any physical geocache placement.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to the public posting of any virtual geocache 

placement.

Only permit physical geocaches in the Frontcountry 

Zone.

Allow virtual geocaches in 

all RMZs provided they are 

compliant with other zone 

restrictions.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to any physical geocache placement.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to the public posting of any virtual geocache 

placement.

Permit physical geocaches in the Frontcountry, 

Backcountry, and Primitive 

Zones.

Allow virtual geocaches in 

all RMZs provided they are 

compliant with other zone 

restrictions.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to any physical geocache placement.

Approval from authorized 

NCA staff would be required 

prior to the public posting of any virtual geocache 

placement.

No similar action. Prohibit the take-off and landing of powered parachutes in the NCA.

No similar action. Prohibit the take-off and landing of remote-controlled aircraft in the NCA.

No similar action. Casual rock collection, 

including the gathering of 

mineral specimens and rock 

hounding, would be allowed 

under the following criteria:

a) Collect using hand tools;

b) Only collect specimens for 

personal use.

Prohibit casual rock collection in the NCA.Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Prohibit all recreational metal 

detecting activities.

Same as Alternative B. Only allow recreational metal 

detecting that results in minimal surface disturbance.
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

Climbing Areas

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative B, D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

Proposed

Existing

LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

Existing Climbing Areas

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

Climbing Areas

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A (No Action), C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

154 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 155

MAP 2-19 MAP 2-20
156 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 157

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-32 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-33

Table 2-33 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Compatible traditional, current, and future use of the land is sustained by establishing a transportation system that contributes to protection of sensitive resources, promotes dispersed 

recreation, and minimizes user conflicts.

A high quality, sustainable transportation system that provides appropriate public and administrative access is developed and maintained to conserve, protect, and enhance the resource 

values of the NCA.

Objectives

It is BLM’s objective to 

continue to work closely with 

Washington County officials to ensure that use and 

enjoyment of existing roads 

and trails is permitted under 

safe and prudent conditions 

and that responsibility for 

maintenance is properly 

defined in road maintenance 

agreements or other appropriate documents. It is also 

BLM’s objective to work with 

municipalities, Washington 

County, the Utah Department 

of Transportation, and other 

affected parties in defining and planning for future 

transportation needs, locating 

environmentally compatible route Alternative, and 

resolving land use conflicts 

related to transportation 

systems where public lands 

are involved.

Provide a well-maintained and functional motorized transportation system that provides 

public access to recreational opportunities and is consistent with goals, objectives, and recommendations of the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011).

Provide a functional motorized administrative transportation system that is consistent with 

goals, objectives, and recommendations of the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert 

Tortoise (USFWS 2011) and provides the minimum access necessary to authorized infrastructure and valid ROWs.

Provide a nationally recognized, professionally designed, non-motorized trail system that 

provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities and is consistent with the goals, 

objectives, and recommendations of the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise

(USFWS 2011).

Management Guidance Common To All Alternatives

BLM would coordinate transportation management with adjacent federal agencies, state and local governments, and authorized users.

The three areas identified by Congress on Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area Map as “Designated Road Areas” 

will be managed in accordance with mandates from OPLMA. Within these areas, roads identified on that map as open to the 

public will remain open. Except in cases where motorized vehicles are needed for administrative purposes, or to respond to an 

emergency, all other roads in the Designated Road Areas are closed to motorized vehicle travel by the public. Roads required 

for motorized vehicle access to valid existing rights will be open to authorized users only.

Outside of the three “Designated Road Areas”, except in cases where motorized vehicles are needed for administrative purposes, or to respond to an emergency, the use of motorized vehicles in the National Conservation Area shall be permitted 

only on roads designated through the TMP. 

Management Actions

(For Non-motorized Transportation Management Actions, see Table 2-31 Recreation and Visitor Services.)

OHV Area Designations:

Approximately 63,480 acres will be Limited to Designated Roads and Trails. A map of the existing transportation system can 

be found at www.blm.gov/nxld.

Table 2-32 Beaver Dam Wash NCA Recreation Management Zone Descriptions

FRONTCOUNTRY ZONE

• Accessed from Old Highway 91 and County roads.

• Accommodates a large number of visitors.

• Large number of management controls consisting primarily of directional, educational, and regulatory signs.

• BLM staff presence is consistent.

• Law enforcement patrols are irregular and often based on incident or emergency response. 

• Significant amount of infrastructure; includes all roads, parking, and future trailheads.

• Motorized use is restricted to designated roads and trails.

• Mechanized use is restricted to designated roads and trails.

• Majority of zone is within critical tortoise habitat.

• Outside of Congressionally designated road areas.

• Varies in size by alternative.

BACKCOUNTRY ZONE

• Accessed from the Rural Zone trailheads or Frontcountry Zone trails.

• Less recreational use than the Frontcountry Zone, but still accommodates a significant number of visitors.

• Fewer management controls consisting primarily of directional and regulatory signs.

• BLM staff presence is infrequent and generally based on project-specific need.

• Law enforcement patrols generally limited to incident and emergency response.

• Motorized use is restricted to administrative purposes and emergency response.

• Mechanized use is restricted to designated trails.

• Portions of zone are within critical desert tortoise habitat.

• Corresponds with Congressionally designated road areas in all Alternative.

• Varies in size by alternative.

PRIMITIVE ZONE

• Accessed from the Frontcountry or Backcountry Zones. 

• Accommodates the fewest number of visitors.

• Limited management controls consisting primarily of directional and regulatory signs.

• BLM staff presence is very low.

• Law enforcement presence limited to emergency response.

• Motorized use prohibited except for emergency response.

• Cross-country travel is allowed. All visitors must be on foot or horseback. 

• No constructed or maintained trails.

• Portions of zone are within critical tortoise habitat.

• Corresponds with Congressionally designated road areas in all Alternative.

• Varies in size by alternative. 

Table 2-32 Beaver Dam Wash NCA Recreation Management Zone Descriptions Table 2-33 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTO

N CO

N E V

A

D

A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Beaver Dam Wash

National Conservation

Area

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel

Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Wash

Jackson Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Wash

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

?ç

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W

t

OHV Area Designations

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A (No Action), B, C, D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Limited to Designated Roads & Trails

National Conservation Area Boundary

State Boundary

158 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 159

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-33 MAP 2-21

Table 2-33 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Open to Cross Country OHV use: 0 acres

Limited to Designated Roads and Trails: 63,480 acres

Closed to OHV use: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.13)

(Map 2-21)

Other Motorized Transportation:

No similar action. All routes located outside of the Designated Road Areas will be evaluated and designated 

through the TMP with impacts analyzed in an Environmental Assessment (EA)

No similar action. Roads that were closed by Congress in the Designated Road Areas (29 miles), identified 

through OPLMA, and that are not required for administrative access or for use as non-motorized trails, fuel breaks, or other management purposes would be reclaimed and restored.

No similar action. Use of non-motorized, wheeled game carriers to retrieve game kills or collect antlers would be 

allowed in all areas except designated wilderness. Motorized game retrieval or antler collection would be prohibited.

Non-Motorized Trails:

No similar action. Design and construct the non-motorized trail system to professional standards as described 

in Appendix I, to ensure that trail design:

a) Addresses the needs of equestrians, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers;

b) Protects diverse NCA resource values from direct or indirect recreation impacts by promoting compliance with regulatory requirements and visitor use restrictions;

c) Results in sustainable systems;

d) Provides high quality experiences;

e) Serves the abilities of non-motorized recreational users;

f) Offers opportunities for looping, varying distances, linking between geographic areas and 

trailheads, and connecting to heritage and other educational resources.

g) Minimizes user conflicts by separating user groups whenever feasible;

h) Limits the desire to venture off-trail.

No similar action. New trails could be constructed in the Primitive Zone if monitoring shows negative impacts 

to natural and/or cultural resource values from off-trail uses. Trail construction would be 

accompanied by the requirement for visitors to stay on trails. Monitoring parameters, trail 

alignments, and potential off-trail restrictions would be developed as part of the RAMP.

No similar action. Where new trail development would result in a modification of the primary constituent elements of designated critical habitats, restore an equivalent acreage of damaged habitat in the 

NCA through reclamation and re-vegetation (with approved species) of user-created trails, 

closed roads, fire-damaged lands, or other disturbed areas.

No similar action. Authorize the development of new non-motorized trails in the Frontcountry or Backcountry 

Zones.
160 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 161

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-33 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-34

Table 2-34 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Land tenure adjustments are made to assist the conservation, protection, and enhancement of 

NCA resource values, facilitate management, and reduce administrative costs.

Land use authorizations further the purposes of conservation, protection, and enhancement 

of resource values in the NCA.

Objectives 

In accordance with national 

policy, BLM will retain lands 

within its administration 

except where necessary to 

accomplish important objectives outlined in resource 

sections throughout this Plan. 

BLM will transfer lands out of 

federal ownership or acquire 

non-federal lands where 

needed to accomplish important resource management 

goals or to meet essential 

community needs.

Non-federal lands are acquired from willing land owners through purchase, exchange or 

donation.

Surface and subsurface rights would be acquired whenever possible to avoid creating split 

estates.

Conservation easements may be acquired where such interest would further the management 

objectives of the NCA.

Land tenure adjustments would be prioritized based on manageability, the feasibility of successful acquisition, and the ecological, cultural, recreational, and scenic values of the tract to 

be acquired.

Ensure that long and short term land use authorizations are consistent with the NCA purposes of resource conservation, protection, and enhancement.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

“(1) In General.—Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land located in the National Conservation Area is withdrawn 

from—(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; (B) location, entry, and patenting under 

the mining laws; (C) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. (2) Additional Land.—

If the Secretary acquires additional land that is located in the National Conservation Area after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the land is withdrawn from operation of the laws referred to in paragraph (1) on the date of acquisition of the land" 

(OPLMA Section 1975 (g)).

Public lands within a National Trail Management Corridor will be retained in federal ownership, in accordance with Section 

203 of FLPMA, as classified in accordance with 43 CFR 2420.

“Any land or interest in land that is located in the National Conservation Area that is acquired by the United States shall—

(1) become part of the National Conservation Area; and (2) be managed in accordance with—(A) the Federal Land Policy 

and Management Act of 1976 (USC 1701 et seq.); (B) this section; and (C) any other applicable law (including regulations)” 

(OPLMA Section 1975 (f)).

Manage public lands in accordance with applicable city and county zoning restrictions and municipal ordinances (to the 

extent that such restrictions and ordinances are consistent with the purposes for which the NCA was Congressionallydesignated), as well as other federal laws, regulations, and policies, and with goals, objectives, and management decisions 

from the approved RMP for the NCA.

Do not authorize commercial renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar) leases or ROWs in the NCA.

Existing ROWs will be maintained in accordance with the respective ROW grant or other applicable authorization.

Table 2-33 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Design and construct the non-motorized trail system to professional standards to ensure that 

trail design:

a) Addresses the needs of equestrians, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers;

b) Protects diverse NCA resource values from direct or indirect recreation impacts by promoting compliance with regulatory requirements and visitor use restrictions;

c) Results in sustainable systems;

d) Provides high quality experiences;

e) Serves the abilities of non-motorized recreational users;

f) Offers opportunities for looping, varying distances, linking between geographic areas and 

trailheads, and connecting to heritage and other educational resources.

g) Minimizes user conflicts by separating user groups whenever feasible;

h) Limits the desire to venture off-trail.

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public lands etiquette, including OHV etiquette.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that encourage motorized users to use existing disturbed areas for parking and camping.

Table 2-34 Lands and Realty
162 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 163

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-34 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-34

Table 2-34 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Designated Utility Corridor: 

Following the route of Old 

Highway 91 across the Beaver 

Dam slope from the Arizona 

border to the Shivwits Indian 

Reservation, then from the 

northern boundary of the 

Shivwits Indian Reservation 

to Gunlock Reservoir following the Gunlock road. This 

corridor would be the width 

of the currently fenced road 

ROWs. 

(SGFO RMP Table 2-2)

Continue to manage a designated utility and transportation corridor through the 

NCA that follows the route 

of Old Highway 91 from 

the Arizona state line to the 

Shivwits Indian Reservation. 

Establish the width of that 

designated corridor to be 

100 feet in total width, 50 

feet from either side of the 

centerline of the current 

highway. Limit new utility 

ROWs to subsurface installations within that 100 foot 

wide designated corridor, 

to protect the scenic qualities of the NCA and the OST 

Management Corridor from 

visual intrusions.

Subject to valid existing 

rights, revoke the designated 

utility and transportation 

corridor through the NCA 

that follows the route of Old 

Highway 91 from the Arizona 

state line to the Shivwits 

Indian Reservation and is 

defined as the width of the 

currently fenced road ROW, 

to protect NCA values from 

impacts associated with the 

development of utilities and 

roads in this corridor.

Continue to manage a designated utility and transportation corridor through the 

NCA that follows the route 

of Old Highway 91 from 

the Arizona state line to the 

Shivwits Indian Reservation. 

Establish the width of that 

designated corridor to be 

200 feet in total width, 100 

feet from either side of the 

centerline of the current 

highway. Limit new utility 

ROWs to subsurface installations within that 200 foot 

wide designated corridor, 

to protect the scenic qualities of the NCA and the OST 

Management Corridor from 

visual intrusions.

Site-type Leases and ROWs:

Scrub Peak will be added to 

the four existing communication sites at West Mountain, 

Little Creek Mountain, South 

Rockville, and Black Ridge 

north of Toquerville as shown 

on Map 2.2. To the extent 

practical, new users will be 

required to share site facilities 

to reduce impacts and lessen 

the need for additional sites.

Designate the NCA as an 

Avoidance area for site-type 

leases and ROWs.

New site-type leases and 

ROWS could only be authorized if the following criteria 

are met:

a) Locations outside the NCA 

are not feasible to serve the 

purpose of the lease or ROW;

b) Co-location within an 

existing site facility is not 

feasible to serve the purpose 

of the lease or ROW; 

c) Proposal would be in 

conformance with area VRM 

Class; 

d) Proposal would not result 

in adverse impacts to NCA 

resource values.

Designate the NCA as an 

Exclusion area for site-type 

ROWs.

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Same as Alternative B.

Other Land Use Authorizations:

No similar action. Do not authorize leases under the authority of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act within 

the NCA.

Only authorize commercial film permits if they further public understanding and appreciation of the NCA and its purposes. Permits may be subject to surface use and seasonal restrictions and will only be granted after applicable environmental compliance legal requirements 

have been satisfied, including site-specific NEPA analyses.

Table 2-34 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Actions

Land Tenure Adjustments:

BLM will acquire selected 

non-federal lands, with owner consent, for such purposes 

as ensuring public access to 

key use areas, consolidating 

public ownership of lands 

critical to recovery of species 

listed under the Endangered 

Species Act, providing essential public recreation 

opportunities, protecting 

important resources such as 

floodplains, riparian areas, 

wildlife habitat, cultural sites, 

and wilderness, and meeting 

the mutually agreed upon 

objectives of local, state, and 

federal plans or programs. 

Although most acquisitions 

will occur through exchange, 

they may also be made 

through purchase, donation, 

or conservation easement.

Work with willing land owners or administrators to acquire in-holdings and edge-holdings 

that are in the public interest through purchase, exchange of public lands targeted for disposal 

outside of the NCA boundaries, donation, or conservation easement.

Acquire both surface and subsurface rights whenever possible to avoid the creation of split 

estates. Prioritize acquisition of non-federal inholdings and parcels that adjoin the NCA 

boundaries that meet one or more of the following criteria:

a) Further the purposes of the NCA relating to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of its ecological, scenic, wildlife, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific 

resources;

b) Enhance public recreation experiences and benefits;

c) Provide additional access to other public lands.

Linear ROWs:

Avoidance area: 63,284 acres

Exclusion area: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.3)

Designated ROW Corridor: 

196 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.2)

(Map 2-22)

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas as follows (Map 2-23):

Avoidance area: 0 acres

Exclusion area: 63,420 acres

Designated ROW Corridor: 

60 acres

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas as follows (Map 2-24):

Avoidance area: 0 acres

Exclusion area: 63,480 acres

Designated ROW Corridor: 

0 acres

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas as follows (Map 2-25):

Avoidance area: 0 acres

Exclusion area: 63,352 acres

Designated ROW Corridor: 

128 acres

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

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A

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A

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018W

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RightsofWay

Avoidance&ExclusionAreas

BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeB

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

Exclusion

ROWCorridor

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

StateBoundary

100'ROWCorridor

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

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A

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BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeA(NoAction)

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

ROWCorridor

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

StateBoundary

Avoidance

Corridorexistsbetween

currentlyfencedHwy91ROW

164 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 165

MAP 2-22 MAP 2-23
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

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U

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A

H

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BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeD

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

Exclusion

ROWCorridor

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

StateBoundary

200'ROWCorridor

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

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U

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A

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BeaverDamWash

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BeaverDamWashNCA

AlternativeC

ProducedbyBLM

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Exclusion

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

StateBoundary

166 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 167

MAP 2-24 MAP 2-25
168 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 169

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Soil Resources

This alternative identifies no 

specific management actions 

relating to the location of new 

developments (i.e. recreation facilities), and would 

not protect soils to the same 

degree as the three action 

Alternative. These resources 

would continue to be managed as required by law and 

BLM policies.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to soil resources 

greater than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative C.

This alternative would provide the most protection for 

soil resources, by having the 

most restrictions (in both 

extent and area) to activities 

that could damage or destroy 

soil crusts and vegetation 

cover, and cause excess erosion and compaction.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to soil resources 

than those under Alternative 

A, but not as many as 

Alternative C.

Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A provides for the 

protection and management 

of native vegetation communities, through fire suppression, a wide array of hazardous fuel reduction treatments, 

and noxious weed and 

invasive species management. 

It allows for prescriptive fire 

and mechanical treatments 

and vegetation conversions to 

benefit livestock and wildlife. Vegetation restoration 

projects could be authorized 

using non-native species, if 

certain criteria are met.

Alternative B provides for the 

conservation, protection, and 

restoration of native vegetation communities, through 

fire suppression, a narrower 

suite of hazardous fuel treatment methods and noxious 

weed and invasive species 

management options. It 

would not authorize vegetation conversions, would focus 

on substantially non-invasive 

methods for fuel reduction 

and vegetation restoration, and emphasize the use 

of native species, unless a 

higher number of specific 

criteria, when compared to 

Alternative A, can be met.

Alternative C emphasizes the 

least invasive methods possible to achieve the conservation, protection, and restoration of native vegetation 

communities. It would not 

authorize vegetation conversions, would require only 

non-invasive methods for 

fuel reduction and vegetation 

restoration and require the 

use of native species. Overall, 

Alternative C provides the 

greatest protection of vegetation and biophysical settings.

Alternative D provides 

greater flexibility than 

Alternative B and C, but less 

than Alternative A, in the 

methods that can be used to 

conserve, protect, and restore 

native vegetation communities. It would allow for 

invasive methods for fuels 

treatments and vegetation 

restoration projects and for 

the use of non-native species, 

with fewer constraints.

No similar action. Under all Alternative, opportunities for scientific research, climate change monitoring, public 

education and interpretation could result in greater understanding of resources and improvements in management techniques to protect or enhance vegetation resources, biophysical 

settings, and the ecosystems within the NCA.

Fire and Fuels

Vegetation treatments, restoration/rehabilitation projects, 

and fuels management efforts 

would serve to enhance native vegetation communities 

and reduce the presence and 

proliferation of non-native, 

invasive species. This would 

decrease fire frequency 

and intensity by promoting 

healthy, diverse vegetation 

communities that fuel lowintensity fires, slow the spread 

of fire, and allow fires to be 

more easily controlled. Fire

The impacts would be 

similar to those identified 

under Alternative A, except 

increased vegetation treatments designed to enhance 

vegetation health and wildlife 

habitat, increased restrictions on surface disturbing 

activities (including ROW 

developments), and substantial limitations on OHV use 

would decrease the probability of wildland fire occurrence 

and the potential for highintensity wildland fires.

The impacts would be similar 

to those identified under 

Alternative B, except the 

overall extent and intensity of 

the impacts would decrease 

slightly due to increased 

restrictions on resource uses 

and emphasis on the least invasive methods to accomplish 

resource objectives.

The impacts would be similar 

to those identified under 

Alternative B, except the 

overall extent and intensity of 

the impacts would decrease 

restrictions on resource uses.

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Air Quality

For all Alternative considered by this analysis, the magnitude of the changes in emissions would be insufficient to have the 

potential to cause significant impacts to air quality within or adjacent to the planning area. 

Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) in the form of fugitive dust is the pollutant of most concern for the planning area, followed 

by precursors of ozone formation (NO2, VOC). Coarse fugitive dust (PM10), such as would be released through surface 

disturbances related to livestock grazing or motorized vehicle travel on unpaved roads, is considered to be a localized pollutant, rather than a regional scale pollutant, and can create elevated short-term impacts and nuisance level conditions. Under 

all Alternative, BLM would implement BMPs, dust abatement measures, or other management actions to reduce particulate 

emissions resulting from management actions.

Water Resources

This alternative does not 

identify specific management actions related to water 

resources of the NCA.

This alternative would continue to protect water resources 

and ensure compliance with 

state and federal water laws 

pertaining to water quality 

and pollution prevention.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to surface water 

resources than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative C.

This alternative would provide the most protection for 

surface water resources, by 

having the most restrictions 

(in both extent and area) on 

authorized land uses or activities that could potentially 

impair surface water quality.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to surface water 

resources than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative B or C.

Geological and Paleontological Resources

This alternative identifies no 

specific Use Allocations or 

management actions related 

to geological or paleontological resources in the NCA. 

Significant paleontological 

resources would continue to 

be managed as required by 

law (e.g., PARPA).

Significant paleontological resources and outstanding geological resources would be identified, evaluated, and managed under appropriate Use Allocation through management plans 

developed to conserve and protect these values.

Significant resources would be allocated to Conservation for Future Use, Scientific Use, and 

Public Use. Research could be authorized that includes specimen collection and interpretation provided on or off-site for appropriate Public Use Sites.

No similar action. This alternative would allow 

interpretation for resources 

that are managed for Public 

Use to be developed on-site.

This alternative would allow 

interpretation for resources 

that are managed for Public 

Use to be developed off-site.

Impacts same as Alternative 

B.

Cave and Karst Resources

This alternative identifies no 

Use Allocations or specific 

management actions related 

to Cave and Karst Resources 

in the NCA. These resources 

would continue to be managed as required by law and 

BLM policies.

Significant resources would be allocated to Conservation for Future Use, Scientific Use, and 

Public Use.

Cave and karst resources would be identified, evaluated, and managed under appropriate Use 

Allocation through management plans developed to conserve and protect these values.

No similar action. This alternative would allow 

interpretation for significant 

cave and karst resources that 

are managed for Public Use 

to be developed on-site.

This alternative would allow 

interpretation for significant 

cave and karst resources that 

are managed for Public Use 

to be developed off-site.

Impacts same as Alternative 

B.

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA
170 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 171

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

in no changes from current 

conditions and, therefore, no 

impacts to the livestock grazing management or livestock 

operators.

could further reduce the 

amount of forage available 

for livestock grazing. This 

alternative could result in minor to moderate impacts on 

livestock grazing and could 

limit the ability of operators 

to fully utilize the resources 

within an allotment. Minor 

negative impacts and/or 

beneficial effect from other 

resource uses under this 

alternative may also affect 

livestock grazing.

public lands in the NCA 

could experience substantial cost increases for their 

operations, potentially to the 

point where remaining in the 

livestock business may not be 

economically feasible.

The construction of range 

improvements would only 

be authorized if they further the purposes of the 

NCA and benefit diverse 

resource values. Compared 

to Alternative A, this action 

could limit the flexibility in 

constructing range improvements and could limit the 

ability of operators to fully 

utilize the resources within 

an allotment.

Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

This alternative continues 

the prohibition on the sale 

of forest products and plant 

materials on the majority of 

the NCA (Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC). Native Americans 

would be able to use these 

resources for religious, 

ceremonial, and traditional 

purposes, providing a beneficial effect.

Under all Alternative, all public lands within the NCA would be closed to commercial and 

non-commercial harvesting of forest products, desert plants, plant materials, and seed collection, helping to conserve and protect the viability of native vegetation communities. 

The collection of plant materials, plants, seeds, cuttings, and biological soil crust communities 

for research, conservation, and future use, following established protocols, providing sources 

of locally-collected materials for restoration projects in the NCA.

Native Americans would be able to use these resources for religious, ceremonial, and traditional purposes, providing a beneficial effect.

Special Status Species (including BLM Sensitive)

Under all Alternative, special status species habitats and populations would continue to be managed in compliance with laws, 

regulations, and agency policies, and in furtherance of the goals of approved USFWS Recovery Plans, assisting the recovery 

and delisting of these species. 

Under all Alternative, public lands within the NCA that support populations of and habitats for special status species in the 

NCA would be retained in federal ownership.

Under all Alternative, acquisitions of non-federal lands within the NCA would be pursued, potentially assisting the conservation, protection, and enhancement of special status species.

Wildlife

Under Alternative A, special 

status species populations 

and habitats would continue 

to be managed in compliance with laws, regulations, 

and agency policies, and in 

furtherance of the goals of 

approved USFWS Recovery 

Plans. Habitat degradation 

and loss to wildfires and 

drought would continue, 

as this alternative does not 

emphasize full suppression of 

all wildfires and the development of large scale fuel 

breaks. Surface disturbances

Management of the NCA 

to “conserve, protect, and 

enhance” a broad range 

of resource values under 

Alternative B would benefit 

special status species and 

their habitats. Changes are 

proposed for those land uses, 

such as livestock grazing, 

recreation, and the granting 

of ROWs, to minimize negative impacts on the ecological 

values that comprise quality 

habitats for special status 

species. The management of 

wildfires and hazardous fuels

Alternative C would focus 

on resource protection by 

limiting land uses and authorized activities that have the 

potential to negatively impact 

special status species and 

their habitats. Management 

would employ the least 

invasive tools and methods 

and emphasize the use of native vegetation to restore and 

improve habitats.

Impacts would be the same as 

Alternate B.

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

suppression efforts would 

contribute to these effects by 

protecting unburned native 

vegetation communities.

Recreation activities and 

ROW developments could 

increase fire frequency by introducing additional ignition 

sources and increasing the 

probability of unintentional 

ignitions.

Vehicle-based dispersed 

camping could continue 

within 50 feet of existing 

routes, outside the three 

Designated Road Areas. 

Potential fire ignitions could 

occur from vehicle travel off 

routes to campsites.

Outside of the three “Designated Road Areas”, all vehicle-based dispersed camping would be 

limited to designated sites in disturbed areas or to a developed campground, decreasing the 

potential for fire ignitions related to off-road travel.

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species Management

Specific weed treatments will 

be determined by plant species, site characteristics, and 

management objectives.

A combination of approaches 

may be employed to achieve 

the most environmentally sound results including mechanical, biological, 

and chemical techniques or 

changes in land use.

Alternative B would provide a 

range of techniques for weed 

control by authorizing the 

use of biological controls, targeted grazing, hand removal, 

herbicides, mechanical 

methods, or a combination of 

methods for weed treatments, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project scale. 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method).

Emphasis would be placed 

on re-vegetation of disturbed 

and fire-damaged landscapes 

with healthy native vegetation 

communities that would not 

be susceptible to the establishment or spread of noxious 

weeds and invasive species. 

Alternative C would only 

allow the removal of noxious 

weeds by hand tools.

Emphasis would be placed 

on re-vegetation of disturbed 

and fire-damaged landscapes 

with healthy native vegetation 

communities that would not 

be susceptible to the establishment or spread of noxious 

weeds and invasive species. 

Alternative D would allow the 

widest range of techniques 

for weed control including 

the use of flaming (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method).

Emphasis would be placed 

on re-vegetation of disturbed 

and fire-damaged landscapes 

with healthy native vegetation 

communities that would not 

be susceptible to the establishment or spread of noxious 

weeds and invasive species. 

Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A would continue 

livestock grazing management in the four allotments 

that overlap the NCA, under 

the current terms and conditions of the grazing permits 

and approved grazing management strategies. 

This alternative would result

Alternative B would reduce 

permitted use to the average of 20 years of actual use; 

1,861 initial AUMs of livestock forage would be provided under this alternative.

Grazing utilization levels 

would be set at 40% of the 

current year’s growth, which

Alternative C would make 

the entire NCA unavailable 

to livestock grazing over the 

life of the RMP (63,480 total 

acres). The overall impact to 

livestock grazing from this 

alternative would be major 

and long term. Permittees 

who are unable to graze on

Alternative D impacts would 

be similar to those identified under Alternative A, 

with two exceptions. Grazing 

utilization levels would be set 

at 45% of the current year’s 

growth, potentially reducing 

the amount of for age available for livestock grazing. 
172 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 173

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Alternative A would continue to manage the NCA 

as a ROW Avoidance area, 

providing a moderate level 

of protection for heritage 

resources from developmentrelated impacts outside of the 

designated utility corridor.

Alternative B would manage 

the NCA as a ROW Exclusion 

area for linear ROWs, retain 

the designated corridor along 

Old Highway 91, but limit 

new ROWs for utilities to 

underground installations. 

Site-type ROWs would need 

to meet specific criteria to 

be authorized in the NCA. 

This alternative provides a 

higher level of protection for 

heritage resources related to 

the potential development of 

utilities outside of the designated utility corridor, when 

compared to Alternative A.

Alternative C would manage 

the NCA as a ROW Exclusion 

area and revoke the designated utility and transportation 

corridor along Old Highway 

91, providing the highest 

level of protection for heritage resources, as it relates to 

the potential development of 

linear and site-type ROWs 

that could adversely affect 

historic properties.

Impacts/benefits same as 

Alternative B.

Under Alternative A, livestock grazing would continue 

under the current season of 

use and permitted AUMs. 

Livestock would continue to 

have the potential to impact 

heritage resources, by displacing artifacts or damaging 

architectural features or rock 

art.

Under this alternative, 

livestock AUMs would be 

reduced, lessening the potential for impacts on heritage 

resources related to grazing.

Under this alternative, the 

NCA would be unavailable 

for livestock grazing over the 

life of the RMP, eliminating a 

land use that has the potential 

to impact heritage resources.

Same as Alternative A. 

National Historic Trails

Alternative A would not 

emphasize the identification 

and protection of high potential segments or trail traces 

or artifacts for public use 

and enjoyment, through the 

identification and management of an OST Management 

Corridor. This alternative 

would manage the OST based 

on the requirements of the 

National Trails System Act, 

BLM Manual 6280, and adopt 

relevant provisions of the 

Comprehensive Management 

Plan for the OST, when 

it has been completed by 

BLM and the NPS as joint 

administrators.

The designation of an approximately 12,506 acre OST Management Corridor would help to 

further the protection of the setting and any physical evidence of the historic trail for public 

use and enjoyment. Management actions are proposed for the Management Corridor relating 

to Recreation and Visitor Services, Travel and Transportation Management, Visual Resource 

Management and Lands and Realty that are designed to conserve, protect, and restore the 

integrity of the setting and any trail-related heritage resources from adverse impacts. These 

Alternative would also provide education and interpretation opportunities that would enhance awareness and appreciation of the Old Spanish NHT. Direct and indirect, moderate, 

short and long-term beneficial effects would be expected to result from implementation of 

these actions. 

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

related to wildfires, livestock 

grazing at current levels 

in burned and unburned 

habitats and riparian areas, 

unmanaged dispersed camping, and other recreational 

activities would continue to 

degrade, fragment, or destroy 

habitats for some special 

status species.

would be more comprehensive and effective, when 

compared to Alternative A, 

helping to lessen the threat 

that wildfires will continue to 

pose on special status species 

and their habitats in the NCA 

and throughout the Mojave 

Desert.

Other Fish and Wildlife Species

Under Alternative A, native 

fish and wildlife populations 

and their habitats would 

continue to be managed in 

compliance with laws, regulations, and agency policies, 

and in furtherance of relevant 

UDWR management plans.

Habitat degradation and loss 

to wildfires would continue, 

as this alternative does not 

emphasize full suppression of 

all wildfires and the development of large scale fuel 

breaks. Surface disturbances 

related to wildfires, livestock 

grazing at current levels 

in burned and unburned 

habitats and riparian areas, 

unmanaged dispersed camping, and other recreational 

activities would continue to 

degrade, fragment, or destroy 

habitats for some wildlife 

species.

Management of the NCA 

to “conserve, protect, and 

enhance” a broad range 

of resource values under 

Alternative B would benefit 

fish and wildlife. Changes are 

proposed for those land uses, 

such as livestock grazing, 

recreation, and the granting 

of ROWs, to minimize negative impacts on the ecological 

values that comprise quality 

habitats for native species: native vegetation communities, 

soils, and water resources. 

The management of wildfires 

and hazardous fuels would 

be more comprehensive and 

effective, when compared 

to Alternative A, helping to 

lessen the threat that wildfires 

will continue to damage wildlife populations in the NCA.

Under Alternative C, the 

BLM would focus on resource protection by limiting 

land uses and authorized activities that have the potential 

to negatively impact native 

species and their habitats. 

