PROPOSED COTTONWOOD RESOURCE
 

MANAGEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT
 for 

DOMESTIC SHEEP GRAZING
 and 

FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL
 

IMPACT STATEMENT
 

United States Department of the Interior
 

Bureau of Land Management
 

BLM Cottonwood Field Office
 

1 Butte Drive 

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522 

April 2016 
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DRAFT COTTONWOOD RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN 

AMENDMENT FOR DOMESTIC SHEEP GRAZING AND
 

SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
 

1.	 Responsible Agency: United States Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Land Management 

2. Type of Action:	 Administrative 

3. Document Status:	 Final 

4.	 Abstract: The Proposed Cottonwood Resource Management Plan (RMP) 

Amendment for Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final Supplemental 

Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) describes and analyzes six 

alternatives for the management of domestic sheep on 19,405 acres 

of public land in Idaho and Adams counties, Idaho, administered by 

the Bureau of Land Management, Cottonwood Field Office. The 

SEIS is a supplement to the analysis in the Proposed Cottonwood 

Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact 

Statement, published by this office in 2008. The purpose of this 

RMP Amendment/SEIS is to address concerns regarding the 

potential transmission of disease from domestic to bighorn sheep. In 

addition, the SEIS presents the analysis of related impacts to the 

interests and rights of the Nez Perce Tribe, and to the local social 

and economic conditions. 

5.	 Protest Period: The protest period for the Proposed RMP Amendment/Final SEIS is 

30 calendar days, and begins when the Environmental Protection 

Agency publishes a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. 

6.	 For Further 

Information Contact: BLM Cottonwood Field Office 

1 Butte Drive 

Cottonwood, ID 83522 

Telephone: (208) 962-3245 

Email: BLM_ID_SheepSEIS@blm.gov 

Website: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/Districts-Idaho/CDA.html 
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United States Department of the Interior
 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
 

Cottonwood Field Office
 

1 Butte Drive
 

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522
 

In Reply Refer To: 

1610 (IDC020) 

Dear Reader: 

Enclosed is the Proposed Cottonwood Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment for Domestic 

Sheep Grazing and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). This Final SEIS 

supplements the Proposed Cottonwood Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact 

Statement (Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS) published in 2008. The Final SEIS specifically focuses on 

domestic sheep grazing on four Bureau of Land Management (BLM) grazing allotments and the 

associated potential for transmission of disease from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 

Pursuant to BLM's planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5-2, any person who participated in the planning 

process for this Proposed RMP Amendment/Final SEIS and has an interest which is or may be adversely 

affected by the proposed decisions may protest the proposed decisions within 30 days from date the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the Notice of Availability of the Final SEIS in the 

Federal Register. BLM's planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5-2 provide more details regarding 

protest procedures. 

All protests must be in writing and mailed to one of the following addresses: 

Regular Mail:	 Director (210) 

Attn: Protest Coordinator 

P.O. Box 71383
 

Washington, D.C. 20024-1383
 

Overnight Delivery: Director (210) 

Attn: Protest Coordinator 

20 M Street SE, Room 2134LM 

Washington, D.C. 20003 

Emailed protests will not be accepted as valid protests unless the protesting party also provides the 

original letter by either regular mail or overnight delivery postmarked by the close of the protest period. 

Under these conditions, the BLM will consider the emailed protest as an advance copy and will afford it 

full consideration. If you wish to provide the BLM with such advance notification, please direct emailed 

protests to: protest@blm.gov. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information 

in your protest, be advised that your entire protest - including your personal identifying informationmay be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your protest to withhold from 

public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. 

The BLM Director will make every attempt to promptly render a decision on each protest. The decision 

will be in writing and will be sent to the protesting party by certified mail, return receipt requested. The 

decision of the BLM Director on each protest shall be the final decision of the Department of the Interior. 

Responses to protest issues will be compiled and formalized in a Director's Protest Resolution Report 

made available following issuance of the decisions. Upon resolution of all protests, the BLM will issue 

an Approved RMP Amendment and Record of Decision. 

Sincerely, 

Richard White
 

Field Manager
 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................1
 

Chapter 1 – Introduction........................................................................................................... 1-1
 

1.1 Proposed Action......................................................................................................... 1-1
 

1.2 Background ................................................................................................................ 1-1
 

1.3 Purpose and Need ...................................................................................................... 1-1
 

1.4 Decisions to Be Made ................................................................................................ 1-2
 

1.5 Planning Criteria ........................................................................................................ 1-3
 

1.6 Description of the Planning Area .............................................................................. 1-3
 

1.7 Planning Process ........................................................................................................ 1-4
 

1.8 Planning Issues .......................................................................................................... 1-6
 

1.9 Collaboration ............................................................................................................. 1-6
 

1.10 Public Review and Comments................................................................................... 1-8
 

1.11 Changes from the Draft RMP Amendment/SEIS ...................................................... 1-8
 

1.12 Policy ......................................................................................................................... 1-9
 

Chapter 2 – Alternatives ........................................................................................................... 2-1
 

2.1	 Introduction................................................................................................................ 2-1
 

2.2	 Decisions from the Approved Cottonwood ROD/RMP with Bearing on the
 

Alternatives ................................................................................................................ 2-1
 

2.3	 Descriptions of the Alternatives ................................................................................ 2-2
 

2.3.1	 Common to All Alternatives .......................................................................... 2-2
 

2.3.2	 Alternative A – No Action Alternative .......................................................... 2-3
 

2.3.3	 Alternative B – Proposed Amendment .......................................................... 2-3
 

2.3.4	 Alternative C – Eliminate Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing ...................... 2-4
 

2.3.5	 Alternative D – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Hard Creek .......... 2-4
 

2.3.6	 Alternative E – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek Only............................ 2-4
 

2.3.7	 Alternative F – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Marshall
 

Mountain ........................................................................................................ 2-5
 

2.3.8	 Summary of Alternatives ............................................................................... 2-5
 

2.4 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study .................................. 2-6
 

2.4.1	 Alternative G – 9-mile Buffer ........................................................................ 2-6
 

2.4.2	 Alternative H – 1-mile Source Habitat Buffer ............................................... 2-6
 

2.4.3	 Alternative I – 20-mile Buffer ....................................................................... 2-6
 

2.4.4	 Alternative J – Geographic Boundaries ......................................................... 2-7
 

2.4.5	 Alternative K – Designate Bighorn as a BLM Sensitive Species .................. 2-7
 

2.4.6	 Alternative L – Allow Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing on All
 

Allotments with Leasing Terms and Conditions to Reduce Potential 

Interspecies Contact ....................................................................................... 2-7
 

2.4.7	 Alternative M - No Net Loss of Domestic Sheep Grazing AUMs. ............... 2-8
 

2.4.8	 Alternative N – Zoning .................................................................................. 2-8
 

2.4.9	 Alternative O – Close All Four Allotments to All Types of Livestock
 

Grazing........................................................................................................... 2-8
 

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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

2.5 Summary Comparison of Impacts ............................................................................. 2-9
 

2.6 Rationale for the Identification of the Proposed RMP Amendment........................ 2-12
 

Chapter 3 – Affected Environment .......................................................................................... 3-1
 

3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 3-1
 

3.2 Bighorn Sheep ........................................................................................................... 3-1
 

3.2.1 Background .................................................................................................... 3-1
 

3.2.2 Existing Conditions........................................................................................ 3-2
 

3.3 Native American Tribal Uses .................................................................................. 3-24
 

3.3.1 Background .................................................................................................. 3-24
 

3.3.2 Existing Conditions...................................................................................... 3-25
 

3.4 Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Conditions ....................................... 3-27
 

3.4.1 Background .................................................................................................. 3-27
 

3.4.2 Existing Conditions...................................................................................... 3-29
 

Chapter 4 – Environmental Consequences.............................................................................. 4-1
 

4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................ 4-1
 

4.1.1 Analytical Assumptions ................................................................................. 4-1
 

4.2 Bighorn Sheep ........................................................................................................... 4-2
 

4.2.1 Overview ........................................................................................................ 4-2
 

4.2.2 Methods of Analysis ...................................................................................... 4-3
 

4.2.3 Effects of Alternatives ................................................................................... 4-6
 

4.2.4 Cumulative Effects....................................................................................... 4-16
 

4.3 Native American Tribal Uses .................................................................................. 4-19
 

4.3.1 Overview ...................................................................................................... 4-19
 

4.3.2 Methods of Analysis .................................................................................... 4-19
 

4.3.3 Effects of Alternatives ................................................................................. 4-20
 

4.3.4 Cumulative Effects....................................................................................... 4-22
 

4.4 Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Conditions ....................................... 4-22
 

4.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................................... 4-22
 

4.4.2 Methods of Analysis .................................................................................... 4-22
 

4.4.3 Effects of Alternatives ................................................................................. 4-25
 

4.4.4 Cumulative Effects....................................................................................... 4-38
 

4.5 Irretrievable or Irreversible Commitment of Resources .......................................... 4-40
 

List of Preparers ........................................................................................................................ 4-1
 

Glossary ..........................................................................................................................................1
 

References .......................................................................................................................................1
 

Appendix A – Disease Transmission between Domestic Sheep and Bighorn Sheep........... A-1
 

Appendix B – Model Analysis Details ......................................................................................B-1
 

Appendix C – Domestic Sheep and Goats Grazing Lease Terms and Conditions.............. C-1
 

Appendix D – Maps .................................................................................................................. D-1
 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Appendix E – Response to Public Comments on the Draft RMP/SEIS ................................E-1
 

LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1-1: Steps for the Preparation of an RMP ..................................................................... 1-5
 

Figure 3-1: Population Trends for Bighorn Sheep by Herd in Hells Canyon (Source:
 

WDFW, ODFW, and IDFG bighorn sheep population census data; 1970 -

2012).................................................................................................................... 3-10
 

Figure 3-2: Population Trends for Bighorn Sheep in Idaho Big Game Management
 

Units that Overlap the Main Salmon/South Local Population Analysis Area 

(Source: IDFG bighorn sheep population census data; 1981 - 2013) ................. 3-11
 

Figure 3-3: Impact Area Counties and Component Census County Divisions ...................... 3-34
 

Figure 3-4: Impact Area Employment Distribution (IMPLAN 2010) ................................... 3-37
 

Figure 3-5: Services and Non-services Employment History (U.S. Department of
 

Commerce, Census Bureau 2011) ...................................................................... 3-39
 

Figure B-1: Maximum Distance of Ram Summer Forays beyond the CHHR .........................B-7
 

Figure B-2: Proportion of Ram Summer Forays Reaching Each Ring .....................................B-8
 

Figure B-3: Maximum Distance of Ram Winter Forays beyond the CHHR............................B-8
 

Figure B-4: Proportion of Ram Winter Forays Reaching Each Ring .......................................B-9
 

Figure B-5: Visualization of Foray Probabilities for the Upper Hells Canyon Herd .............B-11
 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table ES-1:
 Allotment Availability for Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing by Alternative ........2
 

Table ES-2:
 Acres Available for Domestic Sheep and Goats by Alternative ...............................2

Table ES-3:
 

Table ES-4:
 Allotments with Sheep Grazing ................................................................................7
 

Table ES-5:
 Comparative Summary of Impacts from the Alternatives.........................................9

Table 2-1:
 Livestock Grazing Allocations Common to All Alternatives ............................... 2-2
 

....................... 2-4
 

...................... 2-4
 

....................... 2-5
 

....................... 2-5
 

............................................ 2-5
 

.................... 2-5
 

Table 2-2:
 Alternative B Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing

Table 2-3:
 Alternative D Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing 

Table 2-4:
 Alternative E Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing 

Table 2-5:
 Alternative F Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing 

Table 2-6:
 Acres Available for Domestic Sheep by Alternative 

Table 2-7:
 Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep by Alternative 

Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep and Goats by
 

Alternative .................................................................................................................2
 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for ix April 2016 

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LIST OF TABLES
 

Table 2-8: Comparative Summary of Impacts from the Alternatives................................... 2-11
 

Table 3-1: Allotment Summary of Bighorn Sheep Source Habitats and BLM Lands
 

Leased for Domestic Sheep Grazing Season of Use Overlap of Source 

Habitats................................................................................................................ 3-13
 

Table 3-2: Summer and Winter Core Herd Home Ranges and Domestic Sheep
 

Allotments ........................................................................................................... 3-15
 

Table 3-3: Allotment Distances (Miles) from Core Herd Home Ranges and Little
 

Salmon Area of Concern 1, 2 ................................................................................ 3-16
 

Table 3-4: Allotments with Sheep Grazing .......................................................................... 3-29
 

Table 3-5: Population Change .............................................................................................. 3-35
 

Table 3-6: Racial and Hispanic Composition of 2010 Population (in percentages) ............. 3-35
 

Table 3-7: Sheep and Lamb Inventory and Estimated Annual Forage Requirement ........... 3-43
 

Table 4-1: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing under Alternative A ................................................................................. 4-6
 

Table 4-2: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from
 

Alternative A ......................................................................................................... 4-6
 

Table 4-3: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing under Alternative B ................................................................................. 4-8
 

Table 4-4: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative B .... 4-8
 

Table 4-5: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing under Alternative D ............................................................................... 4-10
 

Table 4-6: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from
 

Alternative D ....................................................................................................... 4-10
 

Table 4-7: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing under Alternative E................................................................................ 4-11
 

Table 4-8: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative E .. 4-12
 

Table 4-9: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing under Alternative F ................................................................................ 4-13
 

Table 4-10: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative F... 4-13
 

Table 4-11: Source Habitat and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep
 

Grazing by Alternative ........................................................................................ 4-15
 

Table 4-12: Distance between Herd Core Herd Home Range, Little Salmon Area of
 

Concern, and BLM Lands Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing by 

Alternative ........................................................................................................... 4-15
 

Table 4-13: Comparison of Alternatives Based on Annual Modeled Contacts between 

Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep Allotments ................................................ 4-15
 

Table 4-14: Modeled Contact Rates between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep 

Allotments and Total Cumulative Effects from Adjacent Land Ownerships ..... 4-17
 

Table 4-15: Bighorn Sheep Main Salmon/South Fork CHHRs Overlap with BLM
 

Domestic Sheep Allotments and Total Cumulative Overlap from Adjacent 

Land Ownerships................................................................................................. 4-18
 

Table 4-16: Measures and Analysis Methods ......................................................................... 4-23
 

Table 4-17: Alternative A – Continue Use of Domestic Sheep Allotments ........................... 4-25
 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for x April 2016 

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS 
 

 

LIST OF TABLES
 

Table 4-18: Effects on Local Employment and Income from Sheep Grazing by 

Alternative ........................................................................................................... 4-26
 

Table 4-19: Expenditures per Visit by Activity and Trip Type .............................................. 4-27
 

Table 4-20: Employment and Labor Income Response Coefficients by Activity Type ......... 4-28
 

Table 4-21: Alternative B – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations..................... 4-29
 

Table 4-22: Alternative C – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations..................... 4-32
 

Table 4-23: Alternative D – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations .................... 4-33
 

Table 4-24: Alternative E – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations ..................... 4-35
 

Table 4-25: Alternative F – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations ..................... 4-36
 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for xi April 2016 

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ACRONYMS
 

Acronym Meaning 

AMS Analysis of the Management Situation 

AUM Animal Unit Month 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BMP Best Management Practice 

CCD Census County Division 

CdA Coeur d'Alene 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

CFO Cottonwood Field Office 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CHHR Core Herd Home Range 

DSEIS Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

EPS-HDT Economic Profile System Human Dimensions Toolkit 

ESA Endangered Species Act 

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement 

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

FO Field Office 

FSEIS Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 

GIS Geographic Information System 

GMU Game Management Unit 

GPS Global Positioning System 

HCBSRC Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Restoration Committee 

ID Idaho 

IDFG Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

IDIM Idaho Instruction Memorandum 

IHL Interim Herd Level 

ISDA Idaho State Department of Agriculture 

LANDFIRE Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools 

MFP Management Framework Plan 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for xiii April 2016 

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS 
ACRONYMS
 

Acronym Meaning 

NVN Nonviable Herd Number 

ODFW Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 

PCPI Per Capita Personal Income 

PMU Population Management Unit 

PRMP Proposed Resource Management Plan 

RMP Resource Management Plan 

ROD Record of Decision 

SEIS Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 

SRBSP Salmon River Bighorn Sheep Project 

SRMA Special Recreation Management Area 

SRP Special Recreation Permit 

TPI Total Personal Income 

TWS The Wildlife Society 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

USFS United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service 

VHF Very High Frequency 

WAFWA Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 

WDFW Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 

WOIM Washington Office Instruction Memorandum 

WSA Wilderness Study Area 

WWP Western Watersheds Project 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to amend the Record of Decision 

and Approved Cottonwood Resource Management Plan (Cottonwood ROD/RMP) (BLM 2009a) 

by providing new direction for the management and allocation for livestock grazing on 19,405 

acres of BLM land within four BLM allotments in Idaho and Adams counties, Idaho (see Map 2 

in Appendix D). This is in response to protests to the Proposed Cottonwood Resource 

Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement (Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS) (BLM 

2008b), which were granted by the Director of the BLM. 

Purpose and Need 

Disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep has likely contributed to significant 

declines in bighorn sheep populations and, in some cases, extirpation. The proposed action is 

needed because domestic sheep and goat grazing on four BLM allotments (Partridge Creek, 

Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek) could result in disease transmission to bighorn 

sheep and contribute to downward trends of local bighorn populations. As identified in protests 

to the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, the BLM must consider this when developing RMP direction 

for livestock grazing on these four allotments. 

The purpose of the proposed action is to provide RMP direction for the management and 

allocation of livestock grazing on four BLM allotments that avoids or effectively reduces 

domestic sheep contact with and potential disease transmission to bighorn sheep populations. 

Planning Issues 

The BLM identified the following planning issues: 

•	 Bighorn Sheep – Domestic sheep and goats may contact and potentially transmit diseases 

to bighorn sheep and subsequently result in respiratory disease outbreaks; a possible 

contributing factor to the downward trend in bighorn sheep populations. 

•	 Native American Tribal Interests and Treaty Rights – Management of livestock grazing 

by the BLM, specifically domestic sheep and goats, may affect the availability of 

resources and uses (specifically related to bighorn sheep) that are important to the 

interests and rights of the Nez Perce Tribe. 

•	 Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Interests – Changes to management of 

livestock grazing by the BLM may affect the local economy. 

Descriptions of the Alternatives 

The BLM developed five action alternatives to meet the purpose and need. In addition, for 

analysis purposes, the BLM included a No Action alternative. Because this amendment 

specifically focuses on addressing the impacts of potential disease transmission from domestic 

sheep and goats to bighorn sheep, none of the proposed alternatives would close the allotments to 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for ES-1 April 2016 

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other types of livestock grazing (e.g., cattle, horses, etc.). Under all alternatives, all four 

allotments and specified allocations of forage would be available for grazing by other types of 

livestock. 

The BLM would also develop a separation response plan for bighorn sheep and domestic sheep 

for any of the four allotments where domestic sheep are allowed to graze. The response plan 

would define the process, protocols, and timelines for short-term or emergency management 

actions when intervention is needed to minimize the risk of association between domestic sheep 

and goats, and bighorn sheep. The response plan will allow for an adaptive management 

approach that includes reviewing, evaluating, and modifying grazing management to provide for 

long-term effective separation between domestic and bighorn sheep. 

The BLM has identified Alternative B as the proposed RMP amendment. This alternative was 

identified as the preferred alternative in the draft SEIS. In making this identification, the BLM 

considered: (1) its multiple-use and sustained yield mandate, (2) BLM policy guidance for the 

coordination and management of domestic sheep and goats to sustain wild sheep on BLM 

managed lands (BLM 2016), (3) the purpose and need for this RMP Amendment/SEIS, (4) the 

planning issues, and (5) the results of the effects analysis (Chapter 4). The BLM found that 

Alternative B provides a means to allow for compatible multiple uses (in this case, domestic 

sheep grazing and bighorn sheep habitat) with low potential for adverse effects to bighorn sheep 

populations from inter-species disease transmission. 

Tables ES-1, ES-2, and ES-3 illustrate the allotment, acreage, and animal unit month (AUM) 

availability for domestic sheep and goats by alternative. 

Table ES-1: Allotment Availability for Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing by Alternative 

Allotment Alternative A 

Alternative B 

(Proposed) Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F 

Partridge Creek Yes No No No No No 

Marshal Mountain Yes No No Yes Yes No 

Hard Creek Yes No No No Yes Yes 

Big Creek Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes 

Table ES-2: Acres Available for Domestic Sheep and Goats by Alternative 

Allotment Alternative A 

Alternative B 

(Proposed) Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F 

Partridge Creek 9,544 0 0 0 0 0 

Marshal Mountain 4,212 0 0 4,212 4,212 0 

Hard Creek 5,210 0 0 0 5,210 5,210 

Big Creek 439 439 0 439 439 439 

Total 19,405 439 0 4,651 9,861 5,649 

Table ES-3: Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep and Goats by Alternative 

Allotment Alternative A 

Alternative B 

(Proposed) Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F 

Partridge Creek 431 0 0 0 0 0 

Marshal Mountain 166 0 0 166 166 0 

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Table ES-3: Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep and Goats by Alternative 

Hard Creek 218 0 0 0 218 218 

Big Creek 81 81 0 81 81 81 

Total 896 81 0 247 465 299 

Affected Environment 

Bighorn Sheep 

Occupied bighorn sheep habitat in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington occurs in the Salmon River 

and Snake River drainages of the Columbia River Basin (WAFWA 2010). Bighorn sheep exist in 

both small isolated populations (herds) and interconnected metapopulations (IDFG 2010). This 

document addresses Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hereafter referred to simply as bighorn 

sheep, that occur within the analysis area. Two bighorn sheep metapopulations occur within the 

analysis area, one within the Hells Canyon section of the Snake River and the other within the 

Salmon River canyon and mountains. Historically, these populations were likely connected by 

suitable habitat between the two major drainages and may have functioned as one 

metapopulation. 

More than 10,000 bighorn sheep may have once lived in the Hells Canyon and surrounding 

mountains, but they were extirpated by the mid-1940s by competition for forage with domestic 

livestock, disease, and unregulated hunting (Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Restoration 

Committee [HCBSRC] 2005). Reintroduction efforts in Hells Canyon began in 1971, with 474 

bighorn sheep transplanted between 1971 and 2004 (HCBSRC 2005). In 2005, the HCBSRC 

estimated that 875 bighorn sheep were located within Hells Canyon, and the 2011 population 

estimate is 850 (includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). Overall, Hells Canyon modeled 

habitat could support more bighorn sheep than current population levels. The Idaho Department 

of Fish and Game (IDFG 2010) determined that the Hells Canyon Population Management Unit 

(PMU) can support between 1,555 and 2,802 bighorn sheep, well above current bighorn sheep 

numbers. Cassirer and Sinclair (2007) describe the effects of chronic, repeated pneumonia 

outbreaks on bighorn sheep populations in Hells Canyon, and their potential adverse effects on 

bighorn sheep population recovery and persistence. 

The Salmon River metapopulation was never extirpated (Toweill and Geist 1999), although the 

population has experienced periodic die-offs. No reintroduction or augmentation has occurred in 

the Lower Salmon River Population Management Unit (PMU) (IDFG 2011). Low recruitment 

rates and an overall decline in sheep numbers over the years for this metapopulation may have 

been caused by disease and habitat conditions in this PMU (IDFG 2010). Population numbers 

have dwindled in the western portion of this PMU that is closest to active domestic sheep 

allotments, and disease has resulted in low lamb survival in adjacent herds along the Salmon 

River (IDFG 2010). According to Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG 2010), the 

predicted population size within the Salmon River PMU is 942 to 1,504, which is above current 

bighorn sheep population levels. Within the Lower Salmon River PMU, Game Management Unit 

(GMU) 14 is the most western GMU, occurs the closest to domestic sheep grazing, and has low 

lamb survival. During the period of 2010 to 2012 the lamb to ewe ratio was 9.7 (lambs per 100 

ewes) within GMU 14. During the same period, the GMUs within the Lower Salmon River PMU 

Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for ES-3 April 2016 

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that were further east and more distant from historic domestic sheep grazing areas ranged from 

57 percent to over 200 percent higher for lamb to ewe ratios when compared to GMU 14 ratios. 

Disease, primarily bacterial pneumonia, has played an important role in the dynamics of bighorn 

sheep populations and has been responsible for numerous population declines throughout North 

America (Cassirer and Sinclair 2007). A long history of large-scale, rapid, all-age die-offs in 

bighorn sheep has been documented across Canada and the United States, many of which are 

attributed to domestic animal contact (Shackleton 1999). Although there is limited knowledge of 

transmission dynamics (Garde et al. 2005), extensive scientific research supports a relationship 

between disease in bighorn sheep populations and contact with domestic sheep (Lawrence et al. 

2010; Besser et al. 2014). 

Three models were developed to better understand bighorn sheep habitat suitability and the 

potential for contact with domestic sheep. The models developed include (1) a bighorn sheep 

source habitat model; (2) a core herd home range model; and (3) a risk-of-contact model that 

utilizes a bighorn sheep source habitat and core herd home range (CHHR) analysis for the 

bighorn sheep foray analysis. Forest Service (2013a), O’Brien et al. (2014) and Carpenter et al. 

(2014) document methods and models primarily used for analysis purposes in this SEIS. Outputs 

from these models were used to describe current conditions on BLM domestic sheep allotments 

and the adjacent areas, and as a basis for alternative evaluation and comparison. The BLM also 

used the results from these models to make inferences regarding the potential for disease 

transmission between the species and outbreaks of disease within bighorn populations. 

In response to bighorn sheep population viability concerns, the Payette National Forest 

developed a methodology for calculating the probability and rate of contact between bighorn 

sheep and active domestic sheep allotments (USFS 2010a). Subsequently in 2011, a team of 

Forest Service and BLM specialists initiated a process to develop a geospatial platform based on 

the concepts used in the Payette analyses for application on other National Forests or BLM 

Districts (USFS 2010a; USFS 2013a; O’Brien et al. 2014; Carpenter et al. 2014). The BLM 

domestic sheep allotments addressed in this SEIS are within the cumulative effects analysis area 

addressed in the Payette analysis (USFS 2010a); consequently, the analysis, methodology, and 

resulting Risk of Contact Tool was the chosen modeling method used by the BLM for this SEIS. 

The models used for this SEIS along with background information and the user’s guide are 

included in the Bighorn Sheep Risk of Contact Tool Users Guide (USFS 2013a). Methods 

provided by the referenced Risk of Contact Tool provide land managers a framework for 

addressing and calculating the probability and rates of contact between bighorn sheep and 

domestic sheep allotments and potential for disease transmission; and subsequent development 

of bighorn sheep conservation measures (USFS 2013a). 

Bighorn Sheep Source Habitat Model 

Source habitats are those characteristics of macrovegetation that contribute to positive population 

growth for a species in a specified area and time (Wisdom et al. 2000; Raphael et al. 2001). 

Source habitats contribute to source environments, which represent the composite of all 

environmental conditions that result in stationary or positive population growth in a specified 

area and within a specified time. Within the BLM’s Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, Hard 

Creek, and Big Creek domestic sheep allotments, there are 7,249 acres of summer source habitat 

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and 4,706 acres of winter source habitat. In addition to the source environments present within 

an allotment identification of source habitat was also dependent on the season of use during 

which domestic sheep have historically used the allotment (summer May - October; winter 

November - April). For example, if domestic sheep grazing was not historically occurring during 

the winter period, then no winter source habitat available for domestic sheep grazing would be 

identified for that allotment. 

Core Herd Home Range Model 

The core herd home range (CHHR) was mapped as a polygon containing 95 percent of all 

telemetry points from radio-collared (telemetry) or observed bighorn sheep (USFS 2013a; 

O’Brien et al. 2014). The four subject BLM allotments contain a total of 7,756 acres of summer 

and 7,533 acres of winter CHHR. 

Risk-of-Contact Model 

The risk-of-contact modeling estimates the probability of foraying bighorn sheep reaching a 

domestic sheep allotment (USFS 2013a; O’Brien et al. 2014; Carpenter et al. 2014). By 

definition, contact occurs where the CHHR overlaps an allotment; in this case, it is assumed that 

at least one potential contact per year may occur (USFS 2013a). The risk-of-contact model also 

includes parameters that characterize bighorn sheep movements, or forays, outside of the CHHR. 

These include the frequency and season during which foray movements occur, and the distance 

beyond the CHHR that bighorn sheep are likely to travel. 

Together, the habitat, CHHR, and risk-of-contact models were used to estimate the probability 

that a ewe or ram in any of the herds would reach any of the domestic sheep allotments in a 

given year. Thus, the risk of contact is related to the distance between the CHHR and the 

allotments available for domestic sheep or goat grazing. 

Interpreting Contact Rates Relative to the Probability of Bighorn Sheep Disease Outbreaks and 

Population Trends 

A high degree of uncertainty exists regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with 

an allotment will lead to disease outbreak occurring within a herd (USFS 2010a, USFS 2013b; 

Carpenter et al. 2014; O’Brien et al. 2014). Quantification of disease transmission and outbreaks 

in bighorn sheep populations following contact with domestic sheep or goats, and the subsequent 

ability of a population to recover, are key to interpreting the results from the above models; 

however, the mechanisms of disease transmission and resulting disease outbreaks in bighorn 

sheep is not fully understood. We currently lack empirical data to accurately predict the 

frequency of outbreaks and the effects on population persistence for all scenarios. 

In order to sustain populations of bighorn sheep within the Hells Canyon and Main 

Salmon/South Fork metapopulations in the long term, it will be necessary to reverse the 

significant declining trends in populations. Therefore, for this analysis, the BLM used the 

predicted number of disease outbreaks over a 50-year period that would result from contact with 

domestic sheep as an indicator of the effect on these bighorn sheep population trends. 

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The BLM recognizes the uncertainty regarding the relationship between the number of bighorn 

sheep contacts with a domestic sheep allotment and predictions for disease transmission and 

outbreaks. In this SEIS the analysis was conducted at a herd level for the various alternatives to 

predict disease outbreak attributed to BLM authorized domestic sheep grazing over a 50-year 

period. Due to the uncertainty in the amount of contacts between domestic sheep and bighorn 

sheep needed to result in disease transmission to bighorn sheep and subsequent disease outbreak, 

the BLM analyzed a range of probabilities. These ranged from 0.05 (1 in 20 contacts would 

result in a disease outbreak) to 1.00 (every contact would result in a disease outbreak). The 

specific probability values modeled were: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00. The BLM 

then used the range of probabilities of disease outbreak to predict the number of outbreaks that 

would occur over a 50-year period. 

Native American Tribal Uses 

Traditionally, socio-cultural values of the Nez Perce reflect a close relationship with natural 

resources, including big game animals. At times, spiritual values are attributed to animals. For 

instance, the taking of bighorn sheep is more than a subsistence activity. The Nez Perce believe 

that in sharing a successful hunt, family ties are strengthened and their connection to the local 

ecology is maintained, forming a link to the past that contributes to maintaining cultural 

continuity. As such, the act of hunting is reserved under Article 3 of the 1855 Treaty between the 

United States and the Nez Perce Tribe. Because hunting is a reserved right and is incorporated 

into the Tribe’s socio-cultural system, any change in these Treaty-reserved opportunities has the 

potential to affect the socio-cultural system of the Nez Perce Tribe. 

Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Conditions 

Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, photographers, and the general public value the 

opportunity to view and hunt bighorn sheep. Consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife 

activities are an important contributor to the economy in Idaho (IDFG 2010). In 2006 estimates 

for annual hunting and wildlife viewing in Idaho were 187,000 and 754,000 participants, 

respectively, which resulted in gross expenditures of $259.7 million and $265.4 million, 

respectively (USFWS 2007). 

The price and sales of resident and non-resident bighorn sheep tags, including special auction 

and lottery tags, can be attributed directly to bighorn sheep hunting opportunities. Tag sales for 

the 2009 season included 85 controlled-hunt permits/tags, 1 auction tag, and 1 lottery tag. Eight 

non-resident and 77 resident tags were allocated that year. Resident tags sold for $166.75 and 

non-resident tags for $2,101.75. The auction tag sold for $120,000 in 2009, and has averaged 

$82,450 per year over the past 10 years (IDFG 2010). 

Sheep grazing within the Cottonwood Field Office also plays an important social role, as area 

residents identify with the tradition, land use, and history of livestock operations. Of note is the 

intimate culture that surrounds the sheep industry, which is attributable to values such as hard 

work, tradition, and a love for the animals and the land. These values are emphasized and 

cultivated in area events such as county fairs, where 4-H and Future Farmers of America 

programs contribute to youth education and a sense of community identity. In History of the 

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State of Idaho, Cornelius Brosnan states that, “Idaho has become one of the greatest woolproducing States, but has long been noted for its mutton” (Brosnan 1918). 

Table ES-4 outlines the current authorizations and status of the four subject grazing allotments. 

Table ES-4: Allotments with Sheep Grazing 

Allotment Name Partridge Creek Marshall Mountain Hard Creek Big Creek 

BLM Acres 9,544 4,212 5,210 439 

Lessee Name Carlson Livestock 

Company 

Carlson Livestock 

Company 

Soulen Livestock 

Company 

Soulen Livestock 

Company 

Lease Expiration 

Date 2/28/2014 2/28/2016 2/28/2019 2/28/2019 

Season of Use 4/11 to 7/15 

10/15 to 11/30 07/5 to 08/04 6/15 to 7/15 6/1 to 10/30 

No. of Sheep 833 815 1,050 8,000 

Permitted Sheep 

Use in AUMs 431 166 218 81 

Current Status 

District Court 

Temporary 

Restraining Order 

10/14/2009 

Temporary Closure by 

BLM Decision 

3/15/2011 

Lessee has voluntarily 

taken non-use 

Lessee has voluntarily 

taken non-use 

Environmental Consequences 

Table ES-5 summarizes the estimated environmental consequences (impacts) from 

implementation of each of the alternatives. The following is a brief explanation of each key 

indicator as presented in the table. Chapter 4 of this document provides more detailed 

explanations of the indicators. 

•	 Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter Source Habitat Available for Domestic Sheep Use – 

Source habitat contains characteristics that contribute to positive population growth for 

bighorn sheep. Bighorn may, or may not actually occupy this habitat, and potential use 

varies by season (summer/winter). If source habitat is available for domestic sheep use, 

the potential for interspecies contact increases because of the occurrence of habitats 

preferred by bighorn sheep. 

•	 Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter CHHR Available for Domestic Sheep Use – The CHHR is 

the area within which most bighorn herd individuals spend at least 95 percent of their 

time. If the CHHR is available for domestic sheep use, the allotment has a predicted 

contact rate of one or more interspecies contacts per year, greatly increasing the potential 

for disease transmission and disease outbreaks. The higher the number of acres of CHHR 

that overlap with domestic sheep allotments, the greater the number of contacts that could 

occur annually. 

•	 Distance between BLM Land Available for Domestic Sheep Use and Nearest Bighorn 

Sheep CHHR – The shorter the distance between allotments available for domestic sheep 

use and a bighorn CHHR, the greater the likelihood of contact between species. 

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•	 Little Salmon Area of Concern Available for Domestic Sheep Use – Over the past five 

years there have been several observations of bighorn sheep in the Little Salmon River 

drainage, which suggest a degree of habitat site fidelity or preference for the area. Areas 

in close proximity to these sightings and associated habitat preference have been 

identified as having an increased risk for interspecies contact. These areas (Little Salmon 

Area of Concern) that overlap with a domestic sheep allotment have an apparent greater 

risk for disease transmission. No documentation of an established bighorn sheep herd 

exists for the area; however, because of documented bighorn sheep fidelity for use of the 

area and the potential for increased risk for interspecies contact, effects will be assessed 

for the Little Salmon Area of Concern. 

•	 Distance between BLM Land Available for Domestic Sheep Use and Little Salmon Area 

of Concern Interest – The shorter the distance between allotments available for domestic 

sheep use and this area of concern, the greater the likelihood of contact between species. 

•	 Probable Contacts per Year between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep Allotments – 

This is the number of contacts per year predicted for a bighorn sheep intersecting a 

domestic sheep allotment, which is considered a primary factor contributing to potential 

for disease transmission, disease outbreaks, and indicates effects on population trends. 

•	 Ranking of Effects on Bighorn Sheep Population Trends – This is the rank order of 

alternatives in regards to the estimated adverse effect on bighorn sheep population trends. 

•	 Ranking of Area Available for Bighorn Sheep and Native American Tribal Hunting – The 

rank order of the adverse effects that each alternative would have on the opportunities for 

Native American Tribal members to hunt for bighorn sheep in traditional or culturally 

important areas. 

•	 Ranking of Availability of Bighorn Sheep for Native American Tribal Hunting – This is 

the rank order of the effects that each alternative would have on the opportunities for 

Native American Tribal members to hunt bighorn sheep, based on effects to bighorn 

sheep population trends. 

•	 AUMs Available for Domestic Sheep Use –AUMs are a measure of the forage that would 

be available for domestic sheep use under each alternative. 

•	 Contributed Jobs – This is an estimate of the number of jobs that the grazing use on the 

four allotments would contribute to the local economy. 

•	 Ranking of Opportunities for Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation – The rank order of the 

adverse effects on bighorn sheep-related recreation, such as hunting or wildlife viewing. 

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Table ES-5: Comparative Summary of Impacts from the Alternatives 

Indicator 

Alternatives 

A B C D E F 

Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter Source Habitat 

Available for Domestic Sheep Use (acres) 

7,249/ 

4,706 1/0 0/0 1,202 / 0 

1,958/ 

0 

772/ 

0 

Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter CHHR 

Available for Domestic Sheep Use (acres) 

5,127 / 

7,533 

0/ 

0 0/0 0/0 0/ 0 

0/ 

0 

Distance between BLM Land Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use and Nearest Bighorn 

Sheep CHHR (miles) 

0.0 26.15 N/A 1.25 1.25 10.25 

Little Salmon Area of Concern Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use (acres)1 2,629 0 0 0 2,629 2,629 

Distance between BLM Land Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use and Little Salmon Area 

of Concern (miles)1 

0.0 12.96 N/A 12.96 0.0 0.0 

Probable Contacts per Year between Bighorn 

Sheep and Domestic Sheep Allotments 1.1256+ 0.00002 0.0000 0.06604 0.117312 0.051312 

Ranking of Adverse Effects on Bighorn Sheep 

Population Trends (1=least, 6=most) 6 2 1 4 5 3 

Ranking of Area Available for Bighorn Sheep 

and Native American Tribal Hunting (1=most, 

6=least) 

6 2 1 4 5 3 

Ranking of Availability of Bighorn Sheep for 

Native American Tribal Hunting (1=most, 

6=least) 

6 2 1 4 5 3 

AUMs Available for Domestic Sheep Use 896 81 0 247 465 299 

Contributed Jobs 5.1 0.4 0.0 1.4 2.6 1.7 

Ranking of Opportunities for Bighorn SheepRelated Recreation (1=most, 6=least) 6 2 1 4 5 3 

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and values were determined from bighorn 

sheep occasional use of the area (based on past incidental sightings) and associated habitats that have had fidelity 

for use. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area and habitats in 

proximity to past sightings. 

Cumulative Effects 

The USFS recently closed seven domestic sheep allotments that are adjacent to and in proximity 

of the BLM allotments, which eliminated the majority of areas available for domestic sheep 

grazing that overlap with CHHRs or in close proximity. However, a substantial number of 

domestic sheep and goats are still grazed on state and private lands in and around the BLM lands 

at issue. The implications of additional contacts, particularly from state and private lands, are 

substantial; primarily for the Main Salmon/South Fork and Little Salmon area of concern. 

Applying the same inference regarding disease transmission and population trends used in the 

analysis of the BLM’s alternatives, to domestic sheep and goat grazing on combined BLM and 

non-BLM lands results in predicted disease outbreak(s) that would adversely impact desired 

sustainable population levels and trends for the Main Salmon/South Fork local population 

regardless of the BLM alternative considered. Thus, the largest bighorn sheep population (Main 

Salmon/South Fork), even under the most favorable alternative (C), would likely continue a 

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downward trend under this cumulative effects scenario. Compared to current management 

(Alternative A), alternatives B, D, E, and F would reduce at varying levels the potential that 

domestic sheep grazing on BLM land would contribute to cumulative effects that adversely 

impact bighorn sheep population levels and trends, while Alternative C would eliminate it. 

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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
 
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CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
 

1.1 PROPOSED ACTION 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to amend the Record of Decision and 

Approved Cottonwood Resources Management Plan (Cottonwood ROD/RMP) (BLM 2009a) 

by providing new direction for the management and allocations for livestock grazing on 19,405 

acres of BLM land within four BLM allotments in Idaho and Adams counties, Idaho (see Map 2 

in Appendix D). 

1.2 BACKGROUND 

In August 2008, the BLM published the Proposed Cottonwood Resource Management Plan and 

Final Environmental Impact Statement (Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS) (BLM 2008b); subsequently 

receiving a number of protests on the proposed decision. In accordance with federal regulations 

(43 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1610.5-2), the BLM Director renders a decision on any 

valid protest to a proposed RMP. In this case, the single protest point granted by the Director 

pertained to the adequacy of the range of alternatives for the management of domestic sheep 

grazing on four BLM allotments within bighorn sheep (Orvis canadensis) habitat. In the Protest 

Resolution Report (BLM 2009b), the Director found that the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS did not 

provide an adequate range of alternatives to address potential disease transmission from domestic 

sheep and goats to bighorn sheep. As such, this portion of the PRMP/FEIS was remanded to the 

BLM Idaho State Director, requiring that a supplemental EIS (SEIS) be completed that includes 

a reasonable range of alternatives. The Director further specified that the SEIS would be for the 

express purpose of analyzing the impacts of domestic sheep and goat grazing within the 

previously mentioned allotments (Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big 

Creek allotments). 

As a result of the Director’s decision regarding this protest point, the Cottonwood ROD/RMP did 

not provide direction for grazing management on the four subject allotments. Therefore, the 

grazing decisions from the previous plan - Chief Joseph Management Framework Plan (MFP) 

(BLM 1981) and the North Idaho Grazing EIS/ROD (BLM 1982) - remained in effect. Although 

the MFP allowed domestic sheep grazing on these allotments, none is currently occurring. In late 

2009, the United States District Court issued a temporary restraining order that closed domestic 

sheep use of the Partridge Creek Allotment1 

. On March 15, 2011, the Cottonwood Field 

Manager closed the Marshall Mountain Allotment (BLM 2011a) in accordance with grazing 

administration regulations found at 43 CFR Part 4100. The grazing lessee for Hard Creek and 

Big Creek has voluntarily chosen non-use for these two allotments. 

1.3 PURPOSE AND NEED 

Disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep has potentially contributed to 

significant declines in bighorn populations and, in some cases, extirpation. The proposed action 

1

U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, Civ. No. 09-0507-E-BLW, Decision and Order, October 14, 2009. 

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is needed because domestic sheep and goat grazing on four BLM allotments (Partridge Creek, 

Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek) could result in disease transmission to bighorn 

sheep and contribute to downward trends of local bighorn populations. As identified in protests 

to the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, the BLM must consider this when developing RMP direction 

for livestock grazing on these four allotments. 

Hence, the purpose of the proposed action is to provide RMP direction for the management and 

allocation of livestock grazing on four BLM allotments that avoids or effectively reduces 

domestic sheep contact with, and potential disease transmission to bighorn sheep populations. 

1.4 DECISIONS TO BE MADE 

The BLM Idaho State Director will decide, through an amendment to the Cottonwood 

ROD/RMP, which areas of BLM land will be available and how much forage will be allocated 

for livestock grazing, as well as what other management direction is necessary to address 

potential contact between bighorn sheep, and domestic sheep and goats, and related potential 

disease transmission to bighorn sheep populations, in the vicinity of or within the Partridge 

Creek, Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek allotments. These decisions will be based 

on direction in the following federal regulations and BLM policy: 

•	 43 CFR 4100.0-8 states that “the authorized officer shall manage livestock grazing on 

public lands under the principle of multiple use and sustained yield, and in accordance 

with applicable land use plans. Land use plans shall establish allowable resource uses 

(either singly or in combination), related levels of production or use to be maintained, 

areas of use, and resource condition goals and objectives to be obtained. The plans also 

set forth program constraints and general management practices needed to achieve 

management objectives. Livestock grazing activities and management actions approved 

by the authorized officer shall be in conformance with the land use plan as defined at 43 

CFR 1601.0-5(b).” 

•	 The BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (BLM 2005) specifies that land use plan 

decisions will “identify lands available or not available for livestock grazing...” and “for 

lands available for livestock grazing, identify on an area-wide basis both the amount of 

existing forage available for livestock (expressed in animal unit months) and the future 

anticipated amount of forage available for livestock with full implementation of the land 

use plan...” 

•	 While land use plan/RMP decisions allocate areas and forage for livestock use, they do 

not authorize use. Authorized use will not be decided by this RMP amendment. As 

specified in federal regulations (43 CFR 4130.2(a)), “grazing permits and leases 

authorize use on the public lands and other BLM-administered lands that are designated 

in land use plans as available for livestock grazing.” 

•	 The FLPMA specifically identifies wildlife as one of the resources for which the public 

lands will be managed. The bighorn sheep in Idaho is a designated BLM sensitive 

species. Consequently, to comply with existing laws, including the BLM multiple use 

mission as specified by FLPMA, the BLM shall implement measures to conserve these 

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species and their habitats, to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and 

need for such species to be listed pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Even 

though adjacent land management actions may not promote conservation measures for a 

species, BLM authorized actions would support conservation of a wildlife species and 

specifically a designated sensitive species. 

1.5 PLANNING CRITERIA 

Planning criteria guide the development of a plan. These criteria help define the decision space 

(or the “sideboards” that define the scope of the planning effort), which is generally based on 

applicable laws, Director and State Director guidance, and the results of public and governmental 

participation (43 CFR 1610.4-2). For this RMP amendment process and SEIS the BLM Director 

and the BLM Idaho State Director provided specific direction in the Protest Resolution Report 

(BLM 2009b) and the Cottonwood ROD/RMP (BLM 2009a), respectively that will be used as 

planning criteria. In accordance with this direction: 

•	 This RMP amendment process and SEIS will only address the management of livestock 

grazing on the four BLM allotments as it relates to potential disease transmission to 

bighorn sheep populations. The four allotments are Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, 

Hard Creek, and Big Creek. This amendment process and SEIS will not address or 

modify any other decisions in the 2009 ROD and Approved Cottonwood RMP (BLM 

2009). 

In addition, the following planning criteria from the Cottonwood PRMP and FEIS (BLM 2008b) 

also apply to this plan amendment process and SEIS: 

•	 This RMP amendment process and SEIS will comply with all applicable laws, 

regulations, and current policies. This includes local, state, Tribal, and federal air quality 

standards, as well as water quality standards from the Idaho Nonpoint Source 

Management Program Plans. 

•	 The RMP planning effort will be collaborative and multijurisdictional in nature. The 

BLM will strive to ensure that its management decisions are complementary to other 

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

and federal regulations. 

•	 The RMP will recognize all valid existing rights. 

1.6 DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANNING AREA 

The planning area for this amendment process is limited to the Partridge Creek, Marshall 

Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek grazing allotments in Idaho and Adams counties, Idaho 

(see Map 2 in Appendix D). These allotments contain 19,405 acres of BLM-administered land. 

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1.7 PLANNING PROCESS 

This RMP Amendment/SEIS process will follow the standard steps for preparing an RMP, as 

outlined in the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook and as depicted on Figure 1-1 which appears 

on page 1-6. However, since this is a supplemental EIS, public scoping and publication of a 

scoping report and analysis of the management situation (AMS) was not necessary. This is 

indicated by an “X” over each of these items in Figure 1-1. The BLM considered public 

comments from the Draft Cottonwood RMP/EIS and protests to the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS to 

identify planning issues (see Section 1.8 below). All supplemental information and analysis are 

documented in this SEIS, which would make a new AMS redundant. 

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Figure 1-1:Steps for the Preparation of an RMP 

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1.8 PLANNING ISSUES 

Considering the concerns addressed in protests to the 2008 Proposed Cottonwood RMP, as well 

as input from cooperating agencies the BLM identified the following planning issues: 

•	 Bighorn Sheep – Domestic sheep and goats may contact and transmit diseases to bighorn 

sheep, which contributes to the downward trend in bighorn sheep populations. 

•	 Native American Tribal Interests and Treaty Rights – Management of livestock grazing 

by the BLM, specifically domestic sheep and goats, may affect the availability of 

resources and uses specifically related to bighorn sheep and that are important to the 

interests and rights of the Nez Perce Tribe. 

•	 Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Interests – Changes to management of 

livestock grazing by the BLM may affect the local economy. 

1.9 COLLABORATION 

Section 202(c)(9) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) requires 

the BLM, to the extent consistent with applicable federal laws, to coordinate its planning and 

management actions with similar planning and management actions of other federal, state, and 

local agencies and Tribal governments. In July 2010, the Payette National Forest and Nez Perce 

Tribe accepted invitations to participate in preparation of this SEIS as cooperating agencies. In 

March 2012, the BLM, Nez Perce Tribe, and Payette National Forest signed a formal 

cooperating agency agreement. 

Section 202(c)(9) of the FLPMA further requires the BLM to ensure that consideration is given 

to those state, local, and Tribal plans that are germane to the development of land use plans for 

public lands and that assist in resolving, to the extent practical, any inconsistencies between 

federal and non-federal government plans. 

Consistent with FLPMA, the BLM has coordinated with the Nez Perce Tribe, taking into 

consideration the Tribe’s policies regarding management of bighorn sheep. Specifically, the 

BLM considered the Tribe’s policy as described in their letter of protest for the 2008 

Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, including: 

•	 Adopt a recovery goal for bighorn sheep, of healthy, self-sustaining numbers, welldistributed across historic habitats in Hells Canyon and the Salmon River to ensure longterm conservation and support treaty harvest across age and sex classes. 

•	 Establish a Tribal standard of no contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep and 

encourage the federal land managers to adopt standard that would prohibit domestic 

sheep grazing within or adjacent to occupied bighorn sheep habitat. 

•	 Establish Tribal standard of using buffers to create space between occupied bighorn 

sheep habitat and domestic sheep grazing and encourage federal land managers to do 

the same. 

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•	 Adopt a Tribal standard of promoting bighorn sheep restoration and expansion across 

historic habitats within Hells Canyon and the Salmon River. 

The above administrative actions “provide a Tribal policy framework for promoting healthy, 

harvestable population recovery goals for bighorn sheep, and encourages federal land managers 

to adopt these policies in accordance with the United States' treaty and trust responsibilities to 

the Nez Perce Tribe” (Nez Perce Tribe 2008). 

The BLM also coordinated with the Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game (IDFG) regarding the following non-BLM plans: 

•	 Record of Decision for the Final SEIS, and Forest Plan Amendment Identifying Suitable 

Rangeland for Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing to Maintain Habitat for Viable Bighorn 

Sheep Populations (USFS 2010b) 

•	 Idaho Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (IDFG 2010) 

In June 2010, recognizing the jurisdiction and expertise of Idaho State agencies, the BLM invited 

the IDFG and IDL to become cooperating agencies in preparation of the SEIS. However, neither 

agency accepted the invitation. Although lacking a formal cooperating agency agreement, the 

BLM continued to coordinate with IDFG in preparation of this SEIS, specifically in regard to 

management and data for bighorn sheep populations. In addition to the above requirements and 

compliance measures, this PRMP/FEIS will be subject to a Governor’s Consistency Review 

(pursuant to 43 CFR 1610.3-2). 

In addition, in 2007, the Governor of Idaho asked federal and state agencies to work with sheep 

producers to come up with a strategy to reduce the potential for contact between domestic and 

bighorn sheep (IDFG ISDA 2007). In response the BLM, Carlson Livestock Company, IDFG, 

IDL, and Idaho State Department of Agriculture developed a “Strategy for Reducing Risk of 

Contact between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep in the Salmon River Area” (ISDA 2009) 

which applied to the Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain Allotments. For more details about 

this strategy, see Section 3.4.2.1. 

The BLM is also a partner in the Salmon River Bighorn Sheep Project, an interagency research 

effort established for the purpose of gaining a better ecological understanding of bighorn sheep 

in the Salmon River Canyon, which is specific to the Main Salmon/South Fork herd. Additional 

partners include the Nez Perce Tribe, IDFG, Payette National Forest, and Nez Perce National 

Forest. The project area includes a 75-mile portion of the Salmon River drainage in Idaho from 

the town of Riggins, east upriver to the confluence of Big Mallard Creek. Major tributaries 

within the project area include the lower portions of the Little Salmon and South Fork Salmon 

rivers. 

The BLM also participates in the Hells Canyon Initiative, a state, federal, and private partnership 

established in 1995 to restore Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the Hells Canyon area of 

Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. The concept was formalized in 1997 with the completion of an 

interagency memorandum of agreement and restoration plan. Additional partners include IDFG, 

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 

(WDFW), and the Wild Sheep Foundation. 

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The BLM also collaborated with other stakeholders through the Wild Sheep Working Group of 

the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) in developing 

Recommendations for Domestic Sheep and Goat Management in Wild Sheep Habitat (WAFWA 

2012). For the state of Idaho, the Wild Sheep Working Group guidelines are included in the 

Interim Strategy for Managing Separation between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep in Idaho 

(IDFG 2007) and the Idaho Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (IDFG 2010). Although the BLM 

took these guidelines into consideration in developing the alternatives in this SEIS, the BLM has 

not formally adopted them. 

1.10 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENTS 

The BLM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published Notices of 

Availability for the Draft RMP Amendment/SEIS on May 9, 2014. This initiated a 90-day public 

review and comment period which ended August 7, 2014. During this period the BLM conducted 

3 public meetings to share information about the draft document and answer questions. By the 

end of the comment period interested parties had submitted 11,933 letters and emails. The BLM 

analyzed these submissions and the comments they contained. Appendix E provides a detailed 

description of the analysis process, issues raised, and the BLM’s responses. 

1.11 CHANGES FROM THE DRAFT RMP AMENDMENT/SEIS 

The Proposed RMP/Final SEIS contains numerous changes from the Draft, which resulted from 

analysis of comments received during the review period, as well as internal review of the Draft 

RMP Amendment/SEIS. These changes include minor corrections and clarifications, as well as 

the following substantial changes: 

•	 Eliminated the analytical assumption that identified a threshold in regards to contact 

resulting in disease outbreak. Because the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep 

with a domestic sheep in an allotment will lead to disease outbreak within a bighorn 

sheep population is uncertain, modelers evaluated a range of probabilities for disease 

outbreak within a 50 year period. 

•	 Removed discussions of bighorn sheep “population persistence” from the effects 

analysis. Instead, the findings now, more accurately, discuss effects on population 

“trends” and “sustainability.” 

•	 Considered two additional alternatives that were subsequently eliminated from detailed 

analysis (see Section 2.4). 

•	 Updated modeling to reflect more current population data, probability of contact data, 

and source habitat data. 

•	 Cited additional and current scientific literature to support analysis findings. 

•	 Clarified and updated FSEIS regarding how the Little Salmon Area of Concern was 

considered in the analysis and included additional characterization and analysis for this 

area. 

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•	 Updated information and analysis regarding the recent designation of bighorn sheep as a 

BLM Idaho sensitive species (BLM, Idaho State Office Instruction Memorandum No. 

ID-2015-009, January 13, 2015). 

•	 Incorporated new information and established policy identified in recent release of BLM 

manual: BLM Manual 1730 – Management of Domestic Sheep and Goats to Sustain 

Wild Sheep, release date March 2, 2016. 

1.12 POLICY 

The RMP amendment must be consistent with the following policies: 

•	 Land Use Planning Handbook (BLM 2005) – Outlines requirements and procedures for 

developing and amending RMPs. 

•	 National Environmental Policy Act Handbook (BLM 2008a) – Outlines requirements and 

procedures for compliance with the NEPA and CEQ Regulations. 

•	 Manual 6500, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (BLM 1988) – Outlines BLM policy 

for the wildlife and fisheries program, as well as identifies a general goal to “ensure 

optimum population and a natural abundance and diversity of wildlife resources on public 

lands by restoring, maintaining, and enhancing habitat conditions through management 

plans and action integrated with other uses of public lands, through coordination with 

other programs, the States, by management initiatives, and through direct habitat 

improvement projects.” It also identifies a specific goal for big game/upland game habitat 

management “to ensure that big game/upland game species on the public lands are 

provided habitat of sufficient quantity and quality to sustain identifiable economic and/or 

social contributions to the American people.” 

•	 Manual 6840 – Special Status Species Management (BLM 2008) – This manual 

establishes policy for management of species listed or proposed for listing pursuant to the 

Endangered Species Act and Bureau sensitive species which are found on BLMadministered lands. BLM sensitive species will be managed consisted with species and 

habitat management objectives in land use and implementation plans to promote their 

conservation and to minimize the likelihood and need for listing under the ESA. 

•	 Manual 8120, Tribal Consultation under Cultural Resource Authorities – Outlines policy 

for BLM Tribal consultation. One of the objectives is to “ensure that Tribal issues and 

concerns are given legally adequate consideration during decision making.” 

•	 BLM Idaho Instruction Memorandum 2011-004 (BLM 2011b), Separation Response 

Plans for Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep and Goats – Requires BLM offices in 

Idaho to complete and implement separation response plans for all grazing allotments that 

authorize domestic sheep or goat use, and other areas where bighorn sheep could come 

into contact with domestic sheep and goats on BLM public lands. 

•	 BLM Manual 1730 (BLM 2016) – Management of Domestic Sheep and Goats to Sustain 

Wild Sheep (Release Date March 2, 2016). This manual establishes policy for the 

management of domestic sheep and goats to sustain wild sheep on public lands 

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administered by the BLM. This manual acknowledges wild sheep habitat as a resource 

that may require special management considerations in the context of BLM authorized 

domestic sheep or goat grazing, trailing, or other (e.g., recreational) use within and 

adjacent to wild sheep habitat. 

• 43 CFR 4100 – Code of Federal Regulations – Range Management. The objectives of 

these regulations are to promote healthy sustainable rangeland ecosystems; to accelerate 

restoration and improvement of public rangelands to properly functioning conditions; to 

promote the orderly use, improvement and development of the public lands; to establish 

efficient and effective administration of grazing of public rangelands; and to provide for 

the sustainability of the western livestock industry and communities that are dependent 

upon productive, healthy public rangelands. These objectives shall be realized in a 

manner that is consistent with land use plans, multiple use, sustained yield, 

environmental values, economic and other objectives stated in applicable law.
CHAPTER 2 – ALTERNATIVES
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CHAPTER 2 – ALTERNATIVES

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Chapter 2 describes the reasonable range of alternatives for amending the Approved Cottonwood 

RMP (BLM 2009) designed specifically to address potential disease transmission to bighorn 

sheep populations that could result from domestic sheep and goat grazing in the Big Creek, Hard 

Creek, Partridge Creek, and Marshall Mountain allotments. As stated in Section 1.5, this 

amendment process does not address or modify any other decisions in the 2009 Cottonwood 

ROD/RMP. 

2.2 DECISIONS FROM THE APPROVED COTTONWOOD ROD/RMP WITH 

BEARING ON THE ALTERNATIVES

The following decisions from the 2009 Cottonwood ROD/RMP, while not subject to 

modification, have bearing on or are related to the alternatives for the amendment: 

Wildlife Goal WS-1: Manage habitat to contribute to the conservation of special status species 

habitats and maintain biological diversity of wildlife.

• Objective WS-1.6—Manage rangeland and forest vegetation to provide for diversity, 

cover, structure, forage, and security to contribute to healthy populations of rangeland 

and forest dependent species and other wildlife.

• Objective WS-1.10—Maintain or restore Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis 

canadensis canadensis) habitat.

o Action WS-1.10.2—Coordinate with the State of Idaho, including the Department of 

Fish and Game and other appropriate state agencies, the Nez Perce Tribe, U.S. Forest 

Service (USFS), and other appropriate federal agencies, grazing lessees, and partners 

on population and habitat management of bighorn sheep.

o Action WS-1.10.3—No existing allotments authorized for cattle and/or horse use 

within the Salmon River and/or Snake River drainages will be converted to sheep or 

goats, when such use would result in potential risk for disease transmission to bighorn 

sheep populations or affect the potential for bighorn sheep expansion into suitable 

habitats.

o Action WS-1.10.4—Goat grazing for weed control is prohibited in Hells Canyon 

(Snake River drainage), downriver from Maloney Creek (Salmon River drainage), 

and upriver from Little Salmon River (Salmon River drainage). In other areas, goat 

grazing for weed control will only be authorized when such use will result in no or 

very low risk for transmission of disease to bighorn sheep. 

o Action WS-1.10.5—Support cooperative bighorn sheep studies and research within 

the Snake and Salmon River drainages that provide improved or updated habitat, 

distribution, and management information. Cooperate with survey and monitoring 

projects that document bighorn sheep observations, telemetry locations, and 
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population ranges within the Snake and Salmon River canyons, tributary drainages, 

and associated uplands. 

Livestock Grazing Goal LS-1: Provide opportunities for livestock grazing while meeting 

rangeland health standards.

• Objective LG-1.1—Identify lands available for livestock grazing.

Native American Tribal Uses Goal NA-1: Manage natural and cultural resources consistent 

with treaty and trust responsibilities to Native American tribes.

• Objective LG-1.1—Maintain and, where possible, improve natural and cultural resource 

conditions to enhance opportunities to exercise Native American traditional uses. 

o Action NA-1.1.1—Consult with Native American tribes to identify culturally 

significant plants, animals, fish, and important habitats.

2.3 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ALTERNATIVES

The BLM developed five action alternatives to meet the purpose and need. In addition, for 

analysis purposes, the BLM included a No Action alternative. These alternatives are described 

below. 

2.3.1 Common to All Alternatives

Grazing Allocations: 

This amendment specifically focuses on addressing the impacts of potential disease transmission 

from domestic sheep and goats to bighorn sheep. This amendment does not foreclose potential 

grazing by cattle, horses or burros on the four allotments. Under all Alternatives, all four 

allotments and forage allocations would be available for grazing by cattle, horses and burros. 

These allocations are not authorizations. As stated in Section 1.4, this RMP amendment does not 

authorize livestock grazing. Actual area, season of use, and animal unit months (AUM) 

authorized for use will be determined through site-specific analysis for grazing leases for these 

allotments, which must be consistent with the management direction in the RMP as amended 

when a decision is signed for this planning effort. 

Table 2-1 presents these allocations by allotment. 

Table 2-1: Livestock Grazing Allocations Common to All Alternatives

Allotment Name Acres Allocated Forage Allocated (AUMs)

Partridge Creek 9,544 431

Marshall Mountain 4,212 166

Hard Creek 5,210 218

Big Creek 439 81

Total Allocation 19,405 896
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Separation Response Plan and Adaptive Management: 

For any of the four allotments where domestic sheep are allowed to grazed, the BLM would 

develop a separation response plan for bighorn sheep and domestic sheep that will become 

additional terms and conditions of the leases. The response plan would define the process, 

protocols, and timelines for short-term or emergency management actions when specific actions 

are needed to minimize risk of co-mingling and contact between bighorn sheep and domestic 

sheep. Interspecies separation actions would be needed if separation has failed, bighorn sheep 

and domestic sheep observed in close proximity (e.g., within allotment boundary or within onemile of allotment), or bighorn sheep distribution and herd CHHR has changed. In such cases, a 

re-assessment of the risk of contact and evaluation of the separation response plan will be 

conducted for the specific allotment. As needed, allotment specific adaptive management would 

be implemented to insure that risk of contact is discountable or at acceptable very low risk levels.

Risk evaluations and adaptive management strategies would primary be dependent on updated 

population surveys and monitoring data which define CHHRs and risk of contact assessments 

with domestic sheep allotments.

The BLM would develop a strategy to monitor or survey for bighorn sheep in proximity to 

domestic sheep allotments, to be included in the separation response plan. Monitoring and survey 

intensity would be dependent on proximity to core herd home ranges and source habitats 

occurring within and adjacent to allotment. Monitoring and surveys may be conducted by state or 

other federal agencies, tribes, or other partnerships. The resulting survey and monitoring data 

would provide updated bighorn sheep distribution and population information, provide for 

adaptive management needs for conservation of bighorn sheep, and minimizing potential for 

contact with domestic sheep and goats. 

2.3.2 Alternative A – No Action Alternative 

Under this alternative, the BLM would take no action. Since the Cottonwood ROD/RMP did not 

address livestock grazing on these four allotments, the grazing decisions from the Chief Joseph 

Management Framework Plan (MFP) (BLM 1981) and the North Idaho Grazing EIS/ROD (BLM 

1982) would remain in effect. The area and forage allocations shown in Table 2-1 would be 

available for domestic sheep (see Map 5 in Appendix D). The MFP did not address domestic 

goat grazing. 

Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations direct that an EIS describe the No Action 

alternative (40 CFR 1502.14(d)), which is the only alternative that must be analyzed that does 

not respond to a proposed project’s purpose and need. The No Action alternative provides a 

baseline for comparison of environmental effects and demonstrates the consequences of not 

meeting the purpose and need for the action. 

2.3.3 Alternative B – Proposed Amendment

Alternative B, the BLM’s proposed RMP amendment, emphasizes reducing the potential for 

transmission of disease to bighorn sheep while providing some opportunity for grazing of 

domestic sheep, based on consideration of the proximity of the allotments to CHHRs and risk of 

contact between domestic sheep and goats and bighorn sheep (see Map 5 in Appendix D). The 
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proposed amendment would prohibit domestic sheep and goat grazing on all allotments except 

Big Creek (Table 2-2). The terms and conditions in Appendix C would be added to the grazing 

lease for the Big Creek Allotment to reduce the potential for straying of domestic sheep and 

emergency response actions that would be implemented regarding any potential contact between 

domestic sheep or goats and bighorn sheep; or, at the time of lease renewal, the BLM will 

explain why specific terms and conditions would not be applied and/or why other terms and 

conditions to reduce potential for contact, not listed in Appendix C, would be required. 

Table 2-2: Alternative B Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing

Allotment Name Acres Available Forage Available (AUMs)

Partridge Creek 0 0

Marshall Mountain 0 0

Hard Creek 0 0

Big Creek 439 81

Total 439 81

2.3.4 Alternative C – Eliminate Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing

Alternative C would eliminate contact between domestic sheep or goats and bighorn sheep and 

the associated potential for disease transmission, by prohibiting domestic sheep and goat grazing 

on all of the four allotments (see Map 5 in Appendix D).

2.3.5 Alternative D – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Hard Creek 

Alternative D was developed to reduce the potential for contact and disease transmission in the 

Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR (Partridge Creek Allotment) and Little Salmon area of concern 

(Hard Creek Allotment). Domestic sheep and goat grazing would be prohibited on the Partridge 

Creek and Hard Creek allotments (see Map 5 in Appendix D; Table 2-3). 

Table 2-3: Alternative D Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing

Allotment Name Acres Available Forage Available (AUMs)

Partridge Creek 0 0

Marshall Mountain 4,212 166

Hard Creek 0 0

Big Creek 439 81

Total 4,651 247

2.3.6 Alternative E – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek Only

Alternative E was developed to eliminate the highest risk of contact by prohibiting domestic 

sheep and goat grazing on the Partridge Creek Allotment (see Map 5 in Appendix D; Table 2-4). 

The Partridge Creek Allotment is the only allotment that overlaps with the Main Salmon/South 

Fork CHHR.
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Table 2-4: Alternative E Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing

Allotment Name Acres Available Forage Available (AUMs)

Partridge Creek 0 0

Marshall Mountain 4,212 166

Hard Creek 5,210 218

Big Creek 439 81

Total 9,861 465

2.3.7 Alternative F – Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain

Alternative F emphasizes the elimination of potential contact in the Main Salmon/South Fork 

bighorn herd (see Map 5 in Appendix D) by prohibiting the grazing of domestic sheep or goats 

on the Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain allotments; however, domestic sheep grazing 

could continue at its current levels on the Hard Creek and Big Creek allotments which occur in 

the Little Salmon River drainage (Table 2-5). 

Table 2-5: Alternative F Allocations Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing

Allotment Name Acres Available Forage Available (AUMs)

Partridge Creek 0 0

Marshall Mountain 0 0

Hard Creek 5,210 218

Big Creek 439 81

Total 5,649 299

2.3.8 Summary of Alternatives 

Table 2-6 and Table 2-7 summarize the livestock grazing allocations available for domestic 

sheep for all six alternatives.

Table 2-6: Acres Available for Domestic Sheep by Alternative

Allotment Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F

Partridge Creek 9,544 0 0 0 0 0

Marshal Mountain 4,212 0 0 4,212 4,212 0

Hard Creek 5,210 0 0 0 5,210 5,210

Big Creek 439 439 0 439 439 439

Total 19,405 439 0 4,651 9,861 5,649

Table 2-7: Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep by Alternative

Allotment Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F

Partridge Creek 431 0 0 0 0 0

Marshal Mountain 166 0 0 166 166 0

Hard Creek 218 0 0 0 218 218
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Table 2-7: Animal Unit Months Available for Domestic Sheep by Alternative

Allotment Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Alternative E Alternative F

Big Creek 81 81 0 81 81 81

Total 896 81 0 247 465 299

2.4 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED STUDY

The BLM considered other alternatives based on public comments and scoping with cooperators, 

but eliminated them from further analysis. Following is a description of these alternatives and the 

reasons for their elimination.

2.4.1 Alternative G – 9-mile Buffer

To reduce a potential for contact, the BLM considered establishing a 9-mile buffer between areas 

available for domestic sheep or goat grazing and for bighorn sheep herds, but eliminated it from 

detailed analysis because it is essentially the same as Alternative B, the proposed RMP 

amendment. In a past policy (BLM 1998) the BLM recommended a minimum 9-mile buffer 

between herds or populations of bighorn sheep and domestic sheep allotments to ensure effective 

separation. Although this is no longer BLM policy, it is a method worthy of consideration. 

However, of the four allotments, domestic sheep grazing would only be allowed in the Big Creek 

Allotment because it is the only one that is more than 9 miles from any herd home range. 

Partridge Creek, Marshal Mountain, and Hard Creek allotments are within 9 miles of CHHR, and 

therefore, domestic sheep and goat grazing would be prohibited on all of these allotments under a 

9-mile buffer alternative. Thus, Alternative G is essentially the same as Alternative B, which 

prohibits domestic sheep and goat grazing on Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard 

Creek allotments. 

2.4.2 Alternative H – 1-mile Source Habitat Buffer

To reduce a potential for contact near bighorn summer and winter source habitats (see maps 6 

and 7 in Appendix D), the BLM considered prohibiting domestic sheep or goat grazing within 1 

mile of these habitats (buffer based on distance from source habitats, not herd home ranges as in 

Alternative G). Alternative H was eliminated from detailed study because it is also the same as 

Alternative B, the proposed RMP amendment. Implementing this 1-mile buffer would prohibit 

domestic sheep and goat grazing on the Partridge Creek, Marshal Mountain, and Hard Creek 

allotments. However, domestic sheep and goat grazing would be permitted on most of the Big 

Creek Allotment. Alternative H is essentially the same as Alternative B, which prohibits 

domestic sheep and goat grazing on the same allotments. 

2.4.3 Alternative I – 20-mile Buffer

The BLM considered establishing a 20-mile buffer between areas available for domestic sheep or 

goat grazing and for bighorn sheep CHHRs. Alternative I was eliminated from detailed analysis 

because it is the same as Alternative C. Under Alternative I, domestic sheep and goat grazing 

would be prohibited on all 4 of the allotments, because all are within the 20-mile buffer, 
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essentially making Alternative I the same as Alternative C, which prohibits domestic sheep and 

goat grazing on all four allotments. 

2.4.4 Alternative J – Geographic Boundaries

The BLM developed Alternative J to determine if geographic boundaries (e.g., watersheds) could 

be used to separate domestic sheep or goats from bighorn sheep to reduce contact, but this was 

eliminated from detailed analysis. Under this alternative, the lessee would need to use 

topographic and landscape features as barriers to prevent or minimize potential contact. Because

the BLM determined that there are no geographic features that could effectively serve this 

purpose, Alternative J was deemed to be not practical or feasible to implement.

2.4.5 Alternative K – Designate Bighorn as a BLM Sensitive Species

The Nez Perce Tribe requested that the BLM designate bighorn sheep a sensitive species in 

Idaho. However this type of decision is outside the scope of an RMP amendment, thereby 

eliminating Alternative K from detailed analysis in the FSEIS. However, through a 

separate process, the BLM-Idaho State Office collaborated with the IDFG regarding this request

and added bighorn sheep to the sensitive species list (January 2015). While this designation is 

noted throughout the FSEIS, it did not result in changes to the alternatives already analyzed or 

the need to consider a new alternative. 

2.4.6 Alternative L – Allow Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing on All Allotments with 

Leasing Terms and Conditions to Reduce Potential Interspecies Contact

The BLM considered an alternative that would make all four allotments available for domestic 

sheep and goat grazing with application of the leasing terms and conditions identified in 

Appendix C to reduce the potential for contact with bighorn sheep. These terms and conditions 

have previously been identified, recommended, or implemented by the USFS and the BLM as 

best management practices (BMPs). However, when bighorn sheep CHHR occur in or adjacent 

to a domestic sheep allotment, and especially when the allotment is within bighorn herd home 

range, development and implementation of effective separation measures is difficult; and contact 

between the species will most likely still occur. In other words, special terms and conditions to 

avoid contact between bighorn and domestic sheep that are known to be in close proximity are 

generally ineffective to ensure separation of the species. Furthermore, even with these extra 

measures, control of domestic sheep, or monitoring and locating bighorn sheep in forested/ dense 

vegetation or steep/rocky/rugged terrain is very difficult. Accordingly, without a large buffer 

between domestic and wild bighorn sheep, extra measures are not likely to result in a significant 

reduction in the risk of contact (Schommer 2009). No known studies, research, or peer reviewed 

literature has documented the effectiveness of BMPs preventing contact and disease transmission 

when domestic sheep or goats grazed within or adjacent to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. 

Appendix C contains a more detailed review of the effectiveness of BMPs.

The Partridge Creek allotment overlaps with bighorn sheep CHHR and the Marshall Mountain 

Allotment is in close proximity to CHHR. The Hard Creek allotment overlaps with the Little 

Salmon area of concern. The terrain on all three of these allotments is interspersed with dense 
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vegetation and forested areas, with additional areas that are steep, rocky, and rugged. Therefore, 

application of the specified terms and conditions on these allotments would likely be ineffective 

at significantly reducing the potential for contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep.

Hence, for the Partridge Creek, Hard Creek, and Marshall Mountain Allotments, this alternative 

would be effectively the same as Alternative A under which all four allotments would be 

available for domestic sheep grazing but without specified terms and conditions. Differing from 

the other three allotments, the Big Creek Allotment is not in or near bighorn sheep CHHR or the 

Little Salmon area of concern and has more open and moderately sloped rangeland. However, for 

this allotment, this alternative would be essentially the same as Alternatives B, which also makes 

Big Creek available for domestic sheep or goat grazing with application of the terms and 

conditions. Therefore this alternative was not analyzed in detail.

2.4.7 Alternative M - No Net Loss of Domestic Sheep Grazing AUMs.

The BLM considered an alternative that would allocate allotments and AUMs for domestic sheep 

grazing in other areas that would have no risk or very low risk for contact with bighorn sheep in 

order to replace allotments and AUMs for displaced lessees. However, this alternative is not 

feasible and was eliminated from detailed analysis because suitable replacement allotments are 

not available within the CFO, and allocation of BLM allotments and AUMs outside of the 

planning area is beyond the scope of the Cottonwood RMP. The Cottonwood RMP already 

prohibits conversion of allotments to domestic sheep within the Salmon River and Snake River 

drainages. There are currently 12 vacant allotments within the CFO that are outside of these 

drainages and available for consideration. All of these are small in size (39 to 800 acres), widely 

scattered in the Clearwater River drainage, and surrounded by private land. In total they include 

2,946 acres of BLM lands with a forage allocation of 179 AUMs and could only replace a small 

portion of the 431-896 domestic sheep AUMs eliminated by the action alternatives. Use of these 

allotments would require the lessee to split their flock among many available small allotments 

and get permission to access these from the private landowners whose properties surround the 

small, mostly unfenced BLM lands.

2.4.8 Alternative N – Zoning 

The BLM considered an alternative that would identify zones where domestic sheep and goat 

grazing would be allowed and zones where it would not. This RMP Amendment/SEIS is only 

specific to allocating grazing that would occur on the BLM Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, 

Hard Creek, and Big Creek Allotments. Zoning would only be effective if private, Forest 

Service, and State lands were included. This would require a regional or state-wide management 

plan and coordinated management strategy which is outside of the scope of this RMP 

Amendment/SEIS. Therefore the BLM eliminated this alternative from further study.

2.4.9 Alternative O – Close All Four Allotments to All Types of Livestock Grazing. 

Based on comments received during the public review of the Draft RMP/SEIS, the BLM 

considered an alternative that would close all four allotments to any type of livestock grazing. 

However, this alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis because it would have 

essentially the same effect as Alternative C, which would prohibit grazing by domestic sheep and 
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goats on all four allotments. As specified in the Directors Protest Resolution Report, this SEIS 

focuses on the potential for disease transmission from domestic sheep and goats to bighorn 

sheep. Grazing of other types of livestock on allotments where domestic sheep and goat grazing 

is prohibited would not affect this potential. Also, effects from grazing by other types of 

livestock were not part of the original protest point. 

2.5 SUMMARY COMPARISON OF IMPACTS

The following is a brief explanation of each of the key indicators of impacts that the BLM 

analyzed as described in Chapter 4. Table 2-8summarizes the results of this analysis (see Chapter 

4 for more detailed explanations regarding methods and results of analysis):

• Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter Source Habitat Available for Domestic Sheep Use – 

Source habitat contains characteristics that contribute to positive population growth for 

bighorn sheep, which may or may not actually occupy this habitat. Potential use varies by 

season (summer/winter). The potential for contact increases should this habitat be 

available for domestic sheep use because it provides preferred suitable habitat for bighorn 

sheep use. 

• Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter CHHR Available for Domestic Sheep Use – The CHHR is 

the area within which most bighorn herd individuals spend at least 95 percent of their 

time. Should a CHHR be available for domestic sheep use, the allotment has a predicted 

contact rate of one or more (1+) interspecies contacts per year, thus contributing to 

potential disease transmission and disease outbreaks. The more acres of CHHR that 

overlap with domestic sheep allotments, the greater the number of contacts that would be 

expected to occur annually. 

• Distance between BLM Lands Available for Domestic Sheep Use and Nearest Bighorn 

Sheep CHHR – This is the distance between lands within BLM allotments that would be 

available for domestic sheep grazing and the nearest CHHR. The shorter the distance, the 

greater the likelihood of contact between species.

• Little Salmon Area of Concern Available for Domestic Sheep Use – Over the past five 

years there have been several observations of bighorn sheep in the Little Salmon River 

drainage, which suggest a degree of habitat site fidelity or preference for the area. Areas 

in close proximity to these sightings and associated habitat preference have been 

identified as having an increased risk for interspecies contact. These areas (Little Salmon 

Area of Concern) that overlap with a domestic sheep allotment have an apparent greater 

risk for disease transmission. No documentation of an established bighorn sheep herd 

exists for the area, however, because of documented bighorn sheep fidelity for use of the 

area and the potential for increased risk for interspecies contact effects will be assessed 

for the Little Salmon Area of Concern. 

• Distance between BLM Land Available for Domestic Sheep Use and Little Salmon Area 

of Concern – The shorter the distance between allotments available for domestic sheep 

use and this area of concern, the greater the likelihood of contact between species.

• Probable Contacts per Year between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep allotments – This 

is the number of contacts per year predicted for a bighorn sheep coming in contact with a 
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domestic sheep allotment, which would increase the potential for interspecies contact and 

is considered a primary factor contributing to potential disease transmission, disease 

outbreaks, and indicates the effects on population trends. 

• Ranking of Effects on Bighorn Sheep Populations – This is the rank order of the 

estimated adverse effects on bighorn sheep population trends for analysis area herds. 

• Ranking of Area Available for Bighorn Sheep and Native American Tribal Hunting – 

This is the rank order of the estimated adverse effects that each alternative would have on 

the opportunities for Native American Tribal members to hunt for bighorn sheep in 

traditional or culturally important areas.

• Ranking of Availability of Bighorn Sheep for Native American Tribal Hunting – This is 

the rank order of the adverse effects that each alternative would have on the opportunities 

for Native American Tribal members to hunt bighorn sheep, based on effects to bighorn 

sheep population trends. 

• AUMs Available for Domestic Sheep Use – AUMs are a measure of the forage that would 

be available for domestic sheep use under each alternative.

• Contributed Jobs – This is an estimate of the number of jobs that the grazing use 

permitted under each alternative would contribute to the local economy. 

• Ranking of Opportunities for Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation – This is the rank order 

of the adverse effects of each alternative on bighorn sheep related recreation, such as 

hunting or wildlife viewing. 
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Table 2-8: Comparative Summary of Impacts from the Alternatives

Indicator

Alternatives

A B C D E F

Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter Source Habitat 

Available for Domestic Sheep Use (acres)

7,249/

4,706 1/0 0/0 1,202/0 1,958/0 772/0 

Bighorn Sheep Summer/Winter CHHR

Available for Domestic Sheep Use (acres)

5,127/

7,533 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 

Little Salmon Area of Concern Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use (acres)1 2,629 0 0 0 2,629 2,629

Distance between BLM Land Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use and Nearest Bighorn

Sheep CHHR

0.0 26.15 N/A 1.25 1.25 10.25 

Distance between BLM Land Available for 

Domestic Sheep Use and Little Salmon Area 

of Concern1 

0.0 12.96 N/A 12.96 0.0 0.0

Probable Contacts per Year between Bighorn 

Sheep and Domestic Sheep Allotments 1.1256+ 0.00002 0.0000 0.06604 0.117312 0.051312

Ranking of Adverse Effects on Bighorn Sheep 

Population Trends (1=least, 6=most) 6 2 1 4 5 3 

Ranking of Area Available for Bighorn Sheep 

and Native American Tribal Hunting (1=most, 

6=least)

6 2 1 4 5 3 

Ranking of Availability of Bighorn Sheep for 

Native American Tribal Hunting (1=most, 

6=least)

6 2 1 4 5 3 

AUMs Available for Domestic Sheep Use 896 81 0 247 465 299

Contributed Jobs 5.1 0.4 0.0 1.4 2.6 1.7

Ranking of Opportunities for Bighorn SheepRelated Recreation (1=most, 6=least) 6 2 1 4 5 3 

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and such was determined from bighorn sheep 

use of the area (based on past incidental sightings) and associated habitats that have had fidelity for use. Predicted 

allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of this area and habitats in proximity to past 

sightings.
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2.6 RATIONALE FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPOSED RMP 

AMENDMENT

The BLM has identified Alternative B as the proposed RMP amendment. This alternative was

previously identified as the preferred alternative in the Draft SEIS. In making this identification, 

the BLM considered the multiple-use and sustained yield mandate, pertinent BLM policies, the 

purpose and need for this RMP Amendment/SEIS, the planning issues, and the results of the 

effects analysis as described in Chapter 4. The BLM preliminarily found that Alternative B

provides a means to allow compatible multiple uses to occur (domestic sheep grazing and 

bighorn sheep habitat) with low potential for adverse effects to bighorn sheep populations

resulting from inter-species contact and disease transmission - essentially the same potential as 

Alternative C which would prohibit grazing by domestic sheep and goats on all four of the 

subject allotments. 

The bighorn sheep is a BLM Idaho designated sensitive species and the selection of this 

alternative is consistent with BLM sensitive species management policy to implement measures 

to conserve these species and their habitats and to promote their conservation and reduce the 

likelihood and need for such species to be listed pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Selection of this alternative is consistent with BLM Manual 1730 – Management of Domestic 

Sheep and Goats to Sustain Wild Sheep (BLM 2016); which provides policy guidance for the 

coordination and management of domestic sheep and goats and wild sheep and habitat on lands 

administered and managed by the BLM. 

BLM Planning Regulations (43 CFR 1610.4-7) require identification of the preferred alternative 

in a draft EIS for an RMP; or in this case, for the draft SEIS for an RMP Amendment. The 

preferred alternative was identified in the draft SEIS to inform the public of the agency’s 

orientation; it did not constitute a commitment or decision in principle, and there was no 

requirement to select the preferred alternative in the ROD. The selection of Alternative B as the 

proposed RMP amendment is BLM’s proposed decision. The BLM will document its final 

decision in a Record of Decision and Approved RMP Amendment. 
CHAPTER 3 – AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
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CHAPTER 3 – AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter supplements Chapter 3 of the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS (BLM 2008b) and focuses 

on the affected environment as it relates to the specific planning issues previously described in 

Section 1.8 of this SEIS. These issue topics are: 

• Bighorn Sheep 

• Native American Tribal Interests and Treaty Rights

• Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Interests 

3.2 BIGHORN SHEEP

This section supplements Section 3.2.9 of the 2008 PRMP/FEIS and focuses on the following 

issue: Domestic sheep and goats may contact and transmit diseases to bighorn sheep, which may 

be a contributing factor to the downward trend in populations.

3.2.1 Background 

The FLPMA specifically identifies wildlife as one of the resources for which the public lands 

will be managed. The BLM manages wildlife habitat, as it relates to this SEIS, in coordination 

with the State of Idaho and the Nez Perce Tribe. The components of habitat management by the 

BLM include space, food, shelter, and water. The space component is particularly critical in this 

case because the preponderance of current scientific literature establishes that bighorn sheep and 

domestic sheep or goats should not share the same space at the same time due to potential for 

disease transmission.

BLM Manual 1730 – Management of Domestic Sheep and Goats to Sustain Wild Sheep (BLM 

2016) establishes policy for the management of domestic sheep and goats and wild sheep and 

habitat on public lands administered by the BLM. Specifically, this manual sets forth policy for 

the management of BLM lands where the potential for disease transmission exists by interaction 

between wild sheep and permitted, authorized (e.g., leased), or recreational use of sheep and 

goats. The BLM’s policy (BLM 2016) is to (1) achieve effective separation of BLM authorized 

domestic sheep or goats from wild sheep on BLM lands, and (2) to minimize the risk of contact 

between the species. Effective separation is defined as the spatial or temporal separation between

wild sheep and domestic sheep or goats, resulting in minimal risk of contact and subsequent 

transmission of respiratory disease between animal groups. Currently, physical separation of 

domestic sheep or goats from wild sheep is the only effective means to reduce the potential for 

pneumonia-type disease transmission. Domestic sheep and goat authorizations and other uses 

will be implemented to ensure that effective separation results in a high degree of confidence that 

there will be a low to no risk of contact with wild sheep (BLM 2016). 

Bighorn sheep are a BLM Idaho designated sensitive species (BLM 2015). In accord with BLM 

Manual 6840 – Special Status Species (BLM 2008); the BLM will undertake conservation 

actions to improve the status of such species before listing is warranted. In compliance with 
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existing laws, including the BLM multiple use mission as specified by FLPMA, the BLM shall 

designate Bureau sensitive species and implement measures to conserve these species and their 

habitats, to promote their conservation and reduce the likelihood and need for such species to be 

listed pursuant to ESA. 

The planning area occurs in close proximity to the Payette National Forest, for which a Final 

Supplemental EIS (Payette FSEIS) (USFS 2010a) was completed to address grazing of domestic 

sheep within or near the range of bighorn sheep. Portions of this section of BLM’s SEIS were 

derived from and/or summarize information from the Payette FSEIS. 

3.2.2 Existing Conditions 

Bighorn sheep tend to occur in groups of interacting local populations or herds (the terms herd 

and population are interchangeable in this SEIS). Interacting populations are often referred to as 

metapopulations (IDFG 2010). Each metapopulation is composed of discrete local populations 

that interact with each other as a result of limited movement between the local populations 

(Bleich et al. 1996; Singer et al. 2000a). The fragmented nature of sheep habitat and the 

relatively small size of most bighorn sheep herds suggest that bighorn sheep evolved with a 

metapopulation structure in which small, local populations would not persist without movement 

and reproduction among herds (Gilpin and Hanski 1989; Berger 1990; Bleich et al. 1990). A 

large amount of contact and exchange of individuals may occur between some of the local herds 

identified in this document, while others are fairly isolated. 

Due to the nature of metapopulations and the high dispersal and roaming characteristics of this 

species, bighorn sheep in proximity or adjacent to BLM domestic sheep allotments may be 

affected by BLM grazing management actions. The metapopulation structure of bighorn sheep 

and the long-distance periodic movements among populations (i.e., forays) are well documented.

For example, sheep with geographically separate winter ranges have been observed sharing 

summer ranges (Akenson and Akenson 1992). These interactions can have positive effects, such 

as population augmentation, colonization, and enhancement of genetic diversity; however, 

negative effects, such as disease transmission, can also occur. Bighorn sheep ewes can travel as 

far as 24.8 miles from winter ranges to lambing areas. On BLM land in Idaho, bighorn sheep 

rams were documented to have traveled as far as 50 miles through towns and across major rivers 

(Coggins 2002). Telemetry data has shown that desert bighorn sheep regularly cross the broad 

valleys that separate the majority of desert mountain ranges (Ough and deVos 1984; Schwartz et 

al. 1986; Jaeger 1994). These complex spatial and temporal range use patterns occur among 

populations of sheep with resulting effects on forage and vulnerability to disease and parasite 

transmission (Akenson and Akenson 1992). The presence of dispersal corridors between suitable 

patches of habitat, and the ability of sheep to move between patches, influences their ability to 

disperse into suitable but unoccupied habitats (Noss 1987; Simberloff and Cox 1987; Hudson 

1991; Douglas and Leslie 1999).

3.2.2.1 Analysis Area

For management purposes, the IDFG has divided bighorn sheep populations and 

metapopulations into 22 Population Management Units (PMUs), including 6 PMUs for 
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California bighorn sheep and 16 PMUs for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (IDFG 2010). IDFG 

identifies separate management strategies for Rocky Mountain and California bighorn sheep; and 

identifies that Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep occur north of Interstate 84 (which crosses the 

southwestern portion of the state) and California bighorn sheep occur south of Interstate 84 

(IDFG 2010). This document addresses only Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, hereafter referred 

to simply as bighorn sheep. 

The analysis area for direct and indirect effects to bighorn sheep in this SEIS includes the Hells 

Canyon and Salmon River metapopulations, and focuses on six herds and one area of concern 

(Little Salmon) within these metapopulations that occur in proximity (within 35 air-miles) to the 

four domestic sheep allotments (planning area). The cumulative effects analysis area includes the 

Upper Hells Canyon, Myers, Muir, Big Canyon, and Sheep Mountain herds in Hells Canyon; 

Main Salmon/South Fork herd; Little Salmon area of concern; and the four domestic sheep 

allotments. The herd cumulative effects analysis area includes the specific CHHR and foray 

analysis area. The cumulative effects analysis area is primarily based on: 1) the probability that 

foraying bighorn sheep may come in contact with domestic sheep or goat grazing areas, 2) 

interspecies contact results in disease transmission, 3) infected bighorn sheep return to local 

population CHHRs, and 4) some disease outbreak may potentially occur. As shown on Map 1 in 

Appendix C, occupied bighorn sheep habitat in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington occurs in the 

Salmon River and Snake River drainages of the Columbia River Basin (WAFWA 2010). Map 1 

provides a large scale portrayal of bighorn sheep occupied and suitable habitats and 

metapopulations occurring within the analysis area. Within the analysis area more specific 

population and herd maps and suitable habitat maps (summer and winter source habitats) are 

presented in Appendix C, Maps 3, 4, 6, and 7. Bighorn sheep exist in both small isolated 

populations and interconnected metapopulations (IDFG 2010). Two bighorn sheep 

metapopulations occur within the analysis area; one within the Hells Canyon section of the 

Snake River and the other within the Salmon River canyon and mountains (see Map 1 in 

Appendix D). Historically, these populations were likely connected by suitable habitats between 

the two major drainages and may have functioned as one metapopulation. Today, re-introduced 

herds of the Hells Canyon population have been established along the Snake River. The 

indigenous (i.e., not reintroduced) population of the Main Salmon/South Fork local population of 

Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep occupy the Salmon River, from the Middle Fork Salmon River 

downstream. 

Hells Canyon Metapopulation 

The Hells Canyon metapopulation contains 15 local populations, largely defined by reintroduced 

cohorts (i.e., bighorn sheep groups/herds) that were established in specific areas within Hells 

Canyon and adjacent areas (see Map 3 in Appendix D). The Hells Canyon bighorn sheep 

restoration project covers more than 5.6 million acres in the Snake River drainage in 

Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (HCBSRC 2005). Winter range is limited at the higher 

elevations of the Wallowa and Seven Devils mountains, but is extensive within the Snake River 

portion of the project area (HCBSRC 1997). The amount of habitat does not appear to currently 

limit the number of bighorn sheep since they do not occupy much of the suitable habitat; 

however, habitat quality such as forage species composition and nutritional value may affect 

herd size, productivity, and distribution (HCBSRC 1997). The Idaho Bighorn Sheep 

Management Plan (IDFG 2010) identifies that the current objective for the Hells Canyon PMU is 
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to maintain or increase bighorn sheep populations, which is supported by the objectives and 

actions identified for bighorn sheep habitat in the Cottonwood RMP (BLM 2009a). 

The specific local populations that will be addressed in this document due to proximity to BLM 

domestic sheep allotments include Upper Hells Canyon, Myers Creek, Muir Creek, Big Canyon, 

and Sheep Mountain. Population monitoring (e.g., telemetry) of bighorn sheep movements and 

distribution has revealed overlap and connectivity between herds within the Hells Canyon 

metapopulation. Telemetry monitoring of collared bighorn sheep has documented varying levels 

of connectivity between the Upper Hells Canyon, Myers Creek, Muir Creek, and Big Canyon 

local populations; the current estimated population for these local populations is 110 bighorn 

sheep (Frances Cassirer, IDFG, personal communication 2013). The Upper Hells Canyon local 

population includes the combined Upper Hells Canyon Oregon, Upper Hells Canyon Idaho, and 

Saddle Creek herds. The Sheep Mountain population is more isolated and occurs south of the 

other four local populations in Hells Canyon discussed above, and has an estimated population of 

9 bighorn sheep. 

Salmon River Metapopulation 

Native populations of bighorn sheep were never extirpated from the Salmon River canyons and 

mountains, making them important native genetic stock. Loss of the genetic diversity of these 

populations could affect bighorn sheep persistence and restoration efforts within central Idaho.

The Salmon River metapopulation has several populations distributed along the South Fork 

Salmon River, Main Salmon River Canyon, and Middle Fork Salmon River. Several social 

groups of bighorn sheep occur within the Main Salmon/South Fork population. Distribution

overlaps and connectivity occurs between these groups. Borg (2014) found that social groups of 

bighorn sheep along the lower Salmon River were well connected. Risk of disease spread is 

related to the level of connectivity in bighorn sheep populations. While males were the primary 

source of connectivity between social groups, ewes also transitioned into other social groups but 

to a lesser degree. Rams had a three times higher probability of moving during the winter 

associated with the rut than during the summer (Borg 2014). The primary populations that 

potentially overlap or occur in proximity to BLM domestic sheep allotments include the Main 

Salmon River and South Fork Salmon River Herds (Main Salmon/South Fork Herd). The Idaho 

Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (IDFG 2010) identifies that the current objective for the Lower 

Salmon River PMU is to maintain or increase bighorn sheep populations. The objectives and 

actions identified for bighorn sheep habitat in the Cottonwood RMP (BLM 2009a) is consistent 

with this plan. 

The BLM is a partner in the Salmon River Bighorn Sheep Project, an interagency research effort 

established for the purpose of gaining a better ecological understanding of the Main 

Salmon/South Fork bighorn sheep local population in the Salmon River canyon (local population 

that occurs within the Salmon River metapopulation). The project area includes a 75-mile portion 

of the Salmon River drainage in Idaho from the town of Riggins, Idaho, east upriver to the 

confluence of Big Mallard Creek, and the lower portions of the Little Salmon and South Fork 

Salmon rivers. The current estimate for the Main Salmon/South Fork local bighorn sheep 

population is 350 (Frances Cassirer, IDFG, personal communication 2013). 
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The project participants have been conducting bighorn sheep capture, radio-collaring, and 

monitoring of movements, distribution, and habitat use since 2008. A total of 68 bighorn sheep 

(28 rams and 40 ewes) have been captured and radio-collared. The actual number of radiocollared sheep will vary during the duration of the study as a result of the capture and radiocollaring of new bighorn sheep, bighorn sheep mortality, and collar malfunction or battery life. 

As of January 2015, 30 bighorn sheep are being monitored with active radio-collars. 

Within the Main Salmon/South Fork herd area bighorn sheep are grouped in a number of 

different local populations. Distinct ram and ewe social groups occur within the Salmon River 

Bighorn Sheep Project area. Distribution of social groups, extensive movement rates, and 

maintenance of large use areas by both rams and ewes result in a high degree of population 

connectivity within the project area. This could foster the spread of disease within and among 

social groups. Ram groups, although isolated from other ram and ewe groups during most of the 

year, interacted with multiple ewe groups and members of neighboring ram groups during the rut 

(Mack 2011). Radio collared rams in the project area were capable of extensive daily movements 

(7 to 15 km/day) and traveled over large distances (11 to 49 km; mean = 33 km) between rut and 

non-rut areas (Mack 2011). 

Little Salmon Area of Concern

Over the past 5 years, there have been several observations of bighorn sheep in the Little Salmon 

River drainage, the origin of which is unknown. This could be a midpoint of a migration, the end 

point of a foray, or an undocumented population that is resident in the Little Salmon River 

drainage. The most likely origin of these bighorn sheep is Hells Canyon or Salmon River.

Migration corridors to the Little Salmon may include several habitat corridors, such as up from 

the mouth of the Little Salmon River or down the Rapid River drainage, or they may have 

resulted from random forays. These observations suggest a degree of habitat site fidelity or 

preference for this area; however, neither telemetry data nor enough observations exist to 

determine if an established herd is in this area. The most recent sighting in the Little Salmon 

drainage is of one bighorn sheep ewe during the spring of 2013. Due to the uncertainty of 

bighorn sheep status and the documentation of an established local population in the Little 

Salmon River drainage, the area of incidental sightings that have occurred over the past 5 years 

will be referred to as an area of concern (i.e., the Little Salmon area of concern). The population 

size is estimated to be four animals, as this is the number that has been reported in the area

(USFS 2010a). Several of these Little Salmon River incidental sightings have been in close 

proximity to the Hard Creek allotment. The Hard Creek allotment occurs outside the identified 

bighorn sheep distribution polygon (IDFG 2010). The Hard Creek allotment has relatively 

limited amounts of summer source habitats, however, concentrated source habitats occur in the 

lower portion of the Little Salmon Drainage (downriver from Pinehurst) and mid- to upperportions of the Hazard Creek drainage. 

As noted above, no documentation of an established herd exists for the Little Salmon. The 

specific likelihood of bighorn sheep dispersal or foray movements within the Little Salmon area 

is unknown. The Little Salmon area is a potential dispersal corridor for bighorn sheep based on 

bighorn sheep sightings and available habitat and it is reasonable to assume that such movements 

are generally rare and infrequent. Consequently, based on incidental bighorn sheep sightings 

over the past 5 years and fidelity for the area in proximity to the Hard Creek allotment, these 
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incidental sightings warrant further analysis regarding potential for bighorn sheep contact with 

the Hard Creek allotment and domestic sheep.

As identified above, because several observations of bighorn sheep have occurred over multiple 

years in the Little Salmon drainage this has led to analyzing this area as an area of concern.

However, the population estimate will be limited to four bighorn sheep because this is the 

number reported in the area during the past. The BLM assessed the Little Salmon area of concern 

utilizing past sightings and then analyzed it similar to a herd, utilizing assessment data 

summarized by the Payette National Forest (USFS 2010a).

3.2.2.2 Historical Context 

Prior to the mid-1800s, bighorn sheep were abundant and widely distributed throughout the 

western United States. A large proportion of native bighorn south of Canada went extinct 

beginning in the second half of the nineteenth century (Wehausen et al. 2011). Large declines in 

both bighorn sheep abundance and distribution occurred during the late 1800s and early 1900s 

due to overharvest, habitat loss, and competition for forage and disease transmission from 

domestic livestock (Goodson 1982; Valdez and Krausman 1999; IDFG 2010). The large region 

where bighorn sheep extirpations have been so widespread coincides spatially with where 

domestic sheep have been grazing in North America, and temporally with the beginning of that 

grazing (Wehausen et al. 2011). Bighorn sheep in North America were estimated to number 

approximately 1.5 to 2 million (Buechner 1960; Queen et al. 1994). A large decline in the 

bighorn sheep population in North America, from an estimated 2 million at the beginning of the 

nineteenth century to fewer than 70,000 in 2009 (Lawrence et al. 2010; Buechner 1960; Valdez 

and Krausman 1999), has been attributed in part to disease, particularly pneumonia caused by 

bacteria of the genera Mannheimia, Bibersteinia, and Pasteurella (Coggins 1988; Miller 2001).

Recently Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae has been identified in contributing to pneumonia related 

deaths in eight bighorn sheep populations from 2008-2010 (Besser et al. 2012a). 

Archaeological evidence and reports by early explorers indicate that bighorn sheep were widely 

distributed and abundant in Idaho until the late 1800s (IDFG 2010; Smith 1954; Toweill and 

Geist 1999), and included both California bighorn sheep (O. c. californiana) in the southwest 

portion of the state and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (O. c. canadensis) northeast of the Snake 

River Plains. By 1920 the Idaho bighorn sheep population declined to an estimated 1,000 

animals (IDFG 2010). In 1969, Idaho began reintroducing Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep into 

historic habitats. As a result of these efforts, and strict hunting regulations, habitat protection, 

and translocation of bighorn sheep to historically occupied habitat, the Idaho population 

increased to approximately 5,000 by 1990 (IDFG 2010). Unfortunately, that number then 

decreased to 1,710 by 1998, with population declines attributed to disease outbreaks (Toweill 

and Geist 1999). More recent statewide estimates for bighorn sheep are 2,900 (IDFG 2010). 

Buchner (1960) prepared maps depicting the estimated ranges of bighorn sheep over time in the 

lower 48 states for 1850 and in 1955. The 1850 map identified wide distribution of bighorn 

sheep in Hells Canyon and the entire Salmon River Canyon, while the 1955 map depicted Hells 

Canyon as primarily extirpated and bighorn sheep range reduction in the Salmon River canyon of 

west-central and central Idaho. 
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Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were native to Hells Canyon and were thought to be very 

abundant (Bailey 1936). Archaeological investigations indicate bighorn sheep bones were the 

most abundant ungulate bones recovered at Native American campsites in Hells Canyon 

(Randolph and Dahlstrom 1977). More than 10,000 bighorn sheep may have once lived in the 

Hells Canyon and surrounding mountains, but were extirpated by the mid-1940s by competition 

for forage with domestic livestock, disease, and unregulated hunting; reintroduction efforts in 

Hells Canyon began in 1971, and 474 bighorn sheep were transplanted into Hells Canyon 

between 1971 and 2004 (HCBSRC 2005). In 2005, the Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Restoration 

Committee estimated 875 bighorn sheep were located within Hells Canyon, and the 2011 

population estimate is 850 (includes Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). Overall, Hells Canyon 

modeled habitat could support more bighorn sheep than current population levels. The Hells 

Canyon PMU (Idaho) predicted bighorn sheep supportable by habitat within the distribution area 

of bighorn sheep is 1,555 to 2,802 (IDFG 2010). Cassirer and Sinclair (2007) describe the effects 

of chronic, repeated pneumonia outbreaks on bighorn sheep populations in Hells Canyon and 

their potential adverse effects on bighorn sheep population recovery and persistence. 

The Salmon River drainage and canyonlands and mountains had a much larger bighorn sheep 

distribution prior to European settlement as shown by mapping prepared by Buchner (1960). 

Historically bighorn sheep in the Salmon River drainage were an important food source for the 

Nez Perce Tribe and the Sheepeater Indians which used upriver and adjacent areas. The Salmon 

River metapopulation was never extirpated (Toweill and Geist 1999), although the population 

has experienced periodic die-offs. No reintroduction or augmentation has occurred in the Lower 

Salmon River PMU (IDFG 2011). Low recruitment rates and overall declines in sheep numbers 

over the years for this metapopulation may have been caused by disease and habitat conditions in 

the Lower Salmon River PMU (IDFG 2010). Population numbers have dwindled in the western 

portion of this PMU that is closest to active domestic sheep allotments. Disease has resulted in 

low lamb survival in adjacent herds along the Salmon River, the most significant of which is

respiratory disease, which results in negative effects on population dynamics through increased 

adult and lamb mortality (IDFG 2010, 2011). Overall, Lower Salmon River PMU modeled 

habitat could support more bighorn sheep than current population levels. Salmon River PMU 

predicted populations supportable by habitat within the distribution area of bighorn sheep is 942 

to 1,504 (IDFG 2010). Within the Lower Salmon River PMU, Game Management Unit (GMU) 

14 is the most western GMU and occurs the closest to domestic sheep grazing and has low lamb 

survival. During the period of 2010 to 2012, the lamb to ewe ratio was 9.7 (lambs per 100 ewes) 

within GMU 14. During the same period, the GMUs within the Lower Salmon River PMU that 

were farther east and more distant from historic domestic sheep grazing areas ranged from 57 

percent to over 200 percent higher for lamb to ewe ratios when compared to GMU 14 ratios. 

3.2.2.3 Disease Transmission

Disease was a significant factor in the historic decline of bighorn sheep and is a key factor 

limiting recovery (Besser et al. 2012a; WAFWA 2012; Wehausen et al. 2011; Lawrence et al. 

2010; IDFG 2010). Widespread bighorn sheep extirpations in North America have occurred in 

regions where historically large numbers of domestic sheep grazed (Wehausen et al. 2011). 

Present-day recovery of bighorn sheep populations is in large part limited by periodic outbreaks 

of respiratory disease, which can be transmitted to bighorn sheep via contact with domestic 
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sheep grazing in their vicinity (Carpenter et al. 2014). Although respiratory disease resulting in 

pneumonia is the most serious disease limiting bighorn sheep recovery, other diseases and 

parasites, including but not limited to scabies, anaplasma, babesia, ovine parapox (contagious 

ecthyma), and infectious keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye), may be communicable (Jessup and 

Boyce 1993). 

Free-ranging bighorn sheep are susceptible to many diseases, but pneumonia has the greatest 

impact on populations (Singer et al. 2000; Monello et al. 2001; George et al. 2008; Cahn et al. 

2011; TWS 2014). Bighorn sheep are vulnerable to organisms carried by healthy domestic sheep 

and goats, and there is no effective treatment once these organisms are transmitted (IDFG 2010).

The most important of these diseases is bronchopneumonia, which is usually associated with 

bacteria in the genera Pasteurella and Mannheimia (Bunch et al. 1999; Miller 2001). Pneumonia 

caused by these bacteria has produced partial to complete die-offs of herds across the species’ 

range, with the frequency of die-offs being particularly high in the northwestern United States 

(Monello et al. 2001). The current abundance and distribution of the species appears to be largely 

limited by recurrent pasteurellosis epidemics (Hobbs and Miller 1992; Jorgenson et al. 1997; 

McCarty and Miller 1998). 

A history of large-scale, rapid, all-age die-offs in bighorn sheep has been documented across 

Canada and the United States, many presumed to be associated with domestic animal contact 

(Shackleton 1999). Although there is limited knowledge of transmission dynamics (Garde et al. 

2005), extensive scientific research supports a relationship between disease in bighorn sheep 

populations and contact with domestic sheep. The literature includes circumstantial evidence 

linking bighorn die-offs in the wild to contact with domestic animals, as well as controlled 

experiments where healthy bighorn sheep exposed to domestic sheep displayed subsequently 

high mortality rates (Wehausen et al. 2011; Lawrence 2010; Foreyt 1989, 1990, 1992a, b; Foreyt 

et al. 1994; Onderka et al. 1988; Onderka and Wishart 1988; Garde et al. 2005: Drew et al. 

2014). Several disease-caused mortality events have been recorded in wild populations 

immediately after contact with domestic sheep in northeastern Oregon, central Colorado, 

Washington, California, Nevada, and other locations (George et al. 2008; Foreyt 1994; Foreyt 

and Jessup 1982; Coggins 1988). No known published and peer reviewed research could be 

found that documents fenced or free-ranging bighorn sheep remaining healthy when living 

directly with domestic sheep herds. 

Pneumonia in bighorn sheep populations usually results in an initial all-age die-off, continued 

chronic low level of adult mortality, and annual or sporadic high rates of mortality of lambs 

(generally from 1-3 months of age) (Festa-Bianchet 1988, Akenson and Akenson 1992, Singer et 

al. 2000b, Monello et al. 2001, Cassirer and Sinclair 2007, Cassirer et al. 2013). Increased 

mortality rates of lambs may continue for one to >20 years (Rush 1927, Jorgenson et al. 1997, 

Aune et al. 1998, Enk et al. 2001, Hnilicka et al, 2002, and Cassirer et al. 2013). While much of 

the evidence for disease transmission from domestic sheep to free-ranging bighorn sheep is 

circumstantial, a large literature base has emerged that documents bighorn sheep die-offs near 

domestic sheep. These die-offs have prompted management decisions to eliminate shared use of 

ranges by bighorn and domestic sheep by federal land management agencies and state wildlife 

departments (Goodson 1982; WAFWA 2012; TWS 2014). Transmission of Mannheimia 

haemolytica from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep was irrefutably demonstrated by Lawrence et 

al. (2010; WAFWA 2012). 
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Bighorn sheep commonly occur in spatially structured, demographically independent, 

interconnected populations in steep, rugged terrain (Cassirer et al. 2013), which is typical of the 

Hells Canyon and Salmon River metapopulations. Males and females pursue different lifehistory strategies (Bleich et al. 1996; Rubin et al. 2002) and interactions between the sexes are 

concentrated around the breeding season which is relatively short in northern latitudes and high 

altitudes (Bunnell 1982; Thompson and Turner 1982; Bleich et al. 1997; Valdez and Krausman 

1999). Outside the breeding season, mature males and females generally occur in male-only, 

female-only, or female-offspring associations (Cassirer et al. 2013). Males are more mobile and 

more likely than females to contact conspecific hosts in adjacent populations, or potential disease 

reservoirs such as domestic sheep (Bleich et al. 1997; Rubin et al. 1998; DeCesare and Pletscher 

2006). Initially, infection probably originates in domestic sheep, but once the disease has spread 

into bighorn sheep population it is most likely maintained in the population and spread by 

bighorn sheep (Cassirer et al. 2013). Consequently, once disease transmission has occurred 

between domestic sheep/goats and bighorn sheep, the interconnected populations within Hells 

Canyon and Salmon River metapopulations are at continued risk from spread of disease by 

infected bighorn sheep contacting other bighorn sheep. See Appendix A for a more detailed 

discussion and review of the research regarding bighorn sheep disease and transmission. 

Disease History of Hells Canyon Metapopulation 

Bighorn sheep were extirpated from Hells Canyon and the surrounding area by 1945 (Smith 

1954; Johnson 1980; ODFW 1992). Wild sheep were totally extirpated from Hells Canyon in 

Oregon, Idaho, and Washington by the mid-1940s and disease contracted from domestic sheep 

was believed to have been the major cause of the extinction of Hells Canyon bighorn sheep 

(Coggins 1980). From 1971 to 2002, 492 additional bighorn sheep from 11 source populations

(not from Hells Canyon population), and 124 bighorn sheep (from within the Hells Canyon 

population) were relocated within the Hells Canyon area. At least six pneumonia epizootics 

(population die-offs) occurred between 1972 and 1996 within the Hells Canyon metapopulation 

(HCBSRC 2004). In 2012, a population all-age die-off occurred in the northern most population 

of the Hells Canyon population in Washington state (Francis Cassirer, 2013, personal 

communication). Pasteurella multocida was associated with a major die-off in Hells Canyon in 

1995–1996 (Frank et al. 2004). During this time, more than 300 bighorn sheep died of 

pneumonia in Hells Canyon, possibly caused by contact with one goat (Cassirer et al. 1996; 

Coggins 2002). During this period, bighorn sheep on the Idaho side of the river showed signs of 

respiratory disease, but no die-off was documented (Cassirer et al. 1996). Five die-offs within the 

Hells Canyon metapopulation have been circumstantially linked to domestic sheep (Coggins 

1988). Cassirer and Sinclair (2007) describe the effects of chronic, repeated pneumonia 

outbreaks on bighorn sheep populations in Hells Canyon, and their potential adverse effects on 

bighorn sheep population recovery and persistence. Cassirer and others identified that in some 

cases, even in the absence of a large-scale die-off, chronic or sporadic pneumonia-caused 

mortality can be the primary factor limiting population growth, especially in juvenile age classes

(Cassirer et al. 2013). 

Six bighorn sheep local populations of the Hells Canyon metapopulation occur within 30 air 

miles from BLM domestic sheep allotments, including: Upper Hells Canyon, Myers, Muir 

Creek, McGraw, Big Canyon, and Sheep Mountain. The other populations have had periodic 

pneumonia outbreaks that have resulted in substantial mortality, as indicated by bighorn sheep 
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downward population trends in Hells Canyon (Figure 3-1). Disease has reduced the population 

growth rate of the Hells Canyon metapopulation by at least 40 percent (HCBSRC 1997). 

