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Appendices 

Table of Contents

APPENDIX A - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, DESIGN FEATURES, AND OPERATING 

PROCEDURES A-1

Vegetation Treatments A-1

Water Quality A-2

Wind Energy Development A-8

Solar Energy Development A-16

West Wide Energy Corridors Interagency Operating Procedures A-47

Minerals A-59

APPENDIX B: AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY A-73

Introduction A-73

Riparian Conservation Areas A-73

Priorities for Conservation and Restoration of Special Status Species Habitat and Riparian Areas.. A-75

Management Direction A-95

Multi-Scale Assessments and Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed Scale A-104

Monitoring and Adaptive Management A-107

Maps for the Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy A-109

APPENDIX C – CONSERVATION MEASURES A-119

Conservation Measures A-121

Slickspot Peppergrass A-121

Listed Snake River Aquatic Snails A-138

Bruneau Hot Springsnail A-146

Jarbidge River Bull Trout A-155

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo A-162

Columbia Spotted Frog A-170

Appendix D: Drought Management Guidelines A-181

Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories A-183

Traditional Use A-183

Conservation for Future Use A-184

Scientific Use A-184

Public Use A-185

Experimental Use A-185

Discharged from Management A-186

Traditional/Scientific Use A-187

Public/Scientific Use A-187

Conservation/Public Use A-188

Summary of Cultural Resource Use Allocations A-188
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Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas A-191

Recreation Setting Characteristics A-191

Special Recreation Management Areas A-193

Balanced Rock Special Recreation Management Area A-194

Jarbidge Forks Special Recreation Management Area A-195

Little Pilgrim Special Recreation Management Area A-196

Salmon Falls Reservoir Special Recreation Management Area A-197

Yahoo Special Recreation Management Area A-199

Deadman Special Recreation Management Area A-200

Extensive Recreation Management Areas A-201

Canyonlands ERMA A-201

Jarbidge Foothills ERMA A-202

Rosevear ERMA A-202

Luds Point ERMA A-203

Public Lands Not Established as Recreation Management Areas A-203

Appendix G: Lands Available for Disposal A-205

Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements for Plant, Fish, and Wildlife 

Species A-209

Plants... A-209

Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates A-210

Wildlife.. A-211

List of Tables

Table B-1. Bull Trout Habitat Condition Indicators and Thresholds A-79

Table B-2. Redband Trout Habitat Condition Indicators and Thresholds A-85

Table B-3. HC Ratings and Indicators in a Degraded Condition for Stream Reaches Containing Special 

Status Fish . A-88

Table B-4. Crosswalk between Priority Rating for Special Status Fish Habitat Management and Riparian 

Area Management A-90

Table B-5. Riparian PFC Ratings and Restoration Priorities A-90

Table B-6. Goals for Aquatic Resources . A-95

Table B-7. Objectives for Aquatic Resources A-96

Table B-8. Management Actions for Activities In or Affecting Riparian Conservation Areas A-97

Table B-9. Conservation and Recovery Plans for Special Status Aquatic Species in the Planning 

Area A-102
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Table B-10. FWS Biological Opinions and Letters of Concurrence for ESA-Listed Aquatic Species in the 

Planning Area A-102

Table C-1. Conservation Measures for Slickspot Peppergrass. A-121

Table C-2. PCEs for Proposed Critical Habitat for Slickspot Peppergrass and the Associated Matrix 

Indicators. . A-137

Table C-3. Conservation Measures for Listed Snake River Aquatic Snails (Snake River Physa and Bliss 

Rapids Snail). A-138

Table C-4. Conservation Measures for Bruneau Hot Springsnail. A-146

Table C-5. Conservation Measures for Jarbidge River Bull Trout. A-155

Table C-6. PCEs for Critical Habitat for Bull Trout and the Associated Matrix Indicators. A-156

Table C-7 Conservation Measures for Jarbidge River Bull Trout Derived from ESA Consultation A-159

Table C-8. Conservation Measures and Implementation Actions for Yellow-Billed Cuckoo. A-162

Table C-98. Conservation Measures and Implementation Actions for Columbia Spotted Frog. A-170

Table E-1. Cultural Resource Property Types and Use Allocations A-188

Table F-1. Physical Setting A-191

Table F-2. Social Setting A-192

Table F-3. Administrative Setting A-192

Table G-1. Lands Available for Disposal A-206

Table G-2. Lands Available for Disposal under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act A-207

Table H-1. Flowering Periods for Special Status Plants in the Planning Area A-209

Table H-2. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates in 

the Planning Area A-210

Table H-3. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Wildlife in the Planning AreaA-211

Table H- 4. Important Seasonal Periods for General Wildlife in the Planning Area A-214
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APPENDIX A - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, 

DESIGN FEATURES, AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

This appendix provides a listing of best management practices (BMPs), design features, and operating 

procedures that, when applied with management actions in the ROD/RMP, would aid in achieving goals 

and objectives. These BMPs, design features, and operating procedures are tools to reduce adverse 

social, economic, and environmental effects. Additional practices may be added or included in this list as 

they are developed and determined to reduce unwanted impacts from management activities. Likewise, 

practices included in this list that do not achieve the desired results may be altered or removed from 

consideration. These BMPs, design features, and operating procedures were from many sources and 

could be applied alone or in combination as necessary to make progress towards or to achieve 

objectives.

While the overall vision embraces the use of these BMPs, design features, and operating procedures to 

reduce or minimize impacts, they are not to be considered a land use plan decision. They are dynamic 

and may be updated or modified based on future guidance, policy, and science without a plan 

amendment. BMPs, design features, and operating procedures used in site-specific situations would be 

incorporated into the proposed action or used as mitigation measures to reduce impacts. The 

determination of which BMPs, design features, and operating procedures to apply will be made during 

individual project planning. The use of BMPs, design features, or operating procedures will be analyzed 

through the NEPA process for site-specific projects. 

The BMPs, design features, and operating procedures are categorized by resource use or activity. 

Because BMPs, design features, or operating procedures from programmatic Records of Decision are 

included, some are listed more than once. New information could result in BMPs being modified or added 

to reduce or mitigate impacts.

Vegetation Treatments

The economic effects of alternative fuels management practices would be considered. 

Collaborate with local partners to assess wildland urban interface areas and to develop or update 

County Wildfire Protection Plans. 

Incorporate cultural protection practices in treatments using prescribed fire. Practices may include but 

are not limited to: 

Reducing fuels manually on vulnerable sites or features.

Disposing of debris away from cultural features.

Using low-intensity backing fire in areas near historic features.

Saturating ground or grass adjacent to vulnerable structures with water, foam, or gel before 

burning.

Pre-burning site(s) at lower intensity than planned for the surrounding areas.

Limiting fire intensity and duration over vulnerable sites.

Using a fast-moving, higher intensity fire over lithic scatters, where rock materials are vulnerable 

to longer-duration heating.

Creating fire breaks near or around sites.

Wrapping structures in fire-proof materials or using retardant or foam to protect structures.

Covering rock art or wrapping carved trees or other such features in fire retardant fabric.

Reducing fuels and smoke near rock art.

Covering fuels near rock art with foam, water, or retardant, avoiding the rock art.

Hazardous materials and abandoned mine sites identified in any specific fuels management or 

vegetation treatment area should be avoided.

The use of hazardous substances (e.g., gasoline in riparian zones, explosives) for prescribed fire 

control should be avoided whenever practical.

Treatments should be designed to minimize impacts to the character of the managed recreation 

setting in Special Recreation Management Areas and Extensive Recreation Management Areas and 

to the recreation experiences and benefits desired by the recreation participant. 
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Wherever possible, vegetation treatments in Visual Resource Management Class I and II areas would 

replicate the natural line, form, color, and texture found in the surrounding area. Treatments that 

result in long-term disruption of natural visual qualities (e.g., drill seeding that establishes vegetation 

rows) should not be used unless the visual impacts can be hidden through treatment design.

Water Quality

The best management practices in this section expand and supplement the basic guidelines and 

minimum requirements of the Idaho Department of Lands (Forest Practices Regulations), Idaho 

Department of Water Resources Stream Channel Alteration Regulations, and the Corps of Engineers 404 

Regulations. 

Transportation and Travel

Road Planning – Design and Location

Plan each road to the minimum standards for the intended use. 

Plan to dispose of excavated waste material on geologically stable sites and away from Riparian 

Conservation Areas (RCAs). 

Design full-bench roads for slopes over 60 percent. End-haul excess material to a geologically stable 

site for disposal and away from RCAs. Use balanced cut-and-fill road construction where practical.

Design stream channel crossings as near to a right angle with the stream as possible to minimize 

disturbance to banks and existing channels.

For road segments that parallel stream courses, consider the need for stream shade along with safety 

considerations during brushing operations. This may necessitate hand brushing, partial brushing, or 

limbing, with consideration for providing growth for future shade for the RCA.

Road Construction

For any repair work in fish-bearing streams, instream work will be timed to avoid disturbance of 

staging adult fish, redds, or gravels with un-emerged juveniles where possible. Timing restrictions 

may be waived in cases of overriding safety concerns or the threat of severe resource damage.

Fuel storage and fueling of equipment will not occur within RCAs. 

Before working in a stream channel or in a RCA, all heavy equipment or other machinery will be 

inspected for hydraulic or other leaks. Fix identified problems before entering areas that could affect 

water quality. Clean equipment with accumulations of oil, grease, or other toxic materials prior to use 

in these areas. An emergency spill containment kit will be located on site during construction activity.

Clear drainage ways of all debris generated during construction or maintenance that may interfere 

with drainage or affect water quality.

When constructing roads near RCAs, use hay bales, silt fences or other sediment filtering materials to 

minimize sediment reaching the RCA. Minimize the amount of woody debris buried in embankments 

and minimize the amount of snow, ice, and frozen soil added to embankments.

Construct stream culverts, cross drains, or relief culverts to prevent erosion. Use riprap, woody 

debris, downspouts, or similar devices to prevent erosion of fills. Culverts in natural drainage ways 

would be oriented to minimize fill slope erosion or to carry water beyond fills. 

Bridges

Use an adequately long bridge span to avoid constricting the natural active flow channel and 

minimize constriction of any overflow channel.

Avoid placing abutments in the active stream channel to the extent practicable.

Place foundations onto nonscour-susceptible material (e.g., bedrock or coarse rock material) or below 

the expected maximum depth of scour.

Set bridge abutments or footings into firm natural ground (e.g., not fill material or loose soil) when 

placed on natural slopes.
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Low-Water Crossings

Locate low-water crossings where streambanks are low with gentle slopes and channels are not 

deeply incised.

Select and design low-water crossing structures to maintain the function and bedload movement of 

the natural stream channel.

Construct the low-water crossing to conform to the site, channel shape, and original streambed

elevation and to minimize flow restriction, site disturbance, and channel blockage to the extent 

practicable.

Use suitable measures to stabilize or harden the streambed and approaches, including the entire 

bankfull width and sufficient clearance, where necessary to support the vehicle traffic design. 

Construct the driving surface with material suitable to resist expected shear stress or lateral forces of 

water flow at the site.

Road Drainage

For insloped roads, generally design ditch gradients to be between two and eight percent to prevent 

sediment deposition and ditch erosion. The higher gradients may be suitable for more stable soils; 

use the lower gradients for less stable soils.

Construct drain dips deep enough into the subgrade so that traffic will not obliterate them. Dips 

should be angled 20 to 45 degrees perpendicular to the road and have a drainage grade of 2% to 8%. 

Where possible, install relief culverts at the gradient of the original ground slope; otherwise armor 

outlets with rock or anchor downspouts to carry water across the fill slope.

Skew relief culverts 20 to 30 degrees toward the inflow from the ditch to improve inlet efficiency. 

Develop the catch basin at sufficient size to prevent the culvert inlet from plugging. 

Construct at or near natural elevation of the streambed to avoid or minimize potential flooding 

upstream of the crossing and erosion below the outlet.

Install culverts long enough to extend beyond the toe of the fill slopes to minimize erosion.

Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize water from seeping around the culvert.

Road Maintenance

Maintain erosion control features through periodic inspection and maintenance, including cleaning 

dips and cross-drains, repairing ditches, marking culvert inlets to aid in location, and clearing debris 

from catch basins and culverts.

Avoid using roads during wet periods if such use would damage the road drainage features.

Apply dust abatement or other surface stabilizing chemicals to prevent entry into streams. Do not 

place dust abatement chemicals in road ditches, and apply at rates which do not pooling of 

abatement chemicals on the road surface.

When removing down logs in the road which extend into a stream, any woody material on the fill 

slope and in the stream will not be removed to provide for woody debris recruitment, except in cases 

where the retention of this material would result in a safety concern (i.e., downstream facilities).

Grade road surfaces only as often as necessary to maintain a stable running surface and to retain the 

original surface drainage.

Avoid cutting the toe of cut slopes when grading roads or pulling ditches.

Avoid sidecasting material where these materials may be introduced into a stream, or where the 

placement of these materials will contribute to destabilization of the slope.

Snow Removal

Snow will not be completely removed. In general, a minimum two inches of snow must be left on the 

roadway during plowing operations to protect the surface of the road.

Prevent plugging ditches and culverts during snow plowing operations.

Sidecast material will not include dirt and gravel. 

Snow berms will not be left on the road or shoulder unless drainage holes are opened and 

maintained. Drainage holes will be spaced as required to obtain satisfactory surface drainage without

discharge on erodible fills. 
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Damage from, or as a result of snow removal, will be restored in a timely manner.

Resources and Resource Uses

Livestock Grazing

Collect no more water than is sufficient to meet the intended purpose of the spring development.

Equip the spring box with a shut off valve to return water to the spring when not in use.

Ensure that enough water remains in the spring to support the source groundwater, dependent 

ecosystem, and downstream aquatic ecosystems.

Recreation Management

Educate the public to conduct their activities in ways that will not degrade water quality. Avoid 

discharges and disposal of human and animal waste, petroleum products, and other hazardous 

substances in or near RCAs in recreation areas. 

Provide primitive sanitation facilities in areas where perpetual concentrated dispersed recreation use 

is causing adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources.

Design, construct, and maintain trail width, grades, curves, and switchbacks suitable to the terrain 

and designated use.

Design stream crossings to use the most cost-efficient structure consistent with resource protection, 

facility needs, and types of use and safety obligations.

Develop and designate campsites in appropriate locations where repeated use is causing adverse 

effects.

Design and locate parking and staging areas of appropriate size and configuration to accommodate 

expected vehicles and avoid or minimize adverse effects to adjacent soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources. Use suitable measures to harden and avoid or minimize damage to parking area surfaces 

that experience heavy use or are used during wet periods.

Locate and design watercraft launch sites to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources.

Fire Management

Conduct water drafting at locations and in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects to water 

quality.

Avoid mixing chemicals (retardant, foam, etc.) in wetlands and riparian zones.

Avoid refueling in wetlands and riparian zones. If refueling a pump drafting from a water source use 

measures to minimize and contain spills.

During fire suppression efforts, avoid watershed damage in excess of that which would be caused by 

the fire itself. Avoid heavy equipment operation on fragile soils and steep slopes when possible. Use 

resource advisors and specialists to advise the incident commander on resource values during the 

suppression effort.

Stabilize areas where erosion potential increased or drainage patterns are altered by wildfires or by 

suppression related activities. Treatments include, but are not limited to:

Installing water bars and other drainage diversions in fire roads, fire lines, and other cleared 

areas;

Seeding, planting and fertilizing to provide vegetative cover;

Spreading slash or mulch to protect bare soil;

Repairing damaged road drainage facilities; and

Installing erosion barriers. 

Provide for water quality protection in formulating prescribed fire prescriptions. Prescription elements 

include fire weather, slope, aspect, soil moisture, and fuel moisture. These elements influence the fire 

intensity and have a direct effect on whether desired ground cover remains after burning, and 

whether a water repellent layer is formed.

Maintain soil productivity, minimize erosion, and prevent ash, sediment, nutrients, and debris from 

entering water bodies during prescribed fires. Some of the techniques used to prevent water quality 

impacts include:
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Maintaining the integrity of the stream course and RCA width and

Planning prescribed fires with intensities that will not result in soils becoming hydrophobic.

Special Status Species

Greater Sage-Grouse

Avoid spraying treatment areas for the control of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets in key sagegrouse habitat in May and June (or as appropriate to local circumstances) to provide insect 

availability for early development of sage-grouse chicks.

Use approved chemicals with the lowest toxicity to sage-grouse that still provide effective control of 

grasshoppers and Mormon crickets. Coordinate with US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service to determine the approved chemical with the lowest toxicity.

Slickspot Peppergrass

A qualified biologist may be required to monitor slickspots to avoid impacts during projects in habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass.

In occupied habitat, only hand sprayers will be used for the application of herbicide.

Within 10 feet of occupied slickspots, weeds will only be treated by hand.

Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants

When relevant, incorporate noxious weed and invasive plant prevention into project designs, 

including but not limited to: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation, fuels, range 

infrastructure, wildlife, fisheries, botany, soil, watershed, cultural resource, paleontology, recreation, 

and stream restoration projects.

Encourage noxious weed and invasive plant awareness and education in employee development, 

training plans, and orientation for field, fire, and administrative positions.

Promptly treat recreation sites or other high use areas when noxious weeds and invasive species are 

found.

Wildland Fire Suppression

In the event a wildland fire escapes initial attack, a resource advisor should be assigned to ensure 

that resource management concerns are adequately addressed and that necessary mitigation occurs. 

If one of the following is being threatened or has the potential to be threatened, the authorized officer 

must be notified and a resource advisor should be dispatched:

Public health and safety; 

 Wildland urban interface;

Sage-grouse habitat; 

Occupied habitat for slickspot peppergrass; or

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs); Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs); Wilderness; 

designated, eligible, or suitable Wild and Scenic Rivers; or National Historic Trails (NHTs). 

Use the minimum control line width necessary for containing fires; following containment, additional 

control lines should be avoided.

Existing roads should be used for dozer lines before new dozer lines are constructed.

Use of natural firebreaks and existing roads and trails to contain a wildland fire would be encouraged 

within special designations (e.g., WSAs, ACECs, and NHTs). 

Equipment used during extended attack should be cleaned before arriving on site and prior to 

demobilization to minimize the spread of noxious weeds and invasive plants. Wash stations should be 

set up in base camps and staging areas when practical.

For fires requiring an incident management team, coordinate with the Field Office specialists prior to 

the establishment of base camps, staging areas, or support facilities so areas with special 

designations, special status species habitat, cultural resources sites, noxious weed patches, or 

riparian areas would be avoided to the extent practical.

Through the authorized officer or resource advisor, an archaeologist should be notified to provide 

technical expertise, identify cultural resources that may be encountered, and identify best cultural 

protection practices to be used during suppression activities.
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Prior to wildland fire season, potential areas of conflict between archaeological resources and 

wildland fire suppression activities should be identified.

Consider covering rock art or wrapping historic buildings or other such features in fire retardant fabric.

To the extent practicable, suppress wildfires near rock art sites to minimize smoke damage. Rock art 

sites would be a suppression priority once the wildfire is contained. Avoid direct applications of foam, 

water, or retardant to rock art sites during suppression operations.

Livestock Grazing

General

Ensure noxious weed and invasive plant prevention and control are considered in the management of 

grazing allotments.

Implement grazing practices that allow for periodic rest during the growing season and promote 

rangeland health.

Use annual indicators to evaluate implementation of grazing schedules. 

Manage water availability to alter distribution of livestock to maintain plant vigor and habitat for wildlife 

and special status plant species.

Consider kind and breed of livestock to improve distribution patterns and forage use.

Encourage the use of animal husbandry practices, such as early weaning of calves or culling of 

problem cattle, to achieve resource objectives.

Remove and properly dispose of supplement tubs, old pipe, troughs, wire, and etc. from BLM 

managed lands.

Pursue opportunities to incorporate multiple allotments under a single management plan/strategy 

where incorporation would result in enhanced management to promote rangeland health and resolve 

resource issues.

Upland Areas

Periodically treat crested wheatgrass seedings to prevent widespread development of decadent 

plants undergoing a process of decline of vigor, production, and palatability to wildlife and livestock 

due to accumulation of previous year’s biomass. 

 Manage livestock grazing to reduce disturbance to special status birds in native plant communities 

during nesting. For example, deferring some pastures during nesting or active herding of livestock 

between pastures.

Place salt and other supplements in annual grasslands or non-native perennial grassland sites. If 

specific pastures contain only native habitats, place salt and supplements in areas that are already 

disturbed including, but not limited to:

dirt road or jeep trail intersections,

water troughs located in the uplands,

gravel pits, or

areas previously used for salting.

In pastures with non-native plant communities, place salt and other supplements at least 0.25 mile 

from native plant communities. If space limits this practice, place supplements to minimize livestock 

congregation in native plant communities.

Consider placing livestock water or supplements away from agricultural land to provide relatively 

large blocks of suitable nesting and wintering habitat for pheasants, as well as nesting habitat for 

other taller grass dependent species such as northern harriers, short-eared owls, and several 

songbirds.

Riparian Areas

Use water developments in upland areas to reduce livestock concentrations in riparian areas.

Place salt and other supplements in the uplands at least 0.25 mile away from riparian zones and 

wetlands, unless determined necessary to meet specific resource objectives.

Use localized hardened crossings to limit surface disturbance and reduce erosion at streamside 

livestock watering and crossing areas as long as fish migration through the watering areas is not 

impeded.
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Use riding and herding to control livestock distribution and use in areas with identified resource 

concerns such as in riparian areas, wet meadows, or stream crossings. Frequency of this method 

would vary by allotment, pasture and resource concern.

Use gap fencing in conjunction with gullies, cliffs, and other natural barriers to limit livestock trailing 

and bedding in riparian areas; bed livestock in the uplands where possible.

When water gaps are necessary, locate water gaps in rocky or hardened areas (natural or manmade) 

to minimize trampling damage to streambanks and streambeds. Use narrow water gaps to 

discourage livestock from loafing at the water source.

Ensure utilization levels provide for sufficient herbaceous and woody vegetation during periods of 

high flow to protect streambanks, dissipate energy, and trap sediments.

When entering a pasture, locate livestock near upland troughs or ponds to avoid impacts to riparian 

areas.

Range Infrastructure

Fences (Applicable to all programs)

Encourage reducing fence densities by implementing alternative control methods such as herding, 

turning off waters, and placement of salt or supplements (Autenrieth et al., 2006; Yoakum, 2004). 

When reconfiguring pastures within an allotment and when the allotment size allows, larger pasture 

sizes (greater than 3,000 acres) are preferred to smaller pasture sizes to meet big game objectives.

Modify fences that cross big game migration routes (e.g., Davison clips, let-down fence, or other 

techniques) to ensure that pronghorn and mule deer movements are not blocked.

Exclosure fences should be at least 10 acres to accommodate big game use (Gross and Knight, 

2000). 

If it is necessary to restrict big game to protect resource values, including rare plant habitat, such 

exclosures should be of adequate height (at least 8 feet) to prevent big game access. These types of 

exclosures would be sized to protect the resource value which may cover less than 10 acres.

Water Developments 

Proposed Authorizations/Activities

Design structures in a manner that minimizes potential for production of mosquitoes which may carry 

West Nile virus.

Fences should not be placed on dams or berms to minimize waterfowl, shorebird, and other avian 

collisions. Fences should be beyond the high water mark surrounding the pond/reservoir to minimize 

collision with waterfowl and shorebirds. Anchor troughs without wires, poles, and other obstructions 

directly over the trough surface to reduce injuries and make the troughs more accessible to bats 

(Tuttle et al., 2006). 

 Evaluate ponds and reservoirs as habitat for amphibians. Where habitat is occupied by amphibians, 

take measures to maintain or improve habitat quality, including planting aquatic cover, providing 

basking areas, reducing trampling at critical times of the year, and providing water from spring 

through fall (CSFTT, 2003). 

Explore alternative strategies to divert water that reduce impacts on the spring source or riparian 

habitat (e.g., locating collection devices far enough below the spring source that it reduces 

detrimental impacts on the spring source or surrounding riparian vegetation (CSFTT, 2003), leaving 

adequate water at the spring source to maintain or enhance the existing condition).

Recreation

Recreation Sites

Develop site-specific measures to avoid impacts to sage-grouse at existing or new recreation sites 

(e.g., seasonal closures, location of facilities). 

In the sage-grouse management area, use perch deterrents on signs and kiosks to reduce raven or 

raptor use of this infrastructure as foraging perches.
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Transportation and Travel

In coordination with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and local 

highway districts, evaluate primitive roads and trails and consider seasonal restrictions. Primitive 

roads in sage-grouse nesting and big game winter habitat would have the highest priority for seasonal 

closures during sensitive periods (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004) (Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory 

Committee, 2006). 

Through the transportation and travel management planning process, address important wildlife 

habitat values including key sage-grouse breeding habitat (Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee, 

2006) and big game parturition and winter habitats (Mule Deer Working Group, 2004) through actions 

such as closing or rerouting roads and seasonal restrictions.

To the extent practical, schedule road realignments and other major construction to occur between 

June 21 and November 30 in big game winter habitat and sage-grouse habitat.

Spray herbicides along roadsides to minimize sources of noxious weed and invasive plant seed that 

could be transported to other areas. Follow conservation measures found in Appendix C when 

applying herbicide along roadsides in occupied habitat for slickspot peppergrass.

Ensure road blading and roadside herbicide applications are coordinated chronologically to minimize 

herbicide use and increase effectiveness.

Use spot grading whenever possible to reduce route braiding.

Where culverts and water bars are installed, use methods to slow water flow to prevent erosion. 

Methods may include rock, filter cloth, straw rolls, or other methods.

When culverts are removed, they will be hauled to a land fill or recycled.

Place a high priority on closing and reclaiming unauthorized motor vehicle routes.

Ditch outs should remain within the road’s right-of-way. Avoid ending ditch outs in defined ephemeral 

channels.

Land Use Authorizations

Communication Towers and Overhead Transmission Lines

Construct new power lines and bury cable next to existing roads or other linear disturbance features 

to the extent possible.

Remove wires from abandoned overhead power or telephone lines; cut off poles near ground level 

and remove them.

Design towers and configure power poles to prevent raptors from using them as perches or nest 

sites.

Design towers and adjacent structures with the smallest footprint possible; however, a larger footprint 

for self-supporting towers is preferable to guy-supported towers with a smaller footprint.

Install visual markers or other proven methods on guyed towers to prevent collisions by wildlife.

Install downshield security lighting for on-the-ground facilities to minimize attraction to birds and bats.

Wind Energy Development

The design features for wind energy development are from the Implementation of a Wind Energy 

Development Program and Associated Land Use Plan Documents Record of Decision (BLM, 2005) which 

amended the 1987 Jarbidge Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision. Applicable 

design features will be adopted as required elements of project-specific Plans of Development (PODs) 

and/or as right-of-way (ROW) authorization stipulations. They are categorized by development activity: 

site monitoring and testing, development of the POD, construction, operation, and decommissioning. The 

design features for development of the POD identify elements that address potential impacts associated 

with subsequent phases of development.

Site Monitoring and Testing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-required notice of proposed construction shall be made as 

early as possible to identify any air safety measures that would be required. 

The area disturbed by installation of meteorological towers (i.e., footprint) shall be kept to a minimum.
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Existing roads shall be used to the maximum extent feasible. If new roads are necessary, they shall 

be designed and constructed to the appropriate standard.

Meteorological towers shall not be located in sensitive habitats or in areas where ecological 

resources known to be sensitive to human activities (e.g., sage-grouse, golden eagle nest territories, 

etc.) are present. Installation of towers shall be scheduled to avoid disruption of wildlife reproductive 

activities or other important behaviors.

Meteorological towers installed for site monitoring and testing shall be inspected periodically for 

structural integrity.

Plan of Development Preparation

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM, Department of Defense (DoD), and FAA early in 

the project planning process to identify and minimize impacts on airspace use. Identifying impacts on 

airspace use shall include, but is not limited to:

Consult with the FAA on proposed construction of any facility that is 100 feet (~61 m) or taller to 

evaluate potential safety hazards.

Consult with the DoD to minimize and/or eliminate impacts on military operations, and encourage 

compatible development. 

Available information describing the environmental and sociocultural conditions in the vicinity of the 

proposed project shall be collected and reviewed as needed to predict potential impacts of the 

project.

To plan for efficient use of the land, necessary infrastructure requirements shall be consolidated 

wherever possible, and current transmission and market access shall be evaluated carefully.

The project shall be planned to utilize existing roads and utility corridors to the maximum extent 

feasible, and to minimize the number and length/size of new roads, lay-down areas, and borrow 

areas.

A monitoring program shall be developed to ensure that environmental conditions are monitored 

during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases. The monitoring program 

requirements, including adaptive management strategies, shall be established at the project level to 

ensure that potential adverse impacts of wind energy development are mitigated. The monitoring 

program shall identify the monitoring requirements for each environmental resource present at the 

site, establish metrics against which monitoring observations can be measured, identify potential 

mitigation measures, and establish protocols for incorporating monitoring observations and additional 

mitigation measures into standard operating procedures and best management practices.

“Good housekeeping” procedures shall be developed to ensure that during construction, operation 

and decommissioning the site will be kept clean of debris, garbage, fugitive trash or waste, and 

graffiti; to prohibit scrap heaps and dumps; and to minimize storage yards.

Wildlife and Other Ecological Resources

Operators shall review existing information on species and habitats in the vicinity of the project area 

to identify potential concerns.

Operators shall conduct surveys for Federal and/or State-protected species and other species of 

concern (including special status plant and animal species) within the project and adjoining areas, 

design the project to avoid (if possible), minimize, or mitigate impacts to these resources.

Operators shall identify important, sensitive, or unique habitats in the vicinity of the project and design 

the project to avoid (if possible), minimize, or mitigate impacts to these habitats (e.g., locate the 

turbines, roads, and ancillary facilities in the least environmentally sensitive areas; i.e., away from 

riparian habitats, streams, wetlands, drainages, or critical wildlife habitats).

The BLM will prohibit the disturbance of any population of Federally listed plant species.

Operators shall use best available information to evaluate avian and bat use of the project area and 

design the project and site-specific BMPs to minimize or mitigate the potential for bird and bat strikes 

(e.g., development shall not occur in riparian habitats and wetlands). Scientifically rigorous avian and 

bat use surveys shall be conducted; the amount and extent of ecological baseline data required shall 
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be determined on a project basis. The surveys will cover all seasons and be at least two years in 

duration. An avian and bat protection plan shall be completed for wind energy development projects.

Turbines shall be configured to avoid landscape features known to attract raptors, if site studies show 

that placing turbines there would pose a significant risk to raptors.

Operators shall determine the presence of bat colonies and avoid placing turbines near known bat 

hibernation, breeding, and maternity/nursery colonies; in known migration corridors; or in known flight 

paths between colonies and feeding areas.

Operators shall determine the presence of raptor nests (i.e., active raptor nests and alternate nest 

sites within breeding territories during the breeding season). Measures to reduce raptor use at a 

project site (e.g., minimize road cuts, maintain either no vegetation or non-attractive plant species 

around the turbines) shall be considered.

A habitat restoration plan shall be developed to avoid (if possible), minimize, or mitigate negative 

impacts on vulnerable wildlife while maintaining or enhancing habitat values for other species. The 

plan shall identify revegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures that shall be 

implemented to ensure that all temporary use areas are restored. The plan shall require that 

restoration occur as soon as possible after completion of activities to reduce the amount of habitat 

converted at any one time and to speed up the recovery to natural habitats.

Procedures shall be developed to mitigate potential impacts to special status species. Such 

measures could include avoidance, relocation of project facilities or lay-down areas, and/or relocation 

of biota.

Facilities shall be designed to discourage their use as perching or nesting substrates by birds. For 

example, power lines and poles shall be configured to minimize raptor electrocutions and discourage 

raptor and raven nesting and perching.

Visual Resources

The public shall be involved and informed about the visual site design elements of the proposed wind 

energy facilities. Possible approaches include conducting public forums for disseminating information, 

offering organized tours of operating wind developments, and using computer simulation and 

visualization techniques in public presentations.

Turbine arrays and turbine design shall be integrated with the surrounding landscape. Design 

elements to be addressed include visual uniformity, use of tubular towers, proportion of turbines, color 

of non-reflective paints, and prohibition of messages on turbines.

Other site design elements shall be integrated with the surrounding landscape. Elements to address 

include minimizing the profile of the ancillary structures, burial of cables, prohibition of commercial 

symbols, and lighting. Regarding lighting, efforts shall be made to minimize the need for and amount 

of lighting on ancillary structures.

Roads

An access road siting and management plan shall be prepared incorporating existing BLM standards 

regarding road design, construction, and maintenance, such as those described in the BLM 9113 

Manual and the Surface Operating Standards for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development (i.e., the 

Gold Book, 4th Edition, 2007).

Ground Transportation

A transportation plan shall be developed, particularly for the transport of turbine components, main 

assembly cranes, and other large pieces of equipment. The plan shall consider specific object sizes, 

weights, origin, destination, and unique handling requirements and shall evaluate alternative 

transportation approaches. In addition, the process to be used to comply with unique State 

requirements and to obtain all necessary permits shall be clearly identified.

A traffic management plan shall be prepared for the site access roads to ensure that no hazards 

would result from the increased truck traffic and that traffic flow would not be adversely impacted. 

This plan shall incorporate measures such as informational signs, flaggers when equipment may 

result in blocked throughways, and traffic cones to identify any necessary changes in temporary lane 

configuration.
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Noise

Proponents of a wind energy development project shall take multiple measurements in multiple 

seasons to assess the existing background noise levels at multiple sites and compare them with the 

anticipated noise levels associated with the proposed project.

Noxious Weeds and Pesticides

Operators shall develop a plan for control of noxious weeds and invasive plant species, which could 

occur as a result of new surface disturbance activities at the site. The plan shall address monitoring, 

education of personnel on weed identification, the manner in which weeds spread, and methods for 

treating infestations. The use of certified weed-free mulching shall be required. A controlled 

inspection and cleaning area shall be established to visually inspect construction equipment arriving 

at the project area and to remove and collect seeds that may be adhering to tires and other 

equipment surfaces.

If pesticides are used on the site, an integrated pest management plan shall be developed to ensure 

that applications would be conducted within the framework of BLM and USDI (US Department of 

Interior) policies and entail only the use of Environmental Protection Agency-registered pesticides. 

Pesticide use shall be limited to non-persistent, immobile pesticides and shall only be applied in 

accordance with label and application permit directions and stipulations for terrestrial and aquatic 

applications.

Cultural/Historic Resources

BLM will consult with Indian tribal governments early in the planning process to identify issues 

regarding the proposed wind energy development, including issues related to the presence of cultural 

properties, access rights, disruption to traditional cultural practices, and impacts to visual resources 

important to the tribe(s).

The presence of archaeological sites and historic properties in the area of potential effect shall be 

determined on the basis of a records search of recorded sites and properties in the area and/or, 

depending on the extent and reliability of existing information, an archaeological survey. 

Archaeological sites and historic properties present in the area of potential effect shall be reviewed to 

determine whether they meet the criteria of eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic 

Places (NRHP).

When any ROW application includes remnants of a National Historic Trail (NHT), is located within the 

viewshed of a NHT’s designated centerline, or includes or is within the viewshed of a trail eligible for 

listing on the NRHP, the operator shall evaluate the potential visual impacts to the trail associated 

with the proposed project and identify appropriate mitigation measures for inclusion as stipulations in 

the POD.

If cultural resources are present at the site, or if areas with a high potential to contain cultural material 

have been identified, a Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) shall be developed. This plan 

shall address mitigation activities to be taken for cultural resources found at the site. Avoidance of the 

area is always the preferred mitigation option. Other mitigation options include archaeological survey 

and excavation (as warranted) and monitoring. If an area exhibits a high potential, but no artifacts 

were observed during an archaeological survey, monitoring by a qualified archaeologist could be 

required during all excavation and earthmoving in the high-potential area. A report shall be prepared 

documenting these activities. The CRMP also shall:

Establish a monitoring program,

Identify measures to prevent potential looting/vandalism or erosion impacts, and

Address the education of workers and the public to make them aware of the consequences of 

unauthorized collection of artifacts and destruction of property on public land.

Paleontological Resources

Operators shall determine whether paleontological resources exist in a project area on the basis of 

the sedimentary context of the area, a records search for past paleontological finds in the area, 

and/or, depending on the extent of existing information, a paleontological survey.

If paleontological resources are present at the site, or if areas with a high potential to contain 

paleontological material have been identified, a paleontological resources management plan shall be 
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developed. This plan shall include a mitigation plan for collection of the fossils; mitigation could 

include avoidance, removal of fossils, or monitoring. If an area exhibits a high potential but no fossils 

were observed during survey, monitoring by a qualified paleontologist could be required during all 

excavation and earthmoving in the sensitive area. A report shall be prepared documenting these 

activities. The paleontological resources management plan also shall: 

Establish a monitoring program,

Identify measures to prevent potential looting/vandalism or erosion impacts, and

Address the education of workers and the public to make them aware of the consequences of 

unauthorized collection of fossils on public land.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

Operators shall develop a hazardous materials management plan addressing storage, use, 

transportation, and disposal of each hazardous material anticipated to be used at the site. The plan 

shall identify all hazardous materials that would be used, stored, or transported at the site. It shall 

establish inspection procedures, storage requirements, storage quantity limits, inventory control, 

nonhazardous product substitutes, and disposition of excess materials. The plan shall also identify 

requirements for notices to Federal and local emergency response authorities and include emergency 

response plans.

Operators shall develop a waste management plan identifying the waste streams that are expected to 

be generated at the site and addressing hazardous waste determination procedures, waste storage 

locations, waste-specific management and disposal requirements, inspection procedures, and waste 

minimization procedures. This plan shall address all solid and liquid wastes that may be generated at 

the site.

Operators shall develop a spill prevention and response plan identifying where hazardous materials 

and wastes are stored on site, spill prevention measures to be implemented, training requirements, 

appropriate spill response actions for each material or waste, the locations of spill response kits on 

site, a procedure for ensuring that the spill response kits are adequately stocked at all times, and 

procedures for making timely notifications to authorities.

Storm Water

Operators shall develop a storm water management plan for the site to ensure compliance with 

applicable regulations and prevent off-site migration of contaminated storm water or increased soil 

erosion. 

Human Health and Safety

A safety assessment shall be conducted to describe potential safety issues and the means that would 

be taken to mitigate them, including issues such as site access, construction, safe work practices, 

security, heavy equipment transportation, traffic management, emergency procedures, and fire 

control.

A health and safety program shall be developed to protect both workers and the general public during 

construction, operation, and decommissioning of a wind energy project. Regarding occupational 

health and safety, the program shall identify all applicable Federal and State occupational safety 

standards; establish safe work practices for each task (e.g., requirements for personal protective 

equipment and safety harnesses; Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard practices 

for safe use of explosives and blasting agents; and measures for reducing occupational electric and 

magnetic fields exposures); establish fire safety evacuation procedures; and define safety 

performance standards (e.g., electrical system standards and lightning protection standards). The 

program shall include a training program to identify hazard training requirements for workers for each 

task and establish procedures for providing required training to all workers. Documentation of training 

and a mechanism for reporting serious accidents to appropriate agencies shall be established.

Regarding public health and safety, the health and safety program shall establish a safety zone or 

setback for wind turbine generators from residences and occupied buildings, roads, ROWs, and other 

public access areas that is sufficient to prevent accidents resulting from the operation of wind turbine 

generators. It shall identify requirements for temporary fencing around staging areas, storage yards, 

and excavations during construction or decommissioning activities. It shall also identify measures to 
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be taken during the operation phase to limit public access to hazardous facilities (e.g., permanent 

fencing would be installed only around electrical substations, and turbine tower access doors would 

be locked).

Operators shall consult with local planning authorities regarding increased traffic during the 

construction phase, including an assessment of the number of vehicles per day, their size, and type. 

Specific issues of concern (e.g., location of school bus routes and stops) shall be identified and 

addressed in the traffic management plan.

If operation of the wind turbines is expected to cause significant adverse impacts to nearby 

residences and occupied buildings from shadow flicker, low-frequency sound, or electric and 

magnetic fields site-specific recommendations for addressing these concerns shall be incorporated 

into the project design (e.g., establishing a sufficient setback from turbines).

The project shall be planned to minimize electromagnetic interference (e.g., impacts to radar, 

microwave, television, and radio transmissions) and comply with Federal Communications 

Commission regulations. Signal strength studies shall be conducted when proposed locations have 

the potential to impact transmissions. Potential interference with public safety communication 

systems (e.g., radio traffic related to emergency activities) shall be avoided.

The project shall be planned to comply with FAA regulations, including lighting regulations, and to 

avoid potential safety issues associated with proximity to airports, military bases or training areas, or 

landing strips.

Operators shall develop a fire management strategy to implement measures to minimize the potential 

for a human-caused fire.

Construction

General

All control and mitigation measures established for the project in the POD and the resource-specific 

management plans that are part of the POD shall be maintained and implemented throughout the 

construction phase, as appropriate.

The area disturbed by construction and operation of a wind energy development project (i.e., 

footprint) shall be kept to a minimum.

The number and size/length of roads, temporary fences, lay-down areas, and borrow areas shall be 

minimized.

Topsoil from all excavations and construction activities shall be salvaged and reapplied during 

reclamation.

All areas of disturbed soil shall be reclaimed using weed-free native grasses, forbs, and shrubs.

Reclamation activities shall be undertaken as early as possible on disturbed areas.

All electrical collector lines shall be buried in a manner that minimizes additional surface disturbance 

(e.g., along roads or other paths of surface disturbance). Overhead lines may be used in cases where 

burial of lines would result in further habitat disturbance.

Operators shall identify unstable slopes and local factors that can induce slope instability (such as 

groundwater conditions, precipitation, earthquake activities, slope angles, and the dip angles of 

geologic strata). Operators also shall avoid creating excessive slopes during excavation and blasting 

operations. Special construction techniques shall be used where applicable in areas of steep slopes, 

erodible soil, and stream channel crossings.

Erosion controls that comply with Federal, State, and local standards shall be applied. Practices such 

as jute netting, silt fences, and check dams shall be applied near disturbed areas.

Wildlife

Guy wires on permanent meteorological towers shall be avoided, however, may be necessary on 

temporary meteorological towers installed during site monitoring and testing. If used guy wires would 

be marked to reduce wildlife mortality.

In accordance with the habitat restoration plan, restoration shall be undertaken as soon as possible 

after completion of construction activities to reduce the amount of habitat converted at any one time 

and to speed up the recovery to natural habitats.
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All construction employees shall be instructed to avoid harassment and disturbance of wildlife, 

especially during reproductive (e.g., courtship and nesting) seasons. In addition, pets shall not be 

permitted on site during construction.

Visual Resources 

Operators shall reduce visual impacts during construction by minimizing areas of surface disturbance, 

controlling erosion, using dust suppression techniques, and restoring exposed soils as closely as 

possible to their original contour and vegetation.

Roads

Existing roads shall be used, but only if in safe and environmentally sound locations. If new roads are 

necessary, they shall be designed and constructed to the appropriate standard and be no higher than 

necessary to accommodate their intended functions (e.g., traffic volume and weight of vehicles). 

Excessive grades on roads, road embankments, ditches, and drainages shall be avoided, especially 

in areas with erodible soils. Special construction techniques shall be used, where applicable. 

Abandoned roads and roads that are no longer needed shall be recontoured and revegetated.

Access roads and on-site roads shall be surfaced with aggregate materials, wherever appropriate.

Access roads shall be located to follow natural contours and minimize side hill cuts.

Roads shall be located away from drainage bottoms and avoid wetlands, if practicable.

Roads shall be designed so that changes to surface water runoff are avoided and erosion is not 

initiated.

Access roads shall be located to minimize stream crossings. All structures crossing streams shall be 

located and constructed so that they do not decrease channel stability or increase water velocity. 

Operators shall obtain all applicable Federal and State permits.

Existing drainage systems shall not be altered, especially in sensitive areas such as erodible soils or 

steep slopes. Potential soil erosion shall be controlled at culvert outlets with appropriate structures. 

Catch basins, roadway ditches, and culverts shall be cleaned and maintained regularly.

Ground Transportation

Project personnel and contractors shall be instructed and required to adhere to speed limits 

commensurate with road types, traffic volumes, vehicle types, and site-specific conditions, to ensure 

safe and efficient traffic flow and to reduce wildlife collisions and disturbance and airborne dust.

Traffic shall be restricted to the roads developed for the project. Use of other unimproved roads shall 

be restricted to emergency situations.

Signs shall be placed along construction roads to identify speed limits, travel restrictions, and other 

standard traffic control information. To minimize impacts on local commuters, consideration shall be 

given to limiting construction vehicles traveling on public roadways during the morning and late 

afternoon commute time.

Air Emissions

Dust abatement techniques shall be used on unpaved, unvegetated surfaces to minimize airborne 

dust.

Speed limits (e.g., 25 mph [40 km/h]) shall be posted and enforced to reduce airborne fugitive dust.

Construction materials and stockpiled soils shall be covered if they are a source of fugitive dust.

Dust abatement techniques shall be used before and during surface clearing, excavation, or blasting 

activities.

Excavation and Blasting Activities

Operators shall gain a clear understanding of the local hydrogeology. Areas of groundwater discharge 

and recharge and their potential relationships with surface water bodies shall be identified.

Operators shall avoid creating hydrologic conduits between two aquifers during foundation excavation 

and other activities.

Foundations and trenches shall be backfilled with originally excavated material as much as possible. 

Excess excavation materials shall be disposed of only in approved areas or, if suitable, stockpiled for 

use in reclamation activities.
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Borrow material shall be obtained only from authorized and permitted sites. Existing sites shall be 

used in preference to new sites.

Explosives shall be used only within specified times and at specified distances from sensitive wildlife 

or streams and lakes, as established by the BLM or other Federal and State agencies. 

Noise

Noisy construction activities (including blasting) shall be limited to the least noise-sensitive times of 

day (i.e., daytime only between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.) and weekdays.

All equipment shall have sound-control devices no less effective than those provided on the original 

equipment. All construction equipment used shall be adequately muffled and maintained.

All stationary construction equipment (i.e., compressors and generators) shall be located as far as 

practicable from nearby residences.

If blasting or other noisy activities are required during the construction period, nearby residents shall 

be notified in advance. 

Cultural and Paleontological Resources

Unexpected discovery of cultural or paleontological resources during construction shall be brought to 

the attention of the responsible BLM authorized officer immediately. Work shall be halted in the 

vicinity of the find to avoid further disturbance to the resources while they are being evaluated and 

appropriate mitigation measures are being developed.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

Secondary containment shall be provided for all on-site hazardous materials and waste storage, 

including fuel. In particular, fuel storage (for construction vehicles and equipment) shall be a 

temporary activity occurring only for as long as is needed to support construction activities.

Wastes shall be properly containerized and removed periodically for disposal at appropriate off-site 

permitted disposal facilities.

In the event of an accidental release to the environment, the operator shall document the event, 

including a root cause analysis, appropriate corrective actions taken, and a characterization of the 

resulting environmental or health and safety impacts. Documentation of the event shall be provided to 

the BLM authorized officer and other Federal and State agencies, as required.

Any wastewater generated in association with temporary, portable sanitary facilities shall be 

periodically removed by a licensed hauler and introduced into an existing municipal sewage treatment 

facility. Temporary, portable sanitary facilities provided for construction crews shall be adequate to 

support expected on-site personnel and shall be removed at completion of construction activities.

Public Health and Safety

Temporary fencing shall be installed around staging areas, storage yards, and excavations during 

construction to limit public access.

Operations

General

All control and mitigation measures established for the project in the POD and the resource-specific 

management plans that are part of the POD shall be maintained and implemented throughout the 

operational phase, as appropriate. These control and mitigation measures shall be reviewed and 

revised, as needed, to address changing conditions or requirements at the site, throughout the 

operational phase. This adaptive management approach would help ensure that impacts from 

operations are kept to a minimum.

Inoperative turbines shall be repaired, replaced, or removed in a timely manner. Requirements to do 

so shall be incorporated into the due diligence provisions of the right-of-way (ROW) authorization. 

Operators will be required to demonstrate due diligence in the repair, replacement, or removal of 

turbines; failure to do so could result in termination of the ROW authorization.
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Wildlife

Employees, contractors, and site visitors shall be instructed to avoid harassment and disturbance of 

wildlife, especially during reproductive (e.g., courtship and nesting) seasons. In addition, any pets 

shall be controlled to avoid harassment and disturbance of wildlife.

Observations of potential wildlife problems, including wildlife mortality, shall be reported to the BLM 

authorized officer immediately.

Ground Transportation

Ongoing ground transportation planning shall be conducted to evaluate road use, minimize traffic 

volume, and ensure that roads are maintained adequately to minimize associated impacts.

Monitoring Program

Site monitoring protocols defined in the POD shall be implemented. These will incorporate monitoring 

program observations and additional mitigation measures to minimize future environmental impacts.

Results of monitoring program efforts shall be provided to the BLM authorized officer.

Public Health and Safety

Permanent fencing shall be installed and maintained around electrical substations. 

Turbine tower access doors shall be locked to limit public access.

In the event an installed wind energy development project results in electromagnetic interference, the 

operator shall work with the owner of the impacted communications system to resolve the problem. 

Additional warning information may also need to be conveyed to aircraft with onboard radar systems 

so that echoes from wind turbines can be quickly recognized.

Decommissioning

General

Prior to the termination of the ROW authorization, a decommissioning plan shall be developed and 

approved by the BLM. The decommissioning plan shall include a site reclamation plan and monitoring 

program.

All management plans, best management practices, and stipulations developed for the construction 

phase shall be applied to similar activities during the decommissioning phase.

All turbines and ancillary structures shall be removed from the site.

Topsoil from all decommissioning activities shall be salvaged and reapplied during final reclamation.

All areas of disturbed soil shall be reclaimed using weed-free native shrubs, grasses, and forbs. 

The vegetation cover, composition, and diversity shall be restored to values commensurate with the 

ecological setting.

Solar Energy Development

The following design features were adopted from the Approved Resource Management Plan 

Amendments/Record of Decision for Solar Energy Development in 6 Southwestern States (BLM and 

DOE, 2012) to provide consistency. Applicable design features will be adopted as required elements of 

project-specific Plans of Development (PODs) and/or as right-of-way (ROW) authorization stipulations.

Lands and Realty

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to identify 

potential land use conflicts and constraints. Identification of potential land use conflicts shall include, 

but is not limited to:

In coordination with the BLM, developers shall consult existing BLM land use plans and local land 

use plans, as well as appropriate affected Tribes; Federal, State, and local agencies; and 

adjacent property owners.

Identifying legal access to Federal, State, and private lands surrounding the proposed solar 

facilities and the potential to create areas that are inaccessible to the public.
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Considering the effects on the uses of public lands around boundaries of solar energy facilities.

Considering the potential effects on prime and unique farmland.

Evaluating land use impacts and constraints for the project and consider options to avoid, 

minimize, and/or mitigate adverse impacts.

Informing existing BLM ROW authorization holders within solar energy development areas, 

pursuant to Title 43, Part 2807.14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (43 CFR 2807.14), that an 

application that might affect their existing ROW has been filed and request their comments. 

Identifying public land boundaries. Proposed solar energy developments within 0.25 mile of any 

project boundary will require issuance of a Chain of Survey Certificate in conformance with the 

Departmental standard. In some cases, Land Description Reviews, Certificates of Inspection and 

Possession, Boundary Assurance Certificates, resurveys, re-monumentation, and/or referencing 

of Public Land Survey System corners may be required before the start of any action.

Methods to minimize land use conflicts and constraints may include, but are not limited to:

Informing project personnel of all laws and regulations that they may be subject to, such as state 

borders limitations on the removal of salable materials such as stone or wood from a project site 

for personal use, and use of vehicles off of the project site in limited access areas. This 

information should be incorporated into a Worker Education and Awareness Plan that is provided 

to all project personnel prior to entering the project worksite. The worker education and 

awareness plan shall be provided on a regular basis, covering multiple resources, to ensure the 

awareness of mitigation efforts during all phases of the project’s life. Information in the worker 

education and awareness plan shall be reviewed and approved by the BLM prior to the issuance 

of a Notice to Proceed and shall incorporate adaptive management protocols for addressing 

changes over the life of the project, should they occur.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be sited, designed, and constructed to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts 

on BLM managed lands. Methods to minimize impacts on BLM managed lands may include:

Identifying and protecting evidence of the Public Land Survey System and related Federal 

property boundaries prior to commencement of any ground-disturbing activity. This will be 

accomplished by contacting the BLM Cadastral Survey to coordinate data research, evidence 

examination and evaluation, and locating, referencing, or protecting monuments of the Public 

Land Survey System and related land boundary markers from destruction. In the event of 

obliteration or disturbance of the Federal boundary evidence, the responsible party shall 

immediately report the incident, in writing, to the BLM-authorized officer. The BLM Cadastral 

Survey will determine how the marker is to be restored. In rehabilitating or replacing the evidence 

the responsible party will be instructed to use the services of a Certified Federal Surveyor, whose 

procurement shall be per qualification-based selection, or to reimburse the BLM for costs. All 

surveying activities will conform to the Manual of Surveying Instructions and appropriate State 

laws and regulations. Local surveys will be reviewed by Cadastral Survey before being finalized 

or filed in the appropriate State or county office. The responsible party shall pay for all survey, 

investigation, penalty, and administrative costs.

Considering opportunities to consolidate access to and other supporting infrastructure for single 

projects and for cases where there is more than one project in close proximity to another in order 

to maximize the efficient use of public land and minimize impacts.

Special Designations and Lands Managed for Wilderness Characteristics

General

Protection of existing values of specially designated areas and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics 

shall be evaluated during the environmental analysis for solar energy projects, and the results shall 

be incorporated into the project planning and design.

Assessing potential impacts on specially designated areas and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics 

shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Identifying specially designated areas and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics in proximity to 

the proposed projects. In coordination with the BLM, developers shall consult existing land use 

plans and updated inventories.
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Identifying lands that are within the geographic scope of a proposed solar energy project that 

have not been recently inventoried for wilderness characteristics or any lands that have been 

identified in a citizen’s wilderness proposal in order to determine whether they possess 

wilderness characteristics. Developers shall consider including the wilderness characteristics 

evaluation as part of the processing of a solar energy ROW application for those lands without a 

recent wilderness characteristics inventory. All work must be completed in accordance with 

current BLM policies and procedures.

Methods to mitigate unavoidable impacts on special designations and Lands with Wilderness 

Characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

Acquiring wilderness inholdings from willing sellers. 

Acquiring private lands from willing sellers adjacent to designated wilderness.

Acquiring private lands from willing sellers within designated wilderness or Wilderness Study 

Areas.

Acquiring other lands containing important wilderness or related values, such as opportunities for 

solitude or a primitive, unconfined (type of) recreation.

Restoring wilderness (e.g., modifying routes or other structures that detract from wilderness 

character).

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts on the values of special designations 

and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics.

Rangeland Resources – Grazing

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM and coordinate with affected grazing 

permittees/lessees to discuss how a proposed project may affect grazing operations and to address 

possible alternatives to avoid and minimize impacts, as well as mitigation and compensation 

strategies. 

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Roads shall be constructed, improved, and maintained to minimize their impact on grazing 

operations. Road design shall include fencing, cattle guards, and speed control and information signs 

where appropriate.

Wild Horses

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other stakeholders early in the project planning 

process to assess and consider options to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate impacts on wild horses 

and their management areas. Assessing impacts on wild horses and their management areas shall 

include: 

Identifying wild horses and their use areas within the herd area in proximity to the proposed 

projects.

Evaluating potential impacts on wild horses and their management areas as part of the 

environmental impact analysis for the project and considering options to avoid, minimize, and/or 

mitigate adverse impacts in coordination with the BLM.

Methods to minimize impacts on wild horses and their management areas may include:

Installing fencing and access control.

Providing for movement corridors.

Delineating open range.

Requiring traffic management measures (e.g., vehicle speed limits).

Ensuring access to or replacement of water sources.

Incorporating key mitigation elements for wild horse in a worker education and awareness plan 

that is provided to all project personnel prior to entering the project work sites.
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Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Project access roads shall be sited, designed, constructed, fenced, and/or improved to minimize 

potential wild horse collisions. Fences, or other appropriate structures, should be constructed to 

exclude wild horses from solar energy project site facilities. Either water sources or access routes to 

water sources for horses should be excluded from the solar energy development area, or alternate 

water sources or routes should be provided.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other appropriate fire organizations early in the 

project planning process to determine fire risk and methods to minimize fire risk. Identifying fire risk 

shall include:

Minimize the potential for fire risk associated of the proposed project in coordination with the BLM 

and other appropriate fire organizations. Developers shall consult existing land use plans and fire 

management plans.

Evaluating fire risk as part of the environmental impact analysis for the project and considering 

options to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate such risk in coordination with the BLM.

General methods to minimize fire risk may include:

Develop and implement fire management measures that include providing worker training.

Incorporate key elements to mitigate the potential for fire into a worker education and awareness 

plan that is provided to all project personnel prior to entering the project worksite. 

Incorporate inspection and monitoring measures, including adaptive management protocols, to 

minimize fire risk during construction, operations, and decommissioning of a solar energy 

development.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall minimize fire risk. Methods to minimize fire risk may include, but are not limited to, 

the following:

Siting and designing the solar facilities to ensure sufficient room for fire management within the 

ROW and its facilities to minimize the risk of fire moving outside the ROW and the risk of fire 

threatening the facility from outside.

Consulting fire management personnel to determine actions, both active and passive (e.g., 

vegetation manipulation), that may minimize the need for protective responses by the BLM and 

State and local fire organizations.

Developing and implementing measures to integrate vegetation management to minimize the 

potential to increase the frequency of wildland fires and prevent the establishment of non-native, 

invasive species on the solar energy facility and its transmission line and roads.

Transportation, Travel, and Recreation

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to identify public 

access and recreation use areas in and adjacent to a project site. Identifying public access and 

recreation in and adjacent to a project shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Considering existing public access through or around proposed solar facilities that allows for 

access to and use of BLM managed public lands and non-BLM managed lands. Developers shall 

conduct this assessment in coordination with the BLM and consult existing land use plans, 

recreation management plans, etc.

Identifying legal access to Federal, State, and private lands surrounding the solar facilities to 

avoid creating areas that are inaccessible to the public.

Methods to minimize access and recreation conflicts may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Considering replacement of acreage lost for identified recreation opportunities, such as offhighway vehicle use.

Considering, to the extent practicable, providing access through or around a solar energy facility 

to provide for adequate public access and/or recreation.
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Incorporating environmental inspection and monitoring measures into the POD and other 

applicable plans to monitor and respond to impacts on recreation during construction, operations, 

and decommissioning of a solar energy development, including adaptive management protocols.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall not be sited in areas designated as unique or important recreation resources 

(such as Special Recreation Management Areas), where it has been determined that a solar facility or 

other such development of the land would be in direct conflict with the objectives of the relevant 

management plan.

Aviation

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM, Department of Defense (DoD), and Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA) early in the project planning process to identify and minimize impacts 

on airspace use. Identifying impacts on airspace use shall include, but is not limited to:

Consult with the FAA on proposed construction of any facility that is 100 feet (~ 61 m) or taller to 

evaluate potential safety hazards.

Consult with the DoD to minimize and/or eliminate impacts on military operations, and encourage 

compatible development.

Soil Resources and Geologic Hazards

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies early 

in the project planning process to assess soil erosion and geologic hazard concerns and to minimize 

potential impacts. Assessing soil erosion and geologic hazard concerns shall include, but is not 

limited to, the following:

Identifying soil erosion and geologic hazard concerns on-site and in proximity to the proposed 

projects. In coordination with the BLM, developers shall consult existing land use plans, updated 

inventories, soil surveys, etc.

Identifying local factors that can cause slope instability (e.g., groundwater conditions, 

precipitation, earthquake activity, slope angles, and the dip angles of geologic strata).

Consulting with Federal, State, and local agencies regarding road design on the basis of local 

meteorological conditions, soil moisture, and erosion potential.

Determining the potential safety and resource impacts associated with soil erosion.

Evaluating soil erosion and geologic hazard concerns as part of the environmental impact 

analysis for the project and considering options to avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate adverse 

impacts.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be sited to minimize soil erosion and geologic hazard concerns. Methods to 

minimize soil erosion may include, but are not limited to:

Designing structures to meet the requirements of all applicable Federal, State, and local permits 

and building codes.

Minimizing ground-disturbing activities.

Preventing channel erosion from project runoff.

Controlling culvert outlets with appropriate structures (e.g., rock lining or apron) to reduce soil 

erosion and scouring.

Recontouring and revegetating project roads that are no longer needed in order to increase 

infiltration and reduce soil compaction.

Utilizing excavated materials for backfill.

Controlling project vehicle and equipment speeds to reduce dust erosion.

Controlling water runoff and directing it to settling or rapid infiltration basins.

Retaining sediment-laden waters from disturbed, active areas within the project through the use 

of barriers and sedimentation devices (e.g., berms, straw bales, sandbags, jute netting, or silt 
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fences). Removing sediment from barriers and sedimentation devices to restore sediment-control 

capacity.

Placing barriers and sedimentation devices around drainages and wetlands.

Siting project structures and facilities to avoid disturbance in areas with existing biological soil 

crusts.

Replanting project areas with native or non-native perennial vegetation at spaced intervals to 

break up areas of exposed soil and reduce soil loss through wind erosion.

Minimizing land disturbance (including crossings) in natural drainage systems and groundwater 

recharge zones (i.e., ephemeral washes and playas).

 Locating and constructing drainage crossing structures so as not to decrease channel stability or 

increase water volume or velocity.

Providing adequate space (i.e., setbacks) between solar facilities and natural washes to preserve 

hydrologic function.

Considering the use of existing roads, disturbance areas, and borrow pits before creating new 

infrastructure. 

Siting, designing, and constructing new roads consistent with the appropriate design standards 

and criteria, such as those described in BLM Manual 9113 and 43 CFR 8342.1. Roads should 

follow natural land contours, and hill cuts should be minimized in the project area.

Avoiding areas with unstable slopes and soils.

Avoiding excessive grades on roads, road embankments, ditches, and drainages during site 

preparation and construction.

Considering use of special construction techniques in areas of steep slopes, erodible soil, and 

drainage ways.

Considering construction in stages to limit the areas of exposed and unstabilized soils.

Reducing construction activity timeframes so that ground-disturbing activities take place over as 

short a timeframe as possible.

Lessening fugitive dust by using dust abatement on designated roads used by construction traffic.

Lessening fugitive dust emissions and site soils compaction by gravelling surfaces used for 

construction traffic and watering unvegetated surfaces.

Avoiding clearing and disturbing areas outside the construction zone.

Clearly identifying construction zone boundaries on the ground (e.g., through the use of 

construction fencing) to minimize conflict with resource.

Avoiding ground disturbance in areas with intact biological soil crusts.

Burying electrical lines from solar collectors along existing features (e.g., roads or other paths of 

disturbance) to minimize the overall area of surface disturbance.

Obtaining borrow materials from authorized and permitted sites.

Conducting construction grading in compliance with industry practice (e.g., the American Society 

for Testing and Materials international standard methods) and other requirements (e.g., BLM 

and/or local grading and construction permits).

Using temporary stabilization devices (i.e., erosion matting blankets or soil stabilizing agents) for 

areas that are not actively under construction.

Salvaging topsoil from all excavation and construction and reapplying it to disturbed areas upon 

completion of construction. 

Restoring native plant communities as quickly as possible in disturbed areas through revegetation 

or by seeding and transplanting (using weed-free native grasses, forbs, and shrubs). 

Minimizing soil-disturbing activities on wet soils.

Incorporating environmental inspection and monitoring measures into the POD and other 

applicable plans to monitor and respond to impacts on soil resources during construction, 

operations, and decommissioning of a solar energy development, including adaptive 

management protocols.

Methods to minimize geologic hazard concerns may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Building project structures in accordance with the design-based recommendations in the projectspecific geotechnical investigation report.

Considering special siting, design, and engineering strategies in areas that have potential for 

flooding or debris flow.
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Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the stipulations for soil resources and geologic hazards shall be monitored by the 

project developer. Consultation with the BLM shall be maintained through the operations and 

maintenance of the project, employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as 

necessary and approved by the BLM. Methods to minimize soil erosion and geologic hazard 

operations and maintenance of the project shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

Applying best management practices (BMPs) developed for the construction phase to similar 

activities during the operations phase to minimize soil loss.

Performing routine site inspections to assess the effectiveness of maintenance requirements for 

erosion and sediment control systems.

Maintaining permanent barriers and sedimentation devices to ensure effective control.

Regularly maintaining catch basins, roadway ditches, and culverts.

Identifying soil erosion and geologic hazard requirements within the POD and other applicable 

plans.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

All BMPs for soil erosion and geologic hazards developed for the construction phase shall be applied 

to similar activities undertaken during the decommissioning and reclamation phase.

To the extent possible, the original grade and drainage pattern shall be re-established.

Native plant communities in disturbed areas shall be restored by revegetation or by seeding and 

transplanting (using weed-free native grasses, forbs, and shrubs), on the basis of recommendations 

by the BLM.

Mineral Resources

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to identify 

potential impacts on mineral development activities and ways to minimize potential adverse impacts. 

Assessing impacts on mineral resources shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Identifying active mining claims or mineral development activities and potential for mineral 

development in proximity to a proposed project. In coordination with the BLM, developers shall 

consult existing land use plans and updated inventories.

Solar energy development ROWs shall contain the stipulation that the BLM retains the right to issue 

oil and gas or geothermal leases with a stipulation of no surface occupancy within the ROW area.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar energy development projects shall be located to minimize conflicts with valid existing mineral 

rights and/or ongoing mineral development.

Water Resources 

General

The following activities will be undertaken to minimize impacts on water resources. They are to be 

done in coordination with the appropriate Federal, State, and local regulating agencies.

The project developer shall control project site drainage, erosion, and sedimentation related to 

stormwater runoff. The project developer shall identify site surface water runoff patterns and develop 

measures that prevent adverse impacts associated with project related soil deposition and erosion 

throughout and downslope of the project site and project related construction areas. This shall be 

implemented within a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and incorporated into the POD, 

as appropriate. Assessing stormwater runoff concerns shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Conducting hydrologic analysis and modeling to define the 100-year, 24-hour rainfall for the 

project area and calculating projected runoff from this storm at the site.

Demonstrating the project will not increase off-site flooding potential, and including provisions for 

stormwater and sediment retention on the project site.
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Demonstrating compliance with construction stormwater permitting through the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) or State-run National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program 

(whichever applies within the State).

Demonstrating compliance with the EPA requirement that any development larger than 20 acres 

(0.08 km2

) and begun after August 2011 must monitor construction discharges for turbidity 

concentrations.

Methods to minimize stormwater runoff may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Managing runoff from parking lots, roofs, or other impervious surfaces.

Creating or improving landscaping used for stormwater treatment to capture runoff.

Considering reduction of impervious surfaces through the use of permeable pavement or other 

pervious surfaces.

Maintaining natural drainages and pre-project hydrographs for the project ROW to the extent 

practicable.

Maintaining pre-development flood hydrograph for all storms up to and including the 100-year 

rainfall event.

Incorporating environmental inspection and monitoring measures into the POD and other 

applicable plans to monitor and respond to impacts from stormwater runoff during construction, 

operations, and decommissioning of a solar energy development, including adaptive 

management protocols.

Project developers shall conduct hydrologic study (or studies) that demonstrate a clear understanding 

of the local surface water and groundwater hydrology. Assessing surface water and groundwater 

hydrology may include, but is not limited to, the following:

Determining the relationship of the project site hydrologic basin to the basins in the region.

Identifying surface water bodies within the watershed or individual projects (including rivers, 

streams, ephemeral washes/drainages, reservoirs, wetlands, playas, and floodplains) and 

identifying the 100-year floodplain of any surface water feature on the site.

Identifying applicable groundwater aquifers.

Quantifying physical characteristics of surface water features, such as stream flow rates, stream 

cross sections, channel routings, seasonal flow rates.

Quantifying physical characteristics of the groundwater aquifer, such as physical dimensions of 

the aquifer, sediment characteristics, confined/unconfined conditions, hydraulic conductivity, and 

transmissivity distribution of the aquifer.

Quantifying the regional climate, including seasonal and long-term information on temperatures, 

precipitation, evaporation, and evapotranspiration.

Quantifying the sustainable yield of surface waters and groundwater available to the project.

Consulting with the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the siting of solar energy generating 

facilities in relation to hydrological features that have the potential to be subject to USACE 

jurisdiction.

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies early 

in the planning process in order to identify water use for the solar energy project, and to secure a 

reliable and legally available water supply to meet project water needs. Assessing water use shall 

include, but is not limited to, the following:

Quantifying water use requirements for project construction, operations, and decommissioning.

Meeting potable water supply standards of Federal, State, and local water quality authorities 

(e.g., Sections 303 and 304 of the Clean Water Act).

Identifying wastewater treatment measures and new or expanded facilities, if any, to be included 

as part of the facilities’ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

Methods for minimizing water use may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Considering water conservation measures related to solar energy technology water needs to 

reduce project water requirements (i.e., use dry cooling, use recycled or impaired water).

Incorporating environmental inspection and monitoring measures into the POD and other 

applicable plans to monitor water use during construction, operations, and decommissioning of 

the solar energy development, including adaptive management protocols.

Project developers shall avoid and/or minimize impacts on existing surface water features, including 

streams, reservoirs wetlands, floodplains, intermittent/ephemeral streams, and playas ( from the 

development in accordance with the following:
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The Clean Water Act, including Sections 401, 402, and 404, addressing licensing and permitting 

issues;

Executive Orders (E.O.s) 11988 and 11990 of May 24, 1977, regarding floodplain and wetland 

management: E.O. 11988, “Floodplain Management” (Federal Register, Volume 42, page 26951 

[42 FR 26951]), and E.O. 11990, “Protection of Wetlands” (42 FR 26961);

EPA stormwater management guidelines and applicable State and local guidelines;

Consultation with the USACE, in accordance with the 1987 wetlands delineation manual and 

appropriate regional supplement; avoidance, minimization and compensation proposals;

USACE permit, Nationwide verification, or other approved jurisdiction. This includes identification 

of a Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative within the environmental analysis. 

The USACE permit, Nationwide verification, or approved jurisdiction letter shall be provided to the 

BLM prior to a decision;

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (Public Law 90-542; 16 United States Code [U.S.C.] 

1271 et seq.); and

Required Clean Water Act Section 303(d) identification of impaired surface water bodies.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Project developers shall minimize impacts on groundwater and surface water resources in 

accordance with the laws and policies above. Methods to minimize impacts on surface water and 

groundwater resources may include:

Reclaiming disturbed soils as quickly as possible.

Preventing the release of project waste materials into stormwater discharges.

Avoiding impacts on sole source aquifers according to EPA guidelines.

Developing measures to prevent potential groundwater and surface water contamination and 

incorporating them into the Spill Prevention and Emergency Response Plan and POD, as 

appropriate.

Minimizing land disturbance in ephemeral washes and playas. Stormwater facilities shall be 

designed to route flow through or around the facility using existing washes when feasible, instead 

of concrete-lined channels.

Designing culverts and water conveyances to comply with BLM, State, and local standards, or to 

accommodate the runoff of a 100-year storm, whichever is larger.

Designing stormwater retention and/or infiltration and treatment systems for storm events up to 

and including the 100-year storm event.

Utilizing geotextile matting to stabilize disturbed channels and stream banks.

Diverting worksite runoff from entering disturbed streams using earth dikes, swales, and lined 

ditches.

Placing sediment control devices so that sediment-laden water can pond, thus allowing sediment 

to settle out.

Considering placement of check dams (i.e., small barriers constructed of rock, gravel bags, 

sandbags, fiber rolls, or reusable products) across a swale or drainage ditch to reduce the 

velocity of flowing water.

Considering special construction techniques in areas of erodible soil, alluvial fans, and stream 

channel/wash crossings.

Backfilling foundations and trenches with originally excavated material.

Disposing of excess excavated material according to Federal and State laws.

Maintaining drilling fluids or cuttings in a manner so as not to contact aquatic habitats. Temporary 

impoundments for storing drilling fluids and cuttings shall be lined to minimize the infiltration of 

runoff into groundwater or surface water.

Avoiding washing equipment or vehicles in streams and wetlands.

Constructing entry and exit pits in work areas to trap sediments from vehicles so they do not enter 

streams at stream crossings.

Providing for periodic removal of wastewater generated in association with sanitary facilities by a 

licensed hauler.

Avoiding the creation of hydrologic conduits between two aquifers.
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Using herbicides and pesticides within the framework of BLM and USDI policies and standard 

operating procedures, to include the use of only EPA-registered pesticides/herbicides that also 

comply with State and local regulations.

Transporting, storing, managing, and disposing of hazardous materials and vehicle/equipment 

fuels in accordance with accepted BMPs and in compliance with all applicable regulations, and 

where applicable, the SWPPP.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for water resource mitigation shall be monitored by the 

project developer. The developer shall consult with the BLM through operations and maintenance of 

the project, employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as necessary and 

approved by the BLM. Maintaining the water resources during operations and maintenance of the 

project shall include:

Monitoring water quantity and quality in areas adjacent to or downstream from development 

areas through the life of the project to ensure that water flows and water quality are protected.

Treating of sanitary and industrial wastewater either on-site or off-site to comply with Federal, 

State, and local regulations. Any discharges to surface waters would require National Pollutant 

Discharge Elimination System permitting. Any storage or treatment of wastewater on-site must 

use proper lining of holding ponds and tanks to prevent leaks.

Implementing monitoring using adaptive management strategies to ensure that long-term water 

use during operations does not substantially and disproportionately contribute to the long-term 

decline of groundwater levels or surface water flows and volumes, considering any mitigation 

measures that have been taken.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Reclamation of the project site shall begin immediately after decommissioning to reduce the likelihood 

of water resource impacts from project activities. Developers shall coordinate with the BLM in 

advance of interim/final reclamation to have the BLM or other designated resource specialists on-site 

during reclamation to ensure water resource requirements and BMPs are implemented. Methods for 

minimizing water resource impacts associated with reclamation and decommissioning activities may 

include:

Restoring the project area to predevelopment water conditions or to the extent acceptable to the 

BLM.

Considering contouring of soil borrow areas, cut-and-fill slopes, berms, water bars, and other 

disturbed areas to approximate naturally occurring slopes.

Salvaging and reapplying topsoil from decommissioning activities during final reclamation. 

Continuing groundwater and surface water monitoring activities for a limited period of time, if 

appropriate given the specific situation.

Ecological Resources

Many BMPs are similar for different types of ecological resources (plant communities and habitats, 

wildlife, aquatic resources, and special status species). BMPs for avoiding or minimizing impacts on 

ecological resources in general and during the various project phases are presented in the following 

sections.

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies in the 

early phases of project planning to help ensure compliance with Federal regulations that address the 

protection of fish, wildlife, and plant resources, with appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies. 

Assessing compliance with pertinent regulations for ecological resources shall include, but is not 

limited to, the following:

Developing, in coordination with the BLM and US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), strategies for 

complying with regulatory requirements of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act.
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Developing in coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, and 

State resource management agencies) measures to protect birds (including migratory species 

protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

Contacting appropriate agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, and State resource management agencies) 

early in the project planning process to identify potentially sensitive ecological resources such as 

aquatic habitats, wetland habitats, unique biological communities, crucial wildlife habitats, and 

special status species locations and habitats located within or in the vicinity of the solar energy 

facility and associated access roads and ROWs.

Consulting with the USACE regarding the siting of solar energy generating facilities and energy 

transmission infrastructure in relation to hydrological features that have the potential to be subject 

to USACE jurisdiction.

Considering restrictions on timing and duration of activities developed in coordination with the 

BLM, FWS, and other appropriate agencies to minimize impacts from project activities on nesting 

birds (especially passerines and listed species).

Considering recommendations contained in the Interim Golden Eagle Technical Guidance: 

Inventory and Monitoring Protocol and Other Recommendations in Support of Golden Eagle 

Management and Permit Issuance (Pagel et al., 2010).

Adhering to Instruction Memorandum 2010-156, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act—

Golden Eagle National Environmental Policy Act and Avian Protection Plan Guidance for 

Renewable Energy, until programmatic permits from the FWS are available. The analysis of 

potential impacts on and mitigation for, golden eagles shall be made in coordination with the 

FWS.

Avoiding take of golden eagles and other raptors. Mitigation regarding the golden eagle shall be 

developed in consultation with the FWS and appropriate State natural resource agencies. A 

permit may be required under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Methods to minimize impacts to ecological resources may include:

Including submittal of a jurisdictional delineation for consultation with the USACE, in accordance 

with the 1987 wetlands delineation manual and appropriate regional supplement; avoidance, 

minimization and compensation proposals.

Developing measures to ensure protection of raptors in coordination with appropriate Federal and 

State agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, and State resource management agencies).

Developing measures to ensure protection of bats in coordination with appropriate Federal and 

State agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, and State resource agencies).

Developing measures to ensure mitigation and monitoring of impacts on special status species in 

coordination with appropriate Federal and State agencies (e.g., BLM, FWS, and State resource 

management agencies).

Consulting with the FWS upon discovery of Federally listed threatened and endangered species 

during any phase of the project. All applicable terms and conditions and conservation measures 

listed in the programmatic Biological Opinion, issued by the FWS, shall be followed.

Informing project personnel that only qualified biologists are permitted to handle listed species 

according to specialized protocols approved by the FWS.

Considering plants, wildlife, and their habitats in the facility’s Dust Abatement Plan.

Limiting herbicide use to non-persistent, immobile substances. Only herbicides with low toxicity to 

wildlife and non-target native plants species shall be used, as determined in consultation with the 

FWS. Section 5.10.2.1.5 of the Draft Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental 

Impact Statement (BLM and DOE, 2010) discusses the potential impacts of herbicides on wildlife. 

All herbicides shall be applied in a manner consistent with their label requirements and in 

accordance with guidance provided in the Draft Programatic Environmental Impact Statement for 

Solar Energy Development in Six South Western States, (BLM and DOE, 2010) and the 

Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on 

Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western States (BLM, 2007b) using herbicides. Prior to 

application of herbicide treatments, a qualified person, such as a biologist, shall conduct surveys 

of bird nests and of special status species to identify the special measures or BMPs necessary to 

avoid and minimize impacts on migratory birds and special status species.

Developing a SWPPP for each project that avoids, to the extent practicable, changes in surface 

water or groundwater quality (e.g., chemical contamination, increased salinity, increased 
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temperature, decreased dissolved oxygen, and increased sediment loads) or flow that result in 

the alteration of terrestrial plant communities or communities in wetlands, springs, seeps, 

intermittent streams, perennial streams, and riparian areas (including the alteration of cover and 

community structure, species composition, and diversity) off the project site.

Utilizing block or check valves on both sides of the waterway or habitat to minimize product 

release from pipelines that transport hazardous liquids (e.g., oils) that pass through aquatic or 

other habitats. Such pipelines shall be constructed of double-walled pipe at river crossings.

Considering compensatory mitigation and monitoring of significant direct, indirect, and cumulative 

impacts on, and loss of habitat for, special status plant and animal species.

Incorporating key elements on the identification and protection of ecological resources (especially 

for special status species), including knowledge of required design features, in instructions to all 

personnel. Incorporate the knowledge into a worker education and awareness plan that is 

provided to all project personnel prior to entering the project worksite. 

Planning for vegetation management that is consistent with applicable regulations and agency 

policies for the control of noxious weeds and invasive plant species.

Developing measures for fire management and protection that minimize the potential for a 

human- or facility-caused fire to affect ecological resources and that respond to natural fire 

situations.

Developing measures to investigate the possibility of revegetating parts of the solar array area.

Designating a qualified biologist who will be responsible for overseeing compliance with all design 

features related to the protection of ecological resources throughout all project phases, 

particularly in areas requiring avoidance or containing sensitive biological resources. This person 

shall be reviewed and approved by the FWS and the BLM for designation as a qualified biologist.

Conducting pre-construction surveys, in coordination with BLM, FWS, and State agency statutes, 

programs, and policies.

Conducting seasonally appropriate inspections by a qualified biologist or team of biologists to 

ensure that important or sensitive species or habitats are not present in or near project areas. 

Attendees at the inspections may include appropriate Federal agency representatives, State 

natural resource agencies, and construction contractors, as appropriate. Habitats or locations to 

be avoided shall be clearly marked.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be sited to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts on ecological resources. Methods 

to mitigate impacts on ecological resources include:

Siting and designing projects to avoid on important, sensitive, or unique habitats in the project 

vicinity, including, but not limited to waters of the United States, wetlands (both jurisdictional and 

non-jurisdictional), springs, seeps, streams (ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial), 100-year 

floodplains, ponds and other aquatic habitats, riparian habitat, crucial wildlife habitats, and 

habitats supporting special status species populations (including designated and proposed critical 

habitat).

Reducing the attractiveness of solar energy development and infrastructure areas to opportunistic 

predators such as desert kit fox, coyotes, and common ravens. Considering opportunities to 

upgrade or maintain crossings along existing facilities (e.g., roads) such that listed species 

occupancy and connectivity are not compromised.

Avoiding siting projects in designated critical habitat, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, or 

other specially designated areas that are identified as necessary for special status species and 

habitat conservation.

Consider siting projects on previously disturbed lands in close proximity to energy load centers to 

avoid and minimize impacts on remote, undisturbed lands.

Designing project facilities to reduce the number of stream (e.g., access roads and utilities could 

share common ROWs, where feasible), and locating facilities in pre-disturbed areas to reduce 

potential for habitat fragmentation.

Preventing establishment and spread of invasive plant species and noxious weeds within the 

ROW. Developers should consider siting project facilities and activities, including associated 

roads and utility corridors, out of occupied habitats of special status animal species.
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Coordinate with Federal and State agencies to translocate special status plants including longterm monitoring of populations at receptor sites to evaluate success. Considering conducting 

interim and final restoration activities as soon as possible after development activities are 

completed in order to reduce the amount of habitat converted at any one time and to speed up 

the recovery to natural habitats.

Implementing revegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures to ensure 

temporary use areas are restored.

Conducting a nesting bird survey or other necessary survey for nesting birds. If active nests are 

detected, the nest area shall be flagged, and no activity shall take place near the nest (at a 

distance determined by the BLM in coordination with the FWS and/or appropriate State 

agencies), or until the appropriate agencies agree that construction can proceed with the 

incorporation of agreed-upon monitoring measures.

To the extent practicable, avoiding entry into aquatic habitats, such as streams and springs, 

during site characterization activities until surveys by qualified biologists have evaluated the 

potential for unique flora and fauna to be present.

Locating and designing individual project facilities to minimize disruption of animal movement 

patterns and connectivity of habitats.

Avoiding surface water or groundwater withdrawals that adversely affect sensitive habitats (e.g., 

aquatic, wetland, playa, and riparian habitats) and habitats occupied by special status species.

Designing water intake facilities to minimize the potential for aquatic organisms from surface 

waters to be entrained in cooling water systems.

Demonstrating, through hydrologic modeling, that the withdrawals required for the project are not 

going to affect groundwater discharges that support special status species or their habitats.

Considering the use of fencing and netting for evaporation ponds to prevent their use by wildlife.

To the extent practicable, locating meteorological towers, solar sensors, soil borings, wells, and 

travel routes to avoid sensitive habitats or areas where wildlife (e.g., sage-grouse) is known to be 

sensitive to human activities.

To the extent practicable, avoiding siting solar power facilities near open water or other areas that 

are known to attract large numbers of birds.

To the extent practicable, placing tall structures, such as meteorological towers and solar power 

towers, to avoid known flight paths of birds and bats.

Implementing current guidelines and methodologies in the design of proposed transmission 

facilities in order to minimize the potential for raptors and other birds to collide or be electrocuted 

by them.

Placing mechanisms to visually warn birds (permanent markers or bird flight diverters) on 

transmission lines at regular intervals to prevent birds from colliding with the lines.

Designing transmission line support structures and other facility structures to discourage use by 

raptors for perching or nesting (e.g., by using monopoles rather than lattice support structures or 

by use of anti-perching devices).

Considering spanning important or sensitive habitats with transmission line conductors within the 

limits of standard structure design.

Using low-water crossings (fords) during the driest time of the year. Developers should consider 

using rocked approaches to fords and returning the crossing to pre-existing stream channel 

conditions after the need for a low-water ford has passed.

Employing noise reduction devices (e.g., mufflers) to minimize the impacts on wildlife and special 

status species populations.

Explosives shall be used only within specified times and at specified distances from sensitive 

wildlife or surface waters as established by the BLM or other Federal and State agencies.

Minimizing the number of areas where wildlife could hide or be trapped (e.g., open sheds, pits, 

uncovered basins, and laydown areas). Trapping of special status species wildlife is prohibited 

unless the animal is removed from the path of harmful activity. Trapped animals shall be released 

nearby in appropriate habitat.

Implementing measures for proper trash removal and storage, such as using secured containers 

and periodic emptying, on the project site to reduce attractive opportunistic species, such as 

common ravens, coyotes, and feral cats and dogs.
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Constructing, improving, and maintaining access roads to minimize potential wildlife/vehicle 

collisions and facilitate wildlife movement through the project area.

Limiting project vehicle speeds and using shuttle vans and carpooling in areas occupied by 

special status animal species. Traffic shall yield to wildlife, allowing safe road crossing.

Utilizing existing access roads, utility corridors, and other infrastructure to the maximum extent 

feasible.

Locating staging and parking areas within the site of the utility scale solar energy facility to 

minimize habitat disturbance.

Considering rolled and compacted on-site construction access routes to allow trucks and 

equipment to access construction locations.

Minimizing vehicle use off of access roads and foot traffic through undisturbed areas.

Constructing fences (as practicable) to exclude livestock and wildlife from project facilities.

Prohibiting project personnel from bringing firearms and pets to project sites.

Placing food refuse and other garbage in closed containers so it is not available to scavengers.

Reducing the collection, harassment, or disturbance of plants, wildlife, and their habitats 

(particularly special status species) through employee and contractor education about applicable 

Federal and State laws.

Advising personnel to minimize stopping and exiting their vehicles in the winter ranges of large 

game while there is snow on the ground.

Coordinating with BLM and appropriate project personnel to handle unreasonable traffic delays 

caused by wildlife in roads. Utilizing appropriate personnel to move live, injured, or dead wildlife 

off roads, ROWs, or the project site.

Reporting any vehicle-wildlife collisions. Observations of potential wildlife problems, including 

wildlife mortality, shall be immediately reported to the BLM or other appropriate agency 

authorized officer.

Considering road closures or other travel modifications (e.g., lower speed limits, no foot travel) 

during crucial periods (e.g., winter conditions, calving/fawning seasons, raptor nesting).

Conducting pre-construction surveys by qualified personnel, such as a qualified biologist, in areas 

with potential to adversely affect special status species.

Considering the number of qualified biological monitors (as determined by the Federal authorizing 

agency and FWS) to be on-site during initial site preparation and during the construction period to 

monitor, capture, and relocate animals that could be harmed and are unable to leave the site on 

their own.

Relocating wildlife found in harm’s way from the area of the activity. Qualified personnel shall be 

required to relocate some animals such as rattlesnakes.

Establishing a controlled inspection and cleaning area to visually inspect construction equipment 

arriving at the project area and to remove and collect seeds that may be adhering to tires and 

other equipment surfaces.

To the extent practicable, avoiding placement of transmission towers within aquatic and wetland 

habitats, or other sensitive habitats such as riparian habitats. If towers must be placed within 

these habitats, they shall be designed and installed to not impede flows or fish passage.

Designing necessary stream crossings to provide in-stream conditions that allow for and maintain 

uninterrupted movement and safe passage of fish during all project periods.

Considering cutting trees in stream buffers that are able to grow into a transmission line 

conductor clearance zone within three to four years.

Considering the use of helicopters where access roads do not exist or where access roads could 

not be constructed without significantly impacting habitats.

Operations and Maintenance

The developer shall manage vegetation utilizing the principles of integrated pest management, 

including biological controls to prevent the spread of invasive species, per the Vegetation Treatments 

Using Herbicides on BLM Lands in 17 Western States, (BLM, 2007b) and the National Invasive 

Species Management Plan (National Invasive Species Council, 2008). Consultation with the BLM 

shall be maintained through operations and maintenance of the project, employing an adaptive 

management strategy and modifications, as necessary and approved by the BLM. Methods to 
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manage vegetation, including controlling for noxious weeds and invasive plant species, during 

operations and maintenance of the project may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Using certified weed-free seed and mulching.

Cleaning vehicles to avoid introducing noxious weeds and invasive plants.

Educating project personnel on noxious weed identification, the manner in which weeds spread, 

and methods for treating infestations.

Considering periodic monitoring, reporting, and immediate eradication of noxious weed or 

invasive plants occurring within the ROW.

Limiting vegetation maintenance and performing maintenance mechanically rather than with 

herbicides.

Considering retaining short (i.e., less than 7-in. (18-cm) tall) native species during maintenance 

and operation activities. 

Reducing risk of non-native, invasive and nuisance species introductions. Developers should 

decontaminate equipment used in surface water, especially equipment used to convey water (i.e., 

pumps).

Monitoring for and eradicating non-native, invasive plants.

Reestablishing vegetation within temporarily disturbed areas immediately following the 

completion of construction activities.

Focusing revegetation efforts on the establishment of native plant communities similar to those 

present in the vicinity of the project site. Considering dominant native species within the plant 

communities that exist in adjacent areas and have similar soil conditions for revegetation.

The developer shall, in consultation with the BLM and appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, 

manage projects so as to minimize impacts on ecological resources during operations and 

maintenance of the project, employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as 

necessary and approved by the BLM. Methods to minimize impacts on ecological resources during 

operations and maintenance of the project shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

Monitoring for increase in predation of special status species (e.g., greater sage-grouse) from 

ravens and other species that are attracted to developed areas and use tall structures 

opportunistically to spot vulnerable prey.

Turning off all unnecessary lighting at night to limit attracting wildlife, particularly migratory birds.

Monitoring for and reporting bird mortality species (e.g., raptors) that are associated with power 

lines to the BLM and the FWS.

Monitoring for the effects of groundwater withdrawals on plant communities.

Monitoring unavoidable impacts on wetlands and waters of the United States.

Removing raptor nests only if the birds are not actively using the nest.

Considering relocating nests to nesting platforms. Report on relocated or destroyed nests to the 

appropriate Federal and/or State agencies.

Coordinating with the FWS and BLM project personnel in the event that a raptor nest is located 

on a transmission line structure.

Remove raven nests when inactive (i.e., no eggs or young). 

Minimizing removal of deadfall or overhanging vegetation in streams for crossings.

Installing fish screens on cooling water intakes to limit the potential for impingement impacts on 

organisms in surface water sources used for cooling water.

Maintaining areas left in a natural condition during construction (e.g., wildlife crossings) in as 

natural a condition as possible within safety and operational constraints.

Avoiding use of guy wires to minimize impacts on birds and bats. If guy wires are necessary, 

permanent markers (e.g., bird flight diverters) shall be used to increase their visibility.

Maintaining native vegetation cover and soils and minimizing grading.

Instructing personnel to avoid harassment and disturbance of local plants and wildlife.

Informing personnel of the potential for wildlife interactions around facility structures.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Reclamation of the project site shall begin immediately after decommissioning to reduce the likelihood 

of resource impacts in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. Addressing resource impacts during 

reclamation and decommissioning may include, but is not limited to, the following:
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Applying design features developed for the construction phase to similar activities during the 

decommissioning and reclamation phase.

Developing and implementing a Decommissioning and Site Reclamation Plan specific to the 

project, approved by the BLM in consultation with appropriate agencies, that incorporates 

adaptive management strategies.

Using weed-free seed mixes of, grasses, forbs, and native shrubs of local sources where 

available.

Developing and implementing monitoring measures to ensure successful reclamation.

Lightly raking and/or ripping and reseeding with seeds from low stature plant species collected 

from the immediate vicinity in disturbed areas.

Reclaiming access roads when they are no longer needed, considering seasonal restrictions.

Filling or grading holes and ruts created by the removal of structures and access roads.

Considering maximizing area reclaimed during solar energy operations to minimize habitat loss 

and fragmentation.

Maintaining a clean and orderly worksite during and after decommissioning to ensure land is clear 

of debris.

Returning land surfaces to pre-development contours immediately following decommissioning.

Expediting the reestablishment of vegetation for site stabilization.

Continuing vegetation reestablishment efforts until all success criteria have been met.

Focusing revegetation on the establishment of native plant communities similar to those present 

in the vicinity of the project site. Considering dominant native species within the plant 

communities that exist in adjacent areas and have similar soil conditions for revegetation.

Leaving the facility fencing in place for several years, or replacing it with new exclusion fencing, to 

assist reclamation (e.g., the fence could preclude large mammals and vehicles from disturbing 

revegetation efforts). Shorter times for maintaining fencing may be appropriate in cases where 

the likelihood of disturbance by cattle and wildlife is low.

Air Quality and Climate

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to help 

determine the potential conformance to air quality and other potential constraints. Assessing 

conformance to air quality and other related constraints may include the following:

Identify air quality and other related constraints associated with the project site. In coordination 

with BLM, the appropriate State and local air regulatory authorities shall be consulted to identify 

air quality and related constraints and requirements.

Minimize the PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter from the solar energy project and its facilities.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be sited to minimize impacts on air quality. Methods to minimize air quality 

impacts shall include:

Use equipment that meets emission standards specified in the State code of regulations and 

meets the applicable EPA Tier 3 (motor vehicle emission and fuel) and Tier 4 (non-road diesel 

engines) emissions requirements.

The Dust Abatement Plan for the solar facilities may use multiple methods for dust suppressant 

(i.e., water, paving, gravel, and/or regulation-compliant palliatives).

Other methods to minimize air quality impacts and related constraints may include:

Surfacing access roads with aggregate that is hard enough that vehicles cannot crush it.

Manage unpaved roads, disturbed areas (e.g., areas of scraping, excavation, backfilling, grading, 

and compacting), and loose materials generated during project activities as frequently as 

necessary to effectively minimize fugitive dust generation.

Use machinery that has air-emission-control devices as required by Federal, State, and local 

regulations or ordinances.

Limit travel to stabilized roads.

Consider paving the main access road to the main power block and the main maintenance 

building.
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Post and enforce speed limits (e.g., 10 mph [16 km/h]) within the construction site to minimize 

airborne fugitive dust.

Cover vehicles that transport loose materials as they travel on public roads, using dust 

suppressants on truck loads, and keeping loads below the freeboard of the truck bed.

Install wind fences around disturbed areas that could affect the area beyond the site boundaries 

(e.g., nearby residences).

Suspend soil disturbance activities and travel on unpaved roads during periods of high winds. 

Site-specific wind speed thresholds shall be determined on the basis of soil properties determined 

during site characterization.

Plant compatible native vegetative to limit dust generation from stockpiles that will be inactive for 

a relatively long period.

To the extent practicable, avoid chemical dust suppressants that emit volatile organic compounds 

within or near ozone non-attainment areas.

Use of ultra-low sulfur diesel with a sulfur content of 15 parts per million or less for project 

vehicles.

Limit idling time of equipment to no more than five minutes, unless idling must be maintained for 

proper operation (e.g., drilling, hoisting, and trenching).

Minimize use of dust palliatives in areas of close proximity to sensitive soil and streams.

Access transmission lines from public roads and designated routes to minimize fugitive dust 

emissions.

Minimize on-site vehicle use and require routine preventive maintenance, including tune-ups to 

meet the manufacturer’s specifications, to ensure efficient combustion and minimal emissions.

Encourage use of newer and cleaner equipment that meets more stringent emission controls.

Limit access to the construction site and staging areas to authorized vehicles only through the 

designated treated roads.

Schedule construction to limit the areas with exposed soil at any time.

Inspect and clean the tires of all construction related vehicles to ensure they are free of dirt before 

they enter paved public roadways.

Clean up visible track-out or runoff dirt on public roadways resulting from the construction site 

(e.g., street vacuum/ sweeping).

Salvage topsoil from all excavations and construction activities during reclamation or interim 

reclamation and reapply and seed topsoil at construction areas not needed for facility operation 

as soon as activities in that area have ceased.

Consider atmospheric conditions when planning construction activities to minimize dust.

To the extent practicable, avoid ground disturbance from construction-related activities in areas 

with intact biological soil crusts and desert pavement. Developers should salvage soil crusts for 

restoration, on the basis of recommendations by the BLM once construction has been completed.

Incorporate environmental inspection and monitoring measures into the Plan of Development and 

other relevant plans to monitor and respond to air quality during construction, operations, and 

decommissioning of a solar energy development, including adaptive management protocols.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for air quality shall be monitored by the project developer. 

Consultation with BLM shall be maintained through operations and maintenance of the project, 

employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as necessary and approved by the 

BLM. Methods for maintaining compliance with the terms and conditions for air quality during 

operations and maintenance may include:

Monitoring and treating areas that have been graded, scraped, bladed, compacted, or denuded of 

vegetation ahead of actual construction/assembly.

Reapply palliatives or water as necessary to effectively manage fugitive dust.

Use dust abatement on the portions of facilities maintained free of vegetation during operations to 

limit fugitive dust from bare surfaces and unpaved access roads.

Combustion sources would comply with State emission standards.
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Reclamation and Decommissioning

Reclamation of the site shall incorporate the BMPs listed above for construction to reduce air quality 

impacts associated decommissioning.

Visual Resource Management 

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to help 

determine the proposed project’s potential conformance to Visual Resource Management (VRM) 

class designations and other potential constraints, thus avoiding costly unforeseen planning 

implications and re-design. Assessing conformance to VRM class designations and identifying visual 

resource conflicts shall include:

Consulting with the appropriate BLM field office for VRM class designations and associated 

management objectives during the early phases of project planning, including those related to 

project site selection, planning, and design. 

Analyzing how the visual values influence project design and how the impacts on these values 

will be minimized through consideration for the proposed project location and its relationship to 

the surrounding viewshed.

Including a qualified professional, such as a landscape architect, with demonstrated experience 

of the BLM’s VRM policies and procedures as part of the developer’s and the BLM’s respective 

planning teams, to evaluate visual resource issues as project siting options are considered.

Consulting with the locally based public to provide input on identifying important visual resources 

in the project area and on the siting and design process. The public shall be involved and 

informed about the visual site design elements of the proposed solar energy facilities.

Consult on viewshed protection objectives and practices with the respective land management

agencies for landscapes having special designations, such as Wilderness Areas, National Scenic 

and Historic Trails, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Parks located within the project’s 

viewshed. Developers shall demonstrate a concerted effort to reconcile conflicts while 

recognizing that the BLM retains authority for final decisions for project approval and stipulations.

For applications that include artifacts and remnants of a National Historic Trail (NHT), are located 

within the viewshed of a NHT’s designated centerline, or include or are within the viewshed of a 

trail eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places by virtue of its important 

historical or cultural values and integrity of setting. Mitigate adverse effects to the potential visual 

impacts on the trail associated with the proposed project through the Section 106 consultation 

process.

Landscape settings observed from a unit of the National Park system, NHT, and cultural 

resources of tribal concern may be a part of the historic context contributing to the historic 

significance of the site or trail.

Project developers are encouraged to obtain topographical data of engineering-design quality and 

use digital terrain mapping tools at a landscape-viewshed scale for project location selection, site 

planning and design, visual impact analysis, and visual impact mitigation planning and design. 

The digital terrain mapping tools shall be at a resolution and contour interval suitable for site 

design and accurate placement of proposed developments into the digital viewshed. Visual 

simulations shall be prepared and evaluated in accordance with BLM Handbook H-8431-1 and 

other agency directives, to create spatially accurate and realistic depictions of the appearance of 

proposed facilities. Simulations shall depict proposed project facilities from Key Observation 

Points (KOPs) and other visual resource sensitive locations.

Conduct public outreach to disseminate visual resource information through methods such as 

offering organized tours of operating solar energy development projects, and using simulations in 

public presentations.

Performing visual mitigation planning and design through field assessments, applied global 

positioning system technology, photo documentation, use of computer-aided design and 

development software, three-dimensional geographic information system modeling software, and 

imaging software to depict visual simulations to reflect a full range of visual resource mitigation 

measures.
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Site Characterization, Siting Design, and Construction

Solar facilities shall minimize glint and glare. Identification of glint and glare effects shall include, but 

is not limited to, the following:

Assessing and quantifying potential glint and glare effects and determining the potential safety 

and visual impacts associated with glint and glare using appropriate and commonly accepted 

software, procedures, and past project examples.

Having qualified individuals conduct assessments for glint and glare.

Methods to minimize glint and glare effects may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Limiting use of signs and project construction signs. Beyond those required for basic facility and 

company identification for safety, navigation, and delivery purposes, commercial symbols or signs 

and associated lighting on buildings and other structures should be prohibited.

Utilizing retro-reflective or luminescent markers in lieu of permanent lighting.

Minimizing off-site visibility of all commercial symbols and signs and associated lighting. 

Necessary signs should be made of non-glare materials and utilize unobtrusive colors. The 

reverse sides of signs and mounts should be painted or coated using a suitable color selected 

from the BLM Standard Environmental Color Chart to reduce contrasts with the existing 

landscape. However, placement and design of any signs required by safety regulations must 

conform to regulatory requirements.

Considering off-site mitigation of visual impacts. In some situations, off-site mitigation may serve 

as a means to offset and/or recover the loss of visual landscape integrity. For example, off-site 

mitigation could include reclaiming unnecessary roads, removing abandoned buildings, 

reclaiming abandoned mine sites, putting utility lines underground, rehabilitating and revegetating 

existing erosion or disturbed areas, or establishing scenic conservation easements. Appropriate 

off-site mitigation will be determined on a project specific basis in consultation with the BLM.

Solar facilities shall minimize night-sky effects. Identification of night-sky effects shall include, but is 

not limited to the following:

Assessing and quantifying potential lighting impacts on the night sky and nocturnal wildlife, while 

providing lighting for hazard marking, safety, and other necessary site needs.

Conducting assessments for night-sky effects by qualified individuals using appropriate and 

commonly accepted procedures and past project examples.

Methods to minimize night-sky effects may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Using minimum intensity lighting that meets safety criteria. When accurate color rendition is not 

required (e.g., roadway, basic security), lighting shall be amber in color, using low pressure 

sodium lamps, yellow LED lighting, or equivalent. When white light is required for accurate color 

rendition, it shall be equal to or less than 3500° Kelvin color temperature. Bluish white lighting is 

discouraged.

Prohibiting the use of red or white strobe lighting unless the BLM approves its use because of 

conflicting mitigation requirements. 

Fully shielding all permanent lighting (e.g., full cut-off), except for collision markers required by 

the FAA or other emergency lighting triggered by alarms.

Mount lighting so that no light is emitted above an imaginary horizontal plane through the fixture.

Considering lighting control through timers, sensors, dimmers, or switches that are available to 

facility operators.

Considering vehicle-mounted lights over permanently mounted lighting for nighttime maintenance 

activities. When possible, such vehicle-mounted lighting shall be aimed toward the ground to 

avoid causing glare and skyglow.

The siting and design of solar facilities, structures, roads, and other project elements shall explore 

and document design considerations for reducing visual dominance in the viewshed and shall comply 

with the VRM class objectives above. Assessing visual dominance shall include, but is not limited to, 

the following:

Conforming with VRM class objectives through the use of the BLM contrast rating procedures 

defined in BLM Handbook H-8431-1. Visual contrast rating mitigation of visual impacts shall abide 

by the requirements outlined in the handbook and other BLM directives. Revised project plans 

and simulations are to be reevaluated by using the contrast rating procedures.
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Selecting KOPs by first determining the extent of the viewshed using the viewshed modeling tools 

previously cited above. The viewshed modeling shall illustrate the areas from which the proposed 

facilities may be seen out to 25 miles (40 km). From within the areas, KOPs are to be selected at 

places where people would be expected: scenic overlooks, roads, trails, campgrounds, 

recreationally active river corridors, residential areas, etc. For the purpose of conducting a visual 

contrast rating evaluation, the number of KOPs would be reduced to those that serve as the best 

representations for demonstrating conformance to the respective VRM class objectives. The BLM 

is consulted on the KOP selections, and reserves the right to require additional KOPs to further 

determine the extent of visual impacts and conformance to VRM class objectives.

Integrating visual design elements into the construction plans, details, drawings, and 

specifications for the project.

Incorporating facility siting measures to minimize the profile of all facility-related structures to 

reduce visibility and visual dominance within the viewshed, particularly for facilities proposed 

within the foreground/middleground distance zone (0–5 miles [0–8 km]) of sensitive viewing 

locations.

Measures to minimize visual dominance may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Using existing topography and vegetation as screening or partially screening devices.

Incorporating visual design elements when planning for grubbing and clearing, vegetation 

thinning and clearing, grading, revegetation, drainage, and structural measures.

Minimizing visual dominance of projects by siting projects outside the viewsheds of KOPs or by 

diminishing dominance through maximizing visible separation with distance.

Avoiding, when feasible, locating facilities near visually prominent landscape features (e.g., knobs 

and waterfalls) that naturally draw an observer’s attention.

Avoiding visual “skylining” by placing structures, transmission lines, and other facilities away from 

ridgelines, summits, or other locations where they would silhouette against the sky from important 

viewing locations; however, consideration should be given to the potential for increased ground 

disturbance and other resource impacts.

Designing linear features (e.g., ROWs and roads) to follow natural land contours rather than 

straight lines; however, consideration should be given to the potential for increased ground 

disturbance and other resource impacts.

Locating linear developments (e.g., transmission lines, pipelines, roads) at the edges of natural 

clearings or natural lines of transition between vegetation type and topography.

Considering alternative means of access in visually sensitive areas, to preserve the natural 

landscape conditions between tower locations.

Minimizing vegetation and ground disturbance, and taking advantage of existing clearings where 

feasible.

Reducing cut and fill for structures and roads by design and location. Retaining walls, binwalls, 

half bridges, etc., can be used to reduce cut and fill.

Considering rounded and varied road-cut slopes and the cut-and fill pitches to reduce contrasts in 

form and line; encouraging slope cuts to preserve specimen trees and nonhazardous rock 

outcroppings.

Considering sculpting and shaping natural or previously excavated bedrock landforms when 

excavation of these landforms is required. For example, percent backslope, benches, and vertical 

variations may be integrated into a final landform that repeats the natural shapes, forms, textures, 

and lines of the surrounding landscape. The earthen landform may be integrated and transitioned 

into the excavated bedrock landform. Sculpted rock face angles, bench formations, and 

backslope could adhere to the natural bedding planes of the natural bedrock geology. The color 

contrast from the excavated rock faces may be removed by color treating with a rock stain. Native 

vegetation or a mix of native and non-native species (if necessary to ensure successful 

revegetation) could be reestablished with the benches and cavities created within the created 

bedrock formation.

Designing and installing natural-looking earthwork landforms, or vegetative or architectural 

screening to minimize visual impacts. Considering shape and height of earthwork landforms for 

adaptation to the surrounding landscape.

Repeating the size, shape, and characteristics of naturally occurring openings in vegetation for 

facilities, structures, roads, etc.
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Burying electrical collector lines, pipelines, and communication and local utility lines to minimize 

additional surface disturbance where feasible (e.g., along roads or other paths of surface 

disturbance).

Minimizing visual impacts associated with solar energy and electricity transmission projects by 

choosing appropriate building and structural materials and surface treatments (i.e., paints or 

coatings designed to reduce contrast and reflectivity). A careful study of the site should be 

performed to identify appropriate colors and textures for materials; both summer and winter 

appearance shall be considered, as well as seasons of peak visitor use. Materials and surface 

treatments shall repeat and/or blend with the existing form, line, color, and texture of the 

landscape.

Considering the typical viewing distances and landscape when choosing colors. Appropriate 

colors for smooth surfaces often need to be two to three shades darker than the background color 

to compensate for shadows that darken most textured natural surfaces. The BLM Standard 

Environmental Color Chart CC-001 and guidance shall be referenced when selecting colors.

Selecting appropriately colored materials for structures, or stains/coatings to blend with the 

project’s backdrop. Materials, coatings, or paints having little or no reflectivity shall be used 

whenever possible.

Color treating solar panel/mirror/heliostat backs/supports to reduce visual contrast with the 

landscape setting.

Color treating solar towers to reduce visual contrast.

Considering multiple-color camouflage technology application projects within sensitive viewsheds 

and with a visibility distance that is between 0.25 and two miles (0.40 and 3.20 km).

Matching aboveground pipelines’ paint or coating to their surroundings.

Considering the appropriate choice of monopoles versus lattice towers for a given landscape 

setting to further reduce visual impacts.

Utilizing non-specular conductors and non-reflective coatings on insulators for electricity 

transmission/distribution projects.

Minimizing the use of signs. Where signs are necessary, they shall be made of non-glare 

materials and utilize unobtrusive colors. The reverse sides of signs and mounts shall be painted 

or coated by using the most suitable color selected from the BLM Standard Environmental Color 

Chart; however, placement and design of any signs required by safety regulations must conform 

to regulatory requirements.

Clearly delineating construction boundaries and minimizing areas of surface disturbance; 

preserving vegetation to the greatest extent possible; utilizing undulating surface disturbance 

edges; stripping, salvaging, and replacing topsoil; using contoured grading; controlling erosion; 

using dust suppression techniques; and stabilizing exposed soils.

Preserving existing rocks, vegetation, and drainage patterns to the maximum extent possible.

Employing brush-beating, mowing, or the use of protective surface matting rather than removing 

vegetation.

Considering mulching and spreading slash from vegetation removal over fresh soil disturbances.

Avoiding leaving slash piles in sensitive viewing areas.

Considering restoration of disturbed soils by use of weed-free native grasses, forbs, and shrubs 

representative of the surrounding and intact native vegetation composition and/or using nonnative species, if necessary, to ensure successful revegetation.

Reducing the visual color contrast of graveled surfaces with approved color treatment practices.

Considering segregating and spreading topsoil from cut-and-fill activities on freshly disturbed 

areas to reduce color contrast.

Avoiding leaving topsoil piles in sensitive viewing areas.

Spreading excess cut and fill material within project disturbance area and vegetate per approved 

restoration plan requirements while maintaining natural drainage pathways. Where soil cannot 

reasonably be spread within project disturbance areas, excess cut-and-fill materials should be 

hauled out to minimize ground disturbance and impacts from piles.

Removing stakes and flagging from the construction area after completion of construction.

Project developer shall perform a pre-construction meeting with BLM or their designated visual/scenic 

resource specialists, such as a landscape architect, to coordinate the project construction VRM 

mitigation strategy. Final design and construction documents will be reviewed with regard to the 
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visual mitigation elements, assuring that requirements and commitments are adequately addressed. 

The review of construction documents will include, but not be limited to, grading, drainage, 

revegetation, vegetation clearing, and feathering.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for VRM mitigation shall be monitored by the project 

developer. Consultation with the BLM shall be maintained through operations and maintenance of the 

project, employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as necessary and approved 

by the BLM. Maintaining the visual resource design elements during operations and maintenance 

shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Maintaining revegetated surfaces until a self-sustaining stand of vegetation is reestablished and 

visually adapted to the undisturbed surrounding vegetation. No new disturbance shall be created 

during operations without completion of a VRM analysis and approval by the BLM authorized 

officer.

Keeping painted and color-treated facilities in good repair and repainting when the color fades or 

flakes.

Using interim restoration during the operating life of the project as soon as possible after land 

disturbances.

Including dust abatement and noxious weed control in maintenance activities.

Deploying and operating mirrors/heliostats to avoid high intensity light (glare) reflected off-site. 

Where off-site glare is unavoidable and project site/off-site spatial relationships favor effective 

results, fencing with privacy slats or similar screening materials should be considered.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Reclamation of the construction site shall begin immediately after construction to reduce the 

likelihood of visual contrasts associated with erosion and invasive weed infestation and to reduce the 

visibility of temporarily disturbed areas as quickly as possible. Developers shall coordinate with BLM 

in advance of interim/final reclamation to have BLM or other designated visual/scenic resource 

specialists, such as a landscape architect, on-site during reclamation to work on implementing visual 

resource requirements and BMPs. Methods for minimizing visual contrast associated with reclamation 

and decommissioning of the project may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Including treatments, such as thinning and feathering vegetation along project edges, enhanced 

contour grading, salvaging landscape materials from within construction areas, special 

revegetation requirements (e.g., use of mix of native and non-native species).

Designing and implementing restoration of the project area to predevelopment visual conditions 

and the inventoried visual quality rating, or to that of the surrounding landscape setting conditions 

to the best extent possible or to conditions agreed upon by the BLM.

Removing aboveground and near-ground-level structures. Some structures may need to be 

removed to a level below the ground surface to allow reclamation/restoration.

Considering contouring soil borrow areas, cut-and-fill slopes, berms, water bars, and other 

disturbed areas to approximate naturally occurring slopes. Contouring to a rough texture would 

trap seeds and discourage off-road travel, thereby reducing associated visual impacts. Cut slopes 

can be randomly scarified and roughened to reduce texture contrasts with existing landscapes 

and aid in revegetation.

Utilizing native vegetation to establish a composition consistent with the form, line, color, and 

texture of the surrounding undisturbed landscape.

Reapplying stockpiled topsoil to disturbed areas, where applicable, or using a mix of native and 

non-native species if necessary to ensure successful revegetation.

Removing or burying gravel and other surface treatments.

Restoring rocks, brush, and forest to approximate pre-existing visual conditions.

Integrating feathering edges of vegetation to reduce form and line contrasts with the existing 

landscapes.
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Noise

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM in the early phases of project planning to assess and 

minimize the proposed project’s noise impacts on sensitive noise receptors. Assessing noise impacts 

may include, but is not limited to:

Measuring the existing background ambient sound levels both within and outside the project site 

and comparing these with the anticipated noise levels proposed at the facility. Nearby residences 

and likely sensitive human and important wildlife habitat areas (e.g., leks, sage-grouse nesting 

areas, big game winter range) shall be identified.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

The siting and design of solar facilities, structures, roads, and other project elements shall seek to 

minimize impacts on sensitive noise receptors. Methods to minimize project impacts on sensitive 

noise receptors may include:

Enclose noisy equipment.

Post warning signs at high-noise areas and implement a hearing protection program for work 

areas with noise in excess of 85 Decibel A.

Implement a noise complaint process and hotline, including documentation, investigation, 

evaluation, and resolution of legitimate project-related noise complaints.

Maintain project equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. For example, 

suitable mufflers and/or air-inlet silencers shall be installed on all internal combustion engines and 

certain compressor components. 

Limit low-altitude (under 1,500 feet [457 m]) helicopter flights to install transmission lines near 

noise-sensitive locations where only helicopter activities can perform the installation.

Schedule construction to minimize disruption to nearby residents and existing operations 

surrounding the project areas.

Noisy construction activities near sensitive receptors would take place during the least noisesensitive times of day (i.e., daytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.), and on weekdays.

Schedule individual noisy activities to occur at the same time to reduce the frequency of site 

boundary noise.

Implement noise control measures (e.g., erection of temporary wooden noise barriers) where 

activities are expected near sensitive receptors.

Notify nearby residents in advance of noisy activities, such as blasting or pile driving, before and 

during the construction period.

Site immobile construction equipment (e.g., compressors and generators) away from nearby 

residences and other sensitive receptors to the extent practicable.

Site permanent sound-generating facilities (e.g., compressors, pumps) away from residences and 

other sensitive areas to the extent practicable. Acoustic screening may be required.

Use low-noise systems (e.g., for ventilation systems, pumps, generators, compressors, and fans) 

and equipment without prominent discrete tones.

Install louvered side(s) of wet cooling tower(s) away from sensitive receptors. Noise impacts may 

be further reduced by selecting quieter fans and fans that operate at a lower speed, particularly if 

they operate at night. Silencers on fan stacks may also be used.

Reduce potential noise impacts by taking advantage of existing topography and distances, 

constructing engineered sound barriers and/or berms, or sound insulated buildings.

Monitor and respond to noise impacts during construction, operations, and decommissioning of a 

solar energy development, including adaptive management protocols.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for noise shall be monitored by the project developer. 

Consultation with the BLM shall be maintained through operations and maintenance of the project, 

employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications as necessary and approved by the 

BLM. Methods for maintaining compliance with the noise design elements during operations and 

maintenance may include:
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Manage cooling systems and dish engine technology so that noise levels at the nearest 

residences and sensitive receptor areas to the facility boundary are kept within applicable 

guidelines.

Reduce vehicle noise within and around the project area with posted speed limits.

Schedule activities to minimize disruption to nearby residents and existing operations surrounding 

the project areas.

o Notify nearby residents in advance of noisy activities, such as blasting or pile driving, before and 

during the site reclamation and decommissioning.

Monitor and minimize to the extent practicable transformer noise levels. Install of new 

transformers with reduced flux density or construct a barrier walls, partial enclosures, or full 

enclosures to shield or contain the noise.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Reclamation of the construction site shall minimize the project’s noise impacts on sensitive noise 

receptors.

Paleontological Resources

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM early in the project planning process to identify and 

minimize impacts on paleontological resources. Identifying paleontological resources shall include the 

following:

Determining in coordination with the BLM whether paleontological resources exist in a project 

area.

Determining the potential presence of paleontological resources on the basis of the following: the 

sedimentary context of the area and its potential to contain paleontological resources (potential 

fossil yield classification class); a records search of published and unpublished literature for past 

paleontological finds in the area; coordination with paleontological researchers working locally in 

potentially affected geographic areas and geologic strata; and/or depending on the extent of 

existing information, the completion of a paleontological survey.

Methods to minimize impacts on paleontological resources may include, but are not limited to, the 

following:

Instituting training/education programs in the worker education and awareness plan, to reduce the 

amount of inadvertent destruction to paleontological sites. Project-specific management practices 

shall be established in coordination with the BLM, incorporating BLM Instruction Memorandum 

2009-011.

Planning for management and mitigation of paleontological resources of the project area for 

areas of known presence or high potential of presence.

Identifying measures to prevent potential looting/vandalism or erosion impacts and addressing 

the education of workers and the public to make them aware of the consequences of 

unauthorized collection of fossils on public land.

Incorporating environmental inspection and monitoring measures into Plans of Development and 

other relevant plans to monitor and respond to paleontological resource impacts during 

construction, operations, and decommissioning of a solar energy development, including adaptive 

management protocols.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Project developers should use a qualified paleontological monitor during excavation and earthmoving 

activities in areas with high potential for paleontological resources.

Project developers shall notify the BLM immediately upon discovery of fossils. Work shall be halted at 

the fossil site and continued elsewhere until qualified personnel, such as a paleontologist, can visit 

the site, determine the significance of the find, and, if significant, make site specific recommendations 

for collection or other resource protection. The area of the discovery shall be protected to ensure that 

the fossils are not removed, handled, altered, or damaged until the site is properly evaluated and 

further action determined.
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Cultural Resources

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM early in the planning process to identify and 

minimize cultural resource impacts; the BLM will consult with other Tribal, Federal, State, and local 

agencies as appropriate. Determining cultural resource impacts shall include the following:

Initiating National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 consultations between the BLM, State 

Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Indian tribes, and other consulting parties early in the 

project planning process. 

Conducting site-specific Section 106 review for individual projects. The BLM will require the 

completion of inventory, evaluation, determinations of effect, and treatment in accordance with 

the National Programmatic Agreement (PA) and appropriate State protocol agreements. 

General methods to minimize cultural resource impacts may include the following:

If historic properties that could be adversely affected are present in the project location, 

developing a Memorandum of Agreement to address the mitigation steps that will be followed to 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties.

Where the BLM determines that a specific proposed solar energy project has the potential to 

adversely affect historic properties but those effects cannot be determined prior to its approval, 

the BLM may elect to review a proposed solar energy project using an undertaking-specific 

Programmatic Agreement executed pursuant to 36 CFR 800.6.

Using training/educational programs for solar company workers to reduce occurrences of 

disturbances, vandalism, and harm to nearby historic properties. The specifics of these sensitivity 

training programs shall be established in project-specific consultations between the applicant, 

BLM, SHPO, and affected Indian tribes.

Securing a performance and reclamation bond for all solar energy generation facilities to ensure 

compliance with the terms and conditions of the ROW authorization. When establishing bond 

amounts and conditions, the BLM authorized officer shall require coverage of all expenses tied to 

cultural resources identification, protection, and mitigation. These may include, but are not limited 

to, costs for ethnographic studies, inventory, testing, geomorphological studies, data recovery, 

curation, monitoring, treatment of damaged sites, and generation and submission of reports.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be characterized, sited and designed, and constructed in coordination with the 

BLM to minimize cultural resource impacts. Methods to minimize impacts on cultural resources shall 

include the following:

The BLM determining the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for each proposed solar energy project, 

to include a review of existing information, and efforts to seek information from and views of tribes 

and other parties likely to have knowledge of or concerns with historic properties in the APE. This 

information will be supplemented by discussions at pre-application meetings with the solar energy 

project applicant, SHPO, and affected tribes regarding project designs, sacred sites, traditional 

cultural properties, and proposed cultural resource inventory strategies.

The BLM consulting the SHPO, affected tribes (regarding the treatment of adverse effects for 

those property types on which the tribes indicate at pre-application or other meetings they wish to 

provide input), and any other consulting parties, if the National Register of Historic Places the 

National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible properties are present at the site and would 

be adversely affected. The BLM will seek agreement to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects on historic properties. The BLM will execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the SHPO 

to conclude the Section 106 process and will file a copy with the Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation. Where the BLM and the SHPO are unable to execute a Memorandum of 

Agreement, the BLM will invite the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to participate in an 

undertaking-specific Memorandum of Agreement. The Memorandum of Agreement will specify 

the treatment for which the BLM will be responsible, and which will be implemented by the solar 

applicant.

Undertaking a Class III inventory of the APE. If the BLM decides to require less than a Class III 

inventory for the entire APE, the BLM will seek additional views of the SHPO, affected tribes, and 
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other parties and determine the final inventory strategy that best represents a reasonable and 

good-faith effort to carry out appropriate identification efforts.

Conducting inventories according to the standards set forth in the Secretary of the Interior’s 

Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716); BLM 

Handbook H-8110 (Handbook for Identifying Cultural Resources); revised BLM Manual 8110; and 

applicable BLM or SHPO survey, site record, or reporting standards. All inventory data must be 

provided to the BLM in digitized or paper format that meets BLM accuracy standards, including 

shape files for surveyed areas.

Bringing any unexpected discovery of cultural resources during any phase of development 

(construction, operations and maintenance, or decommissioning) to the attention of the 

responsible BLM authorized officer immediately, as specified in the PA. Work shall be halted in 

the vicinity of the find. The area of the find shall be protected to ensure that the resources are not 

removed, handled, altered, or damaged while they are being evaluated and to ensure that 

appropriate mitigative or protective measures can be developed and implemented.

Methods to minimize cultural resource impacts may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Including in the Memorandum of Agreement measures for management of historic properties, in 

situations where historic properties require management or monitoring for avoidance and 

protection within or near a project’s boundaries. Such measures will specify the preparation and 

implementation of steps to lessen the adverse effects of the undertaking upon those aspects of 

NRHP eligibility criteria that make the historic properties eligible for nomination to the NRHP.

Requiring that surface disturbance be restricted or prohibited within the viewshed of such 

property types when their eligibility is tied to their visual setting to protect NRHP-eligible traditional 

cultural properties, sacred sites, or historic trails from visual intrusion and to maintain the integrity 

of their historic setting unless acceptable mitigation is proposed.

Employing cultural field monitors (appropriate for the resource anticipated) to monitor grounddisturbing activities (for example in geomorphic settings, such as in shifting sands, where buried 

deposits may be present) in cases where there is a probability of encountering cultural resources 

during construction that could not be detected during prior Class III inventories. Monitoring plans 

shall be specified within Memorandums of Agreement.

Encouraging the use of previously disturbed lands and lands determined by archeological 

inventories to be devoid of historic properties.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Prior to reclamation activities, the BLM may require further planning for treatment of historic 

properties or planning for mitigation addressing reclamation activities.

The BLM shall be notified prior to the demolition or substantial alteration of any building or structure. If 

judged necessary by the BLM, the developer will be required to evaluate the structures for their 

significance employing professionally qualified architects or historic architects. If structures slated for 

demolition are found to be eligible for listing on the NRHP, they will be recorded to Historic American 

Building Survey and/or Historic American Engineering Record standards before alteration or removal.

Project developers shall confine soil-disturbing reclamation and decommissioning activities to 

previously disturbed areas. Known historic properties will be avoided during these activities.

Tribal Rights and Interests

General

The BLM shall consult with Federally recognized Indian tribes early in the planning process to identify 

issues and areas of concern regarding any proposed solar energy project as required by the National 

Historic Preservation Act and other authorities to determine whether construction and operation of a 

project is likely to disturb traditional cultural properties or sacred sites, impede access to culturally 

important locations, disrupt traditional cultural practices, affect movements of animals important to 

tribes, or visually affect culturally important landscapes. Identifying issues and areas of concern to 

Federally recognized Indian tribes shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

Covering planning, construction, operation, and reclamation activities during consultation. 

Agreements or understandings reached with affected tribes shall be carried out in accordance 

with the terms of Memorandums of Agreement or project specific PAs.
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The BLM consulting with affected Indian tribes during the Section 106 process at the points 

specified in the PA.

The BLM consulting with Indian tribes under the terms of the Native American Graves Protection 

and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Any planning for treatment of historic properties or mitigation will 

take such consultations into account.

The BLM seeking, during consultation, to develop agreements with affected tribes on how to 

appropriately respond to input and concerns in advance to save time and avoid confusion.

Methods to minimize issues and areas of concern to Federally recognized Indian tribes may include, 

but are not limited to, the following:

Employing standard noise design features for solar facilities located near sacred sites to minimize 

the impacts of noise on culturally significant areas.

Employing health and safety design features for the general public for solar facilities located near 

Native American traditional use areas in order to minimize potential health and safety impacts on 

Native Americans.

Avoiding known human burial sites. Where there is a reasonable probability of encountering 

undetected human remains and associated funerary objects by a solar energy project, the BLM 

will carry out discussions with Indian tribes before the project is authorized, in order to provide 

general guidance on the treatment of any cultural items (as defined by NAGPRA) that might be 

exposed.

Avoiding visual intrusion on sacred sites through the selection of the solar facility location and 

solar technology. When complete avoidance is not practicable or economically feasible, the BLM 

shall engage in timely and meaningful consultation with the affected tribe(s) and shall attempt to 

formulate a mutually acceptable plan to mitigate or reduce the adverse effects.

Avoiding rock art (panels of petroglyphs and/or pictographs). These panels may be just one 

component of a larger sacred landscape, in which avoidance of all impacts may not be possible. 

Mitigation plans for eliminating or reducing potential impacts on rock art shall be formulated in 

consultation with the appropriate tribal cultural authorities.

Avoiding springs and other water sources that are or may be sacred or culturally important. If it is 

necessary for construction, maintenance, or operational activities to take place in proximity to 

springs or other water sources, appropriate measures, such as the use of geotextiles or silt 

fencing, should be taken to prevent silt from degrading water sources. The effectiveness of these 

mitigating barriers shall be monitored. Measures for preventing water depletion impacts on 

springs should also be employed. Particular mitigations shall be determined in consultation with 

the appropriate Indian tribe(s).

Avoiding culturally important plant species. When it is not possible to avoid affecting these plant 

resources, consultations shall be undertaken with the affected Indian tribe(s). If the species is 

available elsewhere on agency-managed lands, guaranteed access may suffice. For rare or lesscommon species, establishing (transplanting) or propagating an equal amount of the plant 

resource elsewhere on agency-managed land accessible to the affected tribe may be acceptable.

Avoiding culturally important wildlife species and their habitats. When it is not possible to avoid 

these habitats, solar facilities should be designed to minimize impacts on game trails, migration 

routes, and nesting and breeding areas of tribally important species. Mitigation and monitoring 

procedures should be developed in consultation with the affected tribe(s).

Securing a performance and reclamation bond for all solar energy generation facilities to ensure 

compliance with the terms and conditions of the ROW authorization. When establishing bond 

amounts and conditions, the BLM authorized officer shall require coverage of all expenses tied to 

identification, protection, and mitigation of cultural resources of concern to Indian tribes. These 

may include, but are not limited to, costs for ethnographic studies, inventory, testing, 

geomorphological studies, data recovery, curation, monitoring, treatment of damaged sites, and 

generation and submission of reports.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Prior to construction, the project developer shall provide training to contractor personnel whose 

activities or responsibilities could affect issues and areas of concern to Federally recognized Indian 

tribes.
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Operations and Maintenance

Consultation with affected Federally recognized Indian tribes shall be ongoing during the life of the 

project.

The project developer shall train facility personnel regarding their responsibilities to protect any 

known resources of importance to Federally recognized Indian tribes.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

The project developer shall confine reclamation and decommissioning activities to previously 

disturbed areas and existing access roads to the extent practicable.

The project developer shall return the site to its pre-construction condition, to the extent practicable 

and approved by the BLM.

Socioeconomic Impacts 

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies to 

identify and minimize potential socioeconomic impacts. Identifying socioeconomic impacts may 

include:

Project developers may need to collect and evaluate available information describing the 

socioeconomic conditions in the vicinity of the proposed project.

Develop options to minimize and/or mitigate adverse socioeconomic impacts in coordination with 

the BLM.

Develop a community monitoring program that would be sufficient to identify and evaluate 

socioeconomic impacts resulting from solar energy development. Measures developed for 

monitoring may include the collection of data reflecting the economic, fiscal, and social impacts of 

development at the Tribal, State, and local level.

Develop community outreach programs that would help communities adjust to changes triggered 

by solar energy development.

Establish vocational training programs for the local workforce to promote development of skills 

required by the solar energy industry.

Develop instructional materials for use in area schools to educate the local communities on the 

solar energy industry.

Environmental Justice 

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies to 

identify and minimize the potential for environmental justice impacts. Identifying environmental justice 

impacts may include:

Project developers shall identify all environmental justice communities and collect and evaluate 

available information describing the socioeconomic conditions in the vicinity of the proposed 

project, as needed, to predict potential environmental justice impacts of the project (i.e., 

environmental, economic, cultural, and health impacts on low-income and minority populations).

Evaluate environmental justice impacts as part of the environmental impact analysis for the 

project and consider options to mitigate such risk in coordination with the BLM.

Develop and implement focused public information campaigns providing technical and 

environmental health information directly to low-income and minority groups or to local agencies 

and representative groups. Include key information such as any likely impact on air quality, 

drinking water supplies, subsistence resources, public services, and the relevant 

preventative/minimization measures to be taken.

Provide community health screenings for low-income and minority groups.

Provide financial support to local libraries in low-income and minority communities for the 

development of information repositories on solar energy, including materials on the hazards and 

benefits of commercial development.

Establish vocational training programs for the local low income and minority workforce to promote 

development of skills for the solar energy industry.
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Develop instructional materials for use in area schools to educate the local communities on the 

solar energy industry.

Provide key information to local governments and directly to low-income and minority populations 

on the scale and timeline of expected solar energy projects and on the experience of other lowincome and minority communities that have followed the same energy development path.

Make information available about planning activities that may be initiated to provide local 

infrastructure, public services, education, and housing.

Transportation

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies to 

identify and minimize impacts on transportation. Identifying impacts on transportation may include:

Consult land use plans, transportation plans, and local plans as necessary. The developer may 

be required to perform traffic studies, analyses, or other studies of the capacity of existing and 

proposed new roads to physically handle the added wear and tear from increased construction 

commuter and truck traffic.

Develop options to minimize risk of increased transportation in coordination with the BLM.

Methods to minimize impacts on transportation may include:

Incorporate site access into the local and regional road network. Incorporation must be done 

under the supervision of the pertinent Federal, State, and local agencies.

Considering public roadway corridors through a site to maintain proper traffic flows and retain 

more direct routing for the local population.

Considering implementing local road improvements, providing multiple site access locations and 

routes, staggering work schedules, and implementing a ride-sharing or shuttle program to 

minimize daily commutes of construction workers.

Implement traffic control measures to reduce hazards for incoming and outgoing traffic and 

streamline traffic flow, such as intersection realignment and speed limit reductions; installing 

signage; and adding acceleration, deceleration, and turn lanes on routes with site entrances.

Inspect, monitor, and respond to transportation impacts during construction, operations, and 

decommissioning of a solar energy development using adaptive management protocols.

Hazardous Materials and Waste

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies early 

in the planning process to assess hazardous material and waste concerns and to minimize potential 

impacts. Assessing hazardous material and waste concerns may include:

Identify expected waste generation streams at the solar energy site and hazardous waste storage 

locations for the proposed project.

Conduct site characterization, construction, operation, and decommissioning activities in 

compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the Toxic 

Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended (15 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.). An example of complying 

with applicable law is reporting any release of toxic substances (leaks, spills, etc.) in excess of 

the reportable quantity established by 40 CFR Part 117 as required by the Comprehensive 

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Section 102b.

Methods to minimize hazardous material and waste related impacts may include:

Develop a Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Plan that addresses the selection, 

transport, storage, and use of all hazardous materials needed for construction, operations, and 

decommissioning of the facility for local emergency response and public safety authorities and for 

the designated BLM land manager. Furthermore, the plan shall address the characterization, onsite storage, recycling, and disposal of all resulting wastes. At minimum, the plan will discuss 

facility identification; comprehensive hazardous materials inventory; Material Safety Data Sheets 

for each type of hazardous material; emergency contacts and mutual aid agreements, if any; site 

map showing all hazardous materials and waste storage and use locations; copies of spill and 

emergency response plans, and hazardous materials–related elements of a Decommissioning 

and Site Reclamation Plan.
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The waste management plan will address all solid and liquid wastes that may be generated at the 

site in compliance with the Clean Water Act requirements to obtain the project’s National 

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or similar permit.

Consider fire management in developing hazardous materials and waste management measures.

Identify and implement prevention measures, including material substitution of less hazardous 

alternatives, recycling, and waste minimization.

Establish procedures for fuel storage and dispensing that consider health and safety of personnel 

and methods for safe use (i.e., fire safety, authorized equipment use).

Ensure vehicles and equipment are in proper working condition to reduce potential for leaks of 

motor oil, antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, grease, or other hazardous materials.

Establish schedules for regular removal of wastes (including sanitary wastewater generated in 

temporary, portable sanitary facilities) for delivery and removal by licensed haulers to appropriate 

off-site treatment or disposal facilities.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be characterized, sited and designed, and constructed to minimize hazardous 

materials and waste management design elements. Methods to minimize hazardous material and 

waste management impacts may include:

Indemnify the United States against any liability arising from the release of any hazardous 

substance or hazardous waste on the facility or associated with facility activities.

Provide a copy of any report required or requested by any Federal agency or State government 

as a result of a reportable release or spill of any toxic substances to the BLM authorized officer 

concurrent with the filing of the reports to the involved Federal agency or State government.

Design and operate systems containing hazardous materials in a manner that limits the potential 

for their release.

Establish measures for construction with compatible materials in safe conditions.

Establish dedicated areas with secondary containment for loading or off-loading hazardous 

materials to transport vehicles.

Implement “just-in-time” ordering procedures to limit the amounts of hazardous materials present 

on the site to quantities minimally necessary to support continued operations. Excess hazardous 

materials shall be promptly disposed.

Survey project sites for unexploded ordnance if projects are within 20 miles of a current DoD 

installation or formerly utilized defense site.

Site refueling areas away from surface waters and drainages and on paved surfaces; features 

shall be added to direct any spilled materials to sumps or safe storage areas where they can be 

subsequently recovered.

Designate hazardous materials and waste storage areas and facilities. Limit access to designated 

areas to authorized personnel only.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for hazardous materials and waste management shall be 

monitored by the project developer.

Consultation with the BLM shall be maintained through the operations and maintenance of the 

project, employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as necessary and approved 

by the BLM.

Methods for maintaining compliance with the terms and conditions for hazardous materials and waste 

management during operations and maintenance of the project may include the following:

Installing sensors or other devices to monitor system integrity and

Implementing robust site inspection and repair procedures.

Reclamation and Decommissioning

Project developers shall maintain emergency response capabilities throughout the reclamation and 

decommissioning period as long as hazardous materials and wastes remain on-site.

All design features developed for the construction phase shall be applied to similar activities during 

the reclamation and decommissioning phases.
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Health and Safety

General

Project developers shall coordinate with the BLM and other Federal, State, and local agencies early 

in the planning process to identify project health and safety risks and methods to minimize those 

risks. Assessing project health and safety risks may include:

Identifying and establishing Federal and State occupational health and safety standards, such as 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Occupational Health and Safety 

Standards, 29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1926, respectively, for all phases of the project.

Identifying safety zones or setbacks for solar facilities and associated transmission lines from 

residences and occupied buildings, roads, ROWs, and other public access areas that are 

sufficient to prevent accidents resulting from various hazards during all phases of development.

Methods to minimize project health and safety risks may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Identifying and accounting for general project injury prevention within the Plan of Development 

and the Health and Safety Plan, such as established personal protective equipment 

requirements, respiratory protection, hearing conservation measures, electrical safety 

considerations, hazardous materials safety and communication, housekeeping and waste 

handling, confined space identification, and rescue response and emergency medical support, 

including on-site first aid capability.

Implementing training and awareness measures for workers and the general public to minimize 

and address standard practices (such as OSHA’s) for the safe use of explosives and blasting 

agents; occupational electric and magnetic field exposures; fire safety and evacuation 

procedures; and safety performance standards (e.g., electrical system standards and lighting 

protection standards). Consider further training for additional health and safety risks from the 

solar energy project and its ancillary facilities.

Establishing measures to document training activities and reporting of serious accidents to 

appropriate agencies.

Assessing cancer and non-cancer risks to workers and the general public from exposure to 

facility emission sources that exceed threshold levels.

Considering implementation of measures to reduce site emissions and the cancer and noncancer from exposure to facility emissions.

Implementing a reporting structure for accidental release of hazardous substances to the 

environment where project developers shall document the event, including a root cause analysis, 

a description of appropriate corrective actions taken, and a characterization of the resulting 

environmental or health and safety impacts. Documentation of the event shall be provided to the 

permitting agencies and other Federal and State agencies within 30 days.

Considering manufacturer requirements, and Federal and State standards, when establishing 

safety zones or setbacks for solar facilities and associated transmission lines.

Project developers coordinating with the BLM and appropriate agencies (e.g., the Department of 

Energy and Transportation Security Administration to address critical infrastructure and key 

resource vulnerabilities at solar facilities in order to minimize and plan for potential risks from 

natural events, sabotage, and terrorism.

Site Characterization, Siting and Design, Construction

Solar facilities shall be characterized, sited and designed, and constructed to minimize risk to health 

and safety. Methods to minimize risk to health and safety may include:

Designing electrical systems to meet all applicable safety standards (e.g., National Electrical 

Code) and to comply with the interconnection requirements of the transmission system operator.

Complying with applicable FAA regulations, including lighting requirements, to avoid or minimize 

potential safety issues associated with proximity to airports, military bases or training areas, or 

landing strips.

Considering temporary fencing and other measures for staging areas, storage yards, and 

excavations during construction or decommissioning activities to limit public access to health and 

safety risks.

Planning for traffic management of site access to ensure that traffic flow would not be 

unnecessarily affected and that specific issues of concern (e.g., the locations of school bus routes 
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and stops) are identified and addressed. Planning may include measures such as informational 

signs and temporary lane configurations. Planning shall be coordinated with local planning 

authorities.

Considering use of alternative dielectric fluids that do not contain sulfur hexafluoride to reduce the 

global warming potential.

Considering measures to reduce occupational electric and magnetic fields) exposures, such as 

backing electrical generators with iron to block the electric and magnetic fields, shutting down 

generators when work is being done near them, and otherwise limiting exposure time and 

proximity while generators are running.

Operations and Maintenance

Compliance with the terms and conditions for health and safety shall be monitored by the project 

developer. Consultation with the BLM shall be maintained through operations and maintenance of the 

project employing an adaptive management strategy and modifications, as necessary and approved 

by the BLM.

National Historic Trails

General

Project developers shall consult with the BLM early in the project planning to help determine the 

proposed project’s conformance with trail management prescriptions and other potential trail-related 

constraints. Assessing conformance to trail management prescriptions and other potential trail related 

constraints shall include, but is not limited to:

Consider the Oregon National Historic Trail management corridor as an avoidance area in order 

to prevent substantial interference with the nature and purposes of designated National Historic 

Trail, and to make efforts to avoid activities incompatible with trail purposes. Residual impacts on 

trails will be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated to the extent practicable.

Apply on-site or off-site mitigation for any residual adverse impact according to program policy 

standards.

West Wide Energy Corridors Interagency Operating Procedures 

These Interagency Operating Procedures are from the Approved Resource Management Plan 

Amendments/Record of Decision for Designation of Energy Corridors on Bureau of Land Management 

Administered Land in the 11 Western States (BLM, 2009) and are for projects proposed within the 

Section 368 corridors. Not all operating procedures will be appropriate for all projects; those that apply to 

pipelines, for instance, are not appropriate to transmission lines. These operating procedures are 

practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental impacts from future project development that may 

occur within the designated corridors. 

Project Planning

Agency Coordination

Applicants seeking to develop energy transport projects within corridors located on or near Saylor 

Creek Training Range or within military operating areas must, early in the planning process and in 

conjunction with the appropriate agency staff, inform and coordinate with the DoD regarding the 

characteristics and locations of the anticipated project infrastructure.

Early in the planning process, applicants seeking a right-of-way (ROW) authorization within a Section 

368 energy corridor that is located within five miles of a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) 

should contact the appropriate Agency staff and work with the NPS regarding the characteristics and 

locations of anticipated project infrastructure. In those instances where corridors cross lands within 

the boundaries of a unit of the NPS, the NPS Organic Act and other relevant laws and policies shall 

apply.

For electricity transmission projects, the applicant shall notify the Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) as early as practicable in the planning process in order to identify appropriate aircraft safety 

requirements.
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All project applications must reflect applicable findings, mitigation, and/or standards contained in 

regional land management plans, such as the Northwest Forest Plan, when such regional plans have 

been incorporated into agency planning guidelines and requirements. Modification of some standards 

may be needed to reasonably allow for energy transport within a corridor. 

Government-to-Government Consultation

The appropriate agency, assisted by the project applicant, must initiate government-to-government 

consultation with affected tribes at the outset of project planning and shall continue consultation 

throughout all phases of the project, as necessary. Agencies should determine how to consult in a 

manner that reflects the cultural values, socioeconomic factors, and administrative structures of the 

interested tribes. 

The agency point-of-contact (POC) may require the project proponent to prepare an ethnographic 

study when tribal consultation indicates the need. The study shall be conducted by a qualified 

professional selected in consultation with the affected tribes.

General

Applicants seeking to develop an electricity transmission or pipeline project will develop a projectspecific Plan of Development (POD). The POD should display the location of the project infrastructure 

(i.e., towers, power lines) and identify areas of short- and long-term land and resource impacts and 

the mitigation measures for site-specific and resource-specific environmental impacts. The POD 

should also include notification of project termination and decommissioning to the agencies at a time 

period specified by the agencies.

Applicants, working with the appropriate agencies, shall design projects to comply with all appropriate 

and applicable agency policies and guidance.

Project planning shall be based on the current state of knowledge. Where corridors are subject to 

sequential projects, project-related planning (such as the development of spill-response plans, 

cultural resource management plans, and visual resource management plans) and project-specific 

mitigation and monitoring should incorporate information and lessons learned from previous projects.

Applicants shall follow the best management practices for energy transport project siting, 

construction, and operations of the States in which the proposed project would be located, as well as 

Federal agency practices.

Corridors are to be efficiently used. The applicant, assisted by the appropriate agency, shall 

consolidate the proposed infrastructure, such as access roads, wherever possible and utilize existing 

roads to the maximum extent feasible, minimizing the number, lengths, and widths of roads, 

construction support areas, and borrow areas.

When concurrent development projects are proposed and implemented within a corridor, the agency 

POC shall coordinate the projects to ensure consistency with regard to all regulatory compliance and 

consultation requirements, and to avoid duplication of effort.

Applicants, assisted by the appropriate agency, shall prepare a monitoring plan for all project-specific 

mitigation activities.

Potential cumulative impacts to resources should be considered during the early stages of the project. 

Agency POCs must coordinate various development projects to consider and minimize cumulative 

impacts. A review of resource impacts resulting from other projects in the region should be conducted 

and any pertinent information be considered during project planning.

Project Design

Applicants shall locate desired projects within energy corridors to promote effective use of the 

corridors by subsequent applicants and to avoid the elimination of use or encumbrance of use of the 

corridors by ROW holders. Proposed projects should be compatible with identified energy transport 

modes and avoid conflicts with other land uses within a corridor.

Applicant shall identify and delineate existing underground metallic pipelines in the vicinity of a 

proposed electricity transmission line project and design the project to avoid accelerating the 

corrosion of the pipelines and/or pumping wells.
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Transportation

The applicant shall prepare an access road siting and management plan that incorporates relevant 

agency standards regarding road design, construction, maintenance, and decommissioning. 

Corridors will be closed to public vehicular access unless determined by the BLM authorized officer to 

be managed as part of an existing travel and transportation network in a land use plan or subsequent 

travel management plan(s).

The applicant shall prepare a comprehensive transportation plan for the transport of transmission 

tower or pipeline components, main assembly cranes, and other large equipment. The plan should 

address specific sizes, weights, origin, destination, and unique equipment handling requirements. The 

plan should evaluate alternative transportation routes and should comply with State regulations and 

all necessary permitting requirements. The plan should address site access roads and eliminate 

hazards from truck traffic or adverse impacts to normal traffic flow. The plan should include measures 

such as informational signage and traffic controls that may be necessary during construction or 

maintenance of facilities.

Applicants shall consult with local planning authorities regarding increased traffic during the 

construction phase, including an assessment of the number of vehicles per day, their size, and type. 

Specific issues of concern (e.g., location of school bus routes and stops) should be identified and 

addressed in the traffic management plan.

Groundwater

Applicants must identify and delineate all sole source aquifers in the vicinity of a proposed project and 

design the project to avoid disturbing these aquifers or to minimize potential risks that the aquifers 

could be contaminated by spills or leaks of chemicals used in the projects.

In instances where a project within an energy corridor crosses sole source aquifers, the applicant 

must notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the agencies that administer the land as 

early as practicable in the planning process. Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 

U.S.C. Chapter 6A) and other relevant laws and policies pertinent to the corridors that cross sole 

source aquifers shall apply.

Surface Water

Applicants must identify all wild and scenic rivers (designated by act of Congress or by the Secretary 

of the Interior under Section 3(a) or 2(a)(ii) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287), 

respectively), congressionally authorized wild and scenic study rivers, and agency identified (eligible 

or suitable) wild and scenic study rivers in the vicinity of a proposed project and design the project to 

avoid the rivers or mitigate the disturbance to the rivers and their vicinity.

In instances where a project within an energy corridor crosses a wild and scenic river or a wild and 

scenic study river, the appropriate Federal permitting agency, assisted by the project applicant, must 

coordinate and consult with the river-administrating agency regarding the protection and 

enhancement of the river’s free-flowing condition, water quality, and Outstandingly Remarkable 

Values.

Applicants shall identify all streams in the vicinity of proposed project sites that are listed as impaired 

under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Chapter 26) and provide a management plan 

to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts on those streams. 

Paleontological Resources

The applicant shall conduct an initial scoping assessment to determine whether construction activities 

would disturb formations that may contain important paleontological resources. Potential impacts to 

significant paleontological resources should be avoided by moving or rerouting the site of construction 

or removing or reducing the need for surface disturbance. When avoidance is not possible, a 

mitigation plan should be prepared to identify physical and administrative protective measures and 

protocols such as halting work, to be implemented in the event of fossil discoveries. The scoping 

assessment and mitigation plan should be conducted in accordance with the managing agency’s 

fossil management practices and policies.

If significant paleontological resources are known to be present in the project area, or if areas with a 

high potential to contain paleontological material have been identified, the applicant shall prepare a 
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paleontological resources management and mitigation plan. If adverse impacts to paleontological 

resources cannot be avoided or mitigated within the designated corridors, the agency may consider 

alternative development routes to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects.

A protocol for unexpected discoveries of significant paleontological resources should be developed. 

Unexpected discovery during construction should be brought to the immediate attention of the 

responsible Federal agency’s authorized officer. Work should be halted in the vicinity of the discovery 

to avoid further disturbance of the resource while the resource is being evaluated and appropriate 

mitigation measures are being developed.

Ecological Resources

Applicants shall identify important, sensitive, or unique habitats and BLM-special status species and 

State-listed species in the vicinity of proposed projects and design the project to avoid or mitigate 

impacts to these habitats and species.

To restore disturbed habitats, the applicant will prepare a habitat restoration plan that identifies the 

approach and methods to be used to restore habitats disturbed during project construction activities. 

The plan will be designed to expedite the recovery to natural habitats supporting native vegetation, 

and require restoration to be completed as soon as practicable after completion of construction, 

minimizing the habitat converted at any one time. To ensure rapid and successful restoration efforts, 

the plan will include restoration success criteria, including time frames, which will be developed in 

coordination with the appropriate agency and which must be met by the applicant. Bonding to cover 

the full cost of restoration will be required.

In consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the appropriate agency, assisted by the project 

applicant, will identify wetlands (including ephemeral, intermittent, and isolated wetlands), riparian 

habitats, streams, and other aquatic habitats in the project area and design the project to avoid or 

mitigate impacts to these habitats.

Vegetation Management

Applicants shall develop an integrated vegetation management plan consistent with applicable 

regulations and agency policies for the control of unwanted vegetation, noxious weeds, and invasive 

species (E.O. 13112). The plan should address monitoring; ROW vegetation management; the use of 

certified weed-seed-free hay, straw, and/or mulch; the cleaning of vehicles to avoid the introduction of 

noxious weeds and invasive plants; education of personnel on weed identification, the manner in 

which weeds spread, and the methods for treating infestations.

Cultural Resources

Cultural resources management services and individuals providing those services shall meet the 

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation, 48 FR 44716 (Sept. 

29, 1983).

The project applicant may, with the approval of the agency POC, assign a Cultural Resource 

Coordinator to ensure an integrated compliance process across administrative and jurisdictional 

boundaries. The Cultural Resource Coordinator will facilitate and coordinate compliance with laws, 

policies, regulations, and existing pertinent agreements (Memorandums of Agreement, protocoal 

agreements, or memoranda of understanding) among multiple agencies and other entities, 

jurisdictions, and Federally recognized tribes. The coordinator may assist with development of 

pertinent agreements among concerned parties during the course of the project. The coordinator shall 

be a qualified professional with experience in cultural resource compliance. Where appropriate, the 

Cultural Resource Coordinator may also serve as the Tribal Coordinator. Alternatively, the agency 

POC may assign such coordinators, to be paid for through project cost-recovery funds. The agencies, 

through the POC, remain responsible for consultation.

The project applicant may, with the approval of the agency POC, assign a Tribal Coordinator to 

facilitate and coordinate consultation and compliance with multiple laws, agencies, and tribes in order 

to ensure effective government-to-government consultation throughout the life of the project. 

Alternatively, the agency POC may assign such coordinators, to be paid for through project costrecovery funds. The agencies, through the POC, remain responsible for consultation.
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All historic properties in the Area of Potential Effect (APE) will be identified and evaluated. The APE 

shall include that area within which an undertaking may directly or indirectly cause alterations in the 

character or use of historic properties and shall include a reasonable construction buffer zone and 

laydown areas, access roads, and borrow areas, as well as a reasonable assessment of areas 

subject to effects from visual, auditory, or atmospheric impacts, or impacts from increased access.

Project proponents must develop a Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) to outline the 

process for compliance with applicable cultural resource laws during pre-project planning, 

management of resources during operation, and consideration of the effect of decommissioning. 

CRMPs should meet the specifications of the appropriate agency and address compliance with all 

appropriate laws. CRMPs should include the following, as appropriate: identification of the Federally 

recognized tribes, State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs), and consulting parties for the project; 

identification of long- and short-term management goals for cultural resources within the APE of the 

project; the definition of the APE; appropriate procedures for inventory, evaluation, and identification 

of effects to historic properties; evaluation of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places 

(NRHP) for all resources in the APE; description of the measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to historic properties; procedures for inadvertent discovery; procedures for 

considering Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) issues, monitoring 

needs, and plans to be employed during construction; curation procedures; anticipated personnel 

requirements and qualifications; public outreach and interpretation plans; and discussion of other 

concerns. The draft CRMP should be reviewed and approved by the agency POC in consultation with 

historic preservation partners, including appropriate SHPOs, tribes, and consulting parties. CRMPs 

must specify procedures that would be followed for compliance with cultural resource laws, should the 

project change during the course of implementation.

Project applicants will provide cultural resources training for project personnel regarding the laws 

protecting cultural resources, appropriate conduct in the field (such as procedures for the inadvertent 

discovery of human remains), and other project-specific issues identified in the CRMP. Training plans 

should be part of the CRMP and should be subject to the approval of the POC. When government-togovernment consultation identifies the need and the possibility, tribes may be invited to participate in 

or contribute to relevant sessions.

If adverse effects to historic properties will result from a project, a Historic Property Treatment Plan 

will be developed in consultation with the SHPO, the appropriate Federally recognized tribes, and any 

consulting parties. The plan will outline how the impacts to the historic properties would be mitigated, 

minimized, or avoided.

Cultural resources inventory, evaluation, and mitigation practices should incorporate modeling and 

sampling strategies to the extent practicable, in concurrence with SHPOs and other relevant parties, 

and as approved by the agency POC.

Project applicants shall provide all cultural resources reports and data in an electronic format that is 

approved by the Agency POC and integrated across jurisdictional boundaries, that meets current 

standards, and that is compatible with SHPO systems. The Agency will submit this data to the SHPO 

in a timely fashion. Project proponents should submit cultural resources data on a regular basis to 

ensure that SHPO systems are kept up to date for reference as the different phases of the project 

proceed. Paper records may also be required by the agency.

Cultural resources inventory procedures, specified in the CRMP, will include development of historic 

contexts based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and 

Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716) sufficient to support the evaluation of cultural resources 

encountered in the APE.

Government to Government Consultation

The appropriate agency, assisted by the applicant, must comply with all laws, policies, and 

regulations pertaining to government-to-government consultation with Federally recognized tribes. 

Agencies shall initiate consultation with affected tribes at the outset of project planning and shall 

continue consultation throughout project planning, construction, operation, and decommissioning. 

Consultation shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Identification of potentially affected tribes;
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Identification of appropriate tribal contacts and the preferred means of communication with these 

tribes;

Provision to the tribes of project-specific information (e.g., project proponents, maps, design 

features, proposed ROW routes, construction methods) at the outset of project planning and 

throughout the life of the project;

Identification of issues of concern specific to affected tribes (e.g., potential impacts to culturally 

sensitive areas or resources, hazard and safety management plans, treaty reserved rights and 

trust responsibilities);

Identification of areas and resources of concern to tribes; and

Resolution of concerns (e.g., actions to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to important 

resources; Memoranda of Agreement stating what actions would be taken to mitigate project 

effects; or agreements for tribal participation in monitoring efforts or operator training programs).

The appropriate agency, assisted by the applicant, must comply with all pertinent laws, policies, and 

regulations addressing cultural and other resources important to tribes, including the National Historic 

Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, NAGPRA, and other laws and 

regulations.

The agencies shall recognize the significance to tribes of traditional cultural places, such as sacred 

sites, sacred landscapes, gathering grounds, and burial areas, and shall seek to identify such areas 

through consultation with affected tribes early in the project planning process. Agencies shall seek to 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to such places in consultation with the tribes, project proponents, 

and other relevant parties. Where confidentiality concerning these areas is important to an affected 

tribe, agencies shall honor such confidentiality unless the tribe agrees to release the information.

A protocol must be developed for inadvertent discovery of Native American human remains and 

funerary items to comply with the NAGPRA in consultation with appropriate Federally recognized 

tribes. Unexpected discovery of Native American human remains and funerary items during 

construction must be brought to the immediate attention of the BLM authorized officer. Work must be 

halted in the vicinity of the find of Native American graves and funerary items to avoid further 

disturbance to the resources while they are being evaluated and appropriate mitigation measures are 

being developed. The procedures for reporting items covered under NAGPRA must be identified in 

the CRMP.

Visual Resources

Applicants shall identify and consider Visual Resource Management (VRM) issues early in the design 

process to facilitate integration of VRM into the overall site development program and construction 

documents. Visual management considerations, environmental analyses, mitigation planning, and 

design shall reference and be in accordance with the land management agency visual management 

policies and procedures applicable to the jurisdiction the project lies within. Applicants shall 

coordinate between multiple agencies on visual sensitive issues when projects transition from one 

jurisdiction to another, especially when transitions occur within a shared viewshed.

Applicants shall prepare a VRM plan. The applicant’s shall include an appropriately trained specialist, 

such as a landscape architect with demonstrated VRM experience. The VRM specialist shall 

coordinate with the BLM on the availability of the appropriate visual inventory data, VRM 

management class delineations, and Federal agency expectations for preparing project plans and 

mitigation strategies to comply with RMP direction related to visual resources. Applicants shall 

confirm that a current Visual Resource Inventory is available and that VRM classifications have been 

designated in the current land management plan. Project plans shall abide by the VRM class 

designations and consider sensitivities defined within the Visual Resource Inventory. If visual 

management objectives are absent, then the proper inventory and classification process shall be 

followed to develop them in accordance with the BLM VRM manual and handbooks. When the VRM 

classes are absent, then the project alternatives must reflect a range of management options related 

to visual resources that reflect the values identified in the visual inventory. Responsibility for 

developing an inventory or VRM classes will remain with the agency, but how to accomplish these 

tasks will be determined by the BLM authorized officer who will consider the applicant’s role and 

financial participation in completing the work.
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Visual mitigation planning/design and analysis shall be performed through integrated field 

assessment, applied global positioning system technology, field photo documentation, use of 

computer-aided design and development software, 3-D modeling geographic information system 

software, and visual simulation software, as appropriate. Proposed activities, projects, and site 

development plans shall be analyzed and further developed using these technologies to meet visual 

objectives for the project area and surrounding areas sufficient to provide the full context of the 

viewshed. Visual simulations shall be prepared according to BLM Handbook H-8432-1, or other 

agency requirements, to create spatially accurate depictions of the appearance of proposed facilities, 

as reflected in the 3-D design models. Simulations shall depict proposed project appearance from 

sensitive/scenic locations as well as more typical viewing locations. Transmission towers, roads, 

compressor stations, valves, and other aboveground infrastructure should be integrated aesthetically 

with the surrounding landscape in order to minimize contrast with the natural environment.

Applicants shall develop adequate terrain mapping on a landscape/viewshed scale for site 

planning/design, visual impact analysis, visual impact mitigation planning/design, and for full 

assessment and mitigation of cumulative visual impacts through applied, state-of-the-art design 

practices using the cited software systems. The landscape/viewshed scale mapping shall be georeferenced and at the same Digital Elevation Model resolution and contour interval within the margin 

of error suitable for engineered site design. This level of mapping shall enable proper placement of 

proposed developments into the digital viewshed context. Final plans shall be field verified for 

compliance.

The full range of visual best management practices (BMPs) shall be considered, and plans shall 

incorporate all pertinent BMPs. Visual resource monitoring and compliance strategies shall be 

included as a part of the project mitigation plans.

Public Health and Safety

An electricity transmission project shall be planned by the applicant to comply with FAA regulations, 

including lighting regulations, and to avoid potential safety issues associated with proximity to 

airports, military bases or training areas, or landing strips.

A health and safety program shall be developed by the applicant to protect both workers and the 

general public during construction, operation, and decommissioning of an energy transport project. 

The program should identify all applicable Federal and State occupational safety standards, establish 

safe work practices for each task (e.g., requirements for personal protective equipment and safety 

harnesses, Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard practices for safe use of 

explosives and blasting agents, measures for reducing occupational electric and magnetic fields 

exposures), and define safety performance standards (e.g., electrical system standards). The 

program should include a training program to identify hazard training requirements for workers for 

each task and establish procedures for providing required training to all workers. Documentation of 

training and a mechanism for reporting serious accidents to appropriate agencies should be 

established.

The health and safety program shall establish a safety zone or setback from roads and other public 

access areas that is sufficient to prevent accidents resulting from various hazards. It should identify 

requirements for temporary fencing around staging areas, storage yards, and excavations during 

construction or decommissioning activities. It should also identify measures to be taken during the 

operations phase to limit public access to those components of energy facilities that present health or 

safety risks. 

Applicants shall develop a comprehensive emergency plan that considers the vulnerabilities of their 

energy system to all credible events initiated by natural causes (earthquakes, avalanches, floods, 

high winds, violent storms, etc.), human error, mechanical failure, cyber-attack, sabotage, or 

deliberate destructive acts of both domestic and international origin and the potential for and possible 

consequences of those events. Vulnerability, threat, and consequence assessment methodologies 
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and criteria in the sector-specific plan for energy1 will be used and appropriate preemptive and 

mitigative response actions will be identified. The applicant must coordinate emergency planning with 

Tribal, State, and local emergency and public safety authorities and with owners and operators of 

other energy systems collocated in the corridor or in adjacent corridors that could also be impacted.

 

1 The sector-specific plan for energy, developed by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and 

Energy Reliability, is one of seventeen such SSPs that comprise the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. The 

energy sector-specific plan (redacted) is available at http://energy.gov/oe/downloads/energy-sector-specific-planannex-national-infrastructure-protection-plan. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan is available at 

http://www.dhs.gov/national-infrastructure-protection-plan. 

In addition to directives contained in other BMPs herein, the applicant must identify all Federal, State, 

and local regulations pertaining to environmental protection, worker health and safety, public safety, 

and system reliability that are applicable throughout the construction, operation, and 

decommissioning phases of their facility’s life cycle and must develop appropriate compliance 

strategies, including securing all necessary permits and approvals.

Hazardous Materials Management

Applicants for petroleum pipelines and projects involving oil-filled electrical devices shall develop a 

spill prevention and response plan identifying spill prevention measures to be implemented, training 

requirements, appropriate spill response actions, and procedures for making timely notifications to 

authorities. The spill prevention and response plan should include identification of any sensitive biotic 

resources and locations (such as habitats) that require special measures to provide protection, as 

well as the measures needed to provide that protection.

Fire Management

Applicants shall develop a fire management strategy and implement measures to minimize the 

potential for a human-caused fire during project construction, operation, and decommissioning. The 

strategy should consider the need to reduce hazardous fuels (e.g., native and non-native annual 

grasses and shrubs) and to prevent the spread of fires started outside or inside a corridor, and clarify 

who has responsibility for fire suppression and hazardous fuels reduction for the corridor.

Applicants must work with the local land management agency to identify project areas that may incur 

heavy fuel buildups, and develop a long-term strategy on vegetation management of these areas. 

The strategy may include land treatment during project construction, which may extend outside the 

planned ROW clearing limits.

Project Construction

General

To avoid conflict with Federal and non-Federal operations, the applicant shall be aware of liabilities 

pertaining to environmental hazards, safety standards, and military flying areas.

The applicant shall locate all stationary construction equipment (i.e., compressors and generators) as 

far as practicable from nearby residences.

Applicants shall pay fair market value to the land management agency for any merchantable forest 

products that will be cut during ROW clearing. The local land management agency will determine the 

fair market value, which will be paid prior to clearing. The applicant will either remove the forest 

products from the area or will stack the material at locations determined by the local land 

management agency. Treatment of unmerchantable products will be determined by the local land 

management agency.

Soils, Excavation and Blasting

Applicants shall salvage, safeguard, and reapply topsoil from all excavations and construction 

activities during restoration.

All areas of disturbed soil shall be restored by the applicant using weed-free native grasses, forbs, 

shrubs, and trees as directed by the agency. Restoration should not be unnecessarily delayed. If 

native species are not available, noninvasive vegetation recommended by agency specialists may be 

used.
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The applicant must not create excessive slopes during excavation. Areas of steep slopes, biological 

soil crusts, erodible soil, and stream channel crossings will often require site-specific and specialized 

construction techniques by the applicant. These specialized construction techniques should be 

implemented by adequately trained and experienced employees.

Blasting activities will be avoided or minimized in the vicinity of sole source aquifer areas to reduce 

the risk of releasing sediments or particles into the groundwater and inadvertently plugging water 

supply wells.

The applicant must backfill foundations and trenches with originally excavated material as much as 

possible. Excess excavation materials should be disposed of by the applicant only in approved areas.

The applicant shall obtain borrow (fill) material only from authorized sites. Existing sites should be 

used in preference to new sites.

The applicant shall prepare an explosives use plan that specifies the times and meteorological 

conditions when explosives will be used and specifies minimum distances from sensitive vegetation 

and wildlife or streams and lakes.

If blasting or other noisy activities are required during the construction period, the applicant must 

notify nearby residents in advance.

Mitigation and Monitoring

All control and mitigation measures established for the project in the Plan of Development (POD) and 

other required plans shall be maintained and implemented by the applicant throughout construction. 

Necessary adjustments may be made with the concurrence of the appropriate agency.

Surface and Groundwater Resources

The applicant shall safeguard against the possibility of dewatering shallow groundwater and/or 

wetlands in the vicinity of project sites during foundation excavations or excavations for buried 

pipelines.

The applicant shall implement erosion controls complying with Federal, State, and county standards, 

such as jute netting, silt fences, and check dams, and secure all necessary storm water pollution 

prevention plan (SWPPP) permits.

The applicant shall minimize stream crossings by access roads to the extent practicable. All 

structures crossing intermittent and perennial streams should be located and constructed so that they 

do not decrease channel stability, increase water velocity, or impede fish passage.

Applicants shall not alter existing drainage systems and should give particular care to sensitive areas 

such as erodible soils or steep slopes. Soil erosion should be reduced at culvert outlets by 

appropriate structures. Catch basins, roadway ditches, and culverts should be cleaned and 

maintained.

Applicants must not create hydrologic conduits between aquifers.

Paleontological Resources

Project construction activities will follow the protective measures and protocols identified in the 

paleontological resources mitigation plan.

All paleontological specimens found on Federal lands remain the property of the US government. 

Specimens may only be collected by a qualified paleontologist under a permit issued by the 

managing agency and must be curated in an approved repository.

Ecological Resources

Areas that are known to support Endangered Species Act-listed species, BLM-special-status species, 

and State-listed species or their habitats shall be identified and marked with flagging or other 

appropriate means to avoid direct impacts during construction activities. Construction activities 

upslope of these areas should be avoided to prevent indirect impacts of surface water and sediment 

runoff.

All construction activities that could affect wetlands or waters of the United States shall be conducted 

in accordance with the requirements identified in permits issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
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Visual Resources

A pre-construction meeting with BLM landscape architects or other designated visual resource 

specialist shall be held before construction begins to coordinate on the VRM mitigation strategy and 

confirm the compliance-checking schedule and procedures. Applicants shall integrate interim/final 

reclamation VRM mitigation elements early in the construction, which may include treatments such as 

thinning and feathering vegetation along project edges, enhanced contour grading, salvaging 

landscape materials from within construction areas, special revegetation requirements, etc. 

Applicants shall coordinate with BLM in advance to have designated visual resource specialists onsite 

during construction to work with implementing BMPs.

Cultural Resources

Project applicants shall provide all cultural resources reports and data in an approved electronic 

format that is integrated across jurisdictional boundaries, that meets current standards, and that is 

compatible with State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) systems. Project proponents shall submit 

cultural resources data on a regular basis to ensure that SHPO systems are kept up to date for 

reference as the different phases of the project proceed.

When an area is identified as having a high potential for cultural resources but none are found during 

a pre-construction field survey, a professionally qualified cultural resources specialist will be required 

to monitor ground-disturbing activities during project construction, and to complete a report when the 

activities are finished. The protocol for monitoring should be identified in the Cultural Resources 

Management Plan (CRMP).

When human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony are 

inadvertently discovered, the provisions of NAGPRA shall apply and the process identified in the 

CRMP must be followed.

Hazardous Materials and Wastewater Management

Any wastewater generated by the applicant in association with temporary, portable sanitary facilities 

must be periodically removed on a schedule approved by the agency, by a licensed hauler, and 

introduced into an existing municipal sewage treatment facility. Temporary, portable sanitary facilities 

provided for construction crews should be adequate to support expected onsite personnel and should 

be removed at completion of construction activities.

All hazardous materials (including vehicle and equipment fuels) brought to the project site will be in 

appropriate containers and will be stored in designated and properly designed storage areas with 

appropriate secondary containment features. Excess hazardous materials will be removed from the 

project site after completion of the activities in which they are used.

Air Emissions

The applicant shall cover construction materials and stockpiled soils if these are sources of fugitive 

dust.

To minimize fugitive dust generation, the applicant shall water land before and during surface clearing 

or excavation activities. Areas where blasting would occur should be covered with mats.

Noise

The applicant shall limit noisy construction activities (including blasting) to the least noise-sensitive 

times of day (i.e., daytime only between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.) and weekdays. The blasting period may 

be shortened during sage-grouse breeding and nesting or proximity to residences.

Fire Safety

The applicant must ensure that all construction equipment used is adequately muffled and maintained 

and that spark arrestors are used with construction equipment in areas with, and during periods of, 

high fire danger.

Flammable materials (including fuels) will be stored in appropriate containers.
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Project Operation

Mitigation and Monitoring

All control and mitigation measures established for the project shall be maintained and implemented 

by the applicant throughout the operation of the project. Necessary adjustments may be made with 

the concurrence of the BLM authorized officer.

Ecological Resources

Project staff shall avoid harassment or disturbance of wildlife, especially during reproductive 

courtship, migratory, and nesting seasons.

Observations by project staff of potential wildlife problems, including wildlife mortality, will be 

immediately reported to the applicable agency authorized officer.

Pesticide and Herbicide Use

If pesticides are used, the applicant shall ensure that pesticide applications as specified in the 

integrated vegetation management plan are conducted within the framework of agency policies and 

entail only the use of EPA-registered pesticides that are applied in a manner consistent with label 

directions and State pesticide regulations. Pesticide use shall be limited to non-persistent immobile 

pesticides and shall be applied only in accordance with label and application permit directions and 

stipulations for terrestrial and aquatic applications.

Pesticide and herbicide uses must be avoided in the vicinity of sole source aquifer areas.

Visual Resources

Terms and conditions for VRM mitigation compliance shall be maintained and monitored for 

compliance with visual objectives, with adaptive management adjustments and modifications as 

necessary, and approved by the BLM-authorized officer.

Hazardous Materials, Wastes, and Wastewater Management

The applicant shall provide secondary containment for all on-site hazardous materials and waste 

storage areas.

The applicant shall ensure that wastes are properly containerized and removed periodically for 

disposal at appropriate offsite permitted disposal facilities.

In the event of an accidental release to the environment, the applicant shall initiate spill cleanup 

procedures and document the event, including a cause analysis; appropriate corrective actions taken; 

and a characterization of the resulting environmental or health and safety impacts. Documentation of 

the event shall be provided to the BLM authorized officer and other Federal and State agencies, as 

required.

Air Quality

Dust abatement techniques (e.g., water spraying) shall be used by the applicant on unpaved, 

unvegetated surfaces to minimize airborne dust. Water for dust abatement should be obtained and 

used by the applicant under the appropriate State water use permitting system. Used oil will not be 

used for dust abatement.

Noise

The applicant shall ensure that all equipment has sound-control devices no less effective than those 

provided on the original equipment.
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Project Decommissioning

General

Where applicable, decommissioning activities will conform to agency standards and guidance for 

mitigation and reclamation (e.g., the Gold Book, 4th Edition, 20072

).

Applicants must receive approval for changes to the ROW authorization prior to any modifications to 

the ROW required for decommissioning.

Gravel work pads will be removed; gravel and other borrow material brought to the ROW during 

construction will be disposed of as approved by the agency.

Any wells constructed on the ROW to support operations may be removed and properly closed in 

accordance with applicable local or State regulations.

All equipment, components, and above-ground structures shall be cleaned and removed from the site 

for reclamation, salvage, or disposal; all below-ground components shall be removed to a minimum 

depth of 3 feet to establish a root zone free of obstacles; pipeline segments and other components 

located at greater depths may be abandoned in place provided they are cleaned (of all residue) and 

filled with inert material to prevent possible future subsidence.

Dismantled and cleaned components shall be promptly removed; interim storage of removed 

components or salvaged materials that is required before final disposition is completed will not occur 

on Federal land.

At the close of decommissioning, applicants will provide the BLM authorized officer with survey data 

precisely locating all below grade components that were abandoned in place.

 

2 Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development, 4th Edition, revised 

2007. Available electronically at

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/oil_and_gas/best_management_practices/gold_book.html. 

Mitigation and Monitoring

All control and mitigation measures established for the project in the POD and other required plans 

shall be incorporated into a decommissioning plan that shall be approved by the BLM authorized 

officer); the decommissioning plan shall include a site reclamation plan and a monitoring program and 

shall be coordinated with owners and operators of other systems on the corridor to ensure no 

disruption to the operation of those systems.

Surface Water

A SWPPP permit shall be obtained and its provisions implemented for all affected areas before any 

ground-disturbance activities commence.

Transportation

Additional access roads needed for decommissioning shall follow the paths of access roads 

established during construction to the greatest extent possible; all access roads not required for the 

continued operation and maintenance of other energy systems present in the corridor shall be 

removed and their footprints reclaimed and restored.

Restoration

Topsoil removed during decommissioning activities shall be salvaged and reapplied during final 

reclamation; all areas of disturbed soil shall be reclaimed using weed-free native shrubs, grasses, 

and forbs or other plant species approved by the BLM authorized officer; grades shall be returned to 

pre-development contours to the greatest extent feasible.

The vegetation cover, composition, and diversity shall be restored to values commensurate with the 

ecological setting, as approved by the authorized officer.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Management

All fuels, hazardous materials, and other chemicals shall be removed from the site and properly 

disposed of or reused.
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Incidental spills of petroleum products and other chemicals shall be removed and the affected area 

cleaned to meet applicable standards.

Solid wastes generated during decommissioning shall be accumulated, transported, and disposed in 

permitted offsite facilities in accordance with State and local requirements; no solid wastes shall be 

disposed of within the footprint of the ROW or the corridor.

Hazardous wastes generated as a result of component cleaning shall be containerized and disposed 

of in permitted facilities.

Minerals

Leasable Minerals

Geothermal Energy Development

The following best management practices (BMPs) are taken from the Record of Decision and Resource 

Management Plan Amendments for Geothermal Leasing in the Western United States (BLM, 2008b).

Information Collection and Monitoring

General 

Prior to geothermal exploration and development, a complete subsurface geotechnical investigation 

will be conducted to analyze the soil and geologic conditions. The investigation will evaluate and 

identify potential geologic hazards and would provide remedial grading recommendations, foundation 

and slab design criteria, and soil parameters for the design of geothermal power infrastructure. 

The operator will collect available information describing the environmental and socio-cultural 

conditions in the vicinity of the proposed project and will provide the information to the agency. 

A monitoring program will be developed by the operator to ensure that environmental conditions are 

monitored during the exploration and well drilling, testing, construction, and utilization and reclamation 

phases. The monitoring program requirements, including adaptive management strategies, will be 

established at the project level to ensure that potential adverse impacts of geothermal development 

are mitigated. The monitoring program will identify the monitoring requirements for each major 

environmental resource present at the site, establish metrics against which monitoring observations 

can be measured, identify potential mitigation measures, and establish protocols for incorporating 

monitoring observations and additional mitigation measures into ongoing activities. The operator will 

provide results of the monitoring program to the agency in an annual report.

Paleontological and Cultural Resources 

Before any specific permits are issued under leases, treatment of cultural resources will follow the 

procedures established by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for compliance with Section 

106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. A pedestrian inventory will be undertaken of all portions 

that have not been previously surveyed or are identified by BLM as requiring inventory to identify 

properties that are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Those sites not 

already evaluated for NRHP eligibility will be evaluated based on surface remains, subsurface testing, 

and archival and/or ethnographic sources. Subsurface testing will be kept to a minimum whenever 

possible if sufficient information is available to evaluate the site or if avoidance is an expected 

mitigation outcome. Recommendations regarding the eligibility of sites will be submitted to the BLM, 

and a treatment plan will be prepared to detail methods for avoidance of impacts or mitigation of 

impacts. The BLM will make determinations of eligibility and effect and consult with the State Historic 

Preservation Officer as necessary based on each proposed lease application and project plans. The 

BLM may require modification to exploration or development proposals to protect such properties, or 

disapprove any activity that is likely to result in adverse effects that cannot be successfully avoided, 

minimized, or mitigated. Avoidance of impacts through project design will be given priority over data 

recovery as the preferred mitigation measure. Avoidance measures include moving project elements 

away from site locations or to areas of previous impacts, restricting travel to existing roads, and 

maintaining barriers and signs in areas of cultural sensitivity. Any data recovery will be preceded by 
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approval of a detailed research design, Native American consultation, and other requirements for 

BLM issuance of a permit under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. 

If cultural resources are present at the site, or if areas with a high potential to contain cultural material 

have been identified, a Cultural Resources Management Plan (CRMP) will be developed. This plan 

will address mitigation activities to be taken for cultural resources found at the site. Avoidance of the 

area is always the preferred mitigation option. Other mitigation options include archaeological survey 

and excavation (as warranted) and monitoring. If an area exhibits a high potential, but no artifacts 

were observed during an archaeological survey, monitoring by a qualified archaeologist could be 

required during all excavation and earthmoving in the high potential area. A report will be prepared 

documenting these activities. The CRMP also will:

Establish a monitoring program, 

Identify measures to prevent potential looting/vandalism or erosion impacts, and

Address the education of workers and the public to make them aware of the consequences of 

unauthorized collection of artifacts and destruction of property on public land.

Operators will determine whether paleontological resources exist in a project area on the basis of the 

sedimentary context of the area, a records search for past paleontological finds in the area, and/or, 

depending on the extent of existing information, a paleontological survey. 

If paleontological resources are present at the site, or if areas with a high potential to contain 

paleontological material have been identified, a paleontological resources management plan will be 

developed. This plan will include a mitigation plan for avoidance, removal of fossils, or monitoring. If 

an area exhibits a high potential but no fossils were observed during survey, monitoring by a qualified 

paleontologist may be required during excavation and earthmoving in the sensitive area. The operator 

will submit a report to the agency documenting these activities. The paleontological resources 

management plan also will: 

Establish a monitoring program, 

Identify measures to prevent potential looting/vandalism or erosion impacts, and 

Address the education of workers and the public to make them aware of the consequences of 

unauthorized collection of fossils on public land.

Water Resources 

In coordination with State regulatory agencies the operator will comply with all Federal and State 

surface and ground water rules and regulations for all phases of geothermal exploration, 

development, and reclamation. 

Operators will develop a storm water management plan for the site to ensure compliance with 

applicable regulations and prevent off-site migration of contaminated storm water or increased soil 

erosion. 

Operators will gain a clear understanding of the local hydrogeology. Areas of groundwater discharge 

and recharge and their potential relationships with surface water bodies will be identified. 

Operators will avoid creating hydrologic conduits between discrete aquifers during foundation 

excavation and other activities.

Freshwater-bearing and other usable water aquifers will be protected from contamination by assuring 

all well casing (excluding the liner) is required to be cemented from the casing shoe to the surface.

Periodic testing and monitoring via observation wells will be conducted in a manner to assure 

maximum protection of water resources from geothermal fluids or alterations in reservoir pressure.

Vegetation and Fish and Wildlife

The operator will conduct surveys for plant and animal species that are listed or proposed for listing 

as threatened or endangered and their habitats in areas proposed for development where these 

species could potentially occur, following accepted protocols and in consultation with the US Fish and 

Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service, as appropriate. Particular care should be taken 

to avoid disturbing listed species during surveys in any designated critical habitat. The operator will 

monitor activities and their effects on Endangered Species Act-listed species throughout the duration 

of the project. 

The operator will identify important, sensitive, or unique habitat and biota in the project vicinity and 

site and should design the project to avoid (if possible), minimize, or mitigate potential impacts on 
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these resources. The design and siting of the facilities will follow appropriate guidance and 

requirements from the BLM and other resource agencies, as available and applicable.

National Scenic and Historic Trails 

When any right-of-way application includes remnants of a National Historic Trail, is located within the 

viewshed of a National Historic Trail’s designated centerline, or includes or is within the viewshed of a 

trail eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the operator will evaluate the 

potential visual impacts to the trail associated with the proposed project and identify appropriate 

mitigation measures for inclusion in the operation plan.

Air Quality and Climate 

The operator will coordinate with the State Air Quality Division to develop and implement an air 

quality monitoring plan.

Planning, Location, And Design

Traffic Planning 

Operators will consult with local planning authorities regarding increased traffic prior to the 

construction phase, including an assessment of the number of vehicles per day, their size, and type. 

Specific issues of concern (e.g., location of school bus routes and stops) will be identified and 

addressed in the traffic management plan.

Roads and Pads 

To plan for efficient use of the land, necessary infrastructure will be consolidated wherever possible. 

Existing roads and pad sites will be used to the maximum extent feasible, but only if located in a safe 

and environmentally sound location. No new roads and pad sites will be constructed without agency 

authorization. If new roads and pad sites have been authorized, they will be designed and 

constructed by the operator to the appropriate agency standard, no higher than necessary to 

accommodate their intended function. Roads and pad sites will be routinely maintained by the 

operator to maintain public safety and to minimize impacts to the environment such as erosion, 

sedimentation, fugitive dust, and/or loss of vegetation.

An access road siting and management plan will be prepared incorporating existing Agency 

standards regarding road design, construction, and maintenance such as those described in the BLM 

9113 Manual and the Surface Operating Standards for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development

(i.e., the Gold Book, 4th Edition, 2007).

A traffic management plan will be prepared for the site access roads to ensure that no hazards would 

result from the increased truck traffic and that traffic flow would not be adversely impacted. This plan 

will incorporate measures such as informational signs, flaggers when equipment may result in 

blocked throughways, and traffic cones to identify any necessary changes in temporary lane 

configuration. 

Where possible, access roads will be located to follow natural contours and minimize side hill cuts 

and fills. Excessive grades on roads, road embankments, ditches, and drainages will be avoided, 

especially in areas with erodible soils. 

Roads will be designed so that changes to surface water runoff are minimized and new erosion is not 

initiated.

Access roads will be located to minimize stream crossings. All structures crossing streams will be 

located and constructed so that they do not decrease channel stability or increase water velocity. 

Operators will obtain all applicable Federal and State water crossing permits. 

Roads will be located away from drainage bottoms and avoid wetlands, if practicable.

Geotechnical Analysis 

The operator will perform a detailed geotechnical analysis prior to the construction of any structures; 

so they will be sited to avoid any hazards from subsidence or liquefaction (i.e., the changing of a

saturated soil from a relatively stable solid state to a liquid during earthquakes or nearby blasting).
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Visual Design Considerations 

The operator will incorporate visual design considerations into the planning and design of the project 

to minimize potential visual impacts of the proposal and to meet the Visual Resource Management 

objectives including:

Construct low-profile structures whenever possible to reduce structure visibility.

Select and design materials and surface treatments to repeat or blend with landscape elements.

Site projects outside of the viewsheds of publicly accessible vantage points, or if this cannot be 

avoided, as far away as possible.

Site projects to take advantage of both topography and vegetation as screening devices to restrict

views of projects from visually sensitive areas.

Site facilities away from and not adjacent to prominent landscape features (e.g., knobs and water 

features).

Avoid placing facilities on ridgelines, summits, or other locations such that they will be silhouetted 

against the sky from important viewing locations.

Co-locate facilities to the extent possible to use existing and shared rights-of-way (ROWs), 

existing and shared access and maintenance roads, and other infrastructure to reduce visual they 

do not bisect ridge tops or run down the center of valley bottoms.

Site linear features (aboveground pipelines, ROWs, and roads) to follow natural land contours 

rather than straight lines (particularly up slopes) when possible. Fall-line cuts should be avoided. 

Site facilities, especially linear facilities, to take advantage of natural topographic breaks (i.e., 

pronounced changes in slope) to avoid siting facilities on steep side slopes.

Where available, site linear features such as ROWs and roads to follow the edges of clearings 

(where they will be less conspicuous) rather than passing through the centers of clearings.

Site facilities to take advantage of existing clearings to reduce vegetation clearing and ground 

disturbance, where possible.

Site linear features (e.g., trails, roads, rivers) to cross other linear features at right angles 

whenever possible to minimize viewing area and duration.

Site and design structures and roads to minimize and balance cuts and fills and to preserve 

existing rocks, vegetation, and drainage patterns to the maximum extent possible. 

Use appropriately colored materials for structures or appropriate stains and coatings to blend with 

the project’s backdrop. Refer to the Standard Environmental Colors chart available from the BLM.

Use non-reflective or low-reflectivity materials, coatings, or paints whenever possible.

o Paint grouped structures the same color to reduce visual complexity and color contrast.

Design and install efficient facility lighting so that the minimum amount of lighting required for 

safety and security is provided but not exceeded and so that upward light scattering (light 

pollution) is minimized. This may include, for example, installing shrouds to minimize light from 

straying off-site, properly directing light to only illuminate necessary areas, and installing motion 

sensors to only illuminate areas when necessary.

Site construction staging areas and laydown areas outside of the viewsheds of publicly 

accessible vantage points and visually sensitive areas, where possible, including siting in swales, 

around bends, and behind ridges and vegetative screens.

Discuss visual impact mitigation objectives and activities with equipment operators prior to 

commencement of construction activities.

Mulch or scatter slash from vegetation removal and spread it to cover fresh soil disturbances or, if 

not possible, bury or compost slash. 

If slash piles are necessary, stage them out of sight of sensitive viewing areas. 

Avoid installing gravel and pavement where possible to reduce color and texture contrasts with 

existing landscape. 

Use excess fill to fill uphill-side swales resulting from road construction in order to reduce 

unnatural-appearing slope interruption and to reduce fill piles. 

Avoid downslope wasting of excess fill material. 

Round road-cut slopes, vary cut and fill pitch to reduce contrasts in form and line, and vary slope 

to preserve specimen trees and nonhazardous rock outcroppings. 

Leave planting pockets on slopes where feasible. 
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Combine methods of re-establishing native vegetation through seeding, planting of nursery stock, 

transplanting of local vegetation within the proposed disturbance areas, and staging of 

construction enabling direct transplanting.

Revegetate with native vegetation establishing a composition consistent with the form, line, color, 

and texture of the surrounding undisturbed landscape.

Provide benches in rock cuts to accent natural strata. 

Use split-face rock blasting to minimize unnatural form and texture resulting from blasting. 

Segregate topsoil from cut and fill activities and spread it on freshly disturbed areas to reduce 

color contrast and to aid rapid revegetation. 

Bury utility cables in or adjacent to the road where feasible. 

Minimize signage and paint or coat reverse sides of signs and mounts to reduce color contrast 

with existing landscape. 

Prohibit trash burning; store trash in containers to be hauled off-site for disposal. 

Undertake interim restoration during the operating life of the project as soon as possible after 

disturbances. During road maintenance activities, avoid blading existing forbs and grasses in 

ditches and along roads.

Randomly scarify cut slopes to reduce texture contrast with existing landscape and to aid in 

revegetation. 

Cover disturbed areas with stockpiled topsoil or mulch, and revegetate with a mix of native 

species selected for visual compatibility with existing vegetation. 

Restore rocks, brush, and natural debris whenever possible to approximate preexisting visual 

conditions.

Air Quality and Climate 

The operator will prepare and submit to the agency an Equipment Emissions Mitigation Plan for 

managing diesel exhaust. An Equipment Emissions Mitigation Plan will identify actions to reduce 

diesel particulate, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides associated with construction 

and drilling activities. The Equipment Emissions Mitigation Plan will require that all 

drilling/construction related engines are maintained and operated as follows: 

Are tuned to the engine manufacturer’s specification in accordance with an appropriate time 

frame. 

Do not idle for more than five minutes (unless, in the case of certain drilling engines, it is 

necessary for the operating scope). 

Are not tampered with in order to increase engine horsepower. 

Include particulate traps, oxidation catalysts, and other suitable control devices on all 

drilling/construction equipment used at the project site. 

Use diesel fuel having a sulfur content of 15 parts per million or less, or other suitable alternative 

diesel fuel, unless such fuel cannot be reasonably procured in the market area. 

Include control devices to reduce air emissions. The determination of which equipment is suitable 

for control devices should be made by an independent Licensed Mechanical Engineer. 

Equipment suitable for control devices may include drilling equipment, work over and service rigs, 

mud pumps, generators, compressors, graders, bulldozers, and dump trucks.

Health and Safety 

Operators will develop a hazardous materials management plan addressing storage, use, 

transportation, and disposal of each hazardous material anticipated to be used at the site. The plan 

will identify all hazardous materials that would be used, stored, or transported at the site. It will 

establish inspection procedures, storage requirements, storage quantity limits, inventory control, 

nonhazardous product substitutes, and disposition of excess materials. The plan will also identify 

requirements for notices to Federal and local emergency response authorities and include emergency 

response plans. 

Operators will develop a waste management plan identifying the waste streams that are expected to 

be generated at the site and addressing hazardous waste determination procedures, waste storage 

locations, waste-specific management and disposal requirements, inspection procedures, and waste 

minimization procedures. This plan will address all solid and liquid wastes that may be generated at 

the site. 
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Operators will develop a spill prevention and response plan identifying where hazardous materials 

and wastes are stored on site, spill prevention measures to be implemented, training requirements, 

appropriate spill response actions for each material or waste, the locations of spill response kits on 

site, a procedure for ensuring that the spill response kits are adequately stocked at all times, and 

procedures for making timely notifications to authorities. 

A safety assessment will be conducted to describe potential safety issues and the means that would 

be taken to mitigate them, including issues such as site access, construction, safe work practices, 

security, heavy equipment transportation, traffic management, emergency procedures, and fire 

control. 

A health and safety program will be developed to protect both workers and the general public during 

construction and operation of geothermal projects.

The safety program will identify all applicable Federal and State occupational safety standards; 

establish safe work practices for each task (e.g., requirements for personal protective equipment and 

safety harnesses; Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard practices for safe use of 

explosives and blasting agents; and measures for reducing occupational electric and magnetic fields 

exposures); establish fire safety evacuation procedures; and define safety performance standards 

(e.g., electrical system standards and lightning protection standards). The program will include a 

training program to identify hazard training requirements for workers for each task and establish 

procedures for providing required training to all workers. Documentation of training and a mechanism 

for reporting serious accidents to appropriate agencies will be established. 

The health and safety program will establish a safety zone or setback for generators from residences 

and occupied buildings, roads, ROWs, and other public access areas that is sufficient to prevent 

accidents resulting from the operation of generators. It will identify requirements for temporary fencing 

around staging areas, storage yards, and excavations during construction or rehabilitation activities. It 

will also identify measures to be taken during the operation phase to limit public access to hazardous 

facilities (e.g., permanent fencing would be installed only around electrical substations, and facility 

access doors would be locked). 

Operators will consult with local planning authorities regarding increased traffic during the 

construction phase, including an assessment of the number of vehicles per day, their size, and type. 

Specific issues of concern (e.g., location of school bus routes and stops) will be identified and 

addressed in the traffic management plan. 

Operators will develop a fire management strategy to implement measures to minimize the potential 

for a human-caused fire.

Livestock Grazing 

The operator will coordinate with livestock operators to minimize impacts to livestock operations.

Noxious Weeds and Pesticides 

Operators will develop a plan for control of noxious weeds and invasive plant species, which could 

occur as a result of new surface disturbance activities at the site. The most recent recommendations 

at the State and local level should be incorporated into any operating plan for the geothermal 

exploration and development. The plan will address monitoring, education of personnel on weed 

identification, the manner in which weeds spread, and methods for treating infestations. The use of 

certified weed-free mulching will be required. If trucks and construction equipment are arriving from 

locations with known invasive vegetation problems, a controlled inspection and cleaning area will be 

established to visually noxious weed and inspect construction equipment arriving at the project area 

and to remove and collect seeds that may be adhering to tires and other equipment surfaces. 

If pesticides are used on the site, an integrated pest management plan will be developed to ensure 

that applications would be conducted within the framework of all Federal, State, and local laws and 

regulations and entail only the use of Environmental Protection Agency-registered pesticides.

Vegetation and Fish and Wildlife 

The operator will prepare a habitat restoration plan to avoid (if possible), minimize, or mitigate 

negative impacts on wildlife while maintaining or enhancing habitat values for other species. The plan 

will identify revegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures that will be implemented 
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to ensure that all temporary use areas are restored. The plan will require that restoration occur as 

soon as possible after completion of activities to reduce the amount of habitat converted at any one 

time and to speed up the recovery to natural habitats.

Construction

Traffic Management 

Traffic will be restricted to the roads developed for the project. Use of other unimproved roads will be 

restricted to emergency situations. 

Signs will be placed along roads to identify speed limits, travel restrictions, and other standard traffic 

control information. Signs directing vehicles to alternate park access and parking will be posted in the 

event construction temporarily obstructs recreational parking areas near trailheads. Whenever active 

work is being performed, the area will be posted with “construction ahead” signs on any adjacent 

access roads or trails that might be affected.

Project personnel and contractors will be instructed and required to adhere to speed limits 

commensurate with road types, traffic volumes, vehicle types, and site-specific conditions, to ensure 

safe and efficient traffic flow and to reduce wildlife collisions and disturbance and fugitive dust. 

When practical, construction activities will be avoided during high recreational use periods.

Roads and Pads 

The operator will obtain agency authorization prior to using soil or rock material from agency lands. 

Road use will be restricted during the wet season if road surfacing is not adequate to prevent soil 

displacement, rutting, etc., and resultant stream sedimentation. 

Access roads and on-site roads will be surfaced with aggregate materials where necessary to provide 

a stable road surface, support anticipated traffic, reduce fugitive dust, and prevent erosion. 

Dust abatement techniques will be used before and during surface clearing, excavation, or blasting 

activities. Dust abatement techniques will be used on unpaved, unvegetated surfaces to minimize 

fugitive dust. Speed limits (e.g., 25 mph) will be posted and enforced to reduce fugitive dust. 

Construction materials and stockpiled soils will be covered if they are a source of fugitive dust. 

Culvert outlets will be rip-rapped to dissipate water energy at the outlet and reduce erosion. Catch 

basins, roadway ditches, and culverts will be cleaned and maintained regularly.

Pipelines 

Pipelines constructed above ground due to thermal gradient induced expansion and contraction will 

rest on cradles above ground level, allowing small animals to pass underneath. Projects should be 

analyzed to ensure adequate passage for all wildlife species. The pipeline will be raised higher to 

allow wildlife passage where needed. Because pipeline corridors through certain habitat types can 

alter local predator-prey dynamics by providing predators with lines of sight and travel corridors, large 

projects should be analyzed to ensure there will be no significant changes to predator-prey balance. 

Utilities 

Underground utilities will be installed to minimize the amount of open trenches at any given time, 

keeping trenching and backfilling crews close together. Avoid leaving trenches open overnight. Where 

trenches cannot be back-filled immediately, escape ramps should be constructed at least every 100 

feet.

Specific Resources

Cultural and Paleontological Resources 

Unexpected discovery of cultural or paleontological resources during construction will be brought to 

the attention of the BLM authorized officer immediately. Work will be halted in the vicinity of the find to 

avoid further disturbance to the resources while they are being evaluated and appropriate mitigation 

measures are being developed.
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Noise 

The operator will take measurements to assess the existing background noise levels at a given site 

and compare them with the anticipated noise levels associated with the proposed project.

Within two miles of existing, occupied residences, geothermal well drilling or major facility 

construction operations will be restricted to non-sleeping hours (7:00 am to 10:00 pm).

All equipment will have sound-control devices no less effective than those provided on the original 

equipment. All construction equipment used will be adequately muffled and maintained. 

All stationary construction equipment (i.e., compressors and generators) will be located as far as 

practicable from nearby residences. 

If blasting or other noisy activities are required during the construction period, nearby residents will be 

notified by the operator at least one hour in advance. 

Explosives will be used only within specified times and at specified distances from sensitive wildlife or 

streams and lakes, as established by the Federal and State agencies.

Noxious Weeds and Pesticides 

The use of certified, weed-free mulch will be required when stabilizing areas of disturbed soil. 

If trucks and construction equipment are arriving from locations with known noxious weeds or 

invasive vegetation problems, a controlled inspection and cleaning area will be established to visually 

inspect construction equipment arriving at the project area and to remove and collect seeds that may 

be adhering to tires and other equipment surfaces. 

Fill materials and road surfacing materials that originate from areas with known noxious weeds and 

invasive vegetation problems will not be used. 

Revegetation, habitat restoration, and weed control activities will be initiated as soon as possible after 

construction activities are completed. 

Use of pesticides must be approved by the agency. Pesticide use will be limited to agency-approved 

pesticides and will only be applied in accordance with label and application permit directions and 

stipulations for terrestrial and aquatic applications.

Waste Management 

All refueling will occur in a designated fueling area that includes a temporary berm to limit the spread 

of any spill. 

Drip pans will be used during refueling to contain accidental releases. 

Drip pans will be used under fuel pump and valve mechanisms of any bulk fueling vehicles parked at 

the construction site.

Any containers used to collect liquids will be enclosed or screened to prevent access to contaminants 

by wildlife, livestock, and migratory birds. 

Spills will be immediately addressed per the spill management plan, and soil cleanup and removal 

initiated as soon as feasible.

Wild Horses and Burros 

The operator will ensure employees, contractors, and site visitors avoid harassment and disturbance 

of wild horses and burros, especially during reproductive (e.g., breeding and birthing) seasons. In 

addition, any pets will be controlled to avoid harassment and disturbance of wild horses and burros. 

Observations of potential problems regarding wild horses or burros, including animal mortality, will be 

immediately reported to the agency.

Wildlife

The operator will ensure that employees, contractors, and site visitors avoid harassment and 

disturbance of wildlife, especially during reproductive (e.g., courtship and nesting) seasons. In 

addition, pets will be controlled or excluded to avoid harassment and disturbance of wildlife. 

Ponds, tanks, and impoundments (including but not limited to drill pits) containing liquids can present 

hazards to wildlife. Any liquids contaminated by substances which may be harmful due to toxicity or 

fouling of the fur or feathers (detergents, oils), should be excluded from wildlife access by fencing, 

netting, or covering at all times when not in active use. Liquids at excessive temperature should 
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likewise be excluded. If exclusion is not feasible, such as a large pond, a hazing program based on 

radar or visual detection, in conjunction with formal monitoring, should be implemented. Clean water 

impoundments can also present a trapping hazard if they are steep-sided or lined with smooth 

material. All pits, ponds, and tanks should have escape ramps functional at any reasonably 

anticipated water level, down to almost empty. Escape ramps can take various forms depending on 

the configuration of the impoundment. Earthen pits may be constructed with one side sloped 3:1 or 

greater; lined ponds can use textured material; straight-sided tanks can be fitted with expanded metal 

escape ladders. 

Operations/Utilization

“Good housekeeping” procedures will be developed by the operator to ensure that during all phases 

of operation, the site will be kept clean of noxious weeds, debris, litter, garbage, fugitive trash or 

waste, and graffiti. Scrap heaps and dumps are prohibited. Storage yards are to be minimized to that 

which is absolutely necessary.

Reclamation

The following objectives, performance standards, and recommended reclamation BMPs and mitigation 

measures are based on the standards and guidelines found in the BLM Gold Book, 4th Edition, updated 

in 2007.

Reclamation Objectives 

The objective of interim reclamation is to restore vegetative cover and a portion of the landform 

sufficient to maintain healthy, biologically active topsoil; control erosion; and minimize habitat, visual, 

and forage loss during the life of the well or facilities. 

The long-term objective of final reclamation is to return the land to a condition approximating that 

which existed prior to disturbance. This includes restoration of the landform and natural vegetative 

community, hydrologic systems, visual resources, and wildlife habitats. To ensure that the long-term 

objective will be reached through human and natural processes, actions will be taken to ensure 

standards are met for site stability, visual quality, hydrological functioning, and vegetative productivity.

Reclamation Performance Standards 

The following reclamation performance standards will be met:

Interim Reclamation:

Includes disturbed areas that may be redisturbed during operations and will be redisturbed at final 

reclamation to achieve restoration of the original landform and a natural vegetative community.

Disturbed areas not needed for active, long-term production operations or vehicle travel have been 

recontoured, protected from erosion, and revegetated with a self-sustaining, vigorous, diverse, native 

(or as otherwise approved) plant community sufficient to minimize visual impacts, provide forage, 

stabilize soils, and impede the invasion of noxious, invasive, and non-native weeds.

Final Reclamation:

Includes disturbed areas where the original landform and a natural vegetative community have been 

restored. 

The original landform has been restored for all disturbed areas including well pads, production 

facilities, roads, pipelines, and utility corridors. 

General: A self-sustaining, vigorous, diverse, native (or otherwise approved) plant community is 

established on the site, with a density sufficient to control erosion and invasion by noxious weeds and 

invasive plants and to reestablish wildlife habitat or forage production. At a minimum, the established 

plant community will consist of species included in the seed mix and/or desirable species occurring in 

the surrounding natural vegetation.

Specific: No single species will account for more than 30% total vegetative composition unless it is 

evident at higher levels in the adjacent landscape. Permanent vegetative cover will be determined 

successful when the basal cover of desirable perennial species is at least [80]% of the basal cover on 

adjacent or nearby undisturbed areas where vegetation is in a healthy condition; or [80]% of the 
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potential basal cover as defined in the National Resource Conservation Service Ecological Site(s) for 

the area. Plants must be resilient as evidenced by well-developed root systems and flowers. [Shrubs 

will be well established and in a “young” age class at a minimum (therefore, not comprised mainly of 

seedlings that may not survive until the following year).]

In agricultural areas, irrigation systems and soil conditions are reestablished in such a way as to 

ensure successful cultivation and harvesting of crops.

Erosion features are equal to or less than surrounding area and erosion control is sufficient so that 

water naturally infiltrates into the soil and gullying, headcutting, slumping, and deep or excessive rills 

(greater than three inches) are not observed.

The site is free of State- or county-listed noxious weeds, oil field debris and equipment, and 

contaminated soil. Noxious weeds and invasive plants are controlled.

Reclamation Actions 

During initial well pad, production facility, road, pipeline, and utility corridor construction and prior to 

completion of the final well on the well pad, pre-interim reclamation stormwater management actions 

will be taken to ensure disturbed areas are quickly stabilized to control surface water flow and to 

protect both the disturbed and adjacent areas from erosion and siltation. This may involve 

construction and maintenance of temporary silt ponds, silt fences, berms, ditches, and mulching.

When the last well on the pad has been completed, some portions of the well location will undergo 

interim reclamation and some portions of the well pad will usually undergo final reclamation. Most well 

locations will have limited areas of bare ground, such as a small area around production facilities or 

the surface of a rocked road. Other areas will have interim reclamation where work over rigs and 

fracturing tanks may need a level area to set up in the future. Some areas will undergo final 

reclamation where portions of the well pad will no longer be needed for production operations and 

can be recontoured to restore the original landform.

The following minimum reclamation actions will be taken to ensure that the reclamation objectives 

and standards are met. It may be necessary to take additional reclamation actions beyond the 

minimum in order to achieve the Reclamation Standards.

Reclamation - General 

Procedure: 

The agency will be notified 24 hours prior to commencement of any reclamation operations. 

Housekeeping: 

Immediately upon well completion, the well location and surrounding areas(s) will be cleared of, and 

maintained free of, all debris, materials, trash, and equipment not required for production. 

No hazardous substances, trash, or litter will be buried or placed in pits. Upon well completion, any

hydrocarbons in the pit will be remediated or removed.

Vegetation Clearing: 

Vegetation removal and the degree of surface disturbance will be minimized wherever possible. 

Example of site-specific requirement: During vegetation clearing activities, trees and woody 

vegetation removed from the well pad and access road will be moved aside prior to any soil 

disturbing activities. Care will be taken to avoid mixing soil with the trees and woody vegetation. 

Trees left for wood gathering will be cut 12 inches or less from the ground, delimbed, and the 

trunks, 6 inches or more in diameter will be removed and placed either by the uphill side of the 

access road, or moved to the end of the road, or to a road junction for easy access for wood 

gatherers and to reduce vehicle traffic on the well pad. Trees with a trunk diameter less than six 

inches and woody vegetation will be used to trap sediment, slow runoff, or scattered on reclaimed 

areas to stabilize slopes, control erosion, and improve visual resources.

Topsoil Management: 

Operations will disturb the minimum amount of surface area necessary to conduct safe and efficient 

operations. When possible, equipment will be stored and operated on top of vegetated ground to 

minimize surface disturbance.
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In areas to be heavily disturbed, the top eight inches of soil material, will be stripped and stockpiled 

around the perimeter of the well location to control run-on and run-off, and to make redistribution of 

topsoil more efficient during interim reclamation. Stockpiled topsoil may include vegetative material. 

Topsoil will be clearly segregated and stored separately from subsoils.

Earthwork for interim and final reclamation will be completed within 6 months of well completion or 

plugging unless a delay is approved in writing by the BLM authorized officer.

Salvaging and spreading topsoil will not be performed when the ground or topsoil is frozen or too wet 

to adequately support construction equipment. If such equipment creates ruts in excess of four inches 

deep, the soil will be deemed too wet. 

No major depressions will be left that would trap water and cause ponding.

Seeding: 

Seedbed Preparation

Initial seedbed preparation will consist of recontouring to the appropriate interim or final reclamation 

standard. All compacted areas to be seeded will be ripped to a minimum depth of 18 inches with a 

minimum furrow spacing of two feet, followed by recontouring the surface and then evenly spreading 

the stockpiled topsoil. Prior to seeding, the seedbed will be scarified and left with a rough surface.

If broadcast seeding is to be used and is delayed, final seedbed preparation will consist of contour 

cultivating to a depth of four to six inches within 24 hours prior to seeding, dozer tracking, or other 

imprinting in order to loosen up the soil and create seed germination micro-sites. 

Seed Application

Seeding will be conducted no more than 24 hours following completion of final seedbed preparation. 

A certified weed free seed mix designed by BLM to meet reclamation standards will be used.

No seeding will occur from [May 15 to September 15]. Fall seeding is preferred and will be conducted 

after [September 15] and prior to ground freezing. [Shrub species will be seeded separately and will 

be seeded during the winter.] Spring seeding will be conducted after the frost leaves the ground and 

no later than [May 15].

Erosion Control and Mulching: 

Mulch, silt fencing, waddles, hay bales, and other erosion control devices will be used on areas at risk 

of soil movement from wind and water erosion.

Mulch will be used if necessary to control erosion, create vegetation micro-sites, and retain soil 

moisture and may include hay, small grain straw, wood fiber, live mulch, cotton, jute, or synthetic 

netting. Mulch will be free from mold, fungi, and certified free of noxious or invasive weed seeds.

If straw mulch is used, it will contain fibers long enough to facilitate crimping and provide the greatest 

cover. 

Pit Closure: 

Reserve pits will be closed and backfilled within 60days of release of the rig. All reserve pits 

remaining open after 60 days will require written authorization of the authorized officer. Immediately 

upon well completion, any hydrocarbons or trash in the pit will be removed. Pits will be allowed to dry, 

be pumped dry, or solidified in-situ prior to backfilling.

Following completion activities, pit liners will be completely removed or removed down to the solids 

level and disposed of at an approved landfill, or treated to prevent their reemergence to the surface 

and interference with long-term successful revegetation. If it was necessary to line the pit with a 

synthetic liner, the pit will not be trenched (cut) or filled (squeezed) while containing fluids. When dry, 

the pit will be backfilled with a minimum of five feet of soil material. In relatively flat areas the pit area 

will be slightly mounded above the surrounding grade to allow for settling and to promote surface 

drainage away from the backfilled pit. 

Management of Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants:

All reclamation equipment will be cleaned prior to use to reduce the potential for introduction of 

noxious weeds or other undesirable non-native species. 

An intensive weed monitoring and control program will be implemented prior to site preparation for 

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Monitoring will be conducted at least annually during the growing season to determine the presence 

of any noxious weeds and invasive plant species. Noxious weeds and invasive plant species that 

have been identified during monitoring will be promptly treated and controlled. A Pesticide Use 

Proposal will be submitted to the BLM for approval prior to the use of herbicides.

Interim Reclamation Procedures

Recontouring: 

Interim reclamation actions will be completed no later than six months from when the final well on the 

location has been completed, weather permitting. The portions of the cleared well site not needed for 

active operational and safety purposes will be recontoured to the original contour if feasible, or if not 

feasible, to an interim contour that blends with the surrounding topography as much as possible. 

Sufficient semi-level area will remain for setup of a workover rig and to park equipment. In some

cases, rig anchors may need to be pulled and reset after recontouring to allow for maximum interim 

reclamation. 

If the well is a producer, the interim cut and fill slopes prior to reseeding will not be steeper than a 3:1 

ratio, unless the adjacent native topography is steeper. Note: Constructed slopes may be much 

steeper during drilling, but will be recontoured to the above ratios during interim reclamation. 

Roads and well production equipment will be placed on location so as to permit maximum interim 

reclamation of disturbed areas. If equipment is found to interfere with the proper interim reclamation 

of disturbed areas, the equipment will be moved so proper recontouring and revegetation can occur.

Application of Topsoil and Revegetation: 

Topsoil will be evenly re-spread and aggressively revegetated over the entire disturbed area not 

needed for all-weather operations including road cuts and fills and to within a few feet of the 

production facilities, unless an all-weather, surfaced, access route or small “teardrop” turnaround is 

needed on the well pad.

In order to inspect and operate the well or complete workover operations, it may be necessary to 

drive, park, and operate equipment on restored, interim vegetation within the previously disturbed 

area. Damage to soils and interim vegetation will be repaired and reclaimed following use. To prevent 

soil compaction, under some situations, such as the presence of moist, clay soils, the vegetation and 

topsoil will be removed prior to workover operations and restored and reclaimed following workover 

operations. 

Visual Resources: 

Trees, if present, and vegetation will be left along the edges of the pads whenever feasible to provide 

screening.

To help mitigate the contrast of recontoured slopes, reclamation will include measures to feather 

cleared lines of vegetation and to save and redistribute cleared trees, debris, and rock over 

recontoured cut and fill slopes.

To reduce the view of production facilities from visibility corridors and private residences, facilities will 

not be placed in visually exposed locations (such as ridgelines and hilltops) 

Production facilities will be clustered and placed away from cut slopes and fill slopes to allow the 

maximum recontouring of the cut and fill slopes.

All long-term, above-ground structures will be painted [Covert Green] (from the Standard 

Environmental Colors chart) to blend with the natural color of the late summer landscape background.

Final Reclamation Procedures

Final reclamation actions will be completed within six months of well plugging, weather permitting.

All disturbed areas, including roads, pipelines, pads, production facilities, and interim reclaimed areas 

will be recontoured to the contour existing prior to initial construction or a contour that blends 

indistinguishably with the surrounding landscape. Re-salvaged topsoil will be re-spread evenly over 

the entire disturbed site to ensure successful revegetation. To help mitigate the contrast of 

recontoured slopes, reclamation will include measures to feather cleared lines of vegetation and to 

save and redistribute cleared trees, woody debris, and large rocks over recontoured cut and fill 

slopes. 
Appendix A - Best Management Practices, Design Features, and Operating Procedures

 

A-71

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Water breaks and terracing will only be installed when absolutely necessary to prevent erosion of fill 

material. Water breaks and terracing are not permanent features and will be removed and reseeded 

when the rest of the site is successfully revegetated and stabilized. 

If necessary to ensure timely revegetation, the pad will be fenced to BLM standards to exclude 

livestock grazing for the first two growing seasons or until seeded species become firmly established, 

whichever comes later. End panels and ‘H’ braces for fencing will meet standards found on page 18 

of the BLM Gold Book, 4th Edition. Metal “T” posts should be approximately 16.5 feet apart. Wire 

spacing for three strand fence would be bottom wire smooth 16 inches above ground, second strand 

26 inches above ground, top strand 38 inches above ground. Wire spacing for strand fence (bottom 

wire smooth 16 inches above ground, second strand 22 inches above ground, third strand 28 inches 

above ground, and top strand not to exceed 40 inches above ground) to allow big game movements. 

In sage-grouse habitat the top strand will be marked with permanent markers to reduce sage-grouse 

collisions with the fence. Operational electric fence may be used in lieu of barbed wire fences. The 

top strand of electric fence would not exceed 42 inches. The electric fence has multiple wires bottom 

strand should be 20 inches or more above ground. If exclusion of big game is needed an eight foot 

tall fence could be constructed.

Final abandonment of pipelines and flowlines will involve flushing and properly disposing of any fluids 

in the lines. All surface lines and any lines that are buried close to the surface that may become 

exposed in the foreseeable future due to water or wind erosion, soil movement, or anticipated 

subsequent use, must be removed. Deeply buried lines may remain in place unless otherwise 

directed by the authorized officer.

Reclamation Monitoring and Final Abandonment Approval 

Reclaimed areas will be monitored annually. Actions will be taken to ensure that reclamation 

standards are met as quickly as reasonably practical. 

Reclamation monitoring will be documented in an annual reclamation report submitted to the 

authorized officer by [March 1]. The report will document compliance with all aspects of the 

reclamation objectives and standards, identify whether the reclamation objectives and standards are 

likely to be achieved in the near future without additional actions, and identify actions that have been 

or will be taken to meet the objectives and standards. The report will also include acreage figures for: 

Initial Disturbed Acres; Successful Interim Reclaimed Acres; Successful Final Reclaimed Acres. 

Annual reports will not be submitted for sites approved by the authorized officer in writing as having 

met interim or final reclamation standards. Monitoring and reporting continues annually until interim or 

final reclamation is approved. Any time 30% or more of a reclaimed area is redisturbed, monitoring 

will be reinitiated. 

The authorized officer will be informed when reclamation has been completed, appears to be 

successful, and the site is ready for final inspection.

Salable Minerals 

Ongoing Authorizations/Activities (i.e., an authorization has been issued)

Minimize the spread of noxious weed and invasive plant species caused by moving infested gravel 

and fill material (e.g., close the pit, treat infested areas).

Proposed Authorizations/Activities

Locate new salable mineral developments in annual or non-native grass communities rather than in 

native plant communities where practical.

For gravel pits in big game or sage-grouse winter or breeding habitat, schedule blasting, crushing, 

screening, and other operations from mid-June through November.

Issue decorative rock permits in big game or sage-grouse winter or breeding habitat so rock gathering 

occurs between mid-June and November. Monitoring of the pit areas in big game or sage-grouse 

habitat should include the monitoring of unauthorized routes to other areas that have rock. Sign 

unauthorized routes as closed.
 

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Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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APPENDIX B: AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT 

STRATEGY

Introduction

The Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy (ARMS) consolidates the Bureau of Land Management 

(BLM) Jarbidge Field Office guidance and programmatic direction for watershed and sub-watershed 

riparian and aquatic conservation and restoration. This strategy conforms to the direction issued on 

August 21, 2008 for implementation of the Aquatic and Riparian Habitat component of the Interior 

Columbia Basin Strategy and Aquatic Framework (USFS et al., 2008). Conservation of aquatic wildlife, 

plants, and habitats are considered together with the full array of broad-scale ecosystem components 

addressed by the strategy, which includes landscape dynamics, terrestrial source habitats, aquatic 

species, and riparian and hydrologic processes. The Approved Jarbidge Resource Management Plan 

(RMP) balances short-term risks to aquatic and other resources with long-term benefits through goals, 

objectives, and management actions designed to move these resources toward a natural variability of 

conditions or desired conditions. The Guidance for Developing Aquatic Conservation Strategies for BLM 

Resource Management Plans in the Interior Columbia Basin (BLM, 2008a) was referred to during the 

creation of the ARMS.

The ARMS contains the following key components:

Establishment of Riparian Conservation Areas where aquatic and riparian-dependent resources 

receive management emphasis;

Priorities for Conservation and Restoration of Special Status Species Habitat and Riparian Areas;

Identification of population strongholds of special status fish and areas with priority for restoration of 

aquatic and riparian habitats;

Aquatic and riparian management direction including goals, objectives, and management actions;

Provisions for multi-scale analysis and how it will be used in project-level decisions; and

Monitoring and adaptive management for determining if the plan is being implemented and is 

achieving desired results.

The guidance in this strategy was created to support the goals, objectives, and management actions 

identified in the ROD/RMP for Water Resources, Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Fish, and Special Status 

Species (specifically the Management for Special Status Species in Riparian Areas, Wetlands, and 

Streams section). The BLM adopted the Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH) (USDA, 1995) in bull trout 

occupied watersheds in an Instruction Memorandum (IM-ID-96-010). The justification for BLM to apply the 

ARMS to watersheds containing other special status aquatic species, such as redband trout, is included 

in the BLM Policy Manual 6840 and the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1610-1).

Riparian Conservation Areas1

 

1 This section addresses material for Component I, Riparian Conservation Areas, in the Guidance for Developing 

Aquatic Conservation Strategies (BLM, 2008a). 

Riparian Conservations Areas (RCAs) are portions of watersheds where riparian-dependent resources 

receive management emphasis and are likely to affect aquatic habitat condition or function. RCAs include 

riparian corridors, wetlands, intermittent headwater streams, and other areas where proper ecological 

function is essential for maintaining water, sediment, woody debris, and nutrient delivery to streams and 

either contain or are tributaries to streams that contain special status species or their habitat. 

Functionally, RCAs 1) influence the delivery of coarse sediment, organic matter, and woody debris to 

streams; 2) accommodate vegetation that provides root strength for channel stability; 3) provide 

streamside shade; and 4) protect water quality. Management of RCAs is designed to maintain and restore 

riparian structure and function; benefit fish and riparian-dependent resources; enhance conservation of 

organisms dependent on the transition zone between upslope and instream habitats; and improve 

connectivity of travel and dispersal corridors for terrestrial animals, plants, and aquatic organisms.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-74

The values considered when identifying and managing RCAs may be specific to the riparian area or 

stream channel. The ARMS allows for adjusting management of RCAs to reflect site-specific conditions 

(e.g., conditions of specific stream channels, the life stage of specific fish), while also recognizing 

watershed (e.g., watershed characteristics and land uses) and riparian conditions and trends. RCAs are 

not intended to be treated as “no management zones” since treatments may be essential to achieving or 

maintaining desired riparian conditions. 

Riparian Conservation Area Widths 

RCA widths are to be adequate to protect the stream from non-channelized sediment inputs, to deliver 

organic matter and woody debris, and to provide stream shade and streambank stability. In the absence 

of a watershed or site-specific analysis, the default RCA widths for the stream categories described below 

will be applied. These default widths were recommended in INFISH (USDA, 1995) and the Interior 

Columbia Basin Science Assessment and literature review (Quigley and Arbelbide, 1997), which 

concluded that these prescribed RCA widths are sufficient to provide for riparian function.

Category 1—Fish-bearing Streams: 

Category 1 RCAs contain the stream and the area from the edges of the active channel, on either edge of 

the stream, to the top of the inner gorge, the outer edges of the 100-year floodplain, the outer edges of 

the riparian vegetation, or 300 feet slope distance (600 feet, including both sides of the stream channel), 

whichever is widest.

Category 2—Permanently Flowing Non Fish-bearing Streams: 

Category 2 RCAs contain the stream and the area from the edges of the active channel, on either edge of 

the stream, to the top of the inner gorge, the outer edges of the 100-year floodplain, the outer edges of 

the riparian vegetation, or 150 feet slope distance (300 feet, including both sides of the stream channel), 

whichever is widest.

Category 3—Ponds, Lakes, Reservoirs, and Wetlands Greater than One Acre: 

Category 3 RCAs contain the body of water or wetland and the area from the edges of the body of water 

or wetland to the outer edges of the riparian vegetation, the extent of the seasonally saturated soil, or to 

the extent of moderately or highly unstable areas, or 150 feet slope distance from the edge of the 

maximum pool elevation of constructed ponds and reservoirs or from the edge of the wetland, pond, or 

lake, whichever is widest.

Category 4—Seasonally Flowing or Intermittent Streams and Wetlands Less than One 

Acre; Landslides and Landslide-prone Areas: 

This category includes features with high variability in size and site-specific characteristics. Category 4 

RCAs for intermittent streams contain the intermittent stream channel and the area from the edges of the 

channel to the top of the inner gorge, the outer edges of the riparian vegetation, or 50 feet slope distance, 

whichever is greatest. Category 4 RCAs for wetlands less than one acre contain the wetland and the area 

from the edges of the wetland to the outer edges of the riparian vegetation or 50 feet slope distance, 

whichever is greatest. Category 4 RCAs for landslides or landslide-prone areas contain the landslide or 

landslide-prone area and the area within 50 feet slope distance, whichever is widest.

Modification of Riparian Conservation Area Widths 

Modification of RCA widths requires a watershed- or reach-specific analysis to provide the ecological 

basis for the change (see the Watershed Analysis section below). The RCAs may be modified in the 

absence of watershed analysis where stream reach or site-specific data support the change. A watershed 

or reach-specific determination is not a decision process; it provides information that would support RCA 

width modification. Modifying RCA widths will be determined using scientific information in combination 

with local knowledge and information on riparian and aquatic processes and functions, resource values, 

and risks. Because stream channel characteristics can vary substantially between geographic areas, 

RCA modification needs to consider ecological and geomorphic factors of the specific reach. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-75

Modification of RCA widths may occur during project-level planning or implementation of management 

activities that could affect attainment of the riparian objectives. Changes to RCA widths, along with 

information that explains the change, would be documented in the project file. Pertinent site-specific, 

stream reach, and watershed values (e.g., specific riparian or aquatic characteristics, slope, soils, etc.) 

would be addressed in the rationale for modifying RCAs. 

Priorities for Conservation and Restoration of Special Status 

Species Habitat and Riparian Areas2

 

2 This section addresses material for Component II, Protection of Population Strongholds, and Component IV, 

Restoration Priorities and Guidance, in Guidance for Developing Aquatic Conservation Strategies (BLM, 2008a). 

Introduction

Relationship between Measures of Instream and Riparian Habitat Condition

Conditions within and near streams can be described from various perspectives. Assessments can focus 

on the condition of riparian areas, instream habitat for specific species, as well as water quality, and can 

be based on qualitative or quantitative data. Within the Jarbidge Field Office, data are available to 

describe riparian conditions in terms of proper functioning condition (PFC), special status fish habitat 

conditions in terms of habitat condition (HC), and water quality impaired streams as identified by Idaho 

Department of Environmental Quality and Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. These measures 

are all interrelated; some measures are even based on similar types of data. The relationships between 

these condition measures are displayed in Figure B-1. 

Figure B-1. The Relationship between Riparian Functional Condition, Aquatic Habitat Condition, 

and State Water Quality Standards 

Nonfunctional

Functional-at-Risk Proper Functioning Condition

Time

Bare Ground

Decision Space

Water Quality Standard

PNC

Vegetation 

(component of PFC Rating)

Livestock Forage

Aquatic Habitat 

(component of HC Rating)

Channel Stability 

(component of HC and PFC Rating)

As vegetation improves from non-functional to functional at risk, there is little improvement in the other 

resource values (e.g., vegetation, channel stability). There is an increased recovery rate of all the 

resource values within the functioning at risk (FAR) range as the stream channel begins to stabilize and 

vegetation and aquatic habitat values improve. At PFC, the stream channel stabilizes at a point when the 

vegetation, water, and landform are in a relative balance. After a stream reach has reached PFC, 

vegetation continues toward the potential natural community (PNC), livestock forage increases, and 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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aquatic habitat improves. Improvement in water quality to levels that would result in the delisting of water 

quality impaired streams and attainment of designated beneficial uses would not occur until riparian 

condition improved beyond the initial rating of PFC. When the riparian area is functioning properly, there 

is an opportunity to make decisions as to the use or uses that will be emphasized. 

Indicators of Instream and Riparian Habitat Condition

Indicators of instream and riparian habitat conditions form the basis for instream HC ratings and riparian 

PFC ratings. HC ratings were used to identify population strongholds for special status fish and determine 

priorities for special status fish habitat restoration (see Special Status Fish Habitat section), while PFC 

ratings were used to assess priority for riparian restoration (see Riparian Habitat section). 

The indicators used to develop these ratings include an integrated suite of aquatic (including a biological 

component), riparian (including riparian-associated terrestrial species), and hydrologic (including uplands) 

condition measures that are primarily intended to be used at the watershed and sub-watershed scale and 

include both quantitative and qualitative measures. These watersheds and sub-watersheds are typically 

5th to 6th field Hydrologic Unit Codes; both will be referred to as “watersheds” in the ARMS. These 

indicators are intended to serve three main purposes:

To establish priorities and objectives for conservation or restoration of stream reaches;

To design projects and determine the appropriateness of management activities with respect to 

aquatic, riparian, and hydrologic goals and objectives; and

To serve as measures of the effectiveness of management in attaining broad-scale aquatic, riparian, 

and hydrologic goals and objectives.

The values for an indicator to be rated as functioning appropriately are not absolute criteria and are rated 

in comparison to the functional, ecological, or biological conditions of specific stream reaches. The 

indicators should be used as a suite of integrated indicators and should not be used individually as fixed 

targets to manage toward or as specific thresholds from which to make project implementation decisions. 

The indicators should be used to design or mitigate ongoing and proposed activities in order to move 

watersheds toward desired resource objectives. If certain indicators highlight a concern in a watershed, 

proposed activities could be modified or designed to take into account the resource concerns or 

determine when an action is needed to achieve goals and objectives. 

HC ratings, PFC ratings, and the values for the indicators on which these ratings are based can be 

updated based on monitoring, inventory, scientific literature, or watershed analysis by local experts (e.g., 

fisheries biologist, ecologist, botanist, and/or hydrologist). Updates may be necessary to more accurately 

depict the characteristics and range of natural variability of aquatic and riparian habitats in the planning 

area or to reflect changes in condition on the ground. Instream and riparian indicators and thresholds may 

be refined at the watershed scale to illustrate the variability of conditions among watersheds within a 

landscape context. 

The current status of instream and riparian habitat condition indicators is based on BLM stream survey 

data collected between 1999 and 2007; the majority of these data were collected between 2002 and 

2006. BLM-managed lands in the planning area are continuous across watershed and sub-watershed 

boundaries except in a few areas of private and State inholdings and military withdrawals. This land 

ownership pattern allows for inventory and monitoring efforts to be conducted across broad areas where 

public land comprises the majority of the land base. Additional details on the methods used to collect and 

analyze the baseline data can be found in the Analysis of the Management Situation of the BLM Twin 

Falls District, Jarbidge Field Office (BLM, 2007a). How these indicators were used to develop priorities for 

special status fish habitat restoration and riparian restoration are described below.

Special Status Fish Habitat

Identifying Conservation and Restoration Reaches provides a means for prioritizing management and for 

establishing goals, objectives, and management actions for stream reaches containing special status fish 

habitat. It also provides a process that considers opportunities for conservation and restoration, with 

consideration for the availability of staff and budgetary resources. Some stream reaches will not be 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-77

restored to physical or biological potential within the life of the plan because of effects of past land 

management actions or activities outside the authority of the BLM. These stream reaches would have 

reduced priority for restoration treatment. 

Conservation Reaches

Conservation Reaches are managed to maintain the condition of habitats in these reaches. Conservation 

Reaches are often associated with aquatic species strongholds and contain populations or 

subpopulations of high genetic integrity, connectivity, or potential for expansion into nearby stream 

reaches. Conservation Reaches are located in watersheds that often have watershed processes or

functions that are relatively undisturbed and natural in setting. Hydrologic function, such as sediment 

routing and flow regimes, are within the natural range of frequency, duration, and intensity. Water quality 

generally meets the designated beneficial uses. Land uses and human activities minimally influence 

aquatic and hydrologic function, as indicated by low road density and few stream crossings. Examples of 

areas containing Conservation Reaches include wilderness, roadless areas, and undeveloped subwatersheds; however, Conservation Reaches or portions thereof may be subject to management that 

allows land uses while maintaining natural processes. The goal is to maintain the existing condition of the 

habitats within these reaches.

In Conservation Reaches, management allows natural disturbance because vegetation composition and 

structure that trend outside the historic range of variability due to fire suppression may pose a risk to 

ecological processes. Management in Conservation Reaches may rely on active management to 

conserve physical and biological processes and patterns. For example, active management to conserve 

hydrologic and biological processes maintains roads and trails in a condition that minimizes erosion and 

sedimentation to nearby streams and water bodies. Passive management can also be effective for 

meeting habitat objectives. As a general rule, minimal investment in these watersheds over time is 

necessary to maintain function and critical elements on instream and upland habitat in these watersheds. 

The criteria for identifying Conservation Reaches, which have important value for protecting populations 

of special status fish, are described in the Habitat Dependency Network (Decision Support Model) and 

Habitat Condition Ratings section below. There are currently several stream reaches in the planning area 

meeting the criteria for designation as Conservation Reaches for special status species. The intent of this 

designation and management for these watersheds is to provide high-quality habitat for species and 

support the expansion and recolonization of species into adjacent watersheds. These areas should 

conserve key processes likely to influence the persistence of metapopulations (core populations) and 

interconnected sub-populations of special status fish. 

Restoration Reaches

Restoration Reaches are identified where biological and physical processes and functions do not reflect 

natural conditions because of past and on-going land disturbances. Common effects of disturbances to 

Restoration Reaches may include long-term (e.g., decades) increases of sediment input to streams, loss 

of large woody debris recruitment potential, altered hydrologic (e.g., streamflow) patterns, and elevated 

water temperatures. Cumulative impacts and natural disturbances such as large fires, landslides, and 

floods exacerbate altered watershed and biological conditions. The goal for these stream reaches is to 

restore habitat condition to an identified desired condition. 

Active management may be necessary to restore the physical and biological function of systems to their 

natural range of variability. Identifying and assessing the impacts of management on habitat focuses 

restoration efforts to achieve goals and objectives for hydrologic and biological recovery. Within some 

Restoration Reaches, opportunities for active restoration management may be limited. In those cases, 

management that reduces or avoids adverse effects and does not delay the achievement of desired 

resource objectives in the long term also supports the restoration goal. In some instances, BLM 

managers will exercise individual discretion to balance short-term risks to aquatic and other resources 

with long-term benefits for multiple resources in order to move these reaches toward the natural range of 

variability. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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The criteria used to identify Restoration Reaches and priorities for restoration of those reaches are 

described in the Habitat Dependency Network (Decision Support Model) and Habitat Condition Ratings

section below. Priority rating (high, moderate, and low) for each Restoration Reach was based on habitat 

condition indicators, Endangered Species Act status, restoration feasibility, the extent of habitat, and 

relative fish abundance. Characteristics of Restoration Reaches within the three priority types are

described below.

High Priority 

High Priority Restoration Reaches have potential for highly productive or unique fish communities with 

restoration efforts. Loss of connected populations or competition or hybridization with non-native species 

has caused the loss of diversity of some unique populations of special status fish. The assumption is that 

the aquatic community is largely intact but is not resilient to landscape disturbance events, nor does it 

provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering populations.

Water quality may not support all designated beneficial uses or municipal water supplies. 

Moderate Priority 

Moderate Priority Restoration Reaches have potential for moderately productive fish habitat with 

restoration efforts. Long-term loss of connected populations or competition or hybridization with nonnative species has caused the loss of diversity of some unique special status fish populations. The 

assumption is that the aquatic community is largely intact but is not resilient to landscape disturbance 

events, nor does it provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering populations.

Water quality may not support all designated beneficial uses or municipal water supplies.

Low Priority 

Low Priority Restoration Reaches have a minor amount of fish habitat. Long-term loss of connected 

populations or competition or hybridization with non-native species has caused the loss of diversity of 

special status fish populations. The assumption is that the aquatic community is not intact, is not resilient 

to natural events, and does not provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering populations. Low 

priority restoration reaches also include reaches that are rated as PFC. These reaches are in a condition 

where the stream channel is functioning properly and therefore are a low priority for restoration.

Water quality may not support all designated beneficial uses, and municipal water is not considered as a 

future use. 

Habitat Dependency Network (Decision Support Model) and Habitat Condition Ratings

Habitat dependency networks are used in decision support models to prioritize stream reaches containing 

special status species habitat based on instream and riparian habitat indicators, which reflect overall 

watershed condition. NetWeaver

Table B-1 and Table B-2; these tables are based on 

the Matrix of Diagnostics/Pathways and Indicators of watershed and aquatic conditions developed by the 

National Marine Fisheries Service and adapted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for use in watersheds 

containing bull trout (FWS, 1998). Indicator thresholds were validated using habitat and fish abundance 

data for stream reaches within the planning area. 

3 was used as the decision support model for identifying Conservation 

and Restoration Reaches in the planning area. Thresholds for habitat functionality for each riparian and 

stream indicator were developed based on scientific literature, information gathered in the 2006 Jarbidge 

fish survey, and other habitat data for bull trout. The indicators and thresholds for bull trout and redband 

trout used in the NetWeaver analysis are provided in 

 

3 NetWeaver was developed by The Heron Group LLC.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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Table B-1. Bull Trout Habitat Condition Indicators and Thresholds

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Indicators for Species Characteristics

Subpopulation 

Characteristics 

within 

Subpopulation 

Watersheds

Subpopulation 

Size

Mean total 

subpopulation size or 

local habitat capacity 

more than several 

thousand individuals. 

All life stages evenly 

represented in the 

subpopulation.A

< 500 but > 50 adults 

in subpopulationA

< 50 adults in 

subpopulationA

Growth and 

Survival

Subpopulation has 

the resilience to 

recover from shortterm disturbances 

(e.g., catastrophic 

events) or 

subpopulation 

declines within one to 

two generations (5 to 

10 years).A The 

subpopulation is 

characterized as 

increasing or stable. 

At least 10 years of 

data support this 

estimate.B

When disturbed, the 

subpopulation will not 

recover to predisturbance 

conditions within one 

generation (5 years). 

Survival or growth 

rates have been 

reduced from those in 

the best habitats. The 

subpopulation is 

reduced in size, but 

the reduction does not 

represent a long-term 

trend.A At least 10 

years of data support 

this characterization.B

If less data are 

available and a trend 

cannot be confirmed, 

a subpopulation will 

be considered “at risk” 

until enough data are 

available to accurately 

determine trend. 

The subpopulation is 

characterized as in 

rapid decline or is 

maintaining at 

alarmingly low 

numbers. Under 

current management, 

the subpopulation 

condition will not 

improve within two 

generations (5 to 10 

years).A This is 

supported by a 

minimum of 5 years of 

data.

Life History 

Diversity and 

Isolation

The migratory form is 

present, and the 

subpopulation exists 

in close proximity to 

other spawning and 

rearing groups. 

Migratory corridors 

and rearing habitat 

(lakes or large rivers) 

are in good to 

excellent condition for 

the species. 

Neighboring 

subpopulations are 

large with high 

likelihood of 

producing surplus 

individuals or straying 

The migratory form is 

present but the 

subpopulation is not 

close to other 

subpopulations or 

habitat disruption has 

produced a strong 

correlation among 

subpopulations that 

do exist in proximity to 

each other.A 

The migratory form is 

absent and the 

subpopulation is 

isolated to the local 

stream or small 

watershed not likely to 

support more than 

2,000 fish.A
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-80

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Subpopulation 

Characteristics 

within 

Subpopulation 

Watersheds

adults that will mix 

with other 

subpopulations.A

Persistence 

and Genetic 

Integrity

Connectivity is high 

among multiple (5 or 

more) subpopulations 

with at least several 

thousand fish each. 

Each of the relevant 

subpopulations has 

low risk of extinction.A 

The probability of 

hybridization or 

displacement by 

competitive species is 

low to nonexistent. 

Connectivity among 

multiple 

subpopulations does 

occur, but habitats are 

more fragmented. 

Only one or two of the 

subpopulations 

represent most of the 

fish production.A The 

probability of 

hybridization or 

displacement by 

competitive species is 

imminent, although 

few documented 

cases have occurred. 

Little or no connectivity 

remains for 

reestablishing 

subpopulations in low 

numbers, in decline, or 

nearing extirpation. 

Only a single 

subpopulation or 

several local 

populations that are 

very small or that 

otherwise are at high 

risk remain.A

Competitive species 

readily displace bull 

trout. The probability 

of hybridization is high 

and documented 

cases have occurred. 

Indicators for Habitat Characteristics

Water 

Quality

Temperature

Mean maximum weekly temperature in a reach during the following life 

history stages:A,C

Incubation

2 - 5oC < 2oC or = 6oC < 1oC or > 6oC

Rearing

4 - 12oC < 4oC or 13 - 15oC > 15oC

Spawning

4 - 9oC < 4oC or = 10oC < 4oC or > 10oC

Also, temperatures in 

areas used by adults 

during migration do 

not exceed 15oC (no 

thermal barriers).

Also, temperatures in 

areas used by adults 

during migration 

sometimes exceed 

15oC.

Also, temperatures in 

areas used by adults 

during migration 

regularly exceed 15oC 

(thermal barriers 

present).

SedimentD

Similar to chinook 

salmonA (e.g., < 12% 

fines (< 0.85 mm) in 

gravelE

); < 12% 

surface finesF (≤ 6 

mmG,H) 

Similar to chinook 

salmonA (e.g., 12 - 

17% fines (< 0.85 

mm) in gravelE

); 12-

20% surface finesF (≤ 

6 mmG,H) 

Similar to chinook 

salmonA (e.g., > 17% 

fines (< 0.85 mm) in 

gravelE

); > 20% fines 

at surface or depth in 

spawning habitatF (≤ 6 

mmG,H) 

Chemical 

Contamination/

Nutrients

Low levels of 

chemical 

contamination from 

agricultural, industrial, 

and other sources; no 

excess nutrients; and 

no water quality 

impaired reaches.I

Moderate levels of 

chemical 

contamination from 

agricultural, industrial, 

and other sources; 

some excess 

nutrients; and one 

water quality impaired 

High levels of 

chemical 

contamination from 

agricultural, industrial, 

and other sources; 

high levels of excess 

nutrients; and more 

than one water quality 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-81

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

reach.I impaired reach.I

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Habitat 

Access

Physical 

BarriersJ

Man-made structures 

present in watershed 

allow upstream and 

downstream fish 

passage at all flows.

Man-made structures 

present in watershed 

do not allow upstream 

and/or downstream 

fish passage at 

base/low flows.

Man-made structures 

present in watershed 

do not allow upstream 

and/or downstream 

fish passage at a 

range of flows.

Habitat 

Elements

Substrate 

Embeddedness

K

Reach 

embeddedness 

< 20%.F,L

Reach 

embeddedness 20 - 

30%.F,L

Reach embeddedness 

> 30%.F,L

Large Woody 

Debris 

(LWD)S

LWD levels are 

commensurate with 

the vegetation 

potential of the 

surrounding 

landscape and 

contributing to high 

quality and complex 

habitat including deep 

pools and stable 

streambanks. Future 

LWD recruitment is 

occurring at a natural 

rate and not reduced 

by land management 

activities.

LWD is contributing to 

high quality and 

complex habitat 

commensurate with 

the vegetation 

potential of the 

surrounding 

landscape, but at 

rates below natural 

recruitment. Future 

LWD recruitment to 

the RCA is locally 

reduced by land 

management 

activities.

LWD contribution to 

habitat complexity is 

well below what is 

expected from the 

natural recruitment 

potential of the 

surrounding 

landscape. Future 

LWD recruitment to 

the RCA is reduced at 

a landscape scale by 

land management 

activities.

Pool 

Frequency 

and Quality

Pool frequency in a 

reach closely 

approximated:G

Pool frequency is 

similar to values in 

“functioning 

appropriately,” but 

pools have 

inadequate 

cover/temperature,E

and/or there has been 

a moderate reduction 

of pool volume by fine 

sediment.

Pool frequency is 

considerably lower 

than values desired for 

“functioning 

appropriately;” also, 

cover/temperature is 

inadequate,E and there 

has been a major 

reduction of pool 

volume by fine 

sediment.

Wetted

Width (ft)

# Pools/

Mile

0-5 39

5-10 60

10-15 48

15-20 39

20-30 23

30-35 18

35-40 10

40-65 9 

65-100 4 

Pools have good 

cover and cool 

waterE

; only minor 

reduction of pool 

volume by fine 

sediment.

Large PoolsN

Each reach has many 

large pools > 1 meter 

deep.E

Each reach has few 

large pools > 1 meter 

deep.E

Reaches have no 

large pools > 1 meter 

deep.E

Off-Channel Watershed has many Watershed has some Watershed has few or 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

ponds, oxbows, 

backwaters, and other 

off-channel areas with 

cover, and sidechannels are lowenergy areas.E

A-82

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Habitat ponds, oxbows, 

backwaters, and other 

off-channel areas with 

cover, but sidechannels are 

generally high-energy 

areas.E

no ponds, oxbows, 

backwaters, or other 

off-channel areas.E

Refugia

Habitats capable of 

supporting strong and 

significant populations 

are protected and are 

well distributed and 

connected for all life 

stages and forms of 

the species.O,P

Habitats capable of 

supporting strong and 

significant populations 

are insufficient in size, 

number and 

connectivity to 

maintain all life stages

and forms of the 

species.O,P 

Habitat refugia do not 

exist.O

Channel 

Condition 

and 

Dynamics

Average 

Wetted 

Width/ 

Maximum 

Depth Ratio 

in Scour 

Pools in a 

Reach

≤ 10F,G 11 - 20G > 20G

Streambank 

Condition

> 80% of any stream 

reach has ≥ 90% 

stability.G

50 - 80% of any 

stream reach has 

≥ 90% stability.G

< 50% of any stream 

reach has ≥ 90% 

stability.G

Floodplain 

Connectivity

Off-channel areas are 

frequently 

hydrogically linked to 

main channel; 

overbank flows occur 

and maintain wetland 

functions and riparian 

vegetation/ 

succession.

Reduced linkage of 

wetland, floodplains, 

and riparian areas to 

main channel; 

overbank flows are 

reduced relative to 

historic frequency, as 

evidenced by 

moderate degradation 

of wetland function

and riparian 

vegetation/ 

succession.

Severe reduction in 

hydrologic connectivity 

between off-channel, 

wetland, floodplain, 

and riparian areas; 

wetland extent 

drastically reduced 

and riparian 

vegetation/succession 

altered significantly. 

Flow/ 

Hydrology

Change in 

Peak/Base 

Flows

Watershed 

hydrograph indicates 

peak flow, base flow, 

and flow timing 

characteristics 

comparable to an 

undisturbed 

watershed of similar 

size, geology, and 

geography.

Some evidence of 

altered peak flow, 

base flow, and/or flow 

timing relative to an 

undisturbed 

watershed of similar 

size, geology, and 

geography. 

Pronounced changes 

in peak flow, base 

flow, and/or flow timing 

relative to an 

undisturbed watershed 

of similar size, 

geology, and 

geography.

Increase in 

Drainage 

Zero or minimum 

increases in active 

Low to moderate 

increase in active 

Greater than moderate 

increase in active 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-83

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Network channel length 

correlated with human 

caused disturbance.

channel length 

correlated with human 

caused disturbance.

channel length 

correlated with human 

caused disturbance.

Watershed 

Condition

Road Density 

and Location

< 1mi/mi2 P; no valley 

bottom roads.

1 - 2.4 mi/mi2 P; some 

valley bottom roads. 

> 2.4 mi/mi2 P; many 

valley bottom roads.

Disturbance 

History

< 15% of entire 

watershed with no 

concentration of 

disturbance in 

unstable or potentially 

unstable areas, 

refugia, and/or 

riparian areas.Q 

< 15% of entire 

watershed but 

disturbance 

concentrated in 

unstable or potentially 

unstable areas, 

refugia, and/or 

riparian areas.Q 

> 15% of entire 

watershed and 

disturbance 

concentrated in 

unstable or potentially 

unstable areas, 

refugia, and/or riparian 

areas. 

Watershed 

Condition

Riparian 

Conservation 

Areas 

(RCAs)

RCAs provide 

adequate shade, 

large woody debris 

recruitment, and 

habitat protection and 

connectivity in subwatersheds and 

buffers or include 

known refugia for 

Sensitive aquatic 

species (> 80% intact) 

and adequately buffer 

impacts on 

rangelands. Percent 

similarity of riparian 

vegetation to the 

potential natural 

community(PNC)/ 

composition is 

> 50%.R

RCAs have moderate 

loss of connectivity or 

function (shade, LWD 

recruitment, etc.) or 

provide incomplete 

protection of habitats 

and refugia for 

Sensitive aquatic 

species (70 - 80% 

intact) and adequately 

buffer impacts on 

rangeland. Percent 

similarity of riparian 

vegetation to the 

PNC/composition is 

25 - 50% or better.R 

RCAs are fragmented 

or poorly connected or 

provide inadequate 

protection of habitats 

for Sensitive aquatic 

species (< 70% intact, 

refugia do not occur) 

and inadequately 

buffer impacts on 

rangelands. Percent 

similarity of riparian 

vegetation to the PNC/ 

composition is < 

25%.R

Disturbance 

Regime

Environmental 

disturbance is short 

lived; predictable

hydrograph, highquality habitat and 

watershed complexity 

providing refuge and 

rearing space for all 

life stages or multiple 

life-history forms.A

Natural processes are 

stable.

Scour events, debris 

torrents, or 

catastrophic fire are 

localized events that 

occur in several minor 

parts of the 

watershed. Resiliency 

of habitat to recover 

from environmental 

disturbances is 

moderate. 

Frequent flood or 

drought, producing 

highly variable and 

unpredictable flows, 

scour events, debris 

torrents, or high 

probability of

catastrophic fire exists 

throughout a major 

part of the watershed. 

The channel is 

simplified, providing 

little hydraulic 

complexity in the form 

of pools or side 

channels.A Natural 

processes are 

unstable.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-84 

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately

Functioning 

at Risk

Functioning at 

Unacceptable Risk

Summary of 

Species and 

Habitat 

Conditions

NA

Habitat quality and 

connectivity among 

subpopulations is 

high. The migratory 

form is present. 

Disturbance has not 

altered channel 

equilibrium. Fine 

sediments and other 

habitat characteristics 

influencing survival or 

growth are consistent 

with pristine habitat. 

The subpopulation 

has the resilience to 

recover from shortterm disturbance 

within one to two 

generations (5 to 10 

years). The 

subpopulation is 

fluctuating around 

equilibrium or is 

growing.A

Fine sediments, 

stream temperatures, 

or the availability of 

suitable habitats have 

been altered and will 

not recover to predisturbance conditions 

within one generation 

(5 years). Survival or 

growth rates have 

been reduced from 

those in the best 

habitats. The 

subpopulation is 

reduced in size, but 

the reduction does not 

represent a long-term 

trend. The 

subpopulation is 

stable or fluctuating in 

a downward trend. 

Connectivity among 

subpopulations 

occurs, but habitats 

are fragmented.A

Cumulative disruption 

of habitat has resulted 

in a clear declining 

trend in the 

subpopulation size. 

Under current 

management, habitat 

conditions will not 

improve within two 

generations (5 to 10 

years). Little or no 

connectivity remains 

among 

subpopulations. The 

subpopulation survival 

and recruitment 

responds sharply to 

normal environmental 

events.A

A (Rieman and McIntyre, 1993). B (Rieman and Meyers, 1997). C (Buchanan and Gregory, 1997). D Applies to areas of spawning and incubation. Rearing areas are addressed under Substrate Embeddedness 

indicator.

E (WTFWCMERC, 1993). F Inland Native Fish Strategy (USDA, 1995). G (Overton et al., 1995). H (Overton et al., 1997). I

(Regional Interagency Executive Committee and Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, 1995). J Subsurface flows impeding fish passage are addressed under the Flow/Hydrology indicator category.

K Spawning and incubation areas are addressed under the Sediment indicator. L (Shepard et al., 1984). M (Quigley and Arbelbide, 1997). N Applies to adult holding, juvenile rearing, and overwintering reaches where streams are >3m in wetted width at base 

flow.

O (Frissell et al., 1993). P (Lee et al., 1997). Q (USDI and USDA, 1995). R (Winward, 1989). S (Forster, 2014)
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-85

Table B-2. Redband Trout Habitat Condition Indicators and Thresholds

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately Functioning at Risk Functioning at Unacceptable Risk

Habitat 

Elements

Pools/Pool 

FrequencyA,D 

Pool frequency falls 

within described 

natural conditionsG: All 

streams:

Geology-Volcanic

75 - 99% of natural 

condition for given 

stream width, geology, 

and channel type

< 75% of natural 

condition for given 

stream width, geology, 

and channel type

Average 

Width (ft)

Pools per 

mile

Channel Type A

0-15 33

15-20 3 

Channel Type B

0-10 28

10-15 59

15-20 24

20-25 21

Channel Type C

0-10 6 

10-15 19

15-20 24

20-25 22

Large 

PoolsD,E,G 

At a minimum; > 75% 

of pools have a 

maximum pool depth 

appropriate for the 

stream’s natural 

conditions based on 

geomorphology and 

stream width:

Geology- Volcanic

At a minimum, 50 - 

75% of pools have a 

maximum pool depth 

appropriate for the 

stream’s natural 

conditions based on 

geomorphology and 

stream width.

At a minimum, < 50% 

of pools have a 

maximum pool depth 

appropriate for the 

stream’s natural 

conditions based on 

geomorphology and 

stream width.

Average 

Width (ft)

Max 

Depth (ft)

0-10 1.0

> 10 1.3

Streambank 

ConditionA,H 

> 80% of any stream 

reach is stable

50 - 80% of any 

stream reach is stable

< 50% of any stream 

reach is stable

Water Quality Temperature 

C,F,J 

Mean maximum 

weekly temperature is 

always < 65oF (10 - 

18o

C) during summer 

months

Mean maximum 

weekly temperature 

within 65 - 75oF during 

summer months

Mean maximum 

weekly temperature 

> 75oF during summer 

months

Life History 

Diversity and 

Isolation

Connectivity/

BarriersB,K 

Subpopulation is 

connected (barrierfree) to other subpopulations in the 

watershed throughout 

the year.

Subpopulation has 

seasonal barriers due 

to low water levels or 

drying of the stream 

bed.

Subpopulation is 

completely isolated 

throughout the entire 

year.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

•

•

•

A-86

Indicator 

Category Indicator

Thresholds

Functioning 

Appropriately Functioning at Risk Functioning at Unacceptable Risk

Watershed 

Condition

Functional 

ConditionI 

Adequate vegetation 

and land form is 

present to dissipate 

stream energy 

associated with high 

flow. 

Riparian/wetland area 

is in functional 

condition but an 

existing soil, water, or 

vegetation attribute 

makes the area 

susceptible to 

degradation.

Riparian/wetland 

areas are nonfunctional and are not 

providing adequate 

vegetation and land 

form to dissipate 

stream energy 

associated with high 

stream flows. A (Buffington et al., 2002).

B (Cegelski et al., 2005). C (Meyer et al., 2010). D (Muhlfeld et al., 2001a). E (Muhfeld et al., 2001b). F (Muhlfeld, 2002).

G (Overton et al., 1995). H (USDA and USDI, 1995). I (Prichard et al., 1998).

J (Raleigh et al., 1984).

K (Zoellick et al., 2005).

For each stream reach, values for each indicator were compared to the thresholds for that indicator and 

given a score that ranged between +1.0 and –1.0, where +1.0 reflects conditions functioning properly for 

fish and –1.0 reflects conditions functioning at an unacceptable risk for fish. Scores between +0.5 and –

1.0 reflect stream reaches with reduced functional condition for fish. 

Where indicators described different components of the same stream characteristic (e.g., pools per mile 

and large pools both describe pools), the NetWeaver model calculated the mean of the scores for those 

indicators to yield an overall score for that stream indicator. Finally, the NetWeaver model calculated the 

mean of the stream indicator scores to yield an overall NetWeaver score for each stream reach. The 

stream indicator scores were weighted equally in calculating the mean as scientific literature and field 

data suggest the indicators used in the model are all important in determining habitat functionality for 

special status fish.

The results of the analysis allow the identification of stream reaches not meeting desired conditions 

(Restoration Reaches) and those mostly meeting desired conditions (Conservation Reaches). Although 

indicator data are aggregated for the overall NetWeaver score, the model output also shows the relative 

condition of each individual indicator. 

HC ratings for special status fish were based on the NetWeaver analysis combined with an evaluation of 

restoration feasibility, the extent of the habitat, and relative fish abundance. Stream reaches were 

classified as either Conservation Reaches or Restoration Reaches; restoration priorities for Restoration 

Reaches, as well as any indicators in a degraded condition, were identified as well. The process for 

determining the HC rating for a stream reach is outlined below:

Step 1: Assign an initial HC rating based on NetWeaver scores (see Figure B-2): 

Conservation Reaches: +0.5 to +1.0

Restoration Reaches: -1.0 to +0.5

High Priority Restoration Reaches: 0.0 to +0.5

Moderate Priority Restoration Reaches: -0.5 to 0.0

Low Priority Restoration Reaches: -1.0 to -0.5
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-87

Figure B-2. HC rating based on NetWeaver scores.

Step 2: For Restoration Reaches, increase or decrease restoration priority according to the following 

guidelines:

Restoration feasibility: Increase restoration priority where BLM can address the limiting indicator (e.g., 

replacing a culvert, modifying livestock grazing season of use) or decrease restoration priority where BLM 

cannot address the limiting indicator (e.g., removing diversions). 

Extent of habitat: Increase restoration priority if stream reach is longer than 0.6 mile and is primarily 

comprised of public lands. 

Relative fish abundance: Increase restoration priority if the reach has high abundance of bull trout or 

redband trout. 

Conservation and Restoration Reaches with Special Status Fish

As described above, HC ratings were used to describe priorities for restoration of special status fish 

habitat. Table B-3 displays the conservation and restoration priorities for streams occupied by special 

status fish; for Restoration Reaches, the indicators in a degraded condition (i.e., NetWeaver score -1.0 to 

+0.5) are identified. These indicators can help focus restoration efforts toward those indicators most in 

need of improvement with respect to habitat for special status fish. For Conservation Reaches, the 

indicators are in good condition (i.e., NetWeaver score +0.5 to +1.0). Maps B-1 through B-9 (in the Maps

section below) display the locations of these reaches. HC data is available for 21% of the approximated 

250 miles of streams containing special status species habitat. Restoration priorities would continue to 

focus on reaches containing special status fish but may be adjusted as additional HC inventories are 

completed. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-88

Table B-3. HC Ratings and Indicators in a Degraded Condition for Stream Reaches Containing 

Special Status Fish

Stream Reach Miles Indicators in a Degraded Condition

Streams Containing Bull Trout, Critical Habitat for Bull Trout, and Redband Trout

Conservation Reaches

Jack CreekA Reach 1 0.1 None identified

Jarbidge River, East ForkA Reach 3 2.3 None identified

Reach 4 1.9 None identified

Jarbidge River, West ForkA

Reach 1 0.7 None identified

Reach 2 2.1 None identified

Reach 3 5.8 None identified

Total 12.9

Restoration Reaches – High Priority

Buck Creek Reach 1 2.5 Spawning substrate (redband trout)

Dave CreekA Reach 2 0.9 Habitat complexity, spawning substrate (bull trout)

Deer CreekA (NV) Reach 1 0.9 Spawning substrate (redband trout)

Jarbidge River, East ForkA Reach 1 1.9 Water temperature, spawning substrate (redband 

trout)

Total 6.2

Restoration Reaches – Moderate Priority

Dave CreekA Reach 1 1.7 Habitat complexity, spawning substrate

Total 1.7

Restoration Reaches – Low Priority

Jarbidge RiverA

Reach 1 0.5 Water temperature – juvenile rearing, spawning 

substrate (redband trout) 

Reach 2 1.2

Water temperature – juvenile rearing, spawning 

substrate (redband trout)

Reach 3 1.2 Water temperature – juvenile rearing (redband 

trout)

Restoration Reaches – Low Priority

Jarbidge RiverA Reach 4 0.9 Water temperature – juvenile rearing, spawning 

substrate (redband trout)

Jarbidge River, East ForkA Reach 2 1.3 Pools/mile, water temperature – juvenile rearing

Total 5.1

Streams Containing Redband Trout but not Bull Trout or Critical Habitat for Bull Trout

Conservation Reaches

Cedar Creek 

Reach 1 0.2 None identified

Reach 3 1.0 None identified

Reach 4 1.2 None identified

Reach 5 0.8 None identified

Reach 6 2.1 None identified

Total 5.3

Restoration Reaches – High Priority

Deer Creek (ID) Reach 3 0.6 Streambank stability, cover

Reach 4 1.1 Pool volume

Flat Creek Reach 2 1.1 Water temperature – juvenile rearing (redband 

trout)

House Creek, Lower Reach 1 0.4 Pool volume

Three Creek, Lower Reach 1 0.4 Water temperature, migration barrier

Total 3.6
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-89

Stream Reach Miles Indicators in a Degraded Condition

Restoration Reaches – Moderate Priority

Bear Creek Reach 1 0.4 Pool quality, volume 

Reach 2 0.4 Pool quality, volume 

China Creek, Upper Reach 1 0.1 Pool volume, quality, migration barrier

Deer Creek (ID) 

Reach 1 0.8 Pool quality, streambank stability, cover 

Reach 2 0.2 Pool quality, streambank stability, cover, substrate 

Reach 5 0.7 Streambank stability, cover

Deadwood Creek Reach 1 0.5 Streambank stability, pool volume 

Reach 2 0.5 Pool volume

House Creek, Lower Reach 2 0.4 Pool volume, streambank stability, pool quality

Reach 3 0.4 Pool volume, quality

House Creek, Upper 

Reach 1 0.1 Streambank stability, pool volume, quality

Reach 2 0.2 Pool volume, quality

Reach 3 0.4 Pool volume

Reach 4 0.3 Streambank stability, substrate, pool quality

Rocky Canyon Creek 

Reach 1 0.8 Pool quality, substrate

Reach 2 0.3 Pool quality, substrate 

Reach 3 0.5 Pool volume, quality

Total 7.0

Restoration Reaches – Low Priority

Cedar Creek Reach 2 0.3 Streambank cover, stability 

Reach 7 1.2 Pool volume

Chimney Creek Reach 1 0.1 Pool volume, quality

China Creek, Lower 

Reach 1 0.3 Streambank stability, cover, substrate

Reach 2 1.0 Streambank cover, stability, substrate, pool quality 

Reach 3 1.0 Streambank stability, substrate, pool quality

Reach 4 0.4 Substrate, pool quality

Deadwood Creek, East Fork Reach 1 0.1 Pool volume, quality

Deadwood Creek, West Fork Reach 1 0.2 Pool volume, quality

Flat Creek Reach 1 0.5 Substrate

Reach 3 0.6 Pool quality

House Creek, Little Reach 1 0.3 Streambank stability, pool volume

Restoration Reaches – Low Priority

Pole Creek 

Reach 1 0.8 Streambank stability, cover, pool volume, quality 

Reach 2 0.9 Streambank stability, cover, substrate, pool 

volume

Shack Creek Reach 1 0.2 Pool quality, volume

Reach 2 0.6 Pool quality, substrate

Three Creek, Lower Reach 2 0.3 Substrate, pool quality

Reach 3 0.3 Streambank stability, cover, substrate

Three Creek, Middle Reach 1 0.3 Streambank cover, stability

Three Creek, Upper Reach 1 0.1 Streambank stability, cover, pool volume, quality

Timber Canyon Creek Reach 1 0.8 Streambank stability, pool volume

Reach 2 1.1 Streambank stability, pool volume

Total 11.4

Grand Total HC Rated Streams 53.2 A Streams containing critical habitat for Jarbidge River bull trout.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-90

Riparian Habitat

PFC ratings were used to assess priority for riparian restoration. Riparian restoration priorities focus on 

reaches that are functioning-at-risk with no apparent trend (FAR-NA) or functioning-at-risk with a 

downward trend (FAR-DN). Once an area is rated as non-functioning (NF), the effort, cost, and time 

required for recovery is dramatically increased (Prichard et al., 1998). Areas that are at PFC are usually 

not the highest priority for restoration because they are more resilient than the functional-at-risk reaches. 

Consequently, stream reaches rated as FAR-NA and FAR-DN were prioritized as Priority 1 for restoration, 

streams rated as functioning-at-risk with an upward trend (FAR-UP) and NF were prioritized as Priority 2, 

and streams rated as PFC were prioritized as Priority 3. 

For the stream reaches with 2006 PFC and HC data, the PFC data were validated using the quantitative 

HC data for individual stream reaches. The PFC evaluation was used to assess riparian function at a 

watershed scale (general qualitative assessment), and the HC data were used to assess stream channel 

condition (i.e., hydrology, riparian vegetation, erosion, and deposition) at a site-specific scale (detailed 

quantitative assessment). The validation process used the HC data to answer PFC questions 3, 8, 9, 11, 

14, and 15 (Prichard et al., 1998) to ensure consistency between the HC and PFC determination of 

functional condition. 

Management of stream reaches is prioritized based on instream (HC) and riparian habitat condition (PFC) 

ratings, which are based on instream and riparian indicators; the relationship between habitat and riparian 

priorities are displayed in Table B-4. Where streams have both HC and PFC ratings, the priority based on 

the HC rating takes precedence. 

Table B-4. Crosswalk between Priority Rating for Special Status Fish Habitat Management and 

Riparian Area Management

HC Rating PFC Rating

Conservation Reach NA

High Priority Restoration Reach Priority 1 (FAR-NA, FAR-DN)

Moderate Priority Restoration Reach Priority 2 (FAR-UP, NF)

Low Priority Restoration Reach Priority 3 (PFC)

The validated PFC ratings were used to prioritize riparian reaches for restoration or conservation 

(maintenance). The priorities for riparian restoration are summarized in Table B-5. PFC data is available 

for 71% of the perennial streams within the planning area. Restoration priorities may be adjusted as 

additional PFC assessments are completed (see Map B-5). 

Table B-5. Riparian PFC Ratings and Restoration Priorities

Stream Stream Reach Miles

Restoration Priority 1

Antelope Springs 0.0 - 0.3 0.4

1.4 - 2.7 1.3

Bear Creek

4.2 - 4.3 0.1

4.3 - 4.6 0.3

4.6 - 5.4 0.8

Bear Creek, East Fork 0.6 - 1.5 1.0

Bear Creek, Middle Fork 0.2 - 0.4 0.2

Browns Creek 1.4 - 3.1 1.7

Cedar Creek 15.2 - 15.7 0.5

30.0 - 30.7 0.7

Cherry Creek

1.5 - 1.8 0.3

5.1 - 5.2 0.1

12.3 - 13.4 1.1

China Creek 1.4 - 1.8 0.4
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-91

Stream Stream Reach Miles

2.0 - 2.8 0.8

China Creek, East Fork 0.0 - 3.5 3.4

Clover Creek

0.7 - 3.4 2.7

0.0 - 0.7 0.6

3.4 - 7.8 4.4

7.8 - 9.3 1.5

11.0 - 12.3 1.3

18.5 - 21.9 3.4

21.9 - 22.5 0.6

30.9 - 31.1 0.2

33.0 - 33.6 0.6

40.2 - 41.8 1.6

Columbet Creek 0.0 - 1.2 1.5

9.8 - 9.9 0.1

Cougar Creek 0.0 - 3.0 3.0

Deadwood Creek

1.8 - 2.7 0.9

2.7 - 3.0 0.3

16.8 - 17.8 1.0

Deep Creek 2.3 - 2.8 0.4

2.8 - 3.2 0.4

Deer Creek (ID)

3.2 - 5.1 1.9

5.7 - 6.3 0.6

6.3 - 6.5 0.2

6.5 - 7.7 1.2

Devil Creek

35.5 - 36.2 0.6

34.7 - 35.5 0.8

32.8 - 34.7 1.9

28.7 - 32.8 0.4

33.2 - 33.4 0.2

33.4 - 34.0 0.6

34.0 - 34.7 0.8

Hayes Canyon 1.0 - 2.4 1.3

2.4 - 3.7 1.3

House Creek 0.0 - 0.3 0.3

Jarbidge RiverA

29.4 - 30.1 0.7

30.1 - 30.7 0.6

31.1 - 32.1 1.0

Restoration Priority 1

Jarbidge RiverA

32.1 - 32.5 0.4

32.5 - 33.2 0.7

33.2 - 33.4 0.2

33.4 - 37.5 4.0

37.6 - 38.7 1.0

38.7 - 39.8 1.0

Jarbidge River, East ForkA

0.0 - 1.2 1.1

1.2 - 2.2 1.0

2.9 - 4.7 1.8

Little House Creek 4.2 - 5.6 1.4

Pole Creek 0.4 - 0.7 0.3

Ross Pasture Creek 0.0 - 2.1 2.1

Shack Creek 3.6 - 3.8 0.2

3.8 - 4.2 0.4
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

Sheep Creek 0.1 - 0.3

A-92

Stream Stream Reach Miles

0.2

Spring Creek 5.6 - 7.0 1.4

Three Creek

0.3 - 1.5 1.2

4.7 - 5.8 1.1

11.8 - 12.1 0.3

12.1 - 12.3 0.2

Timber Canyon 2.0 - 2.3 0.3

0.7 - 2.0 1.3

Tuana Gulch 5.9 - 6.9 1.0

Whiskey Slough 0.0 - 1.3 1.3

Yahoo Creek 3.3 - 3.4 0.1

Total 76.0

Restoration Priority 2

Big Flat Creek 0.3 - 1.2 1.0

12.6 - 12.8 0.2

Cedar Creek

16.7 - 17.3 0.6

24.9 - 25.6 0.7

25.6 - 26.1 0.5

26.1 - 26.7 0.6

28.2 - 28.4 0.2

28.4 - 29.0 0.6

29.0 - 30.0 1.0

Cherry Creek 9.3 - 10.1 0.9

13.4 - 14.1 0.8

China Creek

0.0 - 0.2 0.2

0.2 - 0.7 0.6

0.7 - 1.4 0.7

2.8 - 3.2 0.4

Clover Creek

12.3 - 13.5 1.0

13.5 - 15.7 2.5

17.4 - 18.3 1.1

18.3 - 18.5 0.2

23.0 - 23.8 0.9

26.8 - 27.6 0.8

27.6 - 29.2 1.4

29.2 - 29.9 0.7

29.9 - 30.2 0.3

Restoration Priority 2

Clover Creek

30.2 - 30.9 0.7

31.1 - 32.8 1.7

32.8 - 33.0 0.2

35.5 - 36.4 0.9

36.4 - 38.0 1.6

38.0 - 40.2 2.2

41.8 - 46.0 4.2

46.3 - 47.5 1.4

52.0 - 52.2 0.3

52.2 - 52.7 0.6

52.7 - 53.5 0.8

Columbet Creek

2.3 - 3.4 1.2

3.4 - 3.7 0.3

3.7 - 5.0 1.4
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

9.0 - 9.3

A-93

Stream Stream Reach Miles

0.3

Deadman Creek (NV) 0.0 - 0.8 0.8

Deadwood Creek 3.0 - 4.2 1.2

Deer Creek (ID) 3.2 - 4.3 0.9

House Creek 3.6 - 4.4 0.8

Little Spring Creek 2.5 - 2.8 0.3

2.8 - 3.0 0.2

Pole Creek 0.7 - 1.3 0.7

3.4 - 4.9 1.5

Ring Springs

0.9 - 1.5 0.9

0.0 - 0.6 0.6

0.6 - 0.9 0.3

Rocky Canyon 0.7 - 1.7 1.1

1.7 - 2.0 0.6

Shack Creek, East Fork 0.0 - 0.2 0.2

Snake River

539.7 - 540.7 0.9

563.4 - 567.7 4.0

556.6 - 557.1 0.5

Three Creek 6.3 - 6.8 0.5

Tuana Gulch 2.5 - 3.5 1.0

3.5 - 5.2 1.7

Total 63.4

Restoration Priority 3

Big Flat Creek

7.7 - 8.6 0.9

8.6 - 8.9 0.3

12.0 - 12.6 0.7

12.8 - 13.2 0.4

Browns Creek 3.1 - 4.2 1.1

Buck Creek 0.0 - 2.5 2.5

Cedar Creek

15.7 - 16.7 1.0

17.3 - 18.8 2.0

26.7 - 27.4 0.7

27.4 - 27.9 0.6

30.7 - 31.1 0.4

Cherry Creek

10.1 - 10.9 0.6

10.9 - 12.3 1.3

14.1 - 14.6 0.5

Restoration Priority 3

China Creek

4.5 - 4.7 0.2

4.7 - 5.0 0.3

5.0 - 5.2 0.4

China Creek, Middle Fork 1.8 - 2.0 0.7

Clover Creek 49.5 - 52.0 2.5

Columbet Creek 5.0 - 6.0 1.0

8.3 - 9.0 0.7

Corral Creek 0.4 - 1.1 0.6

Crawfish Springs Creek 0.5 - 0.9 0.3

Dave CreekA 0.0 - 2.2 2.3

2.4 - 2.7 0.3

Deep Creek 0.0 - 2.3 2.4

3.2 - 4.5 1.4

Deer CreekA (NV) 0.7 - 1.6 0.8
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-94

Stream Stream Reach Miles

Deer Creek (ID) 5.1 - 5.7 0.6

Dorsey Creek 14.2 - 14.7 0.4

Flat Creek 13.2 - 14.4 1.2

15.7 - 16.6 0.9

House Creek

3.4 - 3.6 0.2

16.8 - 17.5 0.7

17.6 - 17.8 0.2

17.8 - 18.1 0.3

18.4 - 19.6 1.2

Jarbidge RiverA

0.0 - 2.6 2.6

2.6 - 9.6 6.3

9.6 - 13.0 3.3

13.0 - 15.6 1.8

15.6 - 21.7 6.2

21.7 - 28.6 7.0

28.6 - 29.1 0.5

29.1 - 29.4 0.3

Jarbidge River, East ForkA 4.9 - 8.7 3.7

Little House Creek 5.6 - 6.2 0.7

Meadow Springs Creek 0.6 - 1.0 0.4

Player Creek

1.9 - 3.4 1.5

trib. 1 0.3

trib. 2 0.2

Pole Creek

0.0 - 0.4 0.4

1.3 - 1.8 0.5

1.8 - 3.4 1.5

Snake River

551.7 - 554.5 1.5

541.4 - 545.6 0.3

533.6 - 535.5 1.8

530.2 - 532.5 2.3

558.8 - 561.6 0.3

558.8 - 561.6 1.8

571.1 - 577.9 1.1

Taylor Canyon Creek 0.0 - 1.0 1.0

Three Creek 12.3 - 14.4 2.1

14.4 - 15.3 1.0

Restoration Priority 3

Tuana Gulch 5.2 - 5.6 0.4

5.6 - 5.9 0.3

Yahoo Creek

0.6 - 0.9 0.3

0.9 - 1.1 0.2

1.1 - 2.1 1.0

Total 85.2

Grand Total PFC Rated Streams 225.0 A Streams containing critical habitat for Jarbidge River bull trout.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-95

Management Direction4

 

4 This section addresses material for Component V, Management Direction – Adaptive Management, related to 

management direction in the Guidance for Developing Aquatic Conservation Strategies (BLM, 2008a). 

Goals 

The goals for aquatic resources (Water Resources, Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Fish, and Special 

Status Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates) establish an expectation of the characteristics of healthy, 

functioning watersheds, riparian areas, and associated fish habitats. Because the quality of water and 

condition of riparian and fish habitat is directly influenced by the integrity of upland and riparian areas 

within the watersheds, the aquatic resource goals are to move towards or accomplish the goals, as 

displayed in Table B-6. 

Table B-6. Goals for Aquatic Resources

Goal Number Goal

Water Resources

WR-G-1 Maintain or improve the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of water resources.

Riparian Areas and Wetlands

RI-G-1 Achieve healthy, functioning watersheds, riparian areas, wetlands, and associated 

aquatic habitats.

RI-G-2 

Provide habitat to support populations of well-distributed native and desired non-native 

plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate populations that contribute to the sustainability of 

riparian-dependent communities. 

RI-G-3 

Maintain or improve naturally functioning vegetation communities that include natural 

timing and variability of surface and groundwater in riparian areas and wetlands, and 

diversity and productivity of native and desired non-native plant communities. 

Fish

FI-G-1 Manage public lands to promote diverse, structured, resilient, and connected habitats 

for non-game fish.

Special Status Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates

SS-G-1 Manage public lands to contribute to the conservation and recovery of sage-grouse 

and other special status species.

Objectives

The ARMS is intended to guide management toward desired outcomes comprised of goals and 

objectives. The objectives for aquatic resources (Water Resources, Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Fish, 

and Special Status Aquatic Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates) are based on indicators that are measurable 

and relate to the specific resource or species of interest. Bull trout and redband trout population and 

habitat objectives that are appropriate for the watershed scale can be described in terms of the habitat 

condition indicators displayed in Table B-1 and Table B-2. The objective for streams containing bull trout 

or redband trout habitat is a rating of “Functioning Properly” for the indicators listed in Table B-1 and 

Table B-2, which reflect desired aquatic, riparian, and watershed conditions that are adapted locally. 

Optimum conditions may not always be achievable for every indicator in every stream reach because of 

historic land uses, land ownership patterns (e.g., private and other non-BLM managed lands), and 

specific watershed characteristics. Table B-7 describes objectives for stream reaches containing special 

status fish habitat relative to the NetWeaver scores that formed the basis for the HC ratings as 

Conservation or Restoration reaches.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-96

Table B-7. Objectives for Aquatic Resources

Objective 

Number Objective

Water Resources

WR-O-1 Make progress towards meeting Federal and State water quality standards.

Riparian Areas and Wetlands

RI-O-1 Maintain 85 miles of Priority 3 streams at PFC; improve 77 miles of Priority 1 streams 

and 21 miles of Priority 2 streams to achieve PFC; and improve the remaining 42 miles 

of Priority 2 streams to be moving toward PFC over the life of the plan. 

RI-O-2 Manage wetlands not associated with streams (springs, seeps, playas) to achieve 

PFC.

Fish

FI-O-1

Maintain 85 miles of Priority 3 streams at PFC; improve 77 miles of Priority 1 streams 

and 21 miles of Priority 2 streams to achieve PFC; and improve the remaining 42 miles 

of Priority 2 streams and 20 miles of streams with unknown PFC rating to move 

towards PFC over the life of the plan.

FI-O-2 Manage the 72 miles of stream containing only native non-game fish to maintain or 

improve habitat condition.

Status Special Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates

SS-O-1 

Maintain or improve the quality and quantity of habitat for sage-grouse and other 

special status species by managing public land activities to sustain or benefit those 

species. 

Management Approaches Four general types of management approaches that may be considered for achieving the aquatic and 

riparian objectives.

Protection

This management strategy would conserve aquatic and riparian areas that are ecologically intact and fully 

functional. Human activities that influence instream and riparian ecological functions are restricted. This 

management strategy strives to protect aquatic and riparian ecosystems currently in good condition so 

that naturally regenerative processes can continue to operate. Conservation designations that typically 

include wilderness and minimally developed watersheds would fall within this management strategy. High 

priority restoration projects do exist within portions of some Conservation Reaches. Also, some 

Restoration Reaches may have a stream segment or watershed area that is ecologically intact and 

functional.

Passive Restoration

This management strategy emphasizes preventing further decline in aquatic and riparian ecosystem 

integrity. To the extent possible, human disturbances to altered aquatic and riparian ecosystems would be 

removed or minimized in order to allow natural processes to be the primary agents of recovery. This 

management strategy would allow the natural disturbance regime to dictate the speed of recovery in 

areas that have a high probability of returning to a fully functional condition without human intervention. 

This management strategy can be applied to the low and moderate priority Restoration Reaches and 

Priority 2 and 3 riparian reaches. The rate of recovery may be several decades or more. 

Active Restoration

This management strategy would focus on returning functionally impaired aquatic and riparian 

ecosystems to a state that would occur naturally at the site by actively managing certain aspects of 

habitat recovery. It uses a combination of elements of natural recovery along with management activities 

directed at accelerating development of self-sustaining, ecologically healthy riparian ecosystems. This 

management strategy applies to the high and some moderate priority Restoration Reaches and Priority 1 

and 2 riparian reaches. Many watershed, riparian, and stream restoration projects fall into this category, 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-97

including vegetation treatments, stream channel restoration, stream crossings removal or improvement, 

reducing road densities, and improving road condition. The rate of recovery may be one to two decades.

Rehabilitation 

This management strategy would re-establish naturally self-sustaining riparian ecosystems to the extent 

possible, while acknowledging that irreversible changes, such as dams, permanent channel changes due 

to urbanization and streamside roads, stream channel incision, and human development within the RCA, 

would only result in partial restoration of ecological functions. This management strategy applies to the 

high and some moderate and low priority Restoration Reaches and Priority 1 and 2 riparian reaches. It 

would use a combination of passive and active management approaches where fully functional ecological 

conditions cannot occur.

Management for Riparian Conservation Areas

Used in conjunction with adaptive management, the following management actions are designed to 

achieve aquatic and riparian goals (Table B-6) and objectives (Table B-7). This management is derived 

from the management direction contained in the Inland Native Fish Strategy (INFISH) (USDA, 1995) and 

the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (Quigley and Arbelbide, 1997) and is 

consistent with existing conservation and recovery plans for special status aquatic species within the 

planning area (Table B- 9). The management actions in Table B-8 apply to all RCAs and to projects and 

activities in areas outside of RCAs that are identified through the NEPA analysis process as having the 

potential to degrade RCAs. Management to be applied to a specific project will be identified during project 

planning on a site- and project-specific basis.

Table B-8. Management Actions for Activities In or Affecting Riparian Conservation Areas 

Management 

Action Number Management Action

Water Resources

WR-MA-6 Consult or coordinate with the tribes and with Federal, State, and local agencies when 

determining location and designs for new water development projects.

WR-MA-10

Consult or coordinate as appropriate with Tribal, Federal, State, and local 

governments to identify and secure instream flows needed to maintain riparian 

resources, channel conditions, and aquatic habitat.

WR-MA-11

Apply chemicals (i.e., herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and other toxicants) in a 

manner that does not impair water quality or prevent attainment of objectives for 

riparian areas and wetlands and avoids adverse effects on inland non-game fish and 

their habitat. When applying chemicals in a RCA, a spill kit will be onsite as 

appropriate. Prohibit storing and mixing chemicals within RCAs unless there are no 

other practical alternatives.

WR-MA-12

Prohibit storage of fuels and other toxicants and refueling within RCAs unless there 

are no other practical alternatives. Any refueling sites and/or storage areas within an 

RCA will have an approved refueling and spill containment plan.

Riparian Areas and Wetlands

RI-MA-8 

Modify existing management activities and authorized uses in RCAs to attain PFC and 

ensure that habitat conditions of streams, riparian areas, and wetlands are moving 

toward achieving the goals and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands.

RI-MA-9 

Conduct new management activities within or affecting RCAs only if they are 

consistent with achieving the goals and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands. 

New management activities will avoid or reduce adverse effects on inland non-game 

fish, their habitats, and RCAs. 

RI-MA-10 Trees may be felled in RCAs when they pose a safety risk. Keep felled trees on-site 

when needed to maintain or improve riparian or instream conditions.

RI-MA-11

Cooperate with Tribal, Federal, State, and local agencies and private landowners to 

develop watershed-based coordinated resource management plans or other 

cooperative agreements to achieve the goals and objectives for riparian areas and 

wetlands.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-98

Management 

Action Number Management Action

Fish and Wildlife Resources

FI-MA-4 

To avoid adverse effects on non-game fish and instream flows, locate water drafting 

sites in upland areas (e.g., stock ponds, storage tanks, hydrants). Where these water 

sources are not available, locate water drafting sites at existing stream road crossings 

(e.g., bridges, culverts, fords) to divert water in a manner that does not retard or 

prevent achievement of the goals and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands.

FI-MA-5 

Design and implement watershed restoration projects in a manner that promotes the 

long-term ecological integrity of ecosystems, conserves the genetic integrity of nongame fish species, and contributes to the achievement of the goals and objectives for 

riparian areas and wetlands.

FI-MA-6 New fisheries and instream channel restoration projects will avoid or minimize 

adverse effects on non-game fish, their habitats, and RCAs.

FI-MA-7 

Cooperate with Federal and State fish management agencies to identify and reduce 

adverse effects on non-game fish associated with habitat manipulation, fish stocking, 

fish harvest, and illegal harvest.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management

WFM-MA-11 Fire suppression strategies, practices, and actions in RCAs should be designed to 

minimize disturbance to riparian vegetation. 

WFM-MA-12 Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics will be used within RCAs unless safety to 

human life or property is an issue. 

WFM-MA-13

Incident bases, camps, helibases, staging areas, helispots, and other centers for 

incident activities will be located outside of RCAs. If the only suitable location for these 

activities is within the RCA, an exemption may be granted by the BLM authorized 

officer. 

WFM-MA-14

Avoid delivery of chemical retardant, foam, or additives into surface waters. An 

exception is warranted where overriding immediate safety imperatives exist or when 

the BLM determines a fire will cause more long-term damage to fish habitats than 

chemical delivery to surface waters.

FE-MA-5 Fuels treatments in RCAs will be designed to maintain or improve riparian vegetation. 

FE-MA-15

Implement the Programmatic Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation 

(ES&BAR) Plan and update as needed. Individual ES&BAR plans will be completed 

through the interdisciplinary process to reduce impacts of wildland fire and 

suppression and to achieve resource objectives. Coordinate with affected permittees 

when developing ES&BAR plans, as appropriate.

Livestock Grazing

LG-MA-11

Grazing management activities (e.g., grazing, trailing, bedding, watering, salting, 

loading, other handling efforts) will be modified, discontinued, or relocated if they are 

not maintaining aquatic and riparian conditions.

LG-MA-12

In areas that are readily accessible to cattle and known or suspected special status 

fish spawning habitat, develop and implement grazing practices to avoid or restrict 

trampling of redds (eggs) and other direct and indirect effects that may result in 

adverse impacts to the species.

LG-MA-24 

Grazing facilities and infrastructure (e.g., livestock handling and management 

facilities, fences, watering facilities) will be modified, discontinued, or relocated if they 

are not maintaining aquatic and riparian conditions.

Recreation

REC-MA-3 

New and existing recreation-related activities and facilities within or affecting RCAs 

will be designed, modified, relocated, or discontinued if they are not maintaining 

aquatic and riparian conditions. 

Transportation and Travel

TR-MA-9 Cooperate with tribes, Federal, State, and county agencies to reduce adverse effects 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

and support the achievement of the goals and objectives for riparian areas and 

wetlands in the long term.

A-99

Management 

Action Number Management Action

TR-MA-10

Minimize locating new roads or road-related facilities in RCAs. Before building new 

roads or other road-related facilities in RCAs, complete a watershed or site-specific 

analysis. The level of analysis should be commensurate with the scope and issues of 

the project and related aquatic resources. Analysis should identify how road design 

features will minimize or avoid adverse effects to aquatic and riparian resources at 

site-specific, reach, and watershed scales.

TR-MA-11 Temporary roads within or affecting RCAs will be fully decommissioned and 

rehabilitated once the road is no longer needed to meet the intended purpose. 

TR-MA-12 Avoid or minimize sediment delivery to streams from the road surface to allow the 

achievement of the goals and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands. 

TR-MA-13 Avoid sidecasting road surface material into areas where it may reach RCAs.

TR-MA-14

Design new, replacement, and reconstructed stream crossings (culverts, bridges, and 

other stream crossings) to: 

• Accommodate a 100-year flood, including associated bedload and debris in bull 

trout occupied watersheds. In watersheds containing other non-game fish, design 

new, replacement and reconstructed stream crossings to accommodate a 100-

year flood event, unless a site-specific analysis determines the goals and 

objectives for riparian areas and wetlands could be achieved with fewer impacts 

to the RCA;

• Provide and maintain fish passage at all road crossings of existing and potential 

fish-bearing streams; and

• Accommodate mean bankfull channel widths to maintain channel integrity.

Land Use Authorizations 

LA-MA-16 New land use authorizations will avoid or minimize adverse effects on non-game fish, 

their habitats, and RCAs.

LA-MA-17

For existing land use authorizations that prevent the achievement of the goals and 

objectives for riparian areas and wetlands, use existing authorities to redesign, 

modify, or apply mitigations to reduce impacts to non-game fish, their habitats and 

RCAs.

LA-MA-18

During Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing or relicensing of 

hydroelectric projects, terms and conditions that achieve the goals and objectives for 

riparian areas and wetlands over the new license term should be submitted to the 

FERC.

Land Tenure

LT-MA-7 

Use land acquisition, exchanges, and conservation easements to support 

achievement of the goals and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands and facilitate 

restoration of native species and their habitat.

Leasable Minerals

LE-MA-9 

For those leasable mineral development activities conducted pursuant to valid existing 

rights that pose risks to achievement of management objectives, use existing 

authorities to mitigate and/or require, to the extent authorized, design features that will

contribute to the maintenance of streambanks, shorelines, streambed configuration, 

water quality, amount and distribution of woody debris, thermal regulation, 

characteristic erosion rates, and amount and distribution of source habitats.

LE-MA-10

Locate leasable mineral project related infrastructure outside RCAs. Where there is no 

alternative, locate and construct the infrastructure to avoid impacts on RCAs. Keep 

the number of roads to the minimum necessary for the approved mineral activity. 

Decommission and revegetate roads no longer required for mineral management and 

related activities.

LE-MA-11 New leasable mineral management projects and operations will avoid or minimize 

adverse effects on non-game fish, their habitats, and RCAs.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-100

Management 

Action Number Management Action

LE-MA-12

Develop inspection, monitoring, and reporting requirements for leasable mineral 

activities within or affecting RCAs. Evaluate and apply the results of inspection and 

monitoring to modify mineral plans, leases, or permits as needed to achieve the goals 

and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands.

Salable Minerals

SA-MA-7 

For those salable mineral development activities conducted pursuant to valid existing 

rights that pose risks to achievement of goals and objectives for riparian areas and 

wetlands, use existing authorities to mitigate and/or require, to the extent authorized, 

design features that will contribute to the maintenance of streambanks, shorelines, 

streambed configuration, water quality, amount and distribution of woody debris, 

thermal regulation, characteristic erosion rates, and amount and distribution of source

habitats.

SA-MA-8 

Locate salable mineral project related infrastructure outside RCAs. Where there is no 

alternative, locate and construct the infrastructure to avoid impacts on RCAs. Keep 

the number of roads to the minimum necessary for the approved mineral activity. 

Decommission and revegetate roads no longer required for mineral management and 

related activities.

SA-MA-9 New salable mineral management projects and operations will avoid or minimize 

adverse effects on non-game fish, their habitats, and RCAs.

Locatable Minerals

LO-MA-2 

Locate mineral project related infrastructure outside RCAs. Where there is no 

alternative, locate and construct the infrastructure to avoid impacts on RCAs. Keep 

the number of roads to the minimum necessary for the approved mineral activity. 

Decommission and revegetate roads no longer required for mineral management and 

related activities.

LO-MA-3 New locatable mineral management projects and operations will avoid or minimize 

adverse effects on non-game fish, their habitats, and RCAs.

LO-MA-4 

Develop inspection, monitoring, and reporting requirements for locatable mineral 

activities within or affecting RCAs. Evaluate and apply the results of inspection and 

monitoring to modify mineral plans, leases, or permits as needed to achieve the goals 

and objectives for riparian areas and wetlands.

Management for Aquatic Species

Management for Non-Special Status Aquatic Species

The following management applies to aquatic species other than those listed under Endangered Species 

Act (ESA) or designated as Sensitive species under BLM’s policy for special status species. In the 

planning area, these include sculpins (Cottidae), suckers (Catostomidae), and minnows (Cyprinidae). 

These non-special status fish, commonly referred to as native non-game fish, occur independent of 

special status fish in five streams in the planning area, including portions of Barbour Creek, Tuana Gulch, 

Big Flat Creek, Clover Creek, and Salmon Falls Creek. Clover Creek, which is identified as a stream 

containing only native non-game fish, is identified as a water quality impaired stream by the Idaho 

Department of Environmental Quality. Sediment and bacteria were identified as the factors limiting water 

quality. The goals, objectives, and management actions specific to non-special status fish are provided in 

the ROD/RMP, Fish and Wildlife section, and displayed above in Tables B-6, B-7, and B-8. Where these 

fish occur in streams containing special status species, the goals, objectives, and management actions in 

for Special Status Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates would also achieve the habitat requirement needs of 

non-special status fish. 

Indicators for riparian HC and PFC ratings are used to determine if the desired riparian goals, objectives, 

and desired conditions are being met for native non-game fish. PFC addresses a variety of factors that 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-101

are linked to water quality. Any improvement in riparian function (i.e., the PFC rating) would improve 

water quality and instream habitat condition for native non-game fish. 

In order to protect water quality resources in streams containing native non-game fish, the Idaho Stream 

Channel Alteration Rules (IDWR, 1993) would be applied to actions involving construction activities within 

the high water lines of streams in the planning area. These standards are intended to cover the ordinary 

type of stream channel alteration and to prescribe minimum conditions for approval of such construction. 

For grazing management, these streams should be managed according to the management processes 

and strategies as described in Grazing Management Processes and Strategies for Riparian-Wetland 

Areas (Wyman et al., 2006). 

Management for Special Status Aquatic Species

BLM Manual 6840, Special Status Species Management, provides policy and direction, consistent with

appropriate laws, for the conservation of special status plants, fish, and wildlife and the ecosystems on 

which they depend. The special status aquatic species in the planning area are currently managed 

according to four special status aquatic species conservation or recovery plans as well as conservation 

requirements derived through ESA consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Recovery 

plans are developed by FWS to establish recovery objectives for a species, provide a list of tasks 

necessary to achieve those objectives, and recommend assignments to involve agencies to carry out 

these tasks. A primary function of recovery plans is to combine programs of all agencies involved in 

managing a species into a coordinated management effort. The BLM may adopt recovery plans. Even if a 

recovery plan is not officially adopted, BLM Manual 6840 directs the BLM to incorporate the objectives of 

the recovery plan into appropriate land use activity plans (BLM Manual 6840.04.E.5). These plans provide 

guidance and direction for protecting special status aquatic species and their habitat to ensure their longterm survival and recovery. The conservation and recovery plans for special status aquatic species in the 

planning area are identified in TableB-9; these plans will guide the protection and conservation of 

stronghold populations. For species for which there is an existing recovery plan, such as Snake River 

snails and Bruneau hot springsnail, or for which there is a draft recovery plan, such as Jarbidge River bull 

trout, the conservation measures identified in those plans will also be incorporated in restoration and 

recovery planning efforts at the watershed or site-specific scale.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-102

Table B-9. Conservation and Recovery Plans for Special Status Aquatic Species in the Planning 

Area

Conservation/Recovery Plan Date Species Addressed

Common Name Scientific Name

Snake River Aquatic Species 

Recovery Plan 1995

Idaho springsnailA Pyrgulopsis idahoensis

Utah valvataB Valvata utahensis

Snake River physa snail Physa natricina

Bliss Rapids snail Taylorconcha serpenticola

California floater Anodonta californiensis

Columbia pebblesnail Fluminicola columbianus

Shoshone sculpin Cottus greenei

Redband trout Oncorhynchus mykiss 

gairdeneri

Snake River white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus

Snake River White Sturgeon 

Conservation Plan 2003 Snake River white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus

Revised Draft Recovery Plan for 

the Conterminous United States 

Population of Bull Trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus)

C,D 

2014 Jarbidge River bull trout Salvelinus confluentus

Recovery Plan for the Bruneau 

Hot Springsnail 2006 Bruneau hot springsnail Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis

A Idaho springsnail was removed from the Endangered Species list in September 2007.

B Utah Valvata was removed from the Endangered Species list in August 2010. C The recovery plan for the Jarbidge River Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout was replaced by the 2014 

Revised Draft Recovery Plan for the Conterminous United States Population of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus). D

Appropriate conservations measures for bull trout were incorporated in Appendix C from both the 2004 Draft 

Recovery Plan for the Jarbidge River Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout (FWS, 2004) and the 2014 Revised 

Draft Recovery Plan for the Conterminous United States Population of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) (FWS, 

2014a).

Additional management for ESA-listed aquatic species include conservation requirements derived 

through ESA consultation with FWS; these requirements are intended to allow for activities to occur at 

levels that would not result in a decline in the ESA-listed species or their habitat. These conservation 

requirements are contained in Biological Opinions as well as Biological Assessments with letters of 

concurrence. Table B-10 displays those consultation documents currently in effect; these may be 

superseded through future consultation with the FWS. The conservation measures as derived through 

ESA consultation with the FWS are displayed in Appendix C.

Table B-10. FWS Biological Opinions and Letters of Concurrence for ESA-Listed Aquatic Species 

in the Planning Area

Document Name Date Species Addressed Action(s) Addressed

Letter of Concurrence – BLM 

Twin Falls District 

Programmatic Emergency 

Stabilization and Rehabilitation 

Plan – Blaine, Cassia, Camas, 

Elmore, Gooding, Jerome, 

Lincoln, Minidoka, Oneida, 

Owyhee, Power, and Twin 

Falls Counties, Idaho and Elko 

County, Nevada.

May 10, 2013

Bull trout and 

Designated Critical 

Habitat,

Bliss Rapids snail,

Snake River physa 

snail, and

Bruneau hot 

springsnail.

Post wildland fire 

rehabilitation and 

emergency stabilization 

actions.

Biological Opinion - Bureau of 

Land Management Ongoing 

Actions and Livestock Trailing 

– Bull Trout Critical Habitat – 

November 2, 2012

Bull trout and

Designated Critical 

Habitat.

RMP amended by 

INFISH, ongoing wildfire 

suppression, livestock 

grazing, and livestock 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, 

Kootenai, Owyhee, and 

Shoshone Counties, Idaho and 

Elko County, Nevada

trailing.

A-103

Document Name Date Species Addressed Action(s) Addressed

Biological Opinion – 

Restoration Activities at 

Stream Crossings (Stream 

Crossing Programmatic).

June 15, 2012.

Bull trout and 

Designated Critical 

Habitat.

Stream crossing 

replacements (culverts 

and bridges) and 

maintenance, road and 

trail decommissioning.

Letter of Concurrence – Idaho 

BLM Ongoing Actions (Bull 

Trout Critical Habitat). 

May 25, 2011 Bull trout Critical 

Habitat.

Ongoing livestock 

grazing, irrigation 

diversion, normal 

wildfire rehabilitation 

plan, noxious weeds 

treatments, recreational 

special use permits, 

rights-of-way, and 

juniper thinning.

Biological Opinion – Existing 

BLM Land Use Plans March 10, 2008

Bliss Rapids snail,

Snake River physa 

snail, and

Bruneau hot 

springsnail.

1987 Jarbidge 

Resource Management 

Plan.

Letter of Concurrence – 

Noxious and Invasive Weed 

Treatment Program for the 

Boise District and the Jarbidge 

Field Office of the Twin Falls 

District 

September 21, 

2005

Bull trout,

Bliss Rapids snail,

Snake River physa 

snail, and

Bruneau hot 

springsnail.

Noxious weed and 

invasive plant 

treatments.

Biological Opinion – Biological 

Assessment of the BLM Boise 

District and the Jarbidge Field 

Office of the Twin Falls District, 

Ongoing Permitted Grazing 

Activities in 36 Allotments

August 15, 2005

Bliss Rapids snail and

Snake River physa 

snail.

Livestock grazing on 

allotments in the Snake 

River watershed.

Biological Opinion – Ongoing 

Grazing Activities in the

Bruneau Arm Allotment, the 

Hagerman Allotment, and Flat 

Iron Allotment, Owyhee 

County, Idaho

March 23, 2005

Bliss Rapids snail and

Snake River physa 

snail.

Livestock grazing in the 

named allotments.

Biological Opinion on BLM’s 

Ongoing Activities in the 

Jarbidge River Watershed in 

Owyhee County, Idaho, and 

Elko County, Nevada

November 17, 2004 Bull trout

Livestock grazing, 

pipelines, and fire 

suppression in the 

Jarbidge River 

Watershed.

Letter of Concurrence – 

Allocation of Forage in the 71 

Desert, Blackrock Pocket, 

Bruneau Hill, Crawfish, North 

Fork, and Winter Camp 

Allotments for the Jarbidge 

Field Office

November 12, 2004 Bull trout Forage allocation in 

named allotments.

Letter of Concurrence – April 13, 2004 Bull trout, Forage allocation and 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

Excess Forage Allocation and 

Grazing Permit Renewal for 

the Yahoo Allotment, Twin 

Falls County, Idaho

Bliss Rapids snail,

Snake River physa 

snail, and

Bruneau hot 

springsnail.

permit renewal in the 

Yahoo allotment.

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Document Name Date Species Addressed Action(s) Addressed

Multi-Scale Assessments and Ecosystem Analysis at the 

Watershed Scale5

 

5 This section addresses material for Component III, Multi-Scale Analysis, in the Guidance for Developing Aquatic 

Conservation Strategies (BLM, 2008a). 

Multi-Scale Assessments

Generally, no single assessment will adequately address the complex issues facing resource managers 

today. Fine-scale assessments provide context for management and project planning, but they cannot 

adequately address broad patterns and processes, such as habitat conditions for wide-ranging species. 

Broad-scale assessments provide context for policy formulation and for mid- and fine-scale assessment, 

but they cannot by themselves provide detailed information, such as site-specific habitat conditions. 

Together, multi-scale assessments provide comprehensive information for land management.

Multiple scales of review and assessment provide the context to implement broad-scale decisions within 

individual BLM District and Field Offices. As needed, multi-scale analysis may be used for future plan 

amendments or revisions and for subsequent project-level decisions. Analysis at the appropriate scale is 

generally recognized to provide the needed context for decision making. The four levels of review or 

assessment that may be used for multi-scale analysis are: 

Broad-scale (e.g., analysis at the basin scale, such as the Interior Columbia River Basin);

Mid-scale (e.g., analysis at the subbasin scale, such as the Snake River subbasin);

Fine-scale (e.g., analysis at the watershed scale, such as the Salmon Falls Creek Watershed); and

Site-scale (e.g., analysis at the stream reach or project scale, such as China Creek).

Management considerations for multi-scale analysis include the following:

Land Use Plans are generally developed and analyzed at the scale of the land management unit, 

normally analogous to a subbasin (or group of subbasins) scale.

Subsequent finer-scale analysis, such as to support restoration prioritization and monitoring strategy 

development, should include interagency coordination. 

Assessments should include evaluation of existing conditions, factors limiting aquatic species 

populations, resource risks, management needs, and restoration opportunities.

Information developed at the finer scale should be considered in implementing aquatic conservation 

or restoration measures and used to make adjustments or modifications to appropriate management 

actions, as warranted. 

Multi-scale analysis provides a basis for integrating and prioritizing conservation measures for wideranging species.

Watershed Analysis

The purpose of an ecosystem analysis at the watershed scale is to develop and document an 

understanding of the ecological structures, functions, processes, and interactions occurring at the 

watershed scale by systematically characterizing the watershed’s human, aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial 

features, conditions, processes, and interactions. This process is designed to describe past and current 

conditions and develop restoration and management recommendations. The ultimate goal is to provide 

guidance for management activities that would sustain or improve the health and productivity of natural 

resources.
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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Objectives of Watershed Analysis

The following are the objectives of a watershed analysis:

Provide sufficient watershed context for understanding and carrying out land use activities in 

a geomorphic context – Watershed analysis is an important tool used to meet ecosystem 

management objectives at larger scales. 

Evaluate cumulative watershed effects – Watershed analysis enhances the ability to estimate 

direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of management activities.

Define watershed restoration needs, goals, and objectives – Watershed analysis provides 

guidance on the general type, location, and sequence of appropriate activities within a watershed.

Monitor the effectiveness of watershed protection measures – Watershed analysis provides an 

iterative process for the adaptive management feedback loop.

Methodology for Watershed Analysis

The Federal Guide for Watershed Analysis-Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed Scale, Version 2.2 

(Regional Interagency Executive Committee and Intergovernmental Advisory Committee, 1995) was used 

as a guide; the process outlined in this guide provides resource managers with the flexibility to focus 

watershed analysis as necessary to meet management objectives. This six-step process is issue-driven; it 

focuses on analysis topics, along with specific watershed problems and concerns. Management 

discretion applies to defining the number and scope of topics and concerns to be analyzed, illustrating 

that “...It should be emphasized that watershed analyses can be a very simple and straightforward 

process taking a few days or weeks to develop or a complicated process. The complexity is intertwined 

with the issues and questions being addressed” (BLM Instruction Memorandum OR-2007-071). This 

analysis is not a decision-making process but helps identify opportunities for future management 

activities, including planning, project development, and regulatory compliance. The six-step process may 

also be used to guide analysis at the reach scale, including modification of Riparian Conservation Area 

(RCA) widths. Below is a summary of each of the six steps taken to develop an ecosystem analysis at the 

watershed scale.

Step 1 - Characterize the Watershed

The purpose of Step 1 is to identify the dominant physical, biological, and human processes or features of 

the watershed that affect ecosystem functions or conditions, including the relationship between these 

ecosystem elements and those occurring in the river basin and/or watersheds. When characterizing the 

watershed, team members identify the most important land allocations, plan objectives, and regulatory 

constraints that influence resource management in the watershed. At the reach scale, the RCA and 

stream are characterized, including aquatic and riparian habitats, channel type, valley type, and stream 

gradient.

Step 2 - Identify Issues and Key Questions

The purpose of Step 2 is to focus the analysis on the key elements of the ecosystem that are most 

relevant to the management questions and objectives, human values, or resource conditions within the 

watershed. Key analysis questions are formulated from instream and riparian indicators used to measure 

or interpret key ecosystem elements. At the reach scale, the issue(s) are described, including which 

instream and riparian indicators are affected by the proposed or past management action(s). 

Step 3 - Describe Current Conditions

The purpose of Step 3 is to develop more detailed information relevant to the issues and key questions 

identified in Step 2. Step 3 is where the current range, distribution, and condition of the relevant 

ecosystem elements are documented. At the reach scale, this section describes the current condition of 

the RCA and may include a discussion of riparian function using proper functioning condition and 

quantitative stream and riparian condition assessments such as multiple indicator monitoring (Burton et 

al., 2011). 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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Step 4 - Describe Reference Conditions

Step 4 explains how ecological conditions have changed over time with respect to historic or reference 

conditions as a result of human influence and natural disturbances. At the reach scale, if an undisturbed 

reference reach similar in channel, valley, and vegetation type is available, current conditions are 

measured to establish reference conditions for future comparison. This section establishes objectives for 

the desired future condition.

Step 5 - Synthesize and Interpret Information

The purpose of Step 5 is to compare existing and reference conditions of specific ecosystem elements 

and to explain significant differences, similarities, or trends and their causes. The capability of the system 

to achieve key management plan objectives is also evaluated.

Step 6 - Identify Recommendations

The purpose of Step 6 is to bring the results of the previous steps to conclusion by addressing each of the 

issues and answering the key questions, focusing on recommendations that are responsive to watershed 

or reach-scale processes identified in the analysis. Step 6 identifies recommendations that address 

resource problems noted in this analysis in order to change the current watershed or reach conditions 

toward the desired future condition. Monitoring needs and data gaps are also identified and described.

Watershed Analysis for the Jarbidge Planning Area 

BLM-managed lands in the planning area include large, contiguous blocks of public land interspersed with 

State lands, private lands, and two military withdrawal areas. Portions of the planning area are located in 

northern Nevada and are adjacent to land managed by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and other 

BLM Field Offices; these lands include the upper reaches of the Jarbidge River and its East Fork, the 

Bruneau River, and several headwater reaches of perennial streams in the Jarbidge Foothills. For 

analyses of these watersheds, the BLM Jarbidge Field Office will collaborate with the Forest Service and 

other BLM Field Offices to complete watershed analyses and subbasin assessments or updates, as 

appropriate. The level of site-specific or focused analysis will be commensurate with the scope, 

magnitude, and issues related to BLM activities or projects and related aquatic resources and values.

The BLM and Forest Service have completed two watershed analyses within the planning area; the 

Jarbidge Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest was the lead agency for both of these 

analyses. The Jarbidge Canyon Watershed Analysis (McNeill et al., 1997) included the upper West Fork 

of the Jarbidge River on USFS managed lands. The Watershed Analysis for the East Fork Jarbidge River

(USDA, 2004) encompassed the East Fork Jarbidge River watershed above the confluence of Dave 

Creek and included a small portion of BLM managed land (3,640 acres). Both of these documents 

provide guidance for cumulative effects analysis, prioritization for restoration and management actions, 

and direction and information for landscape and ecosystem management in the Jarbidge Watershed.

Although no other watershed analyses have been completed in the planning area using the six-step 

process in the Federal Guide for Watershed Analysis, there have been several other multi-scale reviews 

that assessed aquatic resources in the planning area (Table B-10). Through these broad-scale (FWS, 

1995) and mid-scale (FWS, 1998, 2002; Idaho Power Company, 2005) analyses, habitat was 

characterized, issues affecting the species were identified, current and reference conditions were 

described, and data were used to identify changes to reduce threats to the ESA-listed and BLM Sensitive 

aquatic species in the planning area. The ARMS, which uses site-specific data to identify conservation 

and restoration priorities, provides the framework for a fine-scale assessment for the planning area. 

Future watershed analysis in the planning area may be completed depending on the intensity, scope, or 

scale of issues that drive the need for additional fine-scale assessments. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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Monitoring and Adaptive Management6

 

6 This section addresses material for Component V, Management Direction – Adaptive Management, related to 

adaptive management and Component VI, Monitoring, Adaptive Management, and Oversight, in the Guidance for 

Developing Aquatic Conservation Strategies (BLM, 2008a). 

Monitoring

Monitoring provides a mechanism for observation and measurement to ensure that project design criteria 

and mitigation are being implemented and to determine if project and program goals and objectives are 

being achieved. The basics of plan-level monitoring should:

Determine if the plan, project, or activity is being implemented correctly and is achieving desired 

results; 

Provide a mechanism for accountability and oversight; 

Evaluate the effectiveness of recovery and restoration efforts; and 

Provide a feedback loop so that management direction may be evaluated and modified (i.e., adaptive 

management). 

Implementation monitoring is used to determine if management practices are implemented as identified in 

an activity plan, Environmental Assessment (EA), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Biological 

Assessment (BA) with a letter of concurrence, or Biological Opinion (BO). Effectiveness monitoring is 

used to determine if management practices, as designed and executed, are effective in meeting project 

goals and objectives as defined in an activity plan, EA, EIS, BA with a letter of concurrence, or BO. 

The results of monitoring will be summarized and shared, as requested, with the tribes and Federal and 

State agencies. Management considerations for monitoring include the following:

Monitoring should be focused on key questions that inform decision making and allow timely 

adjustments to management. 

Monitoring emphasis and intensity should be commensurate with the importance of the question 

being asked. For example, if adaptive management is being used, it is important to monitor the key 

parameters to the degree necessary to support the current course of action or to trigger an alternate 

approach.

Plan-level monitoring should make use of and not duplicate broad-scale monitoring programs. To the 

extent practicable, monitoring done at the plan scale should be compatible with and complementary 

to broader- and finer-scale monitoring.

Monitoring should be coordinated with and, where possible, consolidated with similar efforts of other 

agencies.

Outcome-based management approaches rely on monitoring for their success. These approaches 

typically require a different level and type of monitoring than prescriptive approaches.

Monitoring commitments in plans should be feasible and achievable.

The implementation and effectiveness monitoring protocols will be in accordance with appropriate BLM 

Technical Bulletins or other acceptable monitoring methods that would address the bull trout and redband 

trout habitat condition indicators in Table B-1 and Table B-2. 

Adaptive Management

The ARMS allows for adaptive management, a continuing process of planning, implementation, 

monitoring, and evaluation to adjust management to meet goals and objectives of ecosystem-based 

management. Adaptive Management is a decision process that promotes decision making in the face of 

uncertainty as outcomes from management activities become better understood. The approach improves 

resource management by learning from prior management outcomes. The process of adaptive 

management uses the latest scientific information, site-specific information and monitoring data, and 

professional judgment to select the management strategy most likely to meet goals and objectives. By 

continually adjusting management strategies as needed, supported by monitoring or additional
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-108

information, adaptive management will result in achievement of short- and long-term trends toward 

meeting objectives. Adaptive management provides the capability to respond quickly to monitoring data 

with consideration given to past season monitoring or preseason conditions. It also allows changes 

needed to meet long-term objectives of the Jarbidge RMP including direction from ESA, the Clean Water 

Act, and Fundamentals for Rangeland Health. The USDI guidance on using adaptive management can 

be found in Williams and others (2009). 

Adaptive management requires knowledge of the current conditions, potential or capability of riparian 

sites and streams, current management and effects of the management on the resources, and 

management changes that may be made to move the current condition toward the desired condition. 

Single indicators of conditions or trend are usually not adequate to make good decisions. Information on 

the condition and trend of the vegetation, streambanks, and aquatic resources and knowledge of current 

management practices can help establish cause-and-effect relationships that are important for making 

appropriate decisions. Such information allows refinement and development of locally-derived project or 

activity design standards or criteria. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-109

Maps for the Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

Map B-1. Bear Creek, Rocky Canyon Creek, Shack Creek, and Timber Canyon Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-110

Map B-2. Buck Creek, Deer Creek (NV), Jack Creek, Jarbidge River, and West Fork Jarbidge River 

Reaches. 
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-111

Map B-3. Cedar Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-112

Map B-4. House Creek, Chimney Creek, and Little House Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-113

Map B-5. China Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-114

Map B-6. Dave Creek and East Fork Jarbidge River Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-115

Map B-7. Deadwood Creek, East Fork Deadwood Creek, and West Fork Deadwood Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

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Map B-8. Deer Creek and Three Creek Reaches
Appendix B: Aquatic and Riparian Management Strategy

A-117

Map B-9. Flat Creek and Pole Creek Reaches
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

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APPENDIX C – CONSERVATION MEASURES 

The BLM Manual for Special Status Species Management (Section 6840) provides policy and guidance 

for the conservation of special status species, plants and animals, and the ecosystems upon which they 

depend on BLM-managed lands. 

The following tables identify conservation measures to bring the species and their habitat to the condition 

under which the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are not necessary, current listings 

under special status species categories are no longer needed, and future listings under special status 

species categories would not be necessary. The sources of these conservation measures (i.e. land use 

plan consultations or existing species recovery plans) are identified.

The following comprise the conservation plans, strategies, and agreements in place for species in the 

planning area. This list will be updated as new plans, strategies, and agreements are adopted and 

existing plans, strategies, and agreements become obsolete, expire, or are replaced. 

The BLM intends that the species-specific conservation measures included in the documents identified 

below will be implemented. While a high priority for BLM, both the BLM and US Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS) recognize that funding constraints may affect the ability to implement specific conservation 

measures as planned. Where funding is lacking, BLM and FWS will cooperate to set priorities and 

timelines for accomplishing recovery objectives for listed and proposed species.

Conservation Agreements

Conservation Agreement between BLM Idaho State Office and the US Fish and Wildlife Service 

Snake River Fish and Wildlife Office. September 2014 – The purpose of the Conservation 

Agreement is to provide for the conservation of slickspot peppergrass related to existing Idaho BLM 

land use plans and a subset of ongoing actions. 

Conservation Agreement for Bureau of Land Management – Idaho State Office, US Fish and 

Wildlife Service – Snake River Basin and Spokane Field Offices: Idaho Bureau of Land 

Management Existing Land Use Plans Consultation. Signed by Idaho BLM State Director. 

December 2005 – This Conservation Agreement is intended to promote the conservation of Listed, 

Proposed, and Candidate species that have not previously undergone land use plan-level 

consultation under the ESA.

Candidate Conservation Agreement for Slickspot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum). 2006. 

Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, et al. 158 pp. – The purpose of this Candidate 

Conservation Agreement is to expedite implementation of conservation measures for slickspot 

peppergrass in Idaho. Threats that warrant listing should be significantly reduced, mitigated, or 

eliminated through implementation of this Candidate Conservation Agreement, and additional 

measures to enhance slickspot peppergrass occurrences and habitat are provided for.

Memoranda of Understanding

Interagency Memorandum of Understanding to Implement the Interior Columbia Basin 

Strategy. November 2002 – This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides guidance to all 

BLM offices to implement the Interior Columbia Basin Strategy to ensure an ecosystem-based 

process is used in resource management plan (RMP) revisions within the Columbia River Basin (IBID-2003-062).

Memorandum of Understanding to Support and Implement to the Extent Practicable and 

Where Appropriate the Intent and Actions Contained in the 2006 Conservation Plan for the 

Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho. July 2006 – This MOU was signed by Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Office of Species 

Conservation, Idaho BLM, United States Forest Service Region 4, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service-Wildlife Service, and Natural Resource Conservation Service to support and implement the 

sage-grouse conservation plan. This candidate species is not addressed under Section 7 consultation 

but is covered under this MOU between the BLM and FWS.
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

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Memoranda of Agreement

Memorandum of Agreement for Endangered Species Act Section 7 Programmatic 

Consultation and Coordination among Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National 

Marine Fisheries Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service. August 30, 2000 – This agreement 

outlines consultation procedures for the BLM and other Federal agencies.

Conservation Strategies

Interior Columbia Basin Strategy. 2002. A Strategy for Applying the Knowledge gained by the 

Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project to the Revision of Forest and 

Resource Management Plans and Project Implementation. Included as Attachment 1 in Bureau 

of Land Management IB No. ID-2003-062. 11 pp. – The strategy has been used to guide the 

amendment and revision of this land and resource management plan. The Strategy includes 

guidance for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and to use multi-scale analysis in resource 

management planning. It also identified emphasis areas for preparing an Aquatic Conservation 

Strategy as a component of the RMP. An Aquatic Conservation Strategy was incorporated into the 

Approved Jarbidge RMP (see Appendix B).

National Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation Strategy. 2004. Prepared by the Bureau of Land 

Management. 25 pp. – This strategy sets goals and objectives, assembles guidance and resource 

materials, and provides comprehensive management direction for the BLM’s contributions to the ongoing multi-state greater sage-grouse conservation effort.

Recovery Plans

Snake River Aquatic Species Recovery Plan. 1995. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Snake River 

Basin Office, Ecological Services, Boise, Idaho. 92 pp. – The recovery plan includes short- and 

long-term objectives to protect known live colonies of Federally listed snails, as well as redband trout, 

Snake River white sturgeon, and Shoshone sculpin, by eliminating or reducing known threats to these 

species and their habitat.

Recovery Plan for the Bruneau Hot Springsnail (Pyrgulopsis bruneauensis). 2002. US Fish and 

Wildlife Service, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. 52 pp. – The primary objective of the recovery plan 

is to recover the species to a point where listing is no longer warranted by implementing groundwater 

management activities and monitoring species recovery. 

Draft Recovery Plan for the Jarbidge River Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus). 2004. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. – The primary 

objective of the plan is to reduce threats to bull trout and their habitat and to increase population 

numbers to habitat potential.

Revised Draft Recovery Plan for the Coterminous United States Population of Bull Trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus). 2014. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. – The primary 

objective of the plan is to reduce threats to bull trout and their habitat and to increase population 

numbers to habitat potential.
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

None None

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands (includes noxious weed and 

invasive plant management)

None None

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive plant management)

1) Although non-chemical methods will be the 

preferred approach in occupied habitat, when 

appropriate, projects involving the application of 

pesticides (including herbicides, fungicides, and

other related chemicals) in slickspot peppergrass 

habitat and potential habitat that may affect the 

species will be analyzed at the project level and 

designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and minimize risks of 

exposure.

1) Site-specific stipulations will be developed locally 

using these criteria:

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation 

treatment including the following: application 

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants

used; needed treatment buffers; and use of nonchemical noxious weed control (for example, biocontrols, hand pulling). 

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers to 

avoid species’ exposure to harmful chemicals.

c) Explore opportunities to eradicate competing 

non-native invasive plants in occupied habitat 

where slickspots are being invaded by such 

plants.

d) Implement revegetation and noxious weed 

control measures to reduce the risks of nonnative invasive plant infestations following 

ground/soil disturbing actions in slickspot 

peppergrass habitat.

BLM will provide the US Department of Agriculture 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service with the 

location of habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass. Mormon cricket, grasshopper, or other 

insect control in habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass will only include those methods that 

minimize impacts to the plant’s pollinators.

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with 

adjacent land owners and local governments 

regarding control of invasive plants in upland 

areas through cooperative weed management 

programs. One of BLM’s priorities within the 

cooperative weed management program is the 

protection of special status plants on BLMmanaged lands.

2) Take advantage of coordination opportunities as 

they arise.

3) BLM will promote diversity, richness, and 

health of native plant communities to support 

pollinators and habitat for slickspot peppergrass.

3) BLM will focus slickspot peppergrass habitat 

conservation and restoration efforts in or adjacent to 

occupied habitat to encourage connectivity among 

populations through the following measures:

a) Where habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass exist, BLM will conserve remaining 

A-121

Conservation Measures 

Slickspot Peppergrass

Table C-1. Conservation Measures for Slickspot Peppergrass.

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Air and Atmospheric Values
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

stands of sagebrush and native vegetation in 

making activity plan and project-level decisions. 

b) Vegetation treatment projects undertaken in 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass will 

be compatible with species habitat restoration 

objectives, as described in item (d) below. 

c) BLM will select and implement specific projects 

to restore habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass in degraded areas as funding 

allows, such as planting shrubs and forbs and 

controlling noxious weeds, within and adjacent to 

occupied habitat. Apply methods described in 

item (d) below.

When conducting vegetation treatment projects, BLM 

will use seeding techniques that minimize soil 

disturbance such as minimum-till drills and rangeland 

drills equipped with depth bands, use native plant 

materials and seed during restoration activities, and 

select native forbs that benefit slickspot peppergrass 

insect pollinators.

Fish 

None None

Wildlife 

1) Manage facilities installed for wildlife to 

promote maintenance of habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass. 

1) For review of ongoing actions, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (2). For 

new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). As 

appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, 

modify existing and avoid placement of new wildlife 

facilities in occupied habitat.

2) Restore wildlife habitat while promoting 

slickspot peppergrass conservation.

2) Any restoration efforts for wildlife within habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass will be 

compatible with the species’ habitat requirements.

Special Status Species: Common to All Programs

1) In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish 

and Game, Idaho Natural Heritage Program 

(INHP), US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), 

Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG), the US 

Air Force, and others:

1) Following actions to be completed in cooperation 

with others: 

a) Use survey protocols consistent with the 

FWS Rare Plant Survey Guidelines to 

conduct Stage 1, 2, and 3 surveys (see 

Figure C-2 at the end of this table for the 

general survey process).

Apply current survey methods, and assure that 

inventories are done at the appropriate time of the 

year by qualified botanists or by persons who are 

under the guidance of qualified botanists.

b) Cooperate to refine slickspot peppergrass 

habitat and potential habitat maps (Stage 1 

survey, Figure C-2), and to identify and map 

slickspot peppergrass occurrences (Stage 2 

survey, Figure C-2).

a) Surveys, mapping, and data management (refer 

to Figure C-2, Survey Flowchart for Slickspot 

Peppergrass):

i). Cooperate with INHP and FWS to record, 

refine, and map all habitat features including 

potential habitat, slickspot peppergrass 

habitat, non-habitat, occupied habitat, and 

element occurrences (EOs) on BLMA-122

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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managed lands. Use current geographic 

information system standards for mapping 

and database management. In cooperation 

with INHP, maintain a spatial database of 

species population and habitat information 

for BLM-managed lands.

ii). BLM will continue to conduct Stage 1 and 2 

surveys, report survey information to the 

INHP, and incorporate the information into 

the adaptive management strategy.

iii). BLM’s intent will be to conduct Stage 1 

surveys (slickspot survey) for at least 25,000 

acres of potential habitat averaged over 10 

years. BLM will work collaboratively with 

FWS to prioritize surveys during the first 5 

years to areas that have a high likelihood of 

species occurrence, or that are needed for 

BLM project purposes. BLM will also target 

at least 10,000 acres of Stage 2 surveys 

(slickspot peppergrass plant surveys) that 

can be done concurrently with the Stage 1 

surveys. The amount of habitat to be 

surveyed each year will be based on 

available annual funding. Stage 3 plant 

surveys will be conducted as necessary and 

desired. 

Prioritize Stage 1 and 2 surveys to address slickspot 

peppergrass habitat with a high likelihood of species 

occurrence. Surveys should be scheduled to 

complement other program needs.

b) Cooperate in regular monitoring of slickspot 

peppergrass population trends and land 

health conditions on BLM-managed lands, 

and follow current monitoring protocols. Land 

health conditions include forb diversity to 

support pollinators and habitat for slickspot 

peppergrass.

c) Follow the Habitat Integrity and Population (HIP) 

monitoring protocol or other accepted monitoring 

methodology. BLM will cooperate with others to 

conduct annual monitoring within all EOs on 

BLM-managed lands to assess the effectiveness 

of the conservation measures as part of the 

adaptive management strategy.

i). Establish permanent ecological reference 

areas in selected EOs to evaluate land 

health conditions associated with slickspot 

peppergrass. 

Use data from the ecological reference areas to 

assist in completing land health assessments. This 

information will be used to evaluate permitted 

management actions and to design restoration 

projects for slickspot peppergrass.

d) Participate in research essential to 

conservation of the species.

d) BLM will participate in research as funding 

allows. Areas to focus on include, but are not 

limited to, the following: 

i). Elimination and control of invasive species. 

ii). Pollination, forb restoration, and effects of 

ground disturbance on the species. 

iii). Determination of specific limiting factors in 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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terms of habitat needs and characteristics. 

Population viability analyses.

e) Continue to support seed banks in a longterm seed storage facility.As needed, make seed available to a suitable 

repository to support a seed bank.

e) Support the establishment and maintenance 

of new populations in habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass. The goal of these 

activities is to maintain or enhance viable 

populations.

Reintroduce slickspot peppergrass at selected 

experimental reintroduction or historic sites as 

funding allows.

2) Ensure that ongoing Federal actions support or 

do not preclude species conservation in habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass. 

2) Ongoing BLM authorized activities:

a) Based on the results of Stage 1 and 2 surveys, 

review ongoing activities in habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass. The Level 1 Team will 

conduct these reviews in a manner consistent 

with streamlining procedures where local section 

7 compliance activities with FWS (if necessary) 

have not yet been completed.

b) If reviews indicate that direct or indirect negative 

impacts to the species or its habitat are occurring 

as a result of ongoing discretionary BLM actions, 

the activity will be modified to avoid or minimize 

anticipated negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species conservation.

Where habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass

exist, BLM will conserve remaining stands of 

sagebrush and native vegetation in making activity 

plan and project-level decisions.

3) Ensure that new Federal actions support or do 

not preclude species conservation in habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass. 

3) New proposed BLM authorized activities:

a) Consistent with streamlining procedures, BLM 

will require project-level inventories for any 

project in slickspot peppergrass habitat and in 

potential habitat during project planning if 

inventory information is not available or 

adequate. BLM will use the protocols described 

in (1) (a).

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts to the 

species or its habitat are anticipated as a result 

of new BLM actions, the activity will be modified 

to avoid or minimize negative impacts and, 

where feasible, promote species conservation.

c) Where needed, complete section 7 compliance 

for new activities that may affect this species and 

its habitat.

d) Where slickspot peppergrass habitat exists, BLM 

will conserve remaining stands of sagebrush and 

native vegetation in making activity plan and 

project-level decisions.

. 

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4) Implement adaptive management as needed 

to achieve conservation objectives.

4) Conduct site-specific implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring of management actions. 

Adjust management as needed to ensure that 

objectives are met. See additional details within 

other programs.

5) Support programs to conserve and enhance 

slickspot peppergrass on non-Federal lands.

5) Take advantage of opportunities to support 

conservation of slickspot peppergrass through 

easements, cooperative management efforts, and 

other programs.

6) Include language in all land use authorizations 

to require rehabilitation of habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass in case of trespass or 

permit violations, if damage occurs.

6) As a part of management authorizations, 

require rehabilitation to native vegetation in 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass if 

trespass or permit violation occurs and the 

habitat is damaged. If ecological site conditions 

preclude the use of native species, use noninvasive, non-native plant species for 

rehabilitation in trespass or permit violation 

situations.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fire Suppression

1) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as 

possible, to protect habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass. Place a high priority on 

protecting habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass.

1) Fire management activities:

a) Fire Management Plans will include Standard 

Operating Procedures that address conservation 

of slickspot peppergrass. 

i). BLM will provide adequate fire suppression 

coverage at all stations to meet objectives 

with the intent to suppress 90% of fires to the 

acreages specified in the fire management 

plans for slickspot peppergrass. BLM will 

maintain existing remote fire guard stations 

easily accessible to occupied habitat (for

example, Juniper Butte fire guard station) 

and explore opportunities to establish 

additional stations to provide better initial 

attack and reduced response times for 

wildfires in habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass.

ii). Apply Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

(MIST) in habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass, as appropriate. Consult with 

resource advisors to determine where MIST 

tactics should be applied to avoid or 

minimize negative impacts. 

iii). Although MIST are preferred, aggressive fire 

suppression tactics (e.g., blade lines, back 

fires) may be applied in habitat if EOs are 

threatened. 

Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, and 

fueling areas within occupied habitat.

2) As needed, coordinate with appropriate 

agency personnel regarding fire suppression 

activities in or adjacent to habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass.

2) Ongoing interagency coordination.

a) BLM and cooperators will expand on and 

continue to provide special status plant and 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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habitat awareness training to fire resource

advisors, Incident Commanders, Engine 

Operators, and Fire Operations Supervisors.

BLM and cooperators will distribute maps and inform 

fire crews on locations of the EOs to maximize fire 

protection and to avoid or minimize impacts from fire 

suppression activities.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation

1) Implement Emergency Stabilization and 

Burned Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR) activities 

to consider slickspot peppergrass in and adjacent 

to slickspot peppergrass habitat rehabilitation.

1) The following measures will be applied:

a) All wildfires within habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass will be evaluated for ES&BAR 

treatments, regardless of size. 

b) As needed, protect disturbed and recovering 

areas using temporary closures or other 

measures. BLM will continue to rest areas from 

land use activities to meet ES&BAR objectives, 

defined through the ES&BAR plans.

c) BLM will initiate and complete ES&BAR efforts 

for slickspot peppergrass, such as planting 

shrubs and forbs, within habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass. BLM will implement the 

following measures during fire ES&BAR efforts: 

i). BLM will use seeding techniques that 

minimize soil disturbance such as minimumtill drills and rangeland drills equipped with 

depth bands when ES&BAR projects have 

the potential to impact slickspot peppergrass 

habitat. 

ii). BLM will use native plant materials and seed 

during ES&BAR activities. BLM will include 

native forbs in seed mixtures that will benefit 

slickspot peppergrass insect pollinators.

iii). If native plant materials and seed are not 

available, non-invasive, non-native species 

may be used for stabilization activities in 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass. 

In areas adjacent to habitat categories for slickspot

peppergrass, if natives are not available, noninvasive non-native species are acceptable for 

stabilization activities.

2) Fire rehabilitation projects involving the 

application of pesticides in habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass will be analyzed and 

implemented in accordance with the approach 

described in the Upland Vegetation management 

program section.

2) See Upland Vegetation management program 

section.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Wildland Fire Use

1) Wildland fire use projects will not be allowed in 

slickspot peppergrass habitat.

1) Wildland fire use is not an option in the planning 

area per WFM-A-1.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Prescribed Fire

1) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to 

conserve and enhance slickspot peppergrass 

1) Prescribed fire in slickspot peppergrass 

habitat will only be used as a tool for assisting 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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habitat. with species conservation (for example, a burn 

in preparation to decrease cheatgrass litter 

before herbicide application, or to clear fence 

lines of accumulated windblown weeds).

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fuels

1) Implement projects involving the application of 

pesticides in accordance with the approach

described in the Upland Vegetation management 

program section.

1) See Upland Vegetation management program 

section.

2) Fuels management projects conducted in 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass 

should have long-term benefits to slickspot 

peppergrass.

2) Avoid fuels management projects in occupied 

habitat, unless such projects would enhance species 

conservation or are necessary for hazardous fuels 

reduction near the urban interface. Implement 

protection measures to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts to the species. In habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass, design native seed mixes that 

emphasize local stock and will promote species 

conservation.

a) Because of potential negative impacts to habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass from linear 

fuel breaks, which can act as weed dispersal 

corridors, the following measures will be applied 

in or adjacent to habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass:

i). BLM will evaluate the effectiveness of 

existing fuel breaks (location, dry fuel load, 

and noxious weed and invasive plant 

composition) in protecting habitat categories 

for slickspot peppergrass. 

ii). BLM may create and maintain fuel breaks 

where frequent fires can threaten habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass. New 

fuel breaks in habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass will be designed to conserve and 

enhance species habitat. Where appropriate 

and where objectives will be met, native 

vegetation should be emphasized in the 

creation of new fuel breaks. If native 

vegetation or seed is not available or if 

objectives would be met through their use, 

fuel breaks may include non-native, noninvasive, species that will not invade 

slickspots. In areas adjacent to habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass, fuel 

breaks may include potentially invasive nonnative species such as intermediate 

wheatgrass and forage kochia as a last resort 

if the benefits of their use are demonstrated to 

outweigh the risks to slickspot peppergrass 

and its habitat. If potentially invasive nonnative species are used, monitoring for 

spread will occur. If spread is found to occur 

outside the original treatment area, control 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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measures will be applied to eliminate further 

spread. Apply conservation measure (2) in 

the Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: 

ES&BAR program section and conservation 

measure (4) in the Upland Vegetation 

Management program. 

iii). Consider actions to repair or restore fuel 

breaks so they function as desired. Apply 

conservation measure (2) in the Wildland 

Fire Ecology and Management: ES&BAR

program section and conservation measure 

(4) in the Upland Vegetation Management 

program. 

In addition to the reduction in fuels associated with 

managed livestock grazing (see relevant 

conservation measures from Livestock Grazing 

Management section), BLM may create fuel breaks 

using techniques such as mowing or targeted 

grazing to strategically reduce fuel loads where 

frequent fires can threaten habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass if the benefit of these actions 

can be demonstrated to outweigh the risks to 

slickspot peppergrass and its habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Community Assistance

1) Follow all measures included throughout the 

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management program 

sections.

1) See actions within Wildland Fire Ecology and 

Management program sections. Incorporate into 

community assistance agreements.

Wild Horses

1) If the range of wild horses and occupied 

habitat for slickspot peppergrass overlaps now or 

in the future, protect these areas from wild horses 

by including applicable conservation measures in 

herd management plans.

1) Manage wild horse herd size to minimize conflicts 

with slickspot peppergrass. Limit trampling in 

occupied habitat by implementing appropriate range 

management practices, such as fencing and water 

trough placement.

Paleontological Resources

1) Activities within the Paleontological Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the 

Special Status Species management program 

section to promote conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Cultural Resources

1) Activities within the Cultural Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the 

Special Status Species management program 

section to promote conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from 

the Special Status Species management 

program section in this table.

Visual Resources/ LWC

None None

Livestock Grazing: Permits and Leases

1) Manage livestock grazing and trailing to 

conserve suitable habitat conditions for slickspot 

peppergrass while implementing rangeland 

health standards and guidelines. Apply the 

Implementation of Annual Grazing Adaptive 

Management (Figure C-1), located at the end of 

1) Permit or lease renewal actions and annual 

authorizations:

a) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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this conservation measures table, to adjust 

livestock use as appropriate.

b) Schedule surveys in habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass as needed for rangeland 

health assessments associated with permit and 

lease renewals. Surveys will be prioritized for 

habitat with a medium to high potential for 

species occurrence. Unsurveyed habitat with a 

low potential for species occurrence will be 

treated as unoccupied by slickspot peppergrass 

until surveys can be completed. The BLM 

Slickspot Peppergrass Occurrence Potential 

Map will be used to determine potential for 

occurrence within the Jarbidge planning area. 

Use survey procedures and flowchart (Figure C2, Survey Flowchart for Slickspot Peppergrass) 

referenced in Special Status Species 

management program section 1(b).

c) For new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). 

d) As part of adaptive management to avoid or 

minimize negative impacts, modify livestock 

grazing activities as outlined in Figure C-1, 

Implementation of Annual Grazing Adaptive 

Management, located at the end of this 

conservation measures table. In addition, the 

following measures will be implemented, as 

appropriate:

i). Minimize gathering livestock in EOs.

ii). Avoid impacts to EOs from herd movement 

through rested and deferred pastures.

iii). Trailing permits will not be authorized 

through EOs.

iv). Sheep grazing permits will be modified to 

restrict bedding, trailing or watering herds 

within 1⁄2 mile of EOs.

v). Supplements will be placed at least 1⁄2 mile 

from EOs. Supplements will be placed so 

that livestock will be drawn away from the 

EO and avoid traveling through the EO en 

route to the supplement or water source. 

Management requirements will be adjusted 

to maintain an appropriate distance between 

supplements and existing EOs to avoid 

impacts.

vii). No new domestic horse animal unit months 

(AUMs) will be authorized in pastures containing 

EOs to avoid trampling impacts.

2) As part of adaptive management, BLM will 

conduct scheduled compliance inspections in 

pastures with occupied habitat as part of BLM 

range use supervision to minimize impacts.

2) BLM, in coordination with the FWS, will create a 

schedule to prioritize compliance inspections 

associated with livestock grazing permits in occupied 

habitat areas. These compliance inspections are a 

complement to the HIP monitoring listed under 

Special Status Species and where practical the 

efforts may be combined. BLM staff will conduct 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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inspections as determined by the schedule.

a) BLM range staff will conduct pre-season range 

readiness checks for soil moisture conditions in 

allotments with occupied habitat. 

b) BLM will conduct post-use monitoring for 

trampling in slickspots within EOs (could be done 

in conjunction with utilization compliance 

checks). 

c) Monitoring results will be documented in a 

standard format (to be developed by BLM) in the 

grazing allotment files. Copies will be provided to 

the FWS as completed. 

Apply Grazing Adaptive Management 

Implementation Flowchart, Figure C-1.

3) Provide adequate rest from livestock use for 

areas treated after major disturbances in habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass. Major 

disturbances include fire, fire rehabilitation, or 

other soil-disturbing occurrences.

3) Protect treated areas by using temporary livestock 

closures or other measures. The length of rest will be 

determined by achieving certain goals associated

with plant establishment outlined in the restoration, 

fire rehabilitation, or other plan.

4) BLM will work cooperatively with the livestock 

permittees to promote slickspot peppergrass 

conservation.

4) BLM will train permittees on slickspot peppergrass 

habitat and plant recognition. BLM will also work with 

permittees to use the Idaho Natural Heritage 

Program rare plant observation form to report survey 

information in a standard format.

Livestock Grazing: Range Infrastructure

1) Manage livestock facilities to promote slickspot 

peppergrass conservation while implementing 

rangeland health standards and guidelines.

1) For review of ongoing actions, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (2). For 

new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). As 

appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, 

modify existing and avoid placement of new livestock 

facilities in occupied habitat areas.

a) Within pastures, place water facilities to support 

slickspot peppergrass conservation: 

i). Existing water troughs (includes troughs that 

are tied into pipelines, as well as both 

permanent and movable troughs to which 

water is delivered throughout the grazing 

season) will be moved at least 1/2 mile from 

EOs, when feasible. Where troughs cannot 

be moved (for example, because of 

topographical constraints, additional 

disturbance, or impacts to sensitive species), 

management will be adjusted to mitigate the 

impacts during the periods of critical concern 

for slickspot peppergrass (such as when 

soils are saturated and subject to trampling 

impacts). Management adjustments could 

include shutting the water off seasonally, 

changing pasture boundary fences, or other 

appropriate measures. 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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ii). New water troughs (not including existing 

water troughs moved in [1][a][i], above) will 

be placed at least 1 mile from EOs. A 

deviation from this standard may be 

developed on a case-by-case basis through 

collaboration with the FWS. New water 

troughs will be placed so that cattle are 

drawn away from the EO and avoid trailing 

through an EO en route to a water source. 

iii). Temporary water troughs (short-term, 

emergency, or single-season use) will be 

located at least 1 mile from EOs. A deviation 

to this standard may be developed on a 

case-by-case basis through collaboration 

with the FWS. New water troughs will be 

placed so that cattle are drawn away from 

the EO and avoid trailing through an EO en 

route to a water source.

Placement of new livestock infrastructure will be 

compatible with slickspot peppergrass habitat 

conservation. Avoid placement of new fences within 

EOs.

Recreation 

1) Developed facilities (paved campgrounds, 

vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, etc.): Manage 

existing and new recreation facilities to promote 

conservation of species habitat.

1) Management of existing and new facilities:

a) For review of existing facilities, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). As appropriate to avoid or minimize 

negative impacts, modify existing facilities. 

For new facilities, or for expansion of uses at 

existing facilities, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). In 

addition, avoid development of new 

recreation facilities or expansion of existing 

facilities in habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass if negative impacts are 

anticipated. 

2) Dispersed use areas (informal areas, including 

camping areas and tie-up areas for pack 

animals): Manage dispersed use sites to promote 

conservation of species habitat. This includes 

2) For review of ongoing activities, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). In addition, minimize human activity in and 

adjacent to occupied habitat if negative impacts are 

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
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limiting disturbances to the species resulting from 

human uses.

occurring. Close areas, either seasonally or yearround, as needed to protect the species and its 

habitat.

3) Commercial and noncommercial recreation 

permits, including hunting guides and outfitter 

camps: issue commercial and noncommercial 

recreation permits to promote conservation of 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass. This 

includes management of physical facilities (such 

as camps), as well as disturbances to habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass resulting 

from human uses.

3) Issuance and review of existing and new permits:

a) For review of existing permits, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). If needed, modify existing permits that 

negatively impact habitat for this species.

b) For new permits, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid 

issuing recreation permits in habitat categories 

for slickspot peppergrass if negative impacts are 

expected. In particular, avoid permitting new 

recreation activities in and adjacent to occupied 

habitat. If a recreation permit is to be issued, 

apply stipulations to the permit to support or to 

not preclude species conservation and educate 

permit holders about species’ biology and needs.

BLM will not authorize organized recreation activities 

in habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass if 

negative impacts are anticipated (for example, offhighway vehicle [OHV] races, equestrian events, and 

other events).

Transportation and Travel

1) Manage roads, OHV routes and areas, as well 

as non-motorized trails, to promote species 

habitat conservation. This includes management 

of roads and trails, as well as ground disturbance 

resulting from human uses.

1) Review of existing and new roads, OHV routes 

and areas, and non-motorized trails:

a) For existing roads, designated routes, 

designated areas open to cross-county 

motorized travel, and non-motorized trails, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (2). Modify roads and routes in and 

adjacent to habitat categories for slickspot 

peppergrass if negative impacts are occurring. 

Implement restrictions to reduce ground 

disturbance. Seek opportunities to close and 

revegetate non-designated roads and routes, 

non-motorized trails, and use areas in and 

adjacent to habitat if negative impacts are 

occurring.

b) For new roads, routes, areas open to crosscounty motorized travel, and non-motorized 

trails, see Special Status Species management 

program section item (3). Avoid creating new 

roads, trails, routes, and areas if negative 

impacts are expected in and adjacent to habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass. 

Evaluate off-road vehicle use in occupied habitat, 

and where needed, limit access or close areas to 

motorized and mechanized vehicles to promote 

species conservation.

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2) Perform compliance checks on OHV closures

to protect occupied habitat, identify problems as 

soon as possible, and take immediate corrective 

measures.

2) See Special Status Species management 

program section item (2).

Land Use Authorizations: Land Use Permits, Leases, and Rights-of-Way

1) Issue new land use permits, leases, and rightsof-way (ROWs) and review existing permits, 

leases, and ROWs at renewal to conserve 

species habitat. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as ground disturbance 

resulting from human uses. 

1) For new authorizations or new ROWs, as well as 

those being renewed, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid issuing 

new authorizations or new ROWs, or renewing 

existing authorizations or ROWs, in or adjacent to 

habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass if 

negative impacts are expected. If an authorization is 

to be issued or re-issued in such areas, apply 

stipulations to the authorization that support species 

conservation and that avoid or minimize negative 

impacts. BLM will require control of invasive nonnative plant or noxious weed species on new, 

renewing, or amending land use permits and leases 

in habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass.

a) Conduct periodic project compliance inspections 

during implementation of projects involving soil 

disturbance. BLM may require a qualified 

botanist to monitor slickspots to avoid ground 

disturbing activities in habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass.

BLM will require that new or renewing permit or 

lease holders establish at least 50% perennial cover 

after all ground-disturbing activities, unless 

ecological site conditions preclude that level of 

cover. If a native species component existed prior to 

the ground disturbance, then the native species 

component of the perennial cover should be 

restored.

Land Tenure (sale, exchanges, withdrawals, etc.)

1) Where feasible and funding is available, 

acquire through land exchange or purchase 

private lands that contain habitat categories for 

slickspot peppergrass.

1) BLM will opportunistically acquire habitat 

categories for slickspot peppergrass, particularly 

occupied habitat and critical habitat, in land 

exchanges and purchases.

2) Retain occupied habitat and critical habitat for 

slickspot peppergrass Federal ownership unless 

such a transfer would result in a net benefit to the 

species.

2) Occupied habitat and critical habitat for slickspot 

peppergrass within the planning area are allocated 

as land tenure zone 1, lands for retention that are not 

available for disposal.

Minerals: Salable and Leasable Minerals 

1) Approve development of salable or leasable 

minerals so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of salable and leasable minerals:

a) For review of existing mineral leases, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (2). Modify existing mineral leases if 

negative impacts are occurring. 

For new sales or leases, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (3). 

Avoid development of salable or leasable minerals 

in or adjacent to habitat categories for slickspot 

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peppergrass if negative impacts are expected. If a 

minerals lease or sale is to be issued in or adjacent 

to habitat, apply stipulations to support or to not 

preclude species conservation.

Minerals: Locatable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow noticelevel operations so as not to preclude species 

habitat conservation. This includes management 

of physical facilities, as well as disturbances to 

the species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (2). 

To the extent allowed by law, modify plans of 

operation or notice-level operations that may 

have negative impacts on the species or its 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 

operator that modifications to proposed activities 

will be required to avoid negative impacts.

For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations, see Special Status Species management 

program section item (3). To the extent allowed by 

law, avoid approving plans of operation or noticelevel operations that may have negative impacts on 

the species or its habitat. For notice-level operations, 

notify the operator that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative impacts. If 

a plan of operations is to be approved in or adjacent 

to habitat categories for slickspot peppergrass, apply 

stipulations to support or to not preclude species 

conservation. A notice will require modification by the 

operator until BLM determines that it will not result in 

undue or unnecessary degradation.

Special Designations 

1) Explore the potential for new designations that 

would enhance species conservation.

1) Evaluate establishing Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern (ACEC) for several 

stronghold populations of slickspot peppergrass 

during land use plan amendments.

A-134

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

 

1. Was the Annual Indicator standard 

achieved? (Stubble height, etc.)

4. Review/analyze current vs. 

desired condition and 

trend. Need for annual 

change?

5. Assign adaptive action. 

Was the action implemented?

6. Is failure the result of a 

design problem or changed 

condition outside the control of 

permittee?

7. Is an administrative action 

warranted?

8. Implement 

Administrative action

2. Continue current management 

and monitoring (short- & longterm) to determine if desired 

condition is being achieved.

3. Change or modify annual 

indicator and/or management as 

appropriate.

Yes No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

1. Was the Annual Indicator standard 

achieved? (Stubble height, etc.)

4. Review/analyze current vs. 

desired condition and 

trend. Need for annual 

change?

5. Assign adaptive action. 

Was the action implemented?

6. Is failure the result of a 

design problem or changed 

condition outside the control of 

permittee?

7. Is an administrative action 

warranted?

8. Implement 

Administrative action

2. Continue current management 

and monitoring (short- & longterm) to determine if desired 

condition is being achieved.

3. Change or modify annual 

indicator and/or management as 

appropriate.

Yes No

Yes

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

A-135

Figure C-1. Implementation of Annual Grazing Adaptive Management 
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

A-136

Figure C-2. Inventory Flowchart for Slickspot Peppergrass. 
Appendix C - Conservation Measures

A diversity of native plants to provide 

for insect pollinator foraging, nesting, 

and sheltering

B-3. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - presence of non-native annuals and/or nonnative perennial plants

B-5. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - percent cover of native forbs

A-137

Proposed Critical Habitat for Slickspot Peppergrass 

The FWS has identified Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs), those physical and biological features 

essential to the conservation of the species and its habitat, and within areas occupied by the species at 

the time of listing, that may require special management considerations and protection. The conservation 

measures from Table C-1. Conservation Measures for Slickspot Peppergrass are designed to enhance 

slickspot peppergrass occurrences and habitat. The following table contains a crosswalk between PCEs 

for slickspot peppergrass proposed critical habitat and Corresponding Pathway Indicators for making 

effects determinations on the species and its habitat. The most effective way to evaluate the impact an 

activity will have on slickspot peppergrass proposed critical habitat is to analyze the effects that the 

activity will have on the PCEs. 

Table C-2. PCEs for Proposed Critical Habitat for Slickspot Peppergrass and the Associated 

Matrix Indicators.

PCE PCE Description Corresponding Pathway Indicator

1 

Ecologically functional microsites or 

“slickspots” that are characterized by: 

(a) a high sodium and clay content and 

a three-layer soil horizonation and (b) 

sparse vegetation with low to moderate 

invasive non-native plant species 

cover

A-1. Density of non-native annual and/or non-native 

perennial plants established within slickspots

A-2. Level of ground disturbance within slickspots

A-3. Level of organic debris (litter or feces) and/or 

soil deposition and accumulation within slickspots

2 

3 

Relatively intact native Wyoming big 

sagebrush vegetation assemblages 

within 820 feet (250 meters) of 

slickspot peppergrass EOs

B-1. Level of ground disturbance within the action 

area

B-2. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - level of habitat fragmentation

B-3. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - presence of non-native annuals and/or nonnative perennial plants

B-4. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - percent cover of biological soil crusts

B-5. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - percent cover of native forbs

4 Sufficient pollinators for successful fruit 

and seed production

B-1. Level of ground disturbance within the action 

area

B-2. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - level of habitat fragmentation

B-3. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - presence of non-native annuals and/or nonnative perennial plants

B-5. Condition of native vegetation within the action 

area - percent cover of native forbs
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides in 

uplands adjacent to riparian areas located near 

suitable listed Snake River snail habitat will be 

designed and implemented in accordance with the 

approach described in the Soil Resources, Water 

Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands 

management program section.

A-138

Listed Snake River Aquatic Snails

Table C-3. Conservation Measures for Listed Snake River Aquatic Snails (Snake River Physa and 

Bliss Rapids Snail).

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Air and Atmospheric Values

None None

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands (includes noxious weed and 

invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides 

(herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that may affect the 

species will be analyzed at the project level and 

designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and recovery and minimize 

risks of exposure.

1) Site-specific stipulations will be developed 

locally using the following criteria:

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation 

treatment, including the following: application 

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants 

used; needed treatment buffers; and use of 

non-chemical weed control (for example, biocontrols, hand pulling). If objectives can be 

effectively accomplished using non-chemical 

methods, such is the preferred alternative.

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers 

to avoid species’ exposure to harmful 

chemicals.

Implement appropriate revegetation measures 

to reduce the risks of soil erosion and water 

quality impacts adjacent to suitable habitat.

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with 

adjacent landowners and local governments 

regarding control of noxious weeds and invasive 

plants in riparian areas through cooperative weed 

management programs.

2) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

3) Where needed, improve watershed conditions 

adjacent to suitable habitat to prevent soil erosion 

and negative water quality impacts. Conserve 

riparian vegetation near suitable habitat to 

minimize potential for erosion and sediment 

delivery to the Snake River. 

3) Management actions:

a) Identify areas with unsuitable watershed 

conditions that are negatively impacting 

suitable habitat. Develop and implement a 

restoration plan to reduce or eliminate negative 

impacts.

b) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground

disturbance when risks of erosion and 

sediment delivery are high.

 

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management 

program section.

2) Manage upland areas to minimize sediment 

delivery into suitable habitat.

2) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground 

disturbance when risks of erosion and sediment 

delivery to suitable habitat are high.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

2) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian 

Areas and Wetlands and Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management) management program sections. 

A-139

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Fish 

1) Activities within the Fish management program 

section will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

recovery.

2) Activities within the Fish management program 

will implement relevant conservation measures as 

described in the Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands and Upland 

Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive 

plant management) management program sections 

when implementing actions in occupied or suitable 

habitat for special status fish and aquatic 

invertebrates.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Wildlife 

1) Activities within the Wildlife management 

program will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

recovery.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

2) Activities within the Wildlife management 

program will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Soil Resources, 

Water Resources, Riparian Areas and Wetlands, 

and Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed 

and invasive plant management) management 

programs when implementing actions in occupied 

or suitable habitat for special status wildlife. 

2) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian 

Areas and Wetlands and Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management) management program sections. 

Special Status Species: Common to All Programs

1) In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish 

and Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of 

Reclamation, hydroelectric power companies, and 

others:

a) Cooperate in gathering existing information to 

understand the distribution of known 

populations, and contribute new information as 

opportunities arise.

1) Following actions to be completed:

a) Provide new occurrence information to Idaho 

Natural Heritage Program as project-level 

clearance inventories are completed. 

Cooperate with other agencies to develop and 

update a map or spatial database of known 

listed Snake River snail locations.

2) Ensure that ongoing Federal actions support or 

do not preclude species recovery.

2) Ongoing BLM activities:

a) As needed, review ongoing activities in and 

adjacent to occupied suitable habitat where 

local consultation has not yet been completed.

b) Determine if direct or indirect negative impacts 

to the species or its habitat are occurring as a 

result of ongoing discretionary BLM actions. If 

so, modify the activity to avoid or minimize 

anticipated negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species recovery.

Where needed, complete section 7 consultations 

for ongoing activities that may affect any of these 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fire Suppression

1) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as 

possible, to protect listed Snake River snail habitat. 

Place a high priority on protecting highly erosive 

areas adjacent to suitable habitat from wildfire.

A-140

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

species and their habitat.

3) Ensure that new Federal actions support or do 

not preclude species recovery.

3) New BLM activities:

a) Project-level inventories will be completed in 

suitable habitat during project planning if 

inventory information is not available or 

adequate. 

b) b) If direct or indirect negative impacts to the 

species or their habitats are anticipated as the 

result of new BLM actions, modify the activity 

to avoid or minimize negative impacts and, 

where feasible, promote species recovery.

Where needed, complete section 7 consultation for 

new activities that may affect any of these species 

and their habitats.

4) Implement adaptive management as needed to 

achieve conservation objectives.

4) Conduct site-specific implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring. Adjust management as 

needed to ensure that management objectives are 

met.

5) Support conservation easements, cooperative 

management efforts, and other programs on 

adjacent non-Federal land to support recovery of 

the listed Snake River snails.

5) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

1) Fire management activities:

a) Review Fire Management Plan for adequacy in 

addressing conservation measures. Modify the 

plan if needed.

b) Apply Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

(MIST) adjacent to suitable habitat, as 

appropriate. Consult with resource advisors to 

determine where MIST tactics should be 

applied to avoid or minimize negative impacts.

Avoid fire base camps, staging areas, fueling 

areas, or other related activities in highly erosive 

areas adjacent to suitable habitat.

2) Coordinate with US Forest Service, Idaho 

Department of Lands, the Military, or other 

applicable agency personnel regarding fire 

suppression activities in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat.

2) Ongoing interagency coordination.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation

1) Implement Emergency Stabilization and Burned 

Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR) activities to promote 

restoration of areas adjacent to suitable listed 

Snake River snail habitat.

1) ES&BAR activities:

a) If needed and if natural recovery would not 

achieve habitat objectives, implement ES&BAR 

activities to promote rehabilitation of areas 

adjacent to suitable habitat. Plant locally 

appropriate vegetation to prevent erosion, if 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

1) Wildland fire use is not an option in the planning

area per WFM-A-1. 

1) When developing and implementing prescribed

fire plans, avoid or minimize negative impacts to 

suitable habitat. Avoid prescribed fire use adjacent 

to suitable habitat, unless adequate erosion 

protections are implemented.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Community Assistance

1) Follow all measures included throughout the

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management program 

sections.

A-141

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

natural recovery of such vegetation is doubtful. 

Include requirements that protect listed Snake 

River snail habitat, for example, install 

sediment barriers.

As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until site 

specific stabilization, rehabilitation, and 

revegetation plan goals are met.

2) Fire rehabilitation projects involving the

application of pesticides will be analyzed and 

implemented in accordance with the approach 

described in Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands and all Wildland 

Fire Ecology and Management program sections. 

2) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and

Riparian Areas and Wetlands and all Wildland Fire 

Ecology and Management program sections. 

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Wildland Fire Use

1) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to

conserve suitable listed Snake River snail habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Prescribed Fire

1) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to

conserve suitable listed Snake River snail habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fuels

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides

will be designed in accordance with the approach 

described in Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands and all Wildland 

Fire Ecology and Management program sections. 

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and

Riparian Areas and Wetlands and all Wildland Fire 

Ecology and Management program sections. 

2) Promote the establishment of plant species

needed to control erosion adjacent to suitable 

habitat.

2) Incorporate conservation actions into the fuels

projects, as needed, to control erosion and prevent 

sediment delivery to suitable habitat.

1) See actions within Wildland Fire Ecology and

Management program sections. Incorporate into 

community assistance agreements.

Wild Horses

1) Activities within the Wild Horse Management

program will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

recovery.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Paleontological Resources

1) Activities within the Paleontological Resources

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Special 

Status Species management program section to 

promote recovery of Snake River snails.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Cultural Resources

1) Activities within the Cultural Resources

management program will implement relevant 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the

Special Status Species management program 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

Livestock Grazing: Range Infrastructure

1) Manage livestock facilities to promote healthy 

riparian communities or to prevent erosion, or a 

combination of these objectives, while 

implementing rangeland health standards and 

guidelines.

A-142

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

conservation measures as described in the Special 

Status Species management program section to 

promote recovery of Snake River snails.

section in this table.

Visual Resources

1) Activities within the Visual Resource

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Soil 

Resources, Water Resources, Riparian Areas and 

Wetlands, and Upland Vegetation (includes 

noxious weed and invasive plant management) 

management programs when implementing actions 

in occupied or suitable habitat for special status 

wildlife. 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian 

Areas and Wetlands and Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management) management program sections. 

Livestock Grazing: Permits and Leases

1) Manage livestock grazing and trailing adjacent 

to suitable listed Snake River snail habitat to 

promote healthy watershed conditions while 

implementing rangeland health standards and 

guidelines.

2) Promote restoration of areas in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat following fire, fire rehabilitation, 

restoration treatments, or other major disturbances

through adjustments in livestock grazing, as 

appropriate. 

1) Permit or lease renewal actions:

a) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2).

b) For new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3).

As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify livestock grazing permits and 

leases.

2) As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until 

vegetation is re-established and self-sustaining.

3) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing 

allotments in or adjacent to suitable habitat to 

identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures.

3) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM action.

1) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). For new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). As 

appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, 

modify existing and avoid placement of new 

livestock facilities adjacent to suitable habitat. 

Consider fencing livestock away from suitable 

habitat, and developing water gaps for livestock.

2) Protect springs in or adjacent to suitable habitat 

to conserve and recover listed Snake River snail 

habitat.

2) Avoid development of springs or other water 

sources in or adjacent to suitable habitat unless the 

activity will have beneficial long-term or neutral 

effects on listed Snake River snail populations. If a 

spring or water site is to be developed, install 

facilities as needed to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

3) Commercial and non-commercial recreation 

permits including outfitter camps: Issue commercial 

and non-commercial recreation permits so as not to 

preclude species habitat conservation and 

recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities (such as camps), as well as disturbance to 

the species resulting from human uses.

Transportation and Travel

1) Manage roads, off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes 

and areas, and non-motorized trails, so as not to 

preclude species habitat conservation and 

recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species 

resulting from human uses.

A-143

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Recreation

1) Developed facilities (boat access, paved 

campgrounds, vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, 

etc.): Manage existing and new recreation facilities 

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation 

and recovery. This includes management of the 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Management of existing and new facilities:

a) For review of existing facilities, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2). As appropriate to avoid or minimize 

negative impacts, modify existing facilities.

For new facilities, or for expansion of uses at 

existing facilities, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). In addition, 

modify new recreation facilities in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat if negative impacts are anticipated.

2) Dispersed use areas (informal areas including 

camping, spring access, and tie-up areas for pack 

animals and boats): Manage dispersed use sites 

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation 

and recovery. This includes limiting disturbance to 

the species resulting from human uses.

2) For review of ongoing activities, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2). In addition, minimize human activity in 

and adjacent to known populations, if negative 

impacts are occurring. Close areas, either 

seasonally or year-round, as needed, and post 

and monitor the closure.

3) Issuance and review of existing and new 

permits:

a) For review of existing permits, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2). If needed, modify existing permits if 

the permitted activity is causing negative 

impacts.

For new permits, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). If a 

recreation permit is to be issued in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the permit to 

support or to not preclude species conservation 

and recovery.

4) Protect springs with known populations to 

conserve listed Snake River snail habitat.

4) Discourage or prohibit human entry in springs 

with known listed Snake River snail populations, if 

such entry causes negative impacts.

5) Educate the public on the listed Snake River 

snails’ unique ecological requirements, sensitivity 

to habitat alteration and need for protection.

5) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

1) Review of existing and new roads, OHV routes, 

and areas, and non-motorized trails:

a) For existing roads, OHV routes and areas, and 

non-motorized trails, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(2). Limit OHV activities in areas adjacent to 

suitable habitat that are particularly susceptible 

to erosion and thus sediment delivery. Seek 

opportunities to close and revegetate OHV 

routes or non-motorized trails and use areas if 

negative impacts are occurring.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-144

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

For new roads, OHV routes and areas, and nonmotorized trails, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid 

constructing new roads, trails, routes, and areas if 

negative impacts are expected. In particular, avoid 

opening new roads, trails, routes, and areas 

adjacent to suitable habitat particularly susceptible 

to erosion and thus sediment delivery.

2) Maintain regular compliance checks on OHV 

closures to protect known populations and to 

identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures.

2) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM activities.

Land Use Authorizations: Land Use Permits, Leases, and Rights-of-Way

1) Issue new land use permits, leases, and rightsof-way (ROWs) and review existing permits, 

leases, and ROWs at renewal so as not to preclude 

species habitat conservation and recovery. This 

includes management of physical facilities, as well 

as disturbances to the species resulting from 

human uses.

1) For new permits or ROWs, and renewal of 

existing permits or ROWs, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (3). 

Avoid issuing new permits, leases or ROWs, or 

renewing existing permits, leases or ROWs

adjacent to suitable habitat if negative impacts are 

expected. If a permit, lease, or ROW is to be 

issued or re-issued adjacent to suitable habitat, 

apply stipulations to the permit or ROW that 

support or do not preclude species recovery and 

that avoid or minimize negative impacts.

2) Protect the watershed contributing to listed 

Snake River snail habitat.

2) Conduct appropriate hydrologic studies or 

analysis before permitting developments on BLMmanaged lands where the extraction of 

groundwater may negatively impact suitable 

habitat. Depending on the scope of the activity, this 

may require coordination and cooperation with 

other agencies.

Land Tenure (sale, exchanges, withdrawals, etc.)

1) Where feasible and funding is available, acquire 

through land exchange or purchase, private lands 

that support known populations or could enhance 

habitat for listed Snake River snails.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise. 

Priority should be given to lands that are adjacent 

to or near public lands.

2) Retain listed Snake River snail habitat in Federal 

ownership to the extent possible, while balancing 

other needs.

2) Review each land tenure decision in terms of 

species habitat. Avoid the loss of riparian habitat 

along the Snake River from Federal ownership. If 

property is to be transferred out of Federal 

ownership, permanent conservation easements 

may be attached to the transfer that would result in 

equal or greater protection than under Federal 

management. Such measures must be approved 

by the State Director.

Minerals: Salable and Leasable Minerals 

1) Approve development of salable or leasable 

minerals so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation and recovery. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

1) Approval of salable and leasable minerals:

a) For review of existing mineral leases, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (2). Modify existing mineral leases 

if negative impacts are occurring. 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

2) Protect the watershed contributing to listed 

Snake River snail habitat.

A-145

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

For new sales or leases, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (3). 

Avoid development of salable or leasable minerals 

adjacent to suitable habitat if negative impacts are 

expected. If a minerals lease or sale is to be issued 

adjacent to suitable habitat, apply stipulations to 

support or to not preclude species recovery.

2) Conduct appropriate hydrologic studies or 

analysis before permitting developments on BLMmanaged lands where the extraction of 

groundwater may negatively impact suitable 

habitat. Depending on the scope of the activity, this 

may require coordination and cooperation with 

other agencies.

Minerals: Locatable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow notice-level 

operations so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation and recovery. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(2). To the extent allowed by law, modify plans 

of operation or notice-level operations that 

negatively impact Snake River snail habitat. 

For notice-level operations, notify the operator 

that modifications to proposed activities will be 

required to avoid negative impacts. 

For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). To the 

extent allowed by law, avoid approving plans of 

operation or notice-level operations that negatively 

impact listed Snake River snail habitat. For noticelevel operations, notify the operator that 

modifications to proposed activities will be required 

to avoid negative impacts. If a plan of operations is 

to be approved in suitable habitat, apply 

stipulations to support or to not preclude species 

recovery. A notice will require modification by the 

operator until BLM determines that it will not result 

in undue or unnecessary degradation.

Special Designations

1) Explore the potential for new designations that 

would enhance species recovery.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-146

Bruneau Hot Springsnail

Table C-4. Conservation Measures for Bruneau Hot Springsnail.

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Air and Atmospheric Values

None None

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands (includes noxious weed and 

invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides 

(herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that may affect the 

species will be analyzed at the project level and 

designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and recovery and minimize 

risks of exposure.

1) Site specific stipulations will be developed 

locally using the following criteria:

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation 

treatment, including the following: application 

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants 

used; needed treatment buffers; and use of 

non-chemical weed control (for example, biocontrols, hand pulling). If objectives can be 

effectively accomplished using non-chemical 

methods, such is the preferred alternative.

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers 

to avoid species’ exposure to harmful 

chemicals.

Implement appropriate revegetation and 

noxious weed control measures to reduce the 

risks of non-native species infestations and 

soil erosion following any ground or vegetation 

disturbing actions in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat.

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with 

adjacent landowners and local governments 

regarding control of noxious weeds and invasive 

plants in riparian area through cooperative weed 

management programs.

2) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

3) Where needed, improve watershed conditions 

adjacent to suitable habitat to prevent soil erosion 

and negative water quality impacts. Conserve 

riparian vegetation near suitable habitat to 

minimize potential for erosion and sediment 

delivery to geothermal seeps, springs, and the 

lower Bruneau River. 

3) Management actions:

a) Identify areas with unsuitable watershed 

conditions that are negatively impacting 

suitable habitat. Restore to reduce or 

eliminate negative impacts.

Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground 

disturbance when risks of erosion and sediment 

delivery are high.

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides 

in uplands adjacent to riparian areas located near 

suitable habitat for the Bruneau hot springsnail will 

be designed and implemented in accordance with 

the approach described in the Soil Resources, 

Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and 

Wetlands management program section.

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management

program section.

2) Protect upland areas adjacent to riparian areas 

where management activities could affect suitable 

habitat.

2) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground 

disturbance when risks of erosion and sediment 

delivery to springs are high.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-147

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Fish 

1) Cooperate with IDFG in protecting Bruneau hot 

springsnails from competition and predation from 

non-native species.

1) Protection from predators and competition 

actions:

a) Cooperate in seeking opportunities to remove 

non-native competitive or predatory fish from 

watersheds with suitable habitat.

Work with IDFG to inform the public of the adverse 

effects of introducing non-native predator and 

competitive species to Bruneau hot springsnailoccupied thermal springs and seeps.

2) Cooperate in restoring habitat for possible 

reintroduction of the species.

2) Participate with other agencies in restoring 

habitats for potential re-colonization, as 

opportunities allow.

Wildlife 

1) Activities within the Wildlife management 

program will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

recovery.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Special Status Species: Common to All Programs

1) In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish 

and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), Bureau of Reclamation, hydroelectric 

power companies, and others:

1) Following actions to be completed in 

cooperation with others:

a) Continue to cooperate to identify and map all 

known populations and suitable habitat.

a) Mapping and data inventory:

i). Cooperate with IDFG, Idaho Natural 

Heritage Program (INHP), and FWS to 

update maps of all known populations and 

suitable habitat on BLM-managed lands.

In cooperation with INHP, maintain a spatial 

database of species population and habitat 

information for BLM-managed lands.

b) Follow current monitoring protocols and 

cooperate in monitoring Bruneau hot 

springsnail population trends and habitat 

conditions.

Cooperate with FWS, IDFG, and INHP to conduct 

regular monitoring of populations on BLMmanaged lands.

b) Manage BLM lands with or adjacent to 

suitable habitat and populations to promote 

species recovery and support re-colonization 

of suitable habitat.

Develop a habitat management plan, as funding 

allows.

d) Participate in research essential to recovery of 

the species. Support the geothermal aquifer 

groundwater modeling and monitoring 

program. Cooperate in determining specific 

limiting factors in terms of habitat needs and 

characteristics. Cooperate in population 

viability analyses to ensure that recovery 

criteria objectives are being met.

BLM will participate as funding allows.

e) Cooperate in incorporating geothermal aquifer As opportunities arise, work with FWS and Idaho 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

conservation measures. Department of Water Resources to pursue the 

permanent acquisition of non-use groundwater 

rights from current groundwater rights holders and 

protect these rights to support species 

conservation.

f) Working with other agencies, pursue funding 

for implementation of recovery tasks.

Cooperate with other agencies to identify potential 

sources of funding for actions that promote 

recovery, such as monitoring.

2) Ensure that ongoing Federal actions support or 

do not preclude species recovery.

2) Ongoing BLM activities:

a) As needed, review ongoing activities within 

and adjacent to suitable habitat, where local 

consultation has not yet been completed.

b) Determine if direct or indirect negative impacts 

to the species or its habitat are occurring as a 

result of ongoing discretionary BLM actions. If 

so, modify the activity to avoid or minimize 

anticipated negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species recovery.

Where needed, complete section 7 consultation 

for ongoing activities that may affect this species 

and its habitat.

3) Ensure that new Federal actions support or do 

not preclude species recovery.

3) New BLM activities:

a) Project-level inventories will be completed in 

suitable habitat during project planning if 

inventory information is not available or 

adequate.

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts to the 

species or its habitat are anticipated as a 

result of new BLM actions, modify the activity 

to avoid negative impacts and, where feasible, 

promote species recovery.

Where needed, complete section 7 consultation 

for new activities that may affect this species and 

its habitat.

4) Implement adaptive management for 

conservation actions.

4) Conduct site-specific implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring. Adjust management as 

needed to ensure that management objectives are 

met.

5) Support conservation easements, cooperative 

management efforts, and other programs on 

adjacent non-Federal lands to support 

conservation of suitable habitat.

5) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fire Suppression

1) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as 

much as possible, to protect Bruneau hot 

springsnail habitat. Place a high priority on 

protecting highly erosive areas in or adjacent to 

1) Fire management activities:

a) Review Fire Management Plan for adequacy 

in addressing conservation measures. Modify 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-149

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

suitable habitat. the plan if needed.

b) Apply Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

(MIST) in or adjacent to suitable habitat, as 

appropriate. Consult with resource advisors to 

determine where MIST tactics should be 

applied to avoid or minimize negative impacts.

Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, 

fueling areas, or other related activities in highly 

erosive areas in or adjacent to suitable habitat.

2) Coordinate with Idaho Department of Lands, the 

Military, or other applicable agency personnel 

regarding fire suppression activities in or adjacent 

to suitable habitat.

2) Ongoing interagency coordination.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area 

Rehabilitation 

1) Implement Emergency Stabilization and Burned 

Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR) activities to 

promote restoration in or adjacent to suitable 

Bruneau hot springsnail habitat.

1) ES&BAR activities:

a) If needed and if natural recovery would not 

achieve habitat objectives, implement 

ES&BAR activities to promote rehabilitation in 

or adjacent to suitable habitat. Plant locally 

appropriate vegetation to prevent erosion, if 

the natural drainage regime has been altered 

or if natural recovery of such vegetation is 

doubtful. Include requirements that protect 

Bruneau hot springsnail habitat, for example, 

install sediment barriers.

As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until sitespecific stabilization, rehabilitation, and 

revegetation plan goals are met.

2) Fire rehabilitation projects involving the 

application of pesticides will be analyzed and 

implemented in accordance with the approach 

described in Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Upland 

Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive 

plant management), and all Wildland Fire Ecology

and Management program sections. 

2) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management), and all Wildland Fire Ecology and 

Management program sections. 

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Wildland Fire Use

1) Wildland fire use projects will be designed to 

conserve suitable Bruneau hot springsnail habitat.

1) Wildland fire use is not an option in the planning 

area per WFM-A-1.

Reword similar to original

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Prescribed Fire

1) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to 

conserve suitable Bruneau hot springsnail habitat.

1) When developing and implementing prescribed 

fire plans, avoid negative impacts in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fuels

1) Implement projects involving the application of 

pesticides in accordance with the approach 

described in the Soil Resources, Water 

Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands, 

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and 

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands, Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management), and all Wildland Fire Ecology and 

Management program sections. 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

invasive plant management), and all Wildland Fire 

Ecology and Management program sections. 

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Community Assistance

1) Follow all measures included throughout the 

Wildland Fire and Ecology Management program 

sections.

1) See actions within Wildland Fire Ecology and 

Management program sections. Incorporate into 

community assistance agreements.

Wild Horses 

None None

Paleontological Resources

1) Activities in the Paleontological Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the 

Special Status Species management program 

section to promote conservation. 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Cultural Resources

1) Activities in the Cultural Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the 

Special Status Species management program 

section to promote conservation. 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from 

the Special Status Species management 

program section in this table.

Visual Resources

1) Activities within the Visual Resource

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Soil 

Resources, Water Resources, Riparian Areas and 

Wetlands, and Upland Vegetation (includes 

noxious weed and invasive plant management) 

management programs when implementing 

actions in occupied or suitable habitat for special 

status wildlife. 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian 

Areas and Wetlands and Upland Vegetation 

(includes noxious weed and invasive plant 

management) management program sections. 

Livestock Grazing: Permits and Leases

1) Manage livestock grazing and trailing adjacent 

to suitable Bruneau hot springsnail habitat to 

promote healthy watershed conditions. Maintain 

and promote suitable habitat conditions for the 

Bruneau hot springsnail while implementing 

rangeland health standards and guidelines.

1) Permit or lease actions:

a) For review of ongoing actions, see 

Special Status Species 

management program section item 

(2).

b) For new actions, see Special 

Status Species management 

program section item (3).

As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify livestock grazing permits and 

leases.

2) Promote restoration in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat following fire, fire rehabilitation, restoration 

treatments, or other major disturbances through 

adjustments in livestock grazing, as appropriate. 

2) As needed, issue temporary pasture closures 

until vegetation is re-established, self-sustaining, 

and on an upward trend for controlling erosion and 

preventing sediment delivery.

3) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing 

allotments within or adjacent to suitable habitat to 

identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures.

3) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM action.

4) Protect suitable Bruneau hot springsnail habitat 4) Continue to exclude grazing in the portion of the 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

in the Bruneau Canyon. Bruneau canyon that contains springs and seeps 

occupied by the Bruneau hot springsnail and 

formalize this by modifying the appropriate grazing 

decisions.

Livestock Grazing: Range Infrastructure

1) Manage livestock facilities to promote healthy 

riparian communities or to prevent erosion, or a 

combination of these objectives, while 

implementing rangeland health standards and 

guidelines.

1) For review of ongoing actions in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (2). For new 

actions in or adjacent to suitable habitat, see

Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). As appropriate to avoid or 

minimize negative impacts, modify existing and 

avoid placement of new livestock facilities.

2) Protect all springs in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat to conserve and recover Bruneau hot 

springsnail habitat.

2) Facilities management actions:

a) On BLM managed lands, prohibit development 

of springs or other water sources in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat unless the activity 

will have beneficial long-term or neutral effects 

on Bruneau hot springsnail populations.

Continue to maintain livestock exclosure fencing 

annually and assess the need for additional 

measures to promote species recovery.

Recreation

1) Developed facilities (boat access, paved 

campgrounds, vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, 

etc.): Manage existing and new recreation facilities 

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation 

and recovery. This includes management of the 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Management of existing and new facilities:

a) For review of existing facilities near known 

populations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (2). As 

appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify existing facilities.

Prohibit development of new recreation facilities in 

or adjacent to suitable habitat.

2) Dispersed use areas (informal areas, including 

camping, spring access, and tie-up areas for pack 

animals and boats): Protect thermal springs in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat to conserve Bruneau 

hot springsnail habitat. Manage dispersed use 

sites so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation and recovery. This includes limiting 

disturbance to the species resulting from human 

uses.

2) Dispersed use areas:

a) Minimize human activity in suitable habitat. 

Close areas, either seasonally or year-round, 

as needed if negative impacts are occurring to 

protect the species and its habitat, and post 

and monitor the closure.

Discourage human entry in springs in suitable 

habitat. Post and monitor needed closures.

3) Commercial and non-commercial recreation 

permits including outfitter camps: Issue 

commercial and non-commercial recreation 

permits in accordance with goals for promoting 

species habitat conservation and recovery. This 

includes management of physical facilities (such 

as camps), as well as disturbance to the species 

resulting from human uses.

3) Issuance and review of existing and new 

permits:

a) For review of existing permits near known 

populations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (2). If 

needed, modify existing permits if the 

permitted activity is causing negative impacts.

For new permits in or adjacent to suitable habitat, 

see Special Status Species management program 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-152

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

section item (3). Avoid issuing recreation permits if 

negative impacts are expected. In particular, avoid 

permitting new recreation activities in or adjacent 

to suitable habitat. If a recreation permit is to be 

issued, apply stipulations to the permit to support 

or to not preclude species conservation and 

recovery.

4) Educate the public on the springsnail's unique 

ecological requirements, sensitivity to habitat 

alteration and need for protection.

4) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Transportation and Travel

1) Manage roads, off-highway vehicle (OHV) 

routes and areas, and non-motorized trails, so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation and 

recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species 

resulting from human uses.

1) Review of existing and new roads, OHV routes 

and areas, and non-motorized trails:

a) For existing roads, OHV routes and areas, 

and non-motorized trails near known 

populations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (2). Limit 

OHV activities in areas particularly susceptible 

to erosion and thus sediment delivery to 

springs. Seek opportunities to close and 

revegetate OHV routes or non-motorized trails 

and use areas if negative impacts are 

occurring.

For new roads, OHV routes and areas, and nonmotorized trails, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid 

constructing new roads, trails, routes, and areas if 

negative impacts are expected. Avoid opening 

new roads, trails, routes, and areas in or adjacent 

to suitable habitat particularly susceptible to 

erosion and thus sediment delivery to springs.

2) Seek opportunities to close and revegetate 

designated and user-created OHV routes or nonmotorized trails and use areas, if such use causes 

negative impacts to suitable habitat.

2) See Special Status Species management 

program section item (2).

3) Maintain regular compliance checks on OHV 

closures to protect known populations and to 

identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures.

3) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM activities.

Land Use Authorizations: Land Use Permits, Leases, and Rights-of-Way

1) Issue new land use permits, leases, and rightsof-way (ROWs) and review existing permits, 

leases, and ROWs at renewal so as not to 

preclude species habitat conservation and 

recovery. This includes management of physical 

facilities, as well as disturbances to the species 

resulting from human uses.

1) For new permits or ROWs, and renewal of 

existing permits or ROWs near known populations 

and suitable habitat, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid 

issuing new permits leases, or ROWs, or renewing 

existing permits, leases, or ROWs in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat if negative impacts are expected. If 

a permit, lease, or ROW is to be issued or reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to the 

permit or ROW that support or do not preclude 

species recovery and that avoid negative impacts.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-153

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

2) Protect the groundwater contributing to Bruneau 

hot springsnail habitat.

2) Conduct appropriate hydrologic studies or 

analysis before permitting developments on BLMmanaged lands where the extraction of 

groundwater may reduce or eliminate flows in 

suitable habitat. Depending on the scope of the 

activity, this may require coordination and 

cooperation with other agencies.

Land Tenure (sale, exchanges, withdrawals, etc.)

1) Where feasible and funding is available, acquire 

through land exchange or purchase, private lands 

that support known populations or could enhance 

habitat for Bruneau hot springsnails.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise. 

Priority should be given to lands that are adjacent 

to or near public lands.

2) Retain Bruneau hot springsnail habitats in 

Federal ownership.

2) Land tenure adjustments:

a) Retain all suitable habitat in Federal 

ownership.

Within areas adjacent to suitable habitat review 

each land tenure decision in terms of species 

recovery. Retain these areas in Federal ownership 

unless the land tenure adjustment results in a 

long-term benefit to species recovery.

Minerals: Salable and Leasable Minerals 

1) Approve development of salable or leasable 

minerals so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation and recovery. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

1) Approval of salable and leasable minerals:

a) For review of existing mineral leases, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (2). Modify existing mineral 

leases if negative impacts are occurring.

For new sales or leases in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat, see Special Status Species management 

program section item (3). Avoid development of 

salable or leasable minerals in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat if negative impacts are expected. If 

a minerals lease or sale is to be issued in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat, apply stipulations to

support or to not preclude species recovery.

2) Protect the groundwater sources that contribute 

to Bruneau hot springsnail habitat.

2) Conduct appropriate hydrologic studies or 

analysis before permitting developments on BLMmanaged lands where the extraction of 

groundwater may reduce or eliminate flows in or 

adjacent to habitats. Depending on the scope of 

the activity, this may require coordination and 

cooperation with other agencies.

Minerals: Locatable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow noticelevel operations so as not to preclude species 

habitat conservation and recovery. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations near known 

populations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (2). To the 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-154

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

extent allowed by law, modify plans of 

operation or notice-level operations that 

conflict with Bruneau hot springsnail 

objectives in or adjacent to suitable habitat. 

For notice-level operations, notify the operator 

that modifications to proposed activities will be 

required to avoid negative impacts.

For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations in or adjacent to suitable habitat, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). To the extent allowed by law, 

avoid approving plans of operation or notice-level 

operations that conflict with Bruneau hot 

springsnail objectives in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 

operator that modifications to proposed activities 

will be required to avoid negative impacts. If a plan 

of operations is to be approved in or adjacent to 

suitable habitat, apply stipulations to support or to 

not preclude species recovery. A notice will 

require modification by the operator until BLM 

determines that it will not result in undue or 

unnecessary degradation.

Special Designations

1) Explore the potential for new designations that 

would enhance species recovery.

1) As opportunities arise, recommend suitable 

habitat for Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

designation.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-155

Jarbidge River Bull Trout

Recovery plans are developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and/or National Marine 

Fisheries Service and establish recovery objectives for a species, provide a listing of tasks necessary to 

achieve those objectives, and recommend assignments to involve agencies to carry out these tasks. A 

primary function of recovery plans is to combine programs of all agencies involved in managing a species 

into a coordinated management effort. The BLM has incorporated conservation measures for Jarbidge 

River bull trout into the Approved Jarbidge RMP to promote the attainment of the objectives from the 

2004 Draft Recovery Plan for the Jarbidge River Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout (FWS, 2004) 

and the 2014 Revised Draft Recovery Plan for the Conterminous United States Population of Bull Trout 

(Salvelinus confluentus) (FWS, 2014a). The conservation measures and implementation actions from 

these plans are consistent with to the goals, objectives and management actions in the ROD/RMP. 

Conservation measures are subject to revision in cooperation with the Federal and State agencies

identified below. 

Table C-5. Conservation Measures for Jarbidge River Bull Trout.

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Interagency Cooperation and Coordination

1) In cooperation with Nevada Department of 

Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, US 

Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS), 

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality 

(DEQ), Nevada Division of Environmental 

Protection (NDEP), Duck Valley Paiute-Shoshone 

Tribes, US Geologic Survey, and FWS (Boise, ID 

and Reno, NV), provide long-term habitat 

protection for bull trout on BLM managed land.

1) Cooperate with other Federal and State 

agencies as BLM staffing and budgets allow. 

Support opportunities for interagency 

conservation and restoration actions on BLM 

managed land as they become available.

2) Support collaborative efforts by local 

watershed groups to implement bull trout 

recovery actions and provide long-term habitat 

protection for Jarbidge River bull trout.

Population Characteristics

1) Cooperate with other Federal and State 

agencies as BLM staffing and budgets allow. 

Support opportunities for interagency conservation 

and restoration actions on BLM managed land as 

they become available.

a) Identify and implement a standardized, 

statistically sound bull trout population 

monitoring program on BLM-managed land. 

Increase bull trout surveys to locate and 

assess bull trout spawning habitats on BLM 

land.

b) Coordinate and evaluate scientific data 

collection to determine seasonal movement 

patterns and habitat use of migratory bull 

trout on BLM-managed land.

c) Determine basic genetic and resident and 

migratory life history characteristics for bull 

trout on BLM-managed land.

Determine range of water temperature 

tolerances for bull trout life stages and life 

history forms on BLM-managed land.

Habitat Condition Assessment

1) Cooperate with other Federal and State 

agencies as BLM staffing and budgets allow. 

Support opportunities for interagency conservation 

and restoration actions on BLM managed land as 

they become available.

a) Assess, restore and maintain riparian habitat 

and stream channels on BLM-managed 

land. Minimize stream channel degradation 

on BLM-managed land.

b) Assess and reduce sources of thermal 

loading, sediment delivery, and nutrient 

delivery to streams on BLM-managed land.

Reduce instream and riparian wood harvest 

on BLM-managed land. Determine the effect 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-156

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

of water withdrawals on stream 

temperatures and flows on streams.

Work cooperatively with DEQ and NDEP to 

attain water quality objectives for streams on 

BLM-managed land.

Habitat Restoration

1) Cooperate with other Federal and State 

agencies as BLM staffing and budgets allow. 

Support opportunities for interagency conservation 

and restoration actions on BLM managed land as 

they become available.

2) Consider working cooperatively with the U.S. 

Forest Service, Three Creek Highway 

Department, and Owyhee and Elko counties, 

Nevada, to develop a road maintenance 

agreement that minimizes sediment contributions 

to bull trout critical habitat.

a) Assess habitat restoration techniques and 

effectiveness on BLM managed land. 

b) Assess and minimize livestock grazing and 

recreation related impacts on BLM managed 

lands.

Assess suitability of degraded and unoccupied 

habitats for expanding distribution and 

abundance of bull trout on BLM managed land.

Critical Habitat for Bull Trout

The FWS has identified Primary Constituent Elements (PCEs) as those physical and biological features 

essential to the conservation of the species, and within areas occupied by the species at the time of 

listing, that may require special management considerations and protection (Endangered and Threatened 

Wildlife and Plants, 2010). These include space for individual and population growth and for normal 

behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals or other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or 

shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, rearing of offspring; and habitats that are protected from 

disturbance or are representative of the historic geographical and ecological distributions of a species. 

The PCEs and their associated matrix indicator are displayed in Table C-6.

The FWS evaluates the impacts of activities on critical habitat for bull trout by determining the impact of 

the activity on the PCEs of critical habitat. The impacts of BLM land management activities were 

evaluated using the Bull Trout Matrix of Pathways and Indicators (matrix) (FWS, 1998). The matrix of 

pathways and indicators for Jarbidge River bull trout is displayed in Appendix B, Table B-1). The matrix 

indicators correspond to the critical habitat for bull trout PCEs. The matrix contains 23 indicators, four of 

which are tied to subpopulation characteristics and 19 of which are tied to habitat. Twenty of the 23

indicators are directly or indirectly related to one or more of the nine PCEs, and each PCE corresponds to 

one or more indicators. Essentially, if an action impacts one of the 23 indicators in the matrix, then at 

least one of the PCEs for critical habitat would also be impacted.

Table C-6. PCEs for Critical Habitat for Bull Trout and the Associated Matrix Indicators.

PCE PCE Description Associated Matrix Indicators

1 

Springs, seeps, groundwater sources, and 

sub-surface water to contribute to water 

quality and quantity as a cold water source.

Floodplain connectivity, sediment, substrate 

embeddedness, chemical contamination and 

nutrients, off-channel habitat, streambank 

condition, change in peak/base flows, increase in 

drainage network, road density and location, 

disturbance history, riparian conservation areas, 

and refugia.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-157

PCE PCE Description Associated Matrix Indicators

2 

Migratory corridors with minimal physical, 

biological, or water quality impediments 

between spawning, rearing, overwintering, 

and foraging habitats, including intermittent 

or seasonal barriers induced by high water 

temperatures or low flows.

Physical barriers, substrate embeddedness, 

average wetted width/maximum depth ratio, 

change in peak/base flows, persistence and 

genetic integrity, temperature, chemical 

contamination and nutrients, and refugia.

3 

An abundant food base, including terrestrial 

organisms of riparian origin, aquatic macro 

invertebrates, and forage fish.

Sediment, substrate embeddedness, chemical 

contamination/nutrients, large woody debris, offchannel habitat, floodplain connectivity, 

streambank condition, riparian conservation areas, 

and refugia.

4 

Complex stream channels with features 

such as woody debris, side channels, 

pools, and undercut banks to provide a 

variety of depths, velocities, and instream 

structures.

Sediment, substrate embeddedness, large woody 

debris, pool frequency and quality, large pools, offchannel habitat, average wetted width/maximum 

depth ratio, streambank condition, riparian 

conservation areas, floodplain connectivity, road 

density and location, disturbance regime, and 

refugia.

5 

Water temperatures that support bull trout 

use. Bull trout have been documented in 

streams with temperatures from 32 to 72°F 

(0 to 22°C) but are found more frequently in 

temperatures ranging from 36 to 59°F (2 to 

15 °C). These temperature ranges may 

vary depending on bull trout life history 

stage and form, geography, elevation, 

diurnal and seasonal variation, shade, such 

as that provided by riparian habitat, and 

local groundwater influence. 

Temperature, off-channel habitat, floodplain 

connectivity, average wetted width/maximum 

depth ratio, streambank condition, change in 

peak/base flows, road density and location, 

disturbance history, riparian conservation areas, 

and refugia.

6 

Substrates of sufficient amount, size, and 

composition to ensure success of egg and 

embryo overwinter survival, fry emergence, 

and young-of-the-year and juvenile 

survival. This should include a minimal 

amount of fine substrate less than 0.25 inch 

in diameter. The size and amounts of fine 

sediment suitable to bull trout will likely vary 

from system to system.

Sediment, substrate embeddedness, streambank 

condition, riparian conservation areas, floodplain 

connectivity, increase in drainage network, road 

density and location, disturbance regime, and 

refugia.

7 

A natural hydrograph, including peak, high, 

low, and base flows within historic ranges 

or, if regulated, that operates under a 

Biological Opinion that addresses bull trout 

or a hydrograph that demonstrates the 

ability to support bull trout populations by 

minimizing daily and day-to-day fluctuations 

and minimizing departures from the natural 

cycle of flow levels corresponding with 

seasonal variation.

Change in peak/base flows, streambank condition, 

floodplain connectivity, increase in drainage 

network, road density and location, disturbance 

history, riparian conservation areas, and refugia.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-158

PCE PCE Description Associated Matrix Indicators

8 

Permanent water of sufficient quantity and 

quality such that normal reproduction, 

growth, and survival are not inhibited.

Temperature, chemical contamination/nutrients, 

streambank condition, riparian conservation areas, 

floodplain connectivity, increases in drainage 

network, road density and location, disturbance 

regime, and refugia.

9 

Sufficiently low levels of occurrence of nonnative predatory (e.g., lake trout, walleye, 

northern pike, smallmouth bass); 

interbreeding (e.g., brook trout); or 

competing (e.g., brown trout) species that, 

if present, are adequately temporally and 

spatially isolated from bull trout.

Persistence and genetic integrity.

The BLM consults with the FWS on actions that may affect Endangered Species Act (ESA)-listed species 

or their habitat according to the Streamlined Consultation Procedures for Section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act (USFS et al., 1999). Actions that May Affect, but are Not Likely to Adversely Affect ESA-listed 

species or their habitat are implemented under letters of concurrence provided by the FWS. Actions that 

“may affect, and are Likely to Adversely Affect ESA-listed species or their habitat are implemented under 

FWS Biological Opinions which include reasonable and prudent measures and mandatory terms and 

conditions that are to be applied to implemented actions to avoid jeopardizing the species. There are two

Biological Opinions for bull trout and their critical habitat in the Jarbidge planning area; one is for stream 

crossing replacements and the other is for livestock trailing. The terms and conditions specific to these 

consultations are displayed in Table C-7. This list of terms and conditions is dynamic and subject to 

change with future actions that may result in adverse impacts to ESA-listed species or their habitat.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-159

Table C-7 Conservation Measures for Jarbidge River Bull Trout Derived from ESA Consultation

Reasonable and Prudent Measures Terms and Conditions

Biological Opinion – Restoration Activities at Stream Crossings (Stream Crossing Programmatic; 

Terms and Conditions)

1) Minimize incidence of take and site disturbance 

during stream crossing installations and 

replacement.

1) Ensure the stream crossing project design team 

seeks input and agreement from the Level 1 team 

during the design process and during pre-project 

reviews. The project design team shall remain 

flexible in the design process in order to adapt to 

various and unique site conditions and ensure the 

likelihood that completed projects meet 

programmatic objectives.

2) Minimize the incidence of take that occurs as a 

result of programmatic stream crossing 

replacements.

2) Ensure the following: see the terms and 

conditions a) through e) in the programmatic stream 

crossing consultation (2012) 

a) Implement the following best management 

practices in addition to implementing all 

programmatic activities consistent with the 

project design criteria, activity types, and 

mitigation measures presented in the proposed 

action:

i). Determine, based on site characteristics, 

whether or not reducing streamflow in order 

to passively move fish out of the 

construction site prior to electroshocking 

would reduce the potential for take of bull 

trout associated with electroshocking. 

Prioritize this passive movement of fish as 

appropriate.

ii). Electroshocking, where utilized, will be 

conducted with a three pass methods to 

ensure the greatest level of fish salvage 

unless previously approved by the Level 1 

Team to perform more or fewer passes.

iii). Ensure that holding conditions for any 

transported fish provide the lowest level of 

stress to captures individuals by ensuring 

the availability of cold, well oxygenated 

water in holding vessels, minimizing holding 

time, and avoiding any predation in holding 

vessels. To avoid predation, consider 

separate holding vessels for different age 

classes of bull trout.

iv). While block nets are set, inspect them 

regularly for fish and remove any living to an 

area far enough away from the crossing to 

void additional impingement risk.

v). Stream dewatering is not expected to last 

more than two weeks. If site specific 

conditions require dewatering and diverting 

the stream channel for longer than two 

weeks, Level 1 teams shall be consulted to 

determine if additional measures are 

necessary to ensure that project effects are 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-160

Reasonable and Prudent Measures Terms and Conditions

within those described in the Biological 

Opinion.

vi). For projects in bull trout spawning and 

rearing habitat, if instream work is required, 

it shall be completed by August 15th and 

instream work may not commence until May 

1, to avoid potential effects to spawning bull 

trout, eggs, alevins, and fry. If site specific 

information and rationale shows that these 

time frames can be adjusted without 

additional harm to bull trout, the Level 1 

team has the discretion to do so. Rationale 

for work in spawning areas in the spring 

prior to May 1 should also include site 

specific survey data that indicates bull trout 

did not spawn there the previous year.

b) The NOAA (2009) guidelines shall be used for 

any installation of treated wood if copper or 

creosote-based treatments are used. For other 

treated wood products, adhere to guidelines in

Preservative-Treated Wood and Alternative 

Products in the Forest Service (Groenier and 

Lebow, 2006) and Best Management Practices 

for the Use of Treated Wood in Aquatic 

Environments (Western Wood Preservers 

Institute, 1996).

c) Survey all proposed ford sites prior to design 

and implementation to evaluate the stream for 

potential bull trout spawning habitat and to 

ensure project design does not promote 

spawning at or immediately downstream of the 

proposed ford site.

d) Provide Level 1 Teams with a written rationale 

statement (attached to project checklist) 

supporting any determination that overall 

impacts to stream channels will be reduced at 

crossing sites proposed for conversion to a ford.

e) If a temporary crossing is needed, the project 

design team will ensure that the designated 

temporary crossing area minimizes effects to 

bull trout and critical habitat.

i). Provide Level 1 Teams with a written 

rationale statement (attached to the preproject checklist) as to why the temporary 

crossing is necessary and what steps are 

being taken to ensure effects are minimized.

ii). The area shall be cleared of bull trout prior 

to equipment crossing, and the block nets 

will be removed immediately after 

equipment crosses.

iii). Minimize the frequency of crossings by 

equipment: only allow equipment and 

vehicles to cross that are absolutely 

necessary.

Width of temporary crossings will be approximately 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-161

Reasonable and Prudent Measures Terms and Conditions

14 feet wide, the average road width of Forest 

Service roads.

3) Establish a monitoring plan to confirm projects 

implemented under the programmatic BO meet 

the objectives of the programmatic BO and are 

also not exceeding the amount and/or extent of 

take from permitted activities.

a) Ensure the following:

i). All captured, handled and killed ESA-listed 

fish shall be identified, counted, and 

reported on the “post-project checklist” in 

Appendix A of the BO.

ii). The BLM will implement a suspended 

sediment/turbidity monitoring program. 

Under the monitoring plan, a reasonable 

sample of project implemented under this 

consultation will be assessed to assure that 

the incidental take associated with 

suspended sediment and exempted in the 

BO has not been exceeded. At a minimum, 

25 percent of the projects completed under 

the BO will have monitoring completed that 

assesses the duration and intensity of 

turbidity. Monitoring can be adjusted as 

needed, but should consider the following 

recommendations:

a. Monitoring should occur above the site 

once for reference conditions before 

project begins and prior to stream rewatering.

b. Monitoring should occur below the 

construction site where the bypass or 

stream diversion enters the stream and 

600 feet below the site. Alternative sites 

may be chosen if 600 feet is excessive 

for a particular site.

c. Measurements shall be recorded at the 

following times: 

i. Prior to re-watering the stream and

Every 30 minutes after re-watering for 4 hours or 

until turbidity decreases to background levels.

Biological Opinion - Bureau of Land Management Ongoing Actions and Livestock Trailing – Bull 

Trout Critical Habitat – Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Owyhee, and Shoshone Counties, 

Idaho and Elko County, Nevada

1) Minimize the potential for harassment of bull 

trout and disruption of riparian and aquatic 

habitat from project activities.

1) Ensure the following:

a) Livestock trailing activities occur as 

described in the livestock trailing EA (DOIBLM-ID-T010-2012-0004-EA) and 

associated trailing permits.

Individual livestock stream crossing events shall be 

completed in the minimum amount of time possible 

within the allowable 1 hour stream crossing time 

window.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-162

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

Table C-8. Conservation Measures and Implementation Actions for Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Air and Atmospheric Values

None None

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands (includes noxious weed and 

invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides

(herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that may affect the 

species will be analyzed at the project level and 

designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and minimize risks of 

exposure.

1) Site-specific stipulations will be developed locally

using the following criteria:

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation

treatment, including the following: application

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants

used; needed treatment buffers; and use of

non-chemical noxious weed control (for

example, bio-controls, hand pulling). If

objectives can be effectively accomplished

using non-chemical methods, such is the

preferred alternative.

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers

to avoid species’ exposure to harmful

chemicals.

Implement appropriate revegetation and noxious 

weed control measures to reduce the risks of 

invasive plant species infestations following any 

ground/soil-disturbing actions in or near suitable 

habitat.

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with

adjacent landowners and local governments 

regarding control of noxious weeds and invasive 

plants in riparian areas through cooperative weed 

management programs.

2) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

3) Conserve riparian vegetation in suitable habitat

(for example, healthy willow stands and cottonwood 

trees) to maintain their integrity for use by yellowbilled cuckoos, and initiate management in 

restoration areas.

3) Implementation actions:

a) Emphasize eradication of non-native invasive

species in riparian areas that compete with

willow and cottonwood tree regeneration.

Continue to identify problem areas and

implement appropriate noxious weed control

measures.

b) Avoid issuing commercial firewood cutting

permits in suitable habitats in riparian forests. If

permits are issued, ensure that such activities

are consistent with the long-term maintenance

of suitable habitat and enhancement of

restoration areas.

As needed, close suitable habitat in riparian forests 

to non-commercial firewood cutting and post the 

closure.

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides in

uplands adjacent to suitable yellow-billed cuckoo 

habitat or in restoration areas will be designed and 

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management 

program section.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

c) BLM will participate as funding allows.

A-163

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

implemented in accordance with the approach 

described in the Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands management

program section.

2) Projects involving the application of pesticides in

forested areas and woodlands adjacent to suitable 

yellow-billed cuckoo habitat or in restoration areas 

will be designed and implemented in accordance 

with the approach described in the Soil Resources, 

Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and 

Wetlands management program section.

2) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management 

program section.

Fish 

1) Activities within the Fish management program

section will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Wildlife 

1) In restoration areas, cooperate in creating

opportunities for yellow-billed cuckoo occupancy by 

enhancing habitat.

1) Consider planting or other habitat enhancement

measures to improve yellow-billed cuckoo habitat.

Special Status Species: Common to All Programs

1) In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish

and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), and others:

1) Following actions to be completed in

cooperation with others:

a) Continue to cooperate in determining the

distribution of known populations and suitable

habitats.

a) Mapping and data inventory:

i). Use IDFG, Idaho Natural Heritage Program

(INHP), FWS, and other data to identify, 

record, and map known populations and 

suitable habitat on BLM managed lands.

ii). Maintain a spatial database of species 

population and habitat information for BLM 

managed lands.

Participate in surveys and map new populations as 

found. Systematic inventories will continue to be 

conducted in cooperation with other agencies.

b) Follow current monitoring protocols and

continue to cooperate in monitoring for species

presence on a regular basis.

c) Participate in research essential to conservation

of the species. Cooperate in determining 

specific limiting factors in terms of habitat 

needs and characteristics.

Cooperate with IDFG and FWS to conduct regular 

monitoring of populations on BLM managed lands. 

Assist in documenting whether cuckoos are using 

habitats and the type of use.

d) Cooperate in the management and

improvement of suitable habitat to promote

species conservation.

Where appropriate, update or develop 

management plans for suitable habitat, particularly 

in areas with known populations, as well as in 

restoration areas.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

1) Fire management activities:

a) Review Fire Management Plan for adequacy in 

addressing conservation measures. Modify the 

plan if needed.

b) Apply Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

(MIST) in suitable habitat, as appropriate. 

Consult with resource advisors to determine 

where MIST tactics should be applied to avoid 

or minimize negative impacts.

A-164

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

e) Working with other agencies, compile a 

general list of best management practices 

(BMPs) that would apply to all programs, to the 

extent that such a list would assist with species 

and habitat conservation. The intent of 

implementing BMPs is to avoid or minimize 

negative impacts.

e) BMPs:

i). State Office to coordinate development of 

BMPs with Field Office, District Office, 

FWS, and IDFG. Instruction memorandum 

to be issued by State Office.

Field Office to implement BMPs.

2) Ensure that ongoing Federal actions support or 

do not preclude species conservation.

2) Ongoing BLM activities:

a) Review ongoing activities in locations with 

known populations.

Determine if direct or indirect negative impacts to 

the species or its habitat are occurring as a result 

of ongoing discretionary BLM actions. If so, modify 

the activity to avoid or minimize negative impacts 

and, where feasible, promote species 

conservation.

3) Ensure that new Federal actions support or do 

not preclude species conservation.

3) New BLM activities:

a) Project-level inventories will be completed in 

suitable habitat during project planning if 

inventory information is not available or 

adequate. 

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts to the 

species or its habitat are anticipated as a result 

of new BLM actions, modify the activity to 

avoid or minimize negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species conservation.

Avoid implementing activities that have the 

potential to disturb or displace known populations 

of cuckoos during the breeding season (May into 

early September) (Franzreb and Laymon, 1993).

4) Implement adaptive management as needed to 

achieve conservation objectives.

4) Conduct site-specific implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring. Adjust management as 

needed to ensure that management objectives are 

met.

5) Support conservation easements, cooperative 

management efforts, and other programs on 

adjacent non-Federal lands to support 

conservation of the yellow-billed cuckoo.

5) Take advantage of opportunities as they 

arise.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fire Suppression

1) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as 

possible, to protect yellow-billed cuckoo habitat.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-165

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Do not locate fire base camps, staging areas, and 

fueling areas in suitable habitat. Avoid locating 

these and other related activities in suitable habitat.

2) Coordinate with US Forest Service, Idaho 

Department of Lands, or other applicable agency 

personnel regarding fire suppression activities in or 

near suitable habitat.

2) Ongoing interagency coordination.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation

1) Implement Emergency Stabilization and Burned 

Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR) activities to promote 

yellow-billed cuckoo habitat rehabilitation.

1) ES&BAR activities:

a) If needed and if natural recovery would not 

achieve habitat objectives, implement ES&BAR 

activities to promote rehabilitation of suitable 

habitat. Plant locally appropriate trees and 

shrubs, if natural recovery of such vegetation is 

doubtful.

As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until the 

cottonwood saplings (and other target tree and 

shrub species) are re-established and selfsustaining.

2) Fire rehabilitation projects involving the 

application of pesticides in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat areas will be analyzed and implemented in 

accordance with the approach described in the Soil 

Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas 

and Wetlands management program section.

2) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management 

program section.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Wildland Fire Use

1) Wildland fire use projects (where allowed) will be 

designed to conserve suitable yellow-billed cuckoo 

habitat.

1) Wildland fire use is not an option in the planning 

area per WFM-A-1.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Prescribed Fire

1) Prescribed fire use projects will be designed to 

conserve suitable yellow-billed cuckoo habitat and 

restoration areas.

1) When developing and implementing prescribed 

fire plans, avoid or minimize negative impacts to 

suitable habitat, and use prescribed fire as a tool 

for enhancing restoration areas.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fuels

1) Implement projects involving the application of 

pesticides in or adjacent to suitable habitat or 

restoration areas in accordance with the approach 

described in the Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands management

program section.

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands management 

program section.

2) Promote establishment of vegetation needed to 

achieve suitable yellow-billed cuckoