BLM LIBRARY

880061

f X

SNAKE RIVER

BIRDS OF PREY AREA

MANAGEMENT PLAN

AUGUST 30, 1985

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124

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Boise District

Bureau of Land Management

3948 Development Avenue

Boise, Idaho 83705

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INTRODUCTION

This management plan for the Snake River Birds of Prey Area (SRBOPA or

Birds of Prey Area) summarizes provisions, actions and guidelines for

managing the natural resources and activities within it. The area was established by Public Land Order 5777 (PLO 5777) in November, 1980, by the

Secretary of the Interior "... to protect and maintain the ecosystem

necessary to support and perpetuate the densest and most diverse

populations of eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey ever

recorded. The withdrawal would permit development and use of other

resources in the area under a multiple-use and sustained-yield concept, so long as such uses were not detrimental to the raptor populations or their

habitat.

The intent of this plan is to describe management goals for the Birds of

Prey Area (Maps 1 and 2) and resource programs within it and, based on present data and knowledge, provide guidelines and directions within which

activities may occur or be carried out. All site specific actions will

have environmental analysis reviews with full public participation prior

to issuance of management decisions. Any provisions of this management

plan may be carried out through the development and implementation of

contractual or cooperative agreements with appropriate agencies,

organizations, or individuals, subject to the provisions of the Federal

Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA).

In 1982, the priorities for managing the SRBOPA were outlined by BLM

through development of a Mission and Goals statement. This statement is a succinct synthesis of managerial philosophy for the area as previously

expressed in the Snake River Birds of Prey Final Environmental Impact

Statement and elsewhere. It is an integral part of the Management

Framework Plans (MFPs) for the Bruneau Resource Area (BRA) and received

extensive public review during that planning process.

The Mission and Goal statement recognizes (1) the uniqueness of the SRBOPA

for birds of prey and the prey upon which they depend; (2) that many other

resource uses and activities are compatible with management of the area

for birds of prey and will be continued or accommodated; (3) that based

upon need, further research and studies may be conducted to better enable

BLM to manage these resources and uses and; (4) that BLM has a responsibility to make management and research information available to

others

.

t>**'
Table 1. Threshold numbers for raptors nesting in the Birds of Prey Area

Minimum Expected

Number of

Species Survey Range Nesting Pairs

Golden Eagle 29-35 29

Prairie Falcon 185-209 185

Red-tailed Hawk 50-71 50

Ferruginous Hawk 14-19 14

Northern Harrier 86 (one year survey only) ** Kestrel 22-44* ** Raven 99-129 99

Long-Eared Owl 47-64 47

Barn-Owl 40-69* 40

Great Horned Owl 11-44* ** Burrowing Owl 10-24* ** Western Screech-Owl 1-11* ** Short-Eared Owl 0-2* ** Swainson's Hawk 0-1* ** Turkey Vulture 1-2* **

* Incomplete survey data.

** Insufficient information to establish management target.

Perpetuation of the nesting raptor populations will be accomplished

through habitat management measures to:

protect existing nesting areas from detrimental human and

physical disturbance.

mitigate the loss of nest sites due to human activity and improve

public land nesting habitat.

protect prey habitat from physical damage and vegetation

community changes due to uncontrolled or excessive recreational

activities (see Part II), fires (see Part III) and the invasion

of undesirable exotic plants.

rehabilitate or enhance prey habitat altered by fire or physical

disturbance.

take advantage of opportunities to acquire unprotected prey

habitat within the area through exchange, purchase or donation.

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Perpetuation of raptor numbers will be accomplished through actions

designed to:

minimize and reduce direct sources of mortality due to powerline

electrocution of raptors, shooting and the destruction of nests

and loss of young from vandalism and unintentional but

controllable actions.

minimize indirect sources of mortality due to disturbance from

human activities such as undue human presence around nests,

firearms discharge during the nesting season, airspace intrusion

by aircraft during the nesting season and construction activities

determined likely to adversely impact nesting success.

support U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of

Fish and Game efforts to improve numbers of threatened,

endangered or sensitive species of raptors currently or previously endemic to the SRBOPA.

GOAL 2: Provide for other compatible uses in the Area .

Historically, a number of resource uses and other human activities

have occurred within the BOP Area with no apparent long term

detrimental impacts to the nesting raptors or their prey. Livestock

grazing, military training, recreation, education, research, mineral

exploration and extraction, and other purposes will continue to be

authorized. Activities which might diminish the BOP Area's uniqueness

will be constrained to comply with the objective of Goal 1.

Because a multitude of activities and uses occur at many locations

within the Area, measures needed to comply with Goal 1 vary

substantially and on a case-by-case basis. "Appropriate stipulations"

or "stipulations" as used in the following discussion refers to

tailoring protective measures to individual activities, projects, uses

or locations. Identification of other compatible resource uses in the

SRBOPA will be made in this and other appropriate land use plans.

Present and known potential land uses and management programs, other

than those discussed in Parts II through VIII are addressed below.

Vegetation Management: Vegetation use and management for other

resource uses (livestock, wildlife, recreation, watershed, etc.)

may be authorized when such management will either benefit or have no adverse impact on the nesting raptor population.

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Locatable and Salable Minerals: The key cliff and canyon nesting

areas for the birds of prey are included in an area designated as "essential nesting habitat" which extends from approximately the

Guffey Bridge upstream to Hammett. That portion of the Area is

withdrawn from location or entry under the Mining Laws of 1872, as amended and supplemented, subject to valid existing rights at

the time the SRBOPA withdrawal was issued in 1980 (approximately

64,000 acres). Salable commodities such as sand, cinders and

gravel will continue to be made available with appropriate

stipulations.

Lands Program Management ; For purposes of this section, lands

actions are divided into Rights-of-Way and Land Acquisition and

Disposition.

A. Rights-of-Way: Existing rights-of-way will be reviewed

at the end of their authorized effective period and may be

either regranted or modified to accommodate the needs of the

grantee or BLM management, notwithstanding the legal rights

of either party under FLPMA. New rights-of-way will be

issued under the authority and provisions of FLPMA, with

appropriate stipulations for the protection of raptors and

prey and their habitats.

B. Land Acquisition and Disposition: Land acquisition and

disposition are conducted under the provisions of Title II

of FLPMA. Any such actions will be pursued only when deemed

in the best interests of the resources in the area and/or

the nation.

B(l). Land exchanges and Recreation and Public Purposes Act

actions will continue to be conducted. Exchanges will be

allowed only if higher quality habitat can be acquired

within the SRBOPA and such exchanges are in the public

interest.

B(2). During the effective period of the withdrawal, all

lands within the Area are withdrawn from entry, application,

or selection under the Desert Land Act, the Carey Act, and

the State of Idaho Admissions Act. All pending applications

for land in the SRBOPA which were filed under these acts

will be rejected following development of a plan and

timetable for this action.

B(3). BLM will put together a lands acquisition/easement

proposal in 1986 for acquiring significant lands or public

access within the SRBOPA.

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Habitat Management for Other Wildlife ; Habitat management for

non-raptorial and non-prey species will continue to be an ongoing

program. These efforts are oriented primarily toward preparation

and implementation of a C. J. Strike Habitat Management Plan in

conjunction with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Paleontological Resource Management : Paleontological resource

management is a relatively recent program for the Bureau of Land

Management, with limited official guidance. Efforts are presently directed at inventory and protection of paleontological

sites, with some interpretive and public information programs

being implemented. Because the SRBOPA has relatively rich and

widespread paleontological resources, a Paleontological Resource

Management Plan (PRMP) will be prepared in FY-87. Hobby

collection of all vertebrate orders other than fish is not

allowed. All vertebrate collection efforts require special

permits issued through the National Park Service. In exchange

for turning vertebrate fossils in to BLM, finders are presently

and will continue to be awarded molded duplicates of the fossils.