Management would employ 

the least invasive tools and 

methods and emphasize the 

use of native vegetation to 

restore and improve habitats.

Impacts/benefits would be 

the same as Alternative B.

Heritage Resources

Under all Alternative, Congressional segregations, management, and uses identified in OPLMA Section 1975 provide protections for heritage resources from: entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patenting 

under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. All Alternative 

would provide a similar level of conservation and protection for heritage resources within the context of undertakings and 

compliance with the requirements under Section 106 of the NHPA.

Use Allocations would not be 

specifically made for heritage 

resources under this alternative. Management would be 

consistent with legal requirements and agency policies.

Allocating and managing 100% of the National Register-eligible sites to Scientific, 

Conservation for Future Use, and Public Use within the NCAs would conserve, protect, and 

enhance heritage resources for appropriate uses.
174 Chapter 2 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 2 175

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Natural Soundscapes

No management actions to 

address Natural Soundscapes.

Solitude is a consistent component of Backcountry and Primitive Recreation Management 

Zones and is closely correlated with natural quiet. Visitors have ample opportunity within the 

NCA to experience natural quiet. It is not possible to adequately quantify the value of natural 

soundscapes to visitors until such time as acoustic data has been collected and analyzed.

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed as a ROW Avoidance 

area, under Class III for 

VRM, OHV area designation is Limited to Designated 

Roads and Trails, and 

closed to commercial and 

non-commercial fuel wood 

harvesting and seed and 

plant material collection. 

Management would provide 

a moderate level of protection for lands with wilderness 

characteristics.

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed 

as ROW Exclusion area, 

under VRM Class II, OHV 

area designation is Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails, 

and closed to commercial 

and non-commercial fuel 

wood harvesting, seed and 

plant materials collection. 

Management would provide a 

higher level of protection for 

lands with wilderness characteristics, when compared to 

Alternative A.

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed 

as ROW Exclusion area, 

under VRM Class I, OHV 

area designation is Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails, 

and closed to commercial 

and non-commercial fuel 

wood harvesting, seed and 

plant collection. Management 

would provide the highest 

level of protection, when 

compared to Alternative A, 

B, and D. Management under 

VRM Class I would increase 

the protection of opportunities for solitude and primitive 

recreation.

Management of lands with 

wilderness characteristics would be the same as 

Alternative B, conferring the 

same benefit and protections 

for lands with wilderness 

characteristics.

Recreation and Visitor Services

ERMA management would 

provide the minimum level of 

recreation management and 

opportunities.

Establishing SRMAs and 

RMZs in the NCA and 

increased public education 

efforts would provide more 

focused recreation opportunities and better visitor 

information. Also, some 

commercial, competitive, 

large-group, and camping opportunities could 

be reduced or have more 

restrictions because of efforts 

to protect special status species habitats. Expanding the 

non-motorized trail systems 

in the NCAs would increase 

opportunities for backpacking and hiking.

Impacts on recreation and 

visitor services would be 

similar to Alternative B, 

except increased efforts to 

protect critical habitats could 

increase some of the restrictions on recreation use.

Impacts on recreation and 

visitor services would be 

similar to Alternative B, 

except some restrictions on 

competitive events and camping would be reduced.

Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Congress, through OPLMA Section 1975 (e) (3) A and B, addressed OHV travel in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, by designating three geographic areas, labeled “Designated Road Areas,” where such travel (except for emergency and administrative purposes) was to be permitted only on the roads displayed on the legislative map (Map 3-26). In areas outside of the “Designated 

Road Areas,” OHV area designation is “Limited to Designated Roads and Trails”, the specific routes available for travel in these 

areas will be determined through a separate Travel Management Plan process. Under all alternatives, there would be no variation in OHV area designations. The designation of “Limited to Designated Roads and Trails” applies to the entire NCA.

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

National Natural Landmark

Portions of the 1,047-acres 

Joshua Tree NNL no longer 

contain healthy Joshua tree 

woodlands. For the remaining healthy stands, management actions that reduce 

fire potential, such as fuels 

management would help 

protect the area’s special 

values. Livestock grazing 

of surrounding areas, and 

increased human presence 

for recreation and especially 

the discharge of firearms 

could increase the chances of 

wildland fire.

All Alternative would prioritize the protection of late successional shrublands, including 

unburned Joshua trees in the NNL and elsewhere in the NCA, through appropriate fire suppression tactics and hazardous fuel reduction. Restoration of fire damaged native vegetation 

communities would emphasize the use of native species and minimize disturbances to soils 

and biological soil crusts, to prevent noxious weed and exotic invasive species infestations. 

Management Alternative for other resource programs and uses would further the goals of 

conservation and protection of the Mojave Desert ecological values that warranted administrative designation, within the current or adjusted boundaries of the NNL.

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

The Beaver Dam Slope ACEC 

designation would remain in 

place under Alternative A.

National Conservation Area status provides protections that are equal to or superior to those 

provided by ACEC designation for all relevant and importance values. Congressional segregations, management, and uses identified in OPLMA Section 1975 provide protections that 

are equal or superior to those provided by ACEC designation for: entry, appropriation, and 

disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws; and 

operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. Retaining 

the ACEC designation would be redundant and unnecessary. The ACEC designation would 

also be revoked for the 3,447 acres of the ACEC that are outside the NCA, but within two designated utility corridors. These acres support populations of threatened Mojave desert tortoise 

and are designated critical tortoise habitat.

Visual Resource Management

Impacts to visual resources 

could occur from linear and 

site-type ROWs, though 

avoidance and site-sharing 

on most of the NCAs would 

reduce this. Managing the 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA as 

VRM Class III could allow 

visual impacts that dominate 

the landscape.

Alternative B is slightly less 

protective of visual resources 

than Alternative C. In this 

alternative, a narrow ROW 

corridor would be designated 

on both sides of Highway 91. 

Utility development would 

be limited to underground 

installations, similar to the 

existing fiber optic lines 

already on the east side of 

the highway. Because the underground installation is low 

impact to visual resources, 

the VRM Class II designation 

remains appropriate.

Alternative C provides the 

highest protection for visual 

resources. Designating all 

acres as VRM Classes I and 

II, with an overlapping designation of ROW Exclusion, 

would prohibit surface disturbing activities and protect 

all components of the VRI. 

The beneficial effects would 

be both direct and indirect, 

as the scenic quality of the 

NCA would be preserved 

by prohibiting future utility, 

road, and highway development. This alternative would 

also protect the high sensitivity of the Old Highway 91 

viewshed.

Impacts would be the 

same as Alternative B. 

 

 
176 Chapter 2 BDWNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 177

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-36

2.3.2 Red Cliffs NCA Alternative Tables

Table 2-36 Air Quality

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Federal and state air quality standards are met in the NCA.

Objectives

BLM’s objective for airshed 

management will be to ensure 

that authorizations granted to 

use public lands, and BLM’s 

own management programs 

will comply with and support 

local, state, and federal laws, 

regulations, and implementation plans pertaining to air 

quality.

Air quality is improved by reducing windblown dust levels from motorized vehicle travel on 

unpaved roads and from the loss of vegetative cover to wildfires.

Short-term air quality impacts (e.g., smoke, haze, windblown dust) that result from wildfires 

are minimized through appropriate fire suppression responses and through proactive management to minimize the potential for future wildfires.

Research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and anthropogenic 

factors that affect air resources and climate change is supported.

Management Guidance Common To All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, protect physical and biological (cryptogamic) soil crusts, and minimize wind erosion of soils (refer to Appendix F for a complete list of BMPs for all programs and 

resources).

Management Actions

All BLM actions and use authorizations will be designed 

or stipulated so as to protect 

the high-quality airshed 

within Zion National Park 

and other Class I areas in the 

region and to otherwise minimize impacts to visibility.

Reclaim closed routes that are not required for administrative purposes, non-motorized recreational uses, or as fire breaks. Use appropriate methods on reclaimed routes (e.g., soil binders, vertical mulching) to minimize windblown dust until vegetative cover has been restored.

Use aggregate, gravel base, or other environmentally-acceptable soil binders, as needed, at 

major trailheads, waysides, and high-use recreation sites, and on BLM-maintained roads to 

minimize windblown dust.

Coordinate with Washington County Public Works Department to post speed limits on unpaved roads, as needed, to lessen windblown dust created by motorized vehicle travel.

Implement post-wildfire ES&R actions that will stabilize soils and re-establish vegetative 

cover to minimize windblown dust levels.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to minimize new surface 

disturbances that would contribute to increased soil erosion and windblown dust.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install air quality monitoring equipment and collect data on ozone 

levels, visibility (haze) and other appropriate air quality indicators through federal and nonfederal grants; partnerships with other federal agencies, state, tribal and local governmental 

entities, academic institutions, and private entities; and through cooperative agreements or 

other appropriate methods).

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install one or more solar-powered weather stations in the NCA to 

collect data on temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, soil moisture, solar radiation, and other variables that could signal changing climatic conditions.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the carbon sequestration value of intact desert shrublands and the potential of degraded desert shrubland restoration to mitigate 

increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that are contributing to global warming.

Table 2-35 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Lands and Realty 

Alternative A would continue 

the current designation of the 

NCA as a ROW Avoidance 

area and maintain the designated corridor of variable 

widths along Old Highway 

91. New ROWs for linear and 

site-type ROWs could continue to be granted, within 

the designated corridor and 

at existing communication 

sites. New ROWs could potentially be granted elsewhere 

in the NCA, if specific criteria 

identified in the 1999 RMP 

are met.

Alternative B would manage 

the NCA as a ROW Exclusion 

area for linear ROWs, retain 

the designated corridor along 

Old Highway 91, but limit 

new ROWs for utilities to 

underground installations. 

Site-type ROWs would need 

to meet specific criteria to be 

authorized in the NCA. This 

alternative would restrict the 

types of land use authorizations that could be made, 

creating a negative and minor 

to moderate impact on the 

Lands and Realty program.

Alternative C would manage 

the NCA as a ROW Exclusion 

area for linear and site type 

ROWs and the existing Old 

Highway 91 designated 

corridor would be revoked 

through the NCA. The 

impacts on the authorization 

of land use ROWs would be 

negative, moderate to major 

and long-term on the Lands 

and Realty program.

Impacts would be the same as 

Alternative B.

Socioeconomics

Economic Impacts – Nonmarket Values

Provides some protections of 

nonmarket values, but would 

probably result in some losses 

and would forego enhancement of values.

Compared to Alternative 

A, this alternative provides 

greater protection and enhancement of most nonmarket values.

Compared to Alternative 

A and B, this alternative 

provides greater protection 

and enhancement of most 

nonmarket values. Would not 

support nonmarket values 

associated with grazing and 

ranching.

Impacts would be the same 

as Alternative B.

Social Impacts

Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders, and 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders would view 

favorably. Unsatisfactory 

to Habitat and Resource 

Conservation Stakeholders. 

Mixed views by NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A, 

would be favored by Habitat 

and Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders, less preferred by Livestock Grazing 

Stakeholders, and Economic 

Development Stakeholders. 

Similar to Alternative A 

for Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A 

and B, would be favored 

by Habitat and Resource 

Conservation Stakeholders. 

Least preferred alternative for Livestock Grazing 

Stakeholders, and Economic 

Development Stakeholders. 

Similar to Alternative A 

for Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders.

Similar to Alternative B 

for Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders. 

Similar but somewhat less 

preferable to Alternative B 

for Habitat and Resource 

Conservation Stakeholders 

and Livestock Grazing 

Stakeholders. Mixed views 

by Economic Development 

Stakeholders.

Table 2-36 Air Quality
178 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 179

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-37 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-37

Table 2-37 Water Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Water resources are conserved and protected to fulfill the purposes of the NCA and sustain 

ecosystem resiliency under changing climatic conditions.

Objectives

BLM’s objectives for soil and 

water resources will be to 

work with municipalities, 

state and local agencies, and 

other interested parties to: 

a) Protect community watersheds and sources of culinary 

water;

b) Reduce erosion, stream 

sedimentation, and 

salinization;

c) Improve water quality in 

streams and rivers;

d) Promote water 

conservation;

e) Ensure compliance with 

state and federal laws pertaining to water quality and 

pollution prevention;

f) Ensure water availability 

for the maintenance of key 

natural systems and human 

enjoyment;

g) Where necessary to meet 

essential community needs, 

identify environmentally 

suitable sites for water storage and routes for water 

transport.

BLM will comply with the 

provisions of Executive 

Orders 11988 and 11990 that 

require federal agencies to 

protect wetlands under their 

jurisdiction and avoid development within floodplains 

wherever possible.

Surface water quality is suitable for appropriate beneficial uses, complies with approved 

federal and state standards, and meets or exceeds the applicable Utah Standards and Guides 

(Appendix D).

Salinity and sediment loads in the Virgin River do not increase as a result of land uses and 

authorized activities on public lands in the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and 

anthropogenic factors that affect water resources (e.g., fire cycles, vegetation succession) and 

that may influence climate change.

Table 2-37 Water Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Guidance Common To All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, minimize wind and water erosion, and 

ensure that surface disturbances do not cause accelerated sedimentation in surface water sources. Inspect construction-related 

equipment and vehicles for petroleum and other chemical leaks when they arrive on-site.

Implement post-fire ES&R actions to restore riparian vegetation and minimize soil erosion that could impair water quality in 

springs, seeps, Leeds Creek, Quail Creek, and the Virgin River.

In planning re-vegetation projects for disturbed or fire-damaged riparian areas, identify specific resource and management 

objectives, desired plant communities, and methods that are ecologically sustainable, likely to achieve desired outcomes, and 

that minimize new surface disturbances and impacts on other resource values of the NCA.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness 

of the treatments in meeting management objectives. Conduct monitoring, as determined by the project-specific monitoring 

plans, to evaluate effectiveness of re-vegetation and ES&R actions.

Monitor water quality in Leeds Creek to determine if the designation standard for beneficial uses established by the UDWQ is 

being met.

Monitor fecal coliform levels in natural water catchments along the Red Reef Trail during high visitor use periods.

Management Actions

BLM will coordinate with local and state agencies as water 

protection plans are developed to ensure that federal 

land management actions or 

practices do not jeopardize 

drinking water quality.

Meet the goals of the 

Colorado River Basin Salinity 

Control Act by implementing administrative actions 

in this Plan and continuing 

to require the use of BMPs 

in areas of highly erodible, saline soils to reduce or prevent 

the movement of salts into 

drainages and waterways that 

flow into the Virgin River or 

its tributaries.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands from willing sellers within the NCA that would benefit the conservation and protection of surface and groundwater resources.

Pursue acquisition of surface and groundwater rights from willing sellers to benefit the conservation and protection of wildlife and improve aquatic habitats and riparian resources. 

Do not authorize land uses that would export water from the NCA.

Work through the State of Utah’s water rights system to ensure that BLM obtains water rights 

on all inventoried point water sources (springs, seeps, wells, reservoirs, etc.) for authorized 

beneficial uses of water within the NCA, including wildlife, recreation, domestic use within 

visitor facilities, and the improvement of aquatic habitats and riparian resources.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect water quality 

in streams, springs, seeps, and associated riparian areas.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Inventory the NCA to locate all springs and seeps, map the areal extent of associated riparian 

vegetation, evaluate water quality and flow rates, and document all spring developments.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to develop a conceptual groundwater model of quantity recharge of 

springs, seeps, and surface flows within and adjacent to the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect data and monitor changes in precipitation patterns (e.g., 

timing, frequency, intensity of events) that are predicted to alter surface and ground water 

quantity and availability.

Table 2-37 Water Resources
180 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 181

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-38 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-38

Table 2-38 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Paleontological resources, unique geologic features, and examples of geologic processes are 

conserved and protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, 

consistent with the mandates of OPLMA and the legislative purposes for which the Red Cliffs 

NCA was Congressionally-designated.

Objectives

In managing cultural and 

paleontological resources on 

public lands, BLM will seek 

to:

a) Employ reasonable measures and land use controls 

needed to reduce impacts 

from urbanization and human encroachment;

b) Apply the principles of 

conservation management 

to selected areas to maintain 

such resources in their present condition for future study 

and enjoyment;

c) Reduce looting and vandalism through increased 

public education, surveillance, and enforcement;

d) Provide for legitimate field 

research by credible scientists 

and institutions,

e) Ensure compliance with 

applicable state and federal laws for consultation, 

assessment, and mitigation 

including consultation with 

interested or affected Indian 

tribes;

f) Provide for stabilization, 

maintenance, and interpretation of selected sites for public enjoyment and education.

Scientifically important paleontological and geological resources are identified, managed, and 

allocated to appropriate uses that increase knowledge about geological processes and the history of life on Earth.

Designate paleontological resources currently documented or projected to occur in the 

NCA to Use Allocations (as defined by BLM Manual Section 8110.42 and Land Use Planning 

Handbook H-1601-1). Focus on the Use Allocations that are consistent with the legislative 

mandate from OPLMA for the NCA: Scientific Use, Conservation for Future Use, and Public 

Use. Do not allocate resources of scientific interest to Traditional Use, Experimental Use, or 

Discharged from Management, as these would not be consistent. See Table 2-4 for descriptions of each Use Allocation category.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Regular monitoring patrols and condition assessments are conducted at fossil localities in the NCA by BLM staff and trained 

volunteer Site Stewards.

No commercial sale or use of petrified wood is permitted in the NCA.

Management Actions

No similar action. Conduct paleontological surveys in areas with high potential for scientifically important fossil 

localities (Potential Fossil Yield Categories Classes 3, 4, and 5).

Table 2-38 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% 

of trackways, vertebrate, 

and paleo-botanical fossil 

localities for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

and Public Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of trackways, vertebrate, and 

paleo-botanical fossil localities for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% 

of invertebrate fossil localities for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

and Public Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of invertebrate fossil localities for Scientific and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Authorize the use of hand tools by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits 

and BLM Paleontological Resource Use Permits to conduct site-specific paleontological field 

studies and specimen collections at localities allocated to Scientific Use and Conservation for 

Future Use.

No similar action. Authorize the use of mechanized equipment on a caseby-case basis by researchers 

holding valid NCA Scientific 

Research Permits or BLM 

Paleontological Resources 

Excavation Permits to conduct site-specific paleontological field studies and specimen collections at localities 

allocated to Scientific Use and 

Conservation For Future Use.

Do not authorize the use of 

mechanized equipment for 

geological and paleontological field studies.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Prohibit the collection of 

common invertebrate fossils 

for commercial or personal 

use.

Same as Alternative B. Allow the casual collection of 

reasonable amounts of common invertebrate specimens 

for personal use, either by 

surface collection or the use 

of non- powered hand tools 

that result in negligible surface disturbance.

The collection of petrified 

wood on public lands is 

limited to 250 pounds per 

person per year for personal 

use only. No commercial use 

will be permitted to avoid 

the rapid depletion of the 

resource.

Prohibit the collection of petrified wood for personal use 

(as defined by federal regulations in 43 CFR 3622).

Same as Alternative B. Allow the collection of 

petrified wood for personal 

use, consistent with federal 

regulations in 43 CFR 3622, 

either by surface collection or 

the use of non- powered hand 

tools that result in negligible 

surface disturbance.

No similar action. Monitor high significance (scientific or interpretive) sites with fossil resources that are not 

feasible or desirable to excavate or collect to document their condition. The frequency of 

monitoring action for identified sites would be determined by the physical nature of the 

resource and potential threats. When monitoring indicates the need, management actions 

would be taken to conserve and protect these resources through physical measures and land 

use restrictions.

Table 2-38 Geologic and Paleontological Resources
182 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 183

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-38 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-39

Table 2-38 Geologic and Paleontological Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Use: 

No similar action. Authorize surface collection and excavation of unique and scientifically important fossil specimens by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits and BLM Paleontological 

Resource Use Permits.

Conservation for Future Use: 

No similar action. Only authorize surface collection of unique and scientifically important fossil specimens 

by researchers holding valid NCA Scientific Research Permits and BLM Paleontological 

Resource Use Permits if specimens are at risk of theft, vandalism, or loss to natural erosion 

and if feasible methods for in-situ protection are not available.

Monitor localities allocated to Conservation for Future Use on a regular basis, with monitoring frequency to be determined by the nature of the resource and potential threats.

Public Use:

No similar action. Prior to developing a locality for public use ensure the paleontological resources at the site 

and in the surrounding area have been fully documented.

Install informational signing and kiosks on site etiquette and PARPA at Public Use sites (e.g., 

trails, trailheads) where appropriate.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will collaborate with 

local communities, organizations, local and state agencies, 

Indian tribes, and other interested parties in developing 

and implementing plans for 

the restoration, stabilization, 

protection, and/or interpretation of appropriate historical, 

archaeological, or paleontological sites and resources on 

public lands in Washington 

County.

Develop on and off-site interpretation for significant paleontological sites and specimens, and 

geological features to foster an appreciation for the unique nature of these resources.

Develop on and off-site interpretation for areas within the NCA where the geologic history of 

southwestern Utah can be observed and appreciated.

Support education outreach programs, activities, and volunteer opportunities that focus on 

paleontological resources and the geologic history of Earth.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in Site Stewardship that increase public 

awareness of the need to conserve and protect at-risk fossil resources.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in inventory and data recovery projects that 

enhance public understanding of the geologic and paleo-environmental history of the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories and increase the fossil locality database for 

the NCA in partnership with the Utah Geological Survey, natural history museums, academic 

institutions, avocational groups, and trained volunteers.

Recruit and train youth and veteran groups, citizen stewards, and other volunteers to participate in inventory and data recovery projects that enhance public understanding of the earth 

history of the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific research studies at sites allocated to Scientific Use that 

collect paleo-environmental data that could serve as a baseline for comparison with modern 

climate trends.

Table 2-39 Cave and Karst Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Cave and karst resources are conserved and protected for the benefit of present and future 

generations.

Objectives

No similar action. Caves and karst resources are evaluated for significance, pursuant to the Federal Cave 

Resources Protection Act, and managed for appropriate uses such as conservation, scientific, 

recreational, and educational uses.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As needed, implement National White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and BLM IM 2010-18 in the management 

of cave resources that support bat populations.

Management Actions

No similar action. Initiate systematic inventories in areas of the NCA with high potential for cave and karst 

resources.

No similar action. Evaluate newly identified cave and karst resources for significance under the criteria defined 

in the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act and 43 CFR Part 37. Propose significant caves 

and karst resources for inclusion in the National Cave System.

No similar action. Manage cave and karst 

resources evaluated as significant for Conservation for 

Future Use, Scientific Use, 

and Public Use.

Manage cave and karst 

resources evaluated as significant for Conservation for 

Future Use and Scientific Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Develop implementationlevel Cave Management Plans 

for significant cave and karst 

resources that are identified 

for Public Use, to identify 

appropriate management 

objectives and actions needed 

to protect resource values.

No similar action. Same as Alternative B.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Develop on-site interpretation for significant cave and 

karst resources that are managed for Public Use.

Develop off-site interpretation for significant cave and 

karst resources that are managed for Conservation for 

Future Use and Scientific Use.

Same as Alternative B.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Authorize scientific research in cave and karst resources that do not contain cultural or paleontological resources through NCA Scientific Research Permits. Where cultural or paleontological resources are present, authorize scientific research through permits issued under the 

legal authorities of ARPA and PARPA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific research studies to collect data on cave biota and geologic 

processes that could serve as a baseline for comparison with modern climate trends.

Table 2-39 Cave and Karst Resources
184 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 185

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-40 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-40

Table 2-40 Soil Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Soil resources function to sustain the ecological health, species biodiversity, and resilience of 

native vegetation communities and watersheds.

Objectives

BLM’s objectives for soil and 

water resources will be to 

work with municipalities, 

state and local agencies, and 

other interested parties to: 

a) Protect community watersheds and sources of culinary 

water;

b) Reduce erosion, stream 

sedimentation, and 

salinization;

c) Improve water quality in 

streams and rivers;

d) Promote water 

conservation;

e) Ensure compliance with 

state and federal laws pertaining to water quality and 

pollution prevention;

f) Ensure water availability 

for the maintenance of key 

natural systems and human 

enjoyment;

g) Where necessary to meet 

essential community needs, 

identify environmentally 

suitable sites for water storage and routes for water 

transport.

Native vegetation communities provide sufficient plant cover and litter accumulation to protect soils from wind and water erosion.

Soils exhibit infiltration and permeability rates that are appropriate to specific soil types, land 

forms, and climatic variables.

Soil crusts are conserved, protected, and restored to perform vital functions such as enhancing infiltration, maintaining soil stability, and facilitating plant growth or re-establishment.

Salinity and sediment contributions from public lands into the Colorado River system, via 

Quail Creek, Leeds Creek, and the Virgin River, are minimized through appropriate land use 

management.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, cycles, and 

anthropogenic factors that affect soil and vegetation resources (e.g., fire return, nutrient 

cycles) and that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other site-specific mitigation measures to maintain soil stability, minimize wind and water erosion, and 

ensure that surface disturbances do not cause accelerated wind or water erosion.

Implement post-fire ES&R actions designed to minimize soil erosion and facilitate re-vegetation of desired native plant 

communities.

Management Actions

Meet the goals of the 

Colorado River Basin Salinity 

Control Act by implementing administrative actions in 

this Plan and continuing to 

require the use of BMPs in areas of highly erodible, saline 

soils to reduce or prevent the 

movement of salts into drainages and waterways that flow

Minimize damage to or loss of top soil and soil crusts through project design, permit stipulations, and public education.

Locate new trails, trailheads, or other facilities on soils suitable for development, such as areas 

less prone to wind and water erosion and previously disturbed areas.

Table 2-40 Soil Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

into the Virgin River or its 

tributaries.

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect soils and soil 

crusts.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to complete detailed soil surveys and ecological site inventories in the 

NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies relating to soil crust function and regeneration in 

disturbed and fire-altered desert ecosystems.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that focus on developing cost-effective methods to 

restore biological (cryptogamic) soil crusts in disturbed and fire-altered desert ecosystems.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to collect data and monitor changes in the timing, frequency, and 

intensity of storms, flood events, and droughts and the effects of these climatic changes on soil 

crust function and regeneration.

Table 2-40 Soil Resources
186 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 187

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-41 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-41

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Goal

Biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem resilience are conserved, protected, and restored in the unique native vegetation communities created by the convergence of the Mojave 

Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau ecoregions.

Objectives

BLM’s overall objective for 

vegetation management 

will be to ensure that the 

amount, type, and distribution of vegetation on public 

lands in Washington County 

reflects desired plant communities. These are defined 

as plant communities that 

produce the kind, proportion, and amount of vegetation necessary to meet or 

exceed management objectives for a given ecological 

site. Development of such 

communities will sustain a 

desired level of productivity 

for wildlife, livestock, and 

nonconsumptive purposes 

while maintaining properly 

functioning ecological conditions. BLM will apply Utah 

Standards for Rangeland 

Health and Guidelines for 

Grazing Management (SGFO 

RMP Appendix 3) in managing its various resource 

programs and monitor the 

results to ensure vegetation 

management objectives are 

being met. Collaboration 

with affected operators, 

government agencies, Indian 

tribes, and interested organizations will be promoted 

to bring together resources 

needed to complete specific 

management plans, implement approved recommendations, and monitor and 

evaluate the results.

Native perennial and annual communities exhibit species diversity, suitable canopy cover, 

plant density, and age class diversification appropriate to each specific ecological site type.

Desired plant communities provide sufficient plant cover and litter accumulation to protect 

soils from wind and water erosion and to enhance nutrient cycling.

Loss of late-successional desert shrublands (e.g., creosote-bursage, blackbrush communities), 

perennial understory vegetation, and soil crusts to wildfires is minimized through management actions to prevent and suppress wildfires, and control or eradicate non-native invasive 

annual grass species (Bromus spp.).

Resilience of native plant communities to climate change is maintained by re-introducing native species that have been lost or by introducing other appropriated native species.

Connectivity of native plant communities is maintained by restoring closed roads and other 

linear features that interrupt species dispersal. 

Genetic integrity of native communities is protected by using source-identified seed and other 

plant materials for restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., vegetation succession), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., 

recreation) that affect vegetation communities and that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Manage land uses and authorized activities to ensure that ecological systems meet or exceed management objectives identified 

in the Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D).

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on native vegetation communities for all land 

uses and authorized activities.

Management Actions

Native Vegetation Communities Conservation:

No similar action. Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

Native Vegetation Communities Protection:

Site specific plans to identify 

desired plant communities, 

establish specific management objectives, and recommend practices to be 

employed to achieve desired 

results, where appropriate, 

will be prepared in collaboration with affected livestock 

operators, the Utah Division 

of Wildlife Resources, the 

Washington County Water 

Conservancy District, and 

other interested parties, agencies, or organizations.

Implement landscape-level fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects in partnership with 

adjacent federal and state land managing agencies.

Design fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects to conserve and protect unburned native vegetation communities, evaluating factors such as vegetation types, seasonal wind direction, and expected fire behavior in project planning.

Design fuel breaks to incorporate topographic features, water courses, major ephemeral 

drainages, road networks, and utility corridors, to minimize new surface disturbances and the 

loss of native vegetation.

Design fuel breaks and hazard fuel reduction projects to utilize those methods that are environmentally sensitive and minimize new surface disturbances.

Employ appropriate wildfire suppression tactics to minimize loss of unburned and onceburned native vegetation communities, particularly late-successional desert shrublands.

“Fire management actions 

would include full suppression, mechanical non-fire fuel 

treatments, and prescribed 

fire. Because of the suppression emphasis, the appropriate management response 

(AMR) would be applied 

to generally keep fire sizes 

small and fire would not play 

a large role in resource enhancement.” (BLM UT-040-

04-054 2005).

Authorize the use of biological controls, targeted grazing, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods 

to develop fuel breaks and 

hazard fuel reduction projects 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method). 

Authorize the use of hand 

removal, low impact mechanical methods, or a combination of these methods to develop fuel breaks and hazard 

fuel reduction projects (see 

Table 2-8 for descriptions of 

each method).

Authorize the use of biological controls, targeted grazing, 

flaming, hand removal, herbicides, mechanical methods, 

or a combination of methods 

to develop fuel breaks and 

hazard fuel reduction projects 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method). 

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to protect native 

vegetation communities and prevent wildfires.

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities
188 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 189

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-41 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-41

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in areas to 

be re-vegetated. Incorporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the long term effectiveness of herbicidal treatments for exotic invasive annual grasses in arid ecosystems.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop ecologically sustainable and cost-effective biological treatments to control and eradicate noxious weeds and non-native invasive 

annual grasses in arid ecosystems.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Monitor the timing, frequency, and intensity of fall precipitation events in the NCA, as these 

events can be used to predict high invasive annual grass production in the following spring 

that will fuel catastrophic wildfires during the summer months.

Resample vegetation study plots and monitoring transects established in the 1970s to determine if native plant species are shifting their elevational distribution in response to climate 

change.

RIPARIAN VEGETATION

Goal

Riparian areas sustain productive and diverse ecosystems and properly functioning 

watersheds.

Objectives

BLM’s objective, to the extent 

practical, will be to manage riparian areas so as to 

maintain or restore them to 

properly functioning conditions and to ensure that 

stream channel morphology 

and functions are appropriate 

to the local soil type, climate, 

and landform.

Healthy riparian areas are conserved and protected through land use restrictions, protective 

measures, and other management actions.

Healthy riparian areas exhibit appropriate species composition and structural diversity to provide suitable forage, nesting or breeding habitats, and cover for diverse terrestrial and aquatic 

wildlife.

Degraded riparian areas are restored to proper functioning condition or better, ensuring that 

stream channel morphology and functions are appropriate to the local soil type, climate, and 

landform.

Employ the best available science relating to natural recovery patterns of riparian communities in arid lands.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., vegetation succession), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., recreation) that affect riparian vegetation communities and that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Manage land uses and authorized activities to ensure that riparian areas meet or exceed management objectives identified in 

the Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D).

Employ appropriate wildfire suppression tactics to minimize impacts on riparian areas, while protecting firefighter and public 

safety and private property as first priorities.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on riparian areas that may result from land 

uses and authorized activities.

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Management Actions

Riparian Vegetation Conservation:

Monitoring studies will be 

established in riparian areas 

where increased recreation, 

OHV use, or grazing patterns 

are believed to be adversely 

impacting goals for riparian 

management. Impacts on key 

riparian species will be monitored...as resource conditions 

warrant and priorities allow. 

Regular monitoring of species 

and sites will be conducted to 

determine whether vegetative 

conditions and objectives are 

being achieved. If declining 

trends are identified, BLM 

will work with livestock 

operators, user groups, and 

other affected agencies, communities, or organizations to 

identify causes of the declining trends and to recommend 

and take corrective action.

Inventory riparian areas to establish baseline data on functioning conditions, trends in native 

plant composition, and infestations of noxious weeds and invasive species.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands within the NCA that would benefit the conservation, 

protection, and restoration of riparian areas.

Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

Develop and implement re-vegetation plans for damaged riparian areas to minimize soil erosion and re-establish desired plant communities. Plans will specify seed/plant sources, seed/

plant mixes, and soil preparation. Utilize salvage vegetation from the project area to the extent 

possible.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution 

data to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments in meeting management objectives.

