Appendix H 

Special Status Species List 

DEIS

July 2010
DEIS H-1 

Appendix H 

Special Status Species Identified for the Greater Natural Buttes Project Area 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

MAMMALS Big free-tailed bat 

Nyctinomops macrotis 

SPC; 

BLM 

This bat species occurs at lower elevations, in pinyon-juniper woodlands, arid grasslands, and semidesert shrublands. In Utah, specimens have been collected from six counties including Millard, San Juan, Utah, Washington, Wayne, and Grand counties. The big free-tailed bat inhabits rugged, rocky terrain and typically nests in rock crevices. 

Low. Potentially suitable habitat for this species is present within the GNBPA; however, this species has not been observed in Uintah County. 

Black-footed ferret 

Mustela nigripes FE This species inhabits semi-arid grasslands and 

mountain basins associated primarily with prairie dog colonies. It is usually a secretive species observed rarely except at night. The ferret is most likely solitary except during breeding season. The only known populations are in captivity or have been reintroduced. 

Present. In Utah, the distribution of this species is limited to a nonessential experimental population reintroduced into Coyote Basin in Uintah CountyAn unconfirmed observation was documented in Kennedy Wash within the GNBPA and individuahave been documented outside of the Primary Management Zone within the Uinta Basin. A credible sighting also occurred on Tribal lands west of Fantasy Canyon. The nearest colony within the Coyote Basin prairie dog complex is approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the GNBPASmall scattered white-tailed prairie dog colonies also are present within the GNBPA. 

Canada lynx Lynx canadensis FT This species primarily occurs in Douglas-fir, sprucefir, and subalpine forests at elevations above 7,800 

feet. The lynx uses large woody debris, such as downed logs and windfalls, to provide den sites for protection and thermal cover for kittens. 

None. If extant in Utah, this species most likely occurs in montane forests in the Uinta Mountains. Suitable habitats for this species are not present within the GNBPA. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-2 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

Fringed myotis Myotis 

thysanodes 

SPC; 

BLM 

The fringed myotis is known to occur in a wide range of habitats from low desert scrub to fir-pine associations, with oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands acting as the most used vegetative types. This species roosts in caves, mines, and buildings. Water courses and lowland riparian areas are very important to this species. Females are sensitive to any activity during mating and nesting, thus the low reproduction occurrence. A few scattered observations of this species have been documented in Uintah County. 

Moderate. Potentially suitable habitats for this species are present within the GNBPA. These habitats are limited and species occurrence is anticipated to be scattered. 

Spotted bat Euderma 

maculatum 

SPC; 

BLM 

Spotted bats are known to occur in montane forests, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and open semi-desert shrublands. Rocky cliffs are used for roosting habitat. This species occupies ponderosa pine woodlands in the reproductive season and lower elevations at other times of the year. Known to occur throughout Utah but have a low reproduction potential (1 offspring per year) and limited populations. 

Moderate. This species has been identified as occurring in Uintah County and potentially suitable habitat is present within the GNBPA. 

Townsend’s big-eared bat 

Plecotus

townsendii 

SPC; 

BLM 

This species occupies semi-desert shrublands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and open montane forests. The bat is frequently associated with caves and abandoned mines for day roosts but will also use abandoned buildings and rock crevices for refuge. 

Moderate. This species occurs throughout much oUtah and has been observed within Uintah CountyRelative to the GNBPA, one individual was collected north of the GNBPA at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge. Roosting habitat may be present in rock cliffs and caves found along the White River. 

White-tailed prairie dog 

Cynomys leucurus 

SPC; 

BLM 

In Utah, this species occurs predominantly in the Uinta Basin and the northern portion of the Colorado Plateau. Colonies occur primarily in basins, semidesert grasslands, and open shrublands. This species is distributed in relatively large, sparsely populated complexes and lives in loosely knit clans. 

Present. Small scattered colonies of prairie dogs have been observed within the GNBPA. These colonies are not associated with the Coyote Basin Black Footed Ferret Reintroduction complex. The closest colony related to the Coyote Basin Complex is approximately 1.5 miles northeast of the GNBPA. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-3 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

BIRDS American white pelican 

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 

SPC; 

BLM 

Utah represents a critical breeding region for this species. These social birds nest colonially in suitable areas. Nest sites usually occur on small islands with low gradient slopes. Utah’s only colony of breeding pelicans occurs at Gunnison Island on the north arm of the Great Salt Lake. 

Low. Suitable nesting and foraging habitats for this species are not present within the GNBPA. Occurrences within the GNBPA would be limited tloafing and migrating individuals. 

Bald eagle Haliaeetus 

leucocephalus 

SPC; 

BLM 

The breeding habitat of this species requires an adequate supply of fish and nearby nesting sites. This species may be sensitive to disturbance during the nesting period. It preferentially roosts in conifers or other sheltered sites in winter in some areas, typically selecting the larger, more accessible trees. 

High. This species is known to winter along the Green River, and occasionally the White River. However, no bald eagle nests or nesting attempts have been documented within the GNBPA. 

Bobolink Dolichonyx 

oryzivorus 

SPC; 

BLM 

This species inhabits mesic and irrigated meadows, riparian woodlands, and marshes at lower elevations (2,800 to 5,500 feet). Suitable breeding habitat for this ground nester includes tall grass, flooded meadows, prairies, and agricultural fields; forbs and perch sites also are required. 

Low. This species breeds in isolated areas of northern Utah. Habitat occurs in mid elevations of the Uinta Mountains and the Book Cliffs. Suitable 

habitat for this species is not present within the GNBPA. 

Burrowing owl Athene 

cunicularia 

SPC; 

BLM 

Habitat for the owl includes open grassland and prairies. This species nests in underground mammal burrows that are unoccupied and are often associated with prairie dog colonies. 

High. This species is known to occur within suitabhabitats (prairie dog colonies) north and south of the White River. 

Ferruginous hawk 

Buteo regalis SPC; 

BLM 

Habitat includes grasslands, agricultural lands, sagebrush/ saltbush/ greasewood shrub lands, and the periphery of pinyon-juniper woodlands. Nesting habitat includes trees, cliffs, and buttes. 

High. Suitable nesting and foraging habitat is present within the GNBPA; however, most nests occur north of the GNBPA boundary. No nests have been found within the GNBPA. 

Grasshopper sparrow 

Ammodramus savannarum 

SPC; 

BLM 

This species occurs in dry grasslands characterized by short to mid-height clumps of grass with few to no shrubs. The species is known to occur throughout most of the United States in summer, but is limited to the south and in Mexico during winter months. The main concentration of this species is located in the Great Plains from North Dakota south to northern Texas. The only known occurrences of this species inUtah are documented in the northernmost region of the state. 

Low. Once considered a historically abundant species, currently only a few known breeding sites have been documented in the grasslands onorthern Utah. Habitat for this species occurs in the grasslands of the Uinta Basin, although there have been no documented occurrences in the GNBPA. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-4 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

Greater sage -grouse 

Centrocercus urophasianus 

FC; 

BLM; 

SPC 

This species inhabits upland sagebrush grasslands, foothills, and mountain valleys. Breeding occurs on open leks (or strutting grounds) with nesting and brooding generally occurring within a 4-mile radius of the lek. Leks are used by grouse each breeding season. During the winter, sagebrush habitats at submontane elevations are commonly used. 

Present. Four leks are present within the GNBPA and one lek occurs approximately 1 mile south of the GNBPA boundary. Northeast and southern sections of the GNBPA include crucial nesting, brooding, and wintering habitat identified by the UDWR. 

Lewis’ woodpecker 

Melanerpes lewis 

SPC; 

BLM 

For this species, breeding habitat includes ponderosa pine and open riparian areas. Winter habitat includes open woodlands and lowland riparian areas. This species is a cavity nester and requires large open pine forests for foraging. Diet consists primarily of insect prey during breeding season and nuts and berries at other times of the year. 

Present. This species is occasionally found in the riparian habitats of the Uinta Basin and along the Duchesne River and Green River. This species has been documented in the GNBPA along portions of the White River and Green River. 

Long-billed curlew 

Numenius americanus 

SPC; 

BLM 

Habitat includes dry uncultivated rangelands and pastures near water. This species forages in moist meadow wetlands and upland habitats. 