GOAL 3: Coordinate and conduct research and studies to support management

needs.

Research to date has been directed primarily at determining the raptor

resources here and the prey and prey habitat necessary to support the

raptor population. Future BLM research efforts will be designed and

conducted to provide information needed for habitat management within

the SRBOPA. "Habitat" is used here in its broadest interpretation and

includes not only physical elements, but such things as nest security,

level of disturbance, etc. To enable attainment of Goal 1, it is

necessary to determine if the raptor population is perpetuating

itself, which factors influence population stability and how to best

obtain needed management information.

The BLM will therefore either initiate or coordinate research and

study efforts to obtain information necessary for making resource

management decisions. Population stability and related habitat

conditions will be determined through monitoring of raptor and prey

populations and vegetation communities in the SRBOPA. These

activities are further discussed in Part VIII: Ecosystem Monitoring,

Research and Studies.

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GOAL A: Make available to the public, other agencies, and the scientific

community knowledge gained from management and research

activities .

To obtain the greatest public benefits from time and dollar

investments in research and management programs, the results of these

efforts will be actively disseminated to various interest groups.

Technical and general interest information will be presented or made

available through publications, formal presentations, electronic media

and oral and written requests. Some of the benefits accruing from such

an information program include:

better management decisions based on more thorough

knowledge of likely post-decision impacts;

better understanding of raptor-prey-habitat

interrelationships by the technical and non-technical

publics;

increased visitor satisfaction from a knowledge of the

resources here and;

how to best enjoy and protect them at the same time,

with a better understanding of the significance of

raptors not only here, but everywhere historically,

economically, functionally, scientifically and

culturally.

Activities conducted under Goal 4 fall into three general categories:

(1) the dissemination of general information about the SRBOPA, (2)

visitor services and (3) the dissemination of technical information

gained through management and research efforts. Prompt response to

all information and public program requests relating to the SRBOPA and

its resources will continue to be emphasized.

General information : This element is continuous in nature, and BLM

efforts are generally oriented to an "on request" basis. Information

and public program requests are coordinated through the Bruneau

Resource Area. Current published information such as maps and

interpretive brochures will be kept available as funding permits to

meet public requests for such material. A revised interpretive

brochure is in the process of being printed and should be available in

October, 1985.

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Public information programs such as audio-visual presentations,

interpretive tours, and assistance with school and other educational

efforts will continue to be accommodated as time and funding permit.

The interest in and requests for BLM participation in these programs

have grown tremendously over the past few years. These public

information and education efforts are a key element in controlling and

reducing both present and future adverse impacts to the ecosystem

resulting from increased visitor use.

Visitor Services ; Visitor services for the SRBOPA are oriented toward

in-area public contacts through visitor management facilities (parking

areas, interpretive signs, information kiosks, user facilities) and

public use supervision patrols by uniformed personnel. These programs

are discussed under Part II: Recreation and Part V: Cultural

Resources.

Technical Information ; This type of information will be disseminated

by publication of research results in scientific literature,

publication of technical notes through BLM, workshop and civic

presentations, and oral and written response to day-to-day inquiries.

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Part II: Recreation

Recreation resources and activities will be managed to be consistent with

the primary goal of protection of the raptors and their habitat.

Implementation of the following actions will provide the area with

necessary resource protection and at the same time allow for public

enjoyment of those resources. Action items and priorities for

implementing the recreation management program are:

1. Visitor use patterns will be managed to minimize the effects of

visitor disturbance on nesting raptor productivity. Within this

limitation, the primary recreation objective is to manage for

nature study related to the birds of prey resource and for

archaeological and scenic sightseeing opportunities. The plan

attempts to provide these opportunities without displacing

current recreation users.

2. Emphasis will be on informational and interpretive efforts rather

than facility developments or improvements, except for those

facilities or actions necessary for a) informational/interpretive

needs, b) resource protection needs and/or c) public safety needs.

3. Management of other recreational uses already occurring in the

Area (fishing, camping, sightseeing, petroglyph visitation, etc.)

will emphasize improvement of access to and sanitation at and

around existing attractions, consistent with the above.

4. Scenic and cultural resource values will be conserved and managed

for public enjoyment.

Initial emphasis is directed at meeting resource protection needs through

actions intended to correct significant existing problems within the most

heavily used area, between Grand View and Walters Ferry (see Map 1).

These actions will consist of a combination of the following:

1) Public information and education programs

2) In-area public use supervision patrols

3) Providing recreational developments designed to channel visitor

use to areas where visitors can have broad opportunities to enjoy the

area while at the same time having minimal impacts upon it.

Attention will then be focused on other areas of management need and

opportunity.

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Six recreation management issues and actions necessary to deal with them were

identified. The issues are:

Issue 1 ; Visitor Management and Resources Protection. Actions developed

in conjunction with this issue are designed to correct problems resulting

from largely uncontrolled recreation use areawide, but especially within

and along the canyon between Swan Falls and the Guffey railroad bridge.

Ease of vehicular access to this portion of the canyon has and continues

to result in both intentional and unintentional damage to natural and

cultural resources, littering, sanitation problems, vandalism of

property, violation of regulations, unnecessary disturbance to nesting

raptors and other wildlife and unnecessary hazards to the recreating

public. The solitude otherwise present in parts of the area is often

interrupted by the sounds of motorcycles.

Lack of sustained enforcement of ORV and other regulations because of (1)

insufficient personnel for patrolling the area and maintaining an

adequate visitor management program and (2) diversion of employee efforts

from recreation use supervision to other high priority work in the

district.

Issue 2 ; Visitor Safety. Visitors to the SRBOPA are exposed to a variety of real and potential hazards, some of which can be dealt with

effectively through a comprehensive visitor information program. The

risks from other hazards can only be dealt with through restriction of

access and timely use supervision efforts. Four general categories of

hazards faced by visitors are:

natural biological hazards (rattlesnakes, scorpions, ticks, badgers,

poisonous plants, raptors defending nests, unsafe natural water

sources)

,

natural physical hazards (vertical cliffs and falling rocks, boating

hazards—rapids, winds and currents, hypothermia and heat stress),

human caused biological hazards (uncontrolled human waste disposal

(which is controllable to a large degree), presence of pesticides

and fertilizers in runoff irrigation waters (not under BLM control))

, and

human caused physical hazards (military training area proximity,

firearms discharge by recreational shooters, throwing of rocks over

cliffs, off-road vehicle use of areas frequented by pedestrians,

unsafe driving practice on roads in the area, air operations near

Mountain Home Air Force Base).

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Issue 3 : Recreational Developments and Access. Thousands of people use federal and non-federal lands and waters within the SRBOPA each year.

Around C. J. Strike dam and upstream from it, visitor management

facilities are generally adequate for present and immediate future needs

and use levels. However from Grand View downstream to the Walters Ferry

crossing on the Snake River, a variety of problems and needs exists due

to unaccommodated and largely uncontrolled recreation use. Without

active efforts to correct existing problems and manage projected

increases in visitor use to reduce future problems, the situation will

likely worsen.

Issue 4 : Visitor Information. Visitor interest in the SRBOPA has

increased substantially in recent years due to events and publicity

related to 1) the area itself and attempts to have it designated as a National Conservation Area, 2) general increased public interest in

non-game wildlife, 3) construction of the World Center for Birds of Prey

in Boise, 4) general population growth in the Boise area, 5) promotion of

the SRBOPA by State and local community and business interests and

6) the raptor biology program at Boise State University (BSU) are

increasing the need for a comprehensive visitor information program to

ensure resource protection.