Conduct monitoring, as determined by project-specific monitoring plan, to evaluate effectiveness of restoration and ES&R treatments.

Riparian Vegetation Protection:

Options may include, but 

are not limited to, fencing, 

barriers, selected closures, 

vegetative manipulations, 

seasonal use restrictions 

for camping or recreation, 

and adjustments in grazing 

management.

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

using biological controls, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project size (see 

Table 2-8 for descriptions of 

each method).

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

through hand removal methods, depending on target 

species, infestation level, site 

characteristics, and project 

size (see Table 2-8 for descriptions of this method).

Treat non-native woody species (e.g., tamarisk, Russian 

olive) in a phased approach 

using biological controls, 

flaming, hand removal, herbicides, mechanical methods, 

or a combination of methods, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project size (see 

Table 2-8 for descriptions of 

each method).

No similar action. Allow adequate time between treatments for native woody species to establish in a treated 

area before treating adjacent patches.

Options may include, but 

are not limited to, fencing, 

barriers, selected closures, 

vegetative manipulations, 

seasonal use restrictions 

for camping or recreation, 

and adjustments in grazing 

management.

Prohibit new surface disturbing projects or activities 

within 500 feet of the edge 

of the riparian zone, except 

when the project would 

improve riparian resource 

conditions.

Prohibit new surface disturbing projects or activities 

within 1,000 feet of the edge 

of the riparian zone, except 

when the project would 

improve riparian resource 

conditions.

Prohibit surface disturbing 

projects or activities within 

250 feet of the edge of the 

riparian zone, except when 

the project would improve 

riparian resource conditions.
190 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 191

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-41 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

FIRE SUPPRESSION

Goal 

Wildfire suppression activities support the conservation and protection of NCA resource 

values and comply with legal, regulatory, and agency policy requirements.

Objectives

Fire suppression on public 

lands in Washington County 

will be directed by objectives 

and prescriptions identified 

in the Dixie Fire Management 

Plan scheduled for completion in 1999. The highest priorities of fire suppression will 

be to protect life, firefighter 

safety, property, and critical 

resource values. The BLM will 

coordinate with stakeholders 

at local and regional levels as 

well as adjacent land management agencies in formulating 

and implementing the final 

Fire Management Plan.

Suppression activities prioritize firefighter and public safety, protect private property, conserve 

and protect NCA resource values, and minimize overall suppression costs through planning 

and efficient management of tactical and human resources.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that affect the fire return intervals that influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Employ rapid and appropriate suppression responses to minimize fire size and duration in the NCA.

Management Actions

In both the Beaver Dam 

Slope ACEC and the 

Washington County HCP 

Reserve, BLM will suppress 

wildfires in accordance with 

the guidelines in Fighting 

Wildfire in Desert Tortoise 

Habitat: Considerations for 

Land Managers, (T. Duck et 

al, 1994 – Desert Tortoise 

Council; International 

Symposium of Wildland Fire, 

1995). Generally, the guidelines call for applying the 

principle of “minimum tool.” 

Under this concept, BLM 

will use the least disruptive 

approach to initial attack and 

fire suppression needed to 

extinguish the fire and meet 

other resource objectives for 

the affected area. Qualified 

resource advisors will be onsite during fire suppression to 

guide firefighter activities so 

as to minimize harm to

Conserve and protect unburned areas through appropriate fire suppression responses, while 

prioritizing firefighter and public safety and the protection of private property.

Utilize qualified Resource Advisors to guide suppression actions for all fires to help ensure 

that ecological systems and resource values are conserved and protected to the maximum 

extent possible.

Table 2-41 Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation 

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the ecological values of riparian areas and appropriate public 

land use etiquette to protect these areas.

Involve volunteers, schools, youth groups, veterans, and partner organizations in riparian 

resource monitoring and restoration projects to increase public awareness and foster citizen 

stewardship of NCA resources.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in areas to 

be re-vegetated. Incorporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Collect and maintain baseline data on riparian vegetation species composition, noxious 

weeds, and non-native species infestations.

Pursue opportunities to develop and maintain baseline data on the terrestrial, avian, and 

aquatic wildlife that utilize these areas.

Pursue opportunities to develop baseline data on taxa found in the riparian areas that are not 

well studied, such as amphibians, insects, other invertebrates, fungi, and lichens.

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to monitor the areal extent and species composition of riparian vegetation communities as a possible predictor of decreased precipitation and changes in seasonal 

precipitation patterns in the Mojave Desert.

Pursue opportunities to identify key riparian features within and adjacent to the NCA that 

must be protected to allow multi-species habitat connectivity and wildlife migration corridors 

under changing climate conditions.

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels Management
192 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 193

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Limit the size of prescriptive 

fires for research purposes to 

no more than one acre for all 

studies proposed under an 

NCA Research Permit.

Do not authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes in the NCA.

Limit the size of prescriptive 

fires for research purposes to 

no more than five acres for 

all studies proposed under an 

NCA Research Permit.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to install one or more solar-powered weather stations in the NCA to 

collect data on temperature, precipitation, wind speed, humidity, soil moisture, solar radiation, and other variables that could signal changing climatic conditions that influence wildfire 

frequency and severity.

ES&R AND OTHER NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITY RESTORATION

Goal

Biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ecosystem resilience are restored in disturbed and firedamaged native vegetation communities.

Objectives 

BLM will conduct rehabilitation of lands affected 

by wildfire in accordance 

with provisions of the approved Dixie Normal Fire 

Rehabilitation Plan (1997). 

Any rehabilitation will 

require site-specific analysis including full cultural 

resource inventories on lands 

to be disturbed and appropriate consultation. In all cases, 

BLM will apply standards 

and guidelines approved for 

various resources included 

in Utah BLM’s Standards 

for Rangeland Health and 

Guidelines for Grazing 

Management (SGFO RMP 

Appendix 3). Deference will 

be given to the use of least 

disruptive practices in areas 

being managed primarily for 

their natural values, including primitive recreation areas, 

designated wilderness areas, 

riparian zones, areas of critical environmental concern, 

and rivers recommended as 

suitable for inclusion in the 

National Wild and Scenic 

Rivers System.

Species richness and landscape heterogeneity are re-established in disturbed and fire-damaged vegetation communities through restoration projects and post-fire ES&R actions.

Progress is made toward restoration of late successional shrublands.

Genetic integrity of native communities is protected by using source-identified seeds and 

other plant materials for restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Restoration methods employ the best available science relating to natural recovery patterns of 

native vegetation communities.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes (e.g., role of 

soil crusts, gramnivores, herbivores), cycles (e.g., fire return, nutrient cycles), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., recreation) that affect the re-establishment of native vegetation communities and that may influence climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize loss of top soil and soil crusts during restoration projects and ES&R actions.

In planning re-vegetation projects for disturbed and fire-damaged areas, identify desired plant communities and use

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

tortoises and important 

habitats.

No similar action. Evaluate the use of “backburning” as a fire suppression 

tactic in late successional 

shrublands on a case-by-case 

basis. Require NCA Manager 

approval prior to employing 

this tactic.

Prohibit “backburning” as a 

fire suppression tactic in late 

successional shrublands.

Evaluate the use of “backburning” as a fire suppression 

tactic in late successional 

shrublands on a case-bycase basis. Require Resource 

Advisor approval prior to 

employing this tactic.

Wildland Fire Use:

“Wildland fire use is not allowed" (BLM UT-040-04-054 

2005).

Do not authorize wildfire use in the NCA, as there are no fire-adapted vegetative communities present in which fire has historically played an important role in ecosystem function.

Management-Ignited (Prescriptive) Fire:

“Fire management actions 

would include full suppression, mechanical non-fire fuel 

treatments, and prescribed 

fire. Because of the suppression emphasis, the appropriate management response 

(AMR) would be applied 

to generally keep fire sizes 

small and fire would not play 

a large role in resource enhancement.” (BLM UT-040-

04-054 2005).

Do not authorize the use of management-ignited (prescriptive) fire in any of the ecological 

systems of the NCA for hazard fuel reduction or vegetation type conversions, as these are not 

fire-adapted communities in which fire has historically played an important role in ecosystem 

function.

Prescriptive fire could be authorized as part of scientific studies, as described below under 

Scientific Research.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about fire prevention and reporting wildfires.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about native vegetation communities and why fire did not historically play an important role in ecosystem function for these communities.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that will develop reliable methods to forecast catastrophic wildfire seasons using the timing of fall and winter precipitation events.

No similar action. Only authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes as part of scientific 

studies authorized under an 

NCA Research Permit and 

other required permits.

Do not authorize the use of 

prescriptive fire for research 

purposes in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Do not authorize prescriptive fires for research purposes within designated critical habitat for 

the Mojave desert tortoise or other federally-listed species.

Do not authorize prescriptive fires for research purposes in unburned late successional shrublands, including blackbrush or other communities.
194 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 195

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Seed mixes used for rehabilitation will reflect a diversity 

of plant types suitable to the 

soils, climate, and landform 

of the area being restored. 

Mixes will be designed to 

meet a range of purposes 

appropriate for the land 

involved including wildlife, 

watershed, soil retention, 

livestock, and fire ecology.

Include a high proportion of early colonizing (early successional) native annual and perennial 

species in seed mixes or plantings to quickly re-establish soil cover, minimize invasive species 

establishment, and facilitate the re-establishment of late successional species.

No similar action. Include native species in seed mixes or plantings that will function as “nurse” plants to facilitate the re-establishment of species (e.g., Joshua trees) that require shade during initial growth 

stages.

No similar action. To implement seeding restoration, authorize the use 

of non-invasive (e.g., aerial 

applications, hand scattering, 

surface distribution of encapsulated seeds, mulching) and 

minimally invasive seeding 

(e.g., small seed drills, hand 

raking) methods, as well 

as plug plants, containerized plants, and other plant 

materials.

To implement seeding 

restoration, authorize the 

use of non-invasive seeding 

methods (e.g., aerial applications, hand scattering, surface 

distribution of encapsulated 

seeds, mulching), as well 

as plug plants, containerized plants, and other plant 

materials.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. To protect seeds from 

rodents, birds, and other 

gramnivores, authorize the 

use of non-invasive (e.g., seed 

encapsulation, mulching) 

and minimally invasive (e.g., 

small seed drills, hand raking) seed protection methods.

To protect seeds from rodents, birds, and other gramnivores, authorize the use of 

non-invasive seed protection 

methods (e.g., seed encapsulation, mulching).

Evaluate the use of invasive 

seed protection methods 

(e.g., harrowing, chaining) 

outside of designated critical 

habitats on a case-by-case 

basis.

Authorize the use of such 

methods only when scientific 

research demonstrates that 

the benefits would clearly 

outweigh the negative effects 

on listed species, habitats, 

and other resource values.

No similar action. Authorize hand planting of plugs, other plant materials, and containerized plants for vegetation restoration and ES&R treatments.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, exhibits, demonstration treatment areas, websites) that inform visitors about vegetation/habitat 

restoration projects and ES&R actions.

Involve volunteers, school, youth and veterans groups, academic institutions, and partner 

organizations in restoration projects whenever feasible to increase public awareness and foster 

increased citizen stewardship of NCA lands and resources.

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

ecologically sustainable methods that minimize new surface disturbances and impacts on other resource values of the NCA.

Establish monitoring plots and use desired plant species frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness 

of the treatments.

Conduct monitoring to evaluate effectiveness of re-vegetation and ES&R actions, as determined by the project-specific monitoring plans.

Management Actions

Site specific plans to identify 

desired plant communities, 

establish specific management objectives, and recommend practices to be 

employed to achieve desired 

results, where appropriate, 

will be prepared in collaboration with affected livestock 

operators, the Utah Division 

of Wildlife Resources, the 

Washington County Water 

Conservancy District, and 

other interested parties, agencies, or organizations.

Implement a program to strategically collect, store, and increase native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for conservation and for use in future restoration 

projects. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success Protocol, in partnership with the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological 

soil crust communities will follow the best available protocols.

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings. 

Maximize the use of microsites of fertile soils (“fertile islands”) and areas where biological soil 

crusts are regenerating.

Authorize the use of artificial water, carbon sequestration soil treatments, or other methods 

that have been shown to increase success of restoration efforts in desert ecosystems.

Authorize the inoculation of cryptogamic soil crust species or mycorrhizae to restore biological soil crusts and assist plant establishment.

The use and perpetuation 

of native plant species will 

be emphasized. However, 

when restoring or rehabilitating disturbed or degraded 

rangelands, nonintrusive and 

non-native species will be 

approved for use where native 

species:

a) Are not available;

b) Are not economically 

feasible;

c) Cannot achieve ecological 

objectives as well as nonnative species; and/or

d) Cannot compete with already established non-native 

species.

Authorize use of native seeds, 

plant materials, and native 

plant cultivars for re-vegetation efforts, in the following 

order of preference:

1. Locally derived sources;

2. Regionally derived sources.

Only authorize use of nonnative plant species when all 

the following criteria are met: 

a) Desired native species are 

not available;

b) The natural biological 

diversity of the treatment area 

would not be diminished;

c) Exotic and naturalized species can be confined within 

the treatment area; 

d) Restoration of native 

vegetation species would be 

facilitated by use of the nonnative species; 

e) Use of non-native species 

would benefit threatened and 

endangered species, including 

the desert tortoise.

Authorize the use of native 

seeds and plant materials 

from locally derived sources 

for re-vegetation efforts.

Authorize the use of native 

seeds, plant materials, and 

native plant cultivars for 

re-vegetation efforts, in the 

following order of preference:

1. Locally derived sources;

2. Regionally derived sources;

3. Native to the Mojave 

Desert ecoregion.

Only authorize use of nonnative plant species when the 

following criteria are met:

a) Desired native species are 

not available;

b) Exotic and naturalized 

species can be confined 

within the treatment area.
196 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 197

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-42 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-43

Table 2-43 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Ecological integrity of the native vegetation communities is conserved, protected, and 

restored.

Objectives

In accordance with national 

and state policies, BLM will 

continue working with the 

Washington County Weed 

Supervisor through written 

agreement for the control of 

noxious weeds on and near 

public lands. In order to 

prevent the introduction and 

spread of noxious weed species, BLM will seek to develop 

partnerships with landowners, Washington County, state 

agencies, other federal land 

management agencies, and 

interested organizations. Such 

partnerships will formulate 

and analyze an integrated 

weed management approach 

to develop public awareness 

programs, establish weed 

management objectives and 

priorities, develop and apply 

common inventory techniques, implement approved 

treatments and control 

measures, and monitor and 

report results.

Infestations of noxious weeds and exotic invasive species are controlled and ultimately eradicated using IWM.

New infestations of noxious weeds and exotic invasive species are prevented through management actions and project design.

Ecologically sustainable and cost effective methods are employed for all IWM treatments.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles 

(e.g., seasonal precipitation), and anthropogenic factors (e.g., recreation) that affect the establishment and proliferation of noxious weeds and invasive species, and alter the historic fire 

regime.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Employ weed prevention BMPs (Appendix F) as appropriate for surface-disturbing projects and activities.

Require the use of certified weed-free hay or other feed for recreational pack stock.

Require the use of certified weed-free mulch and seed for reclamation, restoration, and re-vegetation projects.

Management Actions

No similar action. Complete a systematic inventory of noxious weeds on public lands in the NCA.

Develop and maintain a GIS database of all noxious weed and invasive species treatment 

projects conducted in the NCA.

Table 2-42 Fire and Fuels

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to scientifically assess (i.e., through rigorous and statistically valid study 

design) the short and long-term effectiveness of seed/seedlings/cuttings by source in areas to 

be re-vegetated. Incorporate local ecotypes (locally collected and increased seed) into vegetation studies where plant materials are used for vegetation restoration.

Pursue opportunities to collaborate with researchers and other federal and non-federal partners to assess the variability in the genetic diversity of plant species to assist in the development of species’ Seed Transfer Zones and inform the development of plant materials and seed 

purchase for large scale restoration and re-vegetation projects.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies of the insect and avian pollinators that occur in the 

NCA and their role in the persistence and/or recovery of native species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to better understand the role of gramnivores (e.g., ants, birds, rodents, other small mammals) and herbivores in the persistence and/

or recovery of native species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to improve the success of re-vegetation techniques for late successional species in disturbed and fire-damaged vegetation 

communities.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop native plant materials and native plant 

cultivars that can quickly re-establish in fire-damaged arid lands and prevent infestations of 

noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop cost effective and ecologically sustainable biological methods to control or eradicate noxious weeds and invasive species.

Climate Change Monitoring 

No similar action. Monitor the timing, frequency, and intensity of fall precipitation events in the NCA, as these 

events can be used to predict high invasive annual grass production in the following spring 

that will fuel catastrophic wildfires during the summer months.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the carbon sequestration value of 

intact desert shrublands and the potential for restoration of degraded desert shrublands to be 

used to mitigate increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Table 2-43 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species
198 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 199

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-43 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-44

Table 2-44 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Livestock grazing is managed in conformance with the mandates of OPLMA Section 1974 

(e) 4 and in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the ecological, scenic, wildlife, 

recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of the NCA.

Objectives

BLM objectives for grazing 

management on public lands 

throughout Washington 

County will be to:

a) Promote healthy, sustainable rangeland ecosystems 

that produce a wide range of 

public values such as wildlife 

habitat, livestock forage, recreation opportunities, clean 

water, and safe and functional 

watersheds;

b) Restore and improve 

public rangelands to properly 

functioning condition, where 

needed;

c) Provide for the sustainability of the western livestock 

industry and communities 

that are dependent upon productive, healthy rangelands;

d) Ensure that public land 

users and stakeholders have a 

meaningful voice in establishing policy and managing 

public rangelands.

Manage livestock grazing to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mojave Desert and Great 

Basin ecosystems and to promote the resilience and survival of native vegetation communities 

under predicted climate change scenarios.

Manage livestock grazing to achieve Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix D) for upland and 

riparian vegetation communities, by adjusting use levels, timing and intensity of grazing, and 

by developing improvement and restoration projects.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Conversions of types of livestock from cattle to sheep or other kind of livestock will not be authorized.

Management Actions

Within desert tortoise critical habitats, grazing permits 

will be permanently retired 

on the Alger Hollow, Red 

Cliffs, Yellow Knolls, and 

Washington allotments in 

accordance with Washington 

County HCP recommendations. In accordance with 

current biological opinions 

of the FWS, spring grazing 

after March 31 will not be 

authorized in those portions 

of Sandstone Mountain and 

Sand Hill allotments in Zone 

4 of the Reserve to reduce

Continue to make public lands within the following allotments unavailable to livestock grazing over the life of the RMP:

a) Alger Hollow; 

b) Red Cliffs;

c) Yellow Knolls;

d) Washington;

e) Leeds; 

f) Sandstone Mountain;

g) Sand Hill.

Make public lands within the Diamond Valley allotment unavailable to livestock grazing over 

the life of the RMP (1,780 acres and 80 AUMs).

Continue to make public lands within the Sand Wash and Veyo allotments available for grazing over the life of the RMP.

Table 2-43 Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Specific weed treatments 

will be determined by plant 

species, site characteristics, 

and management objectives. 

A combination of approaches 

may be employed to achieve 

the most environmentally sound results including mechanical, biological, 

and chemical techniques or 

changes in land use.

Authorize the use of biological controls, hand removal, 

herbicides, mechanical 

methods, or a combination of 

methods for weed treatments, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project scale 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method).

Authorize the use of hand 

removal methods for weed 

treatments (see Table 2-8 for 

descriptions of this method).

Authorize the use of biological controls, flaming, hand removal, herbicide, mechanical 

methods, or a combination of 

methods for weed treatments, 

depending on target species, 

infestation level, site characteristics, and project scale 

(see Table 2-8 for descriptions of each method).

No similar action. Conduct monitoring and treat all weed infestations for a minimum of 5 years or until target 

species is eradicated.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public land use etiquette to prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Involve volunteers, youth and veterans groups, and diverse partner organizations in the identification and mapping of noxious weed and exotic invasive species infestations and in weed 

treatment projects that employ hand removal and hand tool methods.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop ecologically sustainable and cost-effective biological controls for noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to test the effectiveness of herbicides approved for 

use on public lands in the reduction of exotic invasive annual grasses in Mojave Desert and 

transitional communities.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the effects of changing precipitation 

patterns and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels on the spread and dominance of 

non-native invasive annual grasses in Mojave Desert and transitional communities.

Table 2-44 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing
"S

"S

"S

!.

!.

!.

!.

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H

R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

Ha wfl ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egroe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ssaP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Washington

Allotment

Yellow Knolls

Allotment

Alger Hollow

Allotment

Red Cliffs

Allotment

Red

Cliffs

Allotment

Leeds

Allotment

Sandstone

Mountain

Allotment

Sand

Hills

Allotment

Laverkin

Allotment

Diamond

Valley

Allotment

Sand Wash

Allotment

Veyo

Allotment

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

Liv

e

sto

c

k

Gra

zin

g - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

A (N

o

A

ctio

n) &

D Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

!. Cattle Guard!. Corral!. Rain Gauge"S Range Study Site

FenceGrazing Allotment BoundaryGrazing Pasture BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

Unavailable for GrazingAvailable for Grazing

200 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 201

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-44 MAP 2-26

Table 2-44 Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

potential conflicts during 

the tortoise active season. 

Grazing permits in these allotments may also be retired 

where permittees choose to 

relinquish them.

“The BLM will authorize 

non-use for conservation and 

protection purposes for grazing privileges in the identified 

habitat areas. Grazing will 

not be permitted during the 

non-use period on acquired 

allotments until a definitive study of livestock/desert 

tortoise interrelationships 

has been completed, which 

demonstrates that livestock 

grazing is consistent with 

reserve management objectives.” (HCP 1995).

(Map 2-26)

(Map 2-27)

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on increasing public understanding 

of the history of livestock grazing in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine changes in species composition and 

vigor of native vegetation communities in areas of the NCA where domestic livestock grazing 

was discontinued in the 1990s, when compared to historically collected baseline data.
"S

"S

"S

!.

!.

!.

!.

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H

R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

Ha wfl ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egroe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ssaP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Washington

Allotment

Yellow Knolls

Allotment

Alger Hollow

Allotment

Red Cliffs

Allotment

Red

Cliffs

Allotment

Leeds

Allotment

Sandstone

Mountain

Allotment

Sand

Hills

Allotment

Laverkin

Allotment

Diamond

Valley

Allotment

Sand Wash

Allotment

Veyo

Allotment

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

Liv

e

sto

c

k

Gra

zin

g - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

B

&

C Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

!. Cattle Guard!. Corral!. Rain Gauge"S Range Study Site

FenceGrazing Allotment BoundaryGrazing Pasture BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

Unavailable for GrazingAvailable for Grazing

202 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 203

MAP 2-27 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-45

Table 2-45 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

A biologically diverse landscape is conserved, protected, and restored to support a variety of 

habitats and native plant and animal species.

Objectives

BLM’s objective for forestry 

management is to provide 

woodland products on a 

sustained yield basis to meet 

local needs where such use 

does not limit the accomplishment of goals for the 

management of other important resources. Where feasible, harvest of forest products 

will be encouraged in areas of 

proposed or existing vegetative treatments to lessen the 

need for additional treatment 

or land disturbance.

Manage harvesting and use of woodland products, native plants, and plant materials to conserve biological diversity and further restoration goals for native vegetation communities and 

species habitats.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Fees or permits would not be required for the collection of small quantities of pinyon pine seeds (pine nuts) for non-commercial personal use.

Management Actions

Fuelwood and Post Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Closed to fuelwood harvest: 

Washington County HCP 

Reserve. (SGFO RMP Table 

2-8)

Do not authorize commercial and non-commercial fuelwood or post harvesting in the NCA.

Christmas Tree Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Closed to fuelwood harvest: 

Washington County HCP 

Reserve. (SGFO RMP Table 

2-8)

Do not authorize commercial or non-commercial Christmas tree harvesting in the NCA.

Campfire Materials:

On-site use of dead and down 

fuelwood for campfires will 

be allowed except where 

otherwise prohibited by 

planning decision or permit 

stipulations.

Wood gathering is prohibited in the Lowland Zone; 

in the Upland Zone wood 

gathering is restricted to 

dead and down wood only. 

For areas outside of official 

campgrounds, camp stoves 

are strongly encouraged. (Red 

Cliffs Desert Reserve Public 

Use Plan 2000 (PUP)).

Allow the on-site use of 

dead and down materials for 

campfires, except in riparian 

areas.

Dispersed camping is allowed in the Backcountry 

and Primitive Recreation 

Management Zones.

Do not allow on-site use of 

dead and down materials for 

campfires.

Dispersed camping is allowed 

in the Primitive Recreation 

Management Zone.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-45 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials
204 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 205

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-45 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-45

Table 2-45 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Authorize the collection of 

native seedlings, plants, cuttings, and biological soil crust 

materials for restoration projects on public lands within 

the NCA and within adjacent 

areas of the northeastern 

Mojave Desert in southwestern Utah.

Authorize the collection 

of native seedlings, plants, 

cuttings, and biological soil 

crust materials for restoration projects to be completed 

within the NCA.

Authorize the collection 

of native seedlings, plants, 

cuttings, and biological soil 

crust restoration projects on 

public lands within the NCA 

and adjacent areas within the 

northeast Mojave Desert of 

southwestern Utah, Arizona, 

and Nevada.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites, educational programs, school curriculum) that focus on increasing public understanding of research related to the development of improved plant materials and restoration 

techniques for arid lands. 

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies designed to improve the success of re-vegetation techniques for late successional species in disturbed and fire damaged vegetation 

communities.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to develop native plant materials and native plant 

cultivars that can quickly re-establish in fire-damaged arid lands and prevent infestations of 

noxious weeds and non-native invasive species.

Table 2-45 Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

The collection of dead and down materials for campfires is not authorized in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area; visitors must 

provide firewood for use in campfires in the campground and day use area.

Native Seed Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Closed to commercial and 

non-commercial seed harvests: Critical habitats for 

special status species, areas 

of critical environmental 

concern, and designated 

wilderness.

Do not authorize native seed harvesting for commercial or non-commercial purposes in the 

NCA.

Native Desert Vegetation Harvesting for Commercial and Non-Commercial Purposes:

Because demand will rapidly 

exhaust the available supply, 

desert vegetation sales will 

be limited to designated salvage areas only. These areas 

typically include lands under 

construction for ROWs or 

other projects undertaken or 

approved by BLM.

Do not authorize the commercial or non-commercial harvesting, removal, salvage, and/or 

sale of native desert vegetation (e.g., cacti, succulents, other native species) in the NCA.

Exceptions will be made for...

the collection of vegetative 

products for Native American 

ceremonial or religious purposes, excluding federallylisted species.

Authorize the individual collection of native plant materials (excluding all federally-listed native plant species) by Native Americans for religious, ceremonial, and traditional purposes.

Native Seed, Plants, and Plant Materials Collection for Research, Conservation, and Restoration:

Exceptions will be made for...

specific authorization for the 

collection of vegetation for 

scientific purposes.

Authorize collection of native seeds, seedlings, plants, cuttings, biological soil crusts and 

species for scientific research through an NCA Scientific Research Permit and Utah BLM 

Specimen Collection Permit, where required.

No similar action. Authorize the collection of native seeds, seedlings, cuttings, biological soil crust communities 

and species for conservation and future use in restoration projects. Seed collection will follow 

the Seeds for Success Protocol, in partnership with the Great Basin and Mojave Desert Native 

Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological soil crust communities will follow the 

best available protocols. 

Develop partnerships with appropriate BLM Seed Warehouses for storage and management of 

seed collections and with other federal and non-federal entities for propagation of seedlings 

and cuttings.

No similar action. Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and within 

adjacent areas of the northeastern Mojave Desert in 

southwestern Utah.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

studies and for restoration 

projects to be completed 

within the NCA.

Authorize hand method 

seed collection for scientific 

research and for restoration 

projects on public lands 

within the NCA and adjacent 

areas within the northeast 

Mojave Desert of southwestern Utah, Arizona, and 

Nevada.
206 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 207

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-46 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-46

Table 2-46 Special Status Plant Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to complete detailed soil surveys in the NCA to assist in the identification of areas that could support populations of Shivwits milkvetch.

Pursue opportunities to collect data on the timing, frequency, and duration of precipitation 

events and how these influence persistence and expansion of Shivwits milkvetch populations.

Pursue opportunities for scientific research that focuses on the species of native bees or other 

pollinators that help to ensure reproduction within Shivwits milkvetch populations and gene 

flow between populations.

Table 2-46 Special Status Plant Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Shivwits milkvetch (Astragalus ampullarioides) populations in the NCA are stable or increasing, helping to assist the recovery and delisting of this endemic Washington County native 

plant species.

Objectives

BLM will apply appropriate management to special 

status plant species located on 

public lands in Washington 

County.

Special status plant species 

include:

a) Threatened or endangered 

species listed or species proposed for such listing under 

the Endangered Species Act;

b) Candidate species;

c) State-listed sensitive 

species.

BLM’s objective will be to 

help recover listed species 

and manage candidate and 

sensitive species so that additional listings are not necessary. Management will focus 

on the development and 

implementation of recovery 

plans for listed species and 

conservation agreements and 

strategies for candidate and 

other sensitive species.

Implement management actions to conserve, protect, and restore habitat for the Shivwits 

milkvetch.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations identified in the approved Recovery Plan for Astragalus 

holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch) and Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) (USFWS 2006).

Management Actions

No similar action. Monitor identified populations of Shivwits milkvetch populations within the NCA in coordination with USFWS.

Conduct botanical inventories of areas within the NCA where appropriate soil types are present that comprise suitable Shivwits milkvetch habitat.

Use protective measures such as natural barriers, fencing, signing, and trail designation to 

protect populations of and habitat for Shivwits milkvetch.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, brochures, websites) that inform visitors about the endemic and at-risk native plants that grow in 

the NCA and appropriate public land etiquette to protect these species.

Table 2-46 Special Status Plant Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Species Proposed for 

Listing under ESA
208 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 209

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-47 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-47

Table 2-47 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations that apply to public lands from USFWS-approved 

Recovery Plans, Biological Opinions issued under Section 7 of the ESA. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions 

through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Continue active management programs to inventory, monitor, protect, and restore habitats for special status species, to control detrimental non-native species, and to re-establish extirpated populations, as necessary, to maintain the unique ecosystem 

biodiversity of the NCA.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on critical habitats and listed species populations that may result from land uses and authorized activities.

Management Actions

Population Management:

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of special status 

species populations into current or historic habitats in the NCA, in coordination with USFWS 

and UDWR, to assist recovery and delisting of threatened or endangered species and preclude 

the need to list other at-risk species.

Monitor the long term success of population management actions and use Adaptive 

Management Strategies to improve desired outcomes.

In collaboration with affected 

state and federal agencies, 

predator control in either 

area may be allowed using 

techniques designed to control target species only. This 

will reduce the loss of hatchlings and juvenile tortoises to 

predators such as coyotes and 

ravens.

Collaborate with USFWS, UDWR, and appropriate USDA agencies on predator control, if 

other management actions have not been successful in reducing documented predation levels 

that have been shown to be measurably impacting the recovery of viable populations of listed 

species. Require the development of target species-specific predator control plans supported 

by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and need for action, designate specific goals to 

be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish 

those goals.

Habitat Management:

No similar action. Suppress wildfires in special status species' habitats using tactics that minimize fire size and 

impacts on species' populations, native vegetation communities, and other ecosystem components, while ensuring that firefighter safety and private property are given highest priority.

Prioritize habitat restoration projects and post-fire ES&R treatments as follows:

1. Designated critical habitats for federally-listed threatened and endangered species;

2. Habitats for candidate and proposed species for listing under ESA.

No similar action. Do not authorize recreational activities or uses in areas where special status species habitats 

may be degraded by these authorizations.

No similar action. Only authorize new land uses in special status species habitats if reasonable alternative locations outside of these habitats do not exist and impacts to habitats can be avoided or appropriately mitigated.

Maintain habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors through project 

placement, design, and permit stipulations to support special status species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

Table 2-47 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for listed species are conserved, protected, and restored to support viable populations 

that no longer require listing protection under the ESA.

Habitats for species proposed for listing under the ESA are conserved, protected, and restored 

to support viable populations, precluding the need to list species that are candidates or proposed for listing under the protection of the ESA.

Objectives

BLM will manage public 

lands to meet the goals and 

objectives of recovery plans, 

conservation agreements 

and strategies, approved 

activity level plans, and the 

Washington County HCP 

Implementation Agreement 

related to the recovery of 

special status animals in 

Washington County. As 

part of its plan implementation, BLM will work with its 

partners to promote public 

education on species at risk, 

significance to the human 

and biological communities, 

and reasons for protective 

measures that will be applied 

to the lands involved. BLM’s 

objective will be to collaboratively manage habitat for 

federally-listed species so 

as to achieve recovery and 

delisting. Approved recovery 

plans will guide management 

decisions. Recovery plan 

actions already implemented 

will be evaluated for effectiveness in achieving desired 

effects and revised where 

studies show objectives have 

not been met. BLM will also 

collaborate with appropriate 

local, state, and federal agencies in the management of 

habitat for nonlisted special 

status animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Upland vegetation communities provide high quality forage or a high quality prey base, as 

well as cover, shade, and breeding areas that will sustain viable populations of biologically 

diverse terrestrial and aquatic species.

