Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany

APPENDIX D

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT / BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION 

WILDLIFE, FISHERIES,

AND 

BOTANY SUMMARIES

Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 1

APPENDIX D – SUMMARY OF BIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS FOR WILDLIFE, 

FISHERIES, AND BOTANICAL RESOURCES 

This document is a synthesis for the Wildlife, Botanical and Fisheries Resources in the Mystic Range

Project (MRP). The summary is an effort to reduce redundancy and improve reading ease while 

retaining important content. It is not intended to meet all the legal requirements and policies 

associated with the BE. The parent BE is contained in the Mystic Range Project administrative record.

The main purpose of a BE is to disclose, in detail, the potential effects of all alternatives to 

federally-listed and Forest Service sensitive species.

1 The BE also provides a “determination 

statement” to help decision-makers and other readers see how the project might affect the longterm persistence of a species. This summary document provides simplified effects disclosures

and determination statements for all species relevant to the MRP, and provides the reader with 

some of the information sources used in the analyses.

Pre-Field Review and Field Reconnaissance

Pre-field review and field reconnaissance are essential in determining which species could occur 

in a project area, and how they might be affected. Pre-field reviews were completed using past 

survey results, district records, literature reviews, on-line databases, and Forest Plan monitoring 

reports. Field visits were performed with intent to identify suitable and/or occupied habitat for 

sensitive species. These surveys were conducted by qualified biologists, including Forest 

Service employees and contractors. In addition to species-specific surveys, additional field visits 

to the Mystic Range Project (MRP) were conducted with the general intent of identifying habitat 

and potential issues for other status species. Data from all sources mentioned above were used to 

determine design criteria (see Appendix B) and effects relevant to the MRP.

 1 Federally-listed species are those that have been designated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered or 

threatened (i.e., under the Endangered Species Act), including those that have been formally proposed for listing. 

Sensitive species are designated by the Regional Forester. Both categories imply rareness or sensitivity to 

management actions.
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 2

Table D-1 Draft Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species.

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

Mammals

Black-tailed prairie dog 

Cynomys ludovicianus

Short and mixed grass 

prairie with soils 

conducive to burrowing 

(Higgins et al. 2000).

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A

This species is less likely to colonize due to an 

increase in woody and taller vegetation due to a 

lack of grazing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Alt. B & C Livestock grazing is conducive for colonization 

and expansion due to shorter vegetation.

Beneficial impact 

American marten 

Martes americana 

Spruce forests with 

complex near-ground 

structure, extending into 

adjacent pine stands 

(Buskirk 2002). Corridor 

habitat includes conifer 

and deciduous riparian 

areas (Fecske 2003).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in deciduous riparian species would 

provide cover, habitat for prey species habitat. 

Increase in water tables would improve riparian 

habitat. 

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Heavy grazing in riparian areas would reduce 

vegetative cover and reduce prey species.

Decrease of water table would decrease riparian 

habitat potential. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Fringed myotis

Myotis thysanodes 

Roosts in caves and 

mines, on snags and rock 

faces; forages on insects 

in various habitats, 

including shrub lands, 

and forested areas 

(Schmidt and Anderson 

2003).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A Increase standing water sources and increase prey 

habitat and availability.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Decrease in prey habitat.

Decrease in amount of standing water sources.

Decline in roosting habitat due to prescribed 

burning and fence clearing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Rocky Mountain bighorn 

sheep

Ovis canadensis canadensis 

Open habitats, such as 

grasslands, talus slopes, 

rocky outcrops but may 

use deciduous and 

conifer forest with 

openings (Beecham et. 

al. 2007).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

No competition for forage would increase carrying 

capacity of use areas.

Increase in water tables would improve riparian 

habitat and provide water sources.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Competition for forage, especially close to escape 

cover and lambing areas would reduce carrying 

capacity of use areas.

Decrease of water table would decrease riparian 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 3

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

habitat potential.

Decrease in amount of standing water sources.

a trend toward federal listing.

Townsend’s big-eared bat

Plecotus townsendii 

Roosts in caves and 

mines, occasionally 

buildings; forages on 

insects in various 

habitats including 

forested and wet areas 

(Schmidt 2003e).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A Increase standing water sources and increase prey 

habitat and availability.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Decrease in prey habitat.

Decrease in amount of standing water sources.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Birds

Burrowing owl 

Athene cunicularia

Short/mixed grass 

prairie, usually 

associated with ground 

squirrels or prairie dogs 

(Johnson and Anderson 

2002, Tallman et al. 