Issue 5 : Compatibility of Land Uses. Since raptor and prey populations

and the habitat they depend upon for existence have priority for managing

uses of the land, actions for meeting recreation needs will be guided and

constrained by actions, policies, programs necessary to ensure the

perpetuation of the raptors and their prey. The objective of providing

recreation opportunities in settings ranging from semi-primitive

non-motorized to roaded natural could similarly result in conflicts with

or constraints on some other land uses in order to maintain these settings

Issue 6 ; Area Monitoring, Use Supervision and Administration. The SRBOP

Area and attendant programs provide the BLM with an excellent opportunity

to manage visitor use within a nationally significant area in a manner

which will complement the values for which the area was established. To

date, the Bureau's management of recreation use has not been adequate due

to erratic program funding and shifting of priorities, particularly in

the absence of Congressional direction in the form of legislation. These

actions have occurred with respect to not only the recreation program,

but to other programs which either influence the recreation program or are influenced by it such as lands, wildlife, cultural resources, and

others. If a reasonable recreation management program is to be

implemented in the SRBOPA there must be long-term stability in funding,

personnel assigned and program emphasis by the recreation subactivity.

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Management Actions to Resolve Issues

For each of the six issues addressed, a series of management actions was

identified as necessary to meet recreation and resource management

objectives. Some management actions identified for a particular issue will

resolve concerns addressed in one or more of the other issues. General

locations for most of the proposed recreation actions within the BPNA are shown on Map 3.

Issue 1. Action 1.1 ; Some roads would be upgraded within the area to provide

the public access to key observation and use areas while minimizing

disturbance to raptors and to establish a more orderly flow of

visitor traffic in the area. Other roads would be closed for

resource protection or public safety purposes. Maps 4 and 5 show

the locations of specific improvement /closure actions within the

BPNA:

1.1A. Close the spur road between the Swan Falls road and the

1971 BPNA dedication site on the canyon rim and the road

parallel to the canyon rim accessed by the spur road. A

parking lot adjacent to the Swan Falls road and an interpretive

trail leading to the canyon rim would be constructed so that

visitors would be able to continue viewing the canyon from this

location. This action is already partially implemented.

LIB. Improve to an all-weather low speed gravel road the

river access road upstream of the E. T. Evans ranch in Canyon

County. Improve that portion from the Evans ranch cattleguard

upstream to approximately the section line between sections 31

and 32 in T 1 S, R 1 W. Replace the substandard cattleguard on

this road with a 12 foot concrete base cattleguard. Construct

a parking area at that location and close the road through the

"boulder field" at that point. Gravel small parking areas (20' x 20') at heavily used spots along this road where people now

pull off to the side of the road to park while fishing.

This road receives a great deal of public use but difficulty in

passing over it and traversing the boulder field has resulted

in several parallel ruts, erosion and damage to cultural

resource sites. In addition, the road is extremely narrow in

spots, squeezed between boulders on one side and the Snake

River on the other, posing the very real hazard of vehicle

rollovers into the Snake River. Primary recreation activities

in this area are fishing, hunting (legal open season), visits

to petroglyph fields and Halverson Bar cultural resource sites,

hiking, horseback riding and the like. Gravelling of small

parking areas will help reduce erosion and damage to cultural

resources by reducing the amount of indiscriminate off-road

parking.

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1.1C. Improve to low speed gravel road status the road on the

north side of the Snake River downstream of the Idaho Power

Company (IPCo) property at Swan Falls to the USGS gauging

station across from Wees Bar in Section 35, T 1 S, R 1 W,

contingent upon IPCo making similar improvement to the same road where it traverses their property below Swan Falls dam.

Close the road downstream from the Initial Butte Farms pump

station. Gravel small parking areas at popular fishing

locations.

This road receives heavy public use, primarily by fishermen and

sightseers. It has many of the same problems as the road

mentioned in Action 1.1B, including that of being extremely

narrow immediately adjacent to the river below the pump

station. The improvements to river access as a result of the

reconstruction of the Swan Falls grade road will only aggravate

problems already existing with and along this road.

Encouraging people to use gravelled parking areas will help

reduce erosion and damage to cultural resources by reducing the

amount of indiscriminate off-road parking.

1.1D. Install signs posting the access road to the Priest

Ranch as unsuitable for low-clearance two-wheel drive

vehicles.

Severe erosion occurs on the access road in Section 18 of this

township which results in unsuitable road conditions for

low-clearance two-wheel drive vehicles. Any such vehicles

trying to negotiate this road are certain to get stuck below

the grade due to rocks and dust.

1.1E. Permanently close the road which traverses the canyon

wall in Section 33, T 1 S, R 1 W.

This road is extremely rough and passable by four-wheel drive

vehicle only. It is already listed in the Federal Register as being closed but this closure is not enforced. Access to this

road at the top of the canyon is through private land on an

unimproved road. Improvement of the roads in 1.1B and 1.1C

will more than assure visitor access to the area of the canyon

this road now serves. Because this road is used only by

four-wheel drive and other ORVs, it contributes to ORV damage

created around Halverson Lake and sand dunes by encouraging ORV

use there.

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1.1F. Expand the year-round closure to motor vehicles off of

designated routes in the BPNA to include all of the essential

nesting habitat. In FY-86 prepare a detailed map of roads

proposed for closure and formally present the proposal for

public review and comment.

This action is consistent with maintaining the road closure in

the BPNA to protect nesting raptors and cultural resources, and

to prevent soil erosion. All existing consistently used public

roads would remain open, with appropriate signing installed.

1.1G. Close the Halve rson sand dunes to ORV use by placing

huge basalt rocks at the base of the dunes and signing the area.

This action will help resolve some public safety and erosion

problems, as well as lessen disturbance to raptors nesting in

the vicinity. In the past, signing efforts to control ORV use and limit subsequent damage have been unsuccessful. Several

near-misses have occurred between pedestrians on the dunes and

ORVs trying to climb the dunes. Enforcement actions may also

be needed to effect this closure. Such closure is consistent

with the "Limited" ORV designation for this area.

1.1H. Coordinate /work with the Idaho Department of Fish and

Game to acquire fishermen access easement through the Frisch

Property (T 1 S, R 1 W, Section 25).

This road is presently the only practical way for people

without high-clearance vehicles to gain ready access to

Halverson Lake, a popular fishing spot. The route goes right

between the Frisch house and barn resulting in substantial

traffic through the property. There is presently no legal

public access through the Frisch property other than that

established through public use over time. If Action 1.1B can

be accomplished however, that upgraded road would provide ready

access to Halverson Lake and therefore any need for the

existing travel route through the Frisch property would be

reduced or possibly eliminated.

1.11 Install lockable gates on both ends of the the Cabin Draw

road to eliminate all traffic except that for emergency and

administrative purposes.

Unrestricted vehicle access to Cabin Draw has resulted in

cutting of trees for firewood and in littering problems.

Several of these trees are or were used for raptor nesting and

roosting.

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1.2: Continue the Sikes Act cooperative law enforcement

agreement with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

1.3: Designate as primary visitor use sites and create

improved parking areas at the following five locations:

(1) the 1971 dedication site (Map 5 and Illustration 1).

(2) the upstream terminus of the improved road to

Halverson Bar (Map 4).

(3) the top of the Swan Falls grade north of the river

(Map 5).

(4) in T. 4 S., R. 2 E. , Section 22, on the east side of

the Snake River at the boat launching area described in

Action 1.4 (Map 7 and Illustration 2).

Designated parking areas at these locations will serve to focus

present helter-skelter parking and minimize disturbance to

nesting raptors and degradation of prey and riparian habitats.