Riparian areas and natural water sources provide high quality habitat, thereby sustaining viable populations of biologically diverse terrestrial and aquatic species.

Habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors are conserved, protected, and 

restored to support species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing 

climate conditions.

Management of discretionary activities does not contribute to the need to list candidate or 

proposed species under the ESA.

Public awareness of special status species is enhanced through education, interpretation, and 

volunteer opportunities that further species conservation and habitat restoration.

Research is supported that increases the knowledge of threatened and endangered species that 

inhabit the NCA and the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-47 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Species Proposed for 

Listing under ESA
210 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 211

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-47 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-48

Table 2-48 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and 

Other Riparian-Dependent Special Status Bird Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo populations that utilize habitats in 

the NCA would be stable or increasing, helping to meet recovery and delisting goals for each 

species.

Objectives

BLM will protect potential 

flycatcher habitat through 

implementation of land use 

prescriptions for riparian 

resources described earlier 

in this Plan. Among other 

things, the prescriptions will 

allow no surface occupancy 

for fluid mineral leasing, 

limit off-road travel, discourage ROW construction, and 

prohibit sales of fuelwood 

and mineral materials. The 

prescriptions also call for 

retention and acquisition of 

prospective habitat.

Riparian habitats along Leeds Creek, the Virgin River, and elsewhere in the NCA would 

include the vegetative species diversity, density, and canopy cover required to provide suitable 

habitat for southwestern willow flycatchers.

Cottonwood gallery forests along Quail Creek would provide suitable habitat for yellow-billed 

cuckoos.

Riparian areas would be in proper functioning condition and provide adequate foraging, 

roosting, and nesting sites for riparian-obligate special status avian species.

Research is supported that increases baseline data related to riparian-obligate avian species 

that utilize the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management of riparian habitat would be consistent with the Final Recovery Plan: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher 

(Empidonax traillii extimus) (USFWS 2002) and Biological Opinions issued by USFWS.

Management Actions

Where known active nest 

sites are located on public 

lands, BLM will implement 

seasonal closures for the 

period of April 1 to August 

30 within 0.5 mile of nests for 

discretionary permits authorizing construction or other 

disruptive activity.

In conjunction with affected 

partners and landowners, 

BLM will help identify 

desired plant communities 

needed to support viable 

flycatcher habitat. Where 

consistent with USFWS 

consultations, BLM will 

work with its partners in 

reestablishing desirable plant 

species, including willow and 

cottonwood, for long-term 

habitat enhancement and 

removal of undesired species 

in selected areas.

Maintain a database of observations of southwestern willow flycatchers and yellow-billed 

cuckoos.

Develop maps of potential habitats for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed 

cuckoo that include location, size, shape, spacing, and condition of habitat areas.

Manage potential habitat for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoos to allow natural regeneration into suitable habitat as rapidly as natural conditions allow.

Manage suitable habitat for southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoos to conserve and protect its suitability for nesting, foraging, and occupancy.

Monitor changes in the relative abundance, health, reproductive success, and distribution of 

populations, in partnership with USFWS and UDWR.

Authorize the translocation and population augmentation of southwestern willow flycatcher 

and yellow-billed cuckoos in consultation with USFWS and UDWR.

Table 2-47 Special Status Wildlife Species-Including Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, 

and Species Proposed for Listing under ESA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation

As part of its plan implementation, BLM will work with 

its partners to promote public 

education on species at risk, 

significance to the human 

and biological communities, 

and reasons for protective 

measures that will be applied 

to the lands involved.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about appropriate land use etiquette and the need to protect 

populations and habitats for terrestrial and aquatic species that are listed or proposed for listing under the protection of the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about terrestrial and aquatic special status species, their evolutionary adaptations to an arid landscape where surface water is limited, and the factors that have 

contributed to the need to list these species under the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about the rich biodiversity created by the convergence of the 

Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau ecosystems that can be experienced in the 

NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the habitat value of native vegetation 

communities of different successional stages for diverse wildlife species to improve habitat 

protection and restoration project planning for special status species.

Table 2-48 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and Other Riparian-Dependent 

Special Status Bird Species
212 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 213

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-48 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-49

Table 2-49 Special Status Bird Species: California Condor

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

California condor populations that may utilize habitats in the NCA would be stable or increasing, helping to meet recovery and delisting goals for this species.

Objectives

No similar action. Native vegetation communities and riparian areas sustain potential roosting sites and a high 

quality prey base for California condors.

Environmental hazards that may affect California condors are reduced or eliminated.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management of habitat would be consistent with the Recovery Plan for the California Condor (USFWS 1996) and Biological 

Opinions issued by USFWS.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and supplemental releases of California condors 

into historic habitats in coordination with USFWS.

Maintain a database of observations of California condors and their prey, should they be 

observed using the NCA.

Coordinate with partners (e.g., UDWR, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife 

Federation) to promote the use of non-lead ammunition in the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about California condors and the captive breeding and release 

programs ongoing on public lands on the Arizona Strip.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform hunters about the need to use non-lead ammunition to minimize impacts 

on California condors and other predators and scavengers.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that inform visitors about the need to pack out food wastes and litter that may cause 

choking and death when consumed by condors.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, youth groups, and citizen scientists to assist with collecting observations of California condors in the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, 

natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence the prey base of condors under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-48 Special Status Bird Species: Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, and 

Other Riparian-Dependent Special Status Bird Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the riparian areas and the diverse avian species that depend 

upon this habitat.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, youth groups, and citizen scientists to assist with collecting observations of southwestern willow flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, and 

other riparian-obligate avian species in the NCA along Quail Creek, Leeds Creeks, and the 

Virgin River.

Table 2-49 Special Status Bird Species: California Condor
214 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 215

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-50 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-50

Table 2-50 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Habitat Conservation, Protection, and Restoration:

No similar action. Prioritize the acquisition of non-federal lands or interests in critical tortoise habitat within 

the NCA boundaries from willing land owners through purchase, exchange, or donation. 

Whenever possible, acquire both surface and subsurface rights to avoid the creation of split 

estates.

Acquire conservation easements when such interest would further the goals of recovery and 

delisting of the desert tortoise or other at-risk species.

Prioritize conservation and protection of critical habitat through firebreaks, appropriate wildfire suppression responses, and control or eradication of noxious weeds and invasive species.

Establish monitoring plots and conduct long-term monitoring using desired plant species 

frequency, density, and distribution data to evaluate the effectiveness of the vegetation restoration projects.

Require reclamation for activities that result in the loss or degradation of tortoise habitat. 

Good quality habitat would be restored to as close to pre-disturbance conditions as practicable. Damaged habitats would be improved to good quality through restoration, wherever 

practicable. Additional mitigation measures may be included in decision documents to offset 

the loss of quality and quantity of tortoise habitat.

Authorized actions that may result in adverse effects (“incidental take”) of desert tortoises 

would require implementation of project stipulations including personnel education programs, pre-construction clearances, operational restrictions, and procedures for moving 

tortoise out of harm’s way.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will also work with state 

and local agencies, school 

districts, and interested 

citizen groups to develop 

educational programs to 

increase public awareness of 

habitat requirements, desert 

ecosystems, reasons for 

protective management, and 

other factors related to species recovery.

In collaboration with the 

UDWR and other appropriate law enforcement agencies, 

BLM will implement public 

education and enforcement 

actions needed to accomplish 

the objectives of the Reserve. 

BLM will also work with its 

HCP partners in locating, 

designing, and operating a 

desert wildlife education center to foster increased awareness of the important desert 

ecosystems in the Reserve 

and throughout Washington 

County.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about Mojave Desert species, their evolutionary adaptations to 

an arid landscape where surface water is limited, and the factors that have contributed to the 

need to list these species under the ESA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate land use etiquette and the need to protect populations and habitats for desert tortoises and other Mojave Desert wildlife. Encourage public 

land users to pack out food scraps and litter that will attract predators that prey on tortoises, 

particularly juveniles.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about the rich biodiversity of the NCA created by the convergence 

of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau ecosystems.

Table 2-50 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Desert tortoise populations in the NCA have made measurable progress toward meeting 

the recovery goals, objectives, and identified criteria for viable populations established by 

Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 1994) and the Revised Recovery Plan for 

the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011).

Objectives

BLM will work collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to accomplish 

the goals and the objectives 

of the Washington County 

HCP and Red Cliffs Desert 

Reserve. Major goals include 

the preservation and protection of the desert tortoise and 

its habitat so as to achieve 

full recovery of the tortoise as 

well as their listed or sensitive species found within the 

Upper Virgin River Recovery 

Unit.

Land uses and authorized activities are managed to conserve, protect, and restore habitats to 

meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover), reproductive, and home range requirements of 

viable desert tortoise populations.

Ecologically intact core areas of designated critical habitat are conserved and protected from 

fragmentation and loss of native vegetation communities, through appropriate land use allocations and management actions across BLM programs.

Ecological integrity of damage native vegetation communities is restored through appropriate re-vegetation methods and the control and eradication of noxious weeds and non-native 

invasive species.

Land uses and authorized activities are managed so that habitats provide ecological diversity 

and connectivity to create genetic resilience for desert tortoise populations under changing 

climatic conditions.

Research is supported that increases the knowledge of Mojave desert tortoise life histories and 

population dynamics in the NCA.

Research is supported that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, 

and anthropogenic factors that may influence predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations identified in the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave 

Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011), as well as the terms and conditions from relevant Biological Opinions issued by USFWS to 

assist recovery and delisting of the desert tortoise in the Upper Virgin River Recovery Unit. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Install tortoise barrier fencing along heavily traveled public use roadways in the NCA to minimize tortoise injuries and mortalities caused by motorized vehicles.

Coordinate with Washington County to post speed limits on heavily traveled public use roads where tortoise barrier fencing 

has not been installed to minimize tortoise injuries and mortalities caused by motorized vehicles.

Management Actions

Population Management:

In collaboration with affected 

state and federal agencies, 

predator control in either 

area may be allowed using 

techniques designed to control target species only. This 

will reduce the loss of hatchlings and juvenile tortoises to 

predators such as coyotes and 

ravens.

Authorize the translocation and population augmentation of desert tortoises in consultation 

with USFWS and UDWR.

Monitor changes in the relative abundance, health, reproductive success, and distribution of 

tortoise populations, in partnership with USFWS and UDWR.

Collaborate with USFWS, UDWR, and appropriate USDA agencies on predator control, if 

other management actions have not been successful in reducing documented predation levels 

that have been shown to be measurably impacting the recovery of viable desert tortoise populations. Require the development of target species-specific predator control plans supported 

by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and need for action, designate specific goals to 

be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish 

those goals.

Table 2-50 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise
216 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 217

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-50 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-51

Table 2-51 Special Status Native Fish Species: Woundfin Minnow and Virgin River Chub

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Woundfin minnow (Plagopterus argentissimus) and Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda) populations that utilize the Virgin River through the NCA would be stable or increasing, helping to 

assist the recovery and delisting of these species across their range.

Objectives

Management of public 

land habitat for listed and 

sensitive fish species in the 

Virgin River and associated 

tributaries will be guided 

by the 1995 Virgin River 

Fishes Recovery Plan and 

the 1995 Virgin Spinedace 

Conservation Agreement and 

Strategy. Implementation of 

the plan and the strategy has 

been underway since their 

respective approvals and will 

continue in collaboration 

with the UDWR, the USFWS, 

the Washington County 

Water Conservancy District, 

and other interested local, 

state, and federal entities. The 

overriding goal is to achieve 

recovery of the species to allow downlisting and eventual 

delisting of the two endangered fish and to eliminate 

the need for listing of the 

spinedace. Objectives include 

eliminating significant threats 

to the fish and their habitats 

and to stabilize and enhance 

specific reaches of occupied 

and historic habitat.

Suitable aquatic habitats for woundfin minnow and Virgin River chub in the NCA would be 

managed to support viable populations.

Research is supported that increases baseline data related to Virgin River native fish in the 

NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of aquatic habitats for at-risk species 

under predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management actions will be guided by the Virgin River Fishes Recovery Plan (USFWS 1995), Virgin River Resource 

Management Plan and Recovery Program (USFWS 2000), and Fish and Wildlife 2000: Special Status Fish Habitat Management

(BLM 1991).

Management Actions

BLM will provide appropriate support to active partners 

in the Virgin River Fishes 

Recovery Team in implementing the following measures called for in the plans: 

a) Monitor fish populations 

and habitat conditions;

b) Eradicate exotic fish species in selected reaches;

Assist with monitoring efforts for woundfin minnow and Virgin River chub in cooperation 

with USFWS, UDWR, and the partners of the Virgin River Program.

Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of woundfin minnow and Virgin River chub into suitable habitats in the NCA.

Monitor land uses and authorized activities that have the potential to degrade water quality, damage riparian vegetation, and collapse stream banks that provide shade and cover for 

aquatic species.

Restrict, modify, or eliminate land uses and authorized activities that are shown to degrade 

aquatic habitats that support native Virgin River fish species.

Table 2-50 Special Status Reptile Species: Desert Tortoise

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

BLM will collaborate with 

the UDWR, the USFWS, and 

other interested parties to 

monitor the status of desert 

tortoises and to conduct 

studies needed to accomplish 

HCP objectives. Such studies 

may lead to adjustments in 

Reserve management so as 

to promote recovery of the 

tortoise or any other listed 

or sensitive species in the 

Reserve.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the level and effects of predation on 

desert tortoise populations in the NCA. 

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the effects of intensive non-motorized 

recreation on desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the relative abundance of desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine age classes, gender ratios, and the 

health of desert tortoise populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine changes in species composition and 

vigor of native vegetation communities in areas of the NCA where domestic livestock grazing 

was discontinued in the 1990s, when compared to historically collected baseline data.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the effects of predicted higher winter 

temperatures on desert tortoise hibernation patterns, using observed changes as an indicator 

to monitor climate change.

Table 2-51 Special Status Native Fish Species: Woundfin Minnow and Virgin River Chub
218 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 219

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-51 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-52

Table 2-52 BLM Sensitive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for aquatic and terrestrial BLM sensitive species support viable, self-sustaining populations that do not require listing under the ESA.

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed to conserve, protect, and restore habitats to meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover), reproductive, and home range 

requirements of sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Ecologically intact core areas of sensitive species habitats are conserved and protected from 

fragmentation and loss of native vegetation communities, through appropriate management 

actions across all BLM programs.

Ecological integrity of damaged native vegetation communities is restored, through appropriate re-vegetation methods and control and eradication of noxious weeds and invasive nonnative species.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed so that habitats provide ecological diversity and connectivity to create resiliency for sensitive species populations under 

changing climate conditions.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to sensitive species 

that occupy and/or utilize the NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of habitats for at-risk species under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Implement the goals, objectives, and management recommendations that apply to public lands from Executive Orders, 

Conservation Agreements and Strategies, and BLM policies. Evaluate the effectiveness of management actions through monitoring and scientific research studies.

Continue active management programs to inventory, monitor, protect, and restore habitats for sensitive species, control detrimental non-native species, and re-establish extirpated populations, as necessary, to maintain biodiversity.

Apply BMPs and other management techniques designed to minimize impacts on critical habitats as a result of land uses, 

authorized activities, and habitat restoration actions.

Management Actions

Population Management:

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of native sensitive 

species into historical and current habitats, in consultation with UDWR, to restore populations and enhance or maintain current populations, distributions, and genetic diversity.

Monitor the long term success of the population actions and use Adaptive Management 

Strategies to improve desired outcomes.

Monitor changes in relative abundance and distribution of sensitive species populations in the 

NCA, in partnership with UDWR.

Collaborate with UDWR and appropriate USDA agencies on predator control, if other 

management actions have not been successful in reducing documented predation levels that 

have been shown to be measurably impacting the recovery of viable populations of sensitive 

species. Require the development of target species-specific predator control plans, supported 

by NEPA analyses that identify the purpose of and need for action, designate specific goals to 

be met, and evaluate the least invasive and most ecologically sensitive methods to accomplish 

those goals.

Table 2-51 Special Status Native Fish Species: Woundfin Minnow and Virgin River Chub

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

c) Reintroduce desired native 

fish species;

d) Restore degraded habitats;

e) Implement controls over 

conflicting land use;

f) Reestablish instream population maintenance flows 

through agreements and other appropriate mechanisms.

Prioritize the acquisition of non-federal inholdings within the NCA that would benefit the 

conservation, protection, and restoration of the Virgin River and its tributaries.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about the Virgin River, its tributaries, and the unique native fish and 

aquatic species that evolved in this system.

Involve partners and volunteers in clean-up and restoration projects that improve aquatic 

habitat conditions along the Virgin River through the NCA.

Scientific Research 

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to increase baseline data and the general understanding of population 

dynamics and habitat needs of native Virgin River fish through scientific research.

Table 2-52 BLM Sensitive Species
220 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 221

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-52 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-53

Table 2-53 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Aquatic habitats in Leeds Creek and the Virgin River support stable or increasing populations 

of BLM sensitive fish species including Virgin spinedace, desert sucker, and flannelmouth 

sucker (Catostomus latipinnis), helping to ensure that none of these species requires listing 

under the ESA.

Objectives

Management of public 

land habitat for listed and 

sensitive fish species in the 

Virgin River and associated 

tributaries will be guided 

by the 1995 Virgin River 

Fishes Recovery Plan and 

the 1995 Virgin Spinedace 

Conservation Agreement and 

Strategy. Implementation of 

the plan and the strategy has 

been underway since their 

respective approvals and will 

continue in collaboration 

with the UDWR, the USFWS, 

the Washington County 

Water Conservancy District, 

and other interested local, 

state, and federal entities. The 

overriding goal is to achieve 

recovery of the species to allow downlisting and eventual 

delisting of the two endangered fish and to eliminate 

the need for listing of the 

spinedace. Objectives include 

eliminating significant threats 

to the fish and their habitats 

and to stabilize and enhance 

specific reaches of occupied 

and historic habitat.

Aquatic habitat in the Virgin River on public lands provides interspersed pools, runs, and 

riffles of clear, cool water of sufficient quality and quantity to support viable populations of 

Virgin spinedace, desert sucker, and flannelmouth sucker.

Non-native invasive fish species are eradicated in the reach of the Virgin River through the 

NCA.

Research is supported that increases baseline data related to Virgin River native fish in the 

NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of aquatic habitats for at-risk species 

under predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Management actions will be guided by the Virgin River Fishes Recovery Plan (USFWS 1995), Virgin River Resource 

Management Plan and Recovery Program (USFWS 2000) and Fish and Wildlife 2000: Special Status Fish Habitat Management

(BLM 1991).

Management Actions

BLM will provide appropriate support to active partners 

in the Virgin River Fishes 

Recovery Team in implementing the following measures called for in the plans: 

a) Monitor fish populations 

and habitat conditions;

Assist with monitoring efforts for Virgin spinedace, desert sucker, and flannelmouth sucker 

populations in cooperation with UDWR and the partners of the Virgin River Recovery 

Program.

Authorize the reintroduction, translocation, and population augmentation of Virgin spinedace, desert sucker, and flannelmouth sucker into suitable habitats in the NCA.

Assist with eradication of non-native invasive fish species in cooperation with UDWR and the 

partners of the Virgin River Recovery Program.

Table 2-52 BLM Sensitive Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Habitat Conservation, Protection, and Restoration:

No similar action. Only authorize new land uses in sensitive species' habitats if reasonable alternative locations 

outside of these habitats do not exist and impacts to species populations and habitats can be 

mitigated.

Maintain habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors through project 

placement, design, and permit stipulations to support sensitive species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under changing climate conditions.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites) that educate visitors about sensitive species, their evolutionary adaptations, and the 

factors that have contributed to declining populations.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the relative abundance of sensitive 

species populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine age classes, gender ratios, and the 

health of sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to determine the level and effects of predation on 

sensitive species populations in the NCA.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to establish a long-term monitoring program to detect changes in 

seasonal migration patterns (arrival and departure dates) of selected migratory bird species as 

potential indicators of climate change.

Table 2-53 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species
222 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 223

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-53 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-54

Table 2-54 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Diverse raptor populations that utilize the NCA are viable or increasing and do not require 

listing under the ESA. BLM sensitive raptor species present in the NCA include: bald eagle, 

burrowing owl, ferruginous hawk, northern goshawk, and short eared owl.

Objectives

BLM will continue to implement recovery plans for the 

federally-listed species and 

collaborate with the UDWR 

and interested conservation 

groups in conducting inventories, protecting nest sites 

and aeries, and preserving 

associated habitats.

Land uses and authorized activities on public lands are managed to conserve, protect, and 

restore habitats to meet the nutritional, metabolic (shade/cover/perching), reproductive, and 

home range requirements of diverse species of raptors.

Habitats for raptors provide high quality roosting and nesting sites and diverse prey base, 

thereby sustaining viable populations of these species.

Environmental hazards that could impact raptors are minimized.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of raptors and the prey base that they utilize in the NCA.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Monitor potential habitat for raptors and maintain a database of raptor observations.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of bald eagles, 

ferruginous hawks, northern goshawks, and short eared owls where doing so would not be 

detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Authorize the population augmentation of burrowing owls and the installation of artificial 

nest burrows where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Maintain a geospatially linked database of observations of diverse raptors and their prey.

Coordinate with partners (e.g., UDWR, National Audubon Society, National Wildlife 

Federation) to promote the use of non-lead ammunition in the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate the public about raptors and their role in the ecosystems of the NCA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform hunters about the need to use non-lead ammunition to minimize impacts 

on raptors.

Scientific Research

Biological surveys will 

be conducted to identify 

sensitive species occurrence, 

nesting sites (for the northern 

goshawk and ferruginous 

hawk), and special habitat 

requirements. Data gained 

from the surveys will be used 

by BLM, UDWR, and other 

affected partners to develop 

and implement recommendations for habitat management 

needed to maintain healthy 

populations of the species 

involved and reduce the need 

for additional listings.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on raptor species that occur in the 

NCA and develop location maps of nesting and roosting sites, as well as information on the 

prey base for each species.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for raptors, carnivores, and other predatory 

species, including rodents, desert cottontail rabbits, and jackrabbits.

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, birding enthusiasts, and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls that utilize the NCA.

Table 2-53 BLM Sensitive Native Fish Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

b) Eradicate exotic fish species in selected reaches; 

c) Reintroduce desired native 

fish species;

d) Restore degraded habitats;

e) Implement controls over 

conflicting land use;

f) Reestablish instream population maintenance flows 

through agreements and other appropriate mechanisms.

Pursue acquisition of non-federal lands within the NCA that would benefit the conservation, 

protection, and restoration of aquatic habitats.

Monitor land uses and authorized activities along the Virgin River in the NCA that have the 

potential to degrade water quality, damage riparian vegetation, and collapse stream banks that 

provide shade and cover for aquatic species.

Restrict, modify, or eliminate any land uses and authorized activities that are shown to degrade aquatic habitat in the Virgin River or its tributaries, Quail and Leeds Creeks.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and along 

Leeds Creek and the Virgin River within the NCA (e.g., trailhead kiosks) that educate visitors 

about Virgin spinedace, desert sucker, and flannelmouth sucker, their evolutionary adaptations, and the factors that are contributing to declining populations.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to increase the amount of baseline data and scientific knowledge related 

to the specific habitat requirements of native fish of the Virgin River system.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to collect data on changing precipitation patterns in the Virgin River 

watershed that have the potential to impact aquatic habitats under predicted climate change 

scenarios.

Table 2-54 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species
224 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 225

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-54 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-55

Table 2-55 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Migratory bird species and Birds of Conservation Concern that utilize the NCA do not require listing under the protection of the ESA (see Appendix G for species list).

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Biologically diverse habitats that provide essential breeding, nesting and roosting sites, space, 

cover, and food for migratory birds would be conserved, protected, and restored.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of migratory birds and their diverse habitat requirements.

Research is encouraged that identifies changes in migration patterns as a potential indicator 

of climate change.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Only authorize actions that would adversely impact nesting migratory birds if they are subject to seasonal restrictions or 

mitigation requirements.

Management Actions

No similar action. Minimize disturbances or adverse effects on breeding bird populations that might result from 

authorized activities through seasonal restrictions, special permit stipulations, or other appropriate mitigation measures.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and at on-site venues along Quail and 

Leeds Creeks and the Virgin River that educate the public about migratory bird species, the 

causes for declining populations, and the need to protect riparian habitats and seasonal migration routes.

Promote opportunities for viewing and photographing diverse species of migratory birds 

through interpretive materials, recreation trails, and special outreach activities such as guided 

birding hikes along Quail and Leeds Creeks and the Virgin River.

In partnership with the National Audubon Society and others, recruit and train youth groups, 

citizen stewards, and other volunteers to participate in annual migratory bird counts in Quail 

and Leeds Creeks, the Virgin River, and elsewhere in the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories of riparian areas along Quail and Leeds 

Creeks and the Virgin River to identify avian species that utilize the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on migratory birds and other 

avian species and develop location maps of occupied habitats and nesting sites.

Pursue opportunities to conduct systematic inventories of migratory birds that utilize the 

NCA and evaluate the condition of the preferred habitats for each species.

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, birding enthusiasts, and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

migratory birds, Birds of Conservation Concern and Partners in Flight species.

Table 2-54 BLM Sensitive Raptor Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for monitoring and research that increases the understanding of ecosystem processes, natural cycles, and anthropogenic factors that may influence the prey base of 

raptors under predicted climate change scenarios.

Table 2-55 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern
226 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 227

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-55 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-56

Table 2-56 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Habitats for BLM sensitive mammal species support viable populations that do not require 

listing under the ESA. Sensitive mammals present in the NCA include: kit fox, Allen’s bigeared bat, big free-tailed bat, fringed myotis, spotted bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, and 

western red bat.

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Habitats for the kit fox provide for a diverse and healthy prey base, as well as sufficient reproductive and home range requirements.

Habitats for sensitive bat species provide high quality maternity and roosting sites, winter 

hibernacula, and a diverse prey base, thereby sustaining viable populations of these species.

Caves, karst resources, and abandoned mines allow for unimpeded ingress and egress by 

diverse bat species.

Research is supported that increases the baseline data related to sensitive mammal species and 

the habitats that they utilize in the NCA.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As needed, implement National White Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol and BLM IM 2010-18 in the management 

of habitats that support sensitive species bat populations.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of sensitive 

mammal species where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native 

species.

Do not authorize the use of herbicides, pesticides, or poisons that are injurious or toxic to 

sensitive mammal species, will damage native vegetation communities, or will reduce the 

quality and quantity of species that comprise their prey base.

Manage caves, karst resources, and abandoned mines to protect bat habitat (e.g., foraging, 

roosting, maternity sites, winter hibernacula) and reduce the potential spread of contagious 

diseases, such as White Nose syndrome, in bat populations.

Require the installation of bat-friendly gates in caves and karst features that require access 

restrictions or closure.

Where appropriate, limit abandoned mine closure methods to the installation of bat-friendly 

gates for those abandoned mines that provide habitat (e.g., foraging, roosting, maternity sites, 

winter hibernacula) for bats.

Install bat friendly escape ramps in troughs or other artificial water sources.

Do not authorize activities that have the potential to disturb bats within a 0.25 mile radius of 

maternity roost sites and winter hibernacula, including all entrances to caves, karst features, 

and abandoned mines.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and on to 

inform visitors about the many sensitive mammal species found in the NCA, as well as their 

diverse habitats and prey.

Table 2-55 Migratory Birds and Birds of Conservation Concern

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue research opportunities that focus on changes in the seasonal migration patterns of 

selected migratory bird species as potential indicators of climate change.

Table 2-56 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species
228 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 229

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-56 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-57

Table 2-57 BLM Sensitive Reptile and Amphibian Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Reptiles and amphibians identified as BLM sensitive species do not require listing under the 

ESA. Sensitive reptiles and amphibians present in the NCA include the common chuckwalla, 

Gila monster, sidewinder, western banded gecko, western thread-snake, zebra-tailed lizard, 

and Arizona toad.

Objectives

BLM will also collaborate 

with appropriate local, state, 

and federal agencies in the 

management of habitat for 

nonlisted special status 

animal species with the 

objective of eliminating the 

need for additional listings. 

Management actions will 

be guided by conservation 

agreements and strategies. 

Special attention will be given 

to those animals listed as 

“sensitive” under the Utah 

Sensitive Species List maintained by the UDWR.

Introduced populations would increase to the point of being viable, self-sustaining populations of native endemic reptile and amphibian species.

Biologically suitable habitats would be conserved and protected.

Research is supported that increases the baseline data related to reptiles and amphibians in 

the NCA.

Research is encouraged that informs the management of reptile and amphibian habitats under 

predicted climate change scenarios.

Management Actions

No similar action. Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of Arizona toad, 

northern leopard frog, lowland leopard frogs, and relict leopard frogs to suitable habitat locations, where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and population augmentation of sensitive reptile species, where doing so would not be detrimental to the viability of other native species.

Do not authorize the use of herbicides, pesticides, or poisons that are injurious or toxic to 

sensitive reptile or amphibian species, will damage native vegetation communities, or will 

reduce the quality and quantity of species that comprise their prey base.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate the public about reptiles and amphibians in the ecosystems of the NCA.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues both off-site and along 

Leeds Creek and the Virgin River to inform visitors about the diverse species that occupy 

these habitats.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories to identify amphibians and reptiles that are 

found in springs/seeps, and along Quail and Leeds Creeks and the Virgin River through the 

NCA.

Pursue opportunities to increase the amount of baseline data and scientific knowledge related 

to the life histories, population trends, habitat requirements, and threats to amphibians and 

reptiles in the NCA to inform the management of aquatic habitats.

Table 2-56 BLM Sensitive Mammal Species

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to collect population and life history data on the kit 

fox in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for the kit fox.

Pursue opportunities to conduct field inventories of caves, abandoned mines, cliffs, and other 

suitable habitats to identify all of the bat species that utilize the NCA.

Pursue opportunities to collect baseline observational data on bat species and develop location maps of occupied habitats, hibernacula, and maternity roost sites.

Develop new volunteer opportunities for partners, special interest groups, cave enthusiasts, 

and citizen scientists to assist with observational data collection and habitat mapping for 

sensitive mammal species.

Table 2-57 BLM Sensitive Reptile and Amphibian Species
230 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 231

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-58 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-58

Table 2-58 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Mule Deer:

Crucial mule deer winter 

range will be protected 

from the potential effects of 

fluid mineral leasing with a 

Category 2 seasonal stipulation to close the lands to 

exploration or development 

from November 1 to April 

15. Elk calving areas will be 

closed for the same reason from May 1 to July 30. 

These seasonal use restrictions will also be applied to 

mineral materials sales, forest 

product sales, and ROWs 

construction.

In collaboration with the 

UDWR and other interested 

parties, BLM will develop 

new wildlife waters in areas 

where field studies reveal the 

need for such to maintain 

healthy, viable populations of 

mule deer or other game and 

nongame species. Such waters 

will be developed in accordance with the objectives and 

guidelines of applicable game 

and nongame management 

plans, habitat management 

plans, and allotment management plans.

Manage mule deer habitat to assist UDWR in achieving long-term herd population goals and 

objectives.

Restrict dispersed camping to designated sites that do not impede wildlife access to water 

sources.

Remove unnecessary range-type fencing within the NCA to lessen potential for injuries and 

entanglement by mule deer, particularly fawns.

Include native vegetation species that benefit mule deer in upland habitat restoration and 

ES&R projects.

Gambel’s Quail, Mourning Dove, and Other Game Birds:

No similar action. Include native vegetation species that provide forage, cover, and nesting opportunities for 

quail and other game birds in habitat restoration and ES&R projects.

No similar action. Ensure that all existing and 

proposed livestock water 

troughs include escape ladders for game birds.

No similar action. Same as Alternative B.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that educate visitors about the diverse fish and wildlife species of the NCA.

Enhance opportunities for public viewing and photographing of mule deer, game birds, and 

other wildlife through special outreach activities such as guided wildlife photography hikes.

Authorize documentary and educational filming of wildlife through film permits, consistent 

with the Congressionally-defined purposes of conservation, protection, and restoration of 

resource values on public lands in the NCA.

Table 2-58 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Aquatic and terrestrial habitats support viable populations of diverse native wildlife species 

and provide for biological diversity, ecological resilience, and species persistence under predicted climate change scenarios.

Objectives

BLM’s overall objective for 

fish and wildlife habitat management will be to maintain 

habitats in properly functioning conditions to support 

natural wildlife diversity, 

reproductive capability, and 

appropriate human use and 

enjoyment. An important 

objective of BLM’s habitat 

management program will 

be to work with state, local, 

and other federal partners 

to minimize or eliminate the 

need for additional listing of 

species under the Endangered 

Species Act in Washington 

County.

Crucial and substantial habitats for diverse native wildlife species on public lands provide 

high quality forage or a high quality prey base, as well as water, space, cover, and breeding 

areas, thereby sustaining viable populations and overall ecosystem biodiversity and resilience.