High. This species is known to nest within the GNBPA. Habitat also occurs in the mid elevation of the Uinta Mountains and the Book Cliffs. 

Mexican spotted owl 

Strix occidentalis lucida 

FT Habitat includes mixed conifer forests and hardwood 

forests with canyons. This species also utilizes riparian areas. Nests are typically constructed in caves or erosions in steep wall canyons. This species exhibits a high level of nest site fidelity. In Utah, this species has been known to also inhabit dry canyons that lack a conifer component. The BLM Vernal Field Office utilizes a Mexican spotted owl habitat model that has been accepted by the USFWS. This habitat model includes unsuitable, poor, fair, and good habitats. Surveys have been conducted within the GNBPA; no Mexican spotted owls have been identified, and the habitat has all been downgraded to poor habitat. 

Low. No pairs are known to nest in the GNBPA. The habitat has been identified as poor within thGNBPA by the USFWS. Observations of three individuals have been documented in northeastern Utah since 1958, none of which have been observed to be nesting. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-5 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

Mountain Plover 

Charadrius montanus 

SPC; 

BLM 

In the Uinta Basin, small mountain plover populations breed in shrub-steppe habitat where vegetation is sparse and sagebrush communities are dominated by Artemesia spp. with components of black sage and grasses. Nest locations also vary with respect to topography (nests were located on flat, open ground; on the top or at the base of slopes; or very close to large rocky outcroppings). 

Low. This species is rare in the Uinta Basin, and the nearest known population is located on MytoBench, approximately 10 miles northwest of the GNBPA. Suitable habitats for this species are limited within the GNBPA and the grasshopper sparrow is not known to occur. 

Northern goshawk 

Accipiter gentilis CS This species inhabits mature mountain forest, 

mountain valley cottonwood, and mountain riparian zone habitats. Areas of potentially suitable nesting habitat consist of coniferous forest and mixed-aspen forest types. 

Low. No known nests have been documented in the GNBPA. One nest has been identified by the BLM approximately 25 miles northeast of the GNBPA. Potentially suitable habitat types, such as pinyon-juniper woodlands, are limited within the GNBPA. In Utah, this species is most commonly associated with Englemann spruce, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen. Populations have been identified in the mid-elevations of the 

Uinta Mountains and the Book Cliffs. 

Short-eared owl 

Asio flammeus SPC; 

BLM 

The short-eared owl is an open country, groundnesting species that occupies open habitats such as old fields, pastures, marshes, hay meadows, grassland, and tundra. 

High. This species is associated with grasslands that are limited within the GNBPA. It is likely that breeding or transient short-eared owls could occur within the GNBPA. 

Three-toed woodpecker 

Picoides tridactylus 

SPC; 

BLM 

This species can be found in coniferous forests, generally above 7,800 feet. Populations of woodpeckers mimic that of their main food source, the spruce bark beetle. This species must have an adequate supply of dead trees for foraging and nesting.

None. Suitable habitat is not present in the GNBPA. 

Western yellow-billed cuckoo 

Coccyzus americanus 

FC; 

BLM; 

SPC 

Nesting habitat for the cuckoo includes dense lowland riparian vegetation of regenerating canopy trees, willows, or other riparian shrubs that occur within 100 meters of water. The species nests from late May through July. 

Moderate. This species is limited to fragments of riparian habitat in northern Utah. Potential habitafor this species would be limited to the riparian corridors along the Green River and White River. 

AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES Corn snake Elaphe guttata SPC; 

BLM 

This snake occurs in a variety of habitats along stream courses, on rocky wooded hillsides, in canyons and arroyos, and in coniferous forests. 

Present. This species has been documented in thGNBPA and suitable habitat is present. 

Smooth Opheodrys SPC; Habitat for this snake includes mountain meadows, High. Presence has been identified within Uintah 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-6 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

greensnake vernalis BLM parks, semi-desert grasslands, marshes, wetlands, 

swamps, and river bottoms. 

County, and suitable habitat for this species is present within the GNBPA. 

Western (Boreal) Toad 

Bufo boreas SPC This species can be found in a variety of habitats 

including slow moving streams, wetlands, desert springs, ponds, lakes meadows, and woodlands at altitudes primarily between 8,000-11,500 feet. This species has been documented in 10 counties in Utah, but not in Uintah County. 

None. The GNBPA is below the elevation range of this species and the species is not known to occur in Uintah County. 

FISH Bluehead sucker 

Catostomus discobolus 

CS This species can be found in a variety of habitats, 

including fast flowing water in high gradient reaches of mountain rivers and turbid or muddy, sometimes alkaline, waters with vegetation absent or sparse. It is known to inhabit the Colorado River drainage. 

High. This species is known to occur in the Green River and White River within Uintah County. 

Bonytail Gila elegans FE The bonytail is found in main channels of large rivers 

generally associated with swift currents and water depths of 3-4 feet with a shifting sand bottom. It is known to occur within the Green River. 

High. This species occurs in the Green River; however, no populations have been found in the White River. 

Colorado pikeminnow 

Ptychocheilus lucius 

FE This species is endemic to the Colorado River system. 

It is a long distance migratory fish that requires pools, deep runs, and eddy habitats maintained by high spring flows. 

High. This species occurs in the Colorado River Basin. Populations have been documented in the White River. 

Colorado River cutthroat trout 

Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus 

CS This trout inhabits cool, clear water of high elevation 

streams and lakes. Most existing populations are limited to elevations above 7,000 feet. Presence is possible within Uintah County; mainly limited to the Green River. 

Low. Although this species is known to occur in thGreen River, it usually is observed above 7,000 feet. Elevations in the GNBPA are all below 7,000 feet. Furthermore, aquatic habitats within the GNBPA do not constitute preferred trout habitat. Studies in the White River have not found this species to be present. 

Flannelmouth sucker 

Catostomus latipinnis 

CS Adults live in pools of streams and large rivers. These 

water bodies have little to no vegetation, are clear to murky, and have slow to swift waters. The species is known to inhabit the Colorado River drainage. 

High. This species is known to occur within the Green and White River and has been identified as one of the most common fish species captured in the White River. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-7 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

Humpback chub 

Gila cypha FE This species is endemic to the Colorado River 

(including the Green River and White River) system within deep, swift-running rivers and canyon shaded environments. 

High. This species is known to occur downstream from the GNBPA in the Green River and upstream at the confluence of the Green and Yampa rivers. No populations have been found in the White River. 

Razorback sucker 

Xyrauchen texanus 

FE This species is endemic to large rivers of the Colorado 

River Basin, including the Green River and White River. Its habitat includes warm water reaches of large rivers in areas that include deep runs, eddies, backwaters, and flooded off channel environments. 

High. This species is known to occur in the Green River and White River within the GNBPA. 

Roundtail chub Gila robusta CS This species is found in main channels of large rivers 

and is most often found in murky pools near strong currents. It is known to occur in the Green River. 

High This species occurs in the Colorado River system including the Green and White rivers. 

PLANTS Alcove bogorchid Platanthera zothecina BLM This plant is endemic to Emery, Garfield, San Juan, Grand, and Uintah counties, Utah and Moffat County, 

Colorado. The orchid occurs in seeps, hanging gardens, and moist stream banks in mixed desert shrub, pinyon-juniper, and oak brush communities. Elevations range from 4,000 to 6,200 feet. 

None. Suitable habitat is not present within the GNBPA. 

Barneby ridgecress Lepidium barnebyanum FE Endemic to the Indian Canyon Drainage in Duchesne County, this species grows with mound-forming 

species in pinyon-juniper communities on white shale outcrops of the Uinta Formation. It occurs mainly on ridge crests at 6,200 to 6,500 feet elevation. 

Low. This species occurs on the Uinta Formation, which is found within the GNBPA. However, elevations within the GNBPA are lower than the known elevation ranges of this species. This species has not been observed in Uintah County. 

Clay reedmustard Schoenocrambe argillacea FT Endemic to the Book Cliffs in Uintah County, this plant occurs on shale substrates at the contact zone 

between the lower Uinta and upper Green River Formations in mixed desert shrub of Indian ricegrass and pygmy sagebrush between 4,800 and 5,600 feet elevation. 

Present. This species has been documented in thWillow Creek drainage in the southwest portion of the GNBPA. Suitable habitat for this species has been identified only in this location. 