2002).

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A

This species is less likely to colonize due to an 

increase in woody and taller vegetation due to a 

lack of grazing. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Alt. B & C

Livestock grazing is conducive for colonization 

and expansion due to shorter vegetation.

Structural improvements near burrows would 

increase predation rates (i.e., perches).

Beneficial impact

Northern goshawk

Accipiter gentilis

Nests primarily in dense 

mature conifer forests; 

forages in a variety of 

forested areas and small 

openings (Kennedy 

2003).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A Reduced alteration of nesting habitat and human 

disturbance.

No impact

Alt. B & C

Increase habitat alteration and human disturbance 

of nesting habitat due to structural maintenance 

and fence line clearing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Grasshopper sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum 

Grasslands of 

intermediate height with 

bare patches and 

moderately deep litter 

(Slater 2004, RMBO 

2001-2009).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Higher potential of loss of native grasslands due to 

an increase in woody vegetation and invasive plant 

species.

Potential reduction in productivity and nutrient 

cycling in grasslands.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs, and young due to trampling. 

Decline of nesting and foraging habitat due to over 

utilization in grasslands.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 4

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

Increase chance of predation.

Potential increase in productivity and nutrient 

cycling in grasslands

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing

Ferruginous hawk

Buteo regalis

Open grasslands, shrubsteppe, croplands, desert, 

and the periphery of 

western pinyon and 

juniper (Collins and 

Reynolds 2005).

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A

Increase nest site availability.

Increase chance of predation at nest site. 

Decrease in foraging success.

Decrease potential for nest abandonment due to 

human disturbance. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing

Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs, and young due to trampling. 

Reduced nest site availability.

Potential increase in prey habitat and availability 

(moderate to light grazing).

Increase in foraging success, especially in riparian 

areas.

Increase potential for nest abandonment due to 

human disturbance.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Northern harrier

Circus cyaneus 

Open areas; prairies, 

wetlands or grasslands 

with tall dense 

vegetation and high 

residual cover; logged or 

burned woodlands 

(Slater and Rock 2005, 

Tallman et al. 2002).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in water table would increase riparian 

habitat potential.

Increase in nesting habitat and prey habitat and 

availability.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs, and young due to trampling. 

Potential decrease of nesting habitat and increased 

predation due to over utilization.

Lowering of water table would decrease riparian 

habitat potential.

Decrease in prey habitat and availability. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Yellow-billed cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

(Candidate: Western US 

DPS)

Low elevation riparian 

areas and 

cottonwood/willow or 

bur oak woodlands with 

dense shrub understory 

(Wiggins 2005b, RMBO 

2001-2009).

Yes

(habitat) Alt. A

Less chance for nest disturbance and 

fragmentation of habitats. 

Potential increase in water tables that would 

increase riparian communities.

Increase in cottonwood/oak communities and 

dense riparian shrub habitat.

Less potential for habitat fragmentation in riparian 

shrub communities.

Beneficial impact
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 5

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs, and young due to trampling.

Lowering of water table would decrease riparian 

habitat potential.

Decline in cottonwood/oak communities and 

reduced dense riparian shrub component and 

increased habitat fragmentation due to grazing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Olive-sided flycatcher

Contopus cooperi 

Generally found in 

coniferous or mixed 

coniferous forests, along 

forest edges and 

openings caused by 

disturbances (Kotliar, 

2007).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A Increase in prey habitat and prey availability. Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Reduced prey habitat and prey availability. May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

American peregrine falcon

Falco peregrinus anatum 

Open areas and 

woodland edges 

(Tallman et al. 2002); 

nests on rocky cliffs or 

buildings.

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A Increase in prey habitat and prey availability.

Decrease in foraging success.

Beneficial Impact

Alt. B & C

Reduced prey habitat that may reduce prey 

availability.

Increase in foraging success.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Bald eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Usually found near open 

water or in areas with 

abundant carrion in 

winter (USDI Fish and 

Wildlife Service 2007a).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Improved riparian communities, reducing potential 

sediment into lakes and streams. Increase aquatic 

prey availability and foraging success.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Potential decrease in prey availability and foraging 

success due impaired riparian conditions that 

would affect water quality.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Loggerhead shrike

Lanius ludovicianus 

Open areas with 

scattered, low deciduous 

thickets, rare in higher 

Yes

(habitat) Alt. A

Increase in potential shrub thickets and hardwoods 

used for nesting and foraging. Increase in prey 

habitat and availability. 

Beneficial impact
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 6

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

elevations of the Black 

Hills (Wiggins 2005a, 

Tallman et al. 2002). Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs, and young due to trampling.

Loss of suitable nesting and foraging habitat due to 

grazing.

Decrease in prey habitat and availability.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Lewis’s woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis 

Burned areas, open pine, 

oak, or cottonwood 

forests, with large snags 

for nesting (Abele et. al 

2004, RMBO 2001-

2009).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in cottonwood/oak communities, 

increasing nesting habitat.

Increase in prey habitat and availability.

Beneficial Impact

Alt. B & C

Decrease in cottonwood/oak habitat due to over 

utilization.

Loss eggs, young and nesting habitat due to 

structural maintenance and fence line clearing.

Decrease in prey habitat and availability.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Long-billed curlew

Numenius americanus

Short and mixed-grass 

prairie habitat with flat 

to rolling topography. 

Found at lower 

elevations of the Black 

Hills (Sedgwick 2006, 

RMBO 2001-2009, 

USFWS 2009).

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A

This species is less likely to colonize due to an 

increase in woody and taller vegetation due to a 

lack of grazing.

Increase in predation rate.

Potential decrease in suitable nesting and foraging 

habitat due higher stubble heights.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Alt. B & C

Loss of nests, eggs and young due to trampling

Livestock grazing is conducive for colonization 

and expansion due to shorter vegetation.

Decrease in predation rates.

Potential decrease in suitable nesting and foraging 

habitat due to over-utilization.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Flammulated owl

Otus flammeolus 

Open ponderosa pine 

forest, nests in cavities 

and large diameter snags 

(Hayward and Verner 

1994).

Yes

(habitat)

Alt. A Increases prey habitat and availability. No impact

Alt. B & C

Potential to reduce prey habitat and availability.

Potential decrease in nesting habitat due to 

prescribed burning, structural maintenance, and 

fence line clearing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Black-backed woodpecker

Picoides arcticus 

Dense pine forests that 

are recently burned are 

in late successional or 

dense mature condition 

Yes

(both)

Alt. A None No impact

Alt. B & C

Potential decrease in nesting habitat due to 

prescribed burning, structural maintenance, and 

fence line clearing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 7

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

or where mountain pine 

beetle densities are high

(Moren and Rumble 

2002, RMBO 2001-

2009).

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

American three-toed 

woodpecker

Picoides dorsalis

Old-growth conifer 

forests with large 

diameter snags, burned

areas and beetle 

infestation areas

(Wiggins 2004, RMBO 

2001-2009).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A None No impact

Alt. B & C

Potential decrease in nesting habitat due to 

prescribed burning, structural maintenance, and 

fence line clearing.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Northern leopard frog

Lithobates pipiens 

Riparian and wetland 

areas for tadpoles, 

subadults, and breeding 

adults; upland habitats 

for foraging adults 

(Smith 2003, Smith and 

Keinath 2007).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in breeding habitat by improved stream 

bank stability and reducing effects to water quality 

and riparian health. 

Increase in standing water sources.

Increase in water tables that improve riparian 

communities.

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Decline of breeding ponds due to increased 

siltation, changes in pH and water temperature and 

reduced standing water sources.

Decline of wetlands and riparian habitat due to 

over-utilization, trampling, and water 

developments.

Decrease in water tables that decrease riparian 

communities.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Black Hills red-bellied 

snake

Storeria occipitomaculata 

pahasapae 

Moist habitats with welldeveloped ground litter 

such as wet meadows, 

woodlands, and forestmeadow edges (Smith 

and Stephens 2003).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A Increase breeding habitat by improving riparian 

vegetative conditions and improving prey habitat. 

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Habitat loss and modification due to over 

utilization and developments within wetlands, 

springs, and seeps.

Decrease in prey availability due to overutilization of riparian areas.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 8

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

Fish

Mountain sucker

Catostomus platyrhynchus

Occurs most often in 

cool, clear mountain 

streams, with moderate 

stream flow velocities 

but have been observed 

elsewhere in large rivers, 

lakes and reservoirs 

(Isaak et al. 2003).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in water tables that would increase 

riparian communities.

Increase in vegetative cover would improve water 

temperature and maintain stable stream banks.

Decrease in sediments would improve spawning 

and forage availability. 

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Decrease in spawning and prey habitat through 

increased sediments and poor water quality due to 

hoof action in riparian/stream habitat. 

Decrease in vegetative cover increases water 

temperature.

Simple aquatic plant growth stimulated due to 

livestock waste and increase sunlight to stream.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Lake chub

Couesius plumbeus 

Cool, gravel-bottomed 

pools and runs of 

streams; rocky lake 

margins. Known only 

from Deerfield Lake 

(USDA Forest Service 

2005a).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Increase in water tables that improve riparian 

conditions, decreasing sediments transported 

through the stream network into Deerfield Lake. 

Beneficial impact

Alt. B & C

Over utilization of riparian habitats reduces 

riparian condition, lowering of water tables, and 

degradation of riparian/stream habitat would 

increase sediment transported through the stream 

network into Deerfield Lake. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Invertebrates

Ottoe skipper

Hesperia ottoe

Restricted to 

undisturbed, mixed-grass 

Yes

(habitat) Alt. A Increase in nectar and larval host plants.Increases chances of over-winter survival. 

Beneficial impact
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 9

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

to tall-grass prairie 

habitats with big 

bluestem, little bluestem 

and sideoats gramma. 

Found in Pennington, 

Lawrence, Fall River, 

and Custer Counties 

along the foothills of the 

Black Hills (Shelby 

2005, Marrone 2005, 

2007).

Alt. B & C

Loss of eggs and larvae due to trampling and 

grazing.

Reduced availability of nectar resources, changes 

in vegetative structure, removal of larval host 

plants. 

Prescribed fire increases the chance of larval 

mortality. 

Overutilization would increase the chances of 

changing grassland communities and increase in 

invasive species.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Regal fritillary

Speyeria idalia 

Tall-grass or mixedgrass prairie with violets. 

Found in Pennington, 

Lawrence, Fall River, 

and Custer Counties, rare 

in higher elevations of 

the Black Hills (Shelby 

2007, Marrone 2005, 

2007).

Yes

(both)

Alt. A

Decrease the potential for nectar and larval host 

plants (violets) availability due to a lack of light to 

moderate grazing.

Increases chances of larval survival.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Alt. B & C

Loss of eggs and larvae due to trampling and 

grazing.

Reduced availability of nectar resources, changes 

in vegetative structure, removal of larval host 

plants through over-utilization. 

Prescribed fire reduces larval survival.

Overutilization would increase the chances of 

changing grassland and riparian communities and 

increase in invasive species.

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

Cooper’s Rocky 

Mountainsnail

Oreohelix strigosa cooperi 

Occurs on limestone 

rock outcrops/cliffs at 

higher elevations with 

developed litter layer, 

moss, and downed 

woody material 

(Anderson 2005).

Yes

(both) Alt. A

No mortality caused by trampling.

Canopy cover in mesic sites is not reduced, 

allowing expansion of colonies.

Increase in mesic habitat by maintenance of 

canopy cover, reducing environmental conditions 

that would cause dry conditions (wind, sunlight).

Improve riparian communities by increasing water 

tables. 

Beneficial impact
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 10

Summary of Effects to R2 Sensitive Wildlife and Fish Species 1.

Species Name2 Habitat Description

Species or 

Habitat 

Present

Alternatives Effects Summary Determination

Alt. B & C

Mortality caused by trampling.

Decrease in mesic habitat by reduction of canopy 

cover associated with changes in vegetation that 

would cause dry conditions (i.e., wind, sunlight)

Decrease riparian communities by decreasing 

water tables and over utilization. 

May adversely impact 

individuals, but not likely to 

result in a loss of viability in 

the Planning Area, nor cause 

a trend toward federal listing.

1

Indepth discussion of species found in respective specialist reports. 2

Obtained from R2 Sensitive Species List (FSM 2600-2009-1)
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 11

Forest Service Sensitive Species – Plants

The determination of effects for action alternatives (Alternatives B and C) on Region 2 sensitive 

species in this BA/BE summary were made as the result of the information gathered in the prefield review, field reconnaissance, survey results, and effects analysis for all action alternatives. 

The basis for these determinations was potential habitat, distribution, and effects from proposed 

activities. The determination language is set forth in Forest Service Manual 2670.

Objectives, standards, and guidelines have been identified in the Forest Plan Phase II to conserve 

Region 2 sensitive species found on the Black Hills National Forest (USDA Forest Service

2005). This project will follow the objectives, standards, and guidelines that are applicable to 

those species and habitats found in the Mystic Range Project.

Botanical surveys were focused in areas of high probability habitat, but portions of low 

probability habitat in the project area were also surveyed. Survey areas were determined using a 

combination of resources including topographic maps, aerial photographs, field reconnaissance, 

and local knowledge. The list of target plant species has changed over the past fifteen years (the 

time span over which the surveys were performed), however many of the species have remained 

on the list. Surveys focused on locating target plant species but also provide general community 

descriptions and species lists from which basic conclusions can be drawn about the habitat. The 

2005 to 2008 survey reports often include a determination of an area’s potential to support target 

plant species. Survey intensities ranged from field check to complete, however most sites were 

surveyed with general or intuitive controlled survey intensity.

An effects analysis was completed for those plant species that could potentially be impacted by the 

proposed project. This analysis addresses federally designated endangered and threatened species,

and Region 2 sensitive plant species which occur or which have potential habitat in the project area.

Federally Listed Plant Species

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) website list for Threatened and Endangered 

species was accessed on June 30, 2009 for the state of South Dakota. As of this date, there were 

no threatened or endangered plant species known to occur within the State of South Dakota 

(USDI Fish & Wildlife Service 2009f & 2009e), nor were there any proposed or candidate plant 

species known to occur in South Dakota (USDI Fish & Wildlife Service 2009g & 2009h).

Subsequently, threatened, endangered, or proposed species do not need to be analyzed and are 

not mentioned in subsequent sections. 

The narrowleaf grapefern (Botrychium lineare) was a candidate plant species but was officially 

removed from the candidate list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI Fish & Wildlife 

2007a). Candidate species are automatically placed on the Region 2 Forester’s sensitive species 

list. The narrowleaf grapefern (Botrychium lineare) remains on the Region 2 sensitive plant list 

and is discussed under the Biological Evaluation for Region 2 sensitive species.

No further analysis is needed for species not known or suspected to occur in the project area.
Appendix D Mystic Range Project Summary BA/BE Wildlife, Fisheries, and Botany D - 12

Implementation of any of the three alternatives as described will not affect any threatened or 

endangered plant species or designated critical habitat. Endangered Species Act Section 7 

Consultation is not required for this project. 

Region 2 Sensitive Plant Species

The Forest Service Manual defines sensitive species as those plant and animal species identified 

by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern, as evidence by:

• Significant current or predicted downward trends in population numbers or density, or

• Significant current or predicted downward trends in habitat capability that would reduce a 

species’ existing distribution (Forest Service Manual 2670.5, 19).

The sensitive species list for the Rocky Mountain Region was published as a Regional 

Supplement (2600-2009-1) effective June 9, 2009. The list of sensitive species was verified by 

checking the Region 2 Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Program website (USDA

Forest Service 2009d). There are twelve plant species on the Forest Service Region 2 sensitive 

species list that are known to occur on the Black Hills National Forest. These species are the 

only ones considered in this analysis.

All Region 2 sensitive plant species confirmed to occur in the Black Hills National Forest were 

considered in the evaluation. Because of its size, habitat exists in the Mystic Range Project 

allotments for several Region 2 sensitive plant species. Species which do not occur and/or do 

not have potential habitat present within the Mystic Range Project were not analyzed. 

Yellow lady slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum), sage willow (Salix candida), and autumn willow 

(Salix serissima) are the only Region 2 sensitive plant species confirmed to occur within the 

project area. Yellow lady's slipper is known from the Bald Horse Allotment and the sage and 

autumn willow are known from the Deerfield Allotment. Table B-2 summarizes Region 2 

sensitive plant species having potential habitat within Mystic Range Project allotments. 

With implementation of the Forest Plan Phase II Amendment and all of the standards and 

guidelines adopted therein, and project specific design criteria, a determination of “May 

adversely impact individuals, but not likely to result in a loss of viability on the planning area, 

nor cause a trend to federal listing or a loss of species viability range-wide” is made for the 

following species for the action alternatives: 

Prairie moonwort Botrychium campestre

Narrowleaf grapefern Botrychium lineare

Foxtail sedge Carex alopecoidea

Yellow lady’s slipper Cypripedium parviflorum

Trailing clubmoss Lycopodium complanatum

Large round-leaf orchid Platanthera orbiculata

Sage willow Salix candida

Autumn willow Salix serissima

Highbush cranberry Viburnum opulus var. americanum

Great-spurred violet Viola selkirkii