Multi-species habitat connectivity, migration routes, and movement corridors are conserved 

and protected between ecological zones to facilitate species persistence, adaptation, and overall biodiversity under predicted climate change scenarios.

Research is supported that increases the amount of baseline data related to all species of wildlife and their diverse habitat requirements.

Research is encouraged that increases general understanding of ecosystem processes and 

anthropogenic influences on changing climatic conditions.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

Develop new wildlife waters in collaboration with UDWR in areas where field studies reveal the need for such to maintain 

healthy, viable populations of mule deer or other game and nongame species. Such waters will be developed in accordance 

with the objectives and guidelines of applicable game, nongame, and habitat management plans.

Ensure that all existing and proposed artificial wildlife waters include escape ladders or are designed to allow safe access by 

game birds.

Ensure that all new or replacement range-type fencing conforms to BLM specifications that allow safe passage for game and 

nongame wildlife species.

Management Actions

BLM will manage suitable 

public land habitats for the 

recovery or reestablishment 

of native populations through 

collaborative planning with 

local, state, and federal 

agencies, user groups, and 

interested organizations. 

BLM will also seek to limit 

additional adverse impacts 

to crucial habitats on public 

lands from urbanization and 

encroachment to preserve the 

integrity of wildlife corridors 

and migration routes and 

access to key forage, nesting, 

and spawning areas.

Authorize the reintroduction, transplantation, and augmentation of priority native wildlife 

species populations (as defined in BLM Manual 1745 or subsequent guidance) into current 

or historic habitats in the NCA, in coordination with USFWS and UDWR in order to: (a) 

maintain current population numbers, distributions, and genetic diversity, and (b) restore or 

enhance native species populations.

Table 2-58 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management
232 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 233

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-58 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Heritage resources are conserved, protected, and enhanced for the benefit of present and 

future generations, consistent with the Congressional mandates from OPLMA Section 1974.

Objectives

In managing cultural and 

paleontological resources on 

public lands, BLM will seek 

to:

a) Employ reasonable measures and land use controls 

needed to reduce impacts 

from urbanization and human encroachment;

b) Apply the principles of 

conservation management 

to selected areas to maintain 

such resources in their present condition for future study 

and enjoyment;

c) Reduce looting and vandalism through increased 

public education, surveillance, and enforcement;

d) Provide for legitimate field 

research by credible scientists 

and institutions;

e) Ensure compliance with 

applicable state and federal laws for consultation, 

assessment, and mitigation 

including consultation with 

interested or affected Indian 

tribes;

f) Provide for stabilization, 

maintenance, and interpretation of selected sites for public enjoyment and education.

Heritage resources currently documented or that may be documented in the future within the 

NCA are allocated and managed to the Use Allocations (as defined by BLM Manual Section 

8110.42 and Land Use Planning Handbook H-1601-1) that are consistent with the legislative 

mandates from OPLMA for the NCA: Scientific Use, Conservation for Future Use, Public Use, 

and Traditional Use.

Heritage resources of scientific interest currently documented or that may be documented 

in the future within the NCA are not allocated to Experimental Use or Discharged from 

Management, as these would not be consistent with the Congressionally-designated purposes 

for the NCA, as they relate to cultural and historical resources. See Table 2-4 for descriptions of each Use Allocation category.

Public awareness and appreciation of heritage resources is enhanced through education and 

volunteer stewardship opportunities.

Appropriate heritage resource sites or groups of sites are nominated for inclusion in the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), whenever warranted.

The integrity of setting and place is conserved, protected, and restored in areas where natural 

and cultural resources combine to form an important heritage landscape.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

As required by federal historic preservation laws, continue consultations with the UTSHPO, American Indian Tribes, and 

other interested parties to inform and direct management decisions related to heritage resources.

Manage properties recommended as “potentially eligible” for inclusion in the NRHP as “eligible properties” until evaluative 

testing determines the status of that resource.

Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans whenever warranted, in consultation with UTSHPO, 

American Indian Tribes, and other interested parties.

Management Actions

No similar action. Conduct regular site monitoring and site condition assessments utilizing BLM staff and 

trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Table 2-58 Other Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies to collect population and life history data on carnivore species, such as mountain lion and bobcat, in the NCA.

Pursue opportunities for scientific studies related to the diversity, abundance, and distribution 

of small mammals that comprise the prey base for raptors, carnivores, and other predatory 

species, including rodents, desert cottontails, and black-tailed jackrabbits.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities to identify key riparian connectivity zones within and outside the NCA 

that will facilitate wildlife movement under predicted changes in seasonal precipitation patterns and increased ambient temperatures.

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources
234 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 235

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Traditional Use:

No similar action. NRHP- eligible prehistoric 

habitation sites, campsites, 

or specialized activity areas 

would not be managed for 

Traditional Use over the life 

of the RMP.

NRHP- eligible prehistoric 

habitation sites, campsites, 

or specialized activity areas 

would not be managed for 

Traditional Use over the life 

of the RMP.

Complete implementationlevel Cultural Resource 

Project Plans, in consultation with culturally-affiliated 

American Indian Tribes 

to direct management of 

Traditional Use sites.

Rock Shelters, Alcoves, and Caves with Cultural Materials:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of these NRHP-eligible sites for Scientific Use, Conservation for 

Future Use, and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage rock shelters, alcoves, and caves identified as Sacred Sites for 

Conservation for Future Use and/or Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage identified Traditional Cultural Properties for Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Prioritize Class III inventory in areas with high potential for this site type to occur.

Conduct regular site monitoring, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Prohibit geocaching in all Rock Shelters, Alcoves, and Caves with Cultural Materials.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavation with appropriate research design which maximizes conservation of the site resources for future use and Native American and public involvement in 

the research.

Complete NRHP nominations for Scientific Use sites on a priority basis as identified in 

Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Toolstone Sources or Quarries:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of 

these NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and Public 

Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP-eligible 

sites for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Prioritize Class III inventory in areas with high potential for this type of site to occur.

Develop Cultural Resource Project Plans that include management direction related to the 

collection of non-artifact geologic materials from source/quarry locations.

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Prehistoric Habitation Sites, Campsites, or Specialized Activity Areas:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of 

these NRHP-eligible sites for 

Scientific Use, Conservation 

for Future Use, and Public 

Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP- eligible 

sites for Scientific Use and 

Conservation for Future Use.

Allocate and manage 100% 

of these NRHP-eligible site 

types for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

Public Use, and Traditional 

Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching in all Prehistoric Habitation Sites, Campsites, or Specialized Activity Areas.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Conservation for Future Use:

Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of actions listed 

below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at 

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites 

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites.

NRHP- eligible prehistoric 

habitation sites, campsites, 

or specialized activity areas 

would not be managed for 

Public Use over the life of the 

RMP.

Same as Alternative B.
236 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 237

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock art sites with evidence of public visitation for Scientific Use and/or 

Public Use.

Allocate and manage rock art sites with no evidence of public visitation for Conservation for 

Future Use.

Allocate and manage rock art sites identified as Sacred Sites for Conservation for Future Use 

and/or Traditional Use.

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock art sites identified as Sacred Sites for Conservation for Future Use 

and/or Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Manage all rock art sites as eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.

Prioritize Class III inventories in areas with high potential for this site type to occur.

Professionally document all rock art sites by photographing, mapping, and developing 

detailed measured drawings of all elements and cultural materials using the best available 

technology.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public visitation 

exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching at all Rock Art sites.

Professionally document all rock art sites by photographing, mapping, and developing 

detailed measured drawings of all elements and cultural materials using the best available 

technology.

Manage all rock art sites as “eligible properties” for inclusion in the NRHP.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of actions listed 

below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at

Rock art sites would not be 

managed for Public Use over 

the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementationlevel plans (e.g., Cultural 

Resource Project Plans, 

Recreation Management 

Plans, Interpretation Plans) to 

direct management of Public 

Use sites that may contain 

one or more of actions listed 

below:

a) Develop on and off-site 

interpretation for intensively 

visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at 

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites 

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites.

NRHP- eligible toolstone 

sources or quarries would not 

be managed for Public Use 

over the life of the RMP.

Same as Alternative B.

Rock Art Sites:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of 

these sites for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

Public Use, and Traditional 

Use.

Allocate and manage 100% of 

these sites for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use, 

and Traditional Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with evidence of public 

visitation for Scientific Use, 

Public Use, and Traditional 

Use.

Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with evidence of public 

visitation for Scientific Use 

and Conservation for Future 

Use.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Allocate and manage rock 

art sites with no evidence 

of public visitation for 

Conservation for Future Use 

and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage rock art 

sites with no evidence of public visitation for Conservation 

for Future Use.

Allocate and manage rock 

art sites with no evidence of 

public visitation for Scientific 

Use, Conservation for Future 

Use, and Traditional Use.
238 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 239

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and traditional heritage values of sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Historic Roads, Trails, Highways, and Associated Travel-related Sites and Features:

No similar action Allocate and manage 100% of NRHP-eligible properties for Scientific Use, Conservation for 

Future Use, and Public Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Complete Class III level inventory of the travel corridor for each site to establish baseline data 

on linear heritage resources and associated travel-related sites and features.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Conduct regular monitoring patrols, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Prohibit geocaching at all Associated Travel-related Sites and Features.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

Prepare a historic context for each resource as prioritized by Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Conservation for Future Use:

No similar action. Do not authorize activities or research studies that will directly impact the integrity and information potential of sites.

Emphasize conservation of setting and place in management actions identified in Cultural 

Resource Project Plans.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level plans (e.g., Cultural Resource Project Plans, Recreation 

Management Plans, Interpretation Plans) to direct management of Public Use sites that may 

contain one or more of actions listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site interpretation for intensively visited Public Use sites; 

b) Install visitor registers at intensively visited Public Use sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA;

d) Install roadside markers and directional signing;

e) Prepare visitor use maps and driving, biking, and hiking guides;

f) Construct pullouts and wayside exhibits with visitor amenities (e.g., restrooms, information 

kiosks), where appropriate.

Historic Mining, Ranching/Farming/Livestock Grazing Sites, Buildings, Standing Structures, and Landscapes:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of these NRHP-eligible sites for Scientific Use, Conservation for Future 

Use, and Public Use.

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

intensively visited Public Use 

sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette 

and ARPA; 

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites 

allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public 

Use sites;

f) Develop trails, viewing 

platforms, passive barriers, 

or other facilities to manage visitor uses and protect 

resource values at intensively 

visited Public Use sites.

Traditional Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level Cultural Resource Project Plans, in consultation with 

culturally-affiliated American Indian Tribes.

Ethno-historic Sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, Traditional Use Areas:

No similar action. Allocate and manage 100% of these NRHP-eligible ethno-historic sites for Scientific Use, 

Conservation for Future Use and Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage Traditional Cultural Properties and Traditional Use Areas for 

Traditional Use.

Allocate and manage sites identified as Sacred Sites for Conservation for Future Use and/or 

Traditional Use.

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Develop detailed site records of all identified ethno-historic sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional 

Cultural Properties, and traditional use areas.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Conduct regular monitoring patrols, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Install informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA where evidence of public use exists.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching at all Ethno-historic sites, Sacred Sites, Traditional Cultural Properties, 

and Traditional Use Areas.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize data recovery excavations under appropriate research designs that emphasize conservation of site resources for future use, as well as Native American and public involvement 

in the research.

Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA, if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.
240 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 241

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Yellow Knolls Heritage Area:

No similar action. Same as Alternative A.

(Map 2-28)

Manage approximately 1,196 

acres of public land as the 

Yellow Knolls Heritage Area 

to maintain and protect the 

integrity of setting and place 

with a focus on prehistoric 

rock art, subsistence strategies, and resource procurement (Map 2-29).

Same as Alternative A.

(Map 2-28)

No similar action. Same as Alternative A.

(Map 2-28)

Develop off-site interpretation at wayside exhibits along 

the non-motorized Yellow 

Knolls Trail system.

Manage Heritage Area as 

VRM Class II.

Manage for non-motorized 

recreation (hiking, mountain 

biking, equestrian use) on 

designated trails.

Manage for day use only.

Prohibit geocaching in all 

archaeological sites in the 

Yellow Knolls Heritage Area.

Same as Alternative A.

(Map 2-28)

White Reef Heritage Area:

No similar action. Manage approximately 787 acres of public land as the White Reef Heritage Area to maintain 

and protect the integrity of setting and place with a focus on the historic roads, structures, 

and features related to mid-19th Mormon settlement at Harrisburg and silver mining in the 

Harrisburg/Silver Reef District (Maps 2-28 and Map 2-29).

No similar action. Develop on and off-site interpretation at wayside exhibits along the non-motorized White 

Reef trail system.

Manage Heritage Area as VRM Class II.

Manage for non-motorized recreation (hiking, mountain biking, equestrian use) on designated trails.

Manage for day use only.

Prohibit geocaching in all archaeological sites in the White Reef Heritage Area.

Babylon Heritage Corridor:

No similar action. Manage approximately 1,028 acres of public land as the Babylon Heritage Corridor to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place with a focus on significant vertebrate and 

plant fossil resources, prehistoric rock art, historic roads, structures, and features related to 

late 19th century silver mining and milling in the Harrisburg/Silver Reef District (Map 2-28 

and Map 2-29).

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. General Management Actions:

Complete appropriate scale Class III level inventory to identify all associated sites, features, 

and structures.

Protect sites from impacts related to authorized uses and unauthorized activities (e.g., vandalism) through installations of physical barriers (e.g., fencing, plantings) or other management 

actions.

Conduct regular monitoring patrols, utilizing BLM staff and trained volunteer Site Stewards.

Stabilize sites where erosion and/or vandalism threaten loss of site integrity and data.

Evaluate risks at fire-susceptible sites and remove hazardous fuels where threat of site damage 

or loss to wildfire exists.

Prohibit geocaching at all Historic Mining, Ranching/Farming/Livestock Grazing Sites, 

Buildings, and Standing Structures.

Scientific Use:

No similar action. Authorize surface collection of artifacts under the authority of ARPA if warranted by threats 

of loss or destruction.

As prioritized by Cultural Resource Project Plans:

a) Complete an intensive archaeological inventory of the resources to collect baseline data; 

b) Collect oral histories;

c) Prepare a historic context for each site;

d) Develop photo documentation of historic buildings, structures, features, and landscapes;

e) Complete Level 1 HABS documentation, including elevations, plans, measured drawings, 

photos;

f) Complete appropriate level HALS documentation, where warranted.

Conservation for Public Use:

No similar action. Emphasize conservation of setting and place in management actions identified in Cultural 

Resource Project Plans.

Perform stabilization and/or rehabilitation of buildings or standing structures as prioritized 

by Cultural Resource Project Plans.

Public Use:

No similar action. Complete implementation-level plans (e.g., Cultural Resource Project Plans, Recreation 

Management Plans, Interpretation Plans) to direct management of Public Use sites that may 

contain one or more of actions listed below:

a) Develop on and off-site interpretation for intensively visited Public Use sites to increase 

public awareness and appreciation of historic period mining, ranching and agricultural activities in the NCA; 

b) Install visitor registers at intensively visited Public Use sites;

c) Install on-site informational signing on site etiquette and ARPA;

d) Perform surface collection of artifacts on all sites allocated to Public Use;

e) Prioritize Class III inventory in areas adjacent to Public Use sites.
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

H

erita

g

e

Are

a

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

B, D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

National Conservation Area BndryBabylon Heritage AreaWhite Reef Heritage Area

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land Management

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

H

erita

g

e

Are

a

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

National Conservation Area BndryBabylon Heritage AreaWhite Reef Heritage AreaYellow Knolls Heritage Area

BLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land Management

242 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 243

MAP 2-28 MAP 2-29
244 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 245

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-59 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-60

Table 2-60 Wilderness (Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal 

Preserve wilderness character in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and OPLMA.

Objectives

No similar action. Manage the Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness in accordance with the 

Wilderness Act of 1964, OPLMA, and BLM Manual 6340.

Management Actions

No similar action. Manage wilderness areas in the NCA in conformance with implementation-level decisions 

from the Wilderness Management Plan for the Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness, when completed.

Table 2-59 Heritage Resources

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

No similar action. Develop on and off-site interpretation at wayside exhibits along the Babylon Road.

Manage Heritage Corridor as VRM Class II.

OHV area designation is Limited to Designated Roads and Trails with individual routes designated through the TMP.

Manage for day use only.

Prohibit geocaching in all archaeological sites in the Babylon Heritage Area.

Public Education and Interpretation

BLM will collaborate with 

local communities, organizations, local and state agencies, 

Indian tribes, and other interested parties in developing 

and implementing plans for 

the restoration, stabilization, 

protection, and/or interpretation of appropriate historical, 

archaeological, or paleontological sites and resources on 

public lands in Washington 

County.

Develop heritage tourism sites focusing on appropriate types of sites that have been identified 

for Public Use.

Sponsor educational programs for school groups, civic organizations, elected officials, and 

public land user groups that increase public appreciation for the unique and irreplaceable 

heritage resources of the NCA.

Sponsor trainings and information dissemination to youth and scout groups, recreational user 

groups, and the general public about programs like “Tread Lightly” and “Leave No Trace” that 

help to protect heritage resources.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on heritage resources and appropriate site etiquette when visiting Public Use sites.

Promote opportunities for volunteer involvement in Site Stewardship and Docent programs 

that increase public awareness of the need to conserve and protect heritage resources.

Recruit and train youth and veteran groups, citizen stewards, and other volunteers to participate in site clean-up and restoration, as well as archaeological inventory and data recovery 

projects that enhance public understanding of regional cultural history and the heritage 

values of the NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Scientific research is encouraged that increases the cultural resource inventory database and 

serves to improve baseline knowledge and general understanding of cultural and historical 

resources of the NCA.

Research will be authorized at sites allocated to Scientific Use, as described above by the specific type of site.

Climate Change Monitoring

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for research studies to utilize data recovered from archaeological contexts in the NCA to identify changes in native vegetation communities, faunal assemblages, 

and aboriginal subsistence strategies that could provide data for comparison with modern 

climate trends.

Table 2-60 Wilderness (Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness)
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

SNOW

CANYON

STATE

PARK

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Existing Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land Management

Are

a

of Critic

al E

n

viro

n

m

e

ntal C

o

n

c

ern (A

C

E

C) - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

246 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 247

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-61 MAP 2-30

Table 2-61 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal 

Special management attention is directed to the protection of diverse NCA resource values 

and natural systems.

Objectives

Where BLM determines that 

certain public land areas 

require special management 

to prevent irreparable damage to important historic, 

cultural, or scenic values, 

fish and wildlife resources, 

or other natural systems, it 

may, with appropriate public 

participation, designate such 

lands as ACECs.

Re-evaluate existing ACECs when developing new or revised RMPs to determine if special 

management attention through this administrative designation continues to be required.

Management Actions

The Red Mountain ACEC 

encompasses 4,854 acres. 

Red Mountain serves as a 

spectacular backdrop to the 

communities of Ivins and 

Santa Clara and has significance to members of local 

Indian tribes. The escarpment 

overshadows the west boundary of the Tuacahn Center 

and portions of Snow Canyon 

State Park and, as such, adds 

to the natural beauty of both 

developments. The intent of 

this ACEC is to preserve the 

scenic cliff face from visible disturbance. Where the 

ACEC overlaps with the Red 

Mountain Special Recreation 

Management Area, recreation 

prescriptions will be subordinate to ACEC objectives and 

prescriptions.

(Map 2-30)

Revoke the administrative designation of the 4,854-acre Red Mountain ACEC, as described 

in the SGFO RMP (BLM 1999: Decision AC-09, page 2.68; Map 2.17, page 2-90). The ACEC 

is entirely located within the Red Mountain Wilderness, designated through OPLMA in 2009, 

and partially contained within the NCA. Manage these public lands in conformance with 

implementation-level decisions from the Wilderness Management Plan for the Red Mountain 

and Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness Areas, when completed.

Table 2-61 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
248 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 249

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-62 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-62

Table 2-62 Visual Resource Management (VRM)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres

VRM Class II: 0 acres

VRM Class III: 24,870 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.14)

(Map 2-31)

Manage the NCA as follows:

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres

VRM Class II: 21,034 acres

VRM Class III: 3,652 acres

VRM Class IV: 184 acres

(Map 2-32)

Manage the NCA as follows:

VRM Class I: 21,574 acres

VRM Class II: 23,285 acres

VRM Class III: 0 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 acres

(Map 2-33)

Manage the NCA as follows:

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres

VRM Class II: 18,336 acres

VRM Class III: 0 acres

VRM Class IV: 6,534 acres

(Map 2-34)

Table 2-62 Visual Resource Management (VRM)

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

The open spaces, natural aesthetics, and scenic vistas of the NCA are protected for social, 

economic, and environmental benefits.

Objectives

BLM’s objective will be to 

manage the public lands in 

such a way as to preserve 

those scenic vistas which 

are deemed to be most 

important:

a) In their impact on the 

quality of life for residents 

and communities in the area;

b) In their contribution to the 

quality of recreational visitor 

experiences; 

c) In supporting the regional 

tourism industry and segments of the local economy 

dependent on public land 

resources.

Moreover, BLM will seek to 

complement the rural, agricultural, historic, and urban 

landscapes on adjoining 

private, state, and tribal lands 

by maintaining the integrity 

of background vistas on the 

public lands.

Visual quality and integrity are maintained in accordance with established VRM Management 

Class criteria:

Class I Objective: The existing character of the landscape is preserved. This class provides for 

natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited management activity. 

The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract 

attention.

Class II Objective: The existing character of the landscape is retained. The level of change to 

the characteristic landscape should be low. Changes can be seen but should not attract the 

attention of the casual viewer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, 

and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class III Objective: The existing character of the landscape is partially retained. The level of 

change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract 

attention but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the 

basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class IV Objective: To provide for management activities that require major modification of 

the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape 

can be high. These management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of 

viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements found 

in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Management Actions

No similar action. Use architectural design standards that create a unique and recognizable identity for the 

NCA. The standards would include, but are not limited to: fencing design, signage requirements, vegetative screening, siting requirements, and the height, shape, and color of proposed 

structures.

No similar action. Incorporate visual and architectural design considerations during the project design phase for 

all new surface disturbing projects or activities, regardless of size or potential impact.

No similar action. Conduct ecosystem restoration projects that meet VRM objectives for the NCA over the longterm (over the anticipated life of the restoration project). In the short term (5 years or less) 

or the mid-term (5-10 years), VRM objectives for restoration projects in the NCA would not 

have to be met.

No similar action. Use the best available technology to minimize light emissions from all authorized facilities.

No similar action. Retroactively prioritize and apply architectural design standards to existing structures and 

facilities.

No similar action. Reduce or prevent impacts to night skies through the application of specific mitigation 

measures. These measures could include, but are not limited to: directing all light emissions 

downward, using shielded light sources, using only the minimum illumination necessary, 

using light sources less prone to atmospheric scattering, and using circuit timers or motion 

sensors.

Table 2-62 Visual Resource Management (VRM)
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

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!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

SNOW

CANYON

STATE

PARK

?y

?£ Leeds

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La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

V

R

M

Class

Class 1Class 3National Conservation Area Boundary

Vis

u

al R

e

s

o

urc

e

M

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

nt D

e

sig

n

atio

n

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

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!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

SNOW

CANYON

STATE

PARK

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

V

R

M

Class

Class 1Class 2Class 3Class 4National Conservation Area Boundary

Vis

u

al R

e

s

o

urc

e

M

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

nt D

e

sig

n

atio

n

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

B

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

250 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 251

MAP 2-31 MAP 2-32
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

SNOW

CANYON

STATE

PARK

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

V

R

M

Class

Class 1Class 2National Conservation Area Boundary

Vis

u

al R

e

s

o

urc

e

M

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

nt D

e

sig

n

atio

n

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

SNOW

CANYON

STATE

PARK

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

Vis

u

al R

e

s

o

urc

e

M

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

nt D

e

sig

n

atio

n

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

V

R

M

Class

Class 1Class 2 National Conservation Area Boundary

Utility ROW

Class 4

252 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 253

MAP 2-33 MAP 2-34
254 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 255

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-63 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-64

Table 2-64 Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal 

Lands with wilderness characteristics in the NCA are managed to conserve, protect, and 

restore those values.

Objectives

No similar action. Inventory all lands with wilderness characteristics in the NCA.

Avoid potential project-related impacts through land use authorizations and project design.

Naturalness is conserved and protected through appropriate management actions.

Naturalness is restored in damaged areas through management actions to re-establish native 

vegetation communities.

Management Actions

No similar action. Do not identify management 

prescriptions to specifically 

maintain lands with wilderness characteristics.

Manage 1,586 acres (Map 

2-35) to protect lands 

with wilderness characteristics with the following 

prescriptions:

a) Manage as VRM Class I;

b) OHV area designation is 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails; 

c) Do not authorize commercial and non-commercial 

woodland product harvest 

(e.g., pole, post, firewood 

cutting), or seed and plant 

material collection;

d) Manage as a ROW 

Exclusion area.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-63 Natural Soundscapes

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Public land users can experience natural soundscapes in the NCA.

Objectives

No similar action. Land uses and authorized activities are managed to conserve and protect natural soundscapes.

Management Actions

No similar action. Identify and provide opportunities for visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of peace and tranquility afforded by the natural soundscapes of the NCA.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, 

websites, educational programs, school curriculum) focused on increasing public awareness of 

natural quiet and the benefits of protecting natural soundscapes where they are present in the 

NCA.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Identify appropriate acoustic monitoring locations in the NCA using established protocols.

Install sound level meters and supporting hardware to collect, analyze, and determine the 

levels and types of natural sounds in the NCA and to identify potential anthropogenic sources 

of soundscape impacts.

Table 2-63 Natural Soundscapes Table 2-64 Lands with Wilderness Characteristics
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Lands Managed to Protect Wilderness Characteristics

National Conservation Area Boundary

L

a

n

d

s

M

a

n

a

g

e

d to

Prote

ct Wild

ern

e

s

s

C

h

ara

cteristic

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

State Wildlife Reserve/Management AreaStateState Parks and Recreation

BLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land Management

256 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 257

MAP 2-35 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

High quality sustainable recreation opportunities and visitor services are provided. Those 

opportunities support the quality of life of NCA visitors as well as local communities, regional 

economies and the resource values of the NCA. 

Objectives

BLM’s objective for recreation management will be to 

provide an array of quality 

recreation experiences within 

the agency’s capability and 

logical recreation niche to 

meet the reasonable needs 

and expectations of local 

residents and visitors from 

outside the area. Because the 

fiscal and staffing resources 

available to BLM are likely to 

remain inadequate to fully accomplish this objective, BLM 

will use innovative partnerships, pursue grant monies, 

and work with volunteers, 

organized user groups, and 

other recreation providers 

in developing and managing 

selected recreation opportunities on the public lands.

Protect NCA resource and recreation values using the following:

a) Trail and facility design;

b) Directional, informational, regulatory, traffic control, boundary, and trail signs;

c) Maps and associated digital technology;

d) Appropriate law enforcement;

e) Interpretative materials and educational programs;

f) Citizen stewardship. 

Management Actions: Recreation Management Areas

Extensive Recreation 

Management Areas are those 

public land areas where 

recreation management is 

only one of several management programs applied to the 

land and where recreation 

is typically extensive and 

unstructured in character. 

Such areas may contain occasional recreation sites such 

as the Baker Dam or Red 

Cliffs facilities. Emphasis 

will be placed on dispersed 

recreation, trail development, 

signing, maintenance of 

primitive and semiprimitive 

characteristics, management 

or abatement of natural and 

man-made hazards, and protection of resources and sites 

of recreational interest.

Red Mountain/Santa Clara

Remove those portions of the Red Mountain/Santa Clara SRMA and the SGFO ERMA administrative designations that overlap the NCA.

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services
258 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 259

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

f) Architectural design standards; 

g) Recreational impact monitoring standards and procedures. 

h) Commercial, competitive, and group use management.

No similar action. Develop concessionaire contracts, if necessary, to protect resource values, as well as provide 

for appropriate and sustainable recreation opportunities and visitor services.

No similar action. Manage any non-federal lands that may be acquired within the NCA in conformance with 

RMZ decisions for adjacent public lands.

Special Recreation Permits (SRPs):

No similar action. Prohibit SRPs for competitive equestrian events in the NCA.

No similar action. Prohibit SRPs for competitive motorized events in the NCA.

No similar action. Limit SRPs for motorized recreation activities to roads and primitive roads authorized for use 

by the public.

Discharge of Firearms:

“The discharge of firearms 

in the Reserve is prohibited 

except in the act of hunting 

big game and upland game 

species by licensed hunters in accordance with this 

Plan, current city and county 

ordinances, and state laws 

during prescribed seasons.” 

(PUP 2001).

Prohibit the discharge of firearms, except in the act of licensed hunting according to state laws 

during prescribed seasons.

“Hunting dogs are allowed 

to travel off-leash with a 

licensed hunter in the act of 

hunting during official hunting seasons.” (PUP 2001).

Allow hunting dogs to be off-leash in the NCA when accompanied by a licensed hunter in the 

act of hunting during official seasons.

No similar action. Prohibit paintball activities of any kind.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Develop an implementation-level Interpretive Master Plan that creates a long-range vision 

to guide interpretative services that emphasize the values and significance of the NCA and 

addresses a long-term strategy for name recognition and branding. The plan will include the 

following:

a) Interpretative goals, objectives, and associated management actions necessary for interpreting themes to key user groups/audiences;

b) Identification of a full range of interpretive services including facilities, programs, activities, exhibits, publications/printed materials, electronic media, and audiovisuals to enhance 

knowledge and appreciation of natural and cultural resources, and to promote stewardship;

c) Identification of opportunities for outreach programs with user groups, local schools, universities, and special interest groups;

d) Identification of opportunities to enrich interpretation through partnerships with municipal, county, state, and national parks, educational institutions, and other organizations;

e) Identification of desired visitor experiences consistent with the RAMP and RMZs;

f) Identification of themes and sub-themes to communicate the story of place (e.g., those narratives that express the unique and compelling character of the NCA);

g) Consistency with NCA architectural design standards (e.g., color, shape, themes) that will 

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

SRMA encompasses 44,859 

acres of public land.

“Because the Reserve was 

established to protect the 

tortoise and its habitat, offtrail use is prohibited, except 

within the Upland Zone 

(PUP 2001).

(Map 2-36)

Do not carry forward the Upland and Lowland Zones from the PUP.

No similar action. Establish the Red Cliffs SRMA, as shown on Map 2-37, Map 2-38, and Map 2-39.

No similar action. Red Cliffs NCA SRMA, Recreation and Visitor Services Objectives:

Foster a sense of awareness and stewardship in recreational participants and local community 

partners to maintain recreation values in the NCA.

Provide opportunities for public land users to develop an understanding and appreciation of 

the NCA through on and off-site educational and interpretative materials. 

Develop a nationally recognized non-motorized trail system that provides high quality opportunities for a wide range of recreational activities

Develop trailheads and waysides that share a signature design emblematic of the NCA

No similar action. Establish four RMZs within the Red Cliffs SRMA as management tools to assist in setting 

priorities for facilities development, maintenance, and law enforcement. Each zone would 

have consistent management objectives across Alternative but would vary in size. See Table 

2-66 for information about each zone and Appendix H for detailed RMZ descriptions and 

objectives.

No similar action. Manage the RMZs as follows:

Rural Zone: 1,224 acres

Frontcountry Zone: 14,937 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 8,709 

acres

Primitive Zone: 19,989 acres

(Map 2-37)

Manage the RMZs as follows:

Rural Zone: 1,204 acres

Frontcountry Zone: 22,080 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 0 acres

Primitive Zone: 21,575 acres

(Map 2-38)

Manage the RMZs as follows: 

Rural Zone: 1,225 acres

Frontcountry Zone: 9,397 

acres

Backcountry Zone: 14,248 

acres

Primitive Zone: 19,989 acres

(Map 2-39)

No similar action. Allowable uses for other resources and programs within the SRMA are defined by the NCA 

legislation. Allowable recreation uses have been defined by RMZ and can be found in Table 

2-66 and Appendix H. 

No similar action. Coordinate management of recreational activities and uses with adjacent federal agencies, 

tribal governments, and state, county, and municipal governments.

No similar action. Develop an implementation-level Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP) to identify 

specific management actions for recreational activities and visitor services within the SRMA. 

On BLM-administered lands, the RAMP would replace the implementation-level PUP for the 

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (PUP 2001). The RAMP would include, but is not limited to:

a) Non-motorized trail system development and management;

b) Motorized route system management;

c) Rock climbing management;

d) Campground development and management;

e) Dispersed camping management;
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

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1038

1016

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M O U N T A I N

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Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

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Santa

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Curly

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Box Canyon Stucki Spring

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Wash

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Santa Clara

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Pr ci e Bench Ditch

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West St George

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Ci yt

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R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

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C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Red Cliffs NCA - Management Zones

Lowland ZoneUpland ZoneNational Conservation Area Bndry

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

Radio

Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n D mo e

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper Santa Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

a H l wf ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

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hs a W

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di M l d t e no

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aC

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and

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Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

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Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

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H e a ht

h s a W

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C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gou dl Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e aC an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

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C r e e k

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Special Recreation Management Area - Recreation Management Zone

Red Cliffs SRMA, Backcountry RMZ

Red Cliffs SRMA, Frontcountry RMZ Red Cliffs SRMA, Primitive RMZRed Cliffs SRMA, Rural RMZ

National Conservation Area Bndry

260 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 261

MAP 2-36 MAP 2-37
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

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di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

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Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

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H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

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L a V e r k i n

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C r e e k

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Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Special Recreation Management Area - Recreation Management Zone

Red Cliffs SRMA, Frontcountry RMZ

Red Cliffs SRMA, Primitive RMZ Red Cliffs SRMA, Rural RMZ

National Conservation Area Bndry

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

Radio

Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n D mo e

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper Santa Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

a H l wf ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

aC

not gni hsa W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gou dl Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e aC an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

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Reservoir

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Special Recreation Management Area - Recreation Management Zone

Red Cliffs SRMA, Backcountry RMZ

Red Cliffs SRMA, Frontcountry RMZ Red Cliffs SRMA, Primitive RMZRed Cliffs SRMA, Rural RMZ

National Conservation Area Bndry

262 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 263

MAP 2-38 MAP 2-39
264 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 265

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

appropriate Reserve Manager. 

In the future, primitive 

facilities may be installed to 

service the area (e.g. a sanitary toilet) and a use fee may 

be charged to support facility 

maintenance.” (PUP 2001).

No similar action. Develop camping facilities 

at the Sand Cove Primitive 

Camping Area, limited to 

designated walk-in campsites. 

Each campsite would include, 

but is not limited to:

a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite; 

b) A metal campfire 

container.

No camping facilities would 

be developed at the Sand 

Cove Primitive Camping 

Area.

Develop camping facilities 

at the Sand Cove Primitive 

Camping Area. Development 

would include:

a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite; 

b) A metal campfire 

container;

c) A vault toilet;

d) Vehicle access 

improvements;

e) A kiosk for displaying 

interpretive and regulatory 

information.

No similar action. Limit camping at the Sand 

Cove Primitive Camping 

Area to one permit per day 

with a maximum group size 

of 20. All groups would be required to camp in designated 

sites and haul out all trash 

and human waste.

Close the Sand Cove 

Primitive Camping Area to 

overnight camping.

Limit camping at the Sand 

Cove Primitive Camping 

Area to one permit per day 

with a maximum group size 

of 40. All groups would be required to camp in designated 

sites and haul out all trash.

Dispersed Camping:

“Upland Zone: Camping is 

allowed within the Upland 

Zone. In the Babylon/

Sandstone Mountain area, 

camping is restricted to the 

Sand Cove primitive campground. In addition, this 

plan envisions a designated 

campground near the Virgin 

River close to the Babylon 

mill site. At this time, camping in other areas of the 

Upland Zone is not restricted 

to designated sites. However, 

Reserve managers anticipate 

that as use in the Reserve 

increases, a transition to 

designated camping is likely 

to occur throughout the zone. 

When necessary, consistent

Prohibit dispersed camping in the Rural and 

Frontcountry Zones (Map 

2-37, Map 2-38, and Map 

2-39).

Develop a limited number 

of designated undeveloped 

dispersed campsites in the 

Backcountry Zone and limit 

camping to these sites. Each 

campsite would include, but 

is not limited to: 

a) A visible marker that 

clearly delineates the location 

as a designated campsite; 

b) A metal campfire 

container.

Allow dispersed camping in

Prohibit dispersed camping in the Rural and 

Frontcountry Zones (Map 

2-37, Map 2-38, and Map 

2-39).

Prohibit dispersed camping 

in the Backcountry Zone.

Allow dispersed camping in 

the Primitive Zone, except 

within 1 mile of the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area developed 

campground and within 300 

feet of water sources.

Prohibit dispersed camping in the Rural and 

Frontcountry Zones (Map 

2-37, Map 2-38, and Map 

2-39).

Allow dispersed camping in 

the Backcountry Zone.

Allow dispersed camping in 

the Primitive Zone, except 

within 1 mile of the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area developed 

campground and within 300 

feet of water sources.

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

apply to all site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated 

spaces;

h) Integration of graphic elements such as logos, logo placements, color schemes, quality, and 

voice across all media to ensure effective recognition and branding for the NCA;

i) Training goals and objectives for staff and volunteers to ensure consistency in interpretive 

themes and professionalism.

Scientific Research

No similar action. Pursue opportunities for scientific studies that evaluate the effects of diverse recreation activities on the desert environment. 

Implementation Decisions: Red Cliffs SRMA

The remaining Recreation Management decisions in Table 2-65 are not land-use plan decisions; they are implementation 

decisions. They address issues that were raised during the planning process and have been included to expose the reader to 

the general management direction being proposed for the NCA. These decisions provide the framework for the RAMP. 

Recreation Facilities:

No similar action. Develop uniform architectural design standards for all site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated spaces developed in the NCA. These standards 

include construction materials, styles, colors, textures, and interpretive themes.

No similar action. Construct site improvements, recreational facilities, site fixtures, structures, and associated 

spaces in the Rural, Frontcountry, or Backcountry Zones to protect resource values, respond 

to recreational use demand, and enhance visitor experiences. Developments could include 

standard and/or expanded amenity fee sites.

No similar action. Issue RUPs through the collection of standard or expanded amenity fees for the shortterm recreational use of specialized sites or facilities (such as campgrounds and day use 

sites) which meet fee collection guidelines as provided for in the Federal Lands Recreation 

Enhancement Act of 2004 or subsequent similar authority.

Facilities for camping, sanitation, and picnicking at the 

Baker Dam and Red Cliffs 

Recreation Areas will be 

maintained and upgraded as 

needed to achieve management objectives for safety, resource protection, and quality 

recreational experiences.

Continue to manage the Red 

Cliffs Recreation Area as 

an Expanded and Standard 

Amenity Fee Site for camping 

and day use in accordance 

with the approved Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area Business 

Plan.

Maintain, improve, and 

enlarge facilities for camping, 

sanitation, or day use (e.g., 

increased parking, additional 

vault toilets, campsites) at 

the Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area, as needed, to achieve 

management objectives for 

public safety, resource protection, and quality recreational 

experiences.

Manage the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area as a Standard 

Amenity Fee Site for picnicking and day use only by 

converting existing campsites 

to day use sites and parking. Revise the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area Business 

Plan to reflect management 

changes.

Maintain facilities for sanitation, picnicking, and day use 

in the Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area, as needed, to achieve 

management objectives for 

public safety, resource protection, and quality recreational 

experiences.

Same as Alternative B.

“This plan designates a 

primitive campground at 

Sand Cove (near Sandstone 

Mountain). Camping at this 

popular group site shall require a permit issued by the 

Same as Alternative A. Close the Sand Cove 

Primitive Camping Area to 

overnight camping.

Same as Alternative A.
266 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 267

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

do so will not be well-received 

by the Service.” (USFWS ES/6-

UT-01-F-003 2001).

No similar action. Where new trail development would result in surface 

disturbance in designated 

critical habitats, restore acreage of similar quality habitat 

at a 1:1 ratio. Restoration 

methods and adequacy would 

be determined by BLM in 

consultation with USFWS.

Such methods could include, 

but are not limited to, reclamation and re-vegetation 

with approved native species 

or native species cultivars on 

linear disturbances, fire-damaged lands, or other disturbed 

areas.

Where new trail development would result in surface 

disturbance in designated 

critical habitats, restore acreage of similar quality habitat 

at a 2:1 ratio. Restoration 

methods and adequacy would 

be determined by BLM in 

consultation with USFWS.

Such methods could include, 

but are not limited to, reclamation and re-vegetation 

with approved native species 

or native species cultivars on 

linear disturbances, fire-damaged lands, or other disturbed 

areas.

Same as Alternative B.

Commercial SRPs:

No similar action. Limit SRPs for recreation 

activities to 10% of overall 

visitation (overall visitation is 

defined as the total number 

of all visits: commercial and 

non-commercial, motorized 

and non-motorized).

Same as Alternative B. Limit SRPs for recreation 

activities to 20% of overall 

visitation.

No similar action. Limit SRPs for motorized recreation activities (e.g., Motor Coach tours, OHV tours, motorcycle tours, ATV Jamborees) to roads and primitive roads authorized for use by the public.

No similar action. Set group size limits for 

SRPs on a case-by-case basis. 

Factors for the determination 

of limits would include, but 

are not limited to: type of activity, type of transportation, 

length of stay, potential for 

resource impacts, potential 

for impacts to other visitors, 

and compatibility with RMZs.

All SRPs would be limited to 

a group size of 15, including 

guides.

Same as Alternative B.

Competitive SRPs:

“Organized competitive and 

recreational sporting events 

found to be low-impact to 

habitat are only permitted in 

the Reserve with a special use 

permit issued by the BLM or 

State Parks in coordination 

with the HCP Administrator. 

An organized recreational activity is any scheduled event 

SRPs for competitive running 

and bicycling events could be 

authorized on roads in the 

NCA if they meet the following criteria: 

a) Event staging takes place 

outside the NCA or takes 

place on designated roads 

and/or at trailheads inside the 

NCA;

Do not authorize SRPs for 

competitive non-motorized 

events in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

with the goals of the HCP 

and this plan, Reserve managers may designate suitable 

areas for camping in high-use 

areas and restrict camping to 

these sites.” (PUP 2001).

(Map 2-36)

the Primitive Zone, except 

within 1 mile of the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area developed 

campground and within 300 

feet of water sources.

No similar action. Provide public education on minimum impact camping through a variety of on- and off-site 

media.

“In the Lowland Zone of 

the Reserve, campfires are 

restricted to established fire 

rings within official campgrounds. In the Upland 

Zone, which is dominated 

by pinyon-juniper habitat, 

campfires are allowed subject 

to closures for high fire danger.” (PUP 2001).

Allow campfires within the 

provided metal campfire 

container at designated 

campsites and/or developed campgrounds in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, and 

Backcountry Zones. 

Allow dispersed campfires 

outside of a metal campfire 

container in the Primitive 

Zone.

Allow campfires within the 

provided metal campfire 

container at designated 

campsites and/or developed 

campgrounds in the Rural 

and Frontcountry Zones.

Prohibit dispersed campfires 

outside of a metal campfire 

container in the Backcountry 

and Primitive Zones.

Allow campfires within the 

provided metal campfire 

container at designated 

campsites and/or developed 

campgrounds in the Rural 

and Frontcountry Zones.

Allow dispersed campfires 

outside of a metal campfire 

container in the Backcountry 

and Primitive Zones.

Non-Motorized Trails:

“Public lands within the Red 

Mountain and Cottonwood 

Wilderness Study Areas 

(WSA) are closed to mountain bike use by the BLM’s 

Resource Management Plan 

for the St. George Field 

Office, March 1999...Most 

trails in the Reserve are 

shared-use, so trail etiquette 

must be used.” (PUP 2001).

Design and construct the non-motorized trail system to the professional standards outlined in 

Appendix I to ensure that trail design:

a) Addresses the needs of equestrians, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers;

b) Protects diverse NCA resource values from direct or indirect recreation impacts by promoting compliance with regulatory requirements and visitor use restrictions;

c) Results in sustainable systems;

d) Provides high quality experiences;

e) Serves the abilities of non-motorized recreational users;

f) Offers opportunities for looping, varying distances, linking between geographic areas and 

trailheads, and connecting to heritage and other educational resources;

g) Minimizes user conflicts by separating user groups whenever feasible;

h) Limits the desire to venture off-trail.

“Unless new information 

has come to light, we do not 

believe that new trails should 

be considered or reconsidered. Most of the proposed 

changes from the recreational 

community will be requests 

for additional trails or trail 

reroutes which were discussed 

at great length over more 

than 18 months of meetings. 

Requesting that these trails 

(most of which will have been 

purposefully excluded from 

the original PUP) be added 

because there is a process to

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative B.

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative C.

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative D.
268 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 269

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

could include, but are not 

limited to: type of activity, 

type of transportation, number of participants, length of 

stay, potential for resource 

impacts, potential for impacts 

to other visitors, and compatibility with RMZs.

No similar action. Handcarts, buggies, wagons, or other animal-drawn 

vehicles would be limited to travel on roads and 

routes designated through 

the approved TMP in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, and 

Backcountry Zones. All 

proposed activities (e.g., historical reenactments) would 

require an SRP or a letter of 

authorization from the NCA 

Manager.

No similar action. Handcarts, buggies, wagons, or other animal-drawn 

vehicles would be limited to travel on roads and 

routes designated through 

the approved TMP in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, and 

Backcountry Zones. All 

proposed activities (e.g., historical reenactments) would 

require an SRP or a letter of 

authorization from the NCA 

Manager.

Rock Climbing:

“Within the Red Cliffs Desert 

Reserve there are three areas 

where authorized rock climbing and rappelling activities 

occur: Snow Canyon State 

Park, Paradise Canyon, and 

Pioneer Park. Climbing and 

rappelling outside of designated areas is prohibited.” 

(PUP 2001).

(Map 2-40)

Continue to manage the existing climbing area within the NCA.

No similar action. Allow climbing anywhere in the Primitive Management Zone.

No similar action. Designate one new climbing 

area, Sandstone Mountain 

(Map 2-41).

No new climbing areas would 

be authorized (Map 2-40).

Same as Alternative B (Map 

2-41).

No similar action. Develop a Climbing Management Plan as part of the RAMP. The plan would:

a) Identify areas where climbing would be authorized;

b) Identify potential climbing restrictions such as group size limits or seasonal closures;

c) Establish monitoring protocols to identify resource impacts;

d) Establish procedures for authorizing new climbing areas.

All authorized climbing areas would remain open until the Climbing Management Plan is 

complete.

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

with a specific planned 

purpose. Those organized 

recreational activities which 

conflict with the intended 

protection of the desert tortoise or, due to the nature of 

the event, are unable to provide the degree of supervision 

necessary to prevent harm 

to desert tortoises or prevent 

damage to habitat will not be 

permitted within the Reserve. 

These activities and events 

should generally be staged 

on designated roads only. 

Monitoring for previous-use 

impacts, habitat density and 

quality, numbers of spectators 

and participants, and time of 

year will all be factors in the 

decision to issue/re-issue a 

permit.” (PUP 2001).

b) The event causes no new 

surface disturbance;

c) Event scheduling complies 

with seasonal restrictions to 

protect wildlife and habitats, 

(e.g., restrictions on events 

during desert tortoise active 

season, generally between 

March 15 and October 15).

No similar action. Group size limits for competitive non-motorized events 

would be set on a case-bycase basis. Factors for the 

determination of limits could 

include, but are not limited 

to: type of event, length of 

event, number of participants, potential for resource 

impacts, potential for impacts 

to other visitors, and compatibility with RMZs.

Do not authorize SRPs for 

competitive non-motorized 

events in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. SRPs for competitive equestrian events would not be authorized in the NCA.

No similar action. SRPs for competitive motorized events would not be authorized in the NCA.

Organized Groups:

“Activities such as hot air 

ballooning, family reunions, 

other social functions 

(including weddings), or 

compatible activities which 

are not listed above require a 

special use permit if conducted within (or above) the 

Reserve. Reserve managers 

will review the activity before 

a permit is granted.” (PUP 

2001).

Authorize SRPs for organized 

groups (e.g., scouting events, 

church events, school classes, 

historical reenactments) on 

a case-by-case basis, if the 

proposed event conforms 

to an implementation-level 

Interpretive Master Plan, 

when developed (see Public 

Education and Interpretation 

below).

Group size for organized 

groups would be set on a 

case-by-case basis. Factors for 

the determination of limits

Do not authorize SRPs for organized groups (e.g., scouting 

events, church events, school 

classes, historical reenactments) in the NCA.

Same as Alternative B.
Red Cliffs

National Conservation

Area

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

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St. George

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StateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve / Management Area

Clim

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a

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o

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s

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Are

a (N

C

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ativ

e

A

&

C

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Red Cliffs

National Conservation

Area

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

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Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

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ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

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Bureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve / Management Area

Clim

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Are

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N

atio

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s

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B

&

D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

270 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 271

MAP 2-40 MAP 2-41
272 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 273

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-65 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-66

Table 2-66 Recreation Management Zone Descriptions

RURAL ZONE

• Located adjacent to the urban interface, along heavily trafficked roads, and around high use trailheads.

• Accommodates the highest number of visitors.

• Largest number of management controls including directional, educational, and regulatory signs.

• Frequent BLM staff presence.

• Regular law enforcement patrols.

• Significant amount of infrastructure; includes all roads, trailheads, and parking areas.

• Off-road motorized use is restricted to administrative and emergency purposes only.

• Smallest zone. Does not vary in size by alternative.

FRONTCOUNTRY ZONE

• Accessed from Rural Zone trailheads.

• Accommodates a large number of visitors.

• Large number of management controls consisting primarily of directional, educational, and regulatory signs.

• BLM staff presence is consistent but less than the Rural Zone.

• Law enforcement patrols are irregular and often based on incident or emergency response.

• Motorized use is restricted to administrative purposes only.

• Non-motorized use is restricted to designated trails.

• Majority of zone is within designated critical tortoise habitat.

• Varies in size by alternative

BACKCOUNTRY ZONE

• Accessed from the Rural Zone trailheads or Frontcountry Zone trails.

• Less recreational use than the Frontcountry Zone, but still accommodates a significant number of visitors.

• Fewer management controls consisting primarily of directional and regulatory signs.

• BLM staff presence is infrequent and generally based on project-specific need.

• Law enforcement patrols generally limited to incident and emergency response.

• Motorized use is restricted to administrative purposes.

• Non-motorized use is restricted to designated trails.

• Majority of zone is outside critical desert tortoise habitat.

• Varies in size by alternative 

PRIMITIVE ZONE

• Accessed from the Rural, Frontcountry, or Backcountry Zones. Boundary corresponds with designated wilderness, except 

in Alternative C.

• Accommodates a varying number of visitors depending on location.

• Limited management controls consisting primarily of directional and regulatory signs located on and around the wilderness boundary.

• BLM staff presence is very low.

• Law enforcement presence limited to emergency response.

• Motorized and mechanized use prohibited except for emergency response.

• Cross-country travel is allowed. All visitors must be on foot or horseback. 

• No constructed or maintained trails, but popular primitive routes are displayed on visitor maps.

• Majority of this zone is outside critical tortoise habitat.

• Does not vary in size by alternative, except for Alternative C.

Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Other Recreational Uses:

“All geocaches and letter 

boxes located or proposed 

to be located within the 

boundaries of the Red Cliffs 

Desert Reserve shall have 

written approval from either 

the Washington County HCP 

administration, Snow Canyon 

state park manager, or applicable reserve manager prior 

to placement.” (Washington 

County Ordinance 7-2-6)

Prohibit physical geocaches in the Frontcountry and Primitive Zones.

Allow physical geocaches in the Rural and Backcountry Zones.

Allow virtual geocaches in all RMZs provided they are compliant with other zone restrictions.

Approval from authorized NCA staff would be required prior to any physical geocache 

placement.

Approval from authorized NCA staff would be required prior to the public posting of any 

virtual geocache placement.

No similar action Prohibit the take-off and landing of powered parachutes in the NCA.

No similar action Prohibit the take-off and landing of remote-controlled aircraft in the NCA.

No similar action. Casual rock collection, 

including the gathering of 

mineral specimens and rock 

hounding, would be allowed 

under the following criteria:

a) Collect using hand tools;

b) Only collect specimens for 

personal use. 

Prohibit casual rock collection in the NCA.Same as Alternative B.

No similar action. Prohibit all recreational metal detecting activities. Allow recreational metal 

detecting that creates only 

minimal surface disturbance.

Monitoring:

No similar action. Develop a comprehensive program for monitoring recreational impacts in the NCA as part of 

the RAMP. The program would focus primarily on the identification of illegal trails and would 

include a progression of appropriate management actions.

Table 2-66 Recreation Management Zone Descriptions
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

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Hollow

Reservoir

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Reservoir

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St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

O

H

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Are

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D

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N

C

A - Altern

ativ

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A (N

o

A

ctio

n), B, C, D

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands Closed to Motorized Vehicles

Limited to Designated Roads & Trails

National Conservation Area Boundary

274 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 275

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-67 MAP 2-42

Table 2-67 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Compatible traditional, current, and future use of the land is sustained by establishing a transportation system that contributes to protection of sensitive resources, promotes dispersed 

recreation, and minimizes user conflicts.

A high quality, sustainable transportation system that provides appropriate public and administrative access is developed and maintained to conserve, protect, and enhance the resource 

values of the NCA.

Objectives

It is BLM’s objective to 

continue to work closely with 

Washington County officials to ensure that use and 

enjoyment of existing roads 

and trails is permitted under 

safe and prudent conditions 

and that responsibility for 

maintenance is properly 

defined in road maintenance 

agreements or other appropriate documents. It is also 

BLM’s objective to work with 

municipalities, Washington 

County, the Utah Department 

of Transportation, and other 

affected parties in defining and planning for future 

transportation needs, locating 

environmentally compatible route Alternative, and 

resolving land use conflicts 

related to transportation 

systems where public lands 

are involved.

Provide a well-maintained and functional motorized transportation system that provides 

public access to recreational opportunities and is consistent with goals, objectives, and recommendations of the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise (USFWS 2011).

Provide a functional motorized administrative transportation system that is consistent with 

goals, objectives, and recommendations of Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert 

Tortoise (USFWS 2011) and provides the minimum access necessary to authorized infrastructure and valid ROWs.

Provide a nationally recognized, professionally designed, non-motorized trail system that 

provides access to a wide range of recreational opportunities and is consistent with the goals, 

objectives, and recommendations of the Revised Recovery Plan for the Mojave Desert Tortoise

(USFWS 2011).

Management Guidance Common To All Alternatives

The BLM would coordinate transportation management with adjacent federal agencies, state and local governments, and 

authorized users.

All motorized routes identified in the PUP, subsequent implementation-level plans, and subsequent project-specific NEPA 

documents are carried forward into the TMP.

Management Actions

(For Non-motorized Transportation Management Actions See Table 2-65 Recreation and Visitor Services)

OHV Area Designations:

Approximately 24,870 acres will be Limited to Designated Roads and Trails. A map of the existing transportation system can 

be found at www.blm.gov/nxld.

Open to Cross-Country OHV use: 0 acres

Limited to Designated Roads and Trails: 24,870 acres

Closed to OHV use: 19,989 acres

(SGFO RMP Map 2.13)

(Map 2-42)

Table 2-67 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management
276 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 277

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-67 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-67

Table 2-67 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public lands etiquette, including OHV etiquette.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that encourage motorized users to use existing disturbed areas for parking and camping.

Table 2-67 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Non-Motorized Trails:

“Public lands within the Red 

Mountain and Cottonwood 

Wilderness Study Areas 

(WSA) are closed to mountain bike use by the BLM’s 

Resource Management Plan 

for the St. George Field 

Office, March 1999...Most 

trails in the Reserve are 

shared-use, so trail etiquette 

must be used.” (PUP 2001).

Design and construct the non-motorized trail system to professional standards to ensure that 

trail design:

a) Addresses the needs of equestrians, hikers, climbers, and mountain bikers;

b) Protects diverse NCA resource values from direct or indirect recreation impacts by promoting compliance with regulatory requirements and visitor use restrictions;

c) Results in sustainable systems;

d) Provides high quality experiences;

e) Serves the abilities of non-motorized recreational users;

f) Offers opportunities for looping, varying distances, linking between geographic areas and 

trailheads, and connecting to heritage and other educational resources;

g) Minimizes user conflicts by separating user groups whenever feasible;

h) Limits the desire to venture off-trail.

“Unless new information 

has come to light, we do 

not believe that new trails 

should be considered or 

reconsidered. Most of the 

proposed changes from the 

recreational community will 

be requests for additional 

trails or trail reroutes which 

were discussed at great length 

over more than 18 months 

of meetings. Requesting that 

these trails (most of which 

will have been purposefully 

excluded from the original 

PUP) be added because there 

is a process to do so will 

not be well-received by the 

Service.” (USFWS ES/6-UT01-F-003 2001).

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative B.

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative C.

Construct new trails in the 

Rural, Frontcountry, or 

Backcountry Zones, as shown 

in the TMP for Alternative D.

No similar action. Where new trail development would result in surface 

disturbance in designated 

critical habitats, restore acreage of similar quality habitat 

at a 1:1 ratio. Restoration 

methods and adequacy would 

be determined by BLM in 

consultation with USFWS. 

Such methods could include, 

but are not limited to, reclamation and re-vegetation 

with approved native species 

or native species cultivars on 

linear disturbances, fire-damaged lands, or other disturbed 

areas.

Where new trail development would result in surface 

disturbance in designated 

critical habitats, restore acreage of similar quality habitat 

at a 2:1 ratio. Restoration 

methods and adequacy would 

be determined by BLM in 

consultation with USFWS. 

Such methods could include, 

but are not limited to, reclamation and re-vegetation 

with approved native species on linear disturbances, 

fire-damaged lands, or other 

disturbed areas.

Same as Alternative B.
278 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 279

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-68 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-68

Table 2-68 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Land tenure adjustments are made to assist the conservation, protection, and enhancement of 

NCA resource values, facilitate management, and reduce administrative costs.

Land use authorizations further the purposes of conservation, protection, and enhancement 

of resource values in the NCA.

Objectives

In accordance with national 

policy, BLM will retain lands 

within its administration 

except where necessary to 

accomplish important objectives outlined in resource 

sections throughout this Plan. 

BLM will transfer lands out of 

federal ownership or acquire 

non-federal lands where 

needed to accomplish important resource management 

goals or to meet essential 

community needs.

Non-federal lands are acquired from willing land owners through purchase, exchange or 

donation.

Surface and subsurface rights would be acquired whenever possible to avoid creating split 

estates.

Conservation easements may be acquired where such interest would further the management 

objectives of the NCA.

Land tenure adjustments would be prioritized based on manageability, the feasibility of successful acquisition, and the ecological, cultural, recreational, and scenic values of the tract to 

be acquired.

Ensure that long and short term land use authorizations are consistent with the NCA purposes of resource conservation, protection, and enhancement.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

“Any land or interest in land that is located in the National Conservation Area that is acquired by the United States shall—

(1) become part of the National Conservation Area; and (2) be managed in accordance with—(A) the Federal Land Policy 

and Management Act of 1976 (USC 1701 et seq.); (B) this section; and (C) any other applicable law (including regulations)” 

(OPLMA Section 1974 (f)).

“(1) In General.—Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land located in the National Conservation Area is withdrawn 

from—(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; (B) location, entry, and patenting under 

the mining laws; (C) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. (2) Additional Land.—

If the Secretary acquires additional land that is located in the National Conservation Area after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the land is withdrawn from operation of the laws referred to in paragraph (1) on the date of acquisition of the land" 

(OPLMA Section 1974 (g)).

Manage public lands in accordance with applicable city and county zoning restrictions and municipal ordinances (to the 

extent that such restrictions and ordinances are consistent with the purposes for which the NCA was Congressionallydesignated), as well as other federal laws, regulations, and policies, and with goals, objectives, and management decisions 

from the approved RMP for the NCA.

Do not authorize commercial renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar) leases or ROWs in the NCA.

Existing ROWs will be maintained in accordance with the respective ROW grant or other applicable authorization.

Management Actions

Land Tenure Adjustments:

BLM will acquire selected 

non-federal lands, with owner consent, for such purposes 

as ensuring public access to 

key use areas, consolidating 

public ownership of lands 

critical to recovery of species 

listed under the Endangered 

Species Act, providing essential public recreation

Work with willing land owners or administrators to acquire in-holdings and edge-holdings 

that are in the public interest through purchase, exchange of public lands targeted for disposal 

outside of the NCA boundaries, donation, or conservation easement.

Acquire both surface and subsurface rights whenever possible to avoid the creation of split 

estates. Prioritize acquisition of non-federal inholdings and parcels that adjoin the NCA 

boundaries that meet one or more of the following criteria:

a) Further the purposes of the NCA relating to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of its ecological, scenic, wildlife, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific 

resources;

Table 2-68 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

opportunities, protecting 

floodplains, riparian areas, 

wildlife habitat, cultural sites, 

and wilderness, and meeting 

the mutually agreed upon 

objectives of local, state, and 

federal plans or programs. 

Although most acquisitions 

will occur through exchange, 

they may also be made 

through purchase, donation, 

or conservation easement.

Over the life of the Plan, it 

is expected that BLM may 

acquire up to 18,000 acres 

of land within Washington 

County. Nearly all of these 

acres will result from BLM 

fulfilling its commitment 

to acquire available state 

and private lands within the 

Washington County Habitat 

Conservation Plan (HCP) 

Reserve and to fulfill existing 

statewide exchange agreements with the Utah School 

and Institutional Trust Land 

Administration to remove 

trust inholdings from within 

federally reserved areas.

b) Enhance public recreation experiences and benefits;

c) Provide additional access to other public lands.

Linear ROWs:

Avoidance areas: Washington 

County HCP Reserve. (SGFO 

RMP Table 2-3)

Avoidance area: 24,686 acres

Exclusion area: 19,989 acres 

(Designated Wilderness)

Designated ROW Corridor: 

183 acres (State Route 18 and 

I-15, SGFO RMP Table 2-2 

and Map 2.5)

(Map 2-43)

New ROWs will be granted 

in Avoidance areas only when 

feasible alternative routes or 

designated corridors are not 

available. 

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas, including Designated Corridors, as 

follows (Map 2-44):

Avoidance area: 3,652 acres

Exclusion area: 41,023 acres

Designated ROW Corridor: 

183 acres (State Route 18 and 

I-15)

Do not designate new corridors for linear ROWs (e.g., 

utility, transportation) in the 

NCA.

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas, including Designated Corridors, as 

follows (Map 2-45):

Avoidance area: 0 acres

Exclusion area: 44,808 acres

Designated ROW Corridor: 

50 acres (State Route 18)

Do not designate new corridors for linear ROWs (e.g., 

utility, transportation) in the 

NCA.

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Designate ROW Avoidance 

and Exclusion areas, including Designated Corridors, as 

follows (Map 2-46):

Avoidance area: 0 acres

Exclusion area: 38,324 acres

Designated ROW Corridors: 

6,534 acres

New ROWs will be granted 

in Exclusion areas only when 

required by law or federal 

court action.

Table 2-68 Lands and Realty
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H

R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

Ha wfl ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

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di M l d t e no

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a C

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and

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Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

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Spring

Creek Mill

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hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

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Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

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C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

ROW Designation

ROW CorridorAvoidanceExclusionNational Conservation Area Boundary

RCNCA Powerlines

MajorMinor

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

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Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

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Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

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Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

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di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

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Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

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H e a ht

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C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

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G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

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d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

B Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

ROW Designation

AvoidanceROW CorridorExclusionNational Conservation Area Boundary

RCNCA Powerlines

MajorMinor

280 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 281

MAP 2-43 MAP 2-44
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

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H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

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La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t ROW Designation

ROW CorridorExclusionNational Conservation Area Boundary

RCNCA Powerlines

MajorMinor

Rig

hts

of W

a

y

A

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oid

a

n

c

e

&

E

x

clu

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n

Are

a

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A - Altern

ativ

e

C Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H

R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

City

Spring

Miller Spring

Ha wfl ya

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egroe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ssaP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

National Conservation Area Boundary

Washington County Proposed AlternativeNorthern Transportation Route Alignments

Washington County Preferred NorthernTransportation Alignment Based on Title V

Rights-of-Way Application

ROW Designation

ROW CorridorExclusion

Existing Powerlines

Major

Minor

282 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 283

MAP 2-45 MAP 2-46
284 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 285

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-68 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-68

Table 2-68 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

New ROW may be authorized in the Reserve in 

accordance with protocols established in the HCP for such 

purposes (HCP, Appendix A, 

Washington County, 1995). 

The protocols are intended to 

avoid the most sensitive areas 

in the reserve and to limit 

habitat disturbance. Among 

other things the protocols 

provide for:

a) Use of existing corridors 

in and outside of the HCP 

Reserve;

b) Preliminary project review 

by HCP biologists to minimize adverse impacts;

c) Consultation with the 

USFWS;

d) Preconstruction clearance 

and construction oversight by 

qualified biologists;

e) Avoidance of burrows;

f) Fencing and reduction of 

hazards created by construction activity;

g) Removal of tortoises at risk 

by qualified personnel.

LD-14: ROW Corridor along 

I-15 described in SGFO RMP 

Table 2-2: from beginning of 

public lands to the north to 

below Harrisburg Junction.

Following State Route 18 

Highway from St. George to 

Veyo. This corridor would 

be the width of the currently 

fenced road ROW.

Retain the existing designated 

ROW corridors along SR 18 

and I-15 (total of 183 acres) 

through the NCA.