Duchesne green-thread 

Thelesperma caespitosum 

BLM Endemic to Duchesne County, Utah, and Sweetwater 

County, Wyoming, this species grows on white shale slopes and ridges of the Green River Formation or in mountain shrub/pinyon-juniper communities of the Uinta Formation. It is found between 5,900 and 8,860 feet elevation. 

Low. This species has not been observed in UintaCounty. The known range of this species is west and outside of the GNBPA. 

Gibbens Penstemon BLM This species in found in Daggett County, Utah; None. This species is not known to occur within 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

 H-8 

beardtongue gibbensii Moffatt and Rio Blanco counties, Colorado; and 

Carbon and Sweetwater counties, Wyoming. It inhabits sandy or shaly (often Green River Shale) bluffs and slopes with juniper, thistle, Eriogonnum, Elymus, serviceberry, rabbitbrush, and Thermopsis. It 

is found at 5,500 to 6,400 feet elevation 

Uintah County. 

Goodrich’s blazingstar 

Mentzelia goodrichii 

BLM Goodrich’s blazingstar is endemic to southern 

Duchesne County along the escarpment of the Willow and Argyle canyons. It grows in steep, white, marly calciferous shale of the Green River Formation in scattered limber and pinyon pine, Douglas-fir, mountain mahogany, and rabbitbrush communities at 8,100 to 8,800 feet elevation. 

None. The known range of this species is west anoutside of the GNBPA and is found in higher elevations than those occurring in the GNBPA. 

Goodrich’s cleomella 

Cleomella palmeriana var.goodrichii 

BLM This species grows on eroded slopes of heavy clay in 

the Mancos, Tropic, and Morrison formations at 4,000 to 6,000 feet elevation within Uintah County. 

None. The species is known to occur in only one location in Uintah County, which is outside the GNBPA. The geologic formations associated with this species range occur north and outside of the GNBPA. 

Goodrich penstemon 

Penstemon goodrichii 

BLM This penstemon is endemic to the Uinta Basin at the 

Lapoint-Tridell-Whiterocks area. It grows on blue gray to reddish clay badlands of the Duchesne River Formation in shadscale and juniper/mountain mahogany communities from 5,600 to 6,200 feet elevation. 

None. The known range of the species is northweof the GNBPA. The GNBPA does not contain suitable habitat 

Graham’s beardtongue 

Penstemon grahamii 

BLM This species is endemic to Carbon, Duchesne, and 

Uintah counties within Utah. It grows in sparsely vegetated shadscale, Eriogonum, horsebrush, 

ryegrass, and pinyon-juniper communities on shale 

ledges and talus of the Green River Formation at approximately 4,600 feet. 

Moderate. Potential habitat may be present within the GNBPA. This species occurs in eastern Duchesne and Uintah counties. No known populations have been identified within the GNBPA. 

Hamilton milkvetch 

Astragalus hamiltonii 

BLM This species occurs on the Lapoint and Dry Gulch 

members of the Duchesne River Formation and the Dakota, Wasatch, and Mowery Shale formations in pinyon-juniper and desert shrub communities. It is found at elevations from 5,250 to 6,200 feet. 

None. The geological formations associated with this species do not occur in the GNBPA. Known occurrences are found north of the GNBPA. 

Huber’s pepperweed 

Lepidium huberi BLM This species is endemic to Uintah County. It grows in 

black sagebrush, mountain brush, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and spruce-fir communities, and in 

Low. This species is known to occur north of the GNBPA in the Uinta Mountains and has the potential to occur south of the GNBPA in the Book 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-9 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

sand or silty sands derived from the Shinarump Member of the Chinle, Park City, and Webber Sandstones. It is found from 5,000 to 9,700 feet elevation. 

Cliffs. Areas of potential habitat are limited in the GNBPA, and known locations of the species are found at higher elevations than those present in thGNBPA. 

Ownbey thistle Cirsium ownbeyi BLM This species is endemic to the east flank of the Uinta 

Mountains in Daggett County and northern Uintah County. It grows in sagebrush, juniper, and riparian communities between 5,500 and 6,200 feet. This species is often associated with alcove seeps and abandoned stream channels. 

Low. The GNBPA is outside of the known range fothis species. Known locations of this species are found north of the GNBPA in Brown’s Park, Diamond Mountain, and Cliff Ridge. 

Pariette cactus Sclerocactus 

brevispinus 

BLM This cactus occurs in Duchesne and Uintah counties. 

 It grows in saline and alkaline soils in clay badlands. 

Low. This species has not been documented in thGNBPA and is not known to occur east of the Green River. USFWS has confirmed that this species is not present in GNBPA. 

Park rockcress Arabis 

fernaldiana var. fernaldiana

BLM This species is endemic to Uintah County, Utah. It 

grows in mixed desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities in limestone and sandstone outcrops (Weber Formation) at 5,000 to 6,000 feet. It is found in Dinosaur National Monument, on Diamond Mountain, and on Cliff Ridge. 

None. The geologic formations associated with thispecies are not present in the GNBPA. This species has a limited distribution, and the known occurrences are found northeast of the GNBPA. 

Rock hymenoxys 

Hymenoxys lapidicola 

BLM This species is endemic to Uintah County. It occurs 

on rock crevices in the ponderosa pine-manzanita and pinyon-juniper communities between 6,000 and 8,100 feet elevation. 

None. There is no potential habitat for this species in the GNBPA. Most of the GNBPA is below the elevation range for the species. 

Shrubby reedmustard Schoenocrambe suffrutescens FE This species is endemic to Duchesne and Uintah counties. It grows in shadscale, pygmy sagebrush, 

mountain mahogany, juniper, and other mixed desert shrub communities in calcareous shale of the Evacuation Creek member of the Green River Shale Formation at 5,400 to 6,000 feet elevation. 

Low. This species is found on the Evacuation Creek member of the Green River Shale Formation, which is outside of the GNBPA. It is known to occur in the Hill Creek drainage, Willow Creek drainage, and Badland Cliffs. 

Stemless beardtongue 

Penstemon acaulis 

BLM This species is endemic to Daggett County, Utah, and 

Sweetwater County, Wyoming. It occupies habitat of pinyon-juniper and sagebrush-grass communities on semi-barren substrates between 5,840 to 7,285 feet elevation. 

None. This species is not known to occur within Uintah County. The known occurrences in Utah arlocated north of the GNBPA in Brown’s Park. 

Uinta Basin hookless cactus 

Sclerocactus wetlandicus 

FT This species occurs in Carbon, Duchesne, and Uintah 

counties. It grows on gravelly hills and terraces in salt desert shrub, pinyon-juniper communities on river 

Present. This species is known to occur extensively in the GNBPA. 
Appendix H (Continued) 

DEIS H-10 

Common 

Name Scientific Name Status* Habitat Association 

Potential for Occurrence Within the Proposed 

Project and Cumulative Effects Area 

benches, valley slopes, and rolling hills of the Duchesne River, Green River, and Mancos Formations between 4,500 to 6,600 feet elevation. The taxonomy changed from S. glaucus wetlandicus to S. wetlandicus

on September 18, 2007, by USFWS. 

Untermann daisy 

Erigeron untermannii 

BLM This species is endemic to Duchesne County. It is 

confined to pinyon-juniper, mountain mahogany, limber and bristlecone pine, and sagebrush communities on calcareous shale, sandstones, and siltstone of the Uinta and Green River formations at elevations from 7,000 to 9,400 feet elevation. 

None. This species is endemic to the West Tavaputs Plateau, which is outside the GNBPA. It also occurs at higher elevations than those found in the GNBPA. 

Ute ladies’-tresses 

Spiranthes diluvialis 

FT This species occurs in wet meadows, stream banks, 

abandoned oxbows, marshes, and sub-irrigated floodplain habitats at 4,500 to 6,800 feet elevation. 

Low. Within the Uinta Basin, this species occurs along the Green River in Brown’s Park (Utah and Colorado), Dinosaur National Monument, and near the confluence with the Yampa River. The species also occurs on Ashley Creek, within Ashley Valley, along Big Bruch Creek, the upper Duchesne River, and tributaries to the Duchesne River. This species has not been documented in the GNBPA. 