Figure 3-1: Population Trends for Bighorn Sheep by Herd in Hells Canyon (Source: WDFW, ODFW, 

and IDFG bighorn sheep population census data; 1970 - 2012) 

Disease History of Salmon River Metapopulation 

For the Salmon River metapopulation, the IDFG collects census data by game management unit 

(GMU; see Map 3 in Appendix D). As shown in Figure 3-1, the census data collected by the 

IDFG suggests significant bighorn sheep declines in several of these GMUs. Helicopter surveys 

during 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 were conducted specifically for bighorn sheep, while earlier 
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surveys for bighorn sheep were incidental sightings during surveys for elk (IDFG 2010). 

Consequently, population numbers and upward trends cannot be concluded from the higher 

population counts (e.g., GMU 19) when compared to earlier survey years. 

Figure 3-2: Population Trends for Bighorn Sheep in Idaho Big Game Management Units that Overlap 

the Main Salmon/South Local Population Analysis Area (Source: IDFG bighorn sheep 

population census data; 1981 - 2013)

The Main Salmon/South Fork population occurs within the Lower Salmon River PMU. Evidence 

suggests that disease has had severe implications on this population, which occurs within the 

Salmon River metapopulation (IDFG 2004a, 2006, 2010). The IDFG (2010) identified that low 

recruitment rates and overall declines in bighorn sheep have occurred in the Lower Salmon River 

PMU and specific GMUs and may have been caused by disease and habitat conditions. IDFG 

(2010) also identified that population numbers have dwindled in the western portion of the 

Lower Salmon PMU (GMU 14), which is closest to active domestic sheep allotments. Disease 

has resulted in low lamb survival in adjacent herds along the Salmon River. 

From 1987 to 1991, a population on Big Creek within GMU 27 experienced 5 years of low lambto-ewe ratios and an all-age die-off in 1990 (Akenson and Akenson 1992). Research conducted 

in April 2000 found a highly virulent strain of Pasteurella spp. in the Big Creek population 

(IDFG 2004a, 2006). 

A seven-year old radio-collared bighorn sheep ram was reported to have been observed on a 

sheep rancher’s private land on May 18, 2009, on the north side of the Salmon River near 

Allison Creek and occurred within the Main Salmon/South Fork herd CHHR. The bighorn sheep 

ram was reported to have been within 50 to 75 yards from domestic sheep. The ram eluded Idaho 
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Department of Fish and Game officials for several weeks before they killed it on June 10, 2009

to prevent it from co-mingling with other bighorn sheep and potentially spreading disease. Prior 

to being killed the ram was observed to be coughing and sneezing. Blood and nasal samples were 

taken from the ram and were tested at the University of Idaho’s Caine Veterinary Teaching 

Center in Boise. This ram had previously been captured within the Main Salmon/South Fork 

herd CHHR, radio-collared, tested for disease, and released in 2008. The lab results from the 

2008 testing were compared to the samples collected in 2009. The comparison revealed that the 

ram had significantly decreased numbers of lungworms and indicated recent exposure and/or 

infection with a parainfluenza virus (pneumonia), although it was not certain whether the 

transmission occurred from the domestic sheep that it was observed in proximity to. The causal 

effects attributed to the coughing and sneezing were likely due to the parainfluenza virus and 

changes in the lungs. Lab analysis indicated that this animal did not have terminal pneumonia. 

However, this bighorn sheep almost certainly would have co-mingled with and transmitted 

disease to other bighorn sheep within the Salmon River metapopulation if it had not been lethally 

removed. This incident provides an unequivocal example that comingling has occurred 

immediately adjacent to the analysis area, and that a real potential for disease transmission exists.

3.2.2.4 Vaccines and Range Applications 

There are a number of pathogens that have been implicated in bighorn sheep that cause

pneumonia and death that are common to domestic sheep and cause little or no symptoms in 

domestic sheep or goats. Two of the most lethal pathogens to bighorn sheep, Mannheimia 

haemolytica (leukotixin positive) and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, have been studied by 

researchers at Washington State University. Both researchers have indicated that development of 

specific vaccines to each of these bacteria may take 5 to 10 years. In addition to development of 

these vaccines, development of delivery systems to wild sheep are problematic and to date have 

not proved effective for wildlife with other diseases. A recent publication by Besser et al. (2013) 

and correspondence by Dr. Subramaniam Srikumaran, Washington State University, to the 

Payette National Forest Supervisor in 2010 discusses issues with both vaccines and delivery 

systems. Although vaccines may provide a long-term solution to disease transmission, there is no 

evidence that they will be effective in the near future. Therefore, vaccines do not provide 

solutions for this SEIS and current planning document. In other words, at this time and based on 

existing capabilities, it is not reasonable for the BLM to attempt to vaccinate wild bighorn sheep 

to protect them from domestic sheep.

3.2.2.5 Model Analysis 

Three models were used to better understand bighorn sheep habitat suitability and the potential 

for contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep: (1) a bighorn sheep source habitat model; 

(2) a CHHR model; and (3) a risk-of-contact model, which utilizes a bighorn sheep source 

habitat and CHHR analysis for the bighorn sheep foray analysis. Outputs from these models 

were used to describe current conditions on BLM domestic sheep allotments and adjacent areas 

and as a basis for alternative comparison. The BLM used the results from these models to make 

inferences regarding disease transmission between the species and potential outbreaks of disease 

within bighorn populations. Following is a summary of these models and results (see Appendix 

B for more information about the models and data used). A detailed description of these models 
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can also be found in Bighorn Sheep Risk of Contact Tool Users Guide (USFS 2013a) and 

Appendix L of the Payette FSEIS (USFS 2010a).

Source Habitat Model 

Source habitats are those characteristics of macrovegetation that contribute to positive population 

growth for a species in a specified area and time; they contribute to source environments, which 

represent the composite of all environmental conditions that result in stationary or positive 

population growth in a specified area and within a specified time (Wisdom et al. 2000; Raphael 

et al. 2001). Source habitats have been described for bighorn sheep in alpine, subalpine, upland 

shrubland, and upland herbland community groups; alpine and subalpine community groups are 

primarily summer range, while upland herbland and shrubland are used in both seasons, 

depending on elevation (Wisdom et al. 2000). Bighorn sheep have habitat preferences and select 

habitat based on factors such as proximity of steep slope escape terrain, forage availability, and 

horizontal visibility (USFS 2013a; O’Brien et al. 2014; HCBSRC 1997). 

Within the four BLM domestic sheep allotments, 7,249 acres of summer source habitat and 

4,706 acres of winter source habitat exist, representing 37 percent (summer source habitat) and 

24 percent (winter source habitat) of the total acreage of overlap within BLM domestic sheep 

allotments. Source habitat for bighorn sheep is distributed within the Salmon and Snake River 

canyon lands and adjacent landscape, which includes the BLM domestic sheep allotments (see 

maps 6 and 7 in Appendix D). Allotment-specific bighorn sheep source habitat and BLM land 

leased for domestic sheep grazing are summarized in Table 3-1. 

Table 3-1: Allotment Summary of Bighorn Sheep Source Habitats and BLM Lands Leased for 

Domestic Sheep Grazing Season of Use Overlap of Source Habitats

Allotment Name

Summer Source Habitat

(Acres)

Winter Source Habitat

(Acres)

1

BLM Leased Lands

(Acres)

Partridge Creek 5,276 4,706 9,544

Marshall Mountain 1,201 0 4,212

Hard Creek 771 0 5,210

Big Creek 1 0 439

Total 7,249 4,706 19,405 1

The Partridge Creek allotment is the only allotment that has a historic grazing season that overlaps with bighorn sheep summer 

period (May – October) and winter period (November – April), consequently bighorn sheep source habitat acreage is identified 

for both use periods. Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek allotments have winter source habitat, however, because 

domestic sheep grazing has not occurred during this period the overlap with winter source habitats is zero. 

During the summer of 2015 the Tepee Springs wildfire burned approximately 93 percent (8,850 

acres) of the Partridge Creek Allotment and approximately 15 percent (5,210 acres) of the Hard 

Creek Allotment. This fire will affect the occurrence of source habitat on and adjacent to these 

allotments. Any areas that were previously mapped as summer or winter source habitats and 

burned would continue to be source habitats. However, timber stands that had moderate and high 

burn severity would likely be converted to early seral habitats (e.g., shrub, seedlings, forb, and 

grass stands) and some of the low severity burn areas would potentially be converted to early 

seral habitats. Conversion to early seral habitat would open up forested areas and potentially 
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increase source habitats for bighorn sheep (dependent on meeting terrain and escape cover 

criteria). Based purely on acres of timber vegetation burned, potentially 1,500 acres of additional 

source habitat may now occur in the Partridge Creek Allotment and 200 acres of additional 

source habitat may occur in the Hard Creek Allotment. 

The above estimates are very preliminary and approximate; an accurate prediction of available 

source habitat on these allotments would be dependent on modeling of source habitat with an 

updated LANDFIRE vegetation layer (e.g., post-fire). Any changes to source habitats would be

dependent on pre-2015 and post-fire vegetation types, and meeting escape terrain criteria

(Appendix B, Source Habitat Model). The existing vegetation layer from the national 

LANDFIRE layer (USGS 2010) was used to assess the current source habitat available for 

bighorn sheep. However, changes from the 2015 fire will not be reflected in LANDFIRE until 

after the next update, scheduled for 2018. Therefore, the analysis in this SEIS is based on the 

pre-fire conditions reflected in the current LANDFIRE data.

Core Herd Home Range Model 

CHHR analysis uses bighorn sheep telemetry location points to identify and enclose an area that 

contains 95 percent of all telemetry points from radio-collared bighorn sheep. This process was 

carried out for each identifiable individual within a herd for whom more than 20 telemetry points 

were available. All other telemetry and observation points for herds that did not meet these 

criteria were excluded from the CHHR analysis, but were used to verify the accuracy of the final 

CHHR volume contours. 

Analysis was conducted for summer and winter CHHRs. Bighorn sheep telemetry locations 

occurring May through October are used for determining summer CHHR, and bighorn sheep 

telemetry locations occurring November through April are used for modeling winter CHHR. 

Risk of Contact Model 

For analysis of the risk of contact, the BLM used a model that estimates the probability that 

foraying bighorn sheep will reach a domestic sheep allotment. However, within an allotment it is 

not possible to determine where and when domestic sheep would consistently occur or for how 

long. Use of some areas within an allotment may present less chance of contact with bighorn 

sheep than others, while some areas may have higher probability of occurrence (e.g., source 

habitats). Because of this uncertainty, the only feasible and suitable method to predict potential 

interspecies contact was to use the Risk of Contact Model and use the assumption that contact 

with an allotment results in interspecies contact. By definition, where a CHHR overlaps an 

allotment, there is contact with the allotment and the assumption is that one or more contacts per 

year may occur. Stray domestic sheep have been implicated in several die-offs for bighorn sheep, 

and in many rangeland settings, strays may pose a risk of disease transmission as large as or 

greater than from foraying bighorn sheep. However, the bighorn sheep risk of contact tool (USFS 

2013) does not model the risk of stray domestic sheep and the subsequent potential for contact 

with bighorn sheep. Since there is currently no domestic sheep grazing on BLM allotments in the 

analysis area, there is no risk of contact with bighorn sheep within these allotments or from 

straying domestic sheep or foraying bighorn sheep. 
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The Risk of Contact model was used to determine the effects of alternatives as described in 

Chapter 4. 

The contact model is based on an analysis of 16 years of bighorn sheep telemetry data from the 

Hells Canyon populations (see Appendix B); its construction involves two distinct analyses.

First, the analysis is used to delineate areas where most animals in each herd spend at least 

95 percent of their time (the CHHR); telemetry data from Hells Canyon and Salmon River 

bighorn sheep was used for this analysis. Next, the analysis examines the characteristics of 

bighorn sheep movements, or forays, outside of the CHHR. This foray analysis examines how 

frequently and at what season foray movements occur, as well as how far beyond the CHHR 

animals are likely to travel. Together, the habitat, CHHR, and foray models are used to estimate 

the probability that a ewe or a ram in any of the herds will reach any of the open allotments in a 

given year.

Modeling the CHHR provided information to analyze the impacts of domestic sheep grazing on

BLM domestic sheep allotments and on the landscape level for bighorn sheep metapopulations. 

The analysis also highlighted the extent of the overlap and possible interaction among the 

different herds throughout the Hells Canyon and Salmon River metapopulations. The first step in 

developing the CHHR model was to calculate separately the home range of each individual 

animal. Occasional movement outside of the area could be exploratory in nature and was not 

considered part of the CHHR. These excursions, or forays, were of great interest to the modelers 

and were analyzed separately in the foray model.

The tools and processes used to complete CHHR analysis are common to home range analyses 

used for many other species. This analysis used observations and telemetry data collected by the 

Hells Canyon Initiative from 1997 to 2013 (ongoing). The data was then used to divide the 

bighorn sheep populations into herds. Although the Hells Canyon metapopulation is comprised 

of numerous herds, this analysis focuses on the following herd assignments that were based on 

transplant cohorts to specific locations and breeding groups of ewes that shared the same range:

Upper Hells Canyon, Muir Creek, Myers Creeks, Big Canyon, and Sheep Mountain. The bighorn 

sheep in the Salmon River metapopulation are endemic rather than reintroduced, so herds 

divisions were defined differently. Named herds in the Salmon River were based on the type of 

observations available for describing their locations: the Main Salmon/South Fork included 

animals radio-collared as a part of the Salmon River study in 2007-2013 (ongoing); the Big 

Creek population included animals radio-collared by Akenson and Akenson (1992) in 1989 and 

1990, and the Upper Salmon; and the Upper Main Salmon was comprised of animals in the 

Salmon River Canyon between the Upper Main Salmon/South Fork and Big Creek populations, 

for which no telemetry data were available. The allotment-specific CHHR acreage and distance 

from each herd CHHR is summarized in Table 3-2 and Table 3-3. 

Table 3-2: Summer and Winter Core Herd Home Ranges and Domestic Sheep Allotments

Core Herd Home 

Range Information

Partridge Creek 

Allotment

Marshall Mountain 

Allotment

Hard Creek 

Allotment

Big Creek

Allotment Total Acres

CHHR Acres1, 2 5,127 S

7,533 W 0 0 0 5,127 S7,533 W

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern Acres2 0 0 2,696 S 0 2,696 S
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Table 3-2: Summer and Winter Core Herd Home Ranges and Domestic Sheep Allotments

Core Herd Home Partridge Creek Marshall Mountain Hard Creek Big Creek

Range Information Allotment Allotment Allotment Allotment Total Acres

Distance to Nearest 

CHHR (Miles)1 0 1.25 S 10.25 S 12.96 S ---

Distance to Little 

Salmon Area of 3.53 18.30 0.0 12.96 ---

Concern (Miles)2

BLM Lands Leased 

for Domestic Sheep 9,544 4,212 5,210 439 19,405

Grazing (Acres)

1

S = Summer CHHR and W = Winter CHHR. The Partridge Creek Allotment is the only allotment that has a grazing season 

that overlaps with bighorn sheep summer period (May–October) and winter period (November–April), consequently bighorn 

sheep CHHR acreage are identified for both use periods. 

2

The Partridge Creek Allotment has overlap with summer and winter CHHR for the Main Salmon/South Fork local population 

and the Hard Creek Allotment has overlap with Little Salmon area of concern.

Table 3-3: Allotment Distances (Miles) from Core Herd Home Ranges and Little Salmon Area of 

Concern 1, 2

Herd Name

Partridge Creek 

Allotment

Marshall Mountain 

Allotment

Hard Creek 

Allotment

Big Creek 

Allotment

Main Salmon/South Fork 0 1.25 S 12.20 S 32.04 S

Little Salmon2 3.53 S & W 18.30 S 0 12.96 S

Upper Hells Canyon 15.40 S

16.60 W 29.78 S 10.25 S 26.15 S 

Myers 5.98 S

13.21 W 20.84 S 11.28 S 33.83 S

Muir 15.72 S

14.44 W 27.72 S 21.25 S 44.21 S 

Big Canyon 17.45 S

17.15 W 29.12 S 19.15 S 41.85 S 

Sheep Mountain 44.97 S

46.02 W 55.82 S 30.63 S 30.36 S 

1

S = Summer CHHR and W = Winter CHHR. The Partridge Creek Allotment is the only allotment that has a grazing season 

that overlaps with bighorn sheep summer period (May–October) and winter period (November–April), consequently bighorn 

sheep CHHR distances are identified for both use periods.

2

Distances are for Little Salmon area of concern.

Similar to bighorn sheep elsewhere, Hells Canyon and Salmon River bighorn sheep, particularly 

rams, make occasional long-distance movements beyond their CHHR. Singer et al. (2001) 

defined these forays as any short-term movement of an animal away from and back to its CHHR.

This life-history trait can put bighorn sheep at risk of contact with domestic sheep, particularly 

when suitable habitats are well connected and overlap with domestic sheep use areas (Singer et 

al. 2000c; Gross et al. 2000), or even when domestic sheep use is outside of CHHR areas. The 

risk of contact between dispersing bighorn sheep and domestic sheep is related to the number of 

bighorn sheep in a herd, proximity of domestic sheep use areas (allotments) to a bighorn sheep 

CHHR, distribution of bighorn sheep source habitats across the landscape, and frequency and 

distance of bighorn sheep forays outside of the CHHR. Straying bighorn sheep can also increase 
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the risk of contact, which was not modeled. Factors to be considered for domestic sheep straying 

and interspecies contact include: distance from CHHRs; topography; vegetation; flock size; and 

grazing season of use. Straying domestic sheep also increase risk of interspecies contact with 

longer periods of time on the range. 

The sequence of events by which a disease outbreak could result from contact between a bighorn 

sheep and a domestic sheep or goats in an active allotment located outside of bighorn sheep 

CHHR can be broken down into a number of steps. To reach an occupied allotment, a bighorn 

sheep must (1) leave the CHHR; (2) travel far enough to reach the allotment; then (3) intersect 

the allotment (i.e., rather than some other area at the same distance from the CHHR). Once this 

occurs, in order for disease transmission to occur, the bighorn sheep must (4) come into contact 

with domestic sheep in the allotment and (5) contract the disease from the domestic sheep. For 

an outbreak to affect the animal’s home herd, the infected bighorn sheep must (6) make its way 

back to the CHHR and (7) transmit the disease to other members of the herd. Uncertainty is 

identified within the literature regarding what levels of interspecies contacts in a rangeland 

situation result in disease transmission and disease outbreaks within a bighorn sheep population.

Because of this uncertainty, the BLM did not conduct herd specific modeling in regard to disease 

transmission and herd persistence. 

The contact model described in this section aims to determine the probability that a bighorn 

sheep will reach an occupied allotment.

Interpreting Contact Rates Relative to the Probability of Bighorn Sheep Disease Outbreaks and 

Population Trends 

A high degree of uncertainty exists regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with 

an allotment will lead to disease outbreak occurring within a herd (USFS 2010a, USFS 2013b; 

Carpenter et al. 2014; O’Brien et al. 2014). Quantification of disease transmission and outbreaks 

in bighorn sheep populations following contact with domestic sheep or goats, and the subsequent 

ability of a population to recover, are key to interpreting the results from the above models; 

however, the mechanisms of disease transmission and resulting disease outbreaks in bighorn 

sheep is not fully understood. We currently lack empirical data to accurately predict for all 

scenarios as to the frequency of outbreaks and the effects on population persistence. Therefore, 

the BLM relied on the following to assist with the interpretation:

• The effects of respiratory disease outbreaks on bighorn sheep populations are often 

severe (Besser et al. 2012a, b). Controlled pen experiments identified in Besser et al. 

2012a resulted in complete or nearly complete die-offs of bighorn sheep following 

contact with domestic sheep. It has also been documented that disease perturbations can 

affect lamb recruitment for several years following a severe population decline resulting

from a disease outbreak that rapidly affects many animals in a specific area at the same 

time (Besser et al. 2012b; Coggins and Matthews 1992; Foreyt 1990). In other words, 

young lambs die at a high rate (for many years) even if adult bighorn sheep survive the 

outbreak. Consequently, when bighorn sheep disease die-offs occur, there is a substantial 

immediate mortality (population decline) and a delayed recovery due to poor lamb 

recruitment that can follow the disease outbreak for many years (Besser et al. 2013). 

Population recovery is unlikely where interspecies contact, potentially resulting in 
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disease transmission and subsequent disease outbreak, occurs within a few decades of 

each other (Cassirer et al. 2013). There is no specific guidance on the number of decades 

required to recover from a disease outbreak; observations of herds that have experienced 

pneumonic events indicate it likely requires several. 

• Another important trend of wild-domestic sheep disease transmission is that an illness’s 

effect on individual bighorn populations can be long-lasting. For example, in the 1980s in 

California’s Santa Rosa Mountains, lambs regularly died from pneumonia (DeForge et al. 

1997; DeForge et al. 1982). According to DeForge and others (1997): “[In the] Santa 

Rosa Mountains...a disease outbreak reportedly struck bighorn in the late 1970s. This 

epizootic contributed to at least 13 years of poor recruitment and an 81 percent

population decline in the...adult bighorn population between 1979 and 1996.” Cahn and 

others (2011) explained the trend of suppressed lamb recruitment: “Whether mild or 

severe, most respiratory disease outbreaks in bighorn populations are followed by several 

years of pneumonia caused mortality of lambs resulting in low recruitment rates and 

juvenile survival. Continuing lamb infection apparently results from females that remain 

infective following an outbreak, although mortality or morbidity among the females may 

not be detectable. Such recurring lamb infections can substantially delay the recovery of 

depleted populations to pre-outbreak levels.” 

In order to sustain populations of bighorn sheep within the Hells Canyon and Main 

Salmon/South Fork metapopulations in the long term, it will be necessary to reverse the 

significant declining trends in populations depicted in Figures 3-1 and 3-2 above. Therefore, for 

this analysis, the BLM used the predicted number of disease outbreaks over a 50-year period that 

would result from contact with domestic sheep as an indicator of the effect on these bighorn 

sheep population trends. 

The BLM recognizes the uncertainty regarding the relationship between the number of bighorn 

sheep contacts with a domestic sheep allotment and predictions for disease transmission and 

outbreaks. Consequently, in this SEIS the analysis was conducted at a herd level for the various 

alternatives to predict disease outbreak attributed to BLM authorized domestic sheep grazing 

over a 50-year period. Due to the uncertainty in the amount of contacts between domestic sheep 

and bighorn sheep needed to result in disease transmission to bighorn sheep and subsequent 

disease outbreak, the BLM analyzed a range of probabilities. These ranged from 0.05 (1 in 20 

contacts would result in a disease outbreak) to 1.00 (every contact would result in a disease 

outbreak). The specific probability values modeled were: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 

1.00. The BLM then used the range of probabilities of disease outbreak to predict the number of 

outbreaks that would occur over a 50-year period. 

It is important to disclose that accurate individual-level modeling of the impacts of disease 

events is difficult, as the dynamics of respiratory disease in the wild are only partly known. An 

individual-based model would require understanding many factors, such as the incubation period 

and active infection durations, the probability and rate of recovery from disease, the rate of 

effective contact between individuals within the herd, and the possible role of persistently

infected individuals in harboring and spreading the disease. Variations in the resistance to 

disease of individual bighorn sheep and in the virulence of the disease-causing organisms 

themselves can also affect population dynamics. 
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Furthermore, modeling population dynamics of large herbivores at the individual level requires 

estimating numerous parameters, from adult and juvenile survival rates to age at sexual maturity, 

fecundity, and lamb survival (Gaillard et al. 2000). In addition, the average values for each of 

those life-history parameters may be modified by interacting impacts of density dependence, 

weather, forage availability, and predation. Properly estimating these parameters would require 

extensive age- and class-specific population data, ideally from the populations being modeled. 

Such data is not currently available.

3.2.2.6 Risk of Interspecies Contact and Straying of Domestic Sheep from Grazing 

Allotments and While Trailing

The analysis in the FSEIS focused on interspecies contact resulting from foraying bighorn sheep 

intersecting with a domestic sheep allotment. However, another concern is the straying of 

domestic sheep from sheep bands on grazing allotments, or while trailing, and the potential 

contact with bighorn sheep (WAFWA 2010, 2012; USFS 2010a; Cahn et al. 2011). 

A principal assumption from the published literature is that direct contact between domestic 

sheep and bighorn sheep results in a high likelihood of disease transmission to bighorn sheep and 

disease outbreaks in local bighorn sheep herds (Wehausen et al. 2011; WAFWA 2012). Risk 

factors include (1) distance between domestic sheep allotments and the nearest bighorn sheep 

populations; (2) amount and distribution of bighorn sheep habitat within and between domestic 

sheep allotments; (3) stray domestic sheep and forays of bighorn sheep, particularly males during 

the rut; and (4) seasonal bighorn sheep distribution and movement near the allotments when 

grazed by domestic sheep. 

The potential for straying by domestic sheep is dependent on a variety of factors, including: 

dense vegetation and rugged terrain, which reduces the ability of sheepherders to observe or 

locate domestic sheep; experience and responsibility of sheepherders; maturity and effectiveness 

of herd/guard dogs; number of herders and herd/guard dogs; occurrence of sick or physically 

disabled domestic sheep in the band; lagging domestic sheep while trailing; adequacy of stray or 

loss domestic sheep monitoring or detection; and lack of a response plan regarding 

comprehensive search and stray sheep locating. In addition, the scattering and straying of 

domestic sheep may occur from predator disturbance or other human or natural conditions. 

Coggins (2002) identified a stray domestic ewe that traveled at least 30 miles from private land 

to bighorn sheep range through rugged terrain and heavy timber, and across at least one river. 

These stray domestic sheep will continue to graze the same area or continue to wander, which 

would reduce the effectiveness of separation buffers that may be in place to reduce the risk of 

contact with bighorn sheep, increasing the risk of contact with bighorn sheep. This risk of 

contact is further dependent on proximity of occupied bighorn sheep habitats. Stray domestic 

sheep may utilize bighorn sheep habitats outside of the grazing season. Consequently, if stray 

domestic sheep utilize CHHR areas and other summer/winter source habitats, domestic sheep 

may come into contact with bighorn sheep for long periods of time, increasing the probability for 

disease transmission and risk of bighorn sheep disease outbreak. Stray domestic sheep may 

originate from domestic sheep placed on grazing allotments, or domestic sheep moving along 

trailing routes to and from grazing allotments and public/ private lands.
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Bighorn sheep and domestic sheep have a gregarious behavior which increases the potential for 

interspecies contact and disease transmission. This gregarious behavior may be exacerbated 

during the rut or breeding period for the two species. During the rut (breeding period), male 

bighorn sheep are more active and rutting foray distances often increase with males in search of 

female bighorn sheep in estrus. In addition, grazing estrous domestic female sheep heightens the 

attraction and probability of association between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep (WAFWA 

2012). 

The risk of contact model may underestimate the potential contacts that occur because straying 

domestic sheep is not accounted for. Potential for interspecies contacts and associated risks from 

straying are likely to be more prevalent in allotments that are in close proximity to CHHRs. 

Portions of the Partridge Creek allotment overlap with Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR and the 

Marshall Mountain allotment occurs within 1.25 mile from the Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR. 

These two allotments have the highest risk from domestic sheep straying and contacting a 

bighorn sheep or a CHHR. The nearest CHHR from the Hard Creek Allotment is 10.25 miles 

(Upper Hells Canyon) and the nearest CHHR from the Big Creek Allotment is 26.15 miles 

(Upper Hells Canyon).

3.2.2.7 Predation and Other Stressors

Stressors to bighorn sheep include overcrowding on limited range, loss of escape cover, 

harassment by dogs, encroachment by humans, heavy snowfall and other weather stressors, 

parasitism, poor nutrition, predation, and other human disturbances such as roads, habitat 

degradation, noise, genetics, high population densities, capture and restraint techniques, breeding 

behavior, the presence of other wildlife, and high dust levels (Bunch et al. 1999; Festa-Bianchet 

1988; Jenkins et al. 2000; Jones and Worley 1994; Foreyt 1998; Monello et al. 2001). These 

stressors may reduce the ability of bighorn sheep to resist disease (Garde et al. 2005; See

Appendix A for a review of research regarding these factors.) 

Bighorn sheep have evolved with a variety of predators (Sawyer and Lindzey 2002; IDFG 2010), 

including mountain lions (Puma concolor), gray wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (Canis latrans), 

bobcats (Lynx rufus), lynx (Lynx lynx), black bears (Ursus americanus), grizzly bears (Ursus 

arctos horribilis), wolverines (Gulo gulo), and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). Disease 

transmission, human disturbance, overgrazing, and habitat loss are often cited as factors 

responsible for declines in bighorn sheep abundance and distribution, while predation is rarely 

considered a significant mortality factor (Wishart 1975, 1978). 

Much of the literature suggests that efficient anti-predator strategies of bighorn sheep greatly 

reduce their vulnerability to predation (Buechner 1960; Hornocker 1970; Geist 1971; Jorgenson 

et al. 1997; Wishart 2000). Bighorn sheep gregariousness and the use of steep, rugged terrain 

appear to be effective adaptations to avoid predation by coursing predators such as wolves and 

coyotes (Wishart 2000). Stalking predators such as cougars, however, may be able to circumvent 

these strategies, and predation losses in some herds may be high if individual cougars specialize 

in preying upon bighorn sheep (Ross et al. 1997). Most accounts of bighorn sheep predation 

involve cougars or coyotes (Sawyer and Lindzey 2002). Coyote predation appears to be 

incidental, primarily restricted to lambs, and most often reported in areas that lack suitable 
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escape terrain; and cougars appear to be the only predators capable of causing significant 

mortality in bighorn sheep. 

Wolves occasionally prey upon Dall sheep (Holleman and Stephenson 1981; Heimer and 

Stephenson 1982; Gasaway et al. 1983; Huggard 1993; Nichols and Bunnell 1999), but have not 

been reported as a significant source of mortality in bighorn sheep populations. Wolf predation 

has not been documented to cause population-level impacts on bighorn sheep (IDFG 2010). In 

Yellowstone National Park, wolves did not prevent the bighorn sheep population from increasing 

(7 percent annual increase from 1998 to 2005) during the decade after wolf reintroduction, when 

wolf numbers increased from 21 to a maximum of 106 (White et al. 2008). In the Salmon River 

Mountains of central Idaho, Husseman and others (2003) documented 120 wolf-killed and 98 

mountain lion-killed ungulates. Of these documented kills, bighorn sheep comprised 1 percent of 

the mountain lion-killed ungulates and none of the wolf-killed ungulates. 

In some conditions and environments, mountain lions have been documented to cause 

population-level impacts in bighorn sheep that occupy suitable habitat (Ross et al. 1997; Sawyer 

and Lindzey 2002). While mountain lion predation on bighorn sheep is widespread, it usually 

does not limit populations (IDFG 2010). Predation typically only has population-level effects on 

small bighorn sheep populations that are struggling due to other factors, such as disease or 

drought (IDFG 2010). Cassirer and Sinclair (2007) discussed mortality factors for bighorn sheep 

in Hells Canyon during the period of 1997 to 2003, during which time pneumonia was the most 

common cause of adult mortality (43 percent) and the primary factor limiting population growth.

Mountain lion predation was the second most frequent source of adult mortality (27 percent), but 

did not significantly reduce the rate of population growth (Cassirer and Sinclair 2007).

3.2.2.8 Habitat 

Current source habitat does not appear to be limiting for bighorn sheep in the analysis area (see 

Maps 6 and 7), as much of the apparently suitable bighorn habitat appears to be unoccupied 

(HCBSRC 1997). In addition, the historic range of bighorn sheep within the analysis area was 

much more extensive. The IDFG (2010) identified that Idaho contains abundant habitat for 

bighorn sheep, the quality of which can be diminished by noxious weeds, conifer encroachment, 

roads and urban development, human disturbance, competition with livestock or other wild 

ungulates, and other factors. At scales below the watershed level, it is expected that the quality of 

habitat can have variances that cannot be detected at broader scales. The PRMP/FEIS (BLM 

2008b) included successional modeling of both forested potential vegetation groups and 

shrub/grassland cover types. Comprehensive habitat modeling was not completed specifically for 

bighorn sheep habitat, since the information needed to model the change through time of 

grasslands, mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, and forest cover types with less than or equal to 10 

percent canopy cover is sparse or unavailable, particularly in regards to proximity to rugged 

escape terrain. 

The PRMP/FEIS did provide information on the general trends of vegetative response under 

each of the four alternatives, but it was not specific to domestic sheep allotments and bighorn 

sheep habitat. These generalized trends and conditions represent more than bighorn sheep habitat 

and do not account for the escape terrain and other special habitat features important to bighorn 

sheep. Bighorn sheep habitat is a subset of these trends for grassland response. The PRMP/FEIS 
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also discussed the generalized trends for deciduous riparian vegetation under the four 

alternatives, which Wisdom and others (2000) identified as a special habitat feature. Again, 

bighorn sheep habitat is a subset of deciduous riparian vegetation. 

Other factors that affect bighorn sheep habitat include patch dynamics of non-forest and forested 

habitats and their juxtapositions to each other. For example, suppression of wildfires for several 

decades has resulted in a reduced fire return interval and larger wildfires in some vegetation 

types. One effect that has occurred to some extent on the community types used by bighorn 

sheep is the increase of patch size of burned areas relative to historical conditions. However, 

without specific information on the juxtaposition of needed patches on the landscape (size and 

arrangement) for this species, comparing trends further with the species’ needs is difficult. Patch 

dynamics, which vary historically, may affect dispersal between source habitat patches for 

bighorn sheep. Although bighorn sheep can use a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic systems 

to move across the landscape, altering historical vegetation dynamics can potentially affect 

migratory routes. Large patch sizes of burned areas can open up forested and dense shrub areas 

to bighorn sheep. In some fire regimes, these large patch sizes would have been historically 

present; however, their location on the landscape shifts over time as post-fire succession occurs 

and a burned area returns to denser vegetation and new areas experience periodic disturbances.

Livestock grazing practices can affect the balance between shrub and herbaceous vegetation and 

contribute to changes in the floristic composition of grass and shrub communities, both of which 

can result in altered fire regimes. These changes can also contribute to altering historical patch 

sizes. 

In addition to patch dynamics, habitat quality is an important predictor of whether a species may 

be present. Habitat quality degradation through exotic weed invasion is a threat to habitat for this 

species. Depending on the type of exotic weed, food resources can be depleted and fire cycles 

disrupted, which can further alter species composition and structure. Livestock grazing can 

contribute to exotic weed invasions and damage to biological soil crusts, which can contribute to 

declines in source habitat quality. 

Associated riparian habitat within the ecosystem may also be negatively affected by livestock 

grazing. Riparian systems can be particularly susceptible to high concentrations of livestock 

(Berry 1979). Defoliation, soil compaction, and floodplain water table subsidence due to channel 

widening or down-cutting have resulted in the loss of densely rooted graminoid and shrub 

species (Berry 1979; Kovalchik and Elmore 1992). Natural recovery of native riparian vegetation 

may be extremely slow, even with reductions in livestock grazing, because of structural changes 

to stream hydrology during the last 150 years, dominance of exotic annuals within the riparian 

area, and loss of native seed sources (Clary et al. 1996). Livestock grazing can affect riparian 

vegetation by altering species composition and seral stages. Often, lowered water tables resulting 

from heavy grazing pressure have modified or destroyed normal riparian vegetation and affected 

run-off and soil water storage capability within riparian areas, which has affected riparian 

ecosystem function. The ability of streams, associated vegetation, and wildlife populations to 

recover following reduced grazing stress appears to be situation-specific and related to site 

characteristics, degree of degradation, and availability of native plant materials (Shaw 1992; 

Krueper 1993). The BLM recognizes that properly managed livestock can reduce potential for 

adverse impacts to riparian and upland habitats and that all herbivore activities (domestic and big 

game ungulates) can cause varying levels of impacts to habitats.
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Human activities are also primary sources of potential habitat degradation for bighorn sheep.

Roads can be a source of direct mortality through vehicle strikes, and their presence and 

associated human uses can increase disturbance to bighorn sheep during critical periods 

throughout the year. Excessive runoff from poor condition sagebrush and grasslands and direct 

damage to riparian vegetation and stream banks can result from livestock grazing and trampling, 

road construction, and recreational use (Blaisdell et al. 1982). Road construction can exacerbate 

effects from other risk factors, such as the spread of exotic species. In addition, off-highway 

vehicle use can facilitate the expansion of invasive species and adversely increase the potential 

for human disturbance and unlawful take. Roads and trails provide the primary access corridors 

for invasive plants, some of which are able to out-compete native species. This can result in a 

substantial change in the overall biological diversity of the affected area and changes in historical 

fire regimes. 

3.2.2.9 Best Management Practices (BMP)

No known studies, research, or peer reviewed literature has documented the effectiveness of 

BMPs from preventing contact and disease transmission when domestic sheep or goats graze 

within or adjacent to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. Effective separation between bighorn 

sheep and domestic sheep and goats, which minimizes the potential for contact and disease 

transmission, has been identified as the key management strategy for conservation of bighorn 

sheep (Wild Sheep Working Group 2012). The Partridge Creek Allotment is currently under a 

U.S. District Court Temporary Restraining Order, which temporarily closed the allotment. This 

was based on the Court’s finding that the strategy used to reduce contact on that allotment relied 

on BMPs that were voluntary and could not be enforced by the BLM, and effectiveness was not 

backed by any supporting science. 

Varying levels of effectiveness may result from BMPs where they are added to or used in 

conjunction with large distance buffers between active domestic sheep allotments and occupied 

bighorn sheep habitats. Assuming the existence of large buffers, allotments which benefit from 

BMPs would still have to occur in open, gentle, non-bighorn sheep habitat where domestic sheep 

can be easily controlled and monitored, with a large buffer between the two species (Schommer 

2009). This situation does not occur for three of the allotments analyzed in this SEIS (Partridge 

Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard Creek Allotments). These allotments are interspersed with 

forested areas, dense vegetation, and steep, rocky and rugged terrain. Control of domestic sheep, 

locating strays, and monitoring of bighorn sheep would be more difficult with these conditions,

compared to areas that are open with moderate slopes. The Big Creek Allotment is more open 

and moderately sloped and has a large buffer between the nearest bighorn sheep occupied areas 

(Little Salmon River area of concern). In addition, implementing successful BMPs in a rangeland 

environment continuously year after year is very difficult, and the consequences of interspecies 

contact and disease outbreak may result in severe adverse impacts to local bighorn sheep 

populations. 

The adoption of BMPs to prevent straying is designed to minimize the risk of contact with 

bighorn sheep; however, the adoption of such practices requires intensive monitoring efforts, 

vigilant herd management to reduce strays, and immediate response and effort to finding strays. 

The effectiveness of BMPs to reduce straying is not substantiated by research and may not 

always be effective, and thus BMPs are not a substitute for effective separation (adequate
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buffers) as a material way to reduce interspecies contact. Stray domestic sheep are known to 

travel long distances and have been reported in areas not authorized for grazing or trailing and in 

areas during periods not identified for grazing. 

Appendix C contains more information about the effectiveness of BMPs. 

3.3 NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL USES

This section supplements the description provided in the 2008 PRMP/FEIS, for Native American 

Tribal uses. As identified in Section 1.8 of this SEIS, the planning issue to be addressed is: 

Management of livestock grazing by the BLM, specifically domestic sheep and goats, may affect 

the availability of resources and uses (specially related to bighorn sheep) that are important to 

the interests and rights of the Nez Perce Tribe. 

3.3.1 Background 

During the mid to late 1800s, Indians were displaced by settlers from large portions of their 

native land and relegated to reservations by the U.S. government. The pressure to obtain land 

increased, especially with the discovery of gold on additional Indian land. Negotiations with 

various Indian groups resulted in land being ceded to the United States government through 

treaty, but with numerous rights reserved by the Indians. Treaties are negotiated contracts made 

pursuant to the Constitution of the United States. They take precedence over any conflicting state 

laws, as stated in the supremacy clause of the Constitution (Article 6, Clause 2). Treaty rights are 

not gifts or grants from the United States, but are bargained-for concessions. These rights are 

grants-of-right from the tribes, rather than to the tribes.

The unique relationship between the United States government and federally recognized Indian 

tribes is defined by treaties, statutes, executive orders, judicial decisions, and agreements. This 

relationship has created a special federal trust responsibility; as such, the BLM has the 

responsibility to identify and consider potential impacts of BLM actions on Indian trust resources 

(e.g., fish, game, water quality, plant resources, etc.). The BLM also has the responsibility to 

ensure that meaningful consultation and coordination concerning Tribal treaty rights and trust 

resources are conducted on a government-to-government basis with federally recognized tribes. 

The federally recognized2 Nez Perce Tribe has long used natural resources and conducted its 

social and religious activities in the vicinity of the planning area. Between 1855 and 1863, the 

Nez Perce Tribe and the United States government signed various treaties and agreements that 

relinquished ownership of millions of acres of land to the government, and established and 

modified the Nez Perce Reservation to guarantee a permanent homeland for the Tribe. In 1855, 

the United States negotiated a treaty with the Nez Perce Tribe (12 Stat. 957) that was ratified in 

1859. Article 3 of this treaty reserves numerous rights, including hunting, and states in part: 

 

2

Indian Entities Recognized and Eligible to Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. 67 Fed Reg. 

46330 (July 12, 2002). 
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The exclusive right of taking fish in all the streams where running through or 

bordering said reservation is further secured to said Indians; as also the right of 

taking fish at all usual and accustomed places in common with citizens of the 

Territory; and of erecting temporary buildings for curing, together with the 

privilege of hunting, gathering roots and berries, and pasturing their horses and 

cattle upon open and unclaimed land. 

Taking of bighorn sheep is part of the reserved hunting right under Article 3. 

The planning area is within the territory designated for use by the Nez Perce Tribe in 1967 by the 

Indian Claims Commission.3

 The rights reserved under the 1855 Treaty apply to this territory. As 

stated in the Indian Claims Commission report4: “Mountain sheep were found throughout the 

various mountains of the area, but were generally hunted by the Nez Perce in the following 

areas: ... (2) Riggers5, Idaho, area; ... (5) the upper Salmon River tributaries area.” 

The BLM manages portions of these ceded lands that are within the traditional use area of the 

Nez Perce Tribe. The treaties also reserve hunting, fishing, and gathering rights for members of 

the Nez Perce Tribe on these federal lands outside the boundaries of their reservation.

3.3.2 Existing Conditions 

Traditionally, socio-cultural values of the Nez Perce people reflect the close relationship with 

natural resources, including big game animals. In addition, socio-cultural values are intertwined 

with various natural resources and spiritual values are sometimes attributed to animals. For 

instance, the hunting of bighorn sheep is more than a subsistence activity. There are shared 

cultural beliefs involved that the sharing of a successful hunt strengthens family ties, maintains 

the connection of the Nez Perce people to the local ecology, forms a link to the past, and 

contributes, in part, to maintaining cultural continuity. Since hunting is a reserved right and is 

incorporated into the socio-cultural system, any change to these treaty-reserved opportunities has 

the potential to affect the socio-cultural system of the Nez Perce Tribe. Following is a brief 

description of the existing value of bighorn sheep use and the socio-cultural values to the Nez 

Perce Tribe. 

The hunting of bighorn sheep currently does not have an economic market value, because the 

harvested resource is not sold on the open market. The Nez Perce Tribe does not track the 

number, the age class, and gender of the bighorn sheep that are taken. This cultural activity is 

accomplished at the family level, and is not reported to Tribal authorities. Rather, bighorn sheep 

are valued for their horns, hides, and meat. Chalfant (1974) states that “mountain sheep meat was 

considered as good as deer meat, and was therefore dried and cached for winter use.” Currently, 

 

3

Indian Claims Commission in Docket 175 18 1. The Indian Claims Commission was created by the Indian Claims Commission 

Act of 1946, Pub. L. No. 79-726, ch. 959, Act of August 13, 1946, 60 Stat. 1049. The Act provided a forum for adjudication of 

Indian claims against the United States, many of the claims resulting from treaties. 

4

Indian Claims Commission in Docket 175 18 1, page 100. 5

The Riggers area may be in reference to Riggins.
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because of fewer bighorn sheep, there is less opportunity to obtain meat to supplement existing 

subsistence activities. 

The horn of the bighorn sheep is highly prized and used in the building of bows. On bows made 

by the Nez Perce people, Spinden (1908) wrote: “[T]here were three kinds of bows, one simple 

and two sinew-backed. The finest bows were made from a single piece of mountain-sheep horn.

A large horn was split and a slip taken out. This strip of horn retained its spiral coil and had to be 

steamed, stretched, and straightened by a long tedious process. After the horn had been shaped, a 

backing of deer sinew was added....These bows were highly valued.” Knowledge on how to 

build these bows has diminished within the Tribe. Although there have recently been efforts to 

regain this knowledge, there are fewer bighorn sheep horn available for Tribal members to 

continue this cultural tradition. 

The Nez Perce Tribe area of interest historically lies between the Pacific Coast and the Great 

Plains. As such, the Tribe became accomplished traders and would trade their items with the 

Coastal and Plains people, acting as an intermediary between the two areas. Several of the items 

traded by the Nez Perce across this broad region included horn bows as well as spoons and bowls 

of mountain sheep horn (Walker 1967). At one time items resulting from the taking of bighorn 

were a trade item and contributed to the economy of the Nez Perce people.

Bighorn sheep, while important for sustenance, tools, and clothing, also have a spiritual role in 

Nez Perce culture. Located in the Bitterroot Valley near Missoula, Montana, in 1877 was “a huge 

horn of a mountain sheep, its tip partly imbedded in the trunk of the tree eight feet above the 

ground, [that] gave the tree its reputation for possessing a strong spiritual power, and the Salish 

and Sahaptin travelers felt its spell and often sought its aid in ensuring success in hunts, fights, or 

other ventures on which they were embarked” (Josephy 1971). 

Nez Perce Tribal ethnographer Josiah Pinkham summarized the value of the bighorn sheep to 

Nez Perce culture as follows: 

Bighorn Sheep have provided spiritual guidance to the Nez Perce since time immemorial.

Over the countless generations bighorn sheep have given much to help the Nez Perce 

survive. They have provided food and other necessary things for the Nez Perce. Its meat 

was cooked and eaten or dried to be eaten later in winter months or during travel. The 

highly nutritional organs are considered a delicacy to the Nez Perce. The heart, liver and 

intestines are still consumed by Nez Perce people today. Bighorn sheep hides are highly 

sought after for making clothing for shirts, dresses and leggings. Bighorn sheep bones 

were used for tools and games for the people.... It is hard for the Nez Perce people to 

maintain their cultural ties to the Salmon and Snake River canyons when the once most 

common large herbivore in these canyons has been reduced in number to essentially a 

museum population (Pinkham 2007). 

As previously described, the population of bighorn sheep has been in decline for many years, 

reducing the opportunity for taking of bighorn sheep. With fewer animals to harvest, the 

opportunity to practice socio-cultural activities has been reduced, which in turn impacts the 

ability of the Nez Perce to exercise their treaty rights.
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3.4 LIVESTOCK GRAZING AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

This section supplements the description from the 2008 PRMP/FEIS, for livestock grazing and 

social and economic conditions. As identified in Chapter 1 of this SEIS, the planning issue to be 

addressed is: Changes to management of livestock grazing by the BLM may affect the local 

economy. 

3.4.1 Background 

3.4.1.1 Livestock Grazing Background

The BLM manages livestock grazing on public land under the Taylor Grazing Act of June 28, 

1934, as amended; the FLPMA, as amended by the Public Rangeland Improvement Act of 1978; 

the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978; and Public Land Orders, Executive Orders, 

and agreements that authorize the Secretary to administer livestock grazing of specified lands 

under the Taylor Grazing Act or other authority as specified. 

Land use plans establish allowable resource uses, related levels of use, and areas of use.

Livestock grazing is a resource use managed and authorized in accordance with BLM grazing 

regulations (43 CFR Part 4100 (2005)). Under these regulations, the area of use is an allotment 

(an area of land designated and managed for grazing of livestock) and the amount of authorized 

forage use is specified in animal unit months (AUMs) (the amount of forage necessary to sustain 

one cow and her calf, or five sheep for a period of one month). The number of livestock 

authorized for a particular allotment is determined by dividing the number of AUMs that is 

available for livestock within that allotment by the number of months that the allotment may be 

grazed.

Applicants (grazing lessees) who meet qualifications listed in 43 CFR 4110 may apply for and 

receive a grazing lease or permit on an allotment for 10 years. A grazing lease or permit is a 

document that authorizes grazing use on the public lands under the Taylor Grazing Act. It 

specifies mandatory terms and conditions, including the kind and number of livestock, the 

period(s) of use, the allotment(s) to be used, and the amount of use in AUMs. Other terms and 

conditions may include class of livestock, breed of livestock, and specific management 

requirements. Upon lease expiration, the lessee who holds the expiring lease is given priority for 

a new lease, provided that the allotment(s) under the lease remain available for domestic 

livestock grazing, the lessee has been in compliance with the rules and regulations and the terms 

and conditions of the expiring lease, and the lessee accepts the terms and conditions of the new 

lease. 

The Rangeland Reform process of 1994 modified the federal Range Management regulations by 

adding Subpart 4180 (Fundamental of Rangeland Health and Standards and Guidelines for 

Grazing Administration); and in 1997, the BLM Idaho State Director approved the Idaho 

Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing (BLM 1997). These 

standards and guidelines are intended to provide a clear statement of agency policy and direction 

for those who use public lands for livestock grazing and who are responsible for their 

management and accountable for their conditions. The process by which standards and 

guidelines for grazing administration are implemented is outlined in 43 CFR 4180.2. In Idaho, 
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the BLM assesses allotments to ensure that livestock grazing use is compatible with meeting 

standards for rangeland health in eight areas: watersheds, riparian areas and wetlands, stream 

channel/floodplains, native plant communities, seedings, exotic plant communities other than 

seedings, water quality, and threatened and endangered plants and animals. 

3.4.1.2 Social and Economic Background 

BLM management of recreation and forage for livestock grazing generates employment and 

income in the surrounding communities and counties, and generates revenue that is returned to 

the federal treasury or is used to fund additional activities on the ground to accomplish land 

management objectives. Economic effects are examined in terms of employment and income 

generated from the various alternatives. Social effects are examined in terms of amenity and 

social values. 

Bighorn sheep-associated recreation, including wildlife viewing and hunting, contributes to the 

economy and river-related public enjoyment of the Main Salmon River and Little Salmon River 

canyons. For grazing use, adjustments or curtailment of domestic sheep grazing on BLM 

allotments would impact residents with regional connections unique to the sheep industry in 

revenue and the traditions of livestock operations. 

Multiple statutes, regulations, and executive orders identify the general requirement for the 

application of economic and social evaluation in support of BLM planning and decision making. 

These include, but are not limited to, the Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960 (74 Stat. 

215: 16 USC 528-531), the NEPA (83 Stat. 852; 42 USC 4321, 4331-4335, 4341-4347), and the 

FLPMA. In addition, the preparation of NEPA documents is guided by CEQ regulations for 

implementing the NEPA [40 CFR 1500-1508], which requires that consequences to the human 

environment be analyzed and disclosed. The extent to which these environmental factors are 

analyzed and discussed is related, in part, to the nature of public comments received during 

scoping. As a result of these comments, economic impacts and non-market and social values are 

considered in this evaluation. 

Many of the costs and benefits associated with federal management are not quantifiable in 

financial terms (e.g., the benefit to wildlife from habitat improvement from a project). These 

costs and benefits are described qualitatively in the Non-market and Social Values sections of 

this document. Title 40 CFR 1502.23 indicates the following: 

For the purposes of complying with the Act, the weighing of the merits and drawbacks of 

the various alternatives need not be displayed in a monetary cost-benefit analysis and 

should not be when there are qualitative considerations. 

In addition, Executive Order 12898 (Environmental Justice) issued in 1994 requires federal 

agencies to identify and address any adverse human health and environmental effects of agency 

programs that disproportionately impact minority and low-income populations; as well as directs 

agencies to consider patterns of subsistence hunting and fishing when an agency action may 

affect fish or wildlife.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-29 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

3.4.2 Existing Conditions 

3.4.2.1 Livestock Grazing Existing Conditions 

The CFO previously authorized domestic sheep grazing on four allotments (see Map 2 in 

Appendix D); these are Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek, 

totaling 19,405 acres. Goat grazing has never been a primary use of public lands in the CFO, 

although there may have been a few goats included in sheep bands from time to time. It is not 

expected that applications for grazing leases would be received where goats would be the 

primary grazing animals. Carlson Livestock Company has two BLM grazing leases, one for 

Marshall Mountain and one for Partridge Creek. Soulen Livestock Company holds one BLM 

grazing lease that authorizes grazing use on both the Hard Creek and Big Creek allotments. 

Specific information for these four domestic sheep allotments is summarized in Table 3-4. 

Table 3-4: Allotments with Sheep Grazing

Allotment Name Partridge Creek Marshall Mountain Hard Creek Big Creek

BLM Acres 9,544 4,212 5,210 439

Lessee Name Carlson Livestock 

Company

Carlson Livestock 

Company

Soulen Livestock 

Company

Soulen Livestock 

Company

Expiration Date 2/28/2024 2/28/2016 2/28/2019 2/28/2019

Season of Use 4/11 to 7/15

10/15 to 11/30 07/5 to 08/04 6/15 to 7/15 6/1 to 10/30

Number of Sheep* 833 815 1,050 8,000

Permitted Sheep Use 

in AUMs on BLM 431 166 218 81

Current Status

(until SEIS is 

completed)

District Court Temporary 

Restraining Order

10/14/2009

Temporary Closure 

by BLM Decision

3/15/2011

Lessee has 

voluntarily taken 

non-use

Lessee has 

voluntary taken 

non-use

*Total number of sheep on BLM and adjacent non-BLM lands within the allotment.

The total permitted sheep use on these four allotments is 896 AUMs on 19,405 acres of public 

land. Historically, both lessees held USFS, Idaho Department of Lands, and BLM grazing leases 

or permits used in conjunction with grazing of private land to provide forage for their domestic 

sheep through the year. 

Carlson Livestock Company historically used their private land in conjunction with lower 

elevation land in the BLM’s Partridge Creek Allotment and USFS land managed by the Nez 

Perce National Forest on the north side of the Salmon River as fall, winter, and spring use areas.

In late spring, the sheep bands moved to higher elevations in the Partridge Creek Allotment and

onto other USFS lands managed by the Payette National Forest. The bands used various USFS

allotments and the BLM’s Marshall Mountain Allotment during the summer and early fall. In the 

fall, sheep bands were herded down in elevation, making their way back to the wintering areas 

along the Salmon River. 

Soulen Livestock Company moved sheep through the Hard Creek Allotment in early summer on 

their way to grazing allotments on the Payette National Forest. Sheep may use minor BLM 

acreage in the Big Creek Allotment during the summer or fall either as longer term pasture for a 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-30 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

sheep band or in a transitory nature, as bands moved through the privately owned lands on the 

way to allotments managed by the Payette National Forest.

Partridge Creek Allotment 

The Partridge Creek Allotment is located approximately 7 miles east of Riggins, Idaho (see 

Map 2 in Appendix D). The 9,544-acre BLM allotment is intermingled with, and used for 

livestock grazing in conjunction with other land ownership, including: 5,845 acres owned by 

Carlson Livestock Company; and 640 acres managed by Idaho Department of Lands. Carlson 

Livestock Company has held a BLM grazing lease on the allotment since 1937, and has used it 

every year up until 2009. 

The BLM completed a Rangeland Health Assessment for the Partridge Creek Allotment during 

the spring and summer of 2003; and determined that the allotment was meeting all standards and 

guidelines. Subsequently the BLM issued Carlson Livestock Company a renewed 10-year 

grazing lease, which expired on February 28, 2014. 

In 2007, the Idaho State Governor asked federal and state agencies to work with sheep producers 

to come up with a strategy to reduce the potential for contact between domestic and bighorn 

sheep (IDFG ISDA 2007). The 2008 BLM PRMP/FEIS identified a concern for disease 

transmission between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep on BLM allotments. In an effort to be 

proactive regarding domestic and bighorn sheep concerns on the Salmon River, the BLM, 

Carlson Livestock Company, IDFG, Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), and Idaho State 

Department of Agriculture developed a “Strategy for Reducing Risk of Contact between Bighorn 

Sheep and Domestic Sheep in the Salmon River Area” (ISDA 2009), which detailed 

management practices to: 

• Reduce the risk of contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep 

• Increase communication and management coordination with respect to bighorn sheep 

observations 

• Improve management of straying domestic sheep

• Respond to contact incidents between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep 

Carlson Livestock Company agreed to implement the strategy on all lands used in and adjacent 

to the allotment, including private lands. The cooperators signed the strategy in April 2009, and 

it was implemented during the 2009 grazing season as an interim measure until completion of 

this SEIS. Carlson Livestock Company and the IDFG also agreed to implement additional best 

management practices (BMPs) to reduce risk of contact on BLM, Forest Service, and State 

allotments within the Salmon River drainage (IDFG 2009). 