In ROW Avoidance areas, 

new ROWs could be authorized only if the project-specific NEPA analysis indicates 

that the construction and operation of the facility would 

not result in the incidental 

take of federally-listed species; the adverse modification 

of designated critical habitats; 

or adverse effects to NRHPlisted or eligible properties, 

and if the following criteria 

are met:

a) Facility design and placement would avoid or result 

in minimal impacts on other 

NCA resources and values, 

including the scenic qualities 

of the NCA.

b) Facility construction could 

be accomplished through 

methods that minimize new 

surface disturbances and 

resource impacts, such as helicopter placement of towers; 

c) New access roads would 

not be required for facility 

construction, operation, and 

maintenance;

d) Existing access roads 

would not be permanently 

widened or upgraded for facility construction, operation, 

and maintenance; temporary 

enlargements or modifications to existing access routes 

needed during construction 

would be rehabilitated immediately after construction 

is completed;

e) Facility construction, 

operations, and maintenance 

would not require off-road 

travel by motorized vehicles.

ROW Corridor along I-15 

would be carried forward.

Retain the existing designated 

ROW corridor along SR 18 

through the NCA (50 acres).

Revoke the existing designated ROW corridor along 

I-15 through the NCA (133 

acres), subject to valid existing rights.

Do not designate new corridors for linear ROWs (e.g., 

utility, transportation) in the 

NCA.

Retain the existing designated 

ROW corridors along SR 18 

and I-15 (total of 183 acres) 

through the NCA.

Designate a new 6,350 acre 

utility and transportation 

ROW corridor (Map 2-46).

Require new power transmission lines and associated 

facilities within the corridor 

to be co-located as closely as 

possible to the existing lines 

and facilities.

Table 2-68 Lands and Realty

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Site-type Leases and ROWs:

No similar action. Exclude new site-type ROWs (e.g., cell towers).

Other Land Use Authorizations:

No similar action. Do not authorize leases under the authority of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act within 

the NCA.

Only authorize commercial film permits if they further public understanding and appreciation of the NCA and its purposes. Permits may be subject to surface use and seasonal restrictions and will only be granted after applicable environmental compliance legal requirements 

have been satisfied, including site-specific NEPA analyses.
286 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 287

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Air Quality

For all Alternative considered by this analysis, the magnitude of the changes in emissions would be insufficient to have the 

potential to cause significant impacts to air quality within or adjacent to the planning area. 

Particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) in the form of fugitive dust is the pollutant of most concern for the planning area, followed 

by precursors of ozone formation (NO2, VOC). Coarse fugitive dust (PM10), such as would be released through surface 

disturbances related to motorized vehicle travel on unpaved roads, is considered to be a localized pollutant, rather than a regional scale pollutant, and can create elevated short-term impacts and nuisance level conditions. Under all Alternative, BLM 

would implement BMPs, dust abatement measures, or other management actions to reduce particulate emissions resulting 

from management actions.

Water Resources

This alternative does not 

identify specific management actions related to water 

resources of the NCA.

This alternative would continue to protect water resources 

and ensure compliance with 

state and federal water laws 

pertaining to water quality 

and pollution prevention.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to surface water 

resources than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative C. 

This alternative would provide the most protection for 

surface water resources, by 

having the most restrictions 

(in both extent and area) on 

authorized land uses or activities that could potentially 

impair surface water quality. 

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to surface water 

resources than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative C. 

Geological and Paleontological Resources

This alternative identifies no 

specific Use Allocations or 

management actions related 

to geological or paleontological resources in the NCA. 

Significant paleontological 

resources would continue to 

be managed as required by 

law (e.g., PARPA).

Significant paleontological resources and outstanding geological resources would be identified, evaluated, and managed under appropriate Use Allocation through management plans 

developed to conserve and protect these values.

Significant resources would be allocated to Conservation for Future Use, Scientific Use, and 

Public Use. Research could be authorized that includes specimen collection and interpretation provided on or off-site for appropriate Public Use Sites.

No similar action. This alternative would allow 

interpretation for resources 

that are managed for Public 

Use to be developed on-site.

This alternative would allow 

interpretation for resources 

that are managed for Public 

Use to be developed off-site.

Impacts same as Alternative 

B.

Cave and Karst Resources

This alternative identifies no 

Use Allocations or specific 

management actions related 

to Cave and Karst Resources 

in the NCA. These resources 

would continue to be managed as required by law and 

BLM policies.

Cave and karst resources would be identified, evaluated, and managed under appropriate Use 

Allocation through management plans developed to conserve and protect these values.

No similar action. This alternative would allow 

interpretation for significant 

cave and karst resources that 

are managed for Public Use 

to be developed on-site.

This alternative would allow 

interpretation for significant 

cave and karst resources that 

are managed for Public Use 

to be developed off-site.

Impacts would be the same as 

Alternative B.

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Soil Resources

This alternative identifies no 

specific management actions 

relating to the location of new 

developments (i.e. recreation facilities), and would 

not protect soils to the same 

degree as the three action 

Alternative. These resources 

would continue to be managed as required by law and 

BLM policies.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to soil resources 

greater than those under 

Alternative A, but not as 

many as Alternative C.

This alternative would provide the most protection for 

soil resources, by having the 

most restrictions (in both 

extent and area) to activities 

that could damage or destroy 

soil crusts and vegetation 

cover, and cause excess erosion and compaction.

This alternative would have 

management actions that 

overall would provide greater 

protections to soil resources 

than those under Alternative 

A, but not as many as 

Alternative C.

Native Vegetation Communities

Alternative A provides for the 

protection and management 

of native vegetation communities, through fire suppression, a wide array of hazardous fuel reduction treatments, 

and noxious weed and 

invasive species management. 

It allows for prescriptive fire 

and mechanical treatments 

and vegetation conversions to 

benefit livestock and wildlife. Vegetation restoration 

projects could be authorized 

using non-native species, if 

certain criteria are met.

Alternative B provides for the 

conservation, protection, and 

restoration of native vegetation communities, through 

fire suppression, a narrower 

suite of hazardous fuel treatment methods and noxious 

weed and invasive species 

management options. It 

would not authorize vegetation conversions, would focus 

on substantially non-invasive 

methods for fuel reduction 

and vegetation restoration, and emphasize the use 

of native species, unless a 

higher number of specific 

criteria, when compared to 

Alternative A, can be met.

Alternative C emphasizes the 

least invasive methods possible to achieve the conservation, protection, and restoration of native vegetation 

communities. It would not 

authorize vegetation conversions, would require only 

non-invasive methods for 

fuel reduction and vegetation 

restoration and require the 

use of native species. Overall, 

Alternative C provides the 

greatest protection of vegetation and biophysical settings.

Alternative D provides 

greater flexibility than 

Alternative B and C, but less 

than Alternative A, in the 

methods that can be used to 

conserve, protect, and restore 

native vegetation communities. It would allow for 

invasive methods for fuels 

treatments and vegetation 

restoration projects and for 

the use of non-native species, 

with fewer constraints.

No similar action. Under all Alternative, opportunities for scientific research, climate change monitoring, public 

education and interpretation could result in greater understanding of resources and improvements in management techniques to protect or enhance vegetation resources, biophysical 

settings, and the ecosystems within the NCA.

Fire and Fuels

Vegetation treatments, restoration/rehabilitation projects, 

and fuels management efforts 

would serve to enhance native vegetation communities 

and reduce the presence and 

proliferation of non-native, 

invasive species. This would 

decrease fire frequency 

and intensity by promoting 

healthy, diverse vegetation 

communities that fuel lowintensity fires, slow the spread 

of fire, and allow fires to be 

more easily controlled. Fire

The impacts would be 

similar to those identified 

under Alternative A, except 

increased vegetation treatments designed to enhance 

vegetation health and wildlife 

habitat, increased restrictions on surface disturbing 

activities (including ROW 

developments), and substantial limitations on OHV use 

would decrease the probability of wildland fire occurrence 

and the potential for high- intensity wildland fires.

The impacts would be similar 

to those identified under 

Alternative B, except the 

overall extent and intensity of 

the impacts would decrease 

slightly due to increased restrictions on resource uses.

The impacts would be similar 

to those identified under 

Alternative B, except the 

overall extent and intensity of 

the impacts would increase 

slightly due to decreased 

restrictions on resource uses.

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA
288 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 289

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

resources for religious, 

ceremonial, and traditional 

purposes, providing a beneficial effect.

able to use these resources for religious, ceremonial, and traditional purposes, providing a 

beneficial effect.

Special Status Species (including BLM Sensitive)

Under all Alternative, special status species plant habitats and populations would continue to be managed in compliance 

with laws, regulations, and agency policies, and in furtherance of the goals of approved USFWS Recovery Plans, assisting the 

recovery and delisting of these species. 

Under all Alternative, public lands within the NCA that support populations of and habitats for special status species in the 

NCA would be retained in federal ownership.

Under all Alternative, acquisitions of non-federal lands within the NCA would be pursued, potentially assisting the conservation, protection, and enhancement of special status species.

Plants

Under all Alternative, public lands within the NCA that support populations of and habitats for special status species plants in 

the NCA would be retained in federal ownership, ensuring that protections required under the ESA for listed plants on federal 

lands continue to be in force.

Under Alternative A, protective fencing could be installed 

around small areas (10 acres 

or less) to protect populations and habitat for Shivwits 

milkvetch.

Under Alternative B, C, and D, protective measures such as natural barriers, fencing, signing, and trail designation would be used to protect populations of and habitat for Shivwits 

milkvetch, providing a greater range of management tools to achieve resource objectives.

Wildlife

Under Alternative A, special 

status species habitats and 

populations would continue 

to be managed in compliance with laws, regulations, 

and agency policies, and in 

furtherance of the goals of 

approved USFWS Recovery 

Plans. Habitat degradation 

and loss to wildfires and 

drought could continue as 

this alternative does not 

emphasize full suppression of 

all wildfires and the development of large scale fuel 

breaks. Surface disturbances, 

dispersed camping in the 

Upland Zone, and management as ROW Avoidance 

area, outside of designated 

corridors and wilderness 

areas, continue to degrade, 

fragment, or damage habitats 

for some species.

Management for natural 

resources such as soil, water 

and riparian habitat would

Alternative B would provide 

greater benefits to special 

status species, when compared to Alternative A, 

through fire suppression, the 

development of fuel breaks, 

and management of the NCA 

as an Exclusion area for new 

ROWs, outside of two designated corridors.

Alternative C provides 

the greatest protection of 

habitat for special status 

wildlife species, by focusing 

on habitat protection from 

wildfires, management of 

more acreage of the NCA as 

a ROW Exclusion area, and 

employing the least invasive tools and methods and 

emphasizing the use of native 

vegetation in the restoration 

of habitats.

Alternative D would provide 

less protection for special 

status species and habitats, 

as fire suppression and the 

development of fuel breaks 

could utilize more invasive 

methods and restoration 

projects would not emphasize 

the use of native species. This 

alternative would manage 

the fewest acres of the NCA 

as ROW Exclusion areas 

and designate three utility corridors, totaling 6,534 

acres, where new ROWs 

could be developed. New 

developments would have the 

potential to adversely modify 

critical habitats and result in 

the “take” of listed species. 

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

suppression efforts would 

contribute to these effects by 

protecting unburned native 

vegetation communities.

Recreation activities and 

ROW developments could 

increase fire frequency by introducing additional ignition 

sources and increasing the 

probability of unintentional 

ignitions.

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species

Specific weed treatments will 

be determined by plant species, site characteristics, and 

management objectives.

A combination of approaches 

may be employed to achieve 

the most environmentally sound results including mechanical, biological, 

and chemical techniques or 

changes in land use.

Alternative B would provide 

a greater range of techniques 

for weed control by authorizing the use of biological 

controls, targeted grazing, 

hand removal, herbicides, 

mechanical methods, or a 

combination of methods for 

weed treatments, depending 

on target species, infestation 

level, site characteristics, 

and project scale (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method). 

Alternative C would only 

allow the removal of noxious 

weeds by hand tools, potentially limiting the effectiveness and extent of weed 

treatments that could be 

accomplished.

Alternative D would allow the 

widest range of techniques 

for weed control including 

the use of flaming (see Table 

2-8 for descriptions of each 

method).

No similar action. Emphasis would be placed on re-vegetation of disturbed and fire-damaged landscapes with 

healthy native vegetation communities that would not be susceptible to the establishment or 

spread of noxious weeds and invasive species.

Vegetation Resource Uses: Livestock Grazing

Management of livestock grazing under any of the Alternative would have no impacts on resource values in the NCA, as 

livestock do not graze within the NCA portions of the Sand Wash and Veyo allotments and no changes are proposed relating 

to the availability of public lands for grazing in these allotments.

Alternative A would continue to make the 1,800 acres 

of public land within the 

Diamond Valley Allotment, 

including the 1,200 acres 

within the NCA boundary, 

available for grazing over the 

life of the RMP and subject to 

the terms and conditions of 

the federal grazing permit.

Alternative B, C, and D propose to make 1,800 acres of public lands in the Diamond Valley 

allotment, including the 1,200 acres that are within the NCA boundaries, unavailable for grazing over the life of the RMP. As livestock have not been grazed within this allotment for more 

than 25 years, there would be no impacts on current grazing operations.

Vegetation Resource Uses: Plant Materials

This alternative continues 

the prohibition on the sale 

of forest products and plant 

materials on the majority of 

the NCA (Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC). Native Americans 

would be able to use these

Under all Alternative, all public lands within the NCA would be closed to commercial and 

non-commercial harvesting of forest products, desert plants, plant materials, and seed collection, helping to conserve and protect the viability of native vegetation communities. 

The collection of plant materials, plants, seeds, cuttings, and biological soil crust communities 

for research, conservation, and future use, following established protocols, providing sources 

of locally-collected materials for restoration projects in the NCA. Native Americans would be
290 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 291

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Wilderness

Management would be in conformance with OPLMA; the Wilderness Act of 1964, and BLM Manual 6340–Management of 

Designated Wilderness. There would be no impacts to wilderness under any alternative. 

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

The administrative designation for the Red Mountain 

ACEC would be carried 

forward.

The administrative designation for the Red Mountain ACEC, whose relevance and importance value is its scenic qualities, would be revoked. Management of the public lands in 

conformance with OPLMA; the Wilderness Act of 1964, BLM Manual 6340–Management 

of Designated Wilderness, the RCNCA RMP, and the Red Mountain/ Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness Management Plan would provide protections that are equal or superior to those 

provided by ACEC designation for the scenic qualities of the lands.

Visual Resources

Under Alternative A, the 

VRM Management would be 

as follows:

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres 

VRM Class II: 0

VRM Class III: 24,870 acres

VRM Class IV: 0 

Management under VRM 

Class III would provide moderate protection for visual 

resources in all areas of the 

NCA outside of designated 

wilderness.

Under Alternative B, the 

VRM Management would be 

as follows:

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres 

VRM Class II: 21,034 acres

VRM Class III: 3,652 acres

VRM Class IV: 184 acres

Management under VRM 

Classes I and II for a majority of the NCA lands would 

provide a substantially higher 

level of protection for visual 

resources, when compared to 

Alternative A.

Under Alternative B, the 

VRM Management would be 

as follows:

VRM Class I: 21,574 acres 

VRM Class II: 23,285 acres

VRM Class III: 0

VRM Class IV: 0

Management of all NCA 

lands under either VRM 

Classes I or II would provide 

the highest level of protection 

for visual resources, when 

compared to Alternative A, B, 

and D.

Under Alternative D, the 

VRM Management would be 

as follows:

VRM Class I: 19,989 acres 

VRM Class II: 18,336 acres

VRM Class III: 0

VRM Class IV: 6,534 acres

Management of most NCA 

lands under either VRM 

Classes I or II would provide 

the higher level of protection 

for visual resources, when 

compared to Alternative A. 

Management of 6,534 acres 

under VRM Class IV would 

allow substantial changes to 

the landscape through utility 

and transportation developments, negatively impacting 

the scenic qualities of those 

acres.

Natural Soundscapes

No management actions to 

address Natural Soundscapes.

Solitude is a consistent component of Backcountry and Primitive Recreation Management 

Zones and is closely correlated with natural quiet. Visitors have ample opportunity within the 

NCA to experience natural quiet, free of the sights and sounds of the nearby urban interface. 

It is not possible to adequately quantify the value of natural soundscapes to visitors until such 

time as acoustic data has been collected and analyzed.

Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed 

as a ROW Avoidance area, 

under Class III for VRM, 

OHV area designation is 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails, and closed to 

commercial and non-commercial fuelwood harvesting 

and seed and plant material

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed 

as a ROW Avoidance area, 

under Class III for VRM, 

OHV area designation is 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails, and closed to 

commercial and non-commercial fuelwood harvesting 

and seed and plant material

Lands with wilderness characteristics would be managed 

as ROW Exclusion area, 

under VRM Class I, OHV 

area designation is Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails, 

and closed to commercial and 

non-commercial fuelwood 

harvesting, seed and plant 

collection. 

Management of lands with 

wilderness characteristics would be the same as 

Alternative B, conferring the 

same benefit and protections 

for lands with wilderness 

characteristics.

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

protect habitat for special 

status wildlife.

Other Fish and Wildlife

Under Alternative A, native 

fish and wildlife populations would continue to be 

managed in compliance with 

laws, regulations, and agency 

policies and in furtherance of 

relevant UDWR management 

plans. Surface disturbances 

related to dispersed camping in the Upland Zone and 

the maintenance of existing utilities would degrade 

habitats for some species. 

Management of the NCA, 

outside of two designated 

wilderness areas, as a ROW 

Avoidance area would provide moderate protection for 

all fish and wildlife species.

Management of the NCA 

to “conserve and protect” 

resource values under 

Alternative B would benefit 

all fish and wildlife species. 

The suppression of wildfires 

and restoration of damaged 

habitats would be emphasized. The NCA, outside of 

two designated corridors, 

would be managed as ROW 

Exclusion area, minimizing impacts to species and 

habitats from new ROWs 

developments.

Alternative C would also 

strive to conserve and protect 

all wildlife from habitat 

loss to wildfires and surface 

disturbing activities. The 

NCA would be managed as 

a ROW Exclusion area and 

the designated corridor along 

1-15 revoked, subject to valid 

existing rights, protecting 

aquatic and riparian habitats 

in Quail and Leeds Creek. 

Restoration of damaged lands 

would emphasize the least 

invasive methods and the use 

of native species.

Alternative D would emphasize the suppression and 

prevention of wildfires, but 

would manage the smallest 

number of acres as a ROW 

Exclusion area and designate 

three utility corridors, including a new 6,350 acre corridor. 

Developments within these 

corridors could damage, 

fragment, or destroy habitats, 

providing less protection for 

other wildlife than the three 

other Alternative.

Heritage Resources

Under all Alternative, Congressional segregations, management, and uses identified in OPLMA Section 1975 provide protections for heritage resources from: entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patenting 

under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. All Alternative 

would provide a similar level of conservation and protection for heritage resources within the context of undertakings and 

compliance with the requirements under Section 106 of the NHPA.

Use Allocations for heritage resources would not be 

made under this alternative. 

Management would be consistent with all legal requirements and agency policies.

Allocating and managing 100% of the National Register-eligible sites to Scientific, 

Conservation, Traditional, and Public Use within the NCAs would conserve, protect, and 

enhance heritage resources for appropriate uses.

Alternative A would manage 

the two designated wilderness 

areas as a ROW Exclusion 

area and the remainder of the 

NCA as a ROW Avoidance 

area, outside of two designated corridors (along SR 18, 

I-15). This alternative would 

provide a moderate level 

of protection for heritage 

resources from new ROWs 

developments. Impacts could 

continue to occur from developments within designated 

corridors and from routine 

maintenance or potential 

upgrades to existing power 

transmission lines.

Alternative B would manage 

the entire NCA, outside of 

two designated corridors, as a 

ROW Exclusion area, providing a higher level of protection for heritage resources 

from new ROWs development than under Alternative 

A. Impacts could continue to 

occur from developments in 

two designated corridors (SR 

18, I-15) and routine maintenance or potential upgrades 

to existing power transmission lines.

Alternative C would manage 

the entire NCA as a ROW 

Exclusion area, and revoke 

the designated corridor along 

I-15, subject to valid existing rights. This alternative 

would provide the highest level of protection for 

heritage resources from new 

ROWs development of all the 

Alternative. Impacts could 

continue to occur in one designated corridor (SR 18) and 

from routine maintenance or 

potential upgrades to existing 

power transmission lines.

Alternative D would manage 

the two designated wilderness and the remainder of 

the NCA, outside of designated corridors as a ROW 

Exclusion area. Two existing 

designated corridors would 

be retained and new corridor, 

totaling 6,350 acres in size 

designated to accommodate 

new utilities and the “northern transportation route” 

highway. New ROW developments could impact an 

unknown number of NRHPeligible heritage resources 

with the three designated 

corridors.
292 Chapter 2 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 2 293

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-69

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Socioeconomics

Economic Impacts – Nonmarket Values

Provides some protection of 

nonmarket values, but would 

probably result in some losses 

and would forego enhancement of values.

Relative to Alternative A, 

Alternative B provides greater 

protection and enhancement 

of most nonmarket values.

Relative to Alternative A and 

B, provides greater protection 

and enhancement of most 

nonmarket values.

Relative to Alternative A, 

provides greater protection 

and enhancement of some 

nonmarket values. 

Designation of a new, 6350 

acre ROW corridor could 

have significant negative 

impacts on many nonmarket 

values.

Social Impacts

Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders and Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders would 

view favorably. Habitat and 

Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders and Economic 

Development Stakeholders 

would view unsatisfactory. Mixed views by NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A, this 

alternative would be favored 

by Habitat and Resource 

Conservation Stakeholders. 

Less preferred by Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders and 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders. Similar to 

Alternative A for Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders and 

Non-Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A 

and B, this alternative would 

be favored by Habitat and 

Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders. Similar to 

Alternative A and B for 

Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders and NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders. Similar to 

Alternative B for Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders. Least 

favorable alternative for 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders.

This alternative would be 

less satisfactory to Habitat 

and Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders. Similar to 

Alternative A and B for 

Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders and NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders. Same as 

Alternative A for Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders. Most 

favorable alternative for 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders.

Table 2-69 Comparative Summary of Impacts for Red Cliffs NCA

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

collection. Management 

would provide a moderate level of protection for 

lands with wilderness 

characteristics.

collection. Management 

would provide a moderate level of protection for 

lands with wilderness 

characteristics.

Management would provide 

the highest level of protection, when compared to 

Alternative A, B, and D. 

Management under VRM 

Class I would increase the 

protection of opportunities 

for solitude and primitive 

recreation.

Recreation and Visitor Services

ERMA management would 

provide the minimum level of 

recreation management and 

opportunities, but in general 

many types of recreation 

would be available throughout the planning area.

Establishing SRMAs and 

RMZs in the NCAs and 

increased public education 

efforts would provide more 

focused recreation opportunities and better visitor information. Also, some commercial, competitive, large-group, 

and camping opportunities 

could be reduced or have 

more restrictions because of 

efforts to protect critical tortoise habitat. Expanding the 

non-motorized trail systems 

in the NCAs would increase 

opportunities for backpacking and hiking.

Impacts on recreation and 

visitor services would be 

similar to Alternative B, 

except increased efforts to 

protect critical habitat could 

increase some of the restrictions on recreation use.

Impacts on recreation and 

visitor services would be 

similar to Alternative B, 

except some restrictions on 

competitive events and camping would be reduced.

Travel and Transportation Management

Under all Alternative, there would be no variation in OHV area designations. The designation of “Limited to Designated 

Roads and Trails” applies to the entire NCA and has been in place since 1999 to protect critical desert tortoise habitat through 

the Washington County HCP. No change would be made to that designation in this plan.

Lands and Realty 

Designated wilderness areas 

(19,989 acres) would be 

managed as ROW Exclusion 

areas; the remainder of the 

NCA as a ROW Avoidance 

area. Two designated corridors would be retained: along 

SR 18 and I-15. Management 

could restrict the development of new ROWs in the 

Avoidance area, unless specific criteria are met.

Approximately 41,023 acres 

would be managed as a ROW 

Exclusion area and 3,652 

acres as ROW Avoidance 

area. Two designated corridors would be retained: along 

SR 18 and I-15. Impacts on 

lands and realty would be 

higher when compared to 

Alternative A.

The NCA would be managed 

as a ROW Exclusion area. 

The existing designated corridor along SR 18 would be retained, but the I-15 corridor 

revoked, subject to valid existing ROWs. This alternative 

would be the most restrictive 

of lands and realty actions of 

the four Alternative.

Approximately 38, 352 

acres would be managed as 

ROW Exclusion area; 6, 534 

acres would be managed in 

three designated utility and 

transportation corridors. This 

alternative would create few 

impacts on lands and realty 

management, when compared to Alternative B and 

C, but potentially higher impacts than under Alternative 

A.
SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 295

2.3.3 St. George Field Office RMP Amendment Alternative Tables

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Biological conservation and restoration mandates from OPLMA (Section 1979) for priority 

biological areas are satisfied through the administrative designation of new ACECs.

Objectives

Where BLM determines that 

certain public land areas 

require special management 

to prevent irreparable damage to important historic, 

cultural, or scenic values, 

fish and wildlife resources, 

or other natural systems, it 

may, with appropriate public 

participation, designate such 

lands as ACECs.

Identify and evaluate areas where the relevance and importance criteria, as stated at 43 CFR 

1610.7.2, are met for the administrative designation of ACECs to satisfy biological conservation and restoration mandates from OPLMA (Section 1979).

Re-evaluate existing ACECs when developing new or revised RMPs to determine if special 

management attention through this administrative designation continues to be required.

New ACECs would not be 

designated. 

Public lands would continue 

to be managed under decisions from the SGFO RMP.

Designate the following new 

ACECs:

a) South Hills ACEC (1,950 

acres);

b) State Line ACEC (1,410 

acres);

c) Webb Hill ACEC (520 

acres).

(Map 2-47)

Designate the following new 

ACECs:

a) Dalton Wash ACEC (14 

acres);

b) Grafton ACEC (45 acres);

c) Harrisburg Bench ACEC 

(111 acres);

d) Moody Wash ACEC (24 

acres);

e) Mosquito Cove ACEC (88 

acres);

f) North Creek ACEC (54 

acres);

g) Santa Clara River Baker 

ACEC (32 acres);

h) Santa Clara River Veyo 

ACEC (16 acres);

i) Scarecrow Peak ACEC 

(9,664 acres);

j) Shinob Kibe ACEC (70 

acres);

k) South Hills ACEC (1,950 

acres);

l) State Line ACEC (1,410 

acres);

m) Virgin River ACEC (245 

acres);

n) Webb Hill ACEC (520 

acres). (Map 2-48)

Do not designate new 

ACECs. Public lands would 

continue to be managed 

under decisions from the 

SGFO RMP, as shown under 

Alternative A. 

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
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for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Outside Plan Amendment Area

Proposed Area of Critical Environmental ConcernExisting Area of Critical Environmental ConcernField Office BoundaryState BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian ReservationNational Park Service

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sources and input scales may cause

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No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Outside Plan Amendment Area

Proposed Area of Critical Environmental ConcernExisting Area of Critical Environmental ConcernField Office BoundaryState BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian ReservationNational Park Service

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296 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 297

MAP 2-47 MAP 2-48
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some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Outside Plan Amendment Area

Existing Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)Field Office BoundaryState BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian ReservationNational Park Service

StateUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

298 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 299

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 MAP 2-49

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

ACECs established by approval of this Plan are shown 

on SGFO RMP Map 2.17.

a) Red Bluff ACEC (6,166 

acres);

b) Warner Ridge/Fort Pearce 

ACEC (4,286 acres);

c) Santa Clara/Gunlock 

ACEC (2,002 acres);

d) Santa Clara River/Land 

Hill ACEC (1,664 acres); 

e) Lower Virgin River ACEC 

(1,806 acres);

f) Little Creek Mountain 

ACEC (19,331 acres);

g) Canaan Mountain ACEC 

(33,955 acres);

h) Upper Beaver Dam Wash 

ACEC (33,108 acres);

(Map 2-49)

Continue to manage the following as ACECs:

a) Red Bluff ACEC (6,166 acres);

b) Warner Ridge/Fort Pearce ACEC (4,286 acres);

c) Santa Clara/Gunlock ACEC (2,002 acres);

d) Santa Clara River/Land Hill ACEC (1,664 acres);

e) Lower Virgin River ACEC (1,806 acres);

f) Little Creek Mountain ACEC (19,331 acres);

g) Canaan Mountain ACEC (33,955 acres);

h) Upper Beaver Dam Wash ACEC (33,108 acres).

(Map 2-49)

Management Prescriptions Applicable to All New Proposed ACECs (Alternative B and C)

Lands and Realty:

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Public lands in ACECs will be retained in federal ownership. Same as Alternative A.

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Non-federal lands within or adjacent to an ACEC may be 

acquired for the purposes of conservation of relevance and 

importance values, through purchase, exchange, or donation. Acquired lands will be incorporated into the ACEC and 

managed in accordance with the prescriptions applied to the 

remainder of the ACEC.

Same as Alternative A.

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

All ACECs are subject to valid and existing rights. Unless 

otherwise restricted by law, allow renewal and transfer of 

existing land use authorizations within ACECs, if otherwise 

designated as Avoidance or Exclusion areas.

Same as Alternative A.

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Land use authorizations that could result in the irreparable 

damage of relevant and important values within ACECs will 

not be authorized. Ground-disturbing military maneuvers 

and landfills will not be authorized in ACECs.

Same as Alternative A.

Woodland Products Harvesting and Collection:

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Commercial and personal use woodland products harvesting 

(green wood, dead and down, poles, and Christmas trees) and 

firewood gathering is prohibited.

Same as Alternative A.
300 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 301

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Livestock Grazing:

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Unless previously made unavailable for livestock grazing in 

the SGFO RMP, public lands are available for livestock grazing in ACECs, subject to the Terms and Conditions of federal 

grazing permits and the Terms and Conditions of Biological 

Opinions issued by USFWS, pursuant to Section 7 consultations under the ESA for federally-listed species.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:

Locatable Minerals:

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Locatable: Public lands in Washington County will remain 

available to mining location under the General Mining Law 

of 1872 and applicable regulations, except where segregated 

from mineral entry by law or withdrawn in accordance with 

applicable law. Plans of Operation required for development 

in ACECs.

Same as Alternative A.

Saleable:

New ACECs would not be 

designated.

Saleable: ACECs are closed to mineral materials disposal. Same as Alternative A.

South Hills Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy (Arctomecon humilis) and Holmgren Milkvetch 

(Astragalus holmgreniorum)

New ACEC would not be 

designated.

Designate and manage as a 1,950-acre ACEC to protect populations and habitat for dwarf bearclaw poppy and Holmgren 

milkvetch. 

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

Retain 80% of public lands 

in federal ownership; 20% 

identified for disposal in the 

1999 SGFO RMP.

Retain 100% of public lands in federal ownership. Same as Alternative A.

SGFO RMP VG-09, LD-19: 

Manage as ROW Avoidance 

area for linear, site-type, and 

material site ROWs.

Manage as Exclusion area for linear, site-type, and material 

site ROWs.

Same as Alternative A.

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E plant habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Manage as closed to native seed, plants, and plant materials 

harvesting for commercial purposes and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

No similar action. Collection of native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for scientific research, conservation, and 

for use in future restoration projects would be authorized, as 

long as this activity is compatible with resource management 

objectives. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success 

Protocol, in partnership with the Great Basin and Mojave 

Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and 

biological soil crust communities will follow the best available 

protocols.

Same as Alternative A.

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species Management:

Habitat areas for Holmgren’s 

Milkvetch and Hermit’s 

Milkvetch will be kept free 

from use of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Approved herbicides to control exotic invasive annuals or 

noxious weeds could be authorized for use, on a case-by-case 

basis, within the ACEC. Consultations would be conducted 

with USFWS to identify appropriate herbicide, application 

methods, as well as other project protocols, to ensure that 

special status plants are not impacted. Restore and re-vegetate treatment areas to reduce the potential for re-infestations.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

Open to fluid mineral leasing, with Special Stipulations 

(Category 2): 1,950 acres 

(SGFO RMP RP-11 Table 

2-5). Appendices 1 and 2 

apply to fluid mineral leasing 

and development. 

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with No Surface Occupancy 

Stipulation.

Closed to fluid mineral 

leasing.

Same as Alternative A.

Recreation Management:

Public lands will generally 

remain open to most forms of 

outdoor recreation, including... camping. Dispersed 

camping allowed on public 

lands; subject to 14 day limit. 

Groups of more than 75 

require letter of authorization 

prior to camping on undeveloped lands, except where 

more restrictive rules apply.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Public lands will generally 

remain open to most forms of 

outdoor recreation, including... target shooting.

Authorize the discharge of 

firearms. Except in the act of 

licensed hunting, all firearms 

must be discharged toward a 

proper backstop sufficient to 

stop the projectile’s forward 

progress.

Targets must be constructed 

of wood, cardboard, paper or 

similar unbreakable materials. All targets, clays, and 

shells are considered litter after use and must be removed 

and disposed of properly.

Prohibit the discharge of 

firearms, except in the act of 

licensed hunting according to 

state laws during prescribed 

seasons.

Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative B.
302 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 303

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

Open to fluid mineral leasing, with Special Stipulations 

(Category 2): 1,410 acres 

(SGFO RMP RP-11 Table 

2-5). RMP Appendices 1 and 

2 apply to fluid mineral leasing and development. 

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with No Surface Occupancy 

Stipulation.

Closed to fluid mineral 

leasing.

Same as Alternative B.

Recreation Management:

Public lands will generally 

remain open to most forms of 

outdoor recreation, including... camping. Dispersed 

camping allowed on public 

lands; subject to 14 day limit. 

Groups of more than 75 

require letter of authorization 

prior to camping on undeveloped lands, except where 

more restrictive rules apply.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to sitespecific analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, OV-01: 

Limited to designated routes, 

OV-04: Ability to close routes 

in sensitive species habitat.

OHV area designation is 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails. 

OHV area designation is 

Closed to OHV use.

OHV use would be limited 

to administrative uses and 

require prior approval from 

BLM.

Same as Alternative B.

Visual Resource Management:

SGFO RMP VR-01: Manage 

as VRM III.

Manage as VRM II Same as Alternative A.

Webb Hill Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy

New ACEC would not be 

designated.

Designate and manage a 520-acre ACEC to protect dwarf 

bearclaw poppy populations and habitat.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP VG-08, LD-06, 

LD-07, Map 2.1: 20% of the 

potential ACEC identified for 

disposal in the SGFO RMP.

Retain 100% of public lands in federal ownership. Same as Alternative A.

SGFO RMP VG-09, LD-19: 

Manage as ROW Avoidance 

area for linear, site-type, and 

material site ROWs.

Manage as Exclusion area for linear, site-type, and material 

site ROWs.

Same as Alternative A.

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, OV01: OHV area designation 

limited to designated routes, 

OV-04: Ability to close routes 

in sensitive species habitat.

OHV area designation is 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails.

OHV area designation is 

Closed to OHV use. 

Access to valid existing rights 

that requires motorized 

vehicles would be authorized 

but would require prior approval from BLM.

Same as Alternative B.

Visual Resource Management:

SGFO RMP VR-01: Manage 

as VRM III.

Manage as VRM Class II. Same as Alternative A.

State Line Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Holmgren’s Milkvetch and Gierisch Globemallow (Sphaeralcea gierischii)

New ACEC would not be 

designated.

Designate and manage a 1,410-acre ACEC to protect populations and habitat for Holmgren milkvetch and Gierisch 

globemallow.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, LD-19: 

Manage as ROW Avoidance 

area for linear, site-type, and 

material site ROWs.

 Manage as an Exclusion area for linear, site-type, and material site ROWs.Same as Alternative A.

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E Plant Habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Closed to native seed, plants, and plant materials harvesting 

for commercial purposes and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

No similar action. Collection of native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for scientific research, conservation, and 

for use in future restoration projects would be authorized, as 

long as this activity is compatible with resource management 

objectives. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success 

Protocol, in partnership with the Great Basin and Mojave 

Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and 

biological soil crust communities will follow the best available 

protocols.

Same as Alternative A.

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species Management:

Habitats for Holmgren’s 

Milkvetch and Hermit’s 

Milkvetch will be kept free 

from use of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Herbicides to control exotic invasive annuals or noxious 

weeds could be approved for use on a case-by-case basis in 

the ACEC. Consultations would be conducted with USFWS 

to identify appropriate herbicide, application methods, as well 

as other project protocols and monitoring requirements.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:
304 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 305

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E Plant Habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Closed to native seed, plants, and plant materials harvesting 

for commercial purposes and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

No similar action. Collection of native seeds, cuttings, biological soil crust communities and species for scientific research, conservation, and 

for use in future restoration projects would be authorized, as 

long as this activity is compatible with resource management 

objectives. Seed collection will follow the Seeds of Success 

Protocol, in partnership with the Great Basin and Mojave 

Desert Native Plant Programs. Collection of cuttings and 

biological soil crust communities will follow the best available 

protocols.

Same as Alternative A.

Noxious Weed and Invasive Species Management:

No similar action. Approved herbicides to control exotic invasive annuals or 

noxious weeds could be authorized for use on a case-by-case 

basis in the ACEC. Consultations would be conducted with 

the USFWS to identify appropriate herbicide, application 

methods, as well as other project protocols and monitoring 

requirements.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

Closed to fluid mineral leasing. SGFO RMP RP-11 Table 2-5: Fluid Mineral Leasing Categories

Saleable Minerals:

SGFO RMP VG-09, Table 

2-6: Mineral Materials 

Sales Designations: Mineral 

material disposal could be 

authorized in a portion of the 

potential ACEC, subject to 

Section 7 consultation.

Closed to mineral materials disposal. Same as Alternative A.

Recreation Management:

Public lands will generally 

remain open to most forms of 

outdoor recreation, including... camping. Dispersed 

camping allowed on public 

lands; subject to 14 day limit. 

Groups of more than 75 

require letter of authorization 

prior to camping on undeveloped lands, except where 

more restrictive rules apply.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits 

may be issued for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events, subject 

to site-specific analysis 

under NEPA and Section 7 

consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Non-motorized recreation use will continue to be limited to designated trails.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, OV01: OHV area designation 

limited to designated routes, 

OV-04: Ability to close routes 

in sensitive species habitat.

Same as Alternative A. OHV area designation is 

Closed to OHV use. OHV 

use would be limited to administrative uses and require 

prior approval from BLM.

Same as Alternative A.

Visual Resource Management:

SGFO RMP VR-01: Manage 

as VRM Class III. 

Manage as VRM Class II Same as Alternative A.

Dalton Wash Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Holmgren Milkvetch

New ACEC would not be 

designated.

Same as Alternative A. Designate and manage a 

14-acre ACEC to protect 

Holmgren milkvetch populations and habitat.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, 

LD-19: ROW Avoidance.

Same as Alternative A. Manage as Exclusion area for 

linear, site-type, and material 

site ROWs.

Same as Alternative A.

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E Plant Habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Same as Alternative A. Closed to native seed, plants, 

and plant materials harvesting for commercial purposes 

and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

No similar action. Same as Alternative A. Collection of native seeds, 

cuttings, biological soil crust 

communities and species for 

scientific research, conservation, and for use in future 

restoration projects would 

be authorized, as long as this 

activity is compatible with 

resource management objectives. Seed collection will 

follow the Seeds of Success 

Protocol, in partnership 

with the Great Basin and 

Mojave Desert Native Plant 

Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological soil crust 

communities will follow the 

best available protocols.

Same as Alternative A.
306 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 307

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species Management:

Habitats for Holmgren 

Milkvetch and Shivwits 

Milkvetch will be kept free 

from use of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Same as Alternative A. Approved herbicides to control exotic invasive annuals 

or noxious weeds could be 

authorized for use on a caseby-case basis in the ACEC. 

Consultations would be 

conducted with the USFWS 

to identify appropriate herbicide, application methods, as well as other project 

protocols and monitoring 

requirements.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: 

NSO Stipulations for Oil and 

Gas leasing

Same as Alternative A. Closed to fluid mineral 

leasing.

Same as Alternative A.

Recreation Management:

Public lands will generally 

remain open to most forms of 

outdoor recreation, including... camping. Dispersed 

camping allowed on public 

lands; subject to 14 day limit. 

Groups of more than 75 

require letter of authorization 

prior to camping on undeveloped lands, except where 

more restrictive rules apply.

 Same as Alternative A. Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits 

may be issued for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events, subject 

to site-specific analysis 

under NEPA and Section 7 

consultations.

Same as Alternative A. Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails

Grafton Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 47 

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Lands and Realty Management

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance.

Minerals Management

Fluid Mineral Leasing

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management

SFGO RMP RC-14: Restrictions and Closures can be implemented in riparian areas being impacted by camping and 

recreational uses.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to designated routes.

Harrisburg Bench Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Shivwits Milkvetch

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 

111-acre ACEC to protect 

Shivwits milkvetch populations and habitat.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, LD-19: 

Manage as ROW Avoidance 

area for linear, site-type, and 

material site ROWs.

 Same as Alternative A. Manage as an Exclusion area 

for linear, site-type, and material site ROWs.

Same as Alternative A.

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E Plant Habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Same as Alternative A. Closed to native seed, plants, 

and plant materials harvesting for commercial purposes 

and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

No similar action. Collection of native seeds, 

cuttings, biological soil crust 

communities and species for 

scientific research, conservation, and for use in future 

restoration projects would 

be authorized, as long as this 

activity is compatible with 

resource management objectives. Seed collection will 

follow the Seeds of Success 

Protocol, in partnership 

with the Great Basin and 

Mojave Desert Native Plant 

Programs. Collection of cuttings and biological soil crust 

communities will follow the 

best available protocols.

Same as Alternative A.
308 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 309

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

SFGO RMP RC-14: Restrictions and Closures can be implemented in riparian areas being impacted by camping and 

recreational uses.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to designated routes.

North Creek Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 54 

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

SGFO RMP RC-14: Restrictions and Closures can be implemented in riparian areas being impacted by camping and 

recreational uses.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to designated routes.

Santa Clara River Baker Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 32 

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5, Appendix 2: Closed to Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

SGFO RMP RC-11: Dispersed camping prohibited up to 1 mile from the Red Cliffs Recreation Area.

Special Recreation Permits 

may be issued for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events, subject 

to site-specific analysis 

under NEPA and Section 7 

consultations.

Same as Alternative A. Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, OV-01: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails.

Moody Wash Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 24-

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

SGFO RMP RC-14: Restrictions and Closures can be implemented in riparian areas being impacted by camping and 

recreational uses.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails

Mosquito Cove Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage an 88-

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance.
310 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 311

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Recreation Management:

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP OV-01: OHV 

area designation Limited to 

existing routes.

OHV area designation is Limited to Designated Roads and Trails.

Shinob Kibe Potential ACEC: Endangered Species: Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 70-

acre ACEC to protect dwarf 

bearclaw poppy populations 

and habitat.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Native Vegetation Management:

SGFO RMP FR-01, FR-08: 

T&E Plant Habitats are closed 

to seed harvesting.

Same as Alternative A. Closed to native seed, plants, 

and plant materials harvesting for commercial purposes 

and personal use.

Same as Alternative A.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5, Appendix 2: Closed to Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP VG-09, OV-01: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails.

Virgin River Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 245-

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Recreation Management:

SGFO RMP RC-14: Restrictions and closures can be implemented in riparian areas being impacted by camping and 

recreational uses.

Closed to dispersed camping. Same as Alternative A.

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation limited to designated routes.

Santa Clara River Veyo Potential ACEC: BLM Sensitive Species: Desert Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Virgin Spinedace

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 16-

acre ACEC to protect BLM 

sensitive fish and riparian 

values.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-11, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with NSO Stipulations for Oil and Gas leasing

Recreation Management:

SGFO RMP RC-11, Dispersed camping prohibited within one mile of a developed campground (Baker Dam Recreation 

Area).

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails.

Scarecrow Peak Potential ACEC: Threatened Species: Desert Tortoise

New ACEC would not be designated. Designate and manage a 

9,664-acre ACEC to protect 

the threatened species desert 

tortoise.

Same as Alternative A.

Management Prescriptions: In addition to the management prescriptions listed above for all proposed ACECs, the following 

prescriptions would apply:

Lands and Realty Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, LD-19: Manage as ROW Avoidance area.

Minerals Management:

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

SGFO RMP RP-11, Table 2-5: Open with Special Stipulations 

(Category 2)

Open with NSO Stipulations 

to Oil and Gas leasing

Same as Alternative A.
312 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 313

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-70 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-71

Table 2-70 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Recreation Management:

Special Recreation Permits may be issued for commercial, organized group, and competitive events, subject to site-specific 

analysis under NEPA and Section 7 consultations.

Do not grant SRPs for commercial, organized group, and 

competitive events.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel Management:

SGFO RMP FW-26, RP-10, OV-05: OHV area designation Limited to Designated Roads and Trails.

Table 2-71 Bull Valley Mountains Multi-Species Management Area

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Fulfill the mandate from OPLMA at Section 1979 to identify and manage areas where biological conservation is a priority.

Objectives

No similar action. Manage public lands to conserve and restore plant and animal species and natural 

communities.

Management Actions

No similar action. As directed by OPLMA Section 1979 and supported by Secretarial Order 3289 and Executive 

Order 13443, identify and manage the approximately 87,031 acre Bull Valley Mountains 

Multi-Species Management Area (Management Area) as a priority biological conservation 

area. (Map 2-50).

Land Tenure Adjustments:

Public lands... may be transferred (other than under land 

sale authority) if subsequent 

analysis determines that such 

transfer will meet the land 

transfer criteria. (SGFO RMP 

LD-06)

Retain approximately 87,031 acres of public land in the Management Area in federal 

ownership.

Acquire non-federal lands within the Management Area through purchase, exchange, transfer, or donation. Manage acquired lands consistent with the management prescriptions of the 

adjacent public lands.

Linear and Site-type ROWs:

Valid and existing rights will be recognized in the Management Area. Unless otherwise restricted by law, allow renewal and 

transfer of existing land use authorizations, if otherwise designated as Avoidance or Exclusion areas.

Manage 955 acres of this area 

as an Avoidance area for new 

linear and site-type ROWs. 

Manage 71,468 acres as available for new ROWs.

Manage 72,423 acres of this 

area as an Avoidance area 

for new linear and site-type 

ROWs.

Manage 72,423 acres of this 

area as an Exclusion area 

for new linear and site-type 

ROWs.

Do not authorize renewable 

energy (e.g., wind, solar) 

leases or ROWs.

Same as Alternative A.

Continue to manage 14,608 acres of the Management Area within two designated utility corridors: the Intermountain Power 

Project Corridor and Motoqua to Shivwits Indian Reservation Corridor (refer to SGFO RMP Table 2-2 and Map 2.3 for corridor locations). These corridors will be the preferred location for new utility transmission and distribution ROWs. Where possible, BLM will encourage project sponsors to locate new ROWs in existing or designated utility and transportation corridors.

New ROWs constructed in designated utility corridors will be subject to applicable standards listed in Appendix 1 of the 

SGFO RMP for surface disturbing activities and, where needed, to wildlife seasonal use restrictions.

Land Use Authorizations:

No similar action. Do not authorize ground-disturbing military maneuvers or landfills in the Management Area.

Minerals Management:

Locatable Minerals:

Public lands in Washington County will remain available to mining location under the General Mining Law of 1872 and applicable regulations, except where segregated from mineral entry by law or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law.

Table 2-71 Bull Valley Mountains Multi-Species Management Area
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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Outside Plan Amendment Area

BLM Wilderness AreaIndian ReservationNational Park Service

StateState Parks and RecreationUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

Priority Biological Area

Utility Corridor within PBAField Office BoundaryState BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

314 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 315

MAP 2-50 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-71

Table 2-71 Bull Valley Mountains Multi-Species Management Area

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Fluid Mineral Leasing:

Manage public lands in the 

Management Area as:

Open to fluid mineral leasing, 

with Standard Stipulations: 

58,935 acres

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with Special Stipulations: 

24,375 acres

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with No Surface Occupancy 

(NSO): 1,695 acres

Closed to fluid mineral leasing: 2,026 acres

Manage public lands in the 

Management Area as:

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with Standard Stipulations: 

0 acres

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with Special Stipulations: 

83,310 acres:

Open to fluid mineral leasing 

with NSO: 1,695

Closed to fluid mineral leasing: 2,026 acres 

Stipulations are identified 

in Appendix 2 of the SGFO 

RMP.

Manage 87,031 acres of public lands in the Management 

Area as Closed to fluid mineral leasing.

Same as Alternative A.

Mineral Material Sales:

Manage public lands in the 

Management Area as:

Open for mineral material 

sales: 58,647 acres

Open for mineral material sales, with site-specific 

restrictions: 19,457 acres 

of crucial mule deer winter 

habitat.

Closed to mineral material 

sales: 8,981 acres 

(SGFO RMP Table 2-6 and 

Map 2.7)

Manage public lands in the 

Management Area as:

Open for mineral material 

sales with site-specific restrictions: 78,104 acres

Closed to mineral material 

sales: 8,981

Manage public lands in the 

Management Area (87,031 

acres) as Closed to mineral 

material sales.

Same as Alternative A.

Free use of materials will be 

authorized from selected 

areas for municipal and noncommercial purposes.

Free-use material permits that are requested to address human health and safety issues could 

be authorized on a case-by-case basis in the Management Area, with appropriate mitigation.

Recreation Management:

Restrict camping in the Management Area from October 15 to November 15 within 0.25 mile of water sources, water catchments, and UDWR guzzlers, to protect wildlife access to critical water sources during fall big game hunting season.
316 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 317

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-71 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-72

Table 2-72 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Goal

Compatible traditional, current, and future use of the land is sustained by establishing a transportation system that contributes to protection of sensitive resources, promotes dispersed 

recreation, and minimizes user conflicts.

Objectives

It is BLM’s objective to 

continue to work closely with 

Washington County officials to ensure that use and 

enjoyment of existing roads 

and trails is permitted under 

safe and prudent conditions 

and that responsibility for 

maintenance is properly 

defined in road maintenance 

agreements or other appropriate documents. It is also 

BLM’s objective to work with 

municipalities, Washington 

County, the Utah Department 

of Transportation, and other 

affected parties in defining and planning for future 

transportation needs, locating 

environmentally compatible route Alternative, and 

resolving land use conflicts 

related to transportation 

systems where public lands 

are involved.

Sustain or expand, where needed, a variety of existing motorized, mechanized, and non-motorized trail and travel opportunities to meet public and administrative needs.

Public access, resource management, and regulatory needs are considered through transportation planning, incorporating consideration of access needs and the effects of and interaction 

among all forms of travel, including motorized, mechanized, and non-motorized/non-mechanized travel.

Coordinate travel management with adjacent BLM field offices and other agencies where 

possible.

Provide opportunities for sustainable motorized, mechanized, and non-motorized/nonmechanized recreation on public lands.

Management Guidance Common to All Alternatives

The BLM would coordinate transportation management with adjacent federal agencies, state and local governments, and 

authorized users.

Management Actions 

Mountain bike use on public 

lands will be subject to the 

open, limited, and closed 

designations described in the 

SGFO RMP Table 2-9 and 

shown on Map 2.11.

(Map 2-51)

Remove the existing mountain bike area designations. The route designation process will address route designations for all user types.

OHV Area Designations:

No similar action. Individual route designations are implementation-level decisions that will be addressed in the 

TMP and tiered to the OHV Area Designations in this plan. 

 A map of the Transportation System can be found at www.blm.gov/nxld.

Table 2-71 Bull Valley Mountains Multi-Species Management Area

Alternative A 

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Travel Management:

Continue to manage public 

lands in the Management 

Area under the following 

OHV area designations:

Open: 45,849 acres

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails: 4 acres

Limited to Existing Roads 

and Trails: 40,871 acres

Closed: 307 acres

OHV area designations in the 

Management Area (87,031 

acres) would be Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails.

OHV area designations 86,724 acres of the 

Management Area as Limited 

to Designated Roads and 

Trails for all motorized vehicles and 307 acres as closed 

to all motorized vehicles.

Same as Alternative B.

Fish and Wildlife Management:

In collaboration with UDWR and other interested parties, develop new wildlife water sources in areas where field studies 

reveal the need to maintain healthy, viable populations of mule deer or other game and non-game species.

Vegetation Management:

The use and perpetuation 

of native plant species will 

be emphasized. However, 

when restoring or rehabilitating disturbed or degraded 

rangelands, nonintrusive and 

non-native species will be approved where native species: 

a) are not available

b) are not economically 

feasible

c) cannot achieve ecological 

objectives and/or

d) cannot complete with already established non-native 

species.

Use native species to maintain the resilience of native plant communities when implementing vegetation management activities. Consider the use of non-native species only in special 

circumstances when a suitable native species is unavailable and the non-native species has 

proven to be non-invasive. 

Protect the genetic integrity of native communities by using source-identified seed and other 

materials during vegetation management.

Maintain the resilience of native plant communities to climate change by reintroducing native 

species that have been lost or introduce other suitable native species, where necessary.

Specific weed treatments will be determined by plant species, site characteristics, and management objectives. A combination 

of approaches may be used to achieve the most environmentally sound results, including mechanical, biological, and chemical 

techniques or changes in land use.

Table 2-72 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management
U T A H

A R I Z O N A

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Reservation

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

(Outside Plan Amendment Area)

ClosedDesignatedExistingOpen

Field Office BoundaryState BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

318 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 319

MAP 2-51 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-72

Table 2-72 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 80,668 acres

Limited to Existing Routes: 

297,042 acres

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails: 26,937 acres

Closed to OHV use: 115,786 

acres

(Map 2-52)

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 21,442 acres

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails: 386,563 acres

Closed to OHV use: 112,427 

acres

(Map 2-53)

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 19,803 acres 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails: 385,033 acres

Closed to OHV use: 115,591 

acres

(Map 2-54)

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 24,094 acres 

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails: 384,209 acres

Closed to OHV use: 112,129 

acres

(Map 2-55)

No similar action. Upon completion of the TMP, all acres under Limited to Existing category will shift to 

Limited to Designated category.

No similar action. All cross-country (off-transportation system) motorized or mechanized travel would be prohibited, with the following exceptions:

a) Designated Open OHV Areas;

b) Minimum necessary for administration of the area;

c) For emergency purposes;

d) Minimum necessary for the exercise of a valid existing right or authorized use.

No similar action. In areas designated as Limited to Existing or Limited to Designated, allow motorized vehicles 

to pull off of a route up to 100 feet to either side of the route centerline for the purpose of 

parking or camping. Monitor this use on a continuing basis. If monitoring results show degradation of natural resources within the 100 foot corridor, this option could be revoked by the 

Field Office Manager. Such revocations could be area-wide or site-specific.

No similar action. Within designated ACEC’s, unless otherwise posted, OHV area designation is Limited to 

Designated Roads and Trails with use of the shoulder and immediate roadside to allow for 

vehicle passage, emergency stopping, or parking.

No similar action. Use of non-motorized, wheeled game carriers to retrieve game kills or collect antlers would be 

allowed in all areas except designated wilderness. Motorized game retrieval or antler collection would be prohibited.

Public Education and Interpretation

No similar action. Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that inform visitors about appropriate public lands etiquette, including OHV etiquette.

Provide educational materials through various media and venues (e.g., trailhead kiosks, websites) that encourage motorized users to use existing disturbed areas for parking and camping.
U T A H

A R I Z O N A

OC NOTGNI HS AW

OC ENAK

IRON CO

WASHINGTON CO

OC NLOCNI L

OC NOTGNI HS AW

D i x i e

N a t i o n a l

F o r e s t

Z i o n

N a t i o n a l

P a r k

A D A V E N

H AT U

WASHINGTON CO

MOJAVE CO

Shivwits

Indian

Reservation

A D A V E N

A N O ZI R A

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R 009 W R 010 W R 011 W R 012 W R 013 W R 014 W R 015 W R 016 W R 017 W R 018 W R 019 W R 020 W

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

OC NOTGNI HS AW

OC ENAK

IRON CO

WASHINGTON CO

OC NLOCNI L

OC NOTGNI HS AW

D i x i e

N a t i o n a l

F o r e s t

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N a t i o n a l

P a r k

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H AT U

WASHINGTON CO

MOJAVE CO

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P NI E

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New Harmony

Santa Clara

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R 009 W R 010 W R 011 W R 012 W R 013 W R 014 W R 015 W R 016 W R 017 W R 018 W R 019 W R 020 W

t Closed to Motorized Vehicles

Limited to Designated Roads & TrailsLimited to Existing Roads & TrailsOpen to All Vehicles

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

320 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 321

MAP 2-52 MAP 2-53
U T A H

A R I Z O N A

OC NOTGNI HS AW

OC ENAK

IRON CO

WASHINGTON CO

OC NLOCNI L

OC NOTGNI HS AW

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N a t i o n a l

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P a r k

A D A V E N

H AT U

WASHINGTON CO

MOJAVE CO

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National Conservation

Area

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Pass

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Peak

SAND

MO UNTAI N

Old Hwy 91

WH ITE H ILLS

BLAKES

LAMBI NG G ROUND

L I T T L E C R E E K

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K O L O B T E R R A C E

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Santa Clara

Colorado City

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R 009 W R 010 W R 011 W R 012 W R 013 W R 014 W R 015 W R 016 W R 017 W R 018 W R 019 W R 020 W

t Closed to Motorized Vehicles

Limited to Designated Roads & TrailsOpen to All Vehicles

National Conservation Area Boundary (Outside Plan Amendment Area)Field Office BoundaryState Boundary

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

OC NOTGNI HS AW

OC ENAK

IRON CO

WASHINGTON CO

OC NLOCNI L

OC NOTGNI HS AW

D i x i e

N a t i o n a l

F o r e s t

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MOJAVE CO

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Area

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BUTTE

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

322 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 323

MAP 2-54 MAP 2-55
324 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 2 325

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-73 ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-73

Table 2-73 Comparative Summary of Impacts for SGFO RMP Amendment

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 80,668 acres

Limited to Existing Routes: 

297,283 acres

Limited to Designated: 

26,940 acres

Closed to OHV use: 115,820 

acres

Under this alternative, there 

would be no impact on 

travel and transportation 

management.

Prior to completion of the 

TMP, OHV area designations 

are: 

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 21,371 acres

Limited to Existing Routes: 

358,882 acres

Limited to Designated: 

27,029 acres

Closed to OHV use: 113,151 

acres

Under this alternative, 

there would be minor, short 

term impacts on travel and 

transportation management, 

related to changes in the 

acreages managed as Limited 

to Existing Routes and Open 

to cross-country travel. The 

reduction in acreage of the 

Open OHV area designation affects public lands that 

do not meet the criteria for 

designation as open to crosscountry travel due to steep 

mountain terrain and deep 

canyons. 

Prior to completion of the 

TMP, OHV area designations 

are:

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 19,803 acres 

Limited to Existing Routes: 

359,657 acres

Limited to Designated: 

25,376 acres

Closed to OHV use: 115,596 

acres

Same as Alternative B.

Prior to completion of the 

TMP, OHV area designations 

are:

Open to Cross Country OHV 

use: 24,089 acres 

Limited to Existing Routes: 

356,155 acres

Limited to Designated: 

27,067 acres

Closed to OHV use: 113,121 

acres

Same as Alternative B.

Following completion of 

the TMP, all acres under the 

Limited to Existing category will shift to Limited to 

Designated category. There 

would be minor impacts 

on travel and transportation management, related 

to changes in the acreages 

managed as Open to crosscountry travel. The reduction in acreage of the Open 

OHV area designation affects 

public lands that do not meet 

the criteria for designation as 

open to cross-country travel 

due to steep mountain terrain 

and deep canyons.

Following completion of the 

TMP, all acres under Limited 

to Existing category will shift 

to Limited to Designated category. There would be minor 

to moderate impacts on travel 

and transportation management, related to changes in 

the acreages managed as 

Limited to Existing Routes 

and Open to cross-country 

travel. The reduction in acreage of the Open OHV area 

designation affects public 

lands that do not meet the 

criteria for designation as 

open to cross-country travel 

due to steep mountain terrain 

and deep canyons.

Same as Alternative B. Same as Alternative B.

Table 2-73 Comparative Summary of Impacts for SGFO RMP Amendment

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

Alternative A would not 

designate any new ACECs 

and would continue to 

manage 8 ACECs (102,317 

acres, located outside the 

NCAs) administratively 

designated through the 1999 

St. George Field Office RMP. 

Management prescriptions 

for existing ACECs would 

remain unchanged.

The relevance and importance values of the existing 

ACECs would continue to be 

protected through retention 

of public lands in federal 

ownership, management as 

Avoidance areas for ROWs, 

and restrictions on fluid mineral leasing, mineral materials 

disposal, and other land uses. 

Continued management as 

ACECs would continue to 

provide long-term protection 

of relevance and importance 

values on 102,317 acres of 

public land.

Alternative B would designate 

three new ACECs, totaling 

3,880 acres, a 3.8% increase 

in public land acreage under 

special management through 

ACEC designation, when 

compared to Alternative A. 

The relevance and importance values of the three new 

ACECs would be protected 

through retention of public 

lands in federal ownership, 

management as Avoidance 

areas for ROWs, and restrictions on fluid mineral leasing, 

mineral materials disposal, 

and other land uses. 

Alternative C would designate 14 new ACECs, totaling 

14,287 acres, a 14% increase 

in public land acreage under 

special management through 

ACEC designation when 

compared to Alternative A. 

The relevance and importance values of the 14 new 

ACECs would be protected 

through retention of public 

lands in federal ownership, 

management as Avoidance 

areas for ROWs, and restrictions on fluid mineral leasing, 

mineral materials disposal, 

and other land uses.

Alternative D would not 

designate any new ACECs 

and would continue to manage 8 ACECs designated in 

the 1999 St. George Field 

Office RMP (102,317 acres). 

Management prescriptions 

for existing ACECs would 

remain unchanged.

The relevance and importance values identified for 

potential ACECs would be 

protected through management decisions from the 

SGFO RMP related to special 

status species and riparian areas, that restrict land uses in 

critical habitats and ecologically sensitive areas. 

The relevance and importance values of the existing 

ACECs would continue to be 

protected, as described under 

Alternative A on 102,317 

acres of public land.

Management of Priority Biological Conservation Areas

No similar action. Pursuant to OPLMA at sec. 1979 and supported by Secretarial Order 3289 and Executive 

Order 13443, Alternative B, C, and D would identify and manage the approximately 87,031-

acre Bull Valley Mountains Multi-species Management Area as a priority biological conservation area (Map 2-50) to protect wildlife habitats and migration corridors.

Public lands would remain 

available for transfer from 

federal ownership.

Management direction would retain all public land in federal ownership and authorize acquisition of non-federal lands through purchase, exchange, transfer, or donation, providing a 

higher level of protection to habitats and migration corridors than under Alternative A.

Public lands would remain 

available for renewable 

energy leasing, new FLPMA 

ROWs, outside of designated 

utility corridors, open to fluid 

mineral leasing and mineral 

material disposal, with some 

restrictions. Wildlife habitats and migration corridors 

on approximately 85,000 

acres of public land could be 

impacted by developments.

Management of 72, 423 acres 

as ROW Avoidance area, 

open with restriction to fluid 

mineral leasing and mineral material disposal would 

provide a substantially higher 

level of protection for crucial 

habitats and migration corridors, when compared to 

Alternative A.

Management of 87,031 acres 

as ROW Exclusion area and 

as closed to renewable energy 

and fluid mineral leasing 

would provide the highest 

level of protection for crucial 

habitats and migration corridors, when compared to all 

other Alternative.

Same as Alternative A.

Travel and Transportation Management (OHV Area Designation)

Under all Alternative, designated Wilderness areas and Wild and Scenic River corridors would be managed as Closed to all 

motorized vehicle travel.

Table 2-73 Comparative Summary of Impacts for SGFO RMP Amendment
326 Chapter 2 SGFO RMP AMENDMENT

ALTERNATIVE TABLE 2-73

Table 2-73 Comparative Summary of Impacts for SGFO RMP Amendment

Alternative A

(No Action)

Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D

Socioeconomics

Economic Impacts – Market Values

Motorized recreation 

(annually):

$4,820,700 Total Economic 

Output

$1,655,700 Labor Earnings

70.7 Jobs

ACEC Designations: No new 

“designation effects” (no new 

ACECs)

Motorized recreation: Same 

as Alternative A (differences 

not quantifiable)

ACEC Designations: 

Negligible “designation effects” (minimal new ACECs)

Motorized recreation: Same 

as Alternative A (differences 

not quantifiable)

ACEC Designations: 

Negligible “designation effects” (14 new ACECs) given 

ACEC sizes and locations

Motorized recreation: Same 

as Alternative A (differences 

not quantifiable)

ACEC Designations: Same as 

Alternative A

Economic Impacts – Nonmarket Values

Supports nonmarket values 

of current OHV and ACEC 

designations.

Relative to Alternative A, 

similar OHV-related nonmarket values, negligible 

increase in ACEC-related 

nonmarket values.

Relative to Alternative A, 

similar OHV-related nonmarket values, increase in 

ACEC-related nonmarket 

values.

Relative to Alternative A, 

similar OHV-related nonmarket values, same ACECrelated nonmarket values.

Social Impacts

Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders and 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders would view 

favorably. This would be 

unsatisfactory to Habitat 

and Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders and NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A, 

would be favored by Habitat 

and Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders and NonMotorized Recreation 

Stakeholders. Less preferred 

by Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders and Livestock 

Grazing Stakeholders. 

Similar to Alternative A for 

Economic Development 

Stakeholders.

Relative to Alternative A 

and B, would be favored 

by Habitat and Resource 

Conservation Stakeholders. 

Similar to Alternative B 

for Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders, 

and Livestock Grazing 

Stakeholders. Least favorable alternative for Economic 

Development Stakeholders.

Similar to Alternative B 

for Motorized Recreation 

Stakeholders, Non-Motorized 

Recreation Stakeholders, 

and Livestock Grazing 

Stakeholders. Similar to 

Alternative A for Economic 

Development Stakeholders. 

Unsatisfactory to Habitat 

Resource Conservation 

Stakeholders.