White River beardtongue 

Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis 

FC This species occurs in Uintah County and is found in 

shadscale, rabbitbrush, ricegrass, ryegrass, sagebrush, Barneby’s thistle, and pinyon-juniper communities. It occupies sparsely vegetated tan shale slopes of the Green River Formation at 5,000 to 6,880 feet elevation. 

Low. This species is found along the White River west of the Flat Tops area of Western Colorado and into eastern Utah. Known locations for this species are found east of the GNBPA on surficiaoutcrops of oil shale in southern Uintah County and southeast Duchesne County. This species has not been documented in the GNBPA. 

FE = Federally listed as endangered.  FT = Federally listed as threatened.  FC = Federal candidate.  CS = Species Receiving special management under a Conservation Agreement in order to preclude the need for a federal listing. 

 BLM = BLM Sensitive Species  SPC = Wildlife species of concern. *Status was derived using the USFWS List by County (USFWS 2007b), the UDWR Utah Sensitive Species List (UDWR 2006b), and the BLM sensitive plant list species lis
Appendix I 

Migratory Bird Species List 

DEIS

July 2010
Appendix I 

Migratory Bird Species on the USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern List, 

State of Utah Special Status Species List, and the 

Partners in Flight High Priority Bird Species List Found within the GNBPA 

Common Name Scientific Name 

USFWS Birds of 

Conservation 

Concern 

State of Utah 

Special Status 

Species 

Partners in 

Flight HighPriority Bird 

Species 

Primary 

Breeding 

Habitat 

Secondary 

Breeding Habitat 

Winter 

Habitat 

American avocet Recurvirostra 

americana 

X X Wetland Playa Migrant 

American white 

pelican 

Pelecanus 

erythrohychos 

X X Water Wetland Migrant 

American bittern Botaurus 

lentiginosus 

X Wetland Wet meadow Migrant 

Bald eagle Haliaeetus 

leucocephalus 

X Riparian Agriculture Riparian 

Burrowing owl Speotyto cunicularia X X Grassland Shrub-steppe Migrant 

Black-necked stilt Himantopus 

mexicanus 

X Wetland Playa Migrant 

Black-throated grey 

warbler 

Dendroica 

nigrescens 

X PinyonJuniper Mountain Shrub Migrant 

Bobolink Dolichonyx 

oryzivorus 

X X Wet Meadow Agriculture Migrant 

Brewer’s sparrow Spizella breweri X X Shrub-Steppe High Desert Scrub Migrant 

Broad-tailed 

hummingbird 

Selasphorus 

platycercus 

X Lowland 

Riparian 

Mountain Riparian Migrant 

Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis X X X PinyonJuniper Shrub-Steppe Grassland 

Flammulated owl Otus flammeolus X Ponderosa 

Pine 

Sub-Alpine Conifer Migrant 

Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos X Cliff High Desert Scrub High Desert 

Scrub 

Gray vireo Vireo vicinior X X PinyonJuniper Northern Oak Migrant 

Greater sagegrouse Centrocercus 

urophasianus 

X X Shrub-Steppe Shrub-Steppe Shrub-Steppe

Juniper titmouse Baeolophus ridgwayi X PinyonJuniper Northern Oak Migrant 

Lewis’ woodpecker Melanerpes lewis X X X Ponderosa 

Pine 

Lowland Riparian Northern Oak

Long-billed curlew Numenius 

americanus 

X X X Grassland Agriculture Migrant 

Mountain plover Charadrius 

montanus 

X X X High Desert 

Scrub 

High Desert Scrub Migrant 

Northern harrier Circus cyaneus X Wet Meadow High Desert Scrub Agriculture 

Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus X Cliff Lowland Riparian Wetland 

Pinyon jay Gymnorhinus 

cyanocephalus 

X PinyonJuniper Ponderosa Pine PinyonJuniper 

Prairie falcon Falco mexicanus X Cliff High Desert Scrub Agriculture 

Sage sparrow Amphispiza belli X X Shrub-Steppe High Desert Scrub Low Desert 

Scrub 

Snowy plover Charadrius 

alexandrius 

X Playa Playa Migrant 

Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsoni X X Agriculture Aspen Migrant 

Virginia’s warbler Vermivora virginiae X X Northern Oak Pinyon-Juniper Migrant 

Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii X Riparian Wetland Migrant 

Yellow-billed 

cuckoo 

Coccyzus 

americanus 

X X X Lowland 

Riparian 

Agriculture Migrant 

Source: BLM 2008b; USFWS 2008c, 2002a. 

DEIS I-1 July 2010
Appendix J 

Integrated Weed Management Plan 

DEIS

July 2010
Appendix J 

Greater Natural Buttes 

Integrated Weed Management Plan 

Kerr-McGee Oil and Gas Onshore 

Uintah County, Utah 

Introduction

Kerr-McGee Oil and Gas Onshore LP (KMG) proposes to develop an infill drilling project (the Proposed 

project) in the Greater Natural Buttes Project Area (GNBPA). The Proposed project involves the large scale 

construction and development of natural gas wells, pipelines, electric power lines, compression facilities, 

access roads and water disposal facilities over approximately 162,911 acres within Uintah County, Utah. 

The Proposed project is located on lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vernal Field 

Office, State of Utah lands, the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, and private lands. At the request of the BLM 

this Integrated Weed Management Plan (IWMP) has been developed to discuss the methods that will be 

used to identify and control noxious weed populations for the Proposed Project in the GNBPA. 

Project Area Description

The GNBPA is located entirely within the Uinta Basin floristic region as defined by the Eastern Tavaputs 

Plateau. The Proposed project is located within the Uintah Basin Floor Ecoregion of the Colorado Plateau. 

This ecoregion lies in a large synclinal basin that is enclosed by the Uinta Mountains and the Tavaputs 

Plateau (Woods et al. 2001). Because of the basin’s topographic position, precipitation is low and soils are 

arid. Vegetation communities in the area include salt desert shrublands, sagebrush shrublands, piñonjuniper woodlands, cliff and canyon areas, grasslands, agricultural fields, and riparian areas. Common 

species include greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) Indian ricegrass (Stipa hymenoides), galleta (Hilaria 

jamesii.), Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata var. Wyomingensis), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex 

canescens), winterfat (Ceratoides lanata), needle-and- thread grass (Stipa comata), and black sagebrush 

(Artemesia nova). Riparian areas are present within the Project along the White River corridor and are 

comprised of cottonwood (Populus spp.) and willows (Salix exigua) (Woods et al. 2001). 

Noxious Weeds

Noxious weeds and other invasive plants are non-native, undesirable native, or introduced species that are 

able to outcompete desired native species and thereby decrease overall species diversity. Noxious weeds 

often invade and persist in areas after disturbance. They are most prevalent in areas of prior surface 

disturbance, such as agricultural areas, roadsides, existing utility rights-of-way (ROWs), and wildlife 

concentration areas. 

Noxious weeds have become a growing concern in the western U.S. based on their ability to increase in 

cover relative to surrounding vegetation and exclude native plants from an area. The spread of noxious 

weeds has resulted in substantial economic impacts on some sectors of the State of Utah. As a result, the 

State has enacted laws requiring the control of noxious weed species (Utah State Legislature 2007). A 

"noxious weed" is defined as any plant Commissioner of Agriculture and Food determines to be especially 

injurious to public health, crops, livestock, land, or other property per the Utah Noxious Weed Act (Utah 

State Legislature 2007). There are three classes (A, B, and C) of noxious weeds on the Utah Noxious Weed 

List based on the level of control required, with Class A species of highest priority for control. In addition to 

the Utah State list, Uintah County and the BLM have identified noxious weed species of concern to Uintah 

County. Attached in Table 1 is a list of Utah, Uintah County, and BLM Vernal Field Office noxious/species 

of concern. 

DEIS July 2010 J-1
With the development of natural gas in the Greater Natural Buttes Project Area and associated land 

disturbance, it is the Company’s goal to minimize its impact on the current plant community and to make 

every effort to put into place this IWMP in order to respond to or prevent any noxious weed or weed of 

concern problems within the project area. 