Both Western Watersheds Project (WWP) and the Nez Perce Tribe expressed concern that the 

strategy would not adequately protect bighorn sheep. WWP litigated the BLM in the Idaho 

Federal District Court in October 2009 in an attempt to force closure of the Partridge Creek 

Allotment to sheep grazing. After a hearing the Court found that the strategy was deficient in that 

it relied on best management practices that were voluntary, could not be enforced by the BLM, 

and were not backed by any supporting science. The Court then issued a Temporary Restraining 

Order that required the BLM to temporarily close the Partridge Creek Allotment to domestic 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-31 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

sheep grazing. Later, the BLM Decided to extend the temporary closure until this SEIS was 

completed. The restraining order only applies to BLM land. Therefore, Carlson Livestock 

Company may still graze sheep on their private land and on permitted IDL, both of which adjoin 

the Partridge Creek Allotment. 

Although the allotment remains closed to domestic sheep grazing by Court order, on February 

28, 2014, the BLM re-issued Carlson Livestock Company a ten year grazing lease under the 

authority of Public Law 113-76. As required by this law the new lease contains the same terms 

and conditions as the expiring lease, which authorized both sheep and cattle to graze on the 

allotment. Due to the Court order, the portion of the lease authorizing domestic sheep grazing 

may not be implemented. However, cattle grazing on the Partridge Creek Allotment continues to 

occur. 

Marshall Mountain Allotment 

The Marshall Mountain Allotment is located approximately 20 miles east of Riggins, Idaho, and 

2 miles south of the Salmon River (see Map 2 in Appendix D). All 4,212 acres of the allotment 

are managed by the BLM. Carlson Livestock Company has held a grazing lease on the allotment 

since 1981 and has used it every year up until 2011, except when taking non-use in 2000–2001. 

The allotment is a part of the forage base used in conjunction with the BLM’s Partridge Creek 

allotment, the Carlson’s IDL grazing permit, and grazing permits for Nez Perce and Payette 

National Forest allotments. 

The BLM completed a Rangeland Health Assessment on the allotment during 2004; and

determined that the allotment was meeting all standards and guidelines. Subsequently the BLM 

renewed Carlson Livestock Company’s grazing lease, which expires on February 28, 2016. 

The “Strategy for Reducing Risk of Contact between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep in the 

Salmon River Area” and BMP agreement described above for the Partridge Creek Allotment also 

applied to the Marshal Mountain Allotment. 

Based on growing concerns regarding bighorn sheep, the BLM contacted Carlson Livestock 

Company in 2010 to see if they would consider taking voluntary non-use on the Marshall 

Mountain Allotment until such time that the SEIS was completed. Because Carlson Livestock 

Company wished to use the allotment for the 2011 grazing season in conjunction with their 

adjoining USFS allotments, they decided not to take voluntary non-use. 

In early 2011, due to growing concerns regarding potential impacts to bighorn sheep, the 

Cottonwood Field Manager issued a “Notice of Potential Interim Closure of Domestic Sheep 

Grazing on the Marshall Mountain Allotment.” This notice detailed the latest information and 

science regarding the risk of contact between domestic sheep and wild bighorn sheep, the 

potential transmission of disease to bighorn, and the fact that this allotment is within bighorn 

sheep distribution habitat identified by the IDFG. The allotment also provides summer source 

habitat for bighorn sheep and occurs in close proximity to bighorn sheep CHHRs identified by 

the Payette National Forest. This notice was sent to stakeholders and requested comments and 

input about the future of domestic sheep grazing on the BLM’s Marshall Mountain Allotment.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-32 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

On March 15, 2011, after considering the public’s comments and the information regarding risks 

to bighorn sheep, the Cottonwood Field Manager decided to temporarily close the allotment to 

domestic sheep grazing until the SEIS could be completed. Carlson Livestock Company filed a 

timely notice of appeal and a petition to stay, which was denied by the United States Department 

of the Interior Office of Hearings and Appeals on June 2, 2011. Carlson Livestock Company 

subsequently withdrew its appeal, and the Marshall Mountain Allotment has been temporarily 

closed to sheep grazing until such time that the SEIS is completed.

Hard Creek Allotment

The Hard Creek allotment is located in the Little Salmon River drainage, approximately 15 miles 

south of Riggins, Idaho, east of Highway 95 (see Map 2 in Appendix D). The Hard Creek 

Allotment comprises 5,210 acres of public land managed by the BLM. Soulen Livestock 

Company has held a grazing lease on the allotment since 1975 and used the allotment each year 

until 2005. They have taken voluntary non-use on the allotment since that time; however, this

was not directly related to the bighorn issue. Soulen Livestock Company was having problems 

with wolf depredation on domestic sheep on the Hard Creek Allotment, so wished to avoid the 

problem area until the depredation could be addressed. In 2006, information became available to 

the BLM that highlighted the risk associated with grazing sheep in bighorn sheep habitat; 

because Soulen Livestock Company was already taking voluntary non-use on the Hard Creek 

Allotment, the BLM did not issue a temporary closure. 

The BLM completed a Rangeland Health Assessment on the allotment during 2004; and

determined that the allotment was meeting all standards and guidelines. Subsequently the BLM 

renewed Soulen Livestock Company’s grazing lease, which expires on February 28, 2016. 

Big Creek Allotment

The Big Creek Allotment is located in the Little Salmon River drainage, approximately 5 miles 

southeast of New Meadows, Idaho (see Map 2 in Appendix D). The allotment consists of four 

small isolated tracts of BLM managed land, and is surrounded by private land. The Big Creek 

Allotment has some unique management challenges due to its intermingled land patterns. Since 

1975, Soulen Livestock Company has held a BLM grazing lease on the allotment, and made use 

of the allotment from 1975 through 2006 and in 2008. The allotment was not utilized in 2007, 

and Soulen Livestock Company has taken voluntary non-use from 2009 to the present. Due to 

the amount of private land, usually used in conjunction with the allotment, Soulen Livestock 

Company can effectively graze on private land without grazing the BLM managed portions. In 

2008, new information became available to the BLM that highlighted the risks associated with 

grazing domestic sheep in bighorn sheep habitat; however, because Soulen Livestock Company 

was already taking voluntary non-use, the BLM did not issue a temporary closure. 

The BLM completed a Rangeland Health Assessment on the allotment during 2008, and found 

that the allotment was meeting all standards and guidelines. Subsequently the BLM renewed 

Soulen Livestock Company’s grazing lease, which expires on February 28, 2021. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-33 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

U.S. Forest Service Sheep Allotments as they Relate to the BLM’s Four Sheep Allotments 

The Nez Perce National Forest historically managed and authorized domestic sheep grazing on 

the Allison-Berg Allotment, whose southern boundary is the Salmon River. The Salmon River 

also forms the northern boundary of the BLM Partridge Creek Allotment (see Map 9 in 

Appendix D). WWP litigated the Nez Perce National Forest in District Court regarding grazing

authorizations for this allotment due to concerns for disease transmission to bighorn sheep from 

domestic sheep. On November 13, 2007, the Idaho District Court ordered the Nez Perce National 

Forest not to permit domestic sheep grazing on the allotment. Closing the Allison-Berg 

Allotment removed access to grazing lands that historically provided winter and spring grazing 

for Carlson Livestock Company. The closure of this allotment necessitated a change in the 

number of domestic sheep that could be wintered on native range in proximity to Carlson 

Livestock Company’s base of operation near Riggins. Consequently, Carlson Livestock had to 

find winter feed outside the area. 

In July 2010, the Payette National Forest completed a Final SEIS and ROD to amend the Payette 

National Forest Plan in order to maintain the habitat necessary to support viable populations of 

bighorn sheep. The ROD implemented a phased closure of a number of sheep allotments from 

2010 to 2013. The USFS allotment closures impacted the year-round sheep operations of both 

Soulen Livestock Company and Carlson Livestock Company. 

The July 2010 Payette National Forest ROD determined that Soulen Livestock Company could 

graze sheep on three USFS allotments in 2011: Grassy Mountain, Vance Creek, and the northeast 

75 percent of Hershey Lava – see Map 10. Beginning in 2012 and in subsequent years, Soulen 

Livestock Company would no longer be authorized to graze sheep on these three allotments. In 

addition, the ROD determined that starting in 2011, Carlson Livestock Company, would no 

longer be authorized to graze sheep on the three USFS allotments for which they held permits: 

Marshall Mountain, French Creek, and the western 75 percent of Bear Pete – see Map 10. 

Beginning in 2012 and in subsequent years, Carlson Livestock Company would not be 

authorized to graze any sheep on the remainder of the Bear Pete allotment.

As a result, domestic sheep grazing was no longer authorized on 169,870 acres in seven USFS 

allotments. Ninety percent of the federal lands that had been utilized for domestic sheep forage

by Carlson Livestock Company and Soulen Livestock Company along historic sheep driveways

was no longer available for that purpose. BLM’s Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard 

Creek Allotments account for the remaining ten percent of federal acreage along these 

driveways. The USFS lands had provided forage and trailing routes which allowed movement of 

domestic sheep bands from private lands to summer forage and back during the season. Soulen 

Livestock Company no longer uses the driveway on the east side of the Hard Creek Allotment 

because the USFS allotments it accessed are no longer available for domestic sheep use. As a 

result of the closures, lessees made changes to their domestic sheep operations. Carlson 

Livestock Company sold their sheep bands. Thus, closure of these USFS allotments changed the 

potential role of adjacent BLM allotments in domestic sheep operations. 

USFS allotments near the BLM’s Big Creek Allotment remain available for domestic sheep 

grazing. Therefore, decisions about domestic sheep grazing on USFS lands did not influence the 

role of the Big Creek Allotment in the lessee’s operation. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-34 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

3.4.2.2 Social and Economic Existing Conditions

Certain defining features of every area influence and shape the nature of local economic and 

social activity. Among these are population characteristics, the presence of or proximity to large 

cities or regional population centers, types of longstanding industries such as agriculture and 

forestry, area racial and cultural characteristics, predominant land and water features, and unique 

area amenities. The CFO operates as a steward of many of these area resources and 

opportunities, thus playing a principal role in the community. This discussion gives further 

insight as to the character and extent of these community connections as they relate to the 

proposed action and alternatives. 

Affected Area

The CFO lies within Latah, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis, Idaho, and Adams counties of northcentral Idaho. Social and economic characteristics of this area are reported in the Cottonwood 

PRMP/FEIS (Section 3.5.3). This assessment focuses specifically on the BLM’s future 

management of domestic sheep grazing on allotments in Idaho and Adams counties. In addition, 

Washington County is included in the impact area due to economic connections between 

operators on the CFO allotments and the economy in Washington County. The area social and 

economic characteristics are dependent on the extent of the area examined, thus area information 

is presented for the potentially affected counties and smaller communities within Idaho and 

Adams counties, respectively: Riggins Census County Division (CCD) and New Meadows CCD

(Figure 3-3). 

Figure 3-3: Impact Area Counties and Component Census County Divisions
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-35 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Population and Demographic Change 

From 2000 to 2010, the population of the three-county impact area grew from 28,964 to 29,994, 

an increase of 5 percent (Table 3-5). However, most of this growth was associated with Adams 

County. While Adams County and Idaho County grew by 13 and 3 percent, respectively, Riggins 

CCD decreased by 18 percent. The growth seen in the three-county area was less than the 

national growth rate and the State of Idaho (8 and 18 percent, respectively) (U.S. Department of 

Commerce, Census Bureau 2012).

Table 3-5: Population Change

Assessment Area

Population 

2010

Population 

2000

Population Change

(2000-2010)

Population Percent Change

(2000-2010)

United States 303,965,272 281,421,906 22,543,366 8

Impact Area 29,994 28,964 1,030 4

State of Idaho* 1,526,797 1,293,953 232,844 18

Adams County* 3,942 3,476 466 13

New Meadows CCD 1,441 1,298 143 11

Idaho County 15,947 15,511 436 3

Riggins CCD 1,144 1,397 (253) -18

Washington County1 10,105 9,977 128 1

1

impact area

Identifying concentrations of minority and ethnic group populations are required in order to 

evaluate environmental justice. Recent data from the annual American Community Survey for 

2006–2010 indicate that counties in the impact area contain shares of several racial and ethnic 

groups that are greater than shares in the in the state6 (U.S. Department of Commerce, Census 

Bureau 2012). For instance, the percentage of those identifying themselves as Native American 

in Idaho County and Adams County was greater than the total for the state of Idaho (Table 3-6). 

Table 3-6: Racial and Hispanic Composition of 2010 Population (in percentages)

Location

White 

Alone

Black or 

African 

American 

Alone

American 

Indian and 

Alaska 

Native Alone

Asian 

Alone

Native 

Hawaiian and 

Other Pacific 

Islander Alone

Some 

other 

race 

alone

Two or 

more 

races

Hispanic 

Origin

United States 74.0 12.5 0.8 4.7 0.2 5.5 2.4 15.7

Impact Area 92.6 0.1 2.2 0.5 0.1 1.8 2.7 6.6

State of Idaho 92.2 0.6 1.2 1.2 0.1 2.2 2.4 10.6

Adams County 91.2 0.1 2.8 0.4 0.6 0.1 4.8 0.9

New Meadows 

CCD 91.2 0.1 2.5 1.2 0.4 0.1 4.4 0.3

Idaho County 94.1 0.1 2.6 0.1 0.0 0.6 2.5 2.4

Riggins CCD 96.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 3.9 2.5

 

6

Race and ethnicity are separated since Hispanics can be of any race. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-36 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 3-6: Racial and Hispanic Composition of 2010 Population (in percentages)

Location

White 

Alone

Black or 

African 

American 

Alone

American 

Indian and 

Alaska 

Native Alone

Asian 

Alone

Native 

Hawaiian and 

Other Pacific 

Islander Alone

Some 

other 

race 

alone

Two or 

more 

races

Hispanic 

Origin

Washington 

County 90.6 0.2 1.4 1.1 0.0 4.5 2.1 1.3

Economic Specialization and Employment 

Employment within impact area counties and the state are distributed among industry sectors 

(see Figure 3-4) (IMPLAN 2010). Identification of employment specialization within the three 

impact area counties provides a frame of reference for impacts under the alternatives.

Specialization is examined using the ratio of the percent employment in each industry in the 

region of interest (impact area counties) to the percent of employment in that industry for a larger 

reference region (Idaho). For a given industry, when the percent employment in the analysis 

region is greater than in the reference region, local employment specialization exists in that 

industry (USFS 1998). Of particular interest are industries where specialization occurs within 

industries related to sheep grazing and recreation. The subsector with domestic sheep grazing 

represents agricultural employment in animal production, except cattle, poultry, and eggs, and 

represents 0.8 percent of impact area employment. The recreation-related sectors represent 

portions of larger sectors specifically related to recreation (Marcouiller and Xia 2008). 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-37 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Figure 3-4: Impact Area Employment Distribution (IMPLAN 2010)
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-38 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Using this criterion in conjunction with 2010 data, impact area counties can be characterized as 

most specialized with respect to the agriculture, government, and the transportation and 

warehousing sectors (shares of total employment in these sectors are respectively, 2.7, 1.7 and 

1.2 percent greater than shares in the state) (IMPLAN 2010). Contributions from grazing and 

recreation on the CFO represent only a portion of the economic activity reflected in industry 

sectors (IMPLAN 2010). 

Between 1998 and 2009 total employment in the three-county impact area has increased from 

5,236 to 5,408 (down from 6,518 jobs in 2006). Much of this growth is attributable to 

employment in the services-related sectors (U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau

2011). Services-related sectors consist of utilities; wholesale trade; retail trade; transportation 

and warehousing; information; finance and insurance; real estate and rental and leasing; 

professional, scientific, and technical; management of companies and enterprises; administrative 

and support services; educational services; health care and social assistance; arts, entertainment, 

and recreation; accommodation and food services; and other services. Non-services related 

sectors consist of mining, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting 

(EPS-HDT 2012). 

From 1998 to 2009, employment in services-related sectors increased from 70.1 percent to 

73.4 percent, while employment in the non-services-related sectors decreased from 29.9 percent 

to 26.6 percent (U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau 2011). Thus, the services-related 

sectors, historically important to the area’s economy, have increased in importance. 

Economic Well-being and Poverty 

In general, wages for service-related jobs do not pay as much as non-service jobs (Figure 3-5). In 

2010, within the three-county impact area, the services and non-services-related sectors paid 

average annual wages of $26,285 and $30,554, respectively (U.S. Department of Labor 2011).

Thus, increases in employment in sectors associated with lower wages alongside decreases in 

sectors associated with higher wages could indicate a decrease in area economic well-being. 

However, it is not clear whether decreases in economic well-being have resulted from increases 

in services-related sector employment, since higher labor force participation in the servicesrelated sectors by groups such as women, minorities, and others taking a second job in the 

services-related sectors could increase the overall importance of certain sectors over others. In 

addition, population and employment changes are related to natural amenities often provided by 

public lands (Knapp and Graves 1989; Clark and Hunter 1992; Treyz et al. 1993; Mueser and 

Graves 1995; McGranahan 1999; Lewis et al. 2002). For instance, people might move to an area 

to take a services-related sector job despite the lower wage, because of the unique natural and 

cultural amenities. The CFO operates as a steward of many of these natural amenities and 

consequently supports a portion of area population and employment growth. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-39 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

 

Figure 3-5: Services and Non-services Employment History (U.S. Department of Commerce, Census 

Bureau 2011) 7

Total personal income (TPI) and per capita personal income (PCPI) are useful measures of 

economic well-being. From 1970 to 2010, annual TPI in the three-county impact area increased 

from $441,246 to $858,558, and annual PCPI increased from $18,741 to $28,185 (all measures 

adjusted for inflation to 2011 dollars). This translates to a TPI increase of 95 percent and a PCPI 

increase of 50 percent over this time period (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of 

Economic Analysis 2011). While PCPI is a useful measure of economic well-being, it should be 

examined alongside changes in real earnings per job. Since PCPI includes income from 401(k) 

plans, as well as other non-labor income sources like transfer payments, dividends, and rent, it is 

possible for per capita income to rise, even if the average wage per job declines over time. While 

PCPI rose 50 percent between 1970 and 2010, average earnings per job fell 18 percent (from 

$35,553 to $28,986; values adjusted for inflation to 2011 dollars) (U.S. Department of 

Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis 2011). Thus while PCPI bounced back after job loss 

in the early 1980s, real earnings per job decreased. 

From 1991 to 2007, average annual unemployment rates in the three-county impact area fell with 

national and state levels, from 12.1 to 4.7 percent. Since 2007, unemployment has continued to 

follow state and national trends and has risen to 11.7 percent in 2011 (U.S. Department of Labor 

2012). New jobs created in an area are filled from two principal sources: local unemployment 

and in-migration. If unemployment remains high, new jobs are likely to be filled by local area 

residents; however, if unemployment falls, new jobs could be filled more often by new area 

residents. 

7

The numbers are not directly comparable to the IMPLAN numbers in Figure 3-4 since IMPLAN data include government, farm 

and proprietor employment in addition to wage and salary employment. The IMPLAN data also includes estimates for nondisclosures that similarly include farm and proprietor employment in addition to wage and salary employment. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 3-40 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Estimates of the share of people living under the poverty level in the New Meadows and Riggins 

CCDs (16 and 23 percent, respectively) were greater than their respective counties (12 percent in 

Adams County and 19 percent in Idaho County) and the state of Idaho (14 percent) (U.S. 

Department of Commerce, Census Bureau 2012). 

Components of Personal Income 

Further examination of personal income provides insight to the area economy and its connection 

to the CFO-managed lands and resources. There are three major sources of personal income: 

(1) labor earnings or income from the workplace, (2) investment income, or income received by 

individuals in the form of rent, dividends, or interest earnings, and (3) transfer payment income 

or income received as Social Security, retirement and disability, or Medicare and Medicaid. 

Non-labor earnings were slightly greater than labor earnings in the three-county impact area, 

accounting for 50.2 percent of all income in 2010 (labor earnings accounted for 49.8 percent) 

(U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis 2011). The government and 

agriculture sectors were the largest components of labor income in 2010 in the three-county 

impact area, containing 25.1 and 13.5 percent of total labor income, respectively (IMPLAN 

2010). TPI from labor earnings has decreased from 1970 to 2010 (from 73.5 to 49.8 percent) 

while the share of non-labor income has risen (from 26.5 to 50.2 percent). As a share of TPI, 

investment income and transfer payments rose from 15.6 to 22.7 and 10.8 to 27.5 percent, 

respectively, over this 40-year time period (U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic 

Analysis 2011). 

These patterns reflect the importance of the aging population, which is more likely to have 

investment earnings than younger adults are. As the population of the area continues to age, the 

share of income from these non-labor sources should continue to rise as long as residents remain 

in the area after retirement or new retirees move in. As noted above, the development of rural 

recreation and retirement-destination areas are related to natural amenities often provided by 

public lands. The CFO operates as a steward of many of these natural amenities and 

consequently supports a portion of non-labor income.

Recreational Use 

The habitat of the Salmon and Hells Canyon bighorn sheep herds includes public lands in the 

Lower Salmon River Special Management Recreation Area (SRMA), for which the CFO 

manages to provide structured recreational opportunities (i.e., activity, experience, and benefit 

opportunities). The Lower Salmon River SRMA encompasses 6,899 acres of the Salmon River 

from the Vinegar Creek (river mile 112.5) to the Hammer Creek (river mile 52.5) recreation 

sites. The confluence with the Little Salmon River in Riggins is at river mile 87.5. The Middle 

Salmon River Canyon is a Watchable Wildlife Area that includes 80 miles of the Salmon River 

east of Riggins, where Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are often seen. A Special Recreation 

Permit (SRP) is required for commercial boating use of the Salmon River. No guides are licensed 

to hunt bighorn sheep in habitat within the Lower Salmon River SRMA, so no commercial 

permits are available or would be affected by any of the alternatives. 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Wildlife-related recreation is important to Idaho’s economy and culture. The IDFG (2010) 

identified that many people who have no interest in hunting bighorn sheep, yet are very 

interested in learning more about them and observing bighorn sheep in the wild. The outdoor 

recreation industry capitalized on this interest. For example, river rafting and jet boat touring 

companies frequently use the opportunity to view bighorn sheep to promote their trips. Bighorn 

sheep are among Idaho’s most treasured wildlife species and there is widespread fascination with 

this majestic animal. Approximately, 0.75 million people spent 263 million dollars while 

participating in wildlife viewing in Idaho in 2006 (IDFG 2010). 

The federal Watchable Wildlife Program is a cooperative, nationwide effort among 

13 organizations, including the BLM that fosters the conservation of wildlife and wildlife 

habitats by:

• Providing enhanced opportunities for the public to enjoy wildlife 

• Promoting learning about wildlife and habitat needs 

• Contributing to local economies 

• Enhancing active public support for resource conservation 

The Middle Salmon River Canyon is one of four Watchable Wildlife Areas in the CFO. It 

includes 80 miles of the Salmon River, where Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are often seen.

The community of Riggins benefits from river-related recreation upstream and downstream of 

the Little Salmon confluence.

Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, photographers, and the general public value the 

opportunity to view and hunt bighorn sheep. Although there are no specific estimates for bighorn 

sheep, consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife activities are an important contributor to the 

economy in Idaho (IDFG 2010). Estimates for annual hunting and wildlife viewing participation 

in Idaho were 187,000 and 754,000 individuals in 2006 and resulted in gross expenditures of 

$259.7 million and $265.4 million, respectively (USFWS 2007). Within the CFO, recreational

opportunities depend in part on bighorn sheep for hunting and wildlife viewing. For example, 

recreationists enjoy opportunities for river-related wildlife viewing on the Main Salmon and 

Little Salmon River canyons.

Non-market and Social Values 

The value of resource goods traded in a market can be obtained from information on the quantity 

sold and market price; however, markets do not exist for some resources, such as recreational 

opportunities and environmental services. Measuring their value is important, since without 

estimates, these resources may be implicitly undervalued and decisions regarding their use may 

not accurately reflect their true value to society. Because these recreational and environmental 

values are not traded in markets, they can be characterized as non-market values. 

Non-market values can be broken down into two categories, use and non-use values. The use 

value of a non-market good is the value to society from the direct use of the asset; within the 

vicinity of the planning area, this occurs through activities such as recreational fishing, hunting, 

and bird watching. The use of non-market goods often requires consumption of associated 

market goods, such as lodging, gas, and equipment. 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Non-use values of a non-market good reflect the value of an asset beyond any use. These can be 

described as existence, option, and bequest values. Existence value is the amount society is 

willing to pay to guarantee that an asset simply exists. An existence value of BLM land within 

the planning area might be the value of knowing that sustainable populations of bighorn sheep 

exist on BLM land. Other non-use values are thought to originate in society's willingness to pay 

to preserve the option for future use; these non-use values are referred to as option and bequest 

values. Option values exist for something that has not yet been discovered, such as the future 

value of a plant as medicine, while bequest values apply to the value of satisfaction from 

preserving for future generations. In this case, examples include continued existence of future 

sustainable bighorn sheep populations or preserving sustainable future grazing traditions.

Non-market use and non-use values can be distinguished by the methods used to estimate them. 

Use values are often estimated using revealed preference methods or stated preference methods 

(willingness to pay) while non-use values can only be estimated using hypothetical methods. 

While use and non-use values exist for the planning area, evaluation is not always feasible during 

the planning process. However, this does not preclude their consideration in the planning 

process. 

The sale and price of resident and non-resident bighorn sheep tags, including special auction and 

lottery tags (tags sold by authorized nonprofit organizations to enhance revenue that may be 

generated), can be attributed directly to bighorn sheep hunting opportunities and thus represent a 

portion of value attributable to bighorn sheep hunting opportunities. Bighorn sheep tag sales for 

the 2009 season included 85 controlled hunt permits/tags, 1 auction tag, and 1 lottery tag. 

Resident tags sell for $166.75 and non-resident tags for $2,101.75. Eight non-resident and 

77 resident tags were allocated in 2009. The auction tag sold for $120,000 in 2009 and has 

averaged $82,450 per year over the past 10 years. It should be noted that non-market values 

associated with hunting are not considered. The IDFG cites information in a 2010 report from a 

Wyoming willingness to pay study (O’Laughlin and Cook 2010), which estimated that one 

typical bighorn sheep unit with five tags was worth $482,100 in 2008 dollars (IDFG 2010). 

Using the O’Laughlin and Cook estimate and scaling up to include all bighorn sheep hunting 

tags in Idaho indicates the non-market economic value of tags statewide was more than $40 

million dollars in 2009. Non-market values associated with other bighorn sheep-related 

recreation opportunities are not available; however, they do exist and are discussed qualitatively 

here and in other parts of the SEIS. Approximately 750,000 people spent 263 million dollars 

while participating in wildlife viewing in Idaho in 2006 (IDFG 2010). Bighorn sheep values held 

by area tribes can also be characterized as non-market values (see Section 3.3.2 of this SEIS). 

Sheep grazing on the CFO not only plays an important economic role, it also plays an important 

social role, as area residents identify with the tradition, land use, and history of livestock 

operations. A community characteristic of note is the intimate culture that surrounds the sheep 

industry attributable to shared values such as hard work, tradition, and a love for the animals and 

the land. These traditions are emphasized and cultivated in area events such as county fairs, 

where 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs contribute to youth education and a sense 

of community identity. In Cornelius Brosnan’s History of the State of Idaho, he states that, 

“Idaho has become one of the greatest wool-producing States, but has long been noted for its 

mutton” (Brosnan 1918). Given these cultural and social connections, connections to quality of 

life related to sheep grazing in the affected area are examined under the alternatives.
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

As noted above, non-market and social values are not valued monetarily but rather discussed 

qualitatively. Not having monetary value assigned to these values does not lessen their 

importance in the decision-making process. Helpful inferences can still be made from the 

probability of herd extirpation and acres of protected bighorn sheep habitat available for 

domestic sheep grazing under the alternatives. These two factors allow the determination of how 

the alternatives potentially degrade, maintain, or enhance non-market values associated with 

affected bighorn sheep. 

Economic Aspects of Livestock Grazing 

The area affected by domestic sheep grazing use of CFO allotments includes the portions of the 

intermingled public and privately owned lands in Idaho and Adams counties, and extends to 

operations in Washington County and the Southwest Agricultural District in Idaho. 

Since Cornelius Brosnan’s 1918 statement regarding Idaho’s notable stature as “one of the 

greatest wool-producing States,” sheep and lamb inventory within the state has declined. 

According to the 2011 Idaho Agricultural Statistics, sheep and lamb inventory was 235,000 head 

at the end of 2011; however, this figure is up 25,000 from the record low of 210,000 a year 

earlier (the recorded high is 2,470,000 in 1920). Gross income from sheep and lamb production 

was $23,256,000 in 2010. The total number of sheep and lambs marketed was 178,000, yielding 

an average price per animal sold of $130.65. The value of wool production in Idaho is estimated 

at $2,444,000 in 2010 (see Table 3-7) (Idaho State Department of Agriculture. 2011).

Table 3-7: Sheep and Lamb Inventory and Estimated Annual Forage Requirement

Region

Sheep/Lambs

(number of animals)

Annual Forage Requirement

(AUMs)

Adams County 875 2,100

Idaho County 2,500 6,000

Counties Total 3,375 8,100

Idaho Total 235,000 564,000

According to state data, on January 1, 2012, there were 2,500 sheep and lambs in Idaho County, 

but no data was reported for Adams County. Long-term state data for Adams County indicate 

that an average of 875 sheep and lambs has existed annually from 1986 to 2012 (USDA 2012). 

Due to an inability to project actual use as it relates to drought, financial limitations on operators, 

and market conditions, the examination of current contributions from CFO allotments examines 

the allocations for livestock grazing rather than actual use. Therefore, contributions represent the 

maximum possible contributions from CFO allotments if all allocated grazing were to occur on 

allotments.

The total amount of forage currently leased on the four allotments is 896 AUMs. Forage needed 

to accommodate annual average inventory in Adams County and 2012 inventory in Idaho 

County is estimated at 8,100 AUMs. Therefore, forage provided by the four allotments affected 

account for approximately 11 percent of the forage needed for current sheep inventory in Adams 

and Idaho counties. 
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While not the entire source of forage used by the lessees of the four allotments, forage provided 

by the CFO provides an important source of forage that complements additional sources during 

other parts of the year. Estimating the contribution of livestock grazing on the impact area using 

only BLM AUMs may underestimate the actual importance of the BLM as a forage resource, if 

BLM AUMs are part of an overall grazing system in which a change in BLM grazing affects the 

optimal use of other non-BLM forage resources. A previous study by Alevy and others (2007) in 

Elko County, Nevada estimated that one public land AUM supports 2.21 AUMs at the ranch 

level. Therefore, the 896 AUMs supported by the four allotments may support a total of 1,980 

AUMs on BLM and other sources of forage. Thus, total forage potentially provided from a ranch 

production perspective could account for as much as 24.4 percent of the forage needed for sheep 

inventory in Adams and Idaho counties. 

Sheep industry impacts would extend to allotments on the Payette National Forest in Washington 

County and industries in southwestern Idaho counties, and are included in this analysis because 

of regional connections unique to the sheep industry and its social role as area residents identify 

with the tradition, land use, and history of livestock operations. Recent decisions issued by the 

Payette National Forest not only affect the sheep industry in the same region as the subject BLM 

allotments, but also directly affect the same companies that hold leases on the BLM allotments.
CHAPTER 4 – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
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CHAPTER 4 – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

4.1 INTRODUCTION

Chapter 4 supplements the analysis from the 2008 Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, and presents the 

direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts likely to occur with the implementation of each of the 

alternatives described in Chapter 2. Direct impacts are caused by an action or implementation of 

an alternative and occur at the same time and place. Indirect impacts also result from 

implementing an action or alternative, but usually occur at a later time or are removed in distance 

(40 CFR 1502.16). Cumulative impacts are the incremental effects of the proposed action when 

added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, regardless of who carries out the 

action (40 CFR 1508.7). 

The baseline used for analysis is the existing conditions or situation of the resources as described 

in Chapter 3. The information presented in this section presents an analysis of the environmental 

consequences of each alternative on: 

• Bighorn Sheep (Section 4.2) 

• Native American Tribal Interests and Treaty Rights (Section 4.3) 

• Livestock Grazing and Social and Economic Conditions (Section 4.4) 

Each resource analysis section begins with an overview, followed by a subsection for the method 

of analysis, and then by a description of the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of each 

alternative.

4.1.1 Analytical Assumptions 

As stated in Section 1.4, none of the alternatives for this RMP amendment authorize livestock 

grazing. Although the area, season of use, and AUMS authorized for livestock grazing must be in 

compliance with the RMP, including the allocations and constraints that result from this 

amendment, the actual authorization decision would be determined through site-specific analysis 

for grazing leases for each allotment. In order to analyze the effects of the alternatives, the BLM 

had to make the following assumptions regarding future authorizations: 

• If allotments are unavailable for domestic sheep grazing, the BLM expects operators to 

seek authorization to graze cattle. The BLM will evaluate such requests on a case-by-case 

basis, and conduct a site-specific analysis to determine whether and to what extent cattle 

may be authorized. Some areas or allotments may be unsuitable or otherwise undesirable 

for cattle grazing for a number of reasons.

• For allotments and AUMS that are available for domestic sheep grazing, the BLM 

assumes that grazing will occur in accordance with the terms and conditions as identified

in the current or the most recent grazing leases, with any additional requirements 

resulting from the RMP amendment applied. The grazing periods in these leases are 

based on seasonal accessibility and available forage. Although domestic sheep grazing is 

not currently occurring on any of the subject allotments, the BLM assumes that use will 

resume unless prohibited. 
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For the cumulative effects analysis, the BLM made the following assumptions regarding 

uncertainties related to domestic sheep and goat grazing on USFS and private lands in the 

analysis area:

• The USFS Allison-Berg Allotment (see Map 9 in Appendix D), recently closed by the 

Nez Perce National Forest pending further study, will remain closed indefinitely. While 

the USFS has not yet determined the permanent status of this allotment, which overlaps 

with the Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR, the BLM made this assumption based on 

similarity of the situation to that of USFS allotments closed by the Payette Forest Plan 

ROD. 

• IDL domestic sheep grazing allotments (see Map 9 in Appendix D) will continue to be 

authorized within the analysis area. There is no indication the IDL has plans to change 

their current domestic sheep authorizations. 

• Domestic sheep and goat grazing on private land that has been reported to, or observed 

by, the BLM within the past 5 years (see Map 9 in Appendix D) will continue in the 

future. The BLM is not aware of any formal documentation indicating that private land 

owners will stop grazing domestic sheep or goats on these lands in the future. 

4.2 BIGHORN SHEEP

This section supplements the analysis from the 2008 PRMP/FEIS for wildlife and their habitat 

resources, and focuses on the effects of alternatives on Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, 

specifically related to potential disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 

4.2.1 Overview

This analysis focuses on local bighorn sheep populations (herds) and habitat that occur within or 

near the four subject allotments, and includes the Hells Canyon and Salmon River 

metapopulations. This analysis primarily addresses the risk of contact from a bighorn sheep 

intersecting a domestic sheep allotment and does not quantify the risk of interspecies disease 

transmission or population persistence. These populations have varying levels of 

interconnectivity that provide a mechanism for the spread of disease (Cassirer et al 2013). Only 

portions of the two different metapopulations occur within the vicinity of the domestic sheep 

allotments and analysis area (see Map 1 in Appendix D). Traditional population analyses are 

usually conducted within the context of isolated populations (Hanski 1998); however, a 

population effects analysis restricted to bighorn sheep impacts resulting from BLM domestic 

sheep allotments occurring in the analysis area is meaningless unless the dynamics of the 

metapopulation are also considered. This includes the interconnectivity between local 

populations and bighorn sheep forays. Consequently, population effects discussions and analysis 

will extend beyond the borders of BLM domestic sheep allotments because of the potential of 

bighorn sheep coming into contact with domestic sheep and the potential for disease 

transmission to local populations occurring within the two metapopulations. The BLM 

acknowledges that domestic sheep may stray from allotments, use areas during unauthorized 

periods, and potentially come into contact with bighorn sheep, thus resulting in disease 

transmission. 
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Basic components of habitat include space, food, shelter, and water. The focus of this analysis 

involves the space component of habitat in regard to two species that cannot share the same 

space due to potential disease transmission. 

4.2.2 Methods of Analysis 

The BLM used outputs derived from the three models previously described (source habitats, 

CHHR, and risk of contact) to compare alternatives with respect to the risk of contact between 

domestic sheep and bighorn sheep. The BLM then made estimates for potential bighorn sheep 

disease outbreaks, based on modeled estimates of bighorn sheep intersecting a domestic sheep 

allotment. The analysis did not include any specific disease or population modeling for herd 

persistence. Instead, the BLM used the estimate for potential bighorn sheep disease outbreaks to 

predict the number of disease outbreaks that would likely occur over a 50-year period, and used 

this as an indicator of the effect on bighorn sheep population trends. 

Disease and population modeling conducted for the Payette SEIS was reviewed and compared 

with analysis that was completed by the BLM. The BLM also recognized the additional potential 

for contact and disease transmission resulting from straying domestic sheep.

4.2.2.1 Source Habitat 

Winter and summer source habitats are important use areas for bighorn sheep; each of the four 

BLM grazing allotments has such habitats within their boundaries (see Section 3.2.2.5 and 

Table 3-2). For this analysis, the BLM identified summer and winter source habitats that would 

be available for (i.e., unaffected by) domestic sheep grazing under each alternative. 

Generally, the closer an allotment is to CHHR and the higher number of acres of bighorn sheep 

source habitat that an alternative identifies as available for domestic sheep grazing, the more 

likely that alternative will result in potential interspecies contact. The configuration of source 

habitats, bighorn sheep use of these habitats, and the geographical proximity of bighorn sheep to 

domestic sheep allotments are significant factors in evaluating the potential for contact and 

disease transmission. Overlap of source habitats within domestic sheep allotments and overlap 

with or close proximity to CHHRs will result in increased potential for contact between species.

Increased numbers of contacts will likely increase the potential for disease transmission. 

Both summer (May–October) and winter (November–April) bighorn sheep source habitats were 

evaluated. However, the focus was primarily on summer source habitats since domestic sheep 

would be present on or near BLM domestic sheep allotments and near bighorn sheep source 

habitats during this period. The exception was the BLM Partridge Creek allotment, which also 

contains modeled winter source habitat because domestic sheep season of use overlaps with 

bighorn sheep winter source habitat periods. 

The source habitat model was used to estimate the amount of bighorn sheep summer and winter 

source habitat that overlaps with areas allocated for domestic sheep grazing for each alternative. 

The juxtaposition and distances between bighorn sheep summer and winter source habitats, 

CHHR, and allocated rangelands for domestic sheep are important attributes that influence the 

probability of contact between the species. 
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4.2.2.2 Core Herd Home Range and Risk of Contact 

Allotment overlap with CHHRs or distances from CHHR are relevant in regard to the probability 

of contact. The closer an allotment that is available for domestic sheep grazing is to a CHHR, the 

greater the potential for contact and disease transmission. CHHRs that overlap with an allotment 

during periods of domestic sheep grazing are predicted to have one or more interspecies contacts 

per year. 

The risk of contact model (CHHR and foray analyses) is perhaps the most critical aspect of the 

analysis since the consequences of even low levels of interspecies contacts are potentially severe 

for bighorn sheep. Because the model is based on a large telemetry data set and corroborated 

with source habitat, it is considered a reliable proxy for how the Hells Canyon and Salmon River 

metapopulations utilize the landscapes, and can be used to determine the likelihood that bighorn 

sheep will intersect domestic sheep allotments. 

4.2.2.3 Contact Rates Relative to Disease Outbreaks and Local Population Trends

The lower the estimated number of contacts per year, the more likely a bighorn sheep local 

population will persist. The risk of contact model (USFS 2013) was used to predict annual rates 

of contact between bighorn sheep and allotments. The risk of contact model does not predict or 

model potential for straying domestic sheep or goats contacting bighorn sheep. Consequently 

some level of underestimation of interspecies contact exists and should be considered when 

comparing and evaluating alternatives and management strategies regarding domestic sheep 

grazing. Increased rates of interspecies contact is correlated with higher potential for respiratory 

disease outbreaks. 

As described in Chapter 3 (see 3.2.2.5 – Interpreting Contact Rates Relative to Disease 

Outbreaks and Bighorn Sheep Population Trends), Alternatives were compared in regard to 

predicted potential for disease outbreak and effects on population trends. Because of the 

uncertainty regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with an allotment will lead 

to disease outbreak within a population, modelers ran the disease model with assumptions for a 

range of values from 0.05 (1 in 20 contacts would result in a disease outbreak) to 1.00 (every 

contact would result in a disease outbreak). The BLM then used the range of probabilities of 

disease outbreak to predict the number of outbreaks that would occur over a 50-year period, 

which is an indicator of the effect on population trends. As stated previously, this analysis will 

not include any herd specific disease or population modeling from the various alternatives.

Rather, analysis was conducted regarding bighorn sheep intersecting an allotment and used to 

infer potential for interspecies contact and disease transmission. 

No specific local population disease modeling was conducted. Disease modeling is complex and 

the disease model requires consideration of a number of variables, including demographic 

characteristics of bighorn sheep herds, disease transmission rates resulting from contacts between 

domestic sheep and bighorn sheep, disease transmission rates resulting from infected bighorn 

sheep contacting uninfected bighorn sheep, lethality of the diseases, and time of recovery in 

infected bighorn sheep herds. Some of these variables have a high degree of uncertainty. 
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Results of the analysis support our current understanding of these bighorn sheep populations, and 

outputs can be explained based on the understanding of contacts and disease outbreaks resulting 

from contacts that would likely impact population levels and trends, with inferences made based 

on contacts per year and the various ranges for probability of disease outbreak. 

4.2.2.4 Straying of Domestic Sheep and Domestic Sheep Trailing

The BLM recognizes that straying domestic sheep from sheep bands on grazing allotments or 

while trailing increases potential contact with and disease transmission to bighorn sheep.

However, due to the number of unpredictable variables, it is beyond the scope of this analysis to 

quantify this additional potential in relation to the alternatives. Overall, the closer an allotment 

available for domestic sheep grazing is to a local population CHHR, the higher the potential for 

straying that may result in interspecies contact. This is because domestic sheep grazing in close 

proximity to occupied bighorn sheep habitats are more likely to contact each other through 

bighorn sheep forays or a social attraction to each other. Consequently, alternatives that have 

higher predicted annual interspecies contacts are also at higher risks for domestic sheep straying 

and contact with bighorn sheep. Therefore, the risk of contact model may underestimate the 

potential contacts that occur because straying domestic sheep is not accounted for in the model. 

Interspecies contact rates attributed to straying cannot be accounted for, consequently this 

document does not adjust modeled contact rates for potential straying. Because potential 

interspecies contact attributed to straying domestic sheep is not accounted for in the probability 

of contact model, the proximity of allotment to CHHRs will be considered when comparing or 

evaluating alternatives.

Known use by bighorn sheep in the Little Salmon Area of Concern is an important analysis 

consideration as a single case of disease transmission involving a single bighorn sheep can result 

in dire population wide consequences. As described in Section 3.2.2.5, bighorn sheep and 

domestic sheep have a gregarious behavior which increases the potential for interspecies contact 

and disease transmission. During the rut and breeding season (e.g., October and November), 

bighorn sheep rams would be expected to have longer distance forays in search of ewes. 

Allotments that only have grazing seasons (current authorized grazing period) during the summer 

are also at risk from straying domestic sheep during the breeding period, because these 

unattended domestic sheep may stay on allotments for longer time periods which potentially may 

extend into breeding periods. Unattended straying domestic sheep may wander into areas 

occupied by bighorn which also increases potential for interspecies contact during non-breeding 

and breeding periods. 

The BLM has no authorized trailing routes/stock driveways on BLM lands. However, trailing 

would occur to access portions of an allotment for grazing; across private lands, state lands and 

USFS lands; and also along county roads. Trailing was considered in developing Risk of Contact 

data, however, modeling for short duration (e.g., 1-3 days) and small areas resulted in 

insignificant increases in probability of contact. If trailing occurred within CHHR, it was already 

accounted for in the Cumulative Effects (i.e., one or more contacts annually) or accounted for in 

areas where domestic sheep grazing occurred (private lands, state lands, and USFS lands). In 

addition, some of the larger risks from trailing occur from straying. 
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4.2.3 Effects of Alternatives

4.2.3.1 Effects from Alternative A 

Under Alternative A, the No Action alternative, all four allotments, totaling 19,405 acres, would 

be available for domestic sheep grazing. Thus all bighorn sheep summer or winter source 

habitats and CHHRs that occur within the allotments would be available for domestic sheep 

grazing (Table 4-1). 

Table 4-1: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing under 

Alternative A 

Source Habitat Available (acres) CHHR Available (acres)1

Summer Winter Summer Winter

7,249 4,706 5,127 7,533

1

The Partridge Creek allotment is the only allotment that overlaps with CHHRs (summer and winter). The Hard 

Creek Allotment overlaps with 2,629 acres in the Little Salmon Area of Concern (no established herd or modeled 

CHHR).

Because of allotment overlap with CHHRs or close proximity to CHHRs, this alternative has the 

highest likelihood of contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep allotments. Increased 

bighorn sheep contacts with an allotment will result in a potentially higher number of contacts 

between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep. The majority of the predicted bighorn sheep contact 

with domestic sheep allotments would occur with the Main Salmon/South Fork local population 

because overlap with CHHRs exists for this population. The Little Salmon area of concern has 

no established herd, however, incidental bighorn sheep sightings have occurred in close 

proximity to the Hard Creek allotment over recent years.

The local bighorn sheep populations in Hells Canyon range from 5.98 miles to 17.45 miles 

(Table 4-2) from allotments that are available for domestic sheep grazing, resulting in the lower

annual predicted interspecies contacts as compared to the Main Salmon/South Fork local 

population. Nevertheless, this alternative has the highest probability of interspecies contact for 

the Hells Canyon herds when compared to all other alternatives. 

Table 4-2: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative A 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic Sheep 

Allotment

Predicted Allotment

Bighorn Sheep

Contacts/Year

Predicted Disease 

Outbreaks/50-Years1 

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.00 1.072+2 2.68 – 53.62

Upper Hells Canyon 10.25 0.0017 0.00425 – 0.085

Myers 5.98 0.0014 0.0035 - 0.07

Muir 15.72 0.0031 0.0075 – 0.1555

Big Canyon 17.45 0.00241 0.006025 – 0.121

Total 1.0806+

Little Salmon Area of Concern3

0.003 0.045 3 0.1125 – 2.25
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-2: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative A 

Distance (mi) from Predicted Allotment

Nearest Domestic Sheep Bighorn Sheep Predicted Disease 

Herd/CHHR Allotment Contacts/Year 1 Outbreaks/50-Years

1 The range of values modeled include: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00 (see Appendix B – Assumptions 

for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring in a 50-Year Period). 2

Predicted bighorn sheep contacts with an allotment would be equal to or greater than value shown because allotments that overlap with CHHR may have one or more predicted annual contacts per year.

3

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past 

incidental sightings of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially 

occur from bighorn sheep use of area (based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep 

that occasionally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

The Main Salmon/South Fork predicted allotment contacts are primarily occurring from the 

Partridge Creek Allotment because of overlap of CHHR and followed by the Marshall Mountain 

Allotment because of close proximity to CHHR (1.25 miles). These two allotments also have the 

highest potential for straying domestic sheep to come into contact with bighorn sheep. 

Straying of domestic sheep adds an additional risk of contact between the species as well as

disease transmission and outbreak; potentially affecting bighorn sheep population trends. 

Herding domestic sheep in steep and rugged terrain with forest/shrub/grassland habitats increases 

the potential for straying of domestic sheep. Highest potential for straying and interspecies 

contact would occur from domestic sheep grazing in the Partridge Creek allotment because of 

overlap with Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR and close proximity (1.25 miles) of Marshall 

Mountain allotment to Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR. The Hard Creek allotment occurs in 

proximity to habitats that have had some apparent bighorn sheep fidelity for use and also near 

incidental bighorn sheep sightings that have occurred in the past (Little Salmon area of concern). 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep from this alternative is “may impact 

individuals or habitat and may likely cause trend toward federal listing or reduce viability for 

the population (Main Salmon/South Fork) or species”. As discussed above this is primarily 

because of the overlap of the Partridge Creek allotment with CHHR and the close proximity of 

the Marshall Mountain allotment to CHHR, potential for bighorn sheep forays intersecting 

allotments, and risk associated with straying domestic sheep. Considering the predicted number 

of disease outbreaks that could occur in the Main Salmon/South Fork herd over a 50-year period 

(2.68-5.36), especially if the higher probabilities hold true (more than one disease outbreak per 

year), implementation of this alternative would likely result in a continued, or even expedited 

downward population trend for this herd. 

Alternative A is rated sixth for effects (highest potential for adverse effects) to bighorn sheep 

because it has the highest amount of bighorn sheep source habitats and CHHRs available for 

domestic sheep grazing, highest predicted bighorn sheep contacts with domestic sheep allotments 

and increased potential for interspecies contact and subsequent impacts to sustaining population 

levels and desired trends for one local population (Main Salmon/South Fork). The Little Salmon 

area of concern has risks from estimated probability of interspecies contact and disease outbreak, 

which is dependent on occasional bighorn sheep use of the area. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-8 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

4.2.3.2 Effects from Alternative B 

Under Alternative B, 439 acres in the Big Creek Allotment would be available for domestic 

sheep grazing. This would include only 1 acre of summer source habitat, no winter source 

habitat, and no CHHR (Table 4-3). None of the other allotments would be available for domestic 

sheep grazing.

Table 4-3: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing under 

Alternative B 

Source Habitat Available (acres) CHHR Available (acres)

Summer Winter Summer Winter

1 0 0 0

A very low or discountable level of interspecies contact is predicted for the Little Salmon River 

area of concern, and no contacts are predicted for the Main Salmon/South Fork and Hells 

Canyon local populations (Table 4-4). The nearest area available for domestic sheep grazing (Big 

Creek Allotment) is 12.96 miles away from the Little Salmon area of concern and 31.8 miles 

away from the Main Salmon/South Fork local population CHHR. The Hells Canyon local 

populations range from 26.15 miles to 44.21 miles from the nearest area available for domestic 

sheep grazing. The Big Creek allotment primarily consists of habitat that does not meet criteria 

for source habitat and only has one acre of summer source habitat. Consequently bighorn sheep 

would likely prefer other areas providing more desirable habitats. 

Table 4-4: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative B 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic Sheep 

Allotment

Predicted Allotment 

Bighorn Sheep 

Contacts/Year

Probability of Disease 

Outbreak/50-Years1 

Main Salmon/South Fork 32.04 0.00 0.00

Upper Hells Canyon 26.15 0.00 0.00

Myers 33.83 0.00 0.00

Muir 44.21 0.00 0.00

Big Canyon 41.85 0.00 0.00

Tota1 0.00

Little Salmon Area of Concern2

12.96 0.00002 0.00005 – 0.001

1 The range of values modeled include: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00 (see Appendix B – Assumptions 

for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring in a 50-Year Period). 

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past 

incidental sightings of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially 

occur from bighorn sheep use of area (based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep 

that occasionally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

Since one allotment would be available for domestic sheep grazing, straying of domestic sheep 

may occur under this alternative. The habitats associated with this allotment are relatively 

moderate sloped with open grass/shrub and interspersed timbered areas; but, potential for 

straying does exist. However, distances from CHHRs range from 26.15 miles to 44.21 miles for 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-9 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Hells Canyon and Salmon River herd CHHRs and 12.96 miles from the Little Salmon area of 

concern, which would reduce the risk of contact from straying domestic sheep. These 

interspecies separation buffers are effective for reducing risk of contact within the analysis area. 

This alternative would also require that the grazing lease for Big Creek Allotment include the 

terms and conditions listed in Appendix C and the preparation of a separation response plan. 

These measures, along with effective separation between areas grazed by domestic sheep and 

CHHRs would reduce, but not completely eliminate, the potential for contact. Appendix C 

contains more information about the effectiveness of best management practices specified as 

terms and conditions. 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep under this alternative is “may impact 

individuals or habitat but not likely to cause trend toward federal listing or reduce viability for 

the population or species”. As discussed above this is primarily because that all risks for 

foraying bighorn sheep or straying domestic sheep cannot be completely eliminated, even if such 

risks are discountable or very low. This alternative provides effective separation between 

domestic sheep allotments and CHHRs so that BLM authorized grazing effects would result in 

very low or discountable risks for inter-species contact and disease transmission to Hells Canyon 

and Salmon River local populations and the Little Salmon area of concern. Since there would be 

no predicted disease outbreaks occurring in any of the bighorn herds over a 50-year period, 

implementation of this alternative would likely contribute toward a sustainable trend for bighorn 

populations. 

Overall, this alternative is rated second for least adverse effects on bighorn sheep in regard to 

source habitats and CHHRs available for domestic sheep grazing, predicted bighorn sheep 

contact with domestic sheep allotments, and contribution to a sustainable trend for bighorn sheep 

populations. 

4.2.3.3 Effects from Alternative C 

None of the allotments would be available for domestic sheep grazing under Alternative C,

Eliminate Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing; thus there would also be no source habitat or 

CHHR available for use. There would be no opportunity for straying of domestic sheep from 

BLM allotments or trailing associated with movement of domestic sheep from or to BLM 

allotments. Considering only direct and indirect effects from this alternative, there would be no

risk of bighorn sheep intersecting a BLM domestic sheep allotment. Overall, this alternative is 

rated first for least adverse effects (none) to bighorn sheep. 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep from this alternative is “no impact”

to individuals or habitat” and the supporting rationale attributed to BLM authorized grazing for 

this determination is discussed above. Eliminating domestic sheep grazing on the BLM 

allotments would reduce the potential for disease outbreak in bighorn herds and contribute 

toward a sustainable trend for bighorn populations. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-10 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

4.2.3.4 Effects from Alternative D 

Under Alternative D, Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Hard Creek, 4,651 acres of the 

Marshall Mountain and Big Creek grazing allotments would be available for domestic sheep 

grazing. A total of 1,202 acres (Table 4-5) of summer source habitat and no winter source habitat 

would be available for domestic sheep grazing. No CHHR would be available for domestic sheep 

grazing since neither allotment overlaps with CHHR. 

Table 4-5: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing under 

Alternative D 

Source Habitat Available (acres) CHHR Available (acres)

Summer Winter Summer Winter

1,202 0 0 0

A relatively high level of contact is predicted for the Main Salmon/South Fork local population 

due to the close proximity (1.25 miles) of the Marshall Mountain Allotment to CHHR; however, 

this potential is slightly reduced because the Marshall Mountain Allotment has a use period that 

is only one month long. A very low level of interspecies contact is predicted for the Little 

Salmon River area of concern and Hells Canyon local populations (Table 4-6). The nearest area 

available for domestic sheep grazing (Big Creek Allotment) is 12.96 miles away from the Little 

Salmon area of concern, while the Hells Canyon local populations (CHHR) range from 20.84 

miles to 29.12 miles from the nearest area available for domestic sheep grazing.

Table 4-6: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative D 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic 

Sheep Allotment

Predicted 

Allotment Bighorn 

Sheep 

Contacts/Year

Probability of Disease Outbreak/50-

Years1 

Main Salmon/South Fork 1.25 0.066 0.165 – 3.30

Upper Hells Canyon 26.15 0.00 0.00

Myers 20.84 0.00 0.00

Muir 27.72 0.00 0.00

Big Canyon 29.12 0.00 0.00

Tota1 0.066

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern2 12.96 0.00004 0.0001 – 0.002

1 The range of values modeled include: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00 (see Appendix B – Assumptions 

for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring in a 50-Year Period).

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past 

incidental sightings of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially 

occur from bighorn sheep use of area (based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep 

that occasionally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

Straying of domestic sheep may occur under this alternative, adding an additional risk of contact 

between the species, potentially leading to disease transmission and outbreak and subsequent 

impacts to sustaining population levels and desired trends for the Main Salmon/South Fork herd.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-11 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Herding domestic sheep in steep and rugged terrain with forest/shrub/grassland habitats increases 

the potential for straying of domestic sheep. Because the Marshall Mountain Allotment is only 

1.25 miles from the Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR, there is an increased risk for straying 

domestic sheep and an increased risk of disease transmission in consideration of the varying 

assumptions for disease outbreak identified in Appendix C. 

A lesser potential risk would occur from the Big Creek Allotment and straying domestic sheep 

because the Little Salmon area of concern occurs 12.96 miles from the allotment and ranges from 

26.15 to 44.21 from all Hells Canyon and Salmon River CHHRs. Overall, very low or 

discountable risks for inter-species contact and disease transmission is predicted to occur from 

domestic sheep grazing in the Big Creek allotment and any bighorn sheep use in the Little 

Salmon area of concern. 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep from this alternative is “may impact 

individuals or habitat and may likely cause trend toward federal listing or reduce viability for 

the population (Main Salmon/South Fork herd) or species”. As discussed above this is primarily 

because of the close proximity of the Marshall Mountain allotment to the Main Salmon/South 

Fork CHHR, potential for bighorn sheep forays intersecting allotment, and risk associated with 

straying domestic sheep. 

Considering the predicted number of disease outbreaks that could occur in the Main 

Salmon/South Fork herd over a 50-year period (0.165 – 3.30), if the higher probabilities hold 

true, implementation of this alternative would likely result in a continued downward population 

trend for this herd. 

Overall, this alternative is rated third-least for bighorn sheep effects in regard to source habitats 

and CHHRs not available for domestic sheep grazing, predicted bighorn sheep contact with 

domestic sheep allotments, and population trends attributed to BLM authorized grazing. 

4.2.3.5 Effects from Alternative E 

Under Alternative E, Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek Only, 9,861 acres of the Marshall 

Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek allotments would be available for domestic sheep grazing, 

including 1,973 acres of summer source habitat and 2,629 acres of Little Salmon Area of 

Concern areas (Table 4-7). Since the Partridge Creek Allotment would not be available, none of 

the winter source or Main Salmon/South Fork CHHR would be affected.

Table 4-7: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing under 

Alternative E 

Source Habitat Available (acres) CHHR Available (acres)1

Summer Winter Summer Winter

1,958 0 0 0

1

Hard Creek Allotment overlaps with 2,629 acres in the Little Salmon Area of Concern (no established herd or 

modeled CHHR).

A relatively high level of bighorn sheep contact (0.072) with the Marshall Mountain allotment is 

predicted for the Main Salmon/South Fork local population due to the proximity (1.25 miles) of 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-12 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

the allotment to CHHR; however, this is lowered because the use period for this allotment is only 

1 month long. A relatively high risk (0.073) of bighorn sheep contact with an allotment is also 

predicted for the Little Salmon area of concern due to an overlap with areas available for 

domestic sheep grazing within the Hard Creek allotment. The Hard Creek allotment occurs in 

proximity to habitats that have had some apparent bighorn sheep fidelity for occasional use that 

has occurred in the past. A very low level of contact with domestic sheep allotments is predicted 

from the Hells Canyon local populations, which range from 10.25 to 21.26 miles from the 

nearest area available for domestic sheep grazing (Table 4-8). 

Table 4-8: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative E 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic Sheep 

Allotment

Predicted Allotment 

Bighorn Sheep 

Contacts/Year

Probability of Disease 

Outbreak/50-Years1 

Main Salmon/South Fork 1.25 0.072 0.165 – 3.30

Upper Hells Canyon 10.25 0.00028 0.00

Myers 11.28 0.00002 0.00

Muir 21.26 0.000002 0.00

Big Canyon 19.15 0.00001 0.00

Tota1 0.072312

Little Salmon Area of Concern2 0.00 0.045 0.1125 – 2.025

1 The range of values modeled include: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00 (see Appendix B – Assumptions 

for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring in a 50-Year Period).

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past 

incidental sightings of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially 

occur from bighorn sheep use of area (based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep 

that incidentally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

Straying of domestic sheep may occur under Alternative E, adding an additional risk of contact 

between the species, potentially leading to disease transmission and outbreak and subsequent 

impacts to sustaining population levels and desired trends. Herding domestic sheep in steep and 

rugged terrain with forest/shrub/grassland habitats increases the potential for straying of 

domestic sheep. Because the Marshall Mountain Allotment is only 1.25 miles from the Main 

Salmon/South Fork CHHR, there is an increased risk for straying domestic sheep and an 

increased risk of disease transmission. 

The Hard Creek allotment overlaps with the Little Salmon area of concern and would have risks 

associated with straying and interspecies contact. A lesser potential risk would occur from the 

Big Creek Allotment and straying domestic sheep because the Little Salmon area of concern is 

the nearest local population and occurs 12.96 miles from the allotment. 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep from this alternative is “may impact 

individuals or habitat and may likely cause trend toward federal listing or reduce viability for 

the population (Main Salmon/South Fork herd) or species”. As discussed above this is primarily 

because of the close proximity of the Marshall Mountain allotment to the Main Salmon/South 

Fork CHHR, potential for bighorn sheep forays intersecting allotment, and risk associated with 

straying domestic sheep.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-13 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Considering the predicted number of disease outbreaks that could occur in the Main 

Salmon/South Fork herd over a 50-year period (0.165 – 3.30), if the higher probabilities hold 

true, implementation of this alternative would likely result in a continued downward population 

trend for this herd. 

Overall, this alternative is rated fifth (least) for adverse effects on bighorn sheep in regard to 

source habitats and CHHRs not available for domestic sheep grazing, predicted bighorn sheep 

contact with domestic sheep allotments, and population trends. 

4.2.3.6 Effects from Alternative F 

Under Alternative F, Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain, 5,649 acres in 

the Hard Creek and Big Creek grazing allotments would be available for domestic sheep grazing.

This includes a total of 772 acres of summer source habitat and the Hard Creek allotment would 

overlap with 2,629 acres of the Little Salmon area of concern (Table 4-9). No winter source 

habitat or summer and winter CHHRs would be affected.

Table 4-9: Habitats and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing under 

Alternative F 

Source Habitat Available (acres) CHHR Available (acres)1

Summer Winter Summer Winter

772 0 0 0

1

Hard Creek Allotment overlaps with 2,629 acres in the Little Salmon Area of Concern (no established herd or 

modeled CHHR).

A relatively high risk (0.045) of bighorn sheep contact with the Hard Creek allotment is 

predicted for the Little Salmon area of concern due to an overlap with this allotment and areas 

available for domestic sheep grazing, but a relatively low level of bighorn sheep and allotment

contact is predicted for the Main Salmon/South Fork and Hells Canyon local populations. The 

Hard Creek allotment occurs in proximity to habitats that have had some apparent past bighorn 

sheep fidelity for use and in proximity to incidental bighorn sheep sightings. The Salmon 

River/South Fork CHHR is 12.20 miles from the nearest area available for domestic sheep 

grazing. The Hells Canyon CHHRs range from 10.25 miles to 21.25 miles from the nearest area 

available for domestic sheep grazing (Table 4-10). 

Table 4-10: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative F 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic 

Sheep Allotment

Predicted Allotment 

Bighorn Sheep 

Contacts/Year

Probability of Disease 

Outbreak/50-Years1 

Main Salmon/South Fork 12.20 0.006 0.015 – 0.300

Upper Hells Canyon 10.25 0.00028 0.0007 – 0.014

Myers 11.28 0.00002 0.00005 – 0.0001

Muir 21.25 0.000002 0.000005 – 0.0001

Big Canyon 19.15 0.00001 0.000003 – 0.00005

Tota1 0.006312
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-14 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-10: Model Results and Predicted Effects on Individual Herds from Alternative F 

Herd/CHHR

Distance (mi) from 

Nearest Domestic 

Sheep Allotment

Predicted Allotment 

Bighorn Sheep 

Contacts/Year

Probability of Disease 

Outbreak/50-Years1 

Little Salmon Area of Concern2 0.00 0.045 0.1125 – 2.025

1 The range of values modeled include: 0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00 (see Appendix B –

Assumptions for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring in a 50-Year Period).

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past 

incidental sightings of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially 

occur from bighorn sheep use of area (based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn 

sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

Straying of domestic sheep may occur under this alternative, adding an additional risk of contact 

between the species, potentially leading to disease transmission and outbreak and possibly 

contributing to continued downward population trends. Herding domestic sheep in steep and 

rugged terrain with forest/shrub/grassland habitats increases the potential for straying of 

domestic sheep. The Hard Creek allotment overlaps with the Little Salmon area of concern and 

would have potential for some risk from domestic sheep straying and interspecies contact from 

the occasional use of the area by bighorn sheep. A lesser potential risk would occur from the Big 

Creek Allotment and straying domestic sheep because the Little Salmon area of concern occurs 

12.96 miles from the allotment and only has occasional use by bighorn sheep. Dependent on 

bighorn sheep occasional use of the Little Salmon area of concern, potential inter-species contact 

and disease transmission may range from low to high. 

The BLM sensitive species determination for bighorn sheep from this alternative is “may impact 

individuals or habitat but not likely to cause trend toward federal listing or reduce viability for 

the population or species”. As discussed above this is primarily because all risks for foraying 

bighorn sheep or straying domestic sheep cannot be completely eliminated, even if such risks are 

discountable or very low. This alternative provides effective separation between domestic sheep 

allotments and CHHRs so that BLM authorized grazing effects would result in low risks for 

inter-species contact and disease transmission to Hells Canyon and Salmon River local 

populations. Dependent on the level of bighorn sheep occasional use of the Little Salmon area of 

concern varying levels of inter-species risk or contact may occur, primarily from domestic sheep 

grazing of the Hard Creek allotment. Since there would be practically no predicted disease 

outbreaks occurring in any of the bighorn herds over a 50-year period, implementation of this 

alternative would likely contribute toward a sustainable trend for bighorn populations. 

Overall, this alternative is rated fourth (least) for adverse effects to bighorn sheep in regard to 

source habitats and CHHRs not available for domestic sheep grazing, predicted bighorn sheep 

contact with domestic sheep allotments, and population trends. 

4.2.3.7 Comparison of Effects from Alternatives 

Table 4-11 compares the acres of source habitat and CHHR that is within the grazing allotments 

that would be available for domestic sheep grazing under each of the alternatives. The potential 

for contact between species increases with the amount of source habitats and CHHR available for 

domestic sheep grazing.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-15 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-11: Source Habitat and Core Herd Home Range Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing by 

Alternative

Habitat/Range Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D Alt E Alt F

Summer Source Available (acres) 7,249 1 0 1,202 1,958 772

Winter Source Available (acres) 4,706 0 0 0 0 0

Summer CHHR Available (acres) 5,127 0 0 0 0 0

Winter CHHR Available (acres) 7,533 0 0 0 0 0

Little Salmon Area of Concern 

Available (acres) 2,629 0 0 0 2,629 2,629

Table 4-12 compares the distance between herd CHHR and BLM allotments available for 

domestic sheep grazing under each alternative. A shorter distance indicates a higher potential for 

contact between species.

Table 4-12: Distance between Herd Core Herd Home Range, Little Salmon Area of Concern, and BLM 

Lands Available for Domestic Sheep Grazing by Alternative

Distance between CHHR and Available Allotment (miles)

Herd CHHR Alt A Alt B Alt C2 Alt D Alt E Alt F

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.0 32.04 N/A 1.25 1.25 12.20

Upper Hells Canyon 10.25 26.15 N/A 26.15 10.25 10.25

Myers 5.98 33.83 N/A 20.84 11.28 11.28

Muir 15.72 44.21 N/A 27.72 21.26 21.25

Big Canyon 17.45 41.85 N/A 29.12 19.15 19.15

Nearest CHHR 0.0 26.15 N/A 1.25 1.25 11.28

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern1 0.0 12.96 N/A 12.96 0.0 0.0

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd or modeled CHHR. The Little Salmon Area 

of Concern was determined by past incidental bighorn sheep sightings and habitats that have had past fidelity for 

bighorn sheep use.

2

Non-Applicable (N/A) - No allotments/BLM lands available for domestic sheep grazing under Alternative C.

Table 4-13 compares the probable contacts per year for each potentially affected herd.

Alternative A would have the highest probability of contact (ranked 6), and Alternative C would 

have the least potential for contact (ranked 1). 

Table 4-13: Comparison of Alternatives Based on Annual Modeled Contacts between Bighorn Sheep 

and Domestic Sheep Allotments

Herd/Population

Probable Contacts/Year

Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D Alt E Alt F

Main Salmon/South Fork 1.072+1 0.0000 0.0000 0.066 0.072 0.006

Little Salmon2 0.045 0.000022 0.0000 0.000042 0.045 0.045 

Upper Hells Canyon 0.0017 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.00028 0.00028

Myers 0.0003 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.00002 0.00002

Muir 0.0031 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.000002 0.000002

Big Canyon 0.00241 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.00001 0.00001

Total Modeled Contacts 1.1264+ 0.00002 0.0000 0.06604 0.1173 0.0513
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-16 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-13: Comparison of Alternatives Based on Annual Modeled Contacts between Bighorn Sheep 

and Domestic Sheep Allotments

Herd/Population

Probable Contacts/Year

Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D Alt E Alt F

Ranking of Alternatives for 

Reducing Contacts 6 2 1 4 5 3 

1

Predicted bighorn sheep contacts with an allotment would be equal to or greater than value shown because allotments that 

overlap with CHHR may have one or more predicted annual contacts per year.

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings 

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and bighorn sheep that occasionally use habitats that have had past fidelity for use.

4.2.4 Cumulative Effects

Domestic sheep grazing occurs on USFS, state, and private lands (see Map 3 and Map 9 in 

Appendix D) within the vicinity of previously identified CHHRs and the Little Salmon Area of 

Concern, which comprise the cumulative effects analysis area. As in the direct and indirect 

effects analysis, the cumulative effects analysis focuses on how likely disease transmission is to 

occur from domestic sheep allotments to bighorn sheep local populations. It should be noted that 

if a local population is at risk for disease transmission, other local populations in the 

metapopulation may experience an increased risk of contracting the disease. 

Domestic sheep grazing on lands not controlled by the BLM (e.g., on private, IDL or USFS 

property) can and often does occur within or in close proximity to bighorn sheep CHHRs or 

source habitats. This includes grazing by small farm flocks as well as those who graze domestic 

sheep as a primary source of income. Goats are also used on private lands for the control of 

invasive weeds in the lower Salmon River and Snake River drainages. These weed-eating goats 

may graze private lands periodically as needed by the private land owner. Domestic sheep and 

goat grazing on private land will be a factor in the risk of disease transmission for bighorn sheep 

populations within the analysis area, regardless of the amount of domestic sheep grazing 

authorized on any of the four BLM allotments. Domestic sheep or goat grazing on other federal, 

state, and private lands contribute to varying levels of potential for interspecies contact and 

disease transmission. The total effects to the two metapopulations are unknown, since the 

potential risk of contact from lands other than the BLM domestic sheep allotments is not 

completely known. However, the risk of contact model was run for cumulative effects using the 

assumptions identified in Section 4.1.1. 

The Payette National Forest prior to the recent amendment to its Forest Plan had 100,310 acres 

of suitable range available for domestic sheep grazing and no acres of protected bighorn sheep 

summer source habitat. With implementation of the recent amendment a total of 31,592 acres of 

suitable range is available for domestic sheep grazing and 346,696 acres of bighorn sheep 

summer source habitat is protected (94%). The Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest AllisonBerg Allotment contains 13,858 acres of summer CHHR and 14,470 acres of winter CHHR and 

is currently not available for domestic sheep grazing. The Allison-Berg Allotment also contains 

16,660 acres of summer source habitat and 14,366 acres of winter source habitat. By eliminating 

these areas for domestic sheep use, these recent FS decisions have significantly reduced the 

potential contact and resulting disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-17 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Implementation of the Payette FSEIS/ROD (USFS 2010b) resulted in the closure of seven 

domestic sheep allotments that are adjacent to and in proximity of the BLM Partridge Creek, 

Marshall Mountain, and Hard Creek allotments (see Map 10 in Appendix D). Still, a substantial 

number of domestic sheep are grazed in and around the BLM lands at issue on state and private 

lands. Table 4-14 identifies the BLM modeled contacts per year on state, private, and USFS 

lands, as well as the cumulative total modeled contacts by alternative. As shown in the table, 

these domestic sheep pose serious threats to bighorn sheep populations. 

Table 4-14: Modeled Contact Rates between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep Allotments and Total 

Cumulative Effects from Adjacent Land Ownerships

Herd

Predicted 

Contacts/Year

State/Private

Predicted 

Contacts/Year

USFS

Cumulative Total Contacts/Year by Alternative

(BLM, State/Private, and USFS)1 

A B C D E F

Main 

Salmon/South 

Fork

1.0+ 0.0400

2.112+ 1.040+ 1.040+ 1.106+ 1.112+ 1.046+

Upper Hells 

Canyon 0.0100 0.0300 0.0417 0.040 0.040 0.40 0.04028 0.04028

Myers 0.0100 0.0000 0.0103 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.01002 0.01002

Muir 0.0100 0.0000 0.0131 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010002 0.010002

Big Canyon 0.0000 0.0000 0.00241 0.000 0.000 0.00001 0.00001 0.00001

Total 

Contacts/Year

1.100+ 0.0700 2.3045 + 1.100+ 1.100++ 1.166+ 

1.172312

+

1.106312

+

Little Salmon2 0.045 0.0100 0.05504 0.055 0.05504 0.05504 0.100 0.100 1

Predicted bighorn sheep contacts with an allotment would be equal to or greater than value shown because allotments that overlap 

with CHHR may have one or more predicted annual contacts per year. “+” = indicates overlap with CHHR (e.g., one or more 

contacts per year)

2

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings of 

bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.

The implications of these additional contacts, particularly from state and private lands, are 

substantial; primarily for the Main Salmon/South Fork and Little Salmon area of concern. 

Applying the same inference regarding disease transmission and population trends used in the 

previous analysis, results in a prediction of a continued downward population trend for the Main 

Salmon/South Fork local population and Little Salmon area of concern, regardless of the BLM 

alternative considered. Thus, the largest bighorn sheep population (Main Salmon/South Fork), 

even under the most favorable alternative (C), would likely continue to have a downward 

population trend under this cumulative effects scenario because of domestic sheep and goat 

grazing which may occur on private and State lands. This is because domestic sheep and goat 

grazing that may occur on private and State lands overlaps with the Main Salmon/South Fork 

CHHR. The BLM’s Alternatives B, D, E, and F would reduce, at varying levels, the potential 

that domestic sheep grazing on BLM land would contribute to downward bighorn sheep 

population trends, and Alternative C would eliminate the potential for adverse effects attributable 

to BLM authorized grazing. The potential also exists for domestic sheep or goat strays from nonBLM lands, which would add to the probability for contact, disease transmission, and continued 

downward population trends. However, no domestic sheep grazing is presently authorized within 

the Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forest, and the nearest allotment available for domestic 

sheep grazing on the Payette National Forest is approximately 14.9 miles from the Main 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-18 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Salmon/South Fork summer CHHR. The nearest allotment available for domestic sheep grazing 

on the Payette National Forest from a Hells Canyon herd is approximately 9.5 miles from the 

Upper Hells Canyon summer CHHR. Therefore, the federal lands that compose the majority of 

areas that overlap with CHHRs and would have historically been grazed by domestic sheep 

would no longer be available for grazing on federal lands under the BLM proposed amendment

and FS current management direction. 

Cumulatively, the Main Salmon/South Fork herd would have the highest potential for effects as 

discussed above and identified in Table 4-14. The Main Salmon/South Fork summer CHHR 

totals 139,881 acres (see Map 3). The Main Salmon/South Fork winter CHHR totals 157,576 

acres (see Map 4). Table 4-15 identifies acreage and percentage of the Main Salmon South/Fork 

CHHR that would be available for domestic sheep and goat grazing under each alternative.

Table 4-15: Bighorn Sheep Main Salmon/South Fork CHHRs Overlap with BLM Domestic Sheep 

Allotments and Total Cumulative Overlap from Adjacent Land Ownerships

CHHR Overlap 

with State/Private

CHHR Overlap 

with USFS

Cumulative Total CHHR Overlap by Alternative

(BLM, State/Private, and USFS)

A B C D E F

SUMMER CHHR

2,885 acres

2.1% 0 acres 8,012 acres5.7%

2,885 acres

2.1%

2,885 acres

2.1%

2,885 acres

2.1%

2,885 acres

2.1%

2,885 acres

2.1%

WINTER CHHR

5,294 acres

3.3% 0 acres 12,827 acres8.1%

5,294 acres

3.3%

5,294 acres

3.3%

5,294 acres

3.3%

5,294 acres

3.3%

5,294 acres

3.3%

Trailing routes are the stock trails that producers use to move domestic sheep onto and off of the 

Payette National Forest, and BLM and private lands. Trailing routes are treated as linear features 

in the model and are rated separately, depending on their relationship to CHHRs, bighorn sheep 

foray routes, and current domestic sheep allotments (where domestic sheep are likely to exist). 

Trailing routes that intersect, or are in close proximity to bighorn sheep CHHRs have a higher

probability of contributing to interspecies contacts and potential for disease transmission. 

Trailing can also result in stray domestic sheep that then utilize habitats occupied by bighorn 

sheep outside of the grazing season (e.g., potential contacts on winter source habitats), as some 

trailing routes are near or on bighorn sheep CHHRs (e.g., Salmon River Road – private trailing). 

Strays from trailing domestic sheep may come into contact with these sheep for prolonged 

periods, thus threatening herd sustainability. BMPs for trailing sheep that address temporal and 

spatial separation for domestic sheep and bighorn sheep may reduce potential for interspecies 

contact by designating trailing routes in areas that have minimal or no risk for contact and 

disease transmission. Other trailing BMPs used to minimize potential interspecies contact 

include short durations of trailing across areas (no lingering or grazing), close herding, extra 

herders and dogs to reduce strays, monitoring or surveying for bighorn sheep in area, 

accountability for domestic sheep being trailed (counting), no trailing of sick or injured domestic 

sheep, and quick search and location of strays. 

Under the Payette FSEIS/ROD (USFS 2010b), trailing routes on rangelands identified as suitable 

for domestic sheep would result in 31 percent of the existing domestic sheep trailing routes being 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-19 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

left open. The USFS completed a contact analysis that displayed the risk of contacts with a 

trailing route area. However, it was determined that because domestic sheep only use these areas 

for a short time, the results were not significant (USFS 2010b). 

4.3 NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL USES

This section supplements the analysis from the 2008 Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, specific to 

addressing how the six alternative livestock grazing management strategies would affect treatyreserved resources, consistent with meeting the BLM’s obligations to the Nez Perce Tribe.

4.3.1 Overview

This analysis presents the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of the six alternatives 

as described in Chapter 2. A change in occurrence or availability of bighorn sheep in the ceded 

lands is an indicator of an impact to the ability of Nez Perce Tribal members to exercise their 

treaty rights. 

4.3.2 Methods of Analysis 

As outlined in Section 3.3, the BLM has a trust responsibility to the Nez Perce Tribe to manage 

bighorn sheep habitat. Objective NA-1.1 of the Cottonwood ROD/RMP states: “Maintain and, 

where possible, improve natural and cultural resource conditions to enhance opportunities to 

exercise Native American traditional uses.” Bighorn sheep are intertwined into Nez Perce 

socio-cultural activities, and a change in hunting opportunities changes the ability to practice and 

maintain cultural traditions. Thus, this analysis on the effects to Tribal treaty hunting rights as 

they relate to bighorn sheep is tied to the following factors: 

• The continued availability of the species over time in harvestable numbers 

• The amount of area inhabited by bighorn sheep that Tribal members wish to utilize for 

their hunts 

Grazing of domestic sheep adjacent to known bighorn sheep populations impacts the ability of 

the bighorn populations to pioneer, explore, expand, or co-mingle with other isolated groups to 

increase their populations. The result is a reduced area for the Tribes to hunt that may or may not 

overlay with areas that were historically and/or traditionally important.

Information regarding the number of bighorn sheep that Tribal members have harvested or wish 

to harvest is not available. Therefore, this discussion centers on the availability of bighorn sheep 

habitat and populations over time. The BLM made three assumptions for the Native American 

Tribal Uses in this analysis: 

• Opportunities to hunt bighorn sheep are directly related to population trends. 

• The amount of area available to hunt bighorn sheep increases as the amount of source 

habitat available to bighorn sheep without domestic sheep presence increases 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

• As the amount of area available to hunt bighorn sheep increases, the opportunity to hunt 

in areas either traditionally or culturally important to Tribal members also increases

The alternatives to be analyzed vary in the magnitude of risk for contact between bighorn sheep 

and domestic sheep. This results in varying degrees of subsequent implications for the 

persistence of bighorn sheep populations over time and their potential distribution. For these 

reasons, direct, indirect, or cumulative potential effects on treaty resources available to the Nez 

Perce Tribe could be expected as a result of BLM activities.

4.3.3 Effects of Alternatives

4.3.3.1 Effects from Alternative A 

Compared to all other alternatives, the model predicts the highest potential for bighorn sheep 

contact with domestic sheep under this alternative (see Table 4-2). This alternative does not 

provide for long-term sustainable trends for bighorn sheep populations with the Main 

Salmon/South Fork herd and the Little Salmon Area of Concern having the highest risk (see 

Table 4-2). All acres of source habitat within the allotments (see Table 4-1) would be used for 

domestic sheep grazing under this alternative; thus, Alternative A would reduce Tribal hunting 

opportunities and the opportunity to maintain associated traditional socio-cultural values in 

traditional areas more than any other alternative. 

4.3.3.2 Effects from Alternative B 

Alternative B, the BLM proposed RMP amendment, would provide greater opportunity for 

Tribal harvest than would alternatives A, D, E, and F, as effects on bighorn sheep populations 

would be more favorable under this alternative. In addition, the probability for contact between 

species is lower than for alternatives A, D, E, and F (see Table 4-13). Since there would be no 

predicted disease outbreaks occurring in any of the bighorn herds over a 50-year period (see 

Table 4-4), implementation of this alternative would likely contribute toward a sustainable trend 

for bighorn populations. The amount of source habitat available to bighorn sheep without the 

presence of domestic sheep would be the greatest compared to all alternatives, except 

Alternative C (see Table 4-11). Considering only the direct and indirect effects, opportunities for 

Tribal hunting and maintaining associated traditional socio-cultural values in traditional areas 

would be greater under Alternative B compared to all other alternatives, except Alternative C. 

4.3.3.3 Effects from Alternative C 

Alternative C, Eliminate Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing, would remove all potential bighorn 

sheep contact with domestic sheep (see Table 4-13) on BLM land, as no domestic sheep grazing 

would be permitted on the BLM administered allotments. Eliminating domestic sheep grazing on 

the BLM allotments would reduce the potential for disease outbreak in bighorn herds and 

contribute toward a sustainable trend for bighorn populations. The amount of source habitat 

available to bighorn sheep without domestic sheep presence is greatest under Alternative C (see 

Table 4-11). In the long term, considering only the direct and indirect effects, this alternative 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-21 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

would provide the greatest Tribal hunting opportunities and maintaining of associated traditional 

socio-cultural values in traditional areas when compared to all other alternatives.

4.3.3.4 Effects from Alternative D 

The modeled contact and associated potential for disease outbreak is less under Alternative D, 

Restricts Grazing on Partridge Creek and Hard Creek, than Alternatives A and E, but more than 

Alternatives B, C, and F (see Table 4-13). Considering the predicted number of disease 

outbreaks that could occur in the Main Salmon/South Fork herd over a 50-year period (see 

Table 4-6), if the higher probabilities hold true, implementation of this alternative would likely 

result in a downward population trend for this herd. 

This alternative opens up more potential area to bighorn sheep than would alternatives A, E, and 

F, but less than Alternatives B and C (see Table 4-11). Considering only the direct and indirect 

effects of each alternative, Alternative D would provide more opportunities for Tribal hunting 

and maintaining associated traditional socio-cultural values in traditional areas than would 

alternatives A, E, and F, but less than alternatives B and C. 

4.3.3.5 Effects from Alternative E 

Alternative E, Restrict Grazing on Partridge Creek Only, would benefit the Main Salmon/South 

Fork population. The modeled contact risk and associated potential for disease outbreak is lower 

than for Alternative A for bighorn sheep populations, but higher than all other alternatives (see 

Table 4-13). Considering the predicted number of disease outbreaks that could occur in the Main 

Salmon/South Fork herd over a 50-year period (see Table 4-8), if the higher probabilities hold 

true, implementation of this alternative would likely result in a downward population trend for 

this herd. 

Alternative E would open up more potential area to bighorn sheep, as the amount of area 

available for domestic sheep grazing would be less than under Alternative A, but there would be 

less area available for bighorn sheep than alternatives B, C, D, and F (see Table 4-11). 

Considering only the direct and indirect effects of each alternative, Alternative E would provide 

more opportunities for Tribal hunting and maintaining associated traditional socio-cultural values 

in traditional areas than Alternative A but less than all other alternatives. 

4.3.3.6 Effects from Alternative F 

The modeled contact risk and associated potential for disease outbreak for Alternative F, 

Restricts Grazing on Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain, is lower than for Alternatives A, D

and E for bighorn sheep populations, but higher than Alternatives B and C, (Table 4-13). Since 

there would be less predicted disease outbreaks occurring in any of the bighorn herds over a 50-

year period (see Table 4-10), implementation of this alternative would likely contribute toward a 

sustainable trend for bighorn populations. 

Alternative F would open up more potential area to bighorn sheep, as the amount of area 

available for domestic sheep grazing would be less than for Alternatives A and E but there would 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

be less area available for bighorn sheep than there would for Alternatives B, C, and D (see 

Table 4-11). Considering only the direct and indirect effects of each alternative, Alternative F 

would provide more opportunities for Tribal hunting and maintaining associated traditional 

socio-cultural values in traditional areas than alternatives A, D and E. 

4.3.4 Cumulative Effects

The area and assumptions used in this cumulative effect analysis are the same as those identified 

in the cumulative effects analysis for bighorn sheep (see Sections 4.2.4 and 4.1.1).

Table 4-14 displays the estimated cumulative contacts per year in addition to those modeled 

under the BLM alternatives previously described. As depicted in Section 4.2.4, the probability of 

contact with domestic sheep managed on state and private increases the potential contact per year 

regardless of the BLM alternative. Even so, some BLM alternatives contribute to a reduction of 

the overall modeled risk of contact. Tribal treaty hunting opportunities and the maintenance of

associated traditional socio-cultural values will be affected by the continued downward bighorn 

population trend under the cumulative scenario. Fewer numbers of bighorn sheep may also result 

in a reduced area in which the Tribe can hunt successfully, thus removing opportunities that were 

historically and/or traditionally important to the Tribe for hunting. 

4.4 LIVESTOCK GRAZING AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

This section supplements the analysis from the 2008 Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS for Resource Uses 

and Livestock Grazing, as well as Social and Economic Conditions. This section is also an 

update of the effects analysis in the Cottonwood PRMP/FEIS, focusing specifically on the 

alternatives presented in Chapter 2 of this SEIS. 

4.4.1 Overview

This section describes the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that could result from any of 

the alternatives proposed for changes to livestock grazing, as well as the effects on social and 

economic conditions related to the effects from domestic sheep grazing and potential disease 

transmission to bighorn sheep. 

4.4.2 Methods of Analysis 

4.4.2.1 Livestock Grazing

Any effects of the alternatives would be dependent on whether domestic sheep grazing would be 

prohibited within any of the four allotments. The method of analysis for livestock grazing 

focuses on allocation of forage (AUMs), areas open or closed to domestic sheep grazing, and 

logistical effects on the lessees’ livestock operation and use of rangelands on BLM allotments 

and adjacent areas. Information used includes data from the Rangeland Administration System 

(RAS), grazing case files, and GIS datasets. The analysis is also based on the assumptions 

identified in Section 4.1.1. 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

4.4.2.2 Social and Economic Conditions 

The analysis of economic effects considers job and labor income effects in an economic impact 

analysis through input-output modeling. Non-market values, such as the value of recreation 

experiences and ecological services, by nature are difficult to quantify. Direction provided in the 

BLM Land Use Planning Handbook – Appendix D, suggests the use of benefit transfer to 

evaluate the effects of these non-market values. In the absence of quantitative information for 

other non-market values and social effects, they are discussed qualitatively here and in other 

parts of this SEIS.

The measures and analysis methods listed in Table 4-16 offer consistent measures for comparing 

alternatives, but should not be viewed as a complete answer; considering these impacts alongside 

additional social, ecological, or other non-market values provides a complete comparison of the 

alternatives.

Table 4-16: Measures and Analysis Methods

Measures Analysis Method Analysis Tool

Economic Impacts (Jobs and 

Labor Income) Input-Output Analysis IMPLAN, 2010

Non-market and Social Values Indicators discussed below Discussion in text

Environmental Justice Varies based on effects to populations 

of interest Discussion in text

Employment and Labor Income Impacts 

Economic impacts in terms of employment and labor income are used to evaluate potential 

direct, indirect, and cumulative effects on the impact area economy. Economic impacts are 

estimated using an input-output analysis, which is a means of examining relationships within an 

economy, both between businesses and between businesses and final consumers; it captures all 

monetary market transactions for consumption in a given time period. The resulting 

mathematical representation allows an examination of the effect of change (the impact analysis), 

if any, on economic activities on an entire economy. The input-output modeling tool most 

commonly used by the USFS and BLM is IMPLAN. The IMPLAN modeling system allows the 

user to build regional economic models of one or more counties for a particular year. IMPLAN 

translates changes in final demand for goods and services into resulting changes in economic 

effects, such as labor income and employment of the affected area’s economy. The model for 

this updated analysis used 2010 IMPLAN data. 

The economic impact effects are measured by estimating the direct employment and labor 

income, both of which directly affect the local economy, from (1) changes in sheep grazing 

under the alternatives, and (2) potentially affected recreation. Additional indirect and induced 

multiplier effects (ripple effects) are generated by the direct activities. Together, the direct and 

multiplier effects comprise the total economic impacts to the local economy. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-24 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Methods Specific to Estimating Sheep Grazing Effects 

Employment and income effects from grazing are assessed using direct, indirect, and induced 

multipliers developed by the BLM for Idaho (U.S. Department of Interior 2013). The analysis is 

also based on the assumptions in Section 4.1.1 regarding grazing use. 

Methods Specific to Estimating Recreation Effects

Recreation dependent on potentially affected bighorn sheep herds includes opportunities inside 

and outside the bighorn sheep analysis area. For example, the Salmon River herd may be 

affected by management actions under the alternatives, and consequently, hunting and wildlife 

watching opportunities would be affected inside and outside of that area. As these visitors travel 

to the area, they spend money on goods and services in the local economy. Since levels of 

recreation related to bighorn sheep are not known, the total economic impact for every 1,000 

visits is estimated and discussed below. The response coefficients for hunting and viewing 

wildlife provide the economic effect specific to bighorn sheep recreation opportunities in the 

three-county impact area, thus providing a frame of reference for a qualitative discussion under 

the alternatives. 

The discussion of potential jobs and income impacts typically occurs alongside consideration of 

non-market and social values. Changes to goods and services provided by the BLM can affect 

employment and income in the area. However, employment and income would likely be 

supported in other areas if a substitute for livestock grazing is provided by other means. 

Effects on cultural and social values related to bighorn sheep are also discussed qualitatively in 

the non-market and social values sections below, because the value of bighorn sheep-associated 

recreational experiences cannot be characterized solely on their market transactions.

Non-market and Social Values 

Non-market values, such as the value of recreation experiences and ecological services, by their 

nature are difficult to quantify. Direction provided in the BLM’s Land Use Planning Handbook 

(Appendix D; pages 6, 7 and 10) suggests the use of benefit transfer to evaluate the effects of 

these non-market values. Since levels of recreation related to bighorn sheep are not known, the 

total change in non-market value cannot be assessed quantitatively; however, qualitative 

discussion is included relative to non-market values discussed in Chapter 3. 

The qualitative discussion of change in non-market and social values is based on estimated 

effects on bighorn sheep hunting opportunities in the impact area; the predicted number of 

contacts within a 50-year period (see Table 4-2,Table 4-4, Table 4-6, Table 4-8, and Table 4-10) 

and resulting effects on bighorn sheep population trends; and acres of protected bighorn sheep 

habitat (see Table 4-11) under each of the alternatives. These factors allow the determination of 

how the alternatives potentially degrade, maintain, or enhance non-market values associated with 

affected bighorn sheep. In addition, other non-market aspects of each alternative are described in 

other resource sections of this document as well as supporting technical reports.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-25 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

4.4.3 Effects of Alternatives

4.4.3.1 Effects from Alternative A 

Livestock Grazing

Under Alternative A, domestic sheep grazing would continue on all four allotments, as shown in 

Table 4-17. 

Table 4-17: Alternative A – Continue Use of Domestic Sheep Allotments

Allotment Name Acres Permitted AUMs

Partridge Creek 9,544 431

Marshall Mountain 4,212 166

Hard Creek 5,210 218

Big Creek 439 81

Total 19,405 896

Domestic sheep grazing on BLM lands in these allotments would continue to provide a source of 

forage to complement the lessees’ sheep ranching operations on private and potentially IDL 

lands. 

Using the IMPLAN input-output model, estimates of the BLM employment and income 

contribution were calculated from the forage allocation that would be available under this 

alternative (see Table 4-17). Direct employment and labor income affect employees and their 

families; therefore, affecting the local economy. Indirect and induced multiplier effects (ripple 

effects) are then generated by the direct activities. Indirect effects accrue to connected industries 

when purchases are made in support industries and induced effects occur as employees spend 

wages in the impact area. Together, the direct and multiplier effects comprise the total economic 

impacts to the impact area economy. 

Direct contributions to the agricultural sector from domestic sheep grazing on the four relevant 

allotments include an added 2.3 jobs to the impact area (Table 4-17). In addition, 0.5 indirect and 

induced jobs are supported in the impact area on an average annual basis through grazing on the 

four allotments. While this number may appear small, these employment and income estimates 

account for the portion attributable to use on BLM land and not the entire job, thus multiple 

lessees and their employees could be included in the estimate of a single job. For example, the 

2.3 direct jobs could account for four people who work half of the year (2 total jobs annually) on 

forage provided by BLM and the last 0.3 jobs accounts for another family member who works a 

third of the year on forage provided by BLM. 

Forage provided by the CFO provides an important source that complements additional sources 

during other parts of the year. Consequently, estimating the effect of livestock grazing using only 

BLM AUMs may underestimate the actual importance of BLM land as a forage resource; where 

a change in BLM grazing affects the optimal use of the rest of forage resources. Using the inputoutput methodology described above (and ranch production relationships presented in 

Chapter 3), consideration of the entire ranch production perspective attributes the additional 

direct and indirect employment and labor income from CFO sheep grazing (Table 4-18). 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-26 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-18: Effects on Local Employment and Income from Sheep Grazing by Alternative

Alternative

Employment

(Full- and Part-time Jobs)

Labor Income

(2012 Dollars)

Direct 

Effects

Indirect and 

Induced 

Effects Total

Direct 

Effects

Indirect and 

Induced 

Effects Total

Alternative A 2.3 0.5 2.8 9,916 17,040 26,956

Alternative B 0.2 0.0 0.3 896 1,540 2,437

Alternative C 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Alternative D 0.6 0.1 0.8 2,733 4,697 7,431

Alternative E 1.2 0.3 1.5 5,146 8,843 13,989

Alternative F 0.8 0.2 0.9 3,215 5,524 8,740

Ranch Production Perspective

Alternative A 2.8 0.7 3.4 11,998 20,619 32,617

Alternative B 0.2 0.1 0.3 1,085 1,864 2,949

Alternative C 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Alternative D 0.8 0.2 0.9 3,308 5,684 8,991

Alternative E 1.4 0.3 1.8 6,227 10,701 16,927

Alternative F 0.9 0.2 1.1 3,890 6,685 10,575

The impact area is dependent on agriculture for 13.5 percent of employment and can be 

considered specialized with respect to employment in the subsector that includes sheep grazing 

(animal production except cattle, poultry, and eggs) (Figure 3-4). Under Alternative A, 5.1 direct 

jobs could be contributed (from both grazing on BLM and the ranch production perspective) to 

the sheep grazing subsector depicted in Figure 3-4. This represents the maximum possible 

contribution from BLM allotments if all permitted grazing under Alternative A were to occur.

These maximum potential contributions would represent approximately 5 percent of employment 

in the subsector that includes sheep grazing, and less than 0.5 percent in the agriculture sector 

within the three-county impact area.

Ranching has played a historic role in the community. Because grazing would resume should the 

BLM decide to make these allotments available for domestic sheep grazing, the quality of life 

associated with grazing on BLM land (see Chapter 3, Section 3.4.2.2 Non-market and Social 

Values, for discussion of quality of life associated with grazing on the BLM) could continue 

unchanged under Alternative A. In addition, associated quality of life for ranching could be 

higher under this alternative than the others since the forage allocation is higher and could thus 

accommodate increases in use with favorable market conditions and willing lessees.

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

Visitors often spend money in the impact area economy when participating in bighorn sheeprelated recreation. Visitor data for area National Forests are used for this analysis, as 

expenditures of these visitors specific to the CFO is not available. Analyses of the expenditures 

reported by National Forest visitors indicate that the primary factor in determining the amount 

spent by a visitor was the type of trip taken, not the specific activity or National Forest visited 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-27 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

(Stynes and White 2005). In other words, recreation visits were distinguished for local visitors 

(individuals residing within 30 miles of the National Forest boundary) and nonlocal visitors 

(individuals residing more than 30 miles from the National Forest boundary). Local and nonlocal 

visitors were further divided by those staying overnight and those on day trips. The four trip type 

segments were: 

• Nonlocal visitors on day trips 

• Nonlocal visitors staying overnight 

• Local residents on day trips 

• Local residents staying overnight 

National Visitor Use Monitoring data sample sizes were too small at the individual Forest level 

to sufficiently represent visitor spending profiles for hunting and viewing wildlife visits for

individual Forests (Stynes and White 2006). To account for spending differences, profiles were 

estimated by grouping forests with above- or below-average spending, which were identified by 

comparing spending averages for each Forest with the national average8

. The Nez Perce, Payette, 

and Wallowa Whitman National Forests were characterized as average-spending forests. These 

expenditures-per-visit are shown for all activity and trip types in Table 4-19.

9

Table 4-19: Expenditures per Visit by Activity and Trip Type

Expenditures ($ per visit in 2012 dollars)

Nonlocal

Day Use

Nonlocal 

Overnight

Local

Day Use

Local

Overnight

Downhill skiing 55.72 275.83 31.17 142.62

Driving 24.11 246.87 16.33 141.85

Snowmobile 55.29 245.68 34.47 114.91

Cross-country skiing 43.31 230.16 15.23 106.74

Hunting 49.63 207.53 34.15 132.87

Hiking/biking 22.32 202.73 11.84 64.29

Nature-related/Viewing Wildlife 27.86 187.71 18.02 87.06

Fishing 26.79 147.78 20.36 69.00

OHV-use 46.72 123.67 29.59 62.43

Other 25.72 117.87 16.48 74.21

Developed camping NA 76.11 NA 59.11

Primitive Camping/backpacking NA 57.43 NA 53.58

Source: USFS 2012

 

8

Day and overnight visitor spending averages (excluding non-primary visitors) were estimated based on the sample of visitors on 

each forest. To control for differences between day and overnight visitor trips across forests, a standardized average was 

computed for each forest, assuming a fixed mix of 60 percent for day trips and 40 percent for overnight trips. The standardized 

average for each forest was compared to the national standardized average.

9

Expenditures per visit were obtained by dividing average expenditures per party trip by average party size. Party sizes by 

primary activity are reported in Appendix A of Stynes and White (2006).
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-28 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Nonlocal downhill skiers staying overnight spend the most while local hikers/bikers spend the 

least. Nonlocal hunters staying overnight spend the fifth highest per visit ($208) while nonlocal 

wildlife viewers staying overnight spend the seventh most of all activity types ($188). While 

expenditures per visit give some comparison between activity types, the economic impacts of 

these activities depend on the economic characteristics of the three-county impact area discussed 

above. 

The estimated employment and labor income response coefficients by activity type are shown in 

Table 4-20. Response coefficients indicate the number of full- and part-time jobs and dollars of 

labor income generated per 1,000 visits by activity type; they are useful for understanding the 

economic effects tied to a given use level and for understanding the differences in employment 

and labor income effects by activity type. Response coefficients are unique to the three-county 

impact area depicted in Figure 3-3. 

Table 4-20: Employment and Labor Income Response Coefficients by Activity Type

Employment

(Jobs per 1,000 Visits)

Labor Income (2012 Dollars)

($ per 1,000 Visits)

Direct 

Effects

Indirect 

and 

Induced 

Effects Total

Direct 

Effects

Indirect 

and 

Induced 

Effects Total

Hunting

Local Day 0.23 0.05 0.28 5,150 1,288 6,438

Local OVN 0.69 0.18 0.87 17,203 4,275 21,478

Nonlocal Day 0.30 0.07 0.37 7,192 1,795 8,987

Nonlocal OVN 1.24 0.28 1.52 25,992 6,698 32,690

Viewing Wildlife

Local Day 0.15 0.03 0.18 2,812 729 3,542

Local OVN 0.49 0.12 0.61 10,671 2,735 13,406

Nonlocal Day 0.23 0.05 0.27 4,285 1,103 5,388

Nonlocal OVN 1.05 0.21 1.26 18,714 4,823 23,538

The following generalizations are presented in Table 4-20: 

• Local hunting and viewing wildlife generates lower employment and labor income 

effects per 1,000 visits than nonlocal visits, because local visitors spend less per visit (see 

Table 4-20).

• Economic effects vary across hunting and viewing wildlife activity types; the lowest 

employment and labor income contribution is tied to local day users viewing wildlife and 

the largest contribution is associated with nonlocal hunters who stay overnight. 

While response coefficients may be greater for certain activity types, the economic effects to the 

impact area also depend on the number of visitors participating. Hunting or wildlife viewing 

attributable to opportunities affected under this SEIS are not available, thus the response 

coefficients provide a frame of reference for discussion of effects. These response coefficients 

reflect an economic structure that is a snapshot in time and, therefore, are not applicable to 

visitation numbers that are dramatically different from current recreation levels. If recreational 

activities and/or visits were to change radically, there would be a structural shift in the economy 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-29 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

as spending patterns change, and these response coefficients would no longer reflect underlying 

economic processes.

Because grazing use on BLM land would not change under Alternative A, it is predicted to have 

the greatest adverse effect on bighorn sheep population trends of all the alternatives. 

Consequently, fewer potential bighorn sheep hunting opportunities or other bighorn sheeprelated recreation (e.g., wildlife viewing) in the impact area would occur for this alternative, 

resulting in fewer employment and income contributions to the impact area. 

As shown on Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 11 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to portions of three sectors related 

to recreation: retail trade, passenger transport and arts, and entertainment and recreation. As a 

result, decreases in employment and income contributions to the recreation-related economy of 

the impact area would be highest under Alternative A. 

Non-market and Social Values

The economic analysis assesses the economic effects of the direct use of resources in terms of 

jobs and income. This type of analysis does not include other types of economic values often 

referred to as non-market values, which are difficult to quantify. Insufficient data exist to assess 

the effects of management actions on these values. However, the fact that no monetary value is 

assigned to these values does not lessen their importance in the decision-making process. Helpful 

inferences can still be made using estimated effects on bighorn sheep hunting opportunities in the 

impact area, bighorn sheep population trends (Section 3.2.2.3, Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2), and 

acres of bighorn sheep habitat that would be available for domestic sheep grazing (see Section 

4.2.3.1, Table 4-1). Because the fewest bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are anticipated for 

Alternative A, levels for non-market values (bighorn sheep tags statewide were more than $40 

million in 2009 [O’Laughlin and Cook 2010]) could be lowest as well. Considering only the 

direct and indirect effects of the alternatives, these results suggest visitors and area residents 

would not experience the past level of value associated with higher population levels of bighorn 

sheep.

4.4.3.2 Effects from Alternative B 

Livestock Grazing

Alternative B, the BLM proposed RMP amendment, would prohibit domestic sheep grazing on 

the Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard Creek allotments (see Table 4-21). The Big 

Creek Allotment would remain available for domestic sheep grazing. 

Table 4-21: Alternative B – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Allotment Name

Acres/AUMs

Available

Difference in Acres/AUMs from

Alternative A

Partridge Creek 0/0 -9,544/-431

Marshall Mountain 0/0 -4,212/-166

Hard Creek 0/0 -5,210/-218
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-21: Alternative B – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Big Creek 439/81 No Change

Alternative B eliminates domestic sheep grazing on both allotments used by Carlson Livestock 

and one of two allotments used by Soulen Livestock. This amounts to a reduction of one hundred 

percent of the total number of domestic sheep AUMs from the BLM available to Carlson 

Livestock (597 of 597) and seventy-three percent (218 of 299) of the total domestic sheep AUMs 

available to Soulen Livestock. 

Partridge Creek Allotment – Prohibiting domestic sheep use of the allotment would disrupt the 

historical year-round sheep operation and cause logistical and financial hardships on the lessee.

The lessee would have to find an alternate method to move sheep across the landscape that 

would be limited to private or leased land.

Marshall Mountain Allotment – Prohibiting domestic sheep grazing on this allotment would 

disrupt the year round sheep operations of the lessee and cause them to find another source of 

summer forage. 

Hard Creek Allotment – Prohibiting domestic sheep grazing would disrupt future options to 

support the lessee’s ranching operation. 

Big Creek Allotment – The grazing lessee would be able to utilize the BLM allotment in 

conjunction with private property that surrounds the allotment, to provide forage and support 

ranching operations during the summer months (June through October). 

Using the IMPLAN input-output model described above, estimates of the BLM employment and 

income contribution are calculated from the forage allocations available under this alternative. If 

grazing were to resume on the Big Creek allotment under Alternative B, direct contributions 

from sheep grazing on BLM lands to the agricultural sector would account for less than 0.5 jobs 

in the impact area. This alternative would support 3 fewer total jobs (direct, indirect, and 

induced) than Alternative A (Table 4-20). 

As shown in Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on agriculture for 13.5 percent of 

employment and can be considered specialized with respect to the sheep grazing subsector 

(animal production except cattle, poultry, and eggs). Under Alternative B, 0.4 direct jobs could 

be contributed from grazing on BLM land and the ranch production perspective, to the subsector 

that includes sheep grazing depicted on Figure 3-4. Total employment effects (direct, indirect, 

and induced) would be approximately 6 jobs fewer than under Alternative A (Table 4-20). This 

represents the maximum possible effect from changes to grazing on CFO lands, using all 

permitted grazing under Alternative A as a reference point for past levels of use. These 

maximum potential effects would represent 5 percent of employment in the subsector that 

includes sheep grazing and less than 0.5 percent in the agriculture sector within the three-county 

impact area. Currently there is no grazing on the Big Creek allotment, therefore no effect relative 

to current conditions would occur. 

Ranching has played a historic role in the community. Since the allocation is lower than the other 

alternatives it would accommodate lower levels of use than the other alternatives, apart from 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Alternative C (with favorable market conditions and willing lessees). Consequently, quality of 

life associated with grazing on BLM land would be less than the other alternatives, apart from 

Alternative C. (See Chapter 3, Section 3.4.2.2 Non-market and Social Values, for discussion of 

quality of life associated with grazing.)

The BLM has assumed that for allotments where domestic sheep grazing is prohibited, a 

qualified applicant would apply for and, after a BLM site-specific analysis is conducted, receive 

authorization to graze cattle. Under this assumption, a portion of the decreases in employment 

and income relative to Alternative A could be regained, and effects on the social role of ranching 

in the community could be reduced.

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

Since grazing use on the BLM would only be allowed on the Big Creek Allotment, this 

alternative would have the least adverse effect on bighorn sheep population trends of all the 

alternatives, except for Alternative C. Consequently, the indirect effects of this alternative would 

be more potential bighorn sheep hunting opportunities and other bighorn sheep-related recreation 

(e.g., wildlife viewing), resulting in more employment and income contributions to the impact 

area, except for Alternative C.

As shown in Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 10 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to retail trade, passenger transport 

and arts, and entertainment and recreation. As a result of this alternative, employment and 

income contributions to the recreation-related economy of the impact area would be greatest 

among all the alternatives, except for Alternative C.

Non-market and Social Values

With the exception of Alternative C, Alternative B would have more bighorn sheep hunting 

opportunities than for any of the other alternatives; consequently, levels of non-market values 

(bighorn sheep tags statewide were more than $40 million in 2009 [O’Laughlin and Cook 2010]) 

could be highest as well. Other non-market values associated with bighorn sheep would be 

highest as well. Considering only the direct and indirect effects of the alternatives, these results 

suggest visitors and area residents would experience levels of value associated with population 

levels of bighorn sheep that are higher than the other alternatives, again with the exception of

Alternative C.

4.4.3.3 Effects from Alternative C 

Livestock Grazing

Alternative C would prohibit domestic sheep grazing on all four allotments Table 4-22. Impacts 

for the Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard Creek allotments would be the same as 

described for Alternative B. In addition, prohibiting domestic sheep grazing on the 439 acres of 

public lands in the Big Creek Allotment would decrease the forage available by an additional 81 

AUMs.
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table 4-22: Alternative C – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Allotment Name

Acres/AUMs

Available

Difference in Acres/AUMs from 

Alternative A

Partridge Creek 0/0 -9,544/-431

Marshall Mountain 0/0 -4,212/-166

Hard Creek 0/0 -5,210/-218

Big Creek 0/0 -439/-81

Alternative C eliminates domestic sheep grazing on both BLM allotments use by Carlson 

Livestock and both allotments used by Soulen Livestock. This amounts to a reduction of one 

hundred percent of the total number of domestic sheep AUMs available to these two lessees.

Under this alternative, employment effects (direct, indirect, and induced) would be 

approximately 6 jobs fewer than under Alternative A (Table 4-18). This represents the maximum 

possible effect from changes to grazing within the CFO, using all permitted grazing under 

Alternative A as a reference point for past levels of use. These maximum potential effects would 

represent 6 percent of employment in the sheep grazing subsector and less than 0.5 percent in the 

agriculture sector within the three-county impact area. Currently, there is no grazing on the BLM 

allotments, therefore no effect relative to current conditions would occur.

Since no domestic sheep grazing would be permitted under this alternative, quality of life 

associated with sheep grazing on the CFO would not be supported, and decreases in available 

grazing would decrease the quality of life of individual operators. Currently, there is no grazing 

on these BLM allotments, therefore no effect relative to current conditions would occur. In 

addition, lessees would likely depend on other sources of forage on state and other private land.

This alternative would eliminate domestic sheep grazing on BLM lands in the analysis area and

end the rich culture associated with traditional herdsman tending flocks on open public lands.

The BLM has assumed that for allotments where domestic sheep grazing is prohibited, a 

qualified applicant would apply for and, after a BLM site-specific analysis is conducted, receive 

authorization to graze cattle. Under this assumption, decreases in employment and income 

relative to Alternative A could be partly regained, and effects on the social role of ranching in the 

community could be reduced.

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

Eliminating domestic sheep grazing on the BLM allotments would reduce the potential for 

disease outbreak in bighorn herds and contribute toward a sustainable trend for bighorn 

populations. Consequently, the indirect effects of this alternative would be more potential 

bighorn sheep hunting opportunities and other bighorn sheep-related recreation (e.g., wildlife 

viewing), resulting in more employment and income contributions to the impact area.

As shown on Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 10 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to retail trade, passenger transport 

and arts, and entertainment and recreation. As a result of this alternative, employment and 

income contributions to the recreation-related economy of the impact area would be greatest 

among all the alternatives.
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Non-market and Social Values

The indirect effects of this alternative would be more bighorn sheep hunting opportunities than 

under any other alternative; consequently, levels of non-market values (bighorn sheep tags 

statewide were more than $40 million dollars in 2009 [O’Laughlin and Cook 2010]) could be 

highest under this alternative. Other non-market values associated with bighorn sheep would be 

highest as well. Considering only the direct and indirect effects of the alternatives, these results 

suggest visitors and area residents would experience an increase of value associated with higher 

population levels of bighorn sheep. 

4.4.3.4 Effects from Alternative D 

Livestock Grazing

Alternative D would allow domestic sheep grazing on the Marshall Mountain and Big Creek 

allotments to continue, but would prohibit it on the Partridge Creek and Hard Creek allotments, 

for a total loss of 649 AUMs of forage for the lessees (Table 4-23).