At area 1 it will establish an overlook control point and at

area 4 will solve a mass public confusion problem about where

to park on public lands when boating through the SRBOPA (some

parking is currently unintentional trespass on private lands).

All will establish predictable and directed visitor use patterns to facilitate management. Portions of this action are

already being implemented at areas 1 and 4, above.

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1.4A. Install a gravelled boat launching area for small

watercraft on the east side of the Snake River in T. 4 S., R. 2

E., Section 22 (Map 7 and Illustration 2).

Much public uncertainty exists as to where to launch boats for

float trips through the SRBOPA, especially near Grand View, and

boaters unknowingly frequently trespass on private land for

launching and parking and may or may not choose a safe launch

site. Designated launching and pull-out areas will eliminate

the sometimes hazardous conditions boaters face when launching

and taking-out at likely-looking but unsafe locations.

Much of this action (1.4A) has already been implemented but

some completion work is necessary.

1.4B. Install a gravelled boat pull-out area for small

watercraft either at the Guffey Bridge on the north side of the

river or in T. 1 S., R. 2 W. , Section 28, on the south side of

the river (Map 4). Launching areas and portage trails in the

vicinity of Swan Falls dam will be improved as a result of work

by IPCo in conjunction with reconstruction of the dam and

powerplant. Minimal gravelling of a pullout area will enable

float-boaters to avoid the flat-water slow progress area

between Guffey Bridge and Walters Ferry, particularly during

windy weather when downstream progress becomes impossible at

times.

1.5. Install and maintain trash receptacles and either

Clivus-Multrum or vault toilets at the following locations:

(1) 1971 Dedication Site area (Map 5 and Illustration 3)

(2) Halverson Bar area (Map 4).

(3) Halverson Lake (Map 4).

(4) Priest Ranch (Map 5).

(5) Guffey Bridge boat take out (Map 4).

(6) T. 4 S., R. 2 E. , Section 22, east side river boat

launch (Map 7 and Illustration 3).

These installations are necessary to improve sanitation and

littering problems in the area.

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1.6. Conduct routine public use supervision patrols in

high-use areas from March 1 to August 31, annually, to provide

visitor assistance and information, enforce regulations and

monitor recreation use patterns and activities. Conduct

intermittent patrols from September 1 to October 31.

These efforts will be done by a combination of BLM personnel

and through contractual agreements with Ada, Elmore and Owyhee

County sheriff's departments. Assignment of this work to

in-house personnel will require a long-term commitment by BLM

to provide both adequate and consistent funding for its

accomplishment. The intent of these patrols is to prevent

resource degradation and violations before they occur. These

patrols would be conducted regularly each weekend and

intermittently on weekdays throughout the March-August period.

1.7 . Continue implementation of the Oregon Trail management

plan. The Oregon Trail management plan is consistent with

management of the SRBOPA for raptors, has adequate protective

measures for the trail and is consistent with this recreation

area management plan.

Issue 2. A number of visitor safety concerns are already addressed in other

action items. They are safety on roads (1.1A, LIB, 1.1C, 1.1E,

1.11), sanitation (1.5), and visitor assistance (1.2B, 1.6). In

addition to those actions, the following are proposed.

Action 2.1 . Construct a low basalt rock retaining wall (less

than 3 feet high) on the canyon rim west of the parking area at

the 1971 Dedication site (Map 5 and Illustration 4).

The absence of a retaining wall along this heavily used portion

of the canyon rim provides no measure of safety for visitors

who are not familiar with the crumbling nature of the basalt

cliffs.

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2.2 (A&B) . Install warning posters and signs in conjunction

with general visitor information at the primary road entrances

into the SRBOPA near Kuna and Grand View, at the 1971

Dedication Site in conjunction with other interpretative

materials (Maps 5 and 6 and Illustration 5).

With emphasis on natural phenomena in the area and

interpretation as the primary tool, public awareness of the

potential and existing hazards in the Birds of Prey Area is the

best way to assure visitor protection.

2.2C. Continue the annual shooting closure from March 1

through August 31.

Heavy spring and early summer recreational use from Grand View

downstream warrants continuation of this closure for visitor

protection, in addition to its value for protecting birds of

prey.

Issue 3. Many of the concerns pertinent to this issue are addressed in issues

1 and 2. The following action items are over and above those

presented for Issues 1 and 2.

Action 3.1 . Continue the cooperative sign program with the Ada

County Highway District (ACHD) for installation and maintenance

of directional signs to the SRBOPA. Pursue development of

similar agreements with Elmore, Canyon and Owyhee counties.

The BLM/ACHD agreement provides that BLM will furnish materials

and supplies for such signs and ACHD will make, install and

maintain the signs along major travel routes to the SRBOPA.

Signing along State highways and county roads is necessary to

direct visitors into those portions of the SRBOPA where

accommodations for public use have been made. Cooperative

agreements with the respective highway districts ensures timely

maintenance of signs since highway crews routinely patrol roads

and perform needed maintenance.

-19-
3.2 . Evaluate installation of signs at three locations along

Interstate Highway 84 (rest areas east and west of Boise and

near the Meridian exit) directing tourists to a visitor

information center for birds of prey such as the Boise District

office or the World Center for Birds of Prey and to the SRBOPA

itself.

With the SRBOPA and World Center for Birds of Prey becoming

major tourist attractions, it is essential that the public be

accorded the courtesy of locating these features readily. If

the evaluation determines that such installation is desirable,

a formal proposal will be developed and full public

participation solicited.

3.3. Designate that stretch of the Snake River Canyon along

the river between Thomas Flats and Sinker Creek as a "No

Landing Area" where onshore visitor activity or occupancy is

not permitted (Map 6).

This area has some of the lowest nesting cliffs in the entire

SRBOPA and the cliffs are immediately adjacent to the Snake

River. Passive visitor activity such as boating past the

cliffs does not cause the degree of nesting disturbance that

onshore hiking and camping activity would create. There are

ample places for visitors to camp and hike both above and below

this stretch of the canyon.

3.4. Monitor visitor use patterns and levels between Grand

View and Walters Ferry to determine existing or potential

problem areas which may need protective or accommodative

management actions.

Though existing problem areas are readily identifiable in areas

of roaded access at current use levels, the use of less

accessible areas (such as by boaters or backpackers) may result

in unacceptable disturbance levels to nesting raptors,

particularly with increasing interest in boating or hiking in

the area.

3.5. Complete a carrying capacity study for boating on the

Snake River between Grand View and Walters Ferry. Increasing

commercial and private boating activity along this stretch of

the Snake River will likely result in river congestion levels

unacceptable to not only boaters, but perhaps to nesting birds

of prey as well. It is necessary now to determine acceptable

use levels on the river so that allocation of river use is

considered before problems arise.

-20-
3.6 . Until the completion of Action 3.5, commercial

float-boating permits will be limited to 5 outfitters. Up to

ten overnight trips per outfitter may be authorized between

April 1 and June 30, annually, the most sensitive time period

for nesting raptors. Party size will be limited to a maximum

of 30. Commercial float-boating or other commercial

recreational activities will be monitored and adjusted as necessary to protect the resource base and maintain adequate

recreation opportunities for non-commercial recreation

pursuits. At least 50% of the use capacity (determined from

Action 3.5) will be reserved for non-commercial use, with

outfitting use revised accordingly. Because one-day float

trips do not usually involve extensive human activity which

disrupts raptor nesting through prolonged disturbance, such

trips may exceed the maximum party size limitation when

approved in advance by the Area Manager.

For purposes of scheduling commercial float trips, reservations

for starting dates will be taken on a first request-first

reserved basis no more than one year in advance of proposed

starting dates. Special protective stipulations are attached

to all permits issued for commercial floating activities.

Private boating use is currently unregulated, but is and will

continue to be monitored since it, too, is increasing. Private

boaters are required to register for float or powerboat trips

between Grand View and Walters Ferry.

-21-
3.7 . Redevelop the Cove Recreation site.

The Cove Recreation Site is plagued by problems arising from

overuse, poor design, traffic flows, and a degenerated boat

ramp. It is used primarily by local people in conjunction with

recreation (fishing and boating) at the reservoir. Though it

is close to a segment of the Oregon Trail, it is not directly

tied to any BLM recreation resource per se . The future of this

facility needs to be considered in terms of where it should or can be included in recreation management for the SRBOPA and the

Oregon Trail. In the interim, until such time as its future

role and need are determined, existing problems at this site

should be corrected.

3.8 . In cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and

Game, develop a uniform method for handling requests from the

various publics to photograph nesting raptors.

Consultation to resolve this issue will begin in FY-85. The

district annually receives many requests from the general

public, media representatives, and professional photographers

concerning access to some raptor nests so that they may engage

in photographing and/or filming birds of prey. BLM's response

in the past has been variable, although requests from media

representatives have generally been granted since pursuit of

wildlife for photographic purposes is specifically allowed by

Idaho State Law as long as such activities do not constitute

harassment of the animals.

Issue 4. Some of the concerns of this issue would be taken care of by action

items for the preceding issues.

4.1 . Install interpretive signs at the 1971 Dedication Site,

at the top of Swan Falls grade, at the boat launch area in

action item 1.4A, at the northern boundary of the SRBOPA along

the Swan Falls and Halverson Bar roads and at the Cabin Draw

Road.

Installation and proper location of these signs is essential

for attaining recreation management objectives. These sites

are, and will likely continue to be, the most heavily used by

visitors. Keeping use controlled at these locations rather

than allowing dispersal to more or broader areas will help

minimize disturbance to nesting raptors, particularly in areas

where the raptors are not already conditioned to human

activity. This action is therefore consistent with protecting

the nesting raptor population.

-22-
4.2 . Construct a visitor and interpretative center for the

Snake River Birds of Prey Area.

The need for a visitor's center has been considered

periodically for several years. Visitor requests for

information about the SRBOPA have generally been satisfied at

the Boise District BLM Office, however several significant

events related to birds of prey in southwestern Idaho have

evolved recently, all of which were evaluated in arriving at

this proposed action. These include the following:

increasing visitations to the SRBOPA and resultant visitor

assistance workloads,

construction of the World Center for Birds of Prey,

BSU's raptor biology program development,

the proposed annual Idaho Birds of Prey Festival,

increasing media exposure which generates many information

requests,

local business and community leader interest in such a facility,

increasing use of the SRBOPA as an environmental education

laboratory by local and out-of-area schools and other organized

groups.

The building of a visitor center must be put in the perspective

that protection of the raptors and their habitat is the first

priority. As BLM's first communication and most important

contact with visitors to the SRBOPA the visitor center would

thus be central to effective resource protection,

interpretation and enforcement efforts. As a result of public

comments, this proposal will be studied further with a final

proposal and location presented for full public review at a later date.

-23-
Issue 5 Action 5.1 . Within the essential nesting habitat, all new

developments will be designed to remain subordinate to existing

landscape character.

5.2 . Throughout the SRBOPA, all developments on public land

will be located, designed and constructed in such a manner so as to maintain or improve existing VRM classes. This may

necessitate the use of additional landscape materials to

maintain the landscape character setting.

5.3 . Remove, rehabilitate and/or screen existing visual

distractions within the BPNA and in close proximity to other

popular recreation sites in the SRBOPA to make such intrusions

less conspicuous.

Actions 5.1 through 5.3 are designed to maintain or improve

existing Visual Resource Management and recreational settings,

consistent with recreation management objectives.

5.4 . Include in the land acquisition/easement package in Lands

Program Management Action B.(3) the following:

(1) Those State of Idaho lands identified for exchange in 1980.

(2) That parcel of the E.T. Evans ranch on Halverson Bar which

was previously offered in exchange for the Melba seeding.

Portions of these lands receive heavy recreation use, and all

have been proposed previously for exchange or acquisition.

Their acquisition will enable BLM to implement a comprehensive

controlled recreation management program.

5.5 . Through cooperative management or other agreements, take

advantage of opportunities made available by private

landholders to facilitate BLM's management and development of

recreation resources in the SRBOPA.

Such agreements would meet recreation program needs not

otherwise attainable on public lands. They would enable better

resource protection and ensure public access to portions of the area. One such agreement with The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

allows public camping on TNC lands within the canyon. This

opportunity for the public to camp on TNC lands reduces the

amount of disturbance to nesting raptors which would result

from camping on adjacent public land in the area proposed for

protection by Action 3.3. Additional cooperative efforts with

Idaho Power Company have resulted in the incorporation of BLM

suggestions into recreation and other developments associated

with the reconstruction of the Swan Falls hydroelectric project,

-24-
5.6 . Within the essential nesting habitat, generally prohibit

the following types of recreation activities between February 1

and October 1, annually:

(1) use of hang gliders and ultralight aircraft and

(2) rock, climbing and rappelling, except for emergency

purposes.

These types of recreational activity are not generally

compatible with minimizing disturbance to nesting raptors.

Ample opportunities for these activities exist elsewhere in the

southwest Idaho area, however there may be cases in which these

pursuits could be allowed, but only with the specific advance

written approval obtained from the Area Manager or the BLM

Boise District Manager.

Issue 6. Action 6.1 . Construct a permanent field work station at Swan

Falls no later than September 30, 1988.

Construction of a permanent field camp on public land at Swan

Falls would facilitate visitor contacts and recreation

management both above and below Swan Falls Dam and provide a permanent, visible BLM presence in the SRBOPA. It would not be

used as a visitor contact station but would serve as a temporary residence for personnel working in the Area.

Construction timing would enable its completion at

approximately the same time that reconstruction of the Swan

Falls hydroelectric facility is completed and subsequent public

use intensifies.

6.2 . Create and staff the following additional positions in

the SRBOPA to help implement the provisions of this plan:

(1) One permanent full-time Law Enforcement Ranger/Biologist

(2) Two seasonal Recreation/Wildlife Aides

These positions are necessary to successfully resolve many

action items previously discussed, predominantly in the area of use supervision. Additional personnel needs will be considered

in the future as necessary.

-25-
Part III: Fire Management

Fire Suppression

The Kuna Fire Management Plan describes fire suppression and prevention

activities for public land within the area in greater detail than presented

here. The following is a summary of that plan.

1. All fires upon or threatening public land will be attacked with all

available forces to extinguish fires during the first burning period.

2. Priorities for fighting fires are for winterfat shrublands first and

sagebrush sites second.

3. Heavy equipment can be used in the Birds of Prey Natural Area but

only to protect life and private property and only by consent of the Area

Manager or District Manager.

4. Heavy equipment will be used on most fires outside of the BPNA to

keep the amount of burned area to a minimum.

Fire suppression on land within the National Guard Training Area is

administered under a special Memorandum of Understanding (see Part VI).

Fire Rehabilitation

Every burned area within the SRBOPA is evaluated for possible rehabilitation.

Emphasis is placed on the re-establishment of winterfat and big sagebrush

shrub communities within golden eagle hunting territories. Management actions

are directed at maintaining native plant communities within limits imposed by

funding, seed availability and opportunities for successful rehabilitation.

Areas which have previously burned and are now dominated by annual vegetation

are not rehabilitated. The competition in these areas from annual species

such as cheatgrass precludes successful establishment of fire rehabilitation

seedings.

-26-
General fire rehabilitation objectives in the SRBOPA are:

1. Establish perennial species to minimize soil erosion and invasion by

annual plant species.

2. Re-establish shrub and herbaceous species to maintain prey habitat

3. Establish a dependable forage base for livestock grazing.

Seed prescriptions are selected to meet these objectives and must be adapted

to the range sites impacted by the fire. Native species are used whenever

feasible and economically possible. Typically a mixture of native and

introduced species is used to increase the probability of a successful

rehabilitation project . Since native grasses and forbs have lower

germination rates and poorer seedling vigor than some introduced species,

mixtures of both are necessary to keep invasion by annual plants to a minimum. The three most common plant communities in the SRBOPA and typical

seed prescriptions for them are:

Winterfat Community lbs /acre applied

Winterfat 2.0

Crested wheatgrass 2 to 4

Russian wildrye 1 to 3

Yellow sweetclover 1 to 2

Indian ricegrass 1/2 to 2

Shadscale Community

The same mixture as above is used except that 1/2 to 1 lb/acre acre

of fourwing salt bush is substituted for the winterfat.

Big Sagebrush Community

Big sagebrush 1/4 to 1/2

Fourwing saltbush 1 to 2

Bluebunch wheatgrass 1 to 2

Crested wheatgrass 4 to 6

Russian wildrye 1 to 2

Basin wildrye 1

Indian ricegrass to 1/2

Alfalfa or Yellow sweetclover 1 to 2

-27-
Pre-fire shrub communities are seeded using rangeland drills or broadcast

seeders and are protected from livestock grazing for two growing seasons. Most fire rehabilitation seedings done to date have been less than 3,000 acres

in size and of irregular shapes, thus large monoculture seedings are not

apparent.

As new varieties of native and introduced plant species are developed and

released, they are tested in trial plots to determine their compatibility to

the soils and climate in the SRBOPA. Shrub varieties suitable for prey cover

that are either relatively resistant to carrying a fire or which re-sprout

after being burned will be given priority consideration for future

rehabilitation projects.

Efforts will also be made to establish "greenstrips" of fire resistant

vegetation along major roads and to divide large acreages of annual vegetation

into smaller units. The size and frequency of wildfires will thereby be

reduced which in turn will reduce the likelihood of future fires in the

important shrub communities.

-28-

Part IV: Livestock Grazing

Twenty-four grazing allotments in the three resource areas are partially or entirely within the SRBOPA. A total of 45,968 Animal Unit Months (AUMs) of

grazing is licensed annually within the area, 80% for cattle use and 20% for

sheep use (Table 2). Ten of the 24 allotments have more than one permittee

and are classified as common use allotments.

Livestock, grazing will continue to be authorized according to grazing

privileges of the respective permittees, within the limits of MFP and RMP

guidelines and decisions. Little change from the current stocking rates and

season of use is expected in most allotments. Since most allotments within

the SRBOPA are in the less intensive management category, Allotment Management

Plans (AMPs) will generally not be developed, though grazing systems may be

established for some allotments.

Any increases or reductions in livestock use will be accompanied by monitoring

programs to insure that such changes do not result in adverse impacts to

raptor and prey habitats (vegetation type, quantity, structure, etc.) or to

other resource values. Utilization levels of key forage species will be

determined in all allotments and trend studies (permanent photo plots or nested frequency transects) will be established in the allotments where AMP's

are developed. Additional monitoring studies will be established in all

emergency fire rehabilitation seedings. Monitoring and research studies have

been established at various locations in the SRBOP to study grazing and fire

impacts on vegetation and prey species.

Facilities and improvements for livestock management will be authorized when

their installation will not adversely impact the nesting raptors, prey habitat

or other resources.

Livestock permittees will be notified by the appropriate Area Manager of

research activities which may affect grazing use patterns (construction of

exclosures, study areas, location of prey trapping grids, etc.) in their

respective allotments.

-29-
Table 2. Grazing allotments within the Snake River Birds of Prey Area,

Some of these allotments are not totally contained within the Birds of

Prey Area.

Predicted

Year Grazing

1 Allot. Livestock Season Kind of No. of Decision Willi

1 No. Name lUse AUMs of Use Livestock Permittees Be Issued

Bruneau Resource Area

1 801 Castle Creek 1 • 256 11/1-1/31 Cattle 7 1987** I

1 802 Battle Creek 200* 11/1-1/31 Cattle 1 1986** 1

1 806 Pole Creek Ind. 156 4/1-9/30 Cattle 1 1984 I

1 813 Mountain Home Sub-Unit 4,260 4/1-6/30

11/1-12/30

Cattle 11 1987** 1

1 821 Chalk Flat 2,511 4/1-6/30

10/16-12/31

Cattle 2 1986 1

825 Sunnyside Sp. - F. 13,300 4/1-6/30

10/16-12/15

Cattle

Sheep

14 1986 1

826 SunnysJde Winter 14,361 12/16-2/28 Cattle

Sheep

5 1987

827 Rattlesnake Seeding 1,386 4/1-12/31 Cattle 1 1985

1 828 Crater Ring Seeding 650 4/1-6/5 Cattle 2 1986 I

1 832 Duck Ponds 56 7/1-8/30 Cattle 1 1985 1

1 834 Rattlesnake Creek 220 4/1-6/15

10/1-11/16

Cattle 1 1984

837 Rabbit Springs 84 4/1-9/30 Cattle 1 1986

1 839 Melba Seeding 333 4/1-6/30

11/1-12/15

Cattle 1 1985 1

Owyhee Resource Area

1 517 Rabbit Crk. /Peters Gulch 250 4/1-5/31 Cattle 1 1983

1 535 Fossil Butte 600 10/1-2/28 Cattle 6 1982 1

1 569 Silver City 250 4/1-10/31 Cattle 2 1982 1

1 571 Con Shea 1,250 11/1-2/28 Cattle 2 1982 1

1 578 Sinker Butte 700 11/15-2/28 Cattle 1 1983 1

1 654 Montini

(Fenced Federal Range)

140 *** Cattle 1 1983

Jarbidge Resource Area

11137 Bruneau Arm 2,500 11/1-3/25 Cattle 1 1986-87

11137 Bruneau Hills 210 3/1-1/15 Cattle 1 1986-87 1 11137 Browns Gulch 1,200 11/1-2/28 Cattle 1 1986-87 I 11137 Flat Iron 255 4/16-10/31 Cattle 3 ; 1986-87 1 11137 West Saylor Creek 300

100

200

4/1-11/30

3/16-6/15

10/16-12/15

Cattle

Sheep

Sheep

i I 1986-87

11137 Hammett - Billy Stevens 240 9/15-3/15 Cattle 1 2 1986-87 1

* Potential use, as no livestock currently graze this unit.

** Allotment Management Plan (AMP) will be completed in conjunction with

issuing grazing decision.

*** At permittees discretion, as long as use on key species does not exceed 50%.

-30-
Part V: Cultural Resources

General management actions apply to groups of sites or to administration of

the Archaeological District as a whole. Site-specific management actions are based on individual site needs. A monitoring plan has yet to be developed for

the sites included in the CRMP, therefore monitoring requirements are not yet

identified for specific sites. Many concerns expressed in cultural resource

management have a common link with other resource management problems stemming

from a need for additional public use supervision and information/education

programs. General management actions 4 through 7 illustrate this linkage to

actions also needed for managing recreation use to protect nesting raptors.

General Management Actions

Many of the general management actions in the CRMP are administrative in

nature however the following actions are considered significant enough for

review here.

1. Support through exchange or purchase the acquisition of private and

state owned lands within the Archaeological District.

2. Develop a Cooperative Management Agreement with Idaho Power Company

(IPCo) to coordinate management efforts on adjacent BLM/IPCo lands in the

Birds of Prey Area. Coordinated recreation management would especially

benefit the overall land management efforts of both IPCo and BLM.