Noxious Weed Control

The Company will use an integrated approach to control known noxious weeds or weeds of concern 

throughout construction, production, and reclamation of the GNBPA. Weed species, location, landscape, 

and soils will all be considered when determining the best method of control. Timing is key in achieving 

noxious weed control, and all activities will be performed before seed set. The surrounding vegetation and 

land use also will be considered when using a combination of the following methods: 

Education: 

• The Company will provide periodic weed education and awareness programs for its employees and 

contractors through the county weed districts, state and federal agencies and educational 

institutions. 

• Employees and contractors will be encouraged to report any new noxious weed infestations to the 

company representative responsible for weed management. 

• Field employees and contractors will be notified of known noxious weeds or weeds of concern in 

the project area. In areas where noxious weeds or weeds of concern are identified in the project 

area, control methods will be employed including avoidance of these areas when possible.

Cultural: 

• Areas of disturbance will be promptly re-seeded with a certified weed free seed mixture approved 

by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or surface owner. 

• Reclamation of disturbed sites will occur to assist in preventing the spread and establishment of 

invasive species that may be present in nearby areas. 

• Certified weed-free mulch, gravel, sand, fill, borrow, erosion control materials, and seed mixes will 

be used in necessary locations. 

• Vehicles and equipment may require cleaning or washing down before leaving or entering areas of 

known noxious weed infestations. 

• Staging areas for equipment and materials will be in weed free areas 

• Travel through weed infested areas shall be avoided or minimized 

• Surface disturbance will be minimized to the extent consistent with the Company’s right to 

economically develop its mineral resources. 

Physical: 

• In newly reseeded areas, mowing will be considered during the first season of establishment, prior 

to seed formation of weeds of concern. 

• Hand pulling of weeds will be considered for small or new infestations. 

Biological: 

• Domestic animals or Approved biological agents may be used in areas most suited for this type of 

control, taking into consideration species, desired results, and management needs. 

DEIS July 2010 J-2
• On BLM surface a Biological Control Agent Release Proposal would be submitted and approval 

obtained before the release of any biological control agents. 

Chemical: 

• The use of herbicides to control noxious weeds has been found to be very effective and feasible. 

Herbicides used will be specific for target species and location, and label instructions will be 

followed in order to obtain desired control for identified species. 

• Application of herbicides will only be done by a commercially licensed applicator following all 

applicable state and federal laws regarding chemical use, adverse weather, chemical storage, and 

chemical drift. 

• Only herbicides approved for application on BLM administered lands will be used. 

• Control/treatment of noxious weeds/weeds of concern on private surface will be done in accordance 

with the Surface Use Agreement. 

• Prior to spraying on BLM-managed lands, KMG will submit to the BLM a Pesticide Use Proposal 

(PUP) (Attachment A). Within 24 hours of application, a pesticide application report will be filled 

out. The pesticide application report will be submitted to the BLM by December 1st of each year. 

Examples of forms and guidelines are included in Attachment A. 

Threatened and Endangered Species, Sensitive Areas 

Commercial herbicide applicators will be made aware of local threatened and endangered species through 

the use of maps in order to avoid an improper herbicide application. Herbicide-free buffer zones around 

threatened and endangered species habitat will be adhered to: 

• 100 feet for Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus), and 

• 300 feet for Clay Reed-Mustard (Schoencrambe argillacea). 

Regarding riparian and other sensitive areas, Herbicide-free buffer zones around riparian area will be 

adhered to (for non-aquatic herbicides): 

• 100 feet for aerial, 

• 25 feet for vehicle, and 

• 10 feet for hand spray applications. 

Monitoring and Maintenance

Starting with pre-construction and continuing through the lifetime of the project until final reclamation is 

achieved, KMG will conduct annual monitoring and control of the disturbance and areas within 100 feet of 

disturbances. Monitoring data collected will include the noxious weed species, their location, the extent of 

infestation, and results of previous control measures implemented. Throughout the life of the project, KMG 

will work cooperatively with the local weed and pest district in order to properly manage noxious and 

invasive weeds in the GNBPA. 

References

Woods, A. J., D. A. Lammers, S. A. Bryce, J. M. Omernik, R. L. Denton, M. Domeier, M., and J. A. 

Comstock. 2001. Ecoregions of Utah (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables, 

and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,175,000).

DEIS July 2010 J-3
Table 1 Noxious and Invasive Weeds Potentially Occurring in the GNBPA 

Common Name1 Scientific Name1

State of Utah 

Noxious 

Weed List2

Uintah County 

Noxious Weed 

List3

BLM Vernal Field 

Office Other 

Invasive Species 

of Concern4

Velvetleaf Abutilon theophrasti -- -- X 

Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens X X X 

Jointed goatgrass Aegilops cylindrical -- -- X 

Common burdock Arctinum minus -- -- X 

Downy brome Bromus tectorum -- -- X 

Whitetop Cardaria draba X X X 

Plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides -- -- X 

Nodding plumeless thistle Carduus nutans X X X 

Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa X X X 

Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa X X X 

Meadow knapweed Centaurea pratensis -- -- X 

Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis X X X 

Squarrose knapweed Centaurea virgata ssp. squarrosa X X -- 

Oxeye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum X -- X 

Chicory Cichorium intybus -- -- X 

Canada thistle Cirsium arvense X X X 

Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare -- -- X 

Poison hemlock Conium maculatum X -- X 

Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis X X X 

Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon X X -- 

Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale X -- X 

Common teasel Dipsacus fullonum -- -- X 

Russian olive Elaeangus angustifolia -- X X 

Quackgrass Elymus repens X X -- 

Redstem filaree Erodium cicutarium -- -- X 

Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula X X X 

Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus -- -- X 

Venice mallow Hibiscus trionum -- -- X 

Black henbane Hyoscyamus niger X -- X 

Dyers woad Isatis tinctoria X X -- 

Perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium X X X 

Dalmation toadflax Linaria dalmatica X -- X 

Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris X -- X 

Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria X X -- 

Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium X X X 

Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta X -- X 

Perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis -- -- X 

Perennial sorghum Sorghum almum5 X X -- 

Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense X X -- 

DEIS July 2010 J-4
DEIS July 2010 J-5

Table 1 Noxious and Invasive Weeds Potentially Occurring in the GNBPA 

Common Name1 Scientific Name1

State of Utah 

Noxious 

Weed List2

Uintah County 

Noxious Weed 

List3

BLM Vernal Field 

Office Other 

Invasive Species 

of Concern4

Medusahead Taeniatherum caput-medusae X X -- 

Saltcedar Tamarix ramosissima X X X 

Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare -- -- X 

Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris -- -- X 

Common mullein Verbascum thapsus -- -- X 

-- = Species not classified as noxious or invasive per the cooperating agency. 

1

 Species nomenclature is consistent with the NRCS Plants Database (NRCS 2008a). 2

 Officially designated and published as “noxious” for the State of Utah (Utah State Legislature 2007; Utah Administrative Code 2008a). All 

property owners and custodians of public land are required by Law (4-17-7) to control weeds on lands under their jurisdiction. 

3

 Designated as “noxious” in Uintah County (Uintah County Weed Department 2008). 

4

 Species designated as a priority species per the BLM Vernal RMP (2008b) including species known to occur in Rio Blanco County,

Colorado (abutting Uintah County, Utah). 

5

 Species designated as a noxious weed species per the State of Utah; however, this species is not designated as a noxious weed species 

per the Utah Weed Control Association (2008). 
Appendix K 

Range Improvement Specifications and Design Drawings 

DEIS

July 2010
Appendix K 

Bureau of Land Management – Vernal Field Office 

Range Improvement Specifications and Design Drawings 

Range Improvements 

Through the authority of 43 CFR 3101.1-2, no roads, well pads, or pipelines will be placed within 

200 meters of existing livestock water sources/systems, corrals, rain gauges, or vegetation studies. If it is 

determined that there is no means to avoid the existing range facilities, replacement will be required of 

the proponent. 

The operator will repair or replace any fences, cattleguards, gates, drift fences, and natural barriers that 

are damaged as a result of the proposed project. Cattleguards or gates will be installed for livestock 

control on road rights-of-way (ROWs) when fences are crossed, and these structures will be maintained 

for the life of the project. See attached Cattle Guard and Gate Specifications and drawings. 

Cattleguards 

Each existing fence to be crossed by an access road will be braced and tied off before cutting the wire. In 

order to reduce the need for maintenance and increase the life of the fence, the braces will be of steel 

pipe with a minimum outside diameter (od) of 2 7/8 inches. The braces will consist of three steel posts 

and two steel top rail-braces. The brace posts will be cemented in the ground at a minimum of 3 feet deep 

and welded with a 2 7/8 inch top rail. Any open ends will be capped. The height of the brace posts will be 

at 40 inches from the ground to the top of the brace. A 16 foot steel frame gate (see attached Steel Gate 

drawing) will be welded to the fence brace post adjacent to the cattleguard. The ease of opening and 

closing a steel gate as opposed to a wire type gate increases the likelihood that the gate will be closed 

after someone goes through it. A cattleguard (see attached Cattle Guard drawings) will be installed on 

pre-cast concrete bases. The wings to the cattleguard will be attached to a stand-alone green treated 

wood post or steel pipe (minimum 5 inch diameter). The fencing, braces, gate, cattleguard, and bases will 

follow the attached BLM specifications and drawings. The entity in charge of the road’s maintenance 

(company or county) will assume the maintenance of all such cattleguards. 

Pipelines 

Each existing fence to be crossed by a pipeline shall be braced using a Type I end panel (see attached 

Barbed Wire Fence drawing) and tied off on each side of the proposed gate before cutting the wire. The 

braces will be set posts and brace posts of green treated wood, a minimum of 5 inches by 7 feet. The 

braces will consist of three set posts and two braces placed on each side of the opening. The set posts 

will be in the ground a minimum of 2 feet deep. The height of the brace posts, from the ground to the top 

of the brace, will be at 40 inches. A 16 foot wire type gate will be attached to the fence brace post. The 

gate will be closed when there is no construction through the gate. When the pipeline construction is 

completed the gate will be wired permanently shut. 

No pipeline will be placed on top of the ground, buried within the gate opening next to a cattleguard, or 

within the cattleguard. The gate is used for passage of livestock, traffic, and machinery that is excluded 

from travel over a cattleguard. Surface or buried pipelines must be put outside the tie-off bracing on each 

side of the fence. 

DEIS K-1 July 2010 
July 2010

Cattle Guard and Gate Specifications
 

The company shall: 

General Construction Specifications:
 

If the road is a county road the company shall work through the county to install and 

maintain cattle guards. 

If the road is a BLM road the company shall work through the BLM to install and 

maintain cattle guards. 

The company shall be responsible for the purchase of all materials (including gates and 

cattle guards), the costs of labor, and equipment required for construction and 

maintenance of the cattle guards, gates, fence bracing and tie offs. 

The fencing, cattle guards, bases, gates, and tie off bracing shall be constructed and 

maintained to the original BLM specifications and drawings below. 

The cattle guard and accompanying gate shall be installed at the time of the access road 

upgrade or at the time of pad construction. 

No blading, dozing, or scraping of the ground along the fence line on any Bureau of 

Land Management administered land is permitted. 

In the event that the company sells or transfers the lease or wells the road is servicing to 

another company the responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the cattle guards 

and associated gates shall transfer to the new company. 

Extra fencing materials and trash shall be removed from the allotment and disposed of 

properly. 

Fence Tie-off and Bracing Specifications: 

Each existing fence to be crossed by an access road shall be braced and tied off before 

cutting the wire. 

Fence braces shall be constructed using the END PANEL – TYPE I style shown in the 

attached drawings. 

The fence braces shall be a minimum of 2 7/8 or 2 3/8 inch outside diameter (od) steel 

pipe, in order to reduce the need for maintenance and to increase the life of the fence. 

The fence braces shall consist of 3 steel posts and 2 top rail braces. 

The fence brace posts shall be cemented in the ground at a minimum of at least 3 feet 

deep, and welded with a 2 7/8 or 2 3/8 inch od top rail. Any open pipe ends shall be 

capped. 

The height of the brace posts shall be at least 40 inches from the ground to the top of the 

brace. 

Cattle Guard Specifications: 

Cattle guards shall be placed on existing roads and new roads. 

Cattle guards must be a minimum of 16 feet x 8 feet wide. It must be installed in such a 

way to support oil field size machinery and the anticipated amount of increased traffic. 

DEIS K-2
A cattle guard (see attached specifications) shall be installed on pre-cast concrete bases. 

The wings to the cattle guard shall be attached to a stand-alone green treated wood post 

or steel pipe (minimum 5” diameter). See photos.

Next to each cattle guard shall be a 16 foot wide gate, which shall be a tubular steel gate. 

The gate shall be hung from the end post in the tie off bracing not on the same post at the 

cattle guard wing post. See photos. 

Additional modifications to cattle guards shall be required in areas that have wild horses 

or herd managements areas. The addition of rebar welded between the rails to prevent 

horses’ legs from becoming caught in the cattle guard. See drawing below. 

Gate Specifications: 

A 16’ steel frame “powder river” gate (see attached specifications) will be welded to the 

fence brace post adjacent to the cattle guard. The steel gate increases the likelihood of the 

gate being closed after someone goes through it due to the ease of opening and closing 

the steel gate as opposed to the wire type gates. 

The gate shall be hung flush on one side of the brace post so that the hinges allow the 

gate to swing completely open and lay flush up against the fence when open. See photo. 

The gate shall be kept closed at all times except during actual pass through. The gate 

shall have a latch or chain to keep it closed, it shall not be locked. The chain shall be 

welded or attached to the gate to prevent lose. 

Fence Specifications: (If adjacent sections of the fence need repair) 

Four strand wire fence. See Barbed Wire Fence (4 – Wire) drawing. Use end panel-type 

I. This fence shall be grounded, see section on Grounding Wire Fences below. 

Bottom wire 16” from the ground made of smooth wire.

The second wire from the bottom shall be barbed wire and 22” from the ground.

The third wire from the bottom shall be barbed wire and 28” from the ground.

The top wire is barbed wire and shall be 40” from the ground.

16 foot spacing between posts with at least two wooden or metal fence stays in between 

posts. 

Steel posts may be used but every fifth post should be wooden. Steel drill pipe may be 

substituted for wooden posts, especially for braces and gate posts. 

Pipelines and Cattle guards: 

No pipeline will be allowed to be placed either on top of the ground or buried within the 

gate opening next to a cattle guard or within the cattle guard. The gate is used for livestock 

traffic and machinery that is excluded from travel over a cattle guard. Surface or buried 

pipelines must be put outside of the tie-off bracing on each side of the fence. 

Grounding Wire Fences: 

Installation of a grounding device on wire fences is required on fences constructed under a 

high voltage power line, especially if only wood posts are used. Steel posts may be poor 

DEIS K-3 July 2010
July 2010

grounding devices, unless they penetrate to a depth that assures permanent contact with 

moisture. At a minimum grounding shall be done at all gates and places where the fence 

crosses under the power line. The company shall contact the owner of the power lines 

(Moon Lake Electric Association of Roosevelt Utah or other owner), for specific 

grounding instructions. 

Existing Range Facilities: 

No roads, well pads, or pipelines will be placed within 200 meters of existing facilities 

such as springs, livestock/wildlife water sources/systems, corrals, rain gauges, or 

vegetation studies, etcetera. If it is determined that there is no means to avoid the existing 

range facilities, mitigation to replace these will be required of the proponent (43 CFR 

3101.1-2). 

Maintenance: 

Maintenance of the cattle guards will follow the original design specifications and be 

completed in a timely manner to assure that the cattle guards are kept up to the original 

standard in order to achieve the anticipated (reasonable) life expectancy. Maintenance 

must stay within the original area of disturbance. If any failure to provide maintenance, 

results in a shortened life expectancy, replacement costs will be the company’s

responsibility. 

DEIS K-4
July 2010

END PANEL – TYPE I 

Use this style 

DEIS K-5
STEEL FRAME GATE – Use this style 

DEIS K-6 July 2010
DEIS K-7 July 2010
DEIS K-8 July 2010
July 2010

MODIFICATION FOR WILD HORSES 

DEIS K-9
DEIS K-10 July 2010
 

8’
 

 

 

July 2010

Cattle Guard Specification Drawings and Photo: 

Single width 16’ or
 

Double width 24’ / 28’ / 32’
 

DEIS K-11
 

 

An example of concrete bases with cattle guard. *Drawings and photo taken from Big R 

Manufacturing Catalog. 

The addition of rebar welded between the rails to prevent horses’ legs from becoming caught in 

the cattle guard. 

DEIS K-12 July 2010
Detail A from above drawing. 

DEIS K-13 July 2010
DEIS K-14 July 2010
The gate shall be hung flush on one side of the brace post so that the hinges allow the 

gate to swing completely open and lay flush up against the fence when open. The chain 

shall be welded or attached to the gate. 

DEIS K-15 July 2010
Appendix L 

BLM and USFWS Clay Reed-mustard and Uinta Basin Hookless 

Cactus Conservation Measures 

DEIS

July 2010
DEIS L-1 July 2010

 

Appendix L 

BLM and USFWS Clay Reed-mustard and 

Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus Conservation Measures 

Clay reed-mustard (Schoencrambe argillacea) 

In order to minimize effects to the federally threatened clay reed-mustard, the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) developed the following avoidance 

and minimization measures. Integration of and adherence to these measures will help ensure the activities 

carried out during oil and gas development (including but not limited to drilling, production, and 

maintenance) are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The following avoidance and 

minimization measures should be included in the Plan of Development: 

1. Pre-project habitat assessments will be completed across 100 percent of the project disturbance 

area within potential habitat1

 prior to any ground disturbing activities to determine if suitable clay 

reed-mustard habitat is present. 

2. Site inventories will be conducted within suitable habitat2

 to determine occupancy. Where standard 

surveys are technically infeasible and otherwise hazardous due to topography, slope, etc., suitable 

habitat will be assessed and mapped for avoidance (hereafter, “avoidance areas”); in such cases, in 

general, 300-foot buffers will be maintained between surface disturbance and avoidance areas. 

However, site-specific distances will need to be approved by the USFWS and the BLM when 

disturbance will occur upslope of habitat. Where conditions allow, inventories: 

a. Must be conducted by qualified individual(s) and according to the BLM and the USFWS 

accepted survey protocols; 

b. Will be conducted in suitable and occupied3

 habitat for all areas proposed for surface 

disturbance prior to initiation of project activities and within the same growing season, at a 

time when the plant can be detected (usually May 1 to June 5, in the Uinta Basin; however, 

surveyors should verify that the plant is flowering by contacting a BLM or USFWS botanist 

or demonstrating that the nearest known population is in flower); 

c. Will occur within 300 feet from the centerline of the proposed right-of-way for surface 

pipelines or roads; and within 300 feet from the perimeter of disturbance for the proposed 

well pad including the well pad; 

d. Will include, but not be limited to, plant species lists and habitat characteristics; and 

e. Will be valid until May 1 the following year. 

3. Design project infrastructure to minimize impacts within suitable habitat2

: 

a. Where standard surveys are technically infeasible, infrastructure and activities will avoid all 

suitable habitat (avoidance areas) and incorporate 300-foot buffers, in general; however, 

site-specific distances will need to be approved by the USFWS and the BLM when 

disturbance will occur upslope of habitat; 

b. Reduce well pad size to the minimum needed, without compromising safety; 

1

 Potential habitat is defined as areas that satisfy the broad criteria of the species habitat description; usually determined by 

preliminary, in-house assessment. 2

 Suitable habitat is defined as areas that contain or exhibit the specific components or constituents necessary for plant persistence; 

determined by field inspection and/or surveys; may or may not contain clay reed-mustard; habitat descriptions can be found in 

Federal Register Notice and species recovery plan links at <http://www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html>. 3

 Occupied habitat is defined as areas currently or historically known to support clay reed-mustard; synonymous with “known habitat.” 
DEIS L-2 July 2010

c. Limit new access routes created by the project; 

d. Roads and utilities should share common rights-of-way where possible; 

e. Reduce the width of rights-of-way and minimize the depth of excavation needed for the road 

bed; where feasible, use the natural ground surface for the road within habitat; 

f. Place signing to limit off-road travel in sensitive areas; and 

g. Stay on designated routes and other cleared/approved areas. 

4. Within occupied habitat,3

 project infrastructure will be designed to avoid direct disturbance and 

minimize indirect impacts to populations and to individual plants: 

a. Where standard surveys are technically infeasible, infrastructure and activities will avoid all 

suitable habitat (avoidance areas) and incorporate 300-foot buffers, in general; however, 

site-specific distances will need to be approved by the USFWS and the BLM when 

disturbance will occur upslope of habitat; 

b. Follow the above recommendations (#3) for project design within suitable habitats; 

c. To avoid water flow and/or sedimentation into occupied habitat and avoidance areas, silt 

fences, hay bales, and similar structures or practices will be incorporated into the project 

design; appropriate placement of fill is encouraged; 

d. Construction of roads will occur such that the edge of the right-of-way is at least 300 feet 

from any plant and 300 feet from avoidance areas; 

e. Roads will be graveled within occupied habitat; the operator is encouraged to apply water 

for dust abatement to such areas from May 1 to June 5 (flowering period); dust abatement 

applications will be comprised of water only; 

f. The edge of the well pad should be located at least 300 feet away from plants and 

avoidance areas, in general; however, site-specific distances will need to be approved by 

the USFWS and the BLM when disturbance will occur upslope of habitat; 

g. Surface pipelines will be laid such that a 300-foot buffer exists between the edge of the 

right-of-way and plants and 300 feet between the edge of right-of-way and avoidance areas; 

use stabilizing and anchoring techniques when the pipeline crosses suitable habitat to 

ensure pipelines don’t move towards the population; site-specific distances will need to be 

approved by the USFWS and the BLM when disturbance will occur upslope of habitat; 

h. Construction activities will not occur from May 1 through June 5 within occupied habitat; 

i. Before and during construction, areas for avoidance should be visually identifiable in the 

field, e.g., flagging, temporary fencing, rebar, etc.; 

j. Where technically and economically feasible, use directional drilling or multiple wells from 

the same pad; 

k. Place produced oil, water, or condensate tanks in centralized locations, away from occupied 

habitat; and 

l. Minimize the disturbed area of producing well locations through interim and final 

reclamation. Reclaim well pads following drilling to the smallest area possible. 

 

5. Occupied clay reed-mustard habitats within 300 feet of the edge of the surface pipelines’ rights-ofway, 300 feet of the edge of the roads’ rights-of-way, and 300 feet from the edge of the well pad 

shall be monitored for a period of 3 years after ground disturbing activities. Monitoring will include 

annual plant surveys to determine plant and habitat impacts relative to project facilities. Annual 

reports shall be provided to the BLM and the USFWS. To ensure desired results are being 

achieved, minimization measures will be evaluated and may be changed after a thorough review of 
DEIS L-3 July 2010

 

the monitoring results and annual reports during annual meetings between the BLM and the 

USFWS. 

6. Reinitiation of Section 7 consultation with the USFWS will be sought immediately if any loss of 

plants or occupied habitat for the shrubby reed-mustard is anticipated as a result of project 

activities. 

Additional site-specific measures also may be employed to avoid or minimize effects to the species. These 

additional measures will be developed and implemented in consultation with the USFWS to ensure 

continued compliance with the ESA. 

Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus (= brevispinus and wetlandicus ) 

In order to minimize effects to the federally threatened Uinta Basin hookless cactus, the BLM in coordination 

with the USFWS, developed the following avoidance and minimization measures. Integration of and 

adherence to these measures will help ensure the activities carried out during oil and gas development 

(including but not limited to drilling, production, and maintenance) are in compliance with the ESA. The 

following avoidance and minimization measures should be included in the Plan of Development: 

1. Pre-project habitat assessments will be completed across 100 percent of the project disturbance 

area within potential habitat4

 prior to any ground disturbing activities to determine if suitable Uinta 

Basin hookless cactus habitat is present. 

2. Within suitable habitat,5

 site inventories will be conducted to determine occupancy. Inventories: 

a. Must be conducted by qualified individual(s) and according to the BLM and the USFWS 

accepted survey protocols; 

b. Will be conducted in suitable and occupied6

 habitat for all areas proposed for surface 

disturbance prior to initiation of project activities and within the same growing season, at a 

time when the plant can be detected, and during appropriate flowering periods: 

i. Sclerocactus brevispinus surveys should be conducted March 15 to June 30, 

unless extended by the BLM; and 

ii. Sclerocactus wetlandicus surveys can be done any time of the year, provided there 

is no snow cover; 

c. Will occur within 115 feet from the centerline of the proposed right-of-way for surface 

pipelines or roads; and within 100 feet from the perimeter of disturbance for the proposed 

well pad including the well pad; 

d. Will include, but not be limited to, plant species lists and habitat characteristics; and 

e. Will be valid until March 15 the following year for Sclerocactus brevispinus and 1 year from 

the survey date for Sclerocactus wetlandicus. 

3. Design project infrastructure to minimize impacts within suitable habitat2

: 

f. Reduce well pad size to the minimum needed, without compromising safety; 

g. Limit new access routes created by the project; 

4

 Potential habitat is defined as areas that satisfy the broad criteria of the species habitat description; usually determined by 

preliminary, in-house assessment. 5

 Suitable habitat is defined as areas which contain or exhibit the specific components or constituents necessary for plant persistence; 

determined by field inspection and/or surveys; may or may not contain Uinta Basin hookless cactus. Habitat descriptions can be 

found in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 1990 Recovery Plan and Federal Register Notices for the Uinta Basin hookless cactus 

(http://www.fws.gov/endangered/wildlife.html). 6

 Occupied habitat is defined as areas currently or historically known to support Uinta Basin hookless cactus; synonymous with 

“known habitat.” 
DEIS L-4 July 2010

h. Roads and utilities should share common rights-of-way where possible; 

i. Reduce width of rights-of-way and minimize the depth of excavation needed for the road 

bed; where feasible, use the natural ground surface for the road within habitat; 

j. Place signing to limit off-road travel in sensitive areas; 

k. Stay on designated routes and other cleared/approved areas; and 

l. All disturbed areas will be re-vegetated with native species comprised of species 

indigenous to the area and non-native species that are not likely to invade other areas. 

4. Within occupied habitat,3

 project infrastructure will be designed to avoid direct disturbance and 

minimize indirect impacts to populations and to individual plants: 

m. Follow the above (#3) recommendations for project design within suitable habitats; 

n. Buffers of 100 feet minimum between the edge of the right-of-way (roads and surface 

pipelines) or surface disturbance (well pads) and plants and populations will be 

incorporated; 

o. Surface pipelines will be laid such that a 100-foot buffer exists between the edge of the 

right-of-way and the plants, use stabilizing and anchoring techniques when the pipeline 

crosses the habitat to ensure the pipelines don’t move towards the population; 

p. Before and during construction, areas for avoidance should be visually identifiable in the 

field, e.g., flagging, temporary fencing, rebar, etc.; 

q. Where technically and economically feasible, use directional drilling or multiple wells from 

the same pad; 

r. Designs will avoid concentrating water flows or sediments into occupied habitat; 

s. Place produced oil, water, or condensate tanks in centralized locations, away from occupied 

habitat; and 

t. Minimize the disturbed area of producing well locations through interim and final 

reclamation. Reclaim well pads following drilling to the smallest area possible. 

5. Occupied Uinta Basin hookless cactus habitats within 100 feet of the edge of the surface pipelines’ 

rights-of-way, 100 feet of the edge of the roads’ rights-of-way, and 100 feet from the edge of the 

well pad shall be monitored for a period of 3 years after ground disturbing activities. Monitoring will 

include annual plant surveys to determine plant and habitat impacts relative to project facilities. 

Annual reports shall be provided to the BLM and the USFWS. To ensure desired results are being 

achieved, minimization measures will be evaluated and may be changed after a thorough review of 

the monitoring results and annual reports during annual meetings between the BLM and the 

USFWS. 

6. Reinitiation of Section 7 consultation with the USFWS will be sought immediately if any loss of 

plants or occupied habitat for the Uinta Basin hookless cactus is anticipated as a result of project 

activities. 

Additional site-specific measures also may be employed to avoid or minimize effects to the species. These 

additional measures will be developed and implemented in consultation with the USFWS to ensure 

continued compliance with the ESA. 
July 2010

DEIS

Appendix M 

Graham’s Beardtongue Conservation Measures 
DEIS M-1 July 2010

Appendix M 

Recommended Measures to Avoid and Minimize Impacts to Penstemon grahamii 

from ongoing Oil and Gas Development 

(Appendix 1 from the Graham’s Beardtongue Conservation Agreement) 

These conservation measures are specific to traditional oil and gas energy development. Measures 

relevant to oil shale and tar sand development will be developed at a later date as definitive biological 

information concerning P. grahamii becomes available and the nature of the impacts of tar sand and oil 

shale energy developments become better known. 

1. Pre-project habitat assessments will be completed across 100% of the project disturbance area 

within potential habitat prior to any ground disturbing activities to determine if suitable Graham’s 

beardtongue habitat is present. 

2. Within suitable habitat, site inventories will be conducted to determine occupancy. Inventories: 

a. Must be conducted by qualified individual(s) and according to BLM and Service accepted 

survey protocols, 

b. Will be conducted in suitable and occupied habitat4

 for all areas proposed for surface 

disturbance prior to initiation of project activities and within the same growing season, at a 

time when the plant can be detected (usually April 15th to May 20th in the Uintah Basin; 

however, surveyors should verify that the plant is flowering by contacting a BLM or FWS 

botanist or demonstrating that the nearest known population is in flower), 

c. Will occur within 300’ from the centerline of the proposed right-of-way for surface pipelines 

or roads; and within 300’ from the perimeter of disturbance for the proposed well pad 

including the well pad, 

d. Will include, but not be limited to, plant species lists and habitat characteristics, and 

e. Will be valid until April 15th the following year. 

3. Design project infrastructure to minimize impacts within suitable habitat2

: 

a. Reduce well pad size to the minimum needed, without compromising safety, 

b. Limit new access routes created by the project, 

c. Roads and utilities should share common right-of-ways where possible, 

d. Reduce the width of right-of-ways and minimize the depth of excavation needed for the road 

bed; where feasible, use the natural ground surface for the road within habitat, 

e. Place signing to limit off-road travel in sensitive areas, and 

f. Stay on designated routes and other cleared/approved areas. 

4. Within occupied habitat, project infrastructure will be designed to avoid direct disturbance and 

minimize indirect impacts to populations and to individual plants: 

a. Follow the above (#3) recommendations for project design within suitable habitats, 

b. Construction of roads will occur such that the edge of the right of way is at least 300’ from 

any plant, 

c. Roads will be graveled within occupied habitat; the operator is encouraged to apply water 

for dust abatement to such areas from April 15th to May 20th (flowering period); dust 

abatement applications will be comprised of water only, 

d. The edge of the well pad should be located at least 300’ away from plants, 

e. Surface pipelines will be laid such that a 300 foot buffer exists between the edge of the right 

of way and the plants, use stabilizing and anchoring techniques when the pipeline crosses 

the habitat (exposed raw shale knolls and slopes derived from the Parachute Creek and 

Evacuation Creek members of the geologic Green River Formation) to ensure pipelines 

don’t move towards the population, 

f. Construction activities will not occur from April 15th through May 30th within occupied 

habitat, 

g. Before and during construction, areas for avoidance should be visually identifiable in the 

field, e.g., flagging, temporary fencing, rebar, etc., 
DEIS M-2 July 2010

h. Where technically and economically feasible, use directional drilling or multiple wells from 

the same pad, 

i. Designs will avoid concentrating water flows or sediments into occupied habitat, 

j. Place produced oil, water, or condensate tanks in centralized locations, away from occupied 

habitat, and 

k. Minimize the disturbed area of producing well locations through interim and final 

reclamation. Reclaim well pads following drilling to the smallest area possible. 

 

5. Occupied Graham’s beardtongue habitats within 300’ of the edge of the surface pipelines’ right-ofways, 300’ of the edge of the roads’ right-of-ways, and 300’ from the edge of well pads shall be 

monitored for a period of three years after ground disturbing activities. Monitoring will include 

annual plant surveys to determine plant and habitat impacts relative to project facilities. Annual 

reports shall be provided to the BLM and the Service. To ensure desired results are being 

achieved, minimization measures will be evaluated and may be changed after a thorough review of 

the monitoring results and annual reports during annual meetings between the BLM and the 

Service.