Table 4-23: Alternative D – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Allotment Name

Acres/AUMs

Available

Difference in Acres/AUMs from 

Alternative A

Partridge Creek 0/0 -9,544/-431

Marshall Mountain 4,212/166 No Change

Hard Creek 0/0 -5,210/-218

Big Creek 439/81 No Change

This alternative would eliminate domestic sheep grazing on one of two allotments used by 

Carlson Livestock and one of two allotments used by Soulen Livestock; amounting to a 

reduction of 72 percent (431 of 597) and 73 percent (218 of 299) of the total number of BLM 

domestic sheep AUMs available to Carlson Livestock and Soulen Livestock, respectively.

Using the IMPLAN input-output model, estimates of the BLM employment and income 

contribution are calculated from the forage allocations that would be available under this 

alternative. If grazing were to resume on the Big Creek and Marshal Mountain allotments, direct 

contributions under this alternative from domestic sheep grazing on BLM lands to the 

agricultural sector would account for less than 1 job in the impact area. Relative to Alternative A, 

this alternative would support 2 total jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) less than Alternative A 

(Table 4-18). 

Under this alternative, 1.4 direct jobs could be contributed (from both BLM grazing on the CFO 

and the ranch production perspective) to the sheep grazing subsector as depicted in Figure 3-5.

Total employment effects (direct, indirect and induced) would be approximately 5 jobs fewer 

than for Alternative A (Table 4-18). This represents the maximum possible effect from changes 

to grazing on BLM land using all permitted grazing under Alternative A as a reference point.

These maximum potential effects would represent 4 percent of employment in the subsector that 

includes sheep grazing and less than 0.5 percent in the agriculture sector within the three-county 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

impact area. Currently, there is no grazing on the BLM allotments, therefore no effect relative to 

current conditions would occur.

Since the allocation is lower than for the other alternatives, Alternative D would accommodate 

lower levels of use than alternatives A and E (with favorable market conditions and willing 

lessees). Consequently, quality of life associated with grazing on BLM land would be less than 

alternatives A and E, but potentially greater than alternatives B and C. (See Chapter 3, Section 

3.4.2.2 Non-market and Social Values, for discussion of quality of life associated with grazing on 

the BLM land.)

The BLM has assumed that for allotments where domestic sheep grazing is prohibited, a 

qualified applicant would apply for and, after a BLM site-specific analysis is conducted, receive 

authorization to graze cattle. Under this assumption, decreases in employment and income 

relative to Alternative A could be partly regained, and effects on the social role of ranching in the 

community could be reduced.

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

Since grazing use on the BLM would be allowed on the Big Creek and Marshall Mountain 

allotments, contribution to downward bighorn sheep population trends is less than that for

alternatives B C, and F, but greater than A and E. Consequently, more potential bighorn sheep 

hunting opportunities or other bighorn sheep-related recreation (e.g., wildlife viewing) would be 

provided, resulting in more employment and income contributions, than for alternatives A and E,

but less than B, C, and F.

As shown in Table 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 10 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to retail trade, passenger transport 

and arts, and entertainment and recreation. Employment and income contributions to the 

recreation-related economy of the impact area would be greater than alternatives A, E, and F, but 

less than alternatives B and C.

Non-market and Social Values

More bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are anticipated for Alternative D than alternatives A 

and E, but less than B, C, and F; consequently, levels of non-market values could be greater than 

for alternatives A and E, but lower than for alternatives B, C, and F. Other non-market values 

associated with bighorn sheep would be ranked accordingly. These results suggest that visitors 

and area residents would experience more value associated with higher population levels of 

bighorn sheep than they would under alternatives A and E, but less than alternatives B, C and F.

4.4.3.5 Effects from Alternative E 

Livestock Grazing

Alternative E would allow for domestic sheep grazing to occur on the Marshall Mountain, Hard 

Creek, and Big Creek allotments as shown in Table 4-24. With the exception of domestic sheep 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

grazing being prohibited on Partridge Creek Allotment, impacts would be similar to those 

described for Alternative A.

Table 4-24: Alternative E – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Allotment Name

Acres/AUMs

Available

Difference in Acres/AUMs from 

Alternative A

Partridge Creek 0/0 -9,544/-431

Marshall Mountain 4,212/166 No Change

Hard Creek 5,210/218 No Change

Big Creek 439/81 No Change

Alternative E would eliminate domestic sheep grazing on one of two allotments used by Carlson 

Livestock, amounting to a 72 percent reduction of the total number of BLM domestic sheep 

AUMs available to Carlson Livestock (431 of 597). There would be no reduction of the domestic 

sheep AUMs allocated to Soulen Livestock.

Using the IMPLAN input-output model, estimates of the BLM employment and income 

contribution are calculated from the allocations for this alternative. Direct contributions from 

sheep grazing on BLM land would account for 1.2 jobs in the impact area. Relative to 

Alternative A, this alternative would support approximately 1 less job (direct, indirect and 

induced) (Table 4-18). 

For this alternative, 2.6 direct jobs could be contributed from both BLM grazing within the CFO 

and the ranch production perspective to the sheep grazing subsector depicted in Figure 3-4. Total 

employment effects (direct, indirect, and induced) would be approximately three jobs fewer than 

under Alternative A (Table 4-18). This represents the maximum possible effect from changes to 

grazing, using all permitted grazing under Alternative A as a reference point. These maximum 

potential effects would represent 3 percent of employment in the sheep grazing subsector and 

less than .5 percent in the agriculture sector within the three-county impact area. Currently, there 

is no grazing on the Big Creek Allotment, and thus no effect relative to current conditions would 

occur.

With the exception of Alternative A (with favorable market conditions and willing lessees),

Alternative E would accommodate the highest levels of use; consequently, quality of life 

associated with grazing on BLM land would be greater than for the other alternatives. (See 

Chapter 3, Section 3.4.2.2 Non-market and Social Values, for discussion of quality of life 

associated with grazing on BLM land.)

The BLM has assumed that for allotments where domestic sheep grazing is prohibited, a 

qualified applicant would apply for and, after a BLM site-specific analysis is conducted, receive 

authorization to graze cattle. Under this assumption, decreases in employment and income 

relative to Alternative A could be partially regained, and effects on the social role of ranching in 

the community could be reduced.
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

Since grazing use on the CFO would be allowed on all allotments except Partridge Creek, this 

alternative would contribute more to the downward trend in bighorn sheep populations than other 

alternatives, apart from Alternative A. Consequently, fewer potential bighorn sheep hunting 

opportunities or other bighorn sheep-related recreation (e.g., wildlife viewing) would be 

provided, resulting in less employment and income contributions to the impact area.

As shown in Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 10 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to portions of retail trade, 

passenger transport and arts, and entertainment and recreation. As a result of this alternative, 

employment and income contributions to the recreation related economy of the impact area 

would be the least among all the alternatives, apart from Alternative A.

Non-market and Social Values

With the exception of Alternative A, fewer bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are anticipated 

under Alternative E than for other alternatives; consequently, levels of non-market values could 

be lower under this alternative. Other non-market values associated with bighorn sheep would be 

lower as well. These results suggest that visitors and area residents would experience levels of 

value associated with population levels of bighorn sheep that are lower than the other 

alternatives, apart from Alternative A.

4.4.3.6 Effects from Alternative F 

Livestock Grazing

Alternative F would allow domestic sheep grazing on the Hard Creek and Big Creek allotments 

to continue, but would prohibit domestic sheep grazing on the Partridge Creek and Marshall 

Mountain allotments (Table 4-25).

Table 4-25: Alternative F – Domestic Sheep Acreage and Forage Allocations

Allotment Name Acres/AUMs Available Difference in Acres/AUMs from Alternative A

Partridge Creek 0/0 -9,544/-431

Marshall Mountain 0/0 -4,212/-166

Hard Creek 5,210/218 0/0

Big Creek 439/81 0/0

This alternative would eliminate domestic sheep grazing on both allotments used by Carlson 

Livestock; Soulen Livestock would be unaffected. This amounts to a 100 percent reduction of 

the total number of BLM domestic sheep AUMs allocated to Carlson Livestock (597 of 597),

and no reduction for Soulen Livestock.

Using the IMPLAN input-output model, estimates of the BLM employment and income 

contribution are calculated from the forage allocations that would be available under this 

alternative. If grazing were to resume on the Big Creek and Hard Creek allotments under this 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

alternative, direct contributions from sheep grazing on BLM land to the agricultural sector would 

account for less than 1 job in the impact area. Relative to Alternative A, this alternative would 

support 1.4 total jobs (direct, indirect, and induced) less than Alternative A (Table 4-18). 

Under Alternative F, 1.7 direct jobs could be contributed from both grazing on BLM land and the 

ranch production perspective to the sheep grazing subsector depicted in Figure 3-4. Total 

employment effects (direct, indirect, and induced) would be approximately 4 jobs less than under 

Alternative A (Table 4-18). This represents the maximum possible effect from changes to 

grazing on BLM land, using all permitted grazing under Alternative A as a reference point.

These maximum potential effects would represent 4 percent of employment in the sheep grazing 

subsector and less than 0.5 percent in the agriculture sector within the three-county impact area.

Currently, there is no grazing on these allotments; therefore no effect relative to current 

conditions would occur.

With the exception of alternatives B and C, Alternative F would accommodate the lowest levels 

of use; consequently, quality of life associated with grazing within the CFO would be less. (See 

Chapter 3, Section 3.4.2.2 Non-market and Social Values, for discussion of quality of life 

associated with grazing on the CFO.)

The BLM has assumed that for allotments where domestic sheep grazing is prohibited, a 

qualified applicant would apply for and, after a BLM site-specific analysis is conducted, receive 

authorization to graze cattle. Under this assumption, decreases in employment and income 

relative to Alternative A could be partially regained, and effects on the social role of ranching in 

the community could be reduced. This alternative would end historic domestic sheep grazing on 

all BLM lands in the Salmon River Canyon east of Riggins within the analysis area, and end the 

rich culture associated with traditional herdsman tending flocks on open public lands.

Bighorn Sheep-related Recreation

The potential for adverse effects on bighorn sheep population trends is ranked third of all the 

alternatives because grazing use within the CFO would only be allowed on the Big Creek and 

Hard Creek allotments; consequently, fewer bighorn sheep potential hunting opportunities and 

other bighorn sheep-related recreation (e.g., wildlife viewing) would be provided than under 

alternatives B and C, resulting in less employment and income contributions to the impact area.

The inverse would be true compared to Alternatives A, D, and E.

As shown in Figure 3-4, the impact area is dependent on recreation-related sectors for 10 percent 

of employment and can be considered specialized with respect to retail trade, passenger transport 

and arts, and entertainment and recreation. As a result of this alternative, employment and 

income contributions to the recreation-related economy of the impact area would be less than 

under Alternatives B and C, but more than under alternatives A, D, and E.

Non-market and Social Values

Compared with alternatives A, D, and E, fewer bighorn sheep hunting opportunities are 

anticipated under this alternative; consequently, levels of non-market values could be lower.

Other non-market values associated with bighorn sheep would be lower as well; suggesting that

visitors and area residents would experience levels of value associated population levels of 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

bighorn sheep that are lower than the other alternatives. The inverse would be true when 

compared to Alternatives B and C.

4.4.3.7 Environmental Justice

Direct effects on employment in the agricultural sector could disparately affect minority 

populations if sheepherders are predominantly minorities or ethnic groups. However, there is no 

current sheep grazing use on BLM allotments, thus no disparate effects relative to current 

conditions are possible. While changes in permitted levels of grazing under the alternatives are 

expected to result in indirect and induced changes in employment and labor income relative to 

current conditions, these changes would be spread throughout the population and would not 

disproportionately affect minority and low-income populations. These contributions would likely 

remain a small share of total employment and labor income within the planning area, but may be 

more important for smaller communities within the planning area.

Actions under the alternatives have potential effects on the area bighorn sheep population and 

could affect environmental justice populations within the impact area. Harvest ability depends on 

the bighorn sheep population available for hunting. Because the effect on harvest ability would 

be spread among all segments of the general population, Tribal, other minority, or low-income 

communities would not be disproportionately affected. Therefore, disparate effects to 

environmental justice populations within the impact area are not anticipated.

In addition, the Nez Perce Tribe is a cooperating agency in preparation of this SEIS and the BLM 

has considered input from the Tribe in this analysis.

4.4.4 Cumulative Effects

In the proximity of the analysis area domestic sheep grazing occurs on USFS, state, and private 

lands (see Map 9). Implementation of the recent Payette Forest Plan Amendment FSEIS/ROD 

(USFS 2010b) resulted in closure of seven of their domestic sheep allotments. For this analysis,

the BLM assumed that the Allison Berg Allotment, which is adjacent to the BLM Partridge 

Creek Allotment and was temporarily closed by the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forest, 

would remain closed. The Carlson Livestock Company and Soulen Livestock Company also 

used some of these USFS allotments. For this analysis, the BLM assumed that Carlson Livestock 

Company will continue to graze sheep on their private and state lands in the Lower Salmon 

drainage, and Soulen Livestock Company will continue to graze sheep on private land south of 

New Meadows, adjoining the Big Creek Allotment and their USFS grazing permits outside of 

bighorn sheep habitat. Other domestic sheep grazing occurs across north-central Idaho under 

commercial operations and with small farm flocks. There is domestic sheep grazing on private 

lands south of Riggins along the Little Salmon to Tamarack (see Map 9).

Cumulative effects are examined for the same impact area assessed above. The economy can be 

affected by a variety of factors, including population growth, interest rate changes, location of 

new industries, recession, new sector growth, tax policy, and state economic policy. When 

compared to these types of variables, managing sheep grazing on the four BLM allotments has a 

relatively small regional effect. For example, the maximum potential effect from changes in 

sheep grazing under all the alternatives constitutes less than 0.5 percent of total employment in 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for 4-39 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

the impact area. Because the changes in economic activity previously discussed would be largely 

unnoticeable regionally, there should be no cumulative economic effects across the region. 

However, for individual sectors of the economy and smaller areas within the impact area, the 

cumulative effects are noteworthy.

Past and present cumulative economic activity has already been absorbed by the local economy.

However, estimating the direct and indirect effects specific to other future reasonably foreseeable 

projects is not possible due to unavailable information specific to these projects. Individually, 

these projects would likely have a minimal impact on economic conditions; however, 

cumulatively they may affect employment and income levels in the impact area. The degree to 

which the economic environment would be impacted, as well as the distribution of effects, 

cannot be determined from the information available.

As noted in the analysis of employment and labor income impacts above, the maximum potential 

effect under the alternatives would represent approximately 6 percent of employment in the 

sheep grazing subsector and less than 0.5 percent in the agriculture sector within the three-county 

impact area (under Alternative C). Consequently, actions under this SEIS could have small 

cumulative economic impacts relative to the agriculture sector but larger effects relative to the 

subsector that includes sheep grazing. The degree to which the economic environment would be 

impacted, as well as the distribution of effects, cannot be determined from the information 

available. While specific quantitative cumulative economic effects are unknown, actions and 

trends affecting recreation related to bighorn sheep and the subsector that includes sheep grazing 

are discussed qualitatively below.

Management decisions regarding adjacent USFS lands have impacted current conditions and the 

potential domestic sheep lessees utilizing the BLMs Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain and 

Hard Creek Allotments. The unavailability of seven USFS allotments that were formerly used in 

concert with the three BLM allotments for domestic sheep forage, constituting 90% of the 

federal acreage, impacted the sheep operations of Carlson Livestock Company and Soulen 

Livestock Company around the BLM’s Hard Creek Allotment. The unavailability of forage and

historical driveways for domestic sheep on USFS lands changed the way lessees could utilize 

three of the four BLM allotments included in this analysis.

For analysis purposes, the BLM assumed that allotments available for use by domestic sheep in 

each alternative would be utilized at authorized levels. However, without sheep driveways

through USFS lands to the BLM’s Marshall Mountain Allotment, it is unlikely this allotment 

would be utilized for domestic sheep grazing even if available as the expense of trucking animals 

to the area for the limited amount of forage may not be a sound economic decision. The same 

holds true with the Hard Creek Allotment. Domestic sheep grazing could resume as a farm flock 

operation in the Partridge Creek Allotment in conjunction with use of private and state lands. 

Since the Big Creek Allotment is near USFS allotments that remain open to domestic sheep use, 

it could still play a viable role in traditional domestic sheep trailing.

BLM decisions about availability of the four allotments for domestic sheep grazing would have 

minimal contribution to the cumulative impacts which have already resulted from USFS 

decisions regarding nearby allotments. Cumulative impacts to the historical domestic sheep 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

industry of the area have already occurred and are not likely to change regardless of BLM 

decisions. 

The Payette National Forest FSEIS/ROD (USFS 2010b) noted that the traditional and historical 

role sheep grazing has played is declining. This decline is confirmed by decreasing state and 

county sheep inventories (USFS 2010a). In addition, the Payette National Forest Plan noted that 

urban communities will look to the Southwest Idaho Ecogroup National Forests with an 

increased need and desire to provide recreational and undeveloped areas, as USFS recreation 

visitor-days are projected to increase over time (USFS 2003; Table SO-18). This growth in 

recreation use may create additional recreation-related jobs in area communities, which could 

buffer recreation-related effects to industries and communities dependent on bighorn sheeprelated recreation, should bighorn sheep populations continue to decline. 

Sheep grazing management on other lands (e.g., private, state, USFS) will cause additional 

bighorn sheep cumulative economic effects. Due to domestic sheep and goat grazing on private 

and state lands, and resulting contacts and potential disease transmission, the largest bighorn 

sheep population (Main Salmon/South Fork) would likely continue to trend downward. This 

would drastically reduce bighorn sheep related recreation, such as wildlife viewing and other 

bighorn sheep-related economic benefits. 

4.5 IRRETRIEVABLE OR IRREVERSIBLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES

Section 1502.16 of CEQ regulations requires the discussion of environmental consequences to 

include a description of “...any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources which 

would be involved in the proposal should it be implemented.” 

An irreversible commitment of resources refers to decisions impacting the use of nonrenewable 

resources (e.g., minerals). Since the alternatives for this RMP Amendment/SEIS address only 

renewable resources (e.g., forage and wildlife habitat), none of the alternatives would result in 

irreversible commitment of non-renewable resources. 

An irretrievable commitment of resources refers to decisions that result in the loss of production 

or use of a resource. While all of the action alternatives would reduce domestic sheep and goat 

grazing, none of them would prevent grazing by other types of livestock. Therefore, the forage 

that is not available to domestic sheep and goats is not irretrievably lost.
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LIST OF PREPARERS 

List of Preparers

The following BLM and Forest Service (USFS) employees comprised the interdisciplinary team 

and were the primary preparers of the SEIS: 

Lynn Danly BLM Natural Resources Specialist

Henry Eichman USFS Economist

Dean Huibregtse BLM Rangeland Management Specialist (retired)

Craig Johnson BLM Biologist

John Nelson BLM Geographic Information System Specialist

David Sisson BLM Archeologist and Cultural Resources Specialist

Scott Pavey BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Lori West BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator (retired)

In addition, the following provided advice and assistance: 

Jonathon Beck BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Suzanne Endsley

Ethan Ellsworth

BLM Public Affairs

BLM Wildlife Biologist, BLM Idaho State Office

Katherine Farrell BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Robert Firpo USDOI Boise Field Solicitor’s Office

Jessica Gottlieb BLM Writer-Editor

Eric Mayes BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Tom Rinkes BLM Wildlife Biologist (retired)

Chris Robbins BLM Rangeland Management Specialist

Cooperators 

The Nez Perce Tribe and Payette National Forest were cooperating agencies that provided 

expertise. Technical experts from these agencies who participated include the following:

Mike Lopez Nez Perce Tribe

Keith Lawrence Nez Perce Tribe (retired)

Angela Sondenaa Nez Perce Tribe

Curt Mack Nez Perce Tribe

Kerey Barnow-Meyer Nez Perce Tribe

Chans O’Brien Payette National Forest

Patricia Anderson Soucek Payette National Forest
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GLOSSARY 

Animal Unit Month (AUM) – An Animal Unit Month (AUM) is the amount of forage to sustain 

one cow and her calf, one horse, or five sheep or goats for one month. 

Allowable Uses – In accordance with the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (BLM 2005), land 

use plans must identify uses, or allocations, that are allowable, restricted, or prohibited on the 

public lands and mineral estate. These allocations identify surface lands and/or subsurface 

mineral interests where uses are allowed, including any restrictions that may be needed to meet 

goals and objectives. Land use plans may also identify lands where specific uses are excluded to 

protect resource values.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) – Best Management Practices (BMPs) for domestic sheep 

and goat grazing include a variety of grazing lease or permit stipulations to reduce risks for 

domestic sheep or goats contacting bighorn sheep and potential for disease transmission.

Typically these are implemented as a term and condition of the grazing lease or permit. In 

general, BMPs are techniques that guide, or may be applied to, management actions to aid in 

achieving desired outcomes. BMPs are often developed in conjunction with land use plans, but 

they are not considered a land use plan decision unless the plan specifies that they are 

mandatory. They may be updated or modified without a plan amendment if they are not 

mandatory. BMPs can be applied and monitored using adaptive management techniques. Similar 

to guidelines, rationale must be documented for deviating from applicable BMPs during 

implementation.

Big Game Management Unit – Units designated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for 

big game management purposes, such as hunting recommendations and setting population and 

demographic objectives. 

Core Herd Home Range – The area within which most herd individuals spend most (95 

percent) of their time. 

Core Herd Home Range Analysis – Analysis used to estimate core herd home ranges from 

telemetry observations of individual bighorn sheep. First, fixed kernel analyses are used to 

estimate the home ranges of all observed individuals in a herd, and then those estimates are 

aggregated. The core herd home range is the area within the 95th volume contour of the 

aggregated home range estimates. 

Desired Outcomes – In accordance with the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (BLM 2005), 

land use plans must identify desired outcomes expressed in terms of specific goals and 

objectives.

Disease Model – A simulation model that uses the estimated rate of contacts between bighorn 

sheep and domestic sheep allotments to estimate the population’s dynamics of bighorn sheep 

herds in the Salmon River and Hells Canyon metapopulations. The model incorporates estimates 

of current population sizes as well as demographic and disease impact parameters drawn from 

the literature on bighorn sheep biology. 
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Effective Contact – Any contact between domestic and bighorn sheep resulting in the 

transmission of disease from the domestic sheep to the bighorn. 

Effective Separation - The spatial or temporal separation between wild sheep and domestic 

sheep or goats to minimize the potential for association and probability of transmission of 

disease between species. Effective separation will result in a high degree of confidence that there 

will be a low to no risk of inter-species contact with wild sheep. 

Epizootic – A disease attacking a large number of animals simultaneously. The disease is 

prevalent among a group of animals.

Extirpation – Extirpation, also known as local extinction, is the condition of a species which 

cease to exist in a specific geographic area, though it still exists elsewhere.

Fixed Kernel Analysis – A method of mapping the core herd home range of an individual on the 

landscape that uses a standard bivariate normal (i.e., Gaussian) kernel density estimator (i.e., 

utilization distribution). Polygons are calculated from the volumes of the curve under different 

portions of the utilization distribution. Polygons are also calculated using a fixed-kernel 

approach which assumes the width of the standard bivariate normal kernel placed at each 

observation is the same throughout the plane of the utilization distribution. 

Foray – A movement of a bighorn sheep outside of the core herd home range. Rams, in 

particular, make occasional long distance foray movements. 

Foray Analyses – Analyses of the frequency and pattern of foray movements. For animals of 

each sex, and during each season (“Summer” = May–October, “Winter”= November–April), 

telemetry observations are used to determine the probability of a foray movement and the 

distribution of distances traveled in those forays. 

Herd – A group of bighorn sheep that remain together as a loose group with a tighter group of 

breeding ewes as the core. Most of the Hells Canyon herds are named and identified based on a 

general geographical location they occur in or the group of reintroduced animals from which 

they descend. Used interchangeable with the term population or local population. 

Metapopulation – A collection of populations that interact with each other due to occasional 

movement of animals between populations. 

Planning Area – The planning area for this amendment process is limited to four BLM grazing 

allotments (Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, Hard Creek, and Big Creek) in Idaho and 

Adams Counties of Idaho as depicted on Map 1. 

Population – Interchangeable with the term “herd”. (See above).

Population Management Unit – Metapopulations are divided into Population Management 

Units (PMU) which are designated by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The PMU and the 

population, are the levels at which many management activities occur. 
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Risk of Contact Model – A model for predicting contact between bighorn sheep and domestic 

sheep expressed either as the expected number of contacts per year, or as the percent probability 

of at least one contact per year. The model uses the source habitat, core herd home range, and 

foray analyses results to generate the output. 

Source Environment – The composite of all environmental conditions occurring in a specified 

area and time that result in stationary or positive population growth. 

Source Habitat – Those characteristics of macrovegetation and topography that contribute to 

positive population growth for a species in a specified area and time. It is different from habitats 

associated with species occurrence, which may or may not contribute to long-term population 

persistence. Source habitats contribute to source environments. 

Source Habitat Capacity – All acres with the potential to provide habitat for bighorn sheep, 

based only on their requirement for escape terrain. 

Source Habitat Model – GIS modeling, validated with telemetry observations, used to map 

areas of winter and summer bighorn source habitat. The model uses vegetation cover type and 

structure, along with topological variables (elevation, slope and aspect) to identify areas 

qualifying as bighorn source habitat. 

Sustainable – The term is synonymous with the term “sustained yield” as defined by the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. §1701 et seq.). The term 

means the achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high level annual or regular periodic 

output of the various renewable resources of the public lands consistent with multiple use. 
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Appendix A – Disease 

Transmission between Domestic 

Sheep and Bighorn Sheep
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Respiratory Disease Outbreaks in Bighorn Sheep

Early evidence of an association of bighorn sheep and domestic sheep with bighorn sheep dieoffs was largely anecdotal. A variety of field observations spanning many decades led to the 

hypothesis that bighorn sheep have a high probability of developing fatal pneumonia following 

contact with domestic sheep, and numerous attempts to disprove the contact hypothesis under 

controlled conditions have failed (Wehausen et al. 2011). Since at least 1937, multiple die-offs of 

bighorn sheep throughout North America have been documented in literature, and Pasteurella

spp. were often cited as the cause (Potts 1937; Marsh 1938; Post 1962; Foreyt and Jessup 1982; 

Onderka and Wishart 1984; Spraker et al. 1984; Hobbs and Miller 1992; Ryder et al. 1992; 

McCarty and Miller 1998; Lawrence et al. 2010; Besser et al. 2012). As with other native North 

American wild ruminants, epidemics in bighorn sheep typically followed settlers and 

introduction of domestic livestock grazing and may have reflected an historical introduction of 

new pathogens into native wildlife populations by the late 1800s (Grinnell 1928; Skinner 1928; 

Honess and Frost 1942; Miller 2001). Limited understanding and/or access to bacteriological 

techniques probably precluded diagnoses of pasteurellosis in many early field investigations; 

consequently, the role of Pasteurella spp. in bighorn sheep epidemics was probably 

underestimated in studies reported prior to 1980 (Frank et al. 2004). 

In North America, epizootic pneumonia is a devastating, outbreak of disease that rapidly affects 

many animals in a specific area at the same time, and has been identified as a population-limiting 

disease in bighorn sheep (Besser et al. 2012a; Cassirer and Sinclair 2007; Hobbs and Miller 

1992; McCarty and Miller 1998; Monello et al. 2001; Miller 2001). Although various stressors 

and organisms are implicated in outbreaks of bacterial pneumonia in bighorn sheep, the most 

commonly associated organisms are bacteria in the genera Pasteurella and Mannheimia, in 

particular Mannheimia haemolytica (formerly Pasteurella haemolytica1) and Bibersteinia 

trehalosi (formerly P. haemolytica biotype T) (Foreyt 1990). Both genera belong to the 

Pasteurellaceae— an incredibly large and diverse group of bacteria that continues to undergo 

reclassification (Garde et al. 2005). Pasteurella and Mannheimia spp. infect most mammalian 

families, as well as many if not all non-vertebrates (Miller 2001). They are common commensals 

(relationship between two organisms) on the mucous membranes of animal species in all climatic 

zones, most of whom are asymptomatic carriers (not producing indications of disease) 

(Biberstein 1979). 

Miller and others (2012) identified that a clear, invariant (consistent) relationship between a 

single agent and field outbreaks has not yet been documented, in part due to methodological 

limitations and practical challenges associated developing rigorous study designs. However, to 

help clarify the uncertainty of pneumonia epizootics among bighorn sheep and uncertain etiology 

(cause or origination of disease), Besser and others (2012a) used culture and culture-independent 

methods to compare the prevalence of the bacterial respiratory pathogens Mannheimia 

haemolytica, Bibersteinia trehalosi, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in 

lung tissue from 44 bighorn sheep from herds affected by 8 outbreaks in the western United 

States. The results of a Besser and others (2012a) study support a relationship between a single 

primary agent as the most consistently detected agent and the only agent that exhibited single 

strain types within each outbreak. The results of the Besser and others (2012a) study support the 

hypothesis that M. ovipneumoniae is a primary agent in the etiology of epizootic bighorn sheep 
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pneumonia in populations across the western United States and that it acts to induce the 

secondary infection with opportunistic pathogens that take advantage of certain situations. The 

normal host range of M. ovipneumoniae (members of Old World Caprinae), is consistent with 

many observations that epizootic bighorn sheep pneumonia frequently follows contact with these 

hosts (Besser et al. 2012a). The likelihood of M. ovipneumoniae having a primary role in bighorn 

sheep pneumonia is consistent with the association between some epizootics of this disease and 

contact with domestic sheep because domestic sheep carry this agent at high prevalence (Besser 

et al. 2012a). 

To test the hypothesis that M. ovipneumoniae is an important agent of the bighorn sheep 

pneumonia that has previously inevitably followed experimental commingling with domestic 

sheep, Besser and others (2012b) commingled M. ovipneumoniae-free domestic and bighorn 

sheep (4 each). One bighorn sheep died with acute pneumonia 90 days after commingling, but 

the other three remained healthy for >100 days. This unprecedented survival rate is significantly 

different (P=0.002) from that of previous bighorn-domestic sheep contact studies but similar to 

(P>0.05) bighorn sheep survival following commingling with other ungulates. The absence of 

epizootic respiratory disease in this experiment supports the hypothesized role of M. 

ovipneumoniae as a key pathogen of epizootic pneumonia in bighorn sheep commingled with 

domestic sheep (Besser et al. 2012b). The significant finding of this study was the unprecedented 

majority survival of bighorn sheep commingled with domestic sheep in the absence of M. 

ovipneumoniae. This finding is consistent with the hypotheses that M. ovipneumoniae is an 

important agent in epidemic pneumonia in bighorn sheep, but additional research will be 

required to substantiate this hypothesis further (Besser et al. 2012b). 

Manlove et al. (2014) found that lamb mortalities were affected by female social connections 

during years when disease was present, but not in the absence of disease. Ewe-subpopulations 

accounted for most of the variation in lamb mortality, while individual ewe, year and populationlevel variation were relatively unimportant (Manlove et al. 2014). Mortalities were structured at 

the subpopulation scale and therefore the assumption that all ewes in a population mix 

homogeneously during lamb disease epidemics is not supported (Manlove et al. 2014). 

Despite being ubiquitous among mammals, including native North American ruminants 

(Biberstein 1979; Thorne 1982; Jaworski et al. 1998), these bacteria cause only sporadic cases of 

pasteurellosis (usually associated with Pasteurella multocida) in bison, elk, moose, mountain 

goats, mule deer, and pronghorn (Thorne 1982). While pasteurellosis is one of the most common 

bacterial infections of domestic sheep, the most severe outbreaks kill 2.5 percent of the domestic 

sheep in a herd, not even close to the mortality seen in die-offs of bighorn sheep (Gilmour and 

Gilmour 1989; Donachie 2007; Miller 2001). 

In contrast to most other wild and domesticated mammal species, bighorn sheep are notable in 

their extreme susceptibility to some strains of Pasteurellaceae (Miller 2001). Pneumonia 

associated with Pasteurella causes die-offs that can kill some, many, or all adult bighorn sheep 

in a herd (Bunch et al. 1999). Chronic or sporadic low levels of adult mortality and elevated 

mortality of lambs can continue for many years (>20 years) further impairing population 

recovery and stability (Foreyt 1990; McCarty and Miller 1998; Miller et al. 2000; Cassirer et al. 

2001; Miller 2001; Cassirer and Sinclair 2007; Frank et al. 2004; George et al. 2008; Cassirer et 

al. 2013). It has been speculated that once Pasteurella spp. have been introduced to bighorn 
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sheep populations, they may become endemic and continue cycling for decades (Miller et al. 

1991; Hobbs and Miller 1992; Miller et al. 1995) or until adult bighorn sheep previously exposed 

to pneumonia are removed from the population through natural mortality (Besser et al. 2012a, 

Plowright et al. 2013, Cassirer et al 2013). 

Although a high likelihood for bighorn sheep mortality following direct contact with domestic 

sheep exists, domestic sheep appear to be resistant to most wild sheep pathogens (Martin et al. 

1996; Schommer and Woolever 2001). Furthermore, domestic sheep are often carriers of 

Pasteurella spp. but do not exhibit clinical signs. Marten and others (1996) summarized over 30 

cases where bighorn die-offs are believed to have resulted from contact with domestic sheep. In 

many cases, over 50 percent of the bighorn herd died. Domestic sheep always remained healthy. 

The physiological and cellular causes of bighorn sheep’s susceptibility to Pasteurella spp. are an 

area of active research. On a general level, bighorn sheep did not co-evolve with the same set of 

pathogens as domestic sheep (Dubay et al. 2002), and domestic animals have likely been selected 

for disease resistance (Jessup 1985). Divergences in host–parasite co-evolutionary paths may 

explain observed differences in defense mechanisms between bighorn and domestic sheep 

(Silflow et al.1989). 

Phenotypic traits (observable physical or biochemical characteristics) of Pasteurella spp. isolated 

from bighorn sheep are similar to those of isolates from domestic ruminants, so the susceptibility 

of bighorn sheep is due to the biology of the animals (Frank et al. 2004). Physiologically, 

domestic and bighorn sheep have different alveolar macrophage (surface of lung alveoli) 

function and arachidonic acid metabolism, which may cause increased sensitivity of bighorn 

sheep to respiratory disease (Silflow et al. 1991). Furthermore, in vitro studies have revealed a 

reduced capacity of bighorn sheep immune systems to kill bacteria compared with domestic 

sheep immune systems (Dubay et al. 2002). Silflow and Foreyt (1994) found that bighorn sheep 

neutrophils were more susceptible to cytotoxin (toxin effect on cells) damage than domestic 

sheep neutrophils (white blood cells essential for fighting disease). All ruminant leukocytes 

(specific type of white blood cell) are particularly susceptible to cytolysis (cell destruction) by 

the M. haemolytica leukotoxin (Shanthalingam and Srikumaran 2009). Leukotoxin secreted by 

M. haemolytica appears to be its main virulence factor in bighorn sheep, indicating that the basis 

of bighorn sheep’s susceptibility to the bacteria may lie in the details of the interaction between 

leukotoxin and their leukocytes (Dassanayake et al. 2009). 

Domestic goats have been implicated in fatal disease transmission to bighorn sheep. Some goats 

are carriers of Mannheimia and Pasteurella species that have been identified in bighorn sheep 

disease events. DNA analysis conducted during a 1995 to 1996 Hells Canyon bighorn die-off 

revealed that a feral goat and two bighorn sheep shared a genetically identical P. multocida and 

M. haemolytica (Rudolph et al. 2003; Weiser et al. 2003). 

Developing immunity to pasteurellosis in bighorn sheep is complex and poorly understood 

(Miller 2001) and vaccines to protect bighorn sheep have proven ineffective (Foreyt 1992a; 

Foreyt 1998; Foreyt and Silflow 1996). Research is ongoing regarding the creation of a vaccine 

to protect bighorn sheep and it may be over a decade until such a vaccine is perfected 

(Dr. Subramaniam Srikumaran letter to Payette National Forest Supervisor). 
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Evidence of Disease Transmission from Domestic Sheep 

The role that domestic sheep contribute to causing pneumonia in bighorn sheep is an important 

issue for wildlife management, livestock grazing, and multiple-use management (WAFWA 

2012; Besser et al. 2012a; Cahn et al. 2011; Lawrence et al. 2010; Foreyt et al. 1994; Hurley 

1999; Schommer and Woolever 2001; Schwantje et al. 2006). In the past 25 years, much 

research has been devoted to the question of whether contact with healthy domestic sheep leads 

to die-offs of bighorn sheep populations, due to the transmission of organisms that are nonpathogenic in domestic sheep but deadly in bighorn sheep. Evidence contributing to an answer to 

that question takes a variety of forms, each of which has its own inherent limitations. The next 

four sections discuss several types of evidence, derived from controlled experiments and field 

observations. The discussion notes the limitations of each type of observation and is structured to 

show how each one complements the others so that together they point toward a common 

conclusion that contact with domestic sheep does pose a substantive risk to free-ranging bighorn 

sheep populations. Ultimately, the research shows that contact between bighorn sheep and 

domestic sheep and goats can likely lead to respiratory disease and fatal pneumonia in bighorn 

sheep (Besser et al. 2012a; Wehausen et al. 2011; Lawrence et al. 2010).

Inoculation experiments 

Inoculation experiments have been used to test the hypothesis that healthy domestic sheep carry 

pneumonia-causing bacteria that can kill bighorn sheep. In one series of experiments, isolates of 

a particular strain of M. haemolytica from healthy domestic sheep were intratracheally inoculated 

into eight bighorn sheep and seven domestic sheep. Seven of the eight bighorn sheep died within 

48 hours, whereas none of the seven domestic sheep showed symptoms (Foreyt et al. 1994). In 

two similar experiments, inoculation with M. haemolytica cultures from domestic sheep resulted 

in the death of five of five bighorn sheep (Foreyt and Silflow 1996; Onderka et al. 1988). 

More recently, Dassanayake and others (2009) isolated a particular strain of the A1 serotype of 

M. haemolytica from domestic sheep that they thought would be fatal in bighorn sheep. While 

they typically carry both A1 and A2 serotypes, A2 serotypes are the primary cause of pneumonia 

in domestic sheep (Dassanayake et al. 2009). All four bighorn sheep injected with the strain died 

within 48 hours, while none of the domestic sheep were apparently affected by the bacteria. In 

addition, by injecting some bighorn sheep with a mutant of serotype A1 from which the 

leukotoxin gene had been deleted, the researchers succeeded in pinpointing the single gene that 

is the primary virulence factor of M. haemolytica. 

These inoculation experiments together indicate that domestic sheep carry at least some strains 

of bacteria that are not pathogenic to them but are highly lethal to bighorn sheep. Inoculation 

experiments themselves, however, cannot show whether such bacteria can be transmitted by 

contact between domestic and bighorn sheep. 

Pen experiments 

Pen experiments are designed to test the hypothesis that contact can lead to transmission of 

disease from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. In a pen experiment, healthy bighorn sheep are 
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put in contact or close proximity with healthy individuals of other species, and are watched for 

the development of disease. In six independent pen studies since 1982, 44 of 46 bighorn sheep 

have died of pneumonia or become so sick that they were euthanized (Foreyt and Jessup 1982; 

Onderka and Wishart 1988; Foreyt 1989; Foreyt 1994; Callan et al. 1991; Lawrence et al. 2010). 

For example, Foreyt (1989) raised six Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in captivity, five from 

birth and one that was taken from the wild as a lamb. He kept all six in captivity for 1 year. Six 

clinically normal domestic sheep were then placed on the 2 hectares of pasture with the bighorn 

sheep. M. haemolytica was found in swab specimens from four of the six domestic sheep but 

none from the bighorn sheep. All six bighorn sheep died within 4 to 71 days of exposure to the 

domestic sheep. M. haemolytica was isolated from the respiratory tract tissue of the bighorn 

sheep at the time of death. None of the domestic sheep were clinically ill during the study, but 

three of the six were later euthanized, and M. haemolytica was found in two of them. 

A recent pen experiment definitively demonstrated a case in which a deadly pathogen was 

transferred from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep (Lawrence et al. 2010). Four isolates of 

M. haemolytica were obtained from domestic sheep and were tagged with a plasmid carrying 

genes for a green fluorescent protein and for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. The tagged 

bacteria were put back into four domestic sheep, who then entered a pen experiment with four 

bighorn sheep. The bighorn sheep all contracted pneumonia and died. More informatively,

tagged bacteria, which glowed green and grew even in the presence of ampicillin, were found in 

all four bighorn sheep. The study shows unambiguously that transmission of M. haemolytica

from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep occurs and that it can result in pneumonia and death of the 

bighorn sheep. 

Comingling of domestic and bighorn sheep under experimental conditions clearly results in 

transmission of fatal pneumonia to bighorn sheep. However, pen experiments do not completely 

account for the transmission of fatal disease between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep in the 

wild but does provide evidence that comingling could result in fatal pneumonia to bighorn sheep.

No known science or research have documented that disease transmission does not occur in the 

wild or that disease transmission in the wild is different than pen experiments. One of the reasons 

that inter-specie’s transmission rates have not been conducted in the wild is the difficulty in 

designing controlled experiments and a concern about using wild sheep populations in fatal 

experiments that may have population-wide significance. A substantive amount of scientific 

evidence suggests transmission does occur in the wild and no evidence that transmission rates 

would be substantively different than penned experiments exists.

Observations of outbreaks following contact between domestic and freeranging bighorn sheep

Since the early 1980s, there have been anecdotal field reports of bighorn deaths due to 

pneumonia following contact with domestic sheep (Foreyt and Jessup 1982; Coggins 1988; 

George et al. 2008). Given the evidence from pen experiments, it is likely that transmission of 

pneumophilic bacteria also occurs in which inhalation of the bacteria can infect bighorn sheep in 

similar situations in the wild when interspecies contact occurs. Bighorn sheep and domestic 

sheep are attracted to each other, particularly during rut, which increases the probability that they 
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will make the close contact necessary for disease transmission when they are in the vicinity of 

one another (Onderka et al. 1988; Foreyt 1989; Ward et al. 1997; Dubay et al. 2002). 

Evidence that disease transmission and subsequent die-offs occurs in the wild comes from 

numerous observations of bighorn sheep die-offs following contact between free-ranging bighorn 

sheep wand domestic livestock (e.g., Onderka and Wishart 1984; Coggins 1988; Callan et al. 

1991; George et al. 2008). Onderka and Wishart (1984) describe a major die-off of bighorn that 

began in southeastern British Columbia after bighorn sheep were observed mixing with domestic 

sheep and proceeded to spread south over the course of three winters, eventually reaching 

Glacier National Park. Coggins (1988) reports a die-off that killed two-thirds of a herd of 100 

animals in the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon. Almost 2 months before the 

outbreak, two bighorn rams and a ewe had been observed with a domestic ewe. In December 

1997, on Sugarloaf Mountain in Colorado, George and others (2008) observed a single domestic 

ram grazing with a group of bighorn sheep, 8.70 miles (14 kilometers) from the nearest herd of 

domestic sheep. It was the first and only time during a 10-year study that the authors saw 

domestic sheep associating with bighorn sheep, and it coincided with the beginning of an 

outbreak that eventually spread to two additional herds. 

While some debate still continues whether disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn 

sheep has triggered die-offs of wild bighorn sheep populations, the preponderance of relevant 

scientific literature supports the hypothesis that there is a significant risk resulting from 

interspecies contact that warrants considerations by managers (Carpenter et al. 2014). The BLM 

is not aware of any science that indicates disease transmission does not occur in the wild or that 

transmission rates are different than those documented through scientific studies in penned 

experiments. A substantive body of scientific evidence suggests disease transmission does occur 

in the wild and no evidence that transmission rates would be substantively different than those 

documented in penned experiments when interspecies contact occurs. 

Analyses Correlating Bighorn Population Performance with Distance from 

Domestic Sheep 

The few attempts to quantitatively test whether contact with domestic sheep poses a general risk 

of die-off or extirpation of bighorn sheep populations have examined the correlation between 

population performance and distance from domestic sheep. Monello and others (2001) analyzed 

population records of 99 bighorn sheep herds ranging from the southwestern United States to 

Alaska, in an investigation designed to discover the ecological correlation of pneumonia 

epizootics. They found that bighorn sheep populations that had suffered a pneumonia-induced 

die-off were located, on average, significantly closer to domestic sheep allotments (14.97 ± 7.15 

miles than either those that had not suffered a die-off (24.61 ± 5.28 miles) or those that had 

suffered a die-off not induced by pneumonia. 

Singer and others (2000d) analyzed factors contributing to the success of 100 translocations of 

bighorn sheep in 6 western states and found that the 30 unsuccessful translocations were, on 

average, significantly closer to domestic sheep (3.73 ± miles) than either modestly successful or 

successful translocations. Finally, based on an analysis of 24 herds, Singer and others (2001) 

found that the persistence of bighorn sheep populations was significantly correlated with the 
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presence of domestic sheep: populations located closer to domestic sheep were smaller and had 

lower population growth rates than bighorn populations located farther from domestic sheep. 

While these analyses indicate that bighorn sheep populations perform more poorly when they are 

closer to domestic sheep, they typically do not include observations of contact or direct evidence 

of transmission of a pathogen from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 

Sells and others (2015) developed a model for herds in Montana that identifies risk factors and 

addresses biological questions about risk for pneumonia epizootics in bighorn sheep. Sells et al. 

(2015) found that amount of private lands, weed control using domestic sheep or goats, 

pneumonia history, and herd density were positively associated with risk of pneumonia 

epizootics in 43 herds that experienced 22 epizootics out of 637 herd-years from 1979-2013. The 

area of highest risk for pathogen exposure was identified as the area of each herd distribution 

plus a 14.5-kilometer buffer from the boundary (Sells et al. 2015). 

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) across North America have experienced large population losses 

due to pneumonia, generally thought to be initiated by the bacteria Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae 

transmitted from domestic sheep and goats. Heinse et al. (2015) surveyed 40 owners of sheep 

and goats living near wild bighorn sheep herds in central and southeast Washington. Over onethird of the sheep and goat owners had no knowledge that their animals could transmit pathogens 

to bighorn sheep. Heinse et al. (2015) detected Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in 41% of the sheep 

or goat herds sampled, and animals escaped their enclosures in 78% of these herds. It was 

concluded that physical contact between bighorns and domestics is probable due to the 

geographic overlap and social nature of both species, and a combination of solutions is necessary 

to reduce this risk. 

Disease Summary 

Besser and others (2012a) identified that epizootic pneumonia of bighorn sheep is a devastating 

disease and etiology regarding the bacterial respiratory pathogens is unclear. To help clarify the 

etiology, Besser and others (2012a) used culture and culture-independent methods to compare 

the prevalence of the bacterial respiratory pathogens in lung tissue from 44 bighorn sheep from 

herds affected by 8 outbreaks. Mannheimia haemolytica, was the only agent detected at 

significantly higher prevalence in animals from outbreaks (95 percent) than in animals from 

unaffected healthy populations (0 percent) and the other respiratory pathogens were frequently 

but inconsistently detected (Besser et al. 2012a). Transmission of Mannheimia haemolytica from 

domestic sheep to bighorn sheep was irrefutable, as demonstrated by Lawrence and others 

(2010), and provides justification sufficient for preventing range overlap and potential 

association of domestic sheep and goats with bighorn sheep (WAFWA 2012). 

It is true that no one form of evidence can conclusively demonstrate that contact with domestic 

sheep frequently leads to die-offs off bighorn sheep populations in the wild. Taken together, 

however, the experiments and observations from the lab and the field do indicate that contact of 

wild bighorn populations with domestic sheep does pose a risk of disease transmission and dieoffs in free-ranging bighorn populations. Lab experiments demonstrate the particular sensitivity 

of bighorn sheep to some pneumonia-causing bacteria. The controlled conditions available in 

inoculation and pen experiments show that healthy domestic sheep often carry bacteria that are 
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fatal to bighorn sheep, and that they can transmit those bacteria through close contact. Finally, 

nearly a century of observations in the field supports the view that proximity to domestic sheep is 

a risk factor for bighorn sheep due to disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 

Garde and others (2005) offers the following conclusions summarizing the risk to wild bighorn 

sheep from Pasteurella spp. and Mannheimia spp. 

• These bacteria can cause pneumonia in bighorn sheep, but there are benign commensal 

strains in the upper respiratory tract which have no harmful effects. 

• Pathogens that are benign in domestic sheep can be lethal in bighorn sheep. 

• The transference of pathogens from domestic to bighorn sheep has been documented in 

laboratory settings with resulting mortality in bighorn sheep. 

• Domestic sheep, goats, and llamas have been reported with these bacteria species.

• Wild sheep and mountain goats have been reported with these bacteria species. 

• Transmission is by direct contact and aerosolization (e.g., fine mist from breathing). 

• These bacteria species do not persist in the environment. 

• Acute-to-chronic die-offs in bighorn sheep can result in low-to-100 percent mortality, 

although they can be present in healthy sheep. 

• These bacteria are considered opportunistic and can result in pneumonia outbreaks. 

• These bacteria can cause clinical disease in domestic sheep and goats but are rarely 

primary pathogens. 

In summary, field observations suggest that bighorn sheep have a high probability of contracting 

fatal pneumonia following contact with domestic sheep, which has led to numerous independent 

experiments. These experiments provide strong corroboration that bighorn sheep have a high 

probability of contracting fatal pneumonia following contact with domestic sheep. 

The impact of disease on bighorn sheep conservation is likely to increase as habitat loss and 

fragmentation restrict their movement and concentrate them into smaller areas, increasing 

contact rates and the spread of disease (Scott 1988; Levins et al. 1994; Schrag and Wiener 1995). 

Several agencies and experts have weighed in on the issue. Biologists with the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Region 2 identified that the risk of disease outbreaks 

resulting from contact with domestic sheep and goats is the most significant threat facing bighorn 

sheep in both Region 2 and across their range, followed by lack of connectivity and/or loss of 

genetic fitness due to habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, human disturbance, competition with 

domestic livestock, and predation on small, isolated herds (Beecham et al. 2007). Given the 

substantial concern raised in the published literature over the past 30 years, management 

guidance has focused on the separation of these species to prevent disease transmission from 

domestic sheep to bighorn sheep (The Wildlife Society 2014; WAFWA 2012; Cahn et al. 2011; 

Foreyt 1989; O’Brien et al. 2014).
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Other Factors/Stressors 

Recent research suggests that the interaction of disease outbreaks with other stressors (both 

disease and otherwise) in bighorn sheep populations is poorly understood. Miller and others 

(2012) considered direct and indirect causes of bighorn sheep mortality and potential interactions 

among proposed environmental, host, and agent determinants of disease. Miller and others 

(2012) reviewed hypothesized determinants associated with bighorn sheep field outbreaks 

concluded that a clear, invariant relationship between a single agent and field outbreaks, and has 

not yet been documented. Recent research (Tomassini et al. 2009; Dassanayake et al. 2010; and 

Lawrence et al. 2010) suggests the complex interactions of disease agents themselves increases 

uncertainty in diagnosis and may also predispose bighorn sheep to secondary disease events. For 

example, Tomassini and others (2009) suggests that pathogens typically associated with bighorn 

sheep mortality are secondary pathogens, indicating that there are likely other pathogens 

involved in primary infections that have yet to be identified. Dassanayake and others (2010) 

found in laboratory tests that Bibersteinia trelahosi would overgrow and inhibit M. haemolytica, 

suggesting the difficulty in isolating the latter in wildland disease investigations. This may be 

why routine isolation of Pasteurella spp. and Mannheimia spp. in wildland environments is 

uncommon (Foreyt 1989). Additional research is needed on the interactions of disease 

pathogens, but it is reasonable to expect that these factors potentially predispose bighorn sheep to 

diseases caused by multiple pathogens that result in multiple disease cycles (e.g., Mycoplasma 

ovipneumoniae, viruses, internal and external parasites, and other bacterial taxa). Some 

combination of disease agents with other stressors may cause the organism to shift from being 

commensal to pathogenic (Srikumaran 2007). Although the exact mechanism for developing 

pneumonia and other diseases in bighorn sheep following association with domestic sheep is 

unknown, experimental and field data indicate the two species are not compatible on the same 

ranges (Foreyt 1992a, b). 

Additional stressors include: overcrowding on limited range, loss of escape cover, harassment by 

dogs, encroachment by humans, heavy snowfall and other weather stressors (Bunch et al. 1999), 

parasitism, poor nutrition, predation, and other human disturbances such as roads, habitat 

degradation, noise, genetics, high population densities, capture and restraint techniques, breeding 

behavior, the presence of other wildlife, and high dust levels (Festa-Bianchet 1988; Jenkins et al. 

2000; Jones and Worley 1994; Foreyt 1998; Monello et al. 2001). These stressors may reduce the 

ability of bighorn sheep to resist disease (Garde et al. 2005). 

To test the possibility that it is only the stress of being housed with other animals, not the 

transmission of pathogens that causes bighorn sheep to fall ill, researchers have conducted pen 

experiments in which bighorn sheep are co-housed with other animals. Of 46 bighorn sheep in 

three studies, housed with elk, deer, mountain goats, llamas, cattle, horses, and steers, only two 

died of pneumonia (Foreyt 1992b; Foreyt et al. 1994; Foreyt and Lagerquist 1996; Besser et al. 

2012b). These studies provide evidence that stress is not the sole factor causing disease in 

bighorn sheep when they are penned with domestic sheep. Current modeled bighorn sheep 

habitat suggests that the Hells Canyon Lower Salmon River population management units 

(PMU) could support more bighorn than current population levels (IDFG 2010). However, 

within the Lower Salmon River PMU there are limitation based on specific habitat needs such as 

lambing and wintering habitat and further refinement of habitat models and available habitat will 

likely reduce the estimate of potential population size (IDFG 2010). Within the Hells Canyon 
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PMU there is extensive lambing and year round habitat but further refinement of habitat models 

could reduce or increase estimates of available habitat and potential population size (IDFG

2010). 

Researchers have hypothesized that disease transferred from domestic sheep was a major factor 

in the widespread loss of bighorn sheep populations (Valdez and Krausman 1999; Wehausen et 

al. 2011; WAFWA 2012; The Wildlife Society 2014). Current research identifies respiratory 

disease as the main obstacle to recovery of bighorn sheep populations (Cahn et al. 2011; George 

et al. 2008; The Wildlife Society 2014). Respiratory disease resulting in pneumonia is the most 

serious disease at a population level when bighorn sheep share ranges with domestic sheep; in 

addition, other diseases and parasites, including but not limited to scabies, anaplasma, babesia, 

ovine parapox (contagious ecthyma), and infectious keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye), may be 

communicable (Jessup and Boyce 1993). Earlier research also reported bighorn sheep deaths in 

die-offs were typically due to bacterial pneumonia coincident with huge infestations of 

lungworms in the affected populations (Heimer 2002). It was hypothesized that lungworms 

predisposed bighorn sheep to bacterial pneumonia, eventually, controlled laboratory tests showed 

lungworm-free bighorn sheep would still die of pneumonia if infected with bacteria from healthy 

domestic sheep (Heimer 2002).

Uncertainties Identified Regarding Disease Transmission 

There are scientists and others, primarily from agricultural disciplines, who contend that disease 

transmission between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep is not a relevant factor in bighorn sheep 

distribution and population declines. The following contentions and comments were received 

during the public scoping process and public meetings held during the planning process of 

completing the Payette FSEIS (USFS 2010a) for domestic sheep allotments and bighorn sheep 

viability and similar concerns have been identified for the BLM planning and analysis process: 

• The mechanisms and causal agents leading to epizootic disease events in bighorn sheep 

are not completely understood. 

• The hypothesis that bighorn sheep have a high likelihood of contracting fatal respiratory 

disease following contact with domestic sheep has not been scientifically demonstrated in 

wildland conditions. 

• Bighorn sheep die-offs have occurred in the absence of domestic sheep. 

• Sources of error or omission and data limitations have not been presented by those 

advocating that disease transmission does occur between the species.

• The peer review process does not support the contention that disease transmission occurs 

between the species.

• Research evaluating disease transmission between the species lacks proper experimental 

design that is not accounted for in the results. 

• Current, ambient levels of pathogens occur in bighorn sheep, regardless of how those 

pathogens were introduced, making separation from domestic sheep irrelevant. 
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• Given the probabilities of contact from off-federal private lands sources, excluding 

domestic sheep on federal lands is futile. 

Ward and others (1997) could not conclusively attribute a bighorn sheep die-off in Nevada to 

disease transmission, although he did note that the die-off occurred after domestic sheep were 

detected on those ranges. The study did find Pasteurella spp. isolates in both species and 

suggests a disease transmission event. They further advise separation of the species given the 

propensity for contact and disease transmission. 

Miller and others (2012) identified that a clear, invariant relationship between a single agent and 

field outbreaks has not yet been documented, in part due to methodological limitations and 

practical challenges associated with developing rigorous study designs. Miller and others (2012) 

identified a need to develop predictive models for outbreaks and validated mitigation strategies, 

as uncertainty remains as to whether outbreaks are due to endemic or recently introduced agents. 

We have learned a tremendous amount from recent research on pathogen transfer between the 

species, and the fact that some pathogens that are non-lethal in domestic sheep have high 

lethality in bighorn sheep (Dassanayake et al. 2009). We also know that specific pathogens are 

transmitted from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep, resulting in bighorn sheep mortality 

(Lawrence et al. 2010; Besser et al. 2012a).

As discussed above, uncertainties regarding disease transmission have been identified, and 

specifically where findings very clearly infer disease transmission between the species, citing 

improper experimental design or other flaws in research design. However, the referenced papers 

have been published in widely recognized scientific publications and have undergone rigorous 

peer review prior to publication (USFS 2010b). The Wild Sheep Working Group (WAFWA 

2012) identified that since the cause of the start of a disease outbreak is unknown that separation 

is the most prudent action to take. 

Some contend a lack of evidence of disease transmission between domestic sheep and bighorn 

sheep in wildland environments. Much of the evidence is circumstantial; however, the 

compilation of cases throughout several decades contributes to an increasing body of evidence 

that overwhelmingly demonstrates bighorn sheep near domestic sheep are at risk for disease 

transmission, even though contact may not have actually been observed. Monello and others 

(2001) states that bighorn sheep herds classified in a pneumonia-induced die-off category were 

located significantly closer (less than15 miles) to domestic sheep allotments than those in a nondie-off category (more than 25 miles). George and others (2008) document a winter die-off in 

Colorado that affected three bighorn sheep herds that was traced to contact with a single 

domestic ewe. 

Additional arguments state that since disease pathogens have already been transferred to 

domestic sheep, separation at this point is moot, or that private lands provide risks to bighorn 

sheep that cannot be offset, regardless of actions taken on federal lands (USFS 2010b). These 

contentions claim that management on federal lands to provide separation will not be effective 

due to changed conditions that cannot be offset. The uncertainty in these contentions poses all of 

the risk to be borne by bighorn sheep. They do not consider that pathogens likely evolve as they 

move within and between species, or existing or new diseases that are virulent to bighorn sheep 
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(e.g., mycoplasms) may still be transferred between domestic and bighorn sheep. Recent 

serological research (Dassanayake et al. 2009) demonstrates that pathogens, in this case 

Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A1, which are not lethal to domestic sheep, are transferrable 

to bighorn sheep and are highly lethal to them. In another recent experiment, pathogens were 

tagged and followed as they passed from domestic to bighorn sheep and resulted in bighorn 

sheep mortality (Lawrence et al. 2010). 

The disease review sections of this document consider a large body of peer-reviewed and 

published literature, spanning several decades, that addresses the allegations. While there are 

gaps in the knowledge base on the causal factors and mechanisms of bighorn sheep die-offs and 

disease transmission between these species, the vast majority of literature supports the potential 

for disease transmission between the species, documents bighorn sheep die-offs near domestic 

sheep, and supports the management option of keeping these species separate to prevent disease 

transmission (WAFWA 2012; Wehausen et al. 2011). Further, there is no peer-reviewed 

literature that suggests bighorn sheep can be grazed with domestic sheep without concern for 

disease transmission between the species (Wehausen et al. 2011). Lawrence and others (2010) 

provided research documentation that Mannheimia haemolytica was irrefutably transferred from 

domestic sheep to bighorn sheep and provides sufficient justification to prevent range overlap 

and potential association of domestic sheep and goats with wild sheep (WAFWA 2012). 

Scientists from both sides of the issue also recommend that the species be kept separate until the 

disease transmission science is better-understood (USFS 2010b; Foreyt 1994; Foreyt et al. 1994). 

Don Knowles, Research Leader, Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Unit, 

submitted a comment letter to the Payette National Forest on their Record of Decision for the 

Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Forest Plan Amendment Identifying 

Suitable Rangeland for Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing to Maintain Habitat for Viable 

Bighorn Sheep Populations (USFS 2010b). Knowles’ (2010) comment letter provided clarifying 

information pertaining to research he was involved with and co-authored (Lawrence et al., 2010), 

specifically in regard to quantification of time and distance for transmission of Mannheimia 

haemolytica between domestic and bighorn sheep. Knowles clarified that the study shows that 

contact, as related to transmission and disease development, involves complex concepts. 

Knowles further specified that data from the Lawrence et al. (2010) study showed that the 

contact time requirements for disease transmission required varying time periods dependent on 

distance maintained between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep (e.g., 10 meters to co-mingling). 

He also noted that transmission of an organism doesn’t necessarily lead to disease and many 

factors are involved in determining the outcome of organism transmission, but a key factor is 

organism dose (amount) transmitted. 
Appendix B – Model Analysis 

Details
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This appendix contains detailed information about the three types of models used in this analysis: 

source habitat, probability and distance that a foraying bighorn sheep leaves its CHHR, and the 

predicted contacts that a bighorn sheep will have after leaving a CHHR and intersects a domestic 

sheep allotment (USFS 2013a; O’Brien et al. 2014; Carpenter et al. 2014).

Source Habitat Model

Bighorn sheep occupy rugged canyons, foothills, and mountainous terrain at elevations ranging 

from 1,450 to 10,500 feet. Key habitat features include steep, rugged escape terrain, grasses and 

forbs for forage, and a limited amount of tall vegetation. Native bunchgrasses and forbs are 

important components of forage (IDFG 2005). Bighorn sheep have habitat preferences and select 

habitat based on factors such as proximity of steep-sloped escape terrain, forage availability, and 

horizontal visibility (USFS 2013a; O’Brien et al. 2014; HCBSRC 1997).

Visibility is an important habitat variable for bighorn sheep—vegetation height and structure are 

probably more important than plant species composition for predator detection (Risenhoover and 

Bailey 1985; Wakelyn 1987), and a negative correlation between forest cover and bighorn sheep 

occurrence has been observed (Bentz and Woodard 1988). Open habitat provides good visibility 

for detecting predators and communicating with other herd members (Risenhoover et al. 1988). 

Post-fire habitats can benefit bighorn sheep by improving forage quality (McWhirter et al. 1992) 

and increasing visibility (Bentz and Woodard 1988). Seasonal use of different slopes and aspects 

results in the use of a mosaic of plant communities and phenological patterns, providing foraging 

and security opportunities for bighorn sheep (Valdez and Krausman 1999). 

Source habitats are those characteristics of macrovegetation that contribute to positive population 

growth for a species in a specified area and time (Wisdom et al. 2000; Raphael et al. 2001). 

Source habitats contribute to source environments, which represent the composite of all 

environmental conditions that result in stationary or positive population growth in a specified 

area and within a specified time (Wisdom et al. 2000; Raphael et al. 2001). Wisdom and others 

(2000) describe source habitats for bighorn sheep in alpine, subalpine, upland shrubland, and 

upland herbland community groups. Alpine and subalpine community groups are primarily 

summer range, while upland herbland and shrubland are used in both seasons, depending on 

elevation (Wisdom et al. 2000). Old-forest and stand initiation stages of whitebark pine and the 

stand initiation stages of other forested cover types are other contributors to source habitat.

Escape terrain is so critical for ewes during lambing (Blood 1961; Kovach 1979; Hall 1981) that 

they will sacrifice access to high-quality forage for security (Festa-Bianchet 1989; Cook 1990; 

Bleich et al. 1997). Escape terrain must contain the following characteristics (HCBSRC 2004):

• 300 meter2 buffer of all areas with a slope between 31 and 85 degrees

• If two or more pieces of escape terrain are within 1,000 meters (m), they are buffered so 

that their total area is connected

• An area of least 1.6 hectares

Source habitat for bighorn sheep occurs within BLM domestic sheep allotments and adjacent 

landscape. Although impacts to habitat from historic livestock grazing have been substantially 

reduced under current practices, livestock grazing can still cause localized areas of damage, 
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including changes in understory vegetation from livestock foraging, infestations of undesirable 

vegetation, trampling of reproducing tree and shrub seedlings, soil erosion, and other habitat 

degradation. Currently, none of the four allotments is being grazed by domestic sheep. However, 

past grazing by domestic sheep has resulted in areas receiving varying levels of grazing use, 

which resulted in overall low to moderate localized impacts to the vegetation and soil resources 

within the allotments. Small and localized concentrated use areas (e.g., bedding grounds) are 

more prone to vegetation and soil disturbances. In summary, with the exception of space 

component of habitat (e.g., disease transmission), past grazing impacts to source habitats (e.g., 

water, forage, and security) were at low to moderate levels within localized areas. 

Damage can result in the subsequent introduction and spread of invasive weeds and other nonnatives, disruption of ecological and physical processes, and changes in historic fire regimes. 

Bighorn sheep have been found to avoid habitats occupied by cattle (Wilson 1968; McQuivey 

1978; Jones 1980; Dodd and Brady 1986; Steinkamp 1990). Overgrazing by domestic livestock 

reduces the overall carrying capacity of bighorn sheep range and may lead to more predation by 

increasing cover for predators. Succession of grassland to shrub communities may also increase 

competition with deer and increase cougar populations, the major predator of bighorn sheep 

(Beecham et al. 2007). Competition with domestic sheep and goats is considered even more 

serious than with cattle because of their similar preferences in forage and topography, and the 

higher potential for disease transmission between the species (Beecham et al. 2007). Past grazing 

by domestic sheep on the four allotments has not indicated any apparent competition for forage

between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep, primary concern was competition for space and 

potential for disease transmission.

The existing vegetation layer from the national LANDFIRE layer (USGS 2010) was used to 

assess the current source habitat available for bighorn sheep. This information was utilized 

because it allows analyzing landscapes that extend beyond but include the BLM domestic sheep 

allotments, and can be used to address habitat connectivity issues at broader scales. The 

vegetative cover types used by the Hells Canyon Restoration Committee (HCBSRC 2004) and 

Wisdom and others (2000) were crosswalked into the LANDFIRE ecological systems 

(NatureServe 2004) to identify summer and winter source habitat. Winter source habitat is a 

subset of summer source habitat in that it encompasses only those areas below 4,500 feet on 

southerly aspects.

For this source habitat model, a component was added to the escape terrain to filter out areas that 

have the steepness but not the ruggedness that contributes to source habitat capacity. A 

ruggedness surface was created using an ArcGIS script (Sappington et al. 2007), and then the 

telemetry and observations were overlaid to create a histogram of the ruggedness with a range 

from 0 to 3,455. Based on the histogram, areas with a ruggedness value of 310 or less were 

excluded from the map of source habitat capacity to limit over-mapping. Vegetation is not 

considered a component of source habitat capacity since vegetation will vary in response to 

successional and disturbance processes, while escape terrain remains constant. Therefore, while 

source habitat capacity is constant, source habitat will vary spatially and temporally across the 

landscape.

This mid-scale habitat modeling may not represent finer-scale conditions. For example, not all 

special habitat features may be delineated and invasions by exotic plants, forage quality, and 
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human disturbance factors may not be detectible. Changes in the patch and pattern of range 

mosaics have changed since historical times as fire suppression has resulted in an increased 

density of trees in formerly open stands, with a resultant loss of foraging quantity, quality, and 

open habitat (Wisdom et al. 2000). Fire-suppressed stands have created barriers between 

historical winter and summer range, preventing occupancy of the total range although each 

isolated range may be suitable (Wakelyn 1987). In other cases, fires have opened up forested 

areas and increased habitat. Mixed-lethal fire regimes may have followed historical patch and 

pattern, but the same may not be true for non-lethal fire regimes. Although the effects of fires 

within the BLM Cottonwood Field Office Management Area on bighorn sheep habitat and 

movement are unknown, these fires may have opened up additional movement corridors and 

summer habitats for bighorn sheep. Disruption of hydrological regimes from a variety of sources 

has also resulted in the loss of riparian vegetation in many foraging areas (Wisdom et al. 2000).

Risk of Contact Model

Telemetry Data

Telemetry and observational data for Hells Canyon were collected by the Hells Canyon Initiative 

and overlapped with the BLM Cottonwood Field Office Management Area (see Map 8 in 

Appendix D). The Hells Canyon Initiative is a tri-state coordination group that has been focused 

on restoring bighorn sheep populations to Hells Canyon and is comprised of the fish and wildlife 

agencies of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, as well as the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land 

Management, and other private entities. These data include more than 54,000 telemetry points, 

representing approximately 400 individuals from 16 Hells Canyon herds and 2 Salmon River 

herds. The data used for analysis were collected from March 1997 through December 2012 for 

Hells Canyon bighorn sheep and 2007 through 2012 for Salmon River bighorn sheep. Telemetry 

and observation data for the Salmon River metapopulation was collected from multiple sources. 

Telemetry data for the Main Salmon/South Fork Herd was collected by the Nez Perce Tribe 

under a cooperative study, which includes the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game, Nez Perce National Forest, Payette National Forest, and the BLM Cottonwood Field 

Office (see Map 9 in Appendix D). The rest of the observations were collected on many different 

dates. The Main Salmon/South Fork and Hells Canyon bighorn sheep telemetry and observation 

data collection is an ongoing effort and additional data is currently being collected.

These telemetry data suggest that bighorn sheep utilize habitats within and adjacent to allotments 

managed by the Cottonwood Field Office. Maps 8 and 9 (Appendix D) display telemetry points 

or observations of bighorn sheep documented on BLM domestic sheep allotments and adjacent 

landscapes. 

Telemetry data for the Hells Canyon was collected as part of the Hells Canyon Initiative by the 

Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), 

and U.S. Forest Service. In any given year, approximately 150 animals have telemetry collars as 

part of an ongoing effort since 1997 (Map 8 in Appendix D). 

Telemetry data and observations for the Salmon River metapopulations are not as extensive at 

the Hells Canyon data set; consequently, there is more uncertainty about the risk of contact and 
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potential for disease transmission, which is considered relatively high based on the data collected 

to date for the BLM domestic sheep allotments occurring in the Salmon River and Little Salmon 

River drainages. 

The IDFG, Payette National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, BLM Cottonwood Field Office, 

and Nez Perce Tribe have a cooperative project (the Salmon River Bighorn Sheep Project 

[SRBSP]) that places telemetry collars on Salmon River bighorn sheep. Initially, 15 sheep were 

collared in fall 2007 and spring 2008. A total of 68 bighorn sheep (28 rams and 40 ewes) has 

been captured and telemetry-collared during the project duration, and 30 bighorn sheep are 

currently being monitored (June 2013) with active telemetry collars (Map 9 in Appendix D). 

This information has provided additional bighorn sheep movement data for Salmon River canyon 

lands and mountains and the BLM Cottonwood Field Office management area. Forested areas 

and large rivers, which bighorn sheep do not prefer for movement and which serve as partial 

barriers to bighorn sheep movement (Singer et al. 2000c), are located between bighorn sheep 

habitat and some of the lands leased for domestic sheep grazing. Bighorn sheep have, however, 

been observed swimming large rivers and have been found in locales at which they arrived via 

unknown routes.

Akenson and Akenson’s (1992) 5-year study of bighorn sheep in the Big Creek drainage, which 

included observations of 12 radio-collared ewes, provides an additional source of information 

about bighorn sheep movements on the Payette National Forest. They observed ewes from 

different parts of the winter range utilizing four different drainages for lambing and three 

separate summer ranges, indicating a high degree of movement for this population. They also 

observed ewes traveling more than 50 miles in less than 3 days, and pregnant ewes swimming 

Big Creek during flood stage to begin spring migration. Ewes followed rock outcrops and broken 

open terrain, but the migration corridor also included forested ridges and a snow-covered pass 

(Akenson and Akenson 1992). Big Creek bighorn sheep had separate winter ranges from the 

Middle Fork Salmon River bighorn sheep but did share some summer range, which would 

increase the risk of disease transmission between populations of the Salmon River Mountains 

metapopulation (Akenson and Akenson 1992). 

Several incidental observations show that at least some bighorn sheep in the Salmon River 

metapopulation reach areas far from the mapped core herd home ranges (CHHR). One bighorn 

ram caught in a leg-hold trap was observed near Josephine Lake (Payette National Forest 

Josephine Allotment). On the North Fork Lick Creek allotment (Payette National Forest), three 

ewes were sighted in 1 year, and the following year, two ewes were seen along the border with 

the Lake Fork allotment (Payette National Forest). These individuals entered the allotments 

when domestic sheep were present (May–October). The lack of more extensive telemetry data 

makes it impossible to know how frequently other bighorn sheep utilize domestic sheep 

allotments. 

Core Herd Home Range Modeling

Home range modeling was completed using the Home Range Extension version 1.1 for ArcGIS 

(Rodgers et al. 2007), a software package designed for this purpose. The Home Range Extension 

uses a standard bivariate normal probability density function as the kernel employed to estimate 

the intensity with which animals use each mapped area. A kernel is essentially a small three-
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

dimensional hill placed over the location of each telemetry observation. Where many 

observations are clustered together, these hills overlap and pile up, and their total height indicates 

the probability of finding an animal at a given location. The width of the kernels, href, is 

calculated as the square root of the mean variance in x (var x) and y (var y) coordinates divided 

by the sixth root of the number of points (Worton 1995): 

Href = n �

vvv x+vvv y

2

−1/6

This method of selecting href is widely used as a means of extrapolating from the dispersion of 

observed locations to the likely extent of the full home range. 

This process of home range analysis was carried out for each identifiable individual within a 

herd for whom more than 20 telemetry points were available. All other telemetry and observation 

points for a herd that did not meet these criteria were excluded from the CHHR analysis but were 

used to verify the accuracy of the final CHHR volume contours. The results of these analyses 

were a collection of surface rasters, one for each animal, from which the volume contours were 

created. 

To create an overall CHHR, the raster surfaces from the individuals were added together. Then, 

volume contours, known as isopleths, were created from the merged herd surface using Hawth’s 

Analysis Tools version 3.27 Extension for ArcGIS (Beyer 2004). Isopleths are contours meant to 

enclose a given percentage of the telemetry observations; the 95th isopleth for example, is drawn 

to enclose an area in which 95 percent of the telemetry points are found. Volume contours were 

calculated for the 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, and 95th isopleths, and are shown for each herd in 

the Appendix L of the Payette FSEIS (USFS 2010a). The CHHR is defined as the area contained 

within the 95th isopleth. Points beyond the 95th isopleth were considered forays and analyzed 

separately (described below).

Foray Analysis

The foray model analyzed how often bighorn sheep leave the CHHR, whether they travel far 

enough to reach an allotment, and whether they then actually intersect an allotment (i.e., rather 

than intersecting a different area at the same distance from the CHHR). Movement behavior 

estimates were formed by analyzing the same large telemetry dataset of bighorn sheep 

movements in Hells Canyon that was used to determine each herd’s CHHR. In the Salmon River 

system, only one and one-half years of telemetry data from 30 individuals in the Main 

Salmon/South Fork herd was available. That data was useful in estimating the herd’s CHHR, but 

not sufficient to characterize their foray behavior. As a result, modelers used the much more 

extensive data collected for the Hells Canyon herds to estimate the probable movement patterns 

of bighorn sheep in herds throughout the Payette National Forest and BLM SEIS analysis area. 

The foray analysis most likely underestimates the true frequency of longer-distance forays. The 

reason for this underestimation is that the vast majority of the telemetry data are from standard 

VHF (very-high frequency) collars (rather than from GPS collars which collect and store or 

transmit data from everywhere an animal travels). With VHF collars, locations are determined by 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

triangulation from a plane or boat travelling a route every few days or weeks through the areas in 

which the bighorn sheep of a herd are usually seen. The farther a bighorn sheep has travelled 

from its CHHR, the farther it is likely to be from the observers, and the less likely it is to be 

detected. There are several cases in the telemetry data where rams last observed on a foray have 

disappeared for a couple of months before reappearing, likely from a journey that carried them 

beyond the range of detection of the survey. 

For bighorn sheep moving through forested areas, detection may also be hampered by line-ofsight and signal bounce issues. Finally, even when an animal on foray is detected in every 

survey, the large interval between observations means that it is unlikely to be observed at the 

furthest extent of its foray. The extent to which these forms of sampling bias underestimate the 

frequency of long-distance movements in the foray analysis is unknown. 

The path taken by a bighorn sheep traveling outside its CHHR might intersect any part of an 

allotment; therefore, the analysis began by calculating the probability of intersecting an allotment 

within each of 35 rings or annuli, each 1 km wide, located between 1 and 35 km from the CHHR 

boundary. That probability was broken into two parts: probability of a foray movement, and 

probability that a bighorn sheep on a foray will reach a ring and intersect an allotment within that 

ring. 

Probability of a Foray Movement 

Most bighorn sheep, especially ewes, never move beyond the CHHR in most years. Map 

displays the maximum distance of ram forays outside of CHHR areas (95 percent isopleth) for 

the data set. Forays from all but one bighorn sheep were between 0 and (26 km); one ram had a 

documented foray that extended (35 km) from its CHHR. Foray distances were stratified into 

(1 km) concentric rings that originated from CHHR areas, and were used as a basis for 

calculating the probability of contact.

The frequency of foray movements by both rams and ewes in summer (May–October) and winter 

(November–April) are shown in Table B-1. The probability of bighorn sheep–domestic sheep 

contact in summer and winter were calculated separately because characteristic movement 

patterns differ between seasons (e.g., the rut occurs in November/December and produces 

relatively frequent and long-distance exploratory forays by rams), and three of the allotments are 

only open to domestic sheep during the summer period, and the Partridge Creek allotment has 

domestic sheep grazing during summer and winter periods. 

According to Table B-1, 28.8 percent of radio-collared rams left the CHHR at least once (in 

summer) during the years they were observed. In any one summer, however, just 14.1 percent of 

rams left the CHHR. Accordingly, in the foray model, each ram was given a 14.1 percent 

probability per summer of making a foray outside of the CHHR. Similarly, ewes were given a 

1.5 percent probability of leaving the CHHR each summer. 
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Table B-1: Telemetry Observations Made Outside of the Core Herd Home Range

Timeframe

Percentage

of Animals 

Observed

Number out of 

Total 

Observations

Percentage

of Animals

Observed

Number out of 

Total 

Observations

Summer (May–October) Ewes Rams

Animals leaving CHHR at least once 6.5 14/215 28.8 30/104

Animal-years with at least one foray 1.5 15/985 14.1 44/311

Telemetry points outside of CHHR 0.2 29/17,258 4.4 160/3,674

Winter (November–April) Ewes Rams

Animals leaving CHHR at least once 12.9 28/217 34.9 38/109

Animal-years with at least one foray 5.6 60/1,062 17.8 68/380

Telemetry points outside of CHHR 0.8 109/12,941 3.7 156/4,200

Probability that a Bighorn Sheep Will Intersect an Allotment 

Many animals (particularly ewes) may not travel far, even if they are observed outside of the 

CHHR. The probability that a bighorn sheep on a foray will reach an allotment decreases as the 

travelling distance increases. Bighorn sheep rams are more mobile and leave CHHRs during 

summer and winter periods significantly more than ewes (see Table B-1) and have a higher 

probability of interspecies contact. Consequently, the discussion and graphs below are focused 

on foraying bighorn sheep rams. To characterize that decreasing probability, the modelers first 

extracted from each foray, the maximum distance from the CHHR at which an animal was 

observed (Figures B-1 and B-3) and then the proportion which an animal reaches each ring 

(Figures B-3 and B-4). In the dataset, the maximum distance was 35 km (summer) and 50 km 

(winter), so the model distribution extends to that distance. 

Figure B-1: Maximum Distance of Ram Summer Forays beyond the CHHR

(Source: USFS 2010a) 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Figure B-2: Proportion of Ram Summer Forays Reaching Each Ring

(Source: USFS 2010a) 

Figure B-3: Maximum Distance of Ram Winter Forays beyond the CHHR

(Source: USFS 2010a) 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Figure B-4: Proportion of Ram Winter Forays Reaching Each Ring

(Source: USFS 2010a) 

An animal located 25 km from the CHHR has crossed each ring between itself and the CHHR. In 

addition, 100 percent of the animals that make a foray intersect at least the first ring around the 

CHHR. More generally, the proportion of animals whose forays intersect each ring is equal to 

the proportion known to have reached it or one of the rings beyond it. Approximately half of the 

rams who leave the CHHR travel at least 10 km (summer and winter) from the CHHR and 

almost a quarter of the rams travel 16 km. However, just one ram has been observed during the 

summer to travel more than 26 km and one ram during the winter was observed to travel more 

than 50 km from the CHHR. This model uses the distribution to calculate the probability that an 

animal will reach any given ring surrounding its CHHR, (Animal reaches ring foray).

Given that an animal has reached a ring, the probability that it will be in an allotment is 

proportional to the size of the allotment and to the quality of the habitat in the allotment relative 

to the size and quality of habitat in the ring as a whole. Calculating the size of the allotment is 

simple, but determining if a bighorn sheep will intersect an allotment first requires knowing 

bighorn sheep habitat preference. 

Based on the source habitat model, all areas within 35 km of the CHHRs were assigned to one of 

three habitat classes—source habitat, connectivity area, and non-habitat. Source habitats are 

areas fitting the criteria described in Source Habitat Model, on page B-1. Connectivity areas do 

not meet those criteria but are located within 350 m of source habitat. Areas of non-habitat do 

not meet those criteria and are located more than 350 m from source habitat. Connectivity areas 

were distinguished from non-habitat because even when bighorn sheep are of source habitat, all 

but 80 have been within 350 m of source habitat. 

Next, the relative preference of bighorn sheep for these three classes of habitat was calculated 

using a resource selection function (Manly et al. 1993, Boyce et al. 2002). The habitat classes 

consisted of habitat, habitat connectivity, and non-habitat. The habitat class is the same as 

summer source habitat. Habitat connectivity was created by using a two-stage buffer on the 

summer source habitat. The first stage is a simple buffer around patches of habitat at 350 m, 

which was determined by measuring the distance of all telemetry data that fell outside habitat 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

and finding one standard deviation of those distances. The second stage was a buffer of 1,050 m 

(three times the distance of the first stage), which is only applied to pieces of habitat connectivity 

that are within the 1,050 m distance. The second stage is designed to connect fragmented 

complexes of habitat. The third habitat class consists of the rest of the area that is not covered by 

the first two classes. The resource selection function was constructed using a use/availability 

approach that yields high values for habitat classes with many observations of bighorn sheep 

relative to their area. If the animals in a herd have equal areas of Habitat A and Habitat B 

available, but spend 90 percent of their time in Habitat A, their preference for Habitat A would 

be 9 times their preference for Habitat B. 

While on forays, bighorn sheep in the Hells Canyon herds prefer source habitat to connectivity 

areas, and prefer both of those to non-habitat. Specifically, within the 35-km-wide ring 

surrounding a CHHR, bighorn sheep were 5.6 times more likely to be found in a given squarekilometer of source habitat than in a square-kilometer of connectivity area, and 35 times more 

likely to be found in source habitat than in non-habitat. 

Finally, habitat preference and the distribution of habitat within each ring surrounding a CHHR 

was used to calculate the probability that a bighorn sheep that reaches a particular ring would 

cross the ring into an allotment. The map in Figure B-5 is a visualization of the estimated 

probabilities that bighorn sheep on a foray will reach each location within 35 km of the CHHR. 

Dark blues represent the highest probabilities, and light yellows the lowest. Moving outward 

from the CHHR, colors lighten as the probability of a foray reaching that distance drops. Within 

each ring, the darkest color (highest relative probability) marks areas of habitat, the lightest color 

(lowest relative probability) marks areas of non-habitat, and the intermediate color marks areas 

of connectivity habitat. 

Foray Analysis Results in the Context of Other Published Works 

Both the frequency and distances of foray movements by Hells Canyon bighorn sheep were 

consistent with other reports in the literature. Singer and others (2001) calculated annual foray 

rates of bighorn sheep in 10 published studies. In those herds, the annual number of forays per 

radio-collared animal of either sex ranged from 0 to 0.23 (mean 0.10, standard deviation 0.09), 

comparable to 14 percent of rams and 1.5 percent of ewes making summer forays from herds in

the Hells Canyon metapopulation. 

In southwestern Alberta, Festa-Bianchet (1986) relocated rams as far as 48 km from the site of 

their capture. A recent 17-month study of three bighorn herds in Montana, (DeCesare and 

Pletscher 2006) found relatively long (19 to 33 km) movements by four of five radio-collared 

males. Finally, Singer and others (2000c) followed 31 translocated populations of bighorn, and 

documented numerous colonizations of nearby patches of habitat. In that study, the probability of 

colonization (75 percent) was highest for patches located 12.3 km from a bighorn sheep 

population indicating that such movements occur with relatively high frequency. This parallels 

our finding that nearly 25 percent of forays by Hells Canyon bighorn sheep reach a distance of at 

least 15 km from the CHHR. 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Figure B-5: Visualization of Foray Probabilities for the Upper Hells Canyon Herd 

(Source: USFS 2010a) 

Assumptions for Probability of Disease Outbreak for Alternatives Occurring 

in a 50-Year Period

There is no scientific evidence to support a specific assumption for acceptable risk-of-contact 

and disease outbreak. The model used in this SEIS to predict bighorn sheep intersection with an 

allotment (USFS 2013a) follows well-documented and peer reviewed protocols and logical 

processes. The results should be viewed as a means of comparing the relative risks of disease 

outbreaks occurring from the various alternatives, not as definitive values. Results of the model 

support the current knowledge and characteristics of the bighorn sheep herds and the science 

based on the understanding of disease outbreaks potentially occurring from contact of a bighorn 

sheep within an allotment.

Because of the uncertainty regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep within an 

allotment will lead to disease outbreak within a population, modelers ran the disease model with 

assumptions for a range of values from 0.05 (1 in 20 contacts would result in a disease outbreak) 

to 1.00 (every contact would result in a disease outbreak). The range of values modeled include: 

0.05, 0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 1.00. Qualitative comparisons of alternatives will be made 

on the basis of assumption for the probability of a disease outbreak given contacts are low (0.05 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

or 1 in 20 contacts results in disease outbreak), moderate (0.25 or 1 in 4 contacts lead to a disease 

outbreak) or high (1.00 or every contact results in a disease outbreak). The terms low, moderate, 

and high are only intended as relative terms used for comparisons of alternatives. The following 

Tables A-1 – A-5 includes herd specific analysis regarding disease outbreak occurring within a 

50-year period under varying assumptions for each alternative. No summary table was prepared 

for Alternative C, because no BLM allotments would be available for domestic sheep grazing 

and no interspecies contact or disease outbreaks would be attributed to BLM authorized grazing. 

Table B-2: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative A

Herd/CHHR

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Main Salmon/South Fork 2.68 4.66 13.4 26.8 40.2 48.23 53.6

Upper Hells Canyon 0.00425 0.0085 0.02125 0.0425 0.0675 0.0765 0.085

Myers 0.00075 0.015 0.00375 0.0075 0.01125 0.0135 0.015

Muir 0.00775 0.0155 0.03875 0.0775 0.11625 0.1395 0.155

Big Canyon 0.006025 0.006020 0.01205 0.06025 0.09375 0.10845 0.1205

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern1 

0.1125 0.025 0.5625 1.125 1.6875 2.025 2.025

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.

Table B-3: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative B

Herd/CHHR

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Upper Hells Canyon 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Myers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Muir 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Big Canyon 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern1 

0.00005 0.0001 0.00025 0.0005 0.00075 0.0009 0.001

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.

Table B-4: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative D

Herd/CHHR

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.165 0.33 0.825 1.65 2.475 2.97 3.30

Upper Hells Canyon 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Myers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Muir 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Big Canyon 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table B-4: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative D

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Herd/CHHR Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Little Salmon 1 ConcernArea of 0.0001 0.0002 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.0018 0.002

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.

Table B-5: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative E

Herd/CHHR

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.18 0.36 0.90 1.80 2.70 3.24 3.60

Upper Hells Canyon 0.0007 0.0014 0.0035 0.0007 0.0105 0.0126 0.014

Myers 0.00005 0.0001 0.00025 0.0005 0.00075 0.00009 0.0001

Muir 0.000005 0.00001 0.000025 0.00005 0.000075 0.00009 0.0001

Big Canyon 0.000003 0.000005 0.0000125 0.000025 0.0000375 0.000045 0.00005

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern1 

0.1125 0.225 0.5625 1.125 1.6875 2.025 2.25

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.

Table B-6: Predicted Disease Outbreak That Would Occur Under Varying Assumptions for Probability 

of Disease Outbreak Given Contact during a 50 Year Period from Alternative F

Herd/CHHR

Disease Outbreak per 50 Year Period Under

Varying Assumptions Given Contact

0.05 0.10 0.25 0.50 0.75 0.90 1.00

Main Salmon/South Fork 0.015 0.030 0.075 0.150 0.225 0.270 0.300

Upper Hells Canyon 0.0007 0.0014 0.0035 0.0007 0.0105 0.0126 0.014

Myers 0.00005 0.0001 0.00025 0.0005 0.00075 0.00009 0.0001

Muir 0.000005 0.00001 0.000025 0.00005 0.000075 0.00009 0.0001

Big Canyon 0.000003 0.000005 0.0000125 0.000025 0.0000375 0.000045 0.00005

Little Salmon Area of 

Concern1 

0.1125 0.225 0.5625 1.125 1.6875 2.025 2.25

1

Little Salmon Area of Concern has no established bighorn sheep herd and predicted contacts based on past incidental sightings

of bighorn sheep that occurred in the area. Predicted allotment contacts would potentially occur from bighorn sheep use of area 

(based on incidental sightings) and transmission of disease to bighorn sheep that incidentally use habitats that have had past 

fidelity for use.
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Appendix C – Domestic Sheep 

and Goats Grazing Lease Terms 

and Conditions
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Domestic Sheep and Goats Grazing Lease Terms and Conditions

The most viable current management option to reduce bighorn sheep and domestic sheep and 

goat transmission of disease is effective separation (spatial and temporal). The following terms 

and conditions would supplement effective separation (i.e., no risk or very low risk for 

interspecies contact) that is applied between domestic sheep and goat allotments and bighorn 

sheep CHHRs. In addition to the preparation of an allotment specific separation response plan; 

the following terms and conditions would primarily be used to reduce straying of domestic sheep

and account for any observed bighorn sheep encounter that may occur and actions needed. 

Modification of terms and conditions or additional practices may be appropriate based on sitespecific circumstances and current science.

1. Immediately report incidents of interspecies contacts to IDFG and BLM. Immediately 

initiate actions to remove co-mingling bighorn sheep with IDFG or other authorized party 

in accord with approved plan and protocol. Any sightings of bighorn sheep on an active 

domestic sheep allotment may trigger adaptive management actions to avoid interspecies 

contact, consequently, all such sightings should be immediately reported to IDFG and the 

BLM. Immediate actions by grazing lessee would include moving domestic sheep and 

hazing bighorn sheep away from herd. 

2. Count domestic sheep on the allotments at the start of the grazing season, and off the 

allotment at the end of the season. Counts will be verified by BLM staff presence during 

the time counts are conducted. Count domestic sheep during the grazing season as often as 

possible to determine if strays or small groups moved off from the main band. 

3. Maintain an appropriate ratio of marker domestic sheep within bands; depending on local 

needs and conditions, ratios should be no less than 1 marker for every 50 adult sheep. More 

markers may be required when dictated by local conditions. 

4. At a minimum, count marker domestic sheep twice a day (e.g., mid-day and when bedded) 

and immediately any time sheep scatter. 

5. Place bells on at least 1 in every 100 mature domestic ewes to facilitate identification and 

locating sheep relative to other sheep and determining if movement occurred outside the 

herd or straying occurring. 

6. Always count marker domestic sheep after they emerge from locations where they are 

difficult to observe such as dense vegetation or in steep and rugged terrain. 

7. Increase sheepherder monitoring (minimum two patrols around band, at least 4-hours apart) 

on bright moonlit nights because sheep may be more prone to rise and graze under these 

conditions. 

8. Develop a strategy for reporting, searching, and quick recovery of stray domestic sheep. 

9. Herders will be equipped with binoculars, radios, phones (cell and/or satellite) or other 

communication response equipment. 

10. Herders will have firearms, which may be used for hazing of bighorn sheep or predator 

control. Predators may scatter and disperse sheep and cause potential straying.
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

11. Use a minimum of one mature and effective guard dog, and two mature and effective 

herding dogs per domestic sheep band. 

12. Use propane (Zon) guns to haze bighorn sheep. 

13. The lessee will not turnout sheep or goats with observed or known respiratory infection or 

disease (e.g., Mycoplasma or Pasteurella-type pneumonia bacteria) on grazing allotments 

or trailing routes, or for use in vegetation management activities, or authorized/recreational 

activities.

14. Remove sick or physically infirmed domestic sheep from the band. Remove all sheep that 

are unable to keep with the band, regardless of reason, from the allotment. 

15. Grazing domestic ewes while in estrus heightens the possibility of contact between wild 

sheep and domestic sheep or goats. Decrease inter-species attraction by only turning out 

ewes and nannies that are known to be pregnant or with lamb(s) during the grazing period 

in areas of potential for contact with wild sheep. 

16. Immediately locate and gather strays when predator attacks occur, and document domestic 

sheep that were killed.

17. Require close bedding (5-acres or less) of domestic sheep at night, some areas designated 

for bedding may include fenced (temporary or electric) areas for increased control and 

monitoring. 

18. When trailing in areas where physical separation cannot be assured, use trucking instead of 

trailing.

19. Herders will be required to maintain daily log books to account for location and duration of 

domestic sheep or goat grazing, document implementation of terms and conditions, 

documents straying of domestic sheep and actions taken, document bighorn sheep 

sightings, document predation, and other pertinent events. This information will be made 

available to BLM personnel upon request periodically during grazing season and the log 

book will be submitted to the CFO at the end of the grazing period. 

Effectiveness of Best Management Practices 

No known studies, research, or peer reviewed literature has documented the effectiveness of 

BMPs from preventing contact and disease transmission when domestic sheep or goats graze 

within or adjacent to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. Effective separation between bighorn 

sheep and domestic sheep and goats, which minimizes the potential for contact and disease 

transmission, has been identified as the key management strategy for conservation of bighorn 

sheep (Wild Sheep Working Group 2012). Literature review (Wehausen et al. 2011) and 

experimental evidence (Lawrence et al. 2010) support the goal that domestic sheep or goats 

should not concurrently occupy areas where conservation of bighorn sheep is a clearly stated 

management goal (Wild Sheep Working Group 2012). Overall, without effective separation, 

BMP effectiveness is minimal. Consequently, the focus of analysis conducted for this SEIS was 

on effective separation (i.e., spatial and temporal) to minimize potential for contact and disease 

transmission. Following is a brief summary and discussion regarding implementation and 

effectiveness of BMPs within or adjacent to habitats occupied by bighorn sheep. Refer to 

Appendix C, which identifies lease terms and conditions (BMPs) that would provide some 
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Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

additional measures to reduce risk of interspecies contact, however, such would be applicable 

after effective separation occurs.

If there are large buffers between domestic sheep grazing allotments and bighorn sheep habitats, 

then BMPs can be marginally helpful in providing additional protections against species contact 

in emergency situations. However, BMPs would only be effective in this regard in certain types 

of allotments; specifically, varying levels of effectiveness may be applied to BMPs under 

management scenarios that that maintain effective separation (adequate buffers) and have a large 

buffer between active domestic sheep allotments and occupied bighorn sheep habitats, and such a 

buffer minimizes potential for disease transmission. Such allotments would also have to occur in 

open, gentle, non-bighorn sheep habitat where domestic sheep can be easily controlled and 

monitored and a large buffer exists between the two species (Schommer 2009). Such habitats do 

not occur on three of the four analysis allotments at issue in this SEIS for three analysis 

allotments (Partridge Creek, Marshall Mountain, and Hard Creek Allotments) being assessed in 

this SEIS. The typical terrain and habitats found on these three domestic sheep allotments are 

areas that are very steep and rugged and interspersed with a mixture of forest, shrub, dense 

vegetation, and grassland areas. Overall, the Big Creek Allotment has the most moderately 

sloped terrain and open habitats compared to the other allotments, which have steep and rugged 

terrain and a variety of habitats that would reduce potential for effective implementation and 

effectiveness of BMPs.

Control and monitoring of domestic sheep within the topography and habitats typically found in 

three of the allotments in this SEIS would be very difficult; and monitoring forays of bighorn 

sheep would be even more difficult, particularly when the majority of bighorn sheep do not have 

radio collars. Another consideration regarding effectiveness of BMPs is the social nature of 

domestic sheep and goats and bighorn sheep; these animals may be “attracted to each other,” 

which would further reduce effectiveness of BMPs in a rangeland situation that is not completely 

controlled and the majority of animals are not monitored (e.g., radio collared or visual 

observation) during the entire day. 

Schommer (2009) completed a position statement regarding the effectiveness of a large number 

of BMPs that have been used to reduce contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep and 

goats. Following is a list of BMPs that were evaluated by Schommer (2009): 

• guard dogs 

• propane guns (scare bighorn sheep) 

• trucking of sheep 

• bedding of sheep in a tight controlled area 

• counting of sheep to document straying; improved herder communication 

• bighorn sheep monitoring 

• removal of sick domestic sheep 

• search and removal for stray domestic sheep

Schommer (2009) identified varying levels of concern regarding the effectiveness of the above 

BMPs in providing separation particularly when such BMPs would be best implemented when 

domestic sheep allotments occurred in open, gentle, non-bighorn sheep habitat where domestic 

sheep can be easily controlled and monitored and a large buffer exists between the species. The 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for C-4 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

previous conditions do not apply to three of the allotments under consideration for this SEIS. 

Other BMPs not listed above that have been utilized in the past regarding domestic sheep grazing 

in proximity to bighorn sheep habitats included increased number of herders, increased number 

of herd dogs, removal of bighorn sheep when in proximity to domestic sheep (e.g., lethal 

removal, capture and relocation, hazing), fencing or confinement of domestic sheep and goats, 

removal of domestic sheep from range allotments during breeding season, and others. Overall, 

these BMPs would also have the same level of concerns for effectiveness as identified above. An 

exception to the above BMPs would be removal of domestic sheep from allotments during 

breeding season, which would provide acceptable spatial and temporal separation; however, 

associated contact risks would still occur during non-breeding periods. 

In summary, the effectiveness of BMPs in providing adequate separation has not been verified 

by studies, research, or peer-reviewed literature when domestic sheep or goat grazing occurs in 

proximity to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. However, stipulating BMPs as terms and 

conditions for the authorization of domestic sheep grazing will be expected to have varying 

levels of effectiveness that is primarily dependent on proper implementation, terrain, vegetation, 

and effective distances from occupied bighorn sheep habitats that provide no risk or very low 

risk for interspecies contact. Effective separation cannot be accomplished by using BMP’s solely 

for preventing interspecies contact when domestic sheep or goats graze in proximity to occupied 

bighorn sheep habitats. The most viable current management option is to provide for effective 

spatial and temporal separation between domestic sheep allotments and bighorn sheep habitat 

(WSWG 2012; Cahn et al. 2011; Foreyt 1989; O’Brien et al. 2014; TWS 2014). 
Appendix D – Maps
This page intentionally left blank. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for D-1 June 2015

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Map 1: Hells Canyon and Salmon River Bighorn Sheep Metapopulations and BLM 

Domestic Sheep Allotments

Map 2: BLM Domestic Sheep Allotments

Map 3: Domestic Sheep Allotments, Summer Core Herd Home Ranges, and IDFG Big 

Game Management Units

Map 4: Domestic Sheep Allotments, Winter Core Herd Home Ranges, and IDFG Big 

Game Management Units

Map 5: BLM Domestic Sheep Allotments and Alternatives

Map 6: Bighorn Sheep Summer Source Habitat

Map 7: Bighorn Winter Source Habitat

Map 8: Bighorn Sheep Telemetry and Observation Locations within Analysis Area

Map 9: Forest Service, BLM, Private, and State Domestic Sheep Allotments

Map 10: Payette National Forest Plan Amendment
This page intentionally left blank.
Marshall Mountain Allotment

Big Creek Allotment

Hard Creek Allotment

Partridge Creek Allotment

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

Salmon River

Clearwater River

M. F. Clearwater River

Lolo 

Creek

N. F. Clearwater River

N. F. Clearwater River

Lochsa River

South 

Fork Salmon

Selway 

River

Snake 

River

")72

")16

")28

")99

")7

")9

")6

")64

")162

")13

")3

")71

")11

")14

")8

")21

")75

")55

£¤12

£¤95

£¤95

£¤95

£¤95

£¤93

£¤12

£¤95

S H O S H O N E S H O S H O N E

L A T A H L A T A H

C L E A R W A T E R C L E A R W A T E R

N E Z N E Z

P E R C E P E R C E

I D A H O I D A H O

L E W I S L E W I S

L E M H I L E M H I

A D A M S A D A M S

V A L L E Y V A L L E Y

W A S H I N G T O N W A S H I N G T O N

G E M G E M

P A Y E T T E B O I S E B O I S E P A Y E T T E

E L M O R E E L M O R E

C A N Y O N C A N Y O N C A M A S C A M A S

C U S T E R C U S T E R

B L A I N E B L A I N E

Hells

Canyon

Salmon

River

Hells Canyon and Salmon River Bighorn Sheep 

Metapopulations and BLM Domestic Sheep Allotments

Map Created: 10/27/2011

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

-

The surface management status (“land ownership”)

should be used as a general guide only. Official

land records, located at the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) and other offices, should be

checked for up-to-date information concerning any 

specific tract of land. 

1:1,750,000

Data displayed in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 5 10 20 30 40

Miles Montana

Oregon

Washington

Map 1

O r e g o n O r e g o n W a s h i n g t o n W a s h i n g t o n

M o n t a n a M o n t a n a

Legend

Bighorn Sheep Metapopulation

Sheep Grazing Allotment

Land Status

BLM

Nez Perce Tribe

Private

State

US Forest Service
Marshall Mountain Allotment

Big Creek Allotment

Hard Creek Allotment

Partridge Creek Allotment

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW

MEADOWS Little Sa ml on R

vi er

Salmon River

South 

Fork 

Salmon

")55

£¤95

I D A H O I D A H O

A D A M S A D A M S

V A L L E Y V A L L E Y

BLM Domestic Sheep Allotments

Map Created: 10/27/2011

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

-

The surface management status (“land ownership”)

should be used as a general guide only. Official

land records, located at the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) and other offices, should be

checked for up-to-date information concerning any 

specific tract of land. 

1:400,000

Data displayed in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 1.25 2.5 5 7.5 10

Miles

Legend

Sheep Grazing Allotment

Land Status

BLM

Private

State

US Forest Service

Montana

Oregon

Washington

Map 2
Ma rsh a ll Mou nta in Allotm e nt

Big Cre e k Allotm e nt

Ha rd Cre e k Allotm e nt

Pa rtridg e Cre e k Allotm e nt

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW

MEADOWS

Little Sa lm on R

vi e r

Sa lm on R ive r

S.F.Cle a rwa te rR ive r

Sou th Fork Sa lm on

Sna ke

R ive r ")71

")55

")14

£¤95

£¤95

IDAHO

ADAMS

VALLEY

15

11A 11 16A

14

13

20

18

19

20A

19A

23

22

26

27

24

25

32A

31

32 34

16

Domestic Sheep Allotments, Summer Core Herd 

 Home Ranges, and IDFG Big Game Management Units

Ma p Cre a te d1

i

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

ndividual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for -

Th e su rfa ce m a na g e m e nt sta tu s (“la nd owne rsh ip”)

sh ou ld b e u se d a s a g e ne ra l g u ide only. Officia l

la nd re cords, loca te d a t th e Bu re a u of La nd 

Ma na g e m e nt (BLM) a nd oth e r office s, sh ou ld b e

ch e cke d for u p-to-da te inform a tion conce rning a ny 

spe cific tra ct of la nd. 

1:750,000

Da ta displa ye d in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 2.25 4.5 9 13.5 18

Mile s

Legend

Big Ga m e Ma na g e m e nt Unit

Sh e e p Gra zing Allotm e nt

Big Ca nyon He rd

Little Sa lm on Are a of Conce rn

Ma in Sa lm on/Sou th Fork He rd

Mu ir He rd

Mye rs He rd

Uppe r He lls Ca nyon He rd

Sh e e p Mou nta in He rd

Land Status

BLM

Priva te

Sta te

US Fore st Se rvice

Monta na

Ore g on

Wa sh ing ton

Map 3

O r e g o n O r e g o n
Ma rsh a ll Mou nta in Allotm e nt

Big Cre e k Allotm e nt

Ha rd Cre e k Allotm e nt

Pa rtridg e Cre e k Allotm e nt

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW

MEADOWS Little Sa lm on R vi e r

Sa lm on R ive r

S.F.Cle a rwa te rR ive r

Sou th Fork Sa lm on

Sna ke

R ive r

")71

")55

")14

£¤95

£¤95

IDAHO

ADAMS

VALLEY

15

11A 11 16A

14

13

20

18

19

20A

19A

23

22

26

27

24

25

32A

31

32 34

16

Domestic Sheep Allotments, Winter Core Herd 

Home Ranges, and IDFG Big Game Management Units

Ma p Cre a te d11/10/2014 For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

in

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

dividual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant. -

Th e su rfa ce m a na g e m e nt sta tu s (“la nd owne rsh ip”)

sh ou ld b e u se d a s a g e ne ra l g u ide only. Officia l

la nd re cords, loca te d a t th e Bu re a u of La nd 

Ma na g e m e nt (BLM) a nd oth e r office s, sh ou ld b e

ch e cke d for u p-to-da te inform a tion conce rning a ny 

spe cific tra ct of la nd. 

1:750,000

Da ta displa ye d in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 2.25 4.5 9 13.5 18Mile s

Legend

Big Ga m e Ma na g e m e nt Unit

Sh e e p Gra zing Allotm e nt

Big Ca nyon He rd

Little Sa lm on Are a of Conce rn

Ma in Sa lm on/Sou th Fork He rd

Mu ir He rd

Mye rs He rd

Uppe r He lls Ca nyon He rd

Sh e e p Mou nta in He rd

Land Status

BLM

Priva te

Sta te

US Fore st Se rvice

Monta na

Ore g on

Wa sh ing ton

Map 4

O r e g o n O r e g o n

Marsh all Mountain Allotm ent

Big Creek Allotm ent

Hard Creek Allotm ent

Partridg e Creek Allotm ent

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

Little

S alm on

Riv er

S alm on Riv er

S nake

Riv er

")55

£¤95

£¤95

IDAHO

ADAMS

VALLEY

Oreg o n Oreg o n

Bighorn Sheep Summer 

Source Habitat

Map Created11/10/20141

in

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

dividual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant. -

Th e surfac e m anag em ent status (“land ownersh ip”)

sh ould b e used as a g eneral g uide only. Offic ial

land rec ords, loc ated at th e Bureau of Land 

Manag em ent (BLM) and oth er offic es, sh ould b e

c h ec ked for up-to-date inform ation c onc erning any 

spec ific trac t of land. 

1:400,000

Data displayed in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 1.25 2.5 5 7.5 10

Miles

Legend

S um m er S ourc e Hab itat

S h eep Grazing Allotm ent

Land Status

BLM

Priv ate

S tate

US Forest S erv ic e

Montana

Oreg on

Wash ing ton

Map 6
Ma rsh a ll Mou nta in Allotm e nt

Big Cre e k Allotm e nt

Ha rd Cre e k Allotm e nt

Pa rtridg e Cre e k Allotm e nt

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

Little

Sa lm on R e ivr

Sa lm on R ive r

Sna ke

R ive r

")55

£¤95

£¤95

IDAHO

ADAMS

VALLEY

O r e g o n O r e g o n

Bighorn Sheep Winter

Source Habitat

Ma p Cre a te d11/10/2014 For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

in

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

dividual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant. -

Th e su rfa ce m a na g e m e nt sta tu s (“la nd owne rsh ip”)

sh ou ld b e u se d a s a g e ne ra l g u ide only. Officia l

la nd re cords, loca te d a t th e Bu re a u of La nd 

Ma na g e m e nt (BLM) a nd oth e r office s, sh ou ld b e

ch e cke d for u p-to-da te inform a tion conce rning a ny 

spe cific tra ct of la nd. 

1:400,000

Da ta displa ye d in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 1.25 2.5 5 7.5 10

Mile s

Legend

Winte r Sou rce Ha b ita t

Sh e e p Gra zing Allotm e nt

Land Status

BLM

Priva te

Sta te

US Fore st Se rvice

Monta na

Ore g on

Wa sh ing ton

Map 7
Ma rsh a ll Mou nta in Allotm e nt

Big Cre e k Allotm e nt

Ha rd Cre e k Allotm e nt

Pa rtridg e Cre e k Allotm e nt

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

IDAHO

ADAMS VALLEY

Li ltte

Sa lm on

R ive r

Sa lm on R ive r

S.F.Cle a rwa te rR ive r

Sa lm on

R vie r

So u th Fork

Sa lm on

Snake R ive r

")13

")71

")55

")14

£¤95

Bighorn Sheep Telemetry and Observation

 Locations within Analysis Area

Ma p Cre a te d

i

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

ndividual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for -

Th e su rfa ce m a na g e m e nt sta tu s (“la nd owne rsh ip”)

sh ou ld b e u se d a s a g e ne ra l g u ide only. Officia l

la nd re cords, loca te d a t th e Bu re a u of La nd 

Ma na g e m e nt (BLM) a nd oth e r office s, sh ou ld b e

ch e cke d for u p-to-da te inform a tion conce rning a ny 

spe cific tra ct of la nd. 

1:750,000

Da ta displa ye d in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 2.25 4.5 9 13.5 18

Mile s

Legend

# Big h orn Sh e e p Loca tion

Sh e e p Gra zing Allotm e nt

Land Status

BLM

Priva te

Sta te

US Fore st Se rvice

Monta na

Ore g on

Wa sh ing ton

Map 8

O r e g o n O r e g o n
#

#

#

#

#

#

Marshall Mountain Allotment

Big Creek Allotment

Hard Creek Allotment

Partridge Creek Allotment

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

Little 

Salmon R vi er

Salmon River

Sou h t Fork Salm

on

Snake 

River

")71

")55

£¤95

Allison-Berg

BLM, Forest Service, and State Domestic Sheep Allotments

and Private Sheep and Goat Grazing Areas

Map Created: 10/27/2011

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

-

The surface management status (“land ownership”)

should be used as a general guide only. Official

land records, located at the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) and other offices, should be

checked for up-to-date information concerning any 

specific tract of land. 

1:575,000

Data displayed in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 2.5 5 10 15 20

Miles

Legend

# Private Domestic Sheep or Goat Grazing (< 100 Acres)

Private Domestic Sheep Grazing ( > 100 Acres)

IDL Domestic Sheep Allotment

Forest Service Domestic Sheep Allotment (Available)

Nez Perce NF Sheep Grazing Allotment (Unavailable)

BLM Domestic Sheep Allotment

Land Status

BLM

Private

State

US Forest Service

Montana

Oregon

Washington

Map 9

O r e g o n O r e g o n
Marshall Mountain Allotment

Big Creek Allotment

Hard Creek Allotment

Partridge Creek Allotment

RIGGINS

PINEHURST

NEW MEADOWS

Little 

Salmon 

River

Salmon River

Sou h t Fork Salmon

Snake 

River

")71

")55

£¤95

LAKE

FORK

S&G

MARSHALL

MTN S&G

CURREN

HILL

S&G

BOULDER

CREEK

S&G

PRICE

VALLEY

S&G

BEAR

PETE

S&G

FRENCH

CREEK

S&G

LITTLE

FRENCH

CREEK S&G

TWENTY

MILE

S&G

JOSEPHINE

S&G

GRASSY

MOUNTAIN S&G

JUGHANDLE

S&G

HERSHEY-LAVA

S&G

VANCE

CREEK

S&G

SHORTS

BAR S&G

SMITH

MOUNTAIN

S&G

NORTH

FORK LICK

CREEK S&G

VICTOR-LOON

S&G

SLAB

BUTTE

S&G

LAKE

FORK

S&G

BRUNDAGE

S&G

BOULDER

CREEK S&G

PRICE

VALLEY

S&G

LITTLE

FRENCH

CREEK S&G

TWENTY

MILE S&G COUGAR

CREEK S&G

JUGHANDLE

S&G

FALL/BRUSH

CREEK S&G

SURDAM

ON/OFF

BILL

HUNT

S&G

SMITH

MOUNTAIN

S&G

Payette National Forest Plan Amendment

Map Created: 10/27/2011

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for 

individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. The following cannot be made Section 508 compliant.

For help with its data or information, please contact the BLM Idaho State Office Webmaster at 208-373-4000.

-

The surface management status (“land ownership”)

should be used as a general guide only. Official

land records, located at the Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) and other offices, should be

checked for up-to-date information concerning any 

specific tract of land. 

1:575,000

Data displayed in UTM Zone 11N, NAD83

0 2.5 5 10 15 20

Miles

Legend

Payette NF Sheep Grazing Allotment (Open)

Payette NF Sheep Grazing Allotment (Closed)

BLM Sheep Grazing Allotment

Land Status

BLM

Private

State

US Forest Service

Montana

Oregon

Washington

Map 10

O r e g o n O r e g o n
Appendix E – Response to Public 

Comments on the Draft 

RMP/SEIS
This page intentionally left blank. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-1 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Comment Analysis 

During the public review period for the Draft RMP Amendment/SEIS (BLM 2014b), the BLM 

received 11,933 comment submissions in the form of letters and emails. The BLM is only 

required to respond to substantive comments. As described in the BLM NEPA Handbook (BLM 

2008a), substantive comments are those that: 

• question, with reasonable basis, the accuracy of information in the EIS or EA. 

• question, with reasonable basis, the adequacy of, methodology for, or assumptions used 

for the environmental analysis. 

• present new information relevant to the analysis. 

• present reasonable alternatives other than those analyzed in the EIS or EA. 

• cause changes or revisions in one or more of the alternatives. 

Comments that are not considered substantive include the following: 

• comments in favor of or against the proposed action or alternatives without reasoning 

that meet the criteria listed above. 

• comments that only agree or disagree with BLM policy or resource decisions without 

justification or supporting data that meet the criteria listed above. 

• comments that don’t pertain to the project area or the project. 

• comments that take the form of vague, open-ended questions. 

The CEQ regulations at 40 CFR 1503.4 recognize several options for responding to substantive 

comments, including: 

• modifying one or more of the alternatives as requested. 

• developing and evaluating suggested alternatives. 

• supplementing, improving, or modifying the analysis. 

• making factual corrections. 

• explaining why the comments do not warrant further agency response, citing cases, 

authorities, or reasons. 

The BLM reviewed all submissions received and identified the substantive comments they 

contained. The BLM used the above criteria as a guide, but applied these loosely to provide the 

greatest opportunity to have public comments acknowledged in the FSEIS. 

From each substantive comment, the BLM then determined the issue raised by the comment. 

Some of the submissions raised issues that were the same or similar to those in other 

submissions. Table E-1 below identifies commenters and the number codes assigned to the 

comment issues raised in their submissions. The section following the table contains a 

description of each of the comment issues, the assigned issue number, and the BLM’s responses. 

Table E-1: Commenter Index

Commenter* Comment Issue Numbers

William Bringham 4, 12, 27, 31
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-2 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Table E-1: Commenter Index

Commenter* Comment Issue Numbers

Carlson Livestock Company 16, 19, 21, 30

Governor of Idaho 3

Friends of the Clearwater 7, 25, 26

Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation 1, 2, 5, 12

Idaho Wildlife Federation 1, 2, 5, 12, 13, 18

Idaho Department of Fish and Game 2, 8, 17

Idaho State Department of Agriculture 3, 8, 16, 28

Keith Lawrence 1, 5, 3, 8, 11, 16, 18, 22, 24, 28, 29

Nez Perce Tribe 5, 6, 12, 13, 16

Oregon Chapter, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep 1, 2, 5, 12, 13, 18

David Potter 14

The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League, and Hells 1, 2, 5, 12, 13

Canyon Preservation Council

Lorrie West 3, 9, 10, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 30, 32

Western Watersheds Project 5, 12

*Commenters are not listed if the BLM found that their submissions only included comments 

that did not require a direct response (e.g., comments expressing support or opposition to an 

alternative or components of alternatives). 

Of the 11,933 submissions, 11,909 were form letters/emails. These form letters had almost 

identical content expressing support for the proposed RMP amendment and did not include 

substantive comments. 

Comment Issues and Responses 

The comment issues and responses are organized by the section of the Draft RMP 

Amendment/SEIS to which the issue pertained. The description of the comment issues primarily 

uses the text from the submissions, but may include some minor changes for clarification or 

context. When multiple commenters raised the same issue, the description of the issue includes 

text from one or more of the submissions. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-3 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Section 1.3: Purpose and Need

Issue # Issue Description Response

1 The Purpose and Need (Page ES-1) for the decision says it is to provide RMP direction that includes "reasonable means 

to avoid or mitigate contact with bighorn sheep. The BLM does not present any analysis to support the concept that there 

is means to mitigate the impacts of disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep even though several have 

been tried throughout the region none have been determined to be effective. The "Purpose and Need" should be amended 

to incorporate the strategy found in 4.2.2.5, which is to establish separation sufficient to reduce the risk of contact and 

disease transmission to a very low frequency.

Which planning regulations that the BLM is citing requires a test of “reasonable means”. Please cite the basis of this test 

so I can understand how the test will be applied. The phrase “reasonable means” suggests a subjective judgment of some 

kind. The criteria for the subjective decision are not defined. It is not clear if the “reasonable means” is applied to the 

domestic sheep or to the bighorn sheep.

The analysis focus, which should relate to the purpose and need for this document, is to reduce the risk of contact 

between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep following a strategy of separation as outlined in section 4.2.2.5 on page 4-6. 

The Purpose and Need should be changed to link to the focus of the analysis.

The purpose and need statement should be to develop management actions that restore bighorn sheep populations to the 

Salmon River Canyon and Hells Canyon. As written, BLM is implying that bighorns will always play “second fiddle” to 

livestock grazing while the BLM searches for “reasonable...mitigation.” The BLM can’t “mitigate” extirpation of 

bighorns. The BLM needs to acknowledge, up front, that the preponderance of published research concludes that contact 

with domestic sheep results in large scale die-offs of bighorn sheep. That fact needs to drive BLM’s analysis, not some 

search for ways to be “reasonable” to the domestic producers. 

The BLM feels that mitigation is an important consideration. Item #1 in Appendix C (Domestic Sheep and Goats Grazing 

Lease Terms and Conditions), which calls for immediate removal of co-mingling bighorn sheep, is an example of 

mitigation considered in this analysis.

The term "reasonable means" has been removed from the purpose and need statement to eliminate ambiguity.

As stated in Section 1.2, this SEIS and RMP Amendment is a response to protests to the Proposed Cottonwood RMP 

(BLM, 2008), which were granted by the Director of the BLM. The granted protest issue specifically focuses on the range 

of alternatives for domestic sheep grazing for the four subject allotments with regard to potential disease transmission from

domestic to bighorn sheep. This is reiterated in the Planning Criteria (Section 1.5). Changes or additions to decisions in the 

Cottonwood RMP that were approved in the ROD (BLM 2009), including those regarding bighorn sheep (as outlined in 

Section 2.2), are not within the scope of this supplemental analysis.

Section 1.5: Planning Criteria

Issue # Issue Description Response

2 The RMP should provide direction that grazing allotments be limited to cattle/horses in all areas where there is potential 

for conflict between bighorns and domestic sheep or goats.

The BLM should incorporate the recommendations of the Nez Perce Tribe and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game 

(IDF&G) regarding supporting bighorn sheep restoration. It is important that the BLM recognizes that management 

designed to simply maintain the current bighorn sheep population is not sufficient. The goal should be, as the Nez Perce 

Tribe has stated, to restore bighorn sheep to historic habitats and densities across the Salmon and Hells Canyon areas. 

Bighorn sheep populations in the analysis area have not recovered from prior epidemics nearly two decades later. Simply 

removing the source of the infection has not been sufficient to restore the bighorn sheep resource in Hells Canyon. The 

BLM should change Wildlife Goal WS-1 and Objective WS-1.10 on page 2-1 to recognize a commitment to support and 

contribute to the restoration of bighorn sheep populations in the Salmon and Little Salmon River drainages through joint 

actions with the Nez Perce tribe and the IDF&G and the adjoining federal land managers. The current language is not 

sufficient as it limits the BLM actions to habitat and research.

The BLM agrees that this should be considered and it is another way of describing Alternative C. Under this alternative, 

domestic sheep use would not be allowed within any of the 4 subject allotments, which are the only domestic sheep 

allotments within the Cottonwood Field Office. These allotments would remain available for grazing of cattle or horses.

The Approved Cottonwood RMP (BLM 2009) already contains an action that prohibits the conversion of existing cattle or 

horse allotments to domestic sheep or goats where there is potential risk for disease transmission to bighorn sheep 

populations or affects the potential for bighorn sheep expansion into suitable habitats (see Section 2.2, page 2-1, Action 

WS-1.10.3).

As stated in Section 1.2, this SEIS and RMP Amendment is a response to protests to the Proposed Cottonwood RMP 

(BLM, 2008) that were granted by the Director of the BLM. The granted protest issue specifically focuses on the range of 

alternatives for domestic sheep grazing for the four subject allotments with regard to potential disease transmission from 

domestic to bighorn sheep. This is reiterated in the Planning Criteria (Section 1.5). Changes to decisions in the Cottonwood 

RMP that were approved in the ROD (BLM 2009), including those regarding bighorn sheep (as outlined in Section 2.2), 

are not within the scope of this supplemental analysis.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-4 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Section 1.9: Collaboration

Issue # Issue Description Response

3 It appears from the draft SEIS that the BLM has overlooked the important function the State of Idaho plays in wildlife 

management. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 instructs the BLM to develop land use 

plans through "harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources without permanent impairment of the 

productivity of the land and the quality of the environment with consideration being given to the relative values of the 

resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic return or the greatest unit 

output." FLPMA § 103(c) (43 USC§ 1702) (emphasis added). Idaho plays a critical role in managing wildlife within its 

borders. Unfortunately, BLM's interpretation and implementation of its authority ignores the State's role. I urge you to 

reconsider the process now underway. Idaho must have a seat at the table in developing a plan that attempts to address 

wildlife management issues. An appropriate balance must be struck between wildlife concerns and agricultural and rural 

interests. This can only be accomplished by working with State agency experts. 

The SEIS fails to identify any appropriate BLM authority to consider wildlife viability in its decision making process. 

References to an internal policy manual (Manual 6500, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (BLM 1988)) and an internal 

memorandum (BLM Idaho Instruction Memorandum 2011-004 (BLM 20 II b)) fails considerably short of identifying the 

necessary legal authority to take the actions described in the SEIS. More importantly, the species at issue in the SEIS, 

bighorn sheep, is governed, managed and controlled by the State of Idaho. The SEIS must be amended to identify the 

appropriate legal authorities supporting the actions proposed, specifically where the BLM has the authority to manage 

wildlife populations and disease transmission. Any final action should recognize the State of Idaho's overarching 

responsibility to manage bighorn sheep viability and respect the limits of BLM's jurisdiction as it relates to wildlife 

management. A new SEIS addressing the concerns sighted above should be developed with greater input from the State. 

In preparing the Final EIS, there is an opportunity to coordinate with other State agencies, such as the Idaho Department 

of Agriculture and Idaho Department of Lands.

The BLM agrees that the State has special expertise and jurisdiction regarding wildlife and management of adjacent State 

lands and resources. In June 2010, the BLM invited the IDFG and IDL to participate as cooperating agencies in the 

development of this SEIS. However, both agencies declined the invitation. Section 1.9 (Collaboration) has been modified 

to include this additional information.

As described in Section 1.9, the BLM coordinated with the IDFG regarding the Idaho Bighorn Sheep Management Plan 

(IDFG 2010) and participated in the WAFWA working group that developed the Recommendations for Domestic Sheep 

and Goat Management in Wild Sheep Habitat (WAFWA 2012). Both of these documents were considered and are 

referenced in the SEIS.

The BLM also worked with Carlson Livestock Company, IDFG, IDL, and Idaho ISDA to develop the “Strategy for 

Reducing Risk of Contact between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep in the Salmon River Area.” Although federal 

courts dismissed the strategy, lessons learned in this collaborative process have been incorporated into this SEIS. See 

sections 1.9 (Collaboration) and 3.4.2.1 (Livestock Grazing Existing Conditions) for more information about this strategy.

The comments submitted by State agencies and offices during the review of the DSEIS are formal means of involvement. 

The State will also have a formal opportunity to provide input during the Governor's consistency review of the Proposed 

RMP Amendment/Final SEIS.

Consideration of the effects of a proposed action (i.e., the potential effects of domestic sheep grazing on bighorn sheep 

populations) and development of alternatives to avoid or mitigate adverse effects is required by Federal Regulations for 

Implementing the Procedural Provision of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508). This was the 

basis for granting the protest point that resulted in the preparation of this SEIS, as described in Section 1.2 (Background). 

These regulations at 1500.2 specifically state: 

(e) Use the NEPA process to identify and assess the reasonable alternatives to proposed action that will avoid or minimize 

adverse effects of these actions upon the quality of the human environment.

(f) Use all practicable means, consistent with the requirements of the Act [NEPA] and other essential considerations of 

national policy, to restore and enhance the quality of the human environment and avoid or minimize any possible adverse 

effects of their actions upon the quality of the human environment.

The alternatives outlined in this document identify management options for domestic sheep grazing on BLM-administered 

public lands, considering the potential effects of disease transmission to bighorn sheep. The BLM's authority comes from 

the FLPMA and 43 CFR 4100.0-8, as described in Section 1.4 of the SEIS. The alternatives do not address management of 

bighorn sheep populations (see response to Issue 17). Also, FLPMA specifically identifies wildlife as one of the multiple 

resources for which the BLM must manage public lands.

Section 2.3: Description of the Alternatives

Issue # Issue Description Response

4 Tables E-2, page ES-3, and E-3, page ES-4: Comparing the grazing quality of the allotments by dividing AUM’s into 

acres, Big Creek is head and shoulders above the other three--acres/AUM is about 5, while the other three are in the 22-

24 acres/AUM. Five-acre country to me envisions lush meadows/riparian areas/pastures and gentle rolling country, while 

22-24 acre-country is run-of-the-mill sage brush/scattered grass, probably steeper. Is this how it is?

The general synopsis of the reason for widely varying acre/AUM values is correct. Forage allocations for each allotment 

are based upon a variety of factors including productivity (lbs. forage produced/acre), vegetation types, topography 

(steepness), availability (can the animals get to the forage), amount of rock, etc. Big Creek Allotment is near New 

Meadows, Idaho and is of relatively gentle topography and high productivity. Therefore, fewer acres are needed to produce 

the forage for an AUM. In contrast, Partridge Creek is of lower productivity (generally dryer and less productive plant 

community), has more rock (no forage production) and is steeper, resulting in less access by the animals. Therefore, there 

are more acres required to produce the necessary forage for an AUM.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-5 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Issue # Issue Description Response

5 BMPs are included in the management direction of the preferred alternative, but, even the analysis recognizes that there 

is no conclusive evidence to support whether they are effective. Bighorn sheep experts from Service and ODFW have 

submitted previous testimony in federal court rejecting BMPs as a viable disease management tool in steep, rugged 

terrain such as the Salmon and Snake River canyon countries. In a 2009 opinion enjoining DS grazing on the Partridge 

Creek allotment, Judge Winmill expressly rejected, as "meaningless and irrelevant" and without scientific basis, an Idaho 

state law requiring that BMPs voluntarily adopted by the domestic sheep producer will result in the reduction of the risk 

of disease transmission to an acceptable level for bhs viability."

Further, the BLM analysis does not contain recognition the BLM and the IDF&G, with the support of others, has entered 

into agreement with the Carlson Livestock Company to implement BMPs designed to maintain separation between 

domestic sheep and bighorn sheep at Partridge Creek. The analysis does not acknowledge that contact was reported (the 

BMPs failed to maintain separation) within a month of implementation. Commenter recommends the results of the tests 

on the domestic sheep associated with the BMP failure should be included in the analysis, and suggests the following 

amendments to the BMP analysis:

1. The BLM revise the BMP discussion to clearly state BMPs will not be used in or adjacent to bighorn sheep 

habitat.

2. References to the relative effectiveness of the BMPs should be deleted as the available analysis does not ascribe 

a value or effectiveness for any single or collection of BMPs.

3. The BMPs do not have any documented level of effectiveness.

4. The BMPs, in their current configuration have been reviewed in federal court and found to not be supported by 

science or scientific analysis.

5. The BMPs will be used, simply as sound management practices, without reference to their effectiveness, on any 

allotments where domestic sheep grazing is allowed. Further, the domestic sheep grazing will be restricted to 

areas where there is no bighorn sheep habitat and the allotment is buffered from when there is a buffer between 

active domestic sheep allotments and Core Herd Home Ranges for bighorn sheep.

The proposed Separation Response Plan (Plan) is a good first step, but does not go far enough. The Plan as described 

might address short-term emergencies when separation has failed, but it does not provide a mechanism for a long-term 

resolution to failed separation situations. As an example, Lease and Condition number 1 requires the immediate removal 

of any co-mingling bighorn sheep. This action may prevent spread of disease, but does not address a long-term solution 

for regaining and maintaining separation.

Change language "However, stipulating BMPs as terms and conditions for the authorization of domestic sheep grazing 

will be expected to have varying levels of effectiveness ... " to /(Including terms and conditions for the authorization of 

domestic sheep grazing are not intended to reduce the potential of risk of contact or provide separation and will have 

varying levels of effectiveness ... "; or similar. May also add /(Lease terms and conditions are helpful to coordinate 

domestic sheep grazing management and implement and coordinate Separation Response Plan actions between the 

permittee, BLM, and IDFG" or similar. Also provide for BLM presence to verify allotment on and off counts at 

beginning and end of grazing season and require herders to maintain daily log books. Lastly, eliminate the use of the term 

"BMP" in "Analytical Assumptions" section of the DSEIS.

The BLM acknowledges that BMPs are not effective in providing separation between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep 

when allotments overlap with CHHRs or when allotments are in close proximity to CHHRs. The FSEIS, Section 4.2.2.5, 

specifically identifies that no known studies, research, or peer reviewed literature has documented the effectiveness of 

BMPs from preventing contact and disease transmission when domestic sheep or goats graze within or adjacent to occupied 

bighorn sheep habitats. In addition, refer to Section 2.4 Alternatives Considered But Eliminated From Detailed Study, and 

Section 2.4.6, Alternative L - Allow Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing on All Allotments with Leasing Terms and 

Conditions to Reduce Potential Interspecies Contact. Alternative L was eliminated because it would not provide effective 

separation when allotments are overlapping with CHHRS or in close proximity to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. The 

FSEIS analysis identifies that there is no conclusive evidence to support the effectiveness of BMPs for providing 

interspecies separation and no claim to such has been made in the document. The Separation Response Plan addresses short 

term emergencies regarding interspecies contact and the FSEIS was updated to clarify that the separation response plan is 

not intended to address long-term maintenance of separation between domestic sheep and goats and bighorn sheep (Section 

2.3.1). 

Updates to the FSEIS will further clarify that terms and conditions (required BMPs) identified in Appendix C and a 

Separation Response Plan identified in Section 2.3.1 are simply additional good management practices and are not meant to 

replace effective interspecies separation (spatial and temporal). The FSEIS identifies that no effectiveness will be attributed 

to the use of BMPs for providing adequate separation or preventing interspecies contact when domestic sheep or goats 

graze in proximity to occupied bighorn sheep habitats. 

The FSEIS does not identify anywhere that the cooperative Strategy for Reducing Risk of Contact Between Bighorn Sheep 

and Domestic Sheep in The Salmon River Area (2009) provides effective separation to reduce potential for interspecies 

contact and is not proposing such under any alternative. The above referenced strategy was specific to the Partridge Creek 

and Marshall Mountain Allotments only and is no longer in effect. The FSEIS is not proposing to use BMPs in or adjacent 

to bighorn sheep habitat and does not say that this would provide effective separation. The 2009 bighorn sheep ram 

encounter with domestic sheep on private lands occurred on the north side of the Salmon River (private lands) and did not 

occur in the Partridge Creek or Marshall Mountain Allotments. The FSEIS was updated to include a brief summary of the 

interspecies encounter which occurred between a collared bighorn sheep ram and domestic sheep occurring on private 

lands located on the north side of Salmon River (see Section 3.2.2.2, Disease History of Salmon River Metapopulation). In 

the FSEIS reference to BMPs and analysis was removed from Section 4.1.1 Analytical Assumptions.

6 The proposed Separation Response Plan (Plan) is a good first step, but it is important the BLM adopt an adaptive 

management approach incorporating regular reassessments of risk of contact to insure long-term separation in response to 

changing bighorn sheep numbers and distribution and domestic sheep movements and management through time. 

Incorporate a mechanism into the Separation Response Plan to automatic re-asses risk of contact whenever actions are 

needed to provide for separation (e.g., the plan is triggered) and/or separation has failed and/or bighorn and domestic 

sheep are sighted within close proximity. The purpose of ongoing risk assessments should be to evaluate if long-term 

changes in domestic sheep grazing management are warranted to maintain long-term effective separation.

Section 2.3.1 Common to All Alternatives, does identify that the Separation Response Plan that would be prepared for any 

authorized domestic sheep grazing provide for adaptive management regarding updated bighorn sheep distribution and 

population information. The FSEIS now includes the requirement to reassess the risk of contact when additional separation 

actions are needed, separation has failed, and when bighorn sheep and domestic sheep are in close proximity (see Section 

2.3.1, Separation Response Plan and Adaptive Management). Updates in the FSEIS to the Separation Response Plan are 

now included that identify that reassessment of risk of contact would occur when bighorn sheep or domestic sheep are 

observed in close proximity (e.g., within allotment boundary or within one-mile of allotment) or bighorn sheep distribution 

and CHHRs have changed (i.e., expanded).

7 No alternative would close the allotments to grazing by any domestic livestock. Cattle can also carry vectors that affect 

bighorn sheep, though they don’t appear to have the same negative impacts as domestic sheep. As such, the range of 

alternative could have been improved.

See discussion in Section 2.4.9. In response to this comment, the BLM considered an alternative that would close all four 

allotments to all types of livestock grazing. However, this alternative was eliminated from detailed analysis because it 

would have essentially the same effects as Alternative C. Alternative C would prohibit domestic sheep grazing on all four 

allotments, but make them available for other types of livestock. Use of the allotments by other livestock would not change 

the effects analysis, which focuses on transmission of disease from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. Effects of cattle on 

bighorn sheep were not part of the protest issue addressed in this SEIS.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-6 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Section 2.4: Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Detailed Study

Issue # Issue Description Response

8 Eliminating grazing on BLM allotments often times does not result in separation of domestic sheep and bighorn sheep. 

That appears to be the case in this instance given the private and state lands in the area. A critical component to the 

bighorn sheep viability analysis is where displaced sheep and goats will go following the allotment closures. Page 3-37 

discusses the Partridge Creek Allotment closure and states that Carlson Livestock Company may still graze sheep on 

their private land and on permitted Idaho Department of Lands, both of which adjoin the Partridge Creek Allotment. This 

would also hold true for the other allotments discussed in the document. This is an important reason for BLM to make 

alternative allotments available to displaced sheep on public lands prior to closing these allotments. If the displaced sheep

are moved to private and state lands adjoining the Partridge Creek Allotment (and the same for other allotments in the 

document) the preferred alternative accomplishes nothing other than to displace producers and deprive them of grazing 

opportunities. The possibility of domestic sheep and bighorn sheep interactions may still occur on the state lands and the 

private lands. This very issue underscores the necessity for the BLM to collaborate with appropriate state agencies to find 

effective solutions.

If, after consultation with the State, the BLM chooses to close or modify an allotment, an alternative allotment should be 

identified and made available to displaced permittees that provide the equivalent AUMs. Preferably, such analysis would 

be completed prior to a decision on the RMP amendment, would exchange cattle/horse AUMs for domestic sheep AUMs, 

and would provide domestic sheep grazing in areas with no potential for risk of contact with bighorn sheep. Additionally, 

an effort to convert sheep allotments to cattle and/or horse allotments should be made where practicable. 

The FSEIS Section 4.2.4, assesses the cumulative effects that could continue to occur from domestic sheep grazing on 

private and/or State lands even if domestic sheep grazing is not allowed on adjacent BLM allotments. The FSEIS analysis 

concluded that complete interspecies separation would not occur when private and State land domestic sheep grazing 

continues when such areas were in similar proximity or overlapped with CHHRs.

In response to this comment, the BLM considered an additional alternative that would call for no net loss of domestic sheep 

grazing AUMs. However, this alternative (Alternative M) was eliminated from detailed study because it is not feasible (see 

Section 2.4).

 

9 The BLM does not propose any alternatives with action(s) other than closing one or all of the four allotments historically 

available and used for grazing by domestic sheep. Except for Alternative A (No Action), the RMP Amendment 

alternatives all propose to (significantly) reduce the acres available for grazing by sheep. The Draft SEIS fails to include 

any consideration of any action(s) that emphasize the Balanced Resource Protection and Use approach of the selected 

Alternative B from the Cottonwood RMP/Final EIS, and does not consider any actions to meet the Increased Resource 

Production/Decreased Resource Protection approach of Alternative D. To develop a reasonable range of alternatives, the 

BLM must consider measures, in consultation with the affected Lessee (Carlson Livestock Company or Soulen Livestock 

Company), measures to mitigate the direct effects of the proposed grazing closures to their sheep ranching operations.

The ‘collaborative scoping’ process used by the BLM appears to have excluded affected livestock interests, despite BLM 

NEPA, land-use planning, and grazing administration policies that explicitly require their involvement. There is no 

evidence that the development of the alternatives included any coordination with the affected Lessees of the allotments 

(Carlson Livestock Company and Soulen Livestock Company), as required by NEPA and BLM’s regulations for the 

administration of livestock grazing (43 CFR part 4100). 

In addition to the action alternatives, the BLM considered 5 other alternatives for managing domestic sheep grazing that 

were eliminated from detailed analysis for reasons stated in Section 2.4 (pages 2-5 to 2-7).

The FSEIS only addresses the granted protest point/issue. The themes (i.e., balanced protection and use, or increased 

production) for the alternatives in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS are not practical for addressing this issue. Alternatives B, 

D, E, and F for the plan amendment are all variations of balanced resource protection and use, and increased production 

would not address the issue.

Although not specifically identified as a mitigation measure, the continued allocation of the allotments and forage for 

grazing by livestock other than domestic sheep or goats is a means of mitigating the impact to the livestock industry and

lessees.

Collaboration describes a wide range of external and internal working relationships. See changes to Section 1.9 

(Collaboration) for additional information regarding previous coordination with the lessees, the State of Idaho, and other 

stakeholders.

10 BLM Idaho has not considered designating the bighorn sheep as a “BLM Special Status Species” as was done by the 

Forest Service, and has been requested by the Nez Perce Tribe. See discussion for eliminating Alternative K (Draft SEIS, 

section 2.4.6, page 2-7).

As described in Section 2.4.5 (page 2-7), designation of special status species is not within the scope of an RMP 

amendment or this analysis. However, through a separate review and approval process the BLM has updated the BLM 

Idaho Sensitive Species list and designated the bighorn sheep as a BLM sensitive species (Section 2.4.5).

11 During a public meeting Mr. Carlson suggested he would reserve the area above French Creek on the Salmon and its 

tributaries for bighorn sheep and reserve the area below French Creek for domestic sheep; a concept referred to as 

"zoning". This concept creates zones where the bighorn sheep are free to roam and areas where they would not be 

allowed to remain. To create the zone for the domestic sheep you would need to remove bighorn sheep. I suggest the 

BLM not consider zoning as a management style for this area. If the BLM does consider zoning further I believe you 

would need to re-analyze the threat to viability of decreasing the population of bighorn sheep in the area to make room 

for domestic sheep grazing. Based on the collective experience of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Nez Perce 

Tribe and the Bureau of Land Management, "Zoning" has already been tried on the Salmon River and failed. 

The FSEIS specifically addresses domestic sheep or goat grazing on the four BLM sheep allotments. The BLM considered 

an alternative (Alternative N) that would create zones, but eliminated it from further study because this is beyond the scope

of this FSEIS (see Section 2.4.8). The cumulative effects analysis (Section 4.4.4) addresses domestic sheep and goat 

grazing occurring on Forest Service, State, and private lands within the analysis area and potential contact effects to 

bighorn sheep herds.
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-7 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

3.2: Affected Environment – Bighorn Sheep

Issue # Issue Description Response

12 There is no scientific evidence to support the assumptions behind the use of 8% as a threshold for acceptable risk of

contact. If this threshold is used in this analysis, then it may set a precedent for other BLM offices to use when analyzing 

similar situations in other areas. Basically the PNF analysis is more conservative than the BLM. In fact the BLM 8% risk 

for a herd level contact yearly is double that recommended in the PNF ROD. An 8% annual risk of contact is too great to 

consistently assure effective separation across a broad range of conditions; underlying analysis assumptions are not based 

in science; no distinction is made between landscape- and herd-level risks. The BLM repeatedly stated population 

recovery is unlikely should a bighorn population suffer a disease outbreak more frequently than once every 50 years, but 

did not reference this statement in the scientific literature or provide another explanation for the bases of this statement.

The BLM recognized a lack of scientific data to accurately estimate the probability of an outbreak given contact. 

Regardless, the BLM assumed a 0.05, 0.25, and 1.0 probability of an outbreak given contact as low, moderate, and high 

respectively and adopted the moderate (0.25 or 1 in 4 contacts leads to disease outbreak) probability for purposes of 

analysis and Contact Tool interpretation. Justification for choosing this value and skewed "moderate" category appears to 

be that these values are based on the same assumptions made by the Payette National Forest (PNF) in their 2010 Record 

of Decision.

It is acknowledged that there is no scientific evidence to support a specific value for acceptable risk-of-contact and disease 

outbreak which is identified in the FSEIS. The model does follow well-documented and peer reviewed protocols and 

logical processes, the results should be viewed as a means of comparing the relative risks of disease outbreaks occurring 

from the various alternatives, not as definitive values. Results of the model support the current knowledge and 

characteristics of the bighorn sheep herds and the science based on the understanding of disease outbreaks potentially 

occurring from contact of a bighorn sheep with an allotment used for domestic sheep grazing. Because of the uncertainty 

regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with such an allotment will lead to disease outbreak within a 

population, modelers evaluated the analytical assumption of disease outbreak occurring based on bighorn sheep contacts 

with an allotment and potential for disease outbreak within a 50-year period. The values evaluated ranged from 0.05 (1 in 

20 contacts would result in a disease outbreak) to 1.00 (every contact would result in a disease outbreak).

Chapters 3 and 4, and Appendix B now include additional information addressing the level of uncertainty surrounding the 

probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with an allotment will result in disease outbreak. The previous assumption 

regarding a threshold has been deleted and is not considered in the effects analysis or comparison of alternatives in the 

FSEIS. 

13 Risk of Contact does not incorporate the movements of stray domestic sheep upon the risk of Contact. The BLM 

recognizes that the Risk of Contact analysis is based upon the movements of bighorn sheep towards domestic sheep. The 

additional risk of domestic sheep straying off the allotment and moving toward bighorn sheep is not evaluated. The Idaho 

Wildlife Federation recommendation is: a) The BLM should enter into an agreement with the Payette National Forest to 

fund a joint effort to identify domestic sheep straying patterns, distances and circumstances to be able to incorporate the 

risk of domestic straying into the risk of contact model. b) The BLM, when considering what risk of contact is 

acceptable, must consider the risk of contact model actually underestimates the risk of contact because the straying of 

domestic sheep is not considered in the model. The Contact Tool should, at a minimum, be updated to include a stray 

domestic sheep element to better account for the increased risk of contact posed by stray domestic sheep.

This comment is correct. The Risk of Contact Tool does not model movements of stray domestic sheep or contacts with 

bighorn sheep. Section 3.2.2.6 (Risk of Interspecies Contact and Straying of Domestic Sheep from Grazing Allotments and 

While Trailing) provides a discussion of the risks associated with straying domestic sheep and potential contacts with 

bighorn sheep. Sections 3.2.2.6 and 4.2.2.4 contain updated information regarding the fact that underestimates of 

interspecies contact exist because straying is not modeled for domestic sheep and needs to be considered when comparing 

and evaluating alternatives. Effective separation (spatial and temporal) is the primary BMP to reduce potential for 

interspecies contact; however, several other BMPs do provide for additional reduced risks from straying when effective 

separation is occurring.

The BLM also acknowledges that additional research and studies regarding the potential straying of domestic sheep would 

provide additional data for comparison of alternatives. Research conducted would need to be specific to varying terrain, 

vegetation, season of use, and allotments proximity to bighorn sheep CHHR. Updating the Risk of Contact model to 

address straying with science based research data, peer review, and validation for the FSEIS would be beyond the scope of 

this analysis; however, as noted above, risk of straying will be considered when evaluating alternatives.

14 It was common knowledge that domestic sheep were death on wild sheep because domestic sheep infected 

with lungworms. Wild sheep became infected and many [most?] died from it.

water sources The FSEIS includes a summary of diseases and parasites that may be transmitted from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. 

Current research has identified respiratory disease resulting in pneumonia is the most serious disease at a population level 

when bighorn sheep share ranges with domestic sheep. Additional discussion regarding lungworms and earlier research 

hypothesizing that lungworms predisposed bighorn sheep to pneumonia is included in the FSEIS (see Appendix A, Other 

Factors/Stressors).

15 Protection of the Salmon River herd would likely be enhanced using the telemetry data collected since 2009 as part of the 

cooperative study with the Nez Perce Tribe, IDFG, Forest Service and BLM, and by limiting grazing of domestic sheep 

at times when bighorns are not likely to be using habitat outside of the core herd home range.

The FSEIS considers Salmon River bighorn sheep telemetry data collected since 2008 as part of the cooperative study with 

the Nez Perce Tribe, IDFG, Forest Service, and BLM. The FSEIS includes an analysis of bighorn sheep forays occurring 

outside of CHHRs for summer and winter use periods. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-8 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Issue # Issue Description Response

16 The BLM uses the following statements and language throughout the SEIS: "assumption(s)" used 31 times; the document 

states numerous times that "disease transmission has potentially contributed to declines; is a possible contributing factor: 

may have been caused by disease; there is limited knowledge of transmission dynamics; it is assumed: the literature 

includes circumstantial evidence linking bighorn die offs in the wild to contact with domestic animals; a high degree of 

uncertainty exists regarding the probability that contact of a bighorn sheep with an allotment will lead to disease outbreak 

occurring within a herd; BLM relied on assumptions: and BLM recognizes the uncertainty regarding the relationship 

between the number of bighorn sheep contacts with a domestic sheep allotment and predictions for disease transmission 

and outbreaks." With the above statements based on no hard or conclusive science concerning this issue, how does the 

BLM arrive at their preferred alternative? Making a decision based on such speculation, circumstantial evidence and 

uncertainty as identified in this draft document will result in severe impacts to Idaho sheep producers. These uncertainties 

as identified in the above paragraph and throughout the Draft Cottonwood Resource Management Plan Amendment are 

being used as the basis for proposing to close three out of four allotments to domestic sheep grazing. Ironically, it was the 

uncertainty of the effectiveness of separation Best Management Practices (BMPs) the BLM relied on to dismiss BMPs as 

a management option.

The document should not discount disease transmission in the wild. This is contrary to the wider body of scientific 

literature, expert opinion, and management recommendations for separation. Suggest strengthening pertinent sections to 

more accurately reflect current state of knowledge. The tribe knows of no science that indicates disease transmission does 

not occur in the wild or that transmission rates are different than those documented through scientific studies in penned 

experiments. A substantive body of scientific evidence suggests transmission does occur in the wild and no evidence that 

transmission rates would be substantively different than those documented in penned experiments.

No science or research proves with certainty that interspecies disease transmission does not occur in the wild. No known 

published reports could be found that document fenced or free-ranging bighorn sheep herds remaining healthy when living 

directly with domestic sheep herds. The FSEIS cites pertinent controlled experiments and disease-caused mortality events 

that have been recorded in wild populations of bighorn sheep immediately after contact with domestic sheep (see Appendix 

A). Current science supports that the most viable management option is to provide for spatial and temporal separation 

between domestic sheep allotments and wild sheep habitat. The FSEIS recognized that uncertainty does exist regarding the 

probability that a specific contact event will result in a disease outbreak.

The FSEIS includes additional analysis, current science, and documentation to support that conclusion that spatial and 

temporal separation between domestic sheep and domestic sheep allotments is the preferred management option (Section 

3.2.2.3. Disease Transmission; Appendix A).

The BLM does not discount that disease transmission can occur in the wild (see Appendix A). Additional supporting 

discussion has also been included in the FSEIS to support that disease transmission can occur in the wild (see Appendix A).

17 The Payette National Forest and BLM’s analysis both appear to treat the four animals observed in the Little Salmon Area 

of Concern as a herd, with a core herd home range. Thus, effects based on the distance of the allotment to the Little 

Salmon core herd home range are exaggerated, especially for the Hard Creek Allotment. The Hard Creek Allotment has 

been identified in the Draft SEIS as an area of relatively high risk of contact between domestic sheep and wild sheep in 

the Little Salmon area (1.0+ contacts/year) even though the allotment falls outside of IDFG’s identified bighorn sheep 

distribution polygon (IDFG 2010). The BLM model identified both summer and winter bighorn sheep core-herd-homeranges within the Hard Creek Allotment based on relatively few data points. IDFG assumes these data points originate 

from one yearling ram and one ewe that were seen in the area in 2010. The ram was known to have made contact with 

domestic goats and was subsequently dispatched in accordance with Idaho’s separation strategy (IDFG and ISDA 2008). 

The ewe was seen again in 2012 and was inadvertently killed when IDFG staff attempted to radio-collar the ewe. The 

Draft SEIS also identified both summer and winter source habitats within the allotment. IDFG staff have recognized the 

Little Salmon area as a potential dispersal corridor for bighorn sheep based on bighorn sheep sightings and available 

habitat. Additionally, IDFG biologists believe it is reasonable to anticipate rare and infrequent bighorn sheep movements 

through the area. However, because of the lack of an established herd, limited amount of suitable habitat, including the 

presence of private land, and the exclusion of the area as actively managed for bighorn sheep under the State 

Management Plan (IDFG 2010), we request the BLM work with IDFG on the analysis for the Final SEIS to include the 

likelihood of additional bighorn sheep forays or dispersal in the Little Salmon area and whether such forays or dispersal 

are atypical movements or indicative of normal bighorn sheep range.

The FSEIS acknowledges that consideration of the Little Salmon Area of Concern is based on relatively few incidental 

sightings of bighorn sheep that have occurred over the past five years, and that neither telemetry data nor observations exist 

to document that there is an established herd in the area. However, because a domestic sheep allotment (Hard Creek) 

occurs in proximity to recent incidental sightings further analysis regarding potential for bighorn sheep and domestic sheep 

contact was needed. Updates to the FSEIS include additional characterization of the Little Salmon Area of Concern in 

regards to limited suitable habitats, lack of established herd, IDFG management direction for area, and the likelihood of 

bighorn sheep dispersal or foray movements within the area (see Section 3.2.2.1, Analysis Area, Little Salmon Area of 

Concern). Where appropriate, the FSEIS includes additional clarification in discussions, analysis, and maps to distinguish 

the differences between the Area of Concern and CHHRs. The FSEIS includes updated analysis for the Little Salmon Area 

of concern, particularly in regards to the fact that no CHHR has been documented as occurring in the area and predicted 

bighorn sheep contacts with the Hard Creek allotment when the area is grazed (see Section 4.2.3 Effects of Alternatives).

18 A final report regarding the results on the testing of the domestic sheep, done by the IDF&G, pursuant to the terms of the 

Agreement the BLM entered into with Mr. Carlson in April 2009, should be discussed. It is important to recognize what a 

potential contact or prolonged contact could have yielded if the contact had not been observed and promptly reported. 

The 2009 agreement requires testing of the domestic sheep involved in the contact when they can be identified and the 

bighorn sheep remained on the landscape. Please include the report in the FSEIS.

The 2009 cooperative Strategy for Reducing Risk of Contact Between Bighorn Sheep and Domestic Sheep in The Salmon 

River Area was specific to the Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain allotments located on the south side of the Salmon 

River and is no longer in effect. The 2009 bighorn sheep ram encounter with domestic sheep occurred on the north side of 

the Salmon River on private lands in the vicinity of Allison Creek. The FSEIS has been updated to include a brief summary 

of the interspecies encounter which occurred between a collared bighorn sheep ram and domestic sheep occurring on 

private lands located on the north side of Salmon River (see Section 3.2.2.2, page 3-10, Disease History of Salmon River 

Metapopulation).

19 Why doesn't the BLM’s analysis focus on protecting the Salmon River herd? The analysis area for bighorns in your SEIS 

should not have included the Snake River’s population because the Main Salmon River populations are native genetic 

stock.

The FSEIS recognizes the importance of the Salmon River native bighorn sheep and does focus on protecting the Salmon 

River population as exemplified in alternative development (see FSEIS, Section 2.3, Descriptions of the Alternatives). The 

analysis further recognizes the importance of the Salmon River native bighorn sheep populations in Section 3.2.2.1, 

Analysis Area. However, bighorn sheep forays into the BLM allotments from the Snake River populations may also occur 

and these herds were therefore included in the analysis. The two allotments that occur in the Little Salmon River drainage 

are closer to some of the Snake River bighorn sheep populations than the Salmon River population, consequently, it was 

critical to the analysis to include these populations (see FSEIS, Table 3-3, page 3-13). 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-9 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Issue # Issue Description Response

20 It is unclear if the BLM has ‘adopted’ the mapping of ‘suitable habitat’ of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife 

Agency, or their guidelines incorporated within the Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game, 2010).

We assume that reference to “suitable habitats” was referring to “occupied habitats” as mapped by Western Association of 

Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The mapping of "occupied habitat" by Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 

provides a large scale portrayal of bighorn sheep occupied habitat and metapopulations occurring within the analysis area, 

and is presented in Map 1. See Affected Environment – Section 3.2.2.1 for further clarification about habitats. Criteria for 

documentation of suitable summer and winter bighorn sheep source habitats are documented in the FSEIS (see Section 

3.2.2.5). Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agency guidelines are referenced and acknowledged in the FSEIS, but 

the BLM has not formally adopted them (see Chapter 1, Section 1.9 Collaboration). The BLM would collaborate with 

IDFG in accordance with the Idaho Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (IDFG 2010) to reduce potential for inter-species 

contact on any allotment(s) as appropriate where domestic sheep grazing would occur.

21 Why did the BLM base their decision to stop sheep grazing using the Payette analysis of assumptions? The Payette 

analysis used assumptions that may or may not be valid in issuing BLM’s decision to close their allotments. The Payette 

model was designed to address the viability of the transplanted Hells Canyon herds. Limited information for the Salmon 

River population was to be supplemented with BLM’s use of the model. The Payette analysis used assumptions that may 

or may not be valid, or appropriate, in issuing BLM’s decision to close their allotments.

The BLM used modeling to determine the impacts from domestic sheep grazing on BLM lands to bighorn sheep 

populations, similar to the Payette National Forest. Analysis and consideration of such impacts is required by the NEPA. 

The analysis and assumptions used in the FSEIS and the peer reviewed modeling were valid tools for the BLM to use in 

conducting analysis of the potential risk of bighorn sheep contacting active BLM domestic sheep allotments (see Executive 

Summary, Affected Environment, page ES-5). The models used for the FSEIS along with background information and the 

user’s guide are included in the Bighorn Sheep Risk of Contact Tool Users Guide (USFS 2013a). Methods provided by the 

referenced Risk of Contact Tool provide land managers a framework for addressing and calculating the probability and 

rates of contact between bighorn sheep and domestic sheep allotments and potential for disease transmission; and 

subsequent development of bighorn sheep conservation measures (USFS 2013a). The FSEIS includes updated peer 

reviewed literature citations to provide additional validity to the analytical assessment conducted for the four BLM 

domestic sheep allotments (O’Brien et al. 2014; Carpenter et al. 2014).

22 There is documentation about bighorn sheep populations and domestic sheep grazing during early post-European 

settlement that was not included in the affected environment. The BLM analysis does not include a complete 

documentation of references regarding the historic presence and human use of bighorn sheep. Information could be 

obtained from other federal agencies or local historians. Henry Spalding's diary of his work at the Mission near the mouth 

of Lawpai Creek documents the presence of domestic sheep in Idaho in 1839. These diaries document the Spaldings did 

not arrive with domestic sheep but they later acquired some in the late 1830s. Where the domestic sheep were grazed is 

not well documented, but since the diaries talk about the losses of domestic sheep to dogs and wolves and how Henry 

Spalding ran out of his house at night to kill wolves attacking the sheep, it is assumed they spent a lot of time near the 

mouth of Lapwai Creek. These diaries document the early presence of domestic sheep in Idaho.

The document does not include a complete documentation of pre-European bighorn sheep presence or importance to 

tribes. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has archeological information regarding Nez Perce use of bighorn sheep in 

Hells Canyon. The band of Native Americans known as the Sheepeaters were believed to be heavily reliant on bighorn 

sheep. They lived upriver but adjacent to the area analyzed. Being reliant on a resource usually indicates it is available in

quantity over a long period of time to meet the needs of the people reliant on the resource. 

Complete historical documentation of bighorn sheep die-offs needs to be included. There are also documented sitings of 

bighorn sheep and contacts between domestic and bighorn sheep that are missing but should also be included. Dr. Dale 

Toweill documents there were die-offs of bighorn sheep when domestic sheep were introduced in Idaho. It may be 

possible that the bighorn sheep were exposed to pneumonia when domestic sheep were introduced to the area and then 

died in large numbers, all before the Carlson family oral history begins.

Chapter 3 of the FSEIS (Section 3.2.2.2, Historical Context) does include documentation regarding pre- and post-European 

settlement and bighorn sheep in Idaho. Chapter 3, Section 3.3 Native American Tribal Uses also summarizes the 

importance of bighorn sheep to Native American Tribal Uses. Chapter 3, Section 3.2.2.2, Historical Context, and Section 

3.2.2.3, Disease Transmission, does include a summary of bighorn sheep die-offs and disease transmission for the analysis 

area and Idaho. The FSEIS also includes additional documentation regarding pre-European settlement bighorn sheep 

information, pertinent archeological information, and importance to Native American tribes not previously included in the 

DSEIS (see Section 3.2.2.2 Historical Context).

23 The Salmon River bighorn sheep populations are significant due to their native status; there have been no introduction of 

non-native bighorn sheep in this area. The bighorn sheep resource in the Salmon River above Riggins is a significant 

portion of the total population of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Idaho. The data obtained and summarized by the 

Nez Perce Tribe, based on reports/presentations and summaries I have seen, indicates the bighorn sheep, although 

segregated into smaller groups outside the breeding season, stay in contact with adjoining groups through the year. The 

combined factors of contiguous habitat and the small groups of animals in contact with each other means the 

consequences of a domestic sheep transmitting disease to the bighorn sheep should be expected to affect the entire 

population of bighorn sheep. The bighorn sheep resource that could be potentially affected is significant in terms of the 

total population in Idaho. There has not been any bighorn sheep transplanted into the area between Riggins upstream 

nearly to Corn Creek. Thus this population of bighorn sheep could be a unique resource genetically. It has been 

documented bighorn sheep are resident to the area, are more abundant than has been documented by IDF&G trend 

surveys and are a unique resource among bighorn sheep herds in the state since they were never extirpated and never 

mixed with animals from other locations such as with transplanted animals.

The FSEIS, Section 3.2.2.1, Analysis Area, Salmon River Metapopulation, discusses the significance of the native Salmon 

River bighorn sheep population and interconnectivity of the subpopulations. Because of the interconnectivity of the 

subpopulations, the FSEIS identifies the associated risks with the spread of disease between bighorn sheep local 

populations. 

The FSEIS also includes additional information regarding bighorn sheep connectivity and potential for disease spread for 

the Salmon River population that was not included in the DSEIS (see Section 3.2.2.1 Salmon River Metapopulation). 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-10 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Issue # Issue Description Response

24 The document needs to include more specific information regarding risks of contact between domestic sheep and bighorn 

sheep specific to the Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain Allotments which occur in the Salmon River drainage. A 

higher risk is associated with the Partridge Creek allotment because of the close proximity of the Partridge Creek 

allotment to known bighorn sheep on the north side of the river and documented occurrences of bighorn sheep on the 

south side of the river within the allotment. Areas used by domestic sheep in the Partridge Creek allotment should receive 

increased awareness and monitoring for potential interaction with bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep may swim the river or 

cross bridges to the south side. Stray domestic sheep may cross the Salmon River to the north side, where potential for 

interaction with bighorn sheep would increase. Grazing management actions for domestic sheep on the south side of the 

river (Partridge Creek allotment) that minimize time grazed in close proximity to the Salmon River and increase distance 

from the Salmon River may reduce risk of contact between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep. Recent bighorn sheep 

occurrences along the Salmon River have been documented approximately 2.5 air miles north from areas authorized for 

domestic sheep grazing in the Marshall Mountain allotment.

The BLM believes that the information regarding specific risks associated the Partridge Creek and Marshall Mountain 

allotments and proximity of these domestic sheep grazing allotments to Salmon River/South Fork herds within the Salmon 

River drainage, in the FSEIS Chapter 3, Section 3.2 Bighorn Sheep; and Chapter 4, Section 4.2, sufficiently supports our 

analysis. 

The FSEIS also includes additional analysis information regarding bighorn sheep risks associated with contacting an 

allotment and risks from domestic sheep straying that are specific to the four analysis domestic sheep allotments that was 

not in the DSEIS (see Sections 3.2.2.1, 4.2.2.3 and 4.2.2.4.

25 Most scientists no longer recognize the California sheep as a subspecies. There is a distinct subspecies in the southern 

Sierra, but those were not the sheep reintroduced into southwest Idaho. The old California subspecies is now generally 

regarded as the same as the Rocky Mountain subspecies.

Reference to the California subspecies in this document is related to IDFG management direction for bighorn sheep statewide. Southwest Idaho is outside of the analysis area, therefor, clarification about recognition of that subspecies is not 

relevant to this analysis.

26 The analysis also indicates, regarding sheep ranching:

“Of note is the intimate culture that surrounds the sheep industry, which is attributable to values such as hard work, 

tradition, and a love for the animals and the land. These values are emphasized and cultivated in area events such as 

county fairs, where 4-H and Future Farmers of America programs contribute to youth education and a sense of 

community identity. In History of the State of Idaho, Cornelius Brosnan states that, "Idaho has become one of the greatest 

wool-producing States, but has long been noted for its mutton" (Brosnan 1918).

This is hardly a scientific analysis but comes across as more of the agency's value judgment regarding sheep ranchers. 

Does the BLM mean to imply that somehow sheep ranchers are more virtuous than other citizens and cultures including 

the Nez Perce? These kind of value-laden and biased attributions detract from the integrity of the analysis, especially 

when the DEIS doesn't engage in bias regarding other groups. For example, the DEIS is clear in describing what the Nez 

Perce "believe." Observational objectively is not maintained regarding the sheep industry. Thus, the DEIS appears 

seriously biased.

The BLM does not feel this discussion of the social interests affected environment is bias. It is simply a description of the

connection between the local culture (and cultural values) and the sheep industry, based on the observations indicated, not 

value judgment. The comment provides no evidence supporting the claim that this affected interest received more attention 

or weight in the analysis than did the Nez Perce Tribal cultural and social interest related to bighorn sheep, described in 

Section 3.3.

Section 4.2: Environmental Consequences – Bighorn Sheep

Issue # Issue Description Response

27 Do any of the maps show the domestic sheep trailing routes/stock driveways discussed on page 4-16? That would have 

been most helpful, as the discussion about these left the reader wondering if they were actually considered, for example, 

in developing the Risk of Contact data discussed in the Cumulative Effects section pages 4-16 to 4-18. Please refine the 

final product to address this issue.

Currently, the BLM has no authorized trailing routes/stock driveways on BLM lands. Localized trailing that occurs within 

allotment boundaries is accounted for in the modeling conducted for specific allotments and season of use. Trailing does 

occur across private lands, State lands and Forest Service lands; and also along County roads. Trailing was considered in 

developing Risk of Contact data; however, modeling for short duration (e.g., 1-3 days) and small areas resulted in minor 

insignificant increases in probability of contact. If trailing occurred within CHHR, it was already accounted for in the 

Cumulative Effects (i.e., one or more contacts annually) or accounted for in areas where domestic sheep grazing occurred 

(private lands, State lands, and Forest Service lands). In addition, some of the larger risks from trailing occur from straying 

(see Section 3.2.2.6 - Risk of Interspecies Contact and Straying of Domestic Sheep From Grazing Allotments and Section 

4.2.2.4 - Straying of Domestic Sheep and Domestic Sheep Trailing). 

The FEIS includes additions to address analysis and rationale in regards to trailing (see Sections 3.2.2.6 and 4.2.2.4).

28 The document seems to focus more on the negative impacts from improper livestock grazing practices. All herbivore 

activities, including grazing from wildlife species such as deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep etc. can and do cause various 

impacts on habitat. However, the draft document needs to clarify that it is improper grazing that creates the negative 

impacts to the habitat, and not properly, well managed livestock grazing. With proper grazing management practices, 

impacts from livestock grazing can be minimized and reduced to acceptable levels that will not create the negative 

impacts that can occur from improper grazing management practices.

The FSEIS and alternatives focus on addressing potential contact and disease transmission between domestic sheep and 

bighorn sheep, not on negative impacts from improper livestock grazing practices. The BLM recognizes that improper 

grazing can create negative impacts to the habitat and properly managed livestock can reduce potential for adverse habitat 

impact (refer to Section 3.2.2.8). Additions to the FSEIS identify that properly managed livestock can reduce adverse 

impacts to habitat and also acknowledge that all herbivore activities can cause impacts to habitats (see Section 3.2.2.7 

Habitat).

The FSEIS primarily addresses the "shared space" component of habitat and needed separation to reduce potential for 

interspecies contact and disease transmission. The Purpose and Need (Section 1.3) identifies the disease transmission from 

domestic sheep to bighorn sheep has potentially contributed to significant declines in bighorn populations, and in some 

cases, extirpation. 
Proposed Cottonwood RMP Amendment for E-11 April 2016

Domestic Sheep Grazing and Final SEIS

Section 4.4: Environmental Consequences – Livestock Grazing, and Social and Economic Conditions

Issue # Issue Description Response

29 Additional details about BLM allotments and past use (the 2009 separation response plan) should be considered in the 

Affected Environment for Livestock Grazing.

The information submitted is a copy of the 2009 separation response plan and does not contain additional information for 

affected environment. The role of 2009 separation response plan is adequately described under Section 3.4.2.1. Information 

about the allotments is already included in the allotment descriptions in Section 3.4.2.1.

30 The BLM should clearly disclose the direct effects felt by Carlson Livestock Company and Soulen Livestock Company. 

Without this, the analysis fails to disclose the cumulatively significant effects on their operations, when considered in 

combination with the effects of the actions of other State and Federal agencies, beginning with the transplantation of the 

Hells Canyon bighorn herds and continuing with implementation of the Payette decision. BLM appears to justify their 

determination of the (un)suitability of the allotments for domestic sheep by claiming that the acres and forage would still 

be available for use by cattle or horses. It is questionable if it is truly ‘reasonably foreseeable’ that the effects of 

eliminating sheep grazing can be offset by conversion to cattle or horses.

Carlson states that, having lost the use of the BLM sheep allotments as well as the sheep allotments on both the Payette 

and Nez Perce National Forest, his primary income decreased significantly, and this has also devalued all his private 

land.

Section 4.4.4 was modified to describe both the significance of effects to the individual livestock operators and the impact 

to the historical industry. In addition, a discussion of the potential actual use by cattle and horses was added to sections 

4.1.1 and 4.4.3.2-4.4.3.6.

Appendix D: Maps

Issue # Issue Description Response

31 There are NO MAPS in Appendix D-just the list of them on page D-1. The maps are available on the "Maps" page of the website which can be accesses through the menu on the left side of the 

"Home" page.

Other – Not Specific to a Section of the Document

Issue # Issue Description Response

32 The Draft SEIS does not include a List of Preparers and Distribution List that is required for an EIS.

It would also be helpful if BLM would make supporting information referenced in the Sheep SEIS readily available, to 

avoid making non-governmental organizations and interested parties obtain information via a request under the Freedom 

of Information Act. Although the Approved Cottonwood RMP is available on BLM’s public website, the Proposed RMP 

and Final SEIS that BLM is amending and supplementing is not. Other information that should be on the RMP 

Amendment website, includes: June 2, 2011 – Denial of the Carlson Livestock Company Petition for Stay of the March 

15, 2011 decision to close the Marshall Mountain Allotment October 2011 Newsletter Scoping Report

A list of preparers has been added to the FSEIS.

The Cottonwood Proposed RMP and Final EIS is now available online and there is a link to it from the Cottonwood RMP 

Amendment for Domestic Sheep Grazing and SEIS project website.

The Newsletter is also available on the project website.

The BLM did not prepare a final scoping report for this analysis. Section 1.8 has been corrected.

Other identified information must be requested by filing a Freedom of Information Act request.
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