3. Assist IMD to the maximum extent possible with its efforts in

completing a cultural resources inventory and management plan for the IMD

Training Area (see Map 8). This action is discussed under Part VI:

MILITARY TRAINING, Individual Responsibilities section A(ll) . A

protection plan for cultural resources within the TA will be developed in

conjunction with this inventory. In the interim, military training

activities are planned so as to avoid all known cultural resource sites.

4. Support the Birds of Prey Recreation Management Plan recommendations

for visitor use control, and emphasize the following components of this

effort:

A. Increased law enforcement efforts

B. Accelerated public information programs

C. Limited road access to the canyon rim and within the canyon

to existing roads only.

-31-
5. Support active enforcement of the ORV closure in the Archaeological

District since ORV use can cause significant damage to cultural sites.

Prepare recommendations for physical protection measures at sites where

damage is occurring. The biggest problem area in the Archaeological

District is around Halverson Lakes and the adjacent dunes. This action

is consistent with Recreation Actions 1.1(B) and 1.1(G).

6. Encourage minimum impact camping throughout the Archaeological

District. Monitor camping use and if it appears that voluntary

compliance in insufficient to meet management needs, develop and require

adherence to minimum impact camping standards for the SRBOPA. As

recreation use increases there will be increased impacts to cultural

resources. Encouraging or requiring recreationists to use minimum impact

camping techniques should result in reducing adverse impacts to sites.

7. Contact recreationists (especially outfitters and guides) to discuss

cultural resource concerns and exchange information regarding site

conditions and needs. Coordination between recreationists and the Bureau

is important in protecting cultural resources. Outfitters and guides are

especially concerned with acquiring information about cultural sites

encountered by their clients to enhance the float boaters' experience.

8. Retain or add the following conditions to the commercial outfitter

permits:

A. Permittee and trip participants must not disturb archaeological

or historical values, including, but not limited to petroglyphs,

historic structures, rockshelters, and open surface sites.

Petroglyphs are not to be chalked for photo enhancement.

B. Permittee must leave in place and report any hidden cultural

values uncovered through authorized operations.

Most commercial outfitters recognize the incentive for leaving cultural

sites intact since it enriches everyone's appreciation of the river. A

legal deterrent is still appropriate. Many recreationists are unaware

that the chalking of petroglyphs may be potentially harmful to the rock

art and definitely detracts from the experience of those who follow.

9. Physically close and rehabilitate alternate vehicle tracks and trails

abounding next to existing roads. On a case by case basis, erect

barriers or signs as necessary to restrict travel to one set of tracks

through important site areas. If necessary, conduct limited test

excavations to determine the least destructive route through the site.

-32-
10. All cultural resources along the river will be preserved as a storehouse of information for scientific research. All proposals for

destructive research (i.e. excavations) at sites within the

Archaeological District will be considered in consultation with the State

Historic Preservation Officer. Generally, research will be authorized

only if the site is in danger of being destroyed or the value of the

information obtained would outweigh the loss of the site itself.

Non-destructive research (e.g., settlement pattern analysis,

architectural studies, oral history interviews, archival research, etc.)

will be encouraged.

11. Complete detailed recording of all rock art known to exist in the

Archaeological District, excluding the Wees Bar petroglyph field which

has already been mapped.

12. Post interpretive /warning signs at significant rock art sites to

enrich visitor experiences and dissuade would-be vandals.

13. Produce at least one cultural resource brochure annually as part of

the Public Affairs Plan Critical Concern Brochure Series. A few brochure

topics are:

A. General history of the area with numbered points of interest and

brief descriptions.

B. Wees Bar petroglyphs (reissue existing handout).

C. Wees Bar stone house.

D. Doc Hisom's cabin.

E. Railroad and Guffey Bridge and townsite.

F. Farming on the Snake River.

G. Mining in the Birds of Prey Area.

14. Evaluate the interpretive potential of the following major sites in

the Birds of Prey Area. In addition to those listed below, other sites

may be designated in the future.

Halverson Bar

Wees Bar (petroglyphs and stone house)

Priest Ranch

Ferry Sites

Guffey Bridge, Townsite and Railroad Grade

The Peach Orchard

Stone Cabin, 10-AA-184

Oregon Trail (already covered in District's Oregon Trail

Management Plan)

The locations of these sites are generally well known by people coming

into the area. Some are clearly identified on maps readily available to

the public. Interpreting these sites will enhance the visitor's

experience while simultaneously encouraging preservation.

-33-
Site Specific Management Actions

1. At the following locations, install interpretive signs, post cultural

resource protection notices and perform additional work necessary to

protect the sites from degradation:

Guffey Bridge and vicinity

Ferry locations

Schellbach Cave

Halverson Bar Settlement

Wees Bar petroglyphs

Wees Bar stone house

Priest Ranch

The Peach Orchard

Cultural Resource site 10-AA-184

2. Cultural Resource Site 10-AA-09: Excavate this rockshelter located

along the Swan Falls-Melba Road. Severe damage to this site was reported

in the 1970* s. The midden from the site extends across the road to the

river and is cut to a depth of three feet in some places by vehicle

ruts. In addition, vandals have disturbed the deposits. There is no alternate route because of the steep terrain, therefore salvage

excavation is the only option for site treatment.

3. Cultural Resources Site 10-AA-19: Determine the route through this

area least harmful to the extensive prehistoric site presently being

damaged by vehicle traffic. Close alternate tracks and reroute vehicles

to one road. If necessary, test excavate to determine the boundaries of

the site. Extensive disturbance to the buried archaeological deposits in

this area was noted in the 1970' s.

-34-
Part VI: Military Training

The Idaho Military Division (IMD) uses approximately 130,000 acres within the

boundaries of the SRBOPA as a Training Area (TA) (Map 1 and Map 8). Use of

the TA is authorized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the IMD

and BLM. Training use has been primarily on weekends with numerous two week

training sessions throughout the summers.

The responsibilities of BLM and IMD are defined in the IMD/BLM MOU for use of

the Training Area (TA). The MOU was recently reviewed and reauthorized on May

17, 1985, signed by the BLM State Director and the Governor of Idaho. The

following selected excerpts are quoted verbatim from the MOU. The TA is

divided into two areas. The Impact Area (IA) is that land used as a target

zone into which live ammunition is fired. Outside of the Impact Area (OIA) is

the region in which maneuvers are conducted and from which artillery is

fired.

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

The BLM and IMD agree to:

A. Meet annually on or about November 1, to discuss and outline IMD's

annual operating plan and the prior years' activities. The level of

activity authorized shall not further diminish the area for the nesting

raptors.

B. Jointly assess soil and vegetation disturbance caused by training

activities (including fires) by October 1 of each year. The BLM will

prescribe species to be planted, application rates, time of year and

provide rangeland drills if available. The IMD will be responsible for

all costs in carrying out the rehabilitation including maintenance of the

BLM drills while they are being used on the seedings. ... All seeding

results must be to the satisfaction of the BLM.

C. The MOU shall be reviewed every five (5) years...."

-35-
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

A. The IMD will:

(1) Coordinated ( sic ) and control military use of the TA.

(2) Provide information concerning major changes to the annual

operating plan.

(3) Install and maintain warning, safety and closure signs around

the perimeter of the IA at 1/4 mile intervals . Trespass control

will be the responsibility of the IMD, when the IA has been closed

to the public by the BLM.

(4) Install and maintain closure signs on roads likely used by the

public to enter the OIA. Such signs will close the area to

unauthorized persons during periods of use by the IMD .

(5) Conduct aerial and/or ground reconnaissance prior to all live

firing to insure all people and livestock are out of the impact area

or any other unsafe areas.

(6) Be responsible for prevention and suppression of all fires

within the training area resulting from IMD activities.

(a) Take action to control or suppress fires within the impact

area at the discretion of the IMD. [ IMD has two 1,000 gallon

fire tankers which are manned and which accompany units on maneuvers in the TA ]

(b) Report all fires to the BLM Boise District fire dispatch

office (334-1497) immediately, giving location, size and

expected time of control. The BLM may take suppression action

when deemed necessary and will notify IMD immediately when

taking such action. The IMD will pay all BLM suppression costs

incurred. A fire coordination plan will be part of the annual

operations plan ....

(7) Repair or replace range improvements such as fences, water

tanks, cattleguards, and corrals ... that are damaged or destroyed

by military activities ....

(8) Annually remove debris and litter generated by IMD activities

unless otherwise agreed to by the BLM Boise District Manager.

-36-
(9) Take reasonable efforts to locate and destroy all unexploded

munitions within the area, and eliminate any other hazards that may

result from the use of the area by the military. If use of the area

is abandoned or this MOU is terminated, the IMD will be responsible

for decontamination of the public lands included per 43 CFR

2374.2(a).

(11) By September 30, 1986 complete a cultural resource survey,

excluding the IA, and implement a protection plan to avoid or

mitigate damage to sites eligible for the National Register of

Historic Places

(16) Support the BLM in its monitoring studies to assure that the use level is compatible with maintaining a prey base in the area.

B. The BLM will:

(1) Confine authorized livestock use in the TA to the periods from

April 1 - June 30 and October 16 - February 28 annually. Additional

livestock use may be authorized outside these periods with 30 days

notice to the IMD.

(3) Include any State of Idaho lands into this MOU if they are

acquired by the BLM.

(4) Conduct monitoring studies on the level of use by the birds of

prey to determine the effects of military activities and provide IMD

with a report of such studies or findings.

(5) Close IA to the public and provide appropriate signs to the IMD

designating closure."

-37-

Part VII: Oil/Gas /Geothermal Leasing

During the effective period of the withdrawal, leases will continue to be

issued for oil and gas and geothermal resources in the Birds of Prey Area

with appropriate stipulations to protect raptor and prey habitat.

Environmental assessments have been completed for both Oil and Gas and

Geothermal leasing within the area. Especially significant among the BLM

land use stipulations applied for ensuring adequate resource protection or

public safety are the following:

1. No occupancy or other activity on the surface of the land within

the essential nesting habitat is allowed except for certain types of

exploratory activities. Geophysical exploration (without explosives)

may be conducted from September 1 through the end of February.

Exploration activities involving vehicle or mobile heavy equipment is

limited to travel and use on existing roads and trails. Variations

must specifically be approved in writing by the Boise District Manager,

2. No surface occupancy is allowed in the Crater Rings area.

3. Only seasonal occupancy from July 1 through March 14, annually, is

allowed In the long-billed curlew habitat area north of the IMD TA.

4. Surface disturbance and/or occupancy are prohibited within 330

feet each side of all historic trails in the lease area (Oregon Trail),

5. No occupancy or other activity on the surface of the Idaho

National Guard (IMD TA) impact zone (Map 8).

In addition to BLM stipulations, the Idaho National Guard (ING) has

requested that the following stipulations apply to all oil and gas leases

issued in the IMD TA:

1. The ING will be furnished with detailed plans for all exploration

and construction/operations activity planned by the lessee at least 60

days prior to its commencement.

2. Roads and trails in the area will remain open for use by the

National Guard.

3. No area fence closures will be built, other than around the

immediate vicinity of the construction/operation activity.

4. The Federal Government (all agencies), the State of Idaho, and the

ING will be immune from liability for any injuries or damage to

property resulting from the explosion of military ammunition and/or

explosives.

-38-

Part VIII: Ecosystem Monitoring, Research and Studies

Ecosystem Monitoring

Periodic monitoring of the raptors, their prey, habitat condition and land

uses is necessary to determine the stability of the raptor population in

the SRBOPA. Monitoring data help determine management actions necessary to

ensure perpetuation of these populations. A Monitoring Plan for the SRBOPA

was completed in February, 1985, to guide monitoring efforts for the area.

Three goals for monitoring in the SRBOPA are forth in the monitoring plan.

They are:

1) to detect environmental changes which may affect the

stability of raptor and prey populations;

2) to detect significant population changes of the major nesting

raptor species to alert managers of potential downward trends;

3) to record changes in prey, vegetation and human use in

relation to raptor population levels so managers can respond to

raptor population declines.

Monitoring efforts evaluate raptor populations, prey populations, habitat

conditions, the effects of fires and fire management and levels of

recreation, grazing, military and other resource uses. The frequency and

intensity of monitoring efforts vary according to what is being monitored

and the degree of monitoring needed to meet management needs.

Research and Studies

Research and management studies are conducted within the SRBOPA to address

management concerns related to existing and/or anticipated information

needs which cannot be met through monitoring. If existing information is

not sufficient to meet management needs, BLM will seek to obtain that

information by:

(1) conducting in-house research,

(2) contracting for such research,

(3) authorizing qualified non-BLM entities and/or persons to conduct

the needed research within the area or

(4) seeking outside funding as authorized in Section 307(c) of FLPMA.

-39-
At present, three areas for investigation of prey habitat condition have

been identified. They are:

1. The effects of fire, grazing, and range rehabilitation practices

on existing vegetation communities and how each affects prey habitat

values

2. Prey densities related to successional stages of vegetation within

each habitat type resulting from those practices;

3. Prey vulnerability to raptors in those successional stages.

The influence of human disturbance on raptor nesting success is also an

area being considered for further investigation, particularly because of

increasing visitations to the SRBOPA.

Research Coordination

The BLM recognizes that its statutory authority and responsibility is for

the management of public land wildlife habitat and not for the direct

welfare of the wildlife which inhabits it. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife

Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are directly responsible

for the animals themselves. To ensure that research activities are

consistent with the programs of all three agencies and of the greatest

wildlife management value possible, the Boise District has proposed

establishment of a research review committee. The committee would be made

up of representatives of these agencies and other appropriate

organizations, both public and private. This proposal is still in the

development stage but will continue to be pursued.

-40-


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ILLUSTRATION 1

PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

DEDICATION POINT INTERPRETATIVE SITE

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Schematic cross- section of the rock wall

-6-

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END ELEVATION END ELEVATION

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PLAN

ILLUSTRATION 4

EXAMPLE OF INTERPRETATIVE SIGNING THAT WOULD 3E INSTALLED ON THE ROCK WALL

AT DEDICATION POINT AND AT THE TOP OF THE SWAN FALLS GRADE

A display interpreting the features

of a broad visual panorama. The

broad terrace provides for general

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is included- Note the metal railing provided to help

in maintaining a visual perspective between the actual scene and the interpretive device-

ILLUSTRATION 5

EXAMPLE OF A PORTABLE KIOSK THAT COULD BE USED SEASONALLY AS A VISITOR

CONTACT POINT IN THE BIRDS OF PREY AREA

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The kiosk shown here serves a wide range of uses—a parking area office, ticket counter and information booth. The structure is economical ($2,000. in 1975 for materials alone), and can be moved with ease It is designed to be

weather resistant and comfortable.

Inside the kiosk has projecting counter units so that there is generous

internal storage capacity. The windows can be bolted in an open or closed

position and offer ample ventilation for hot days.

The projecting roof line and its internal air space provide protection and

insulation from the sun. The roof space can also accommodate concealed

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BLM Library

D-553A, Building 50

Denver Federal center

P. 0. Box 25047

Denver, CO 80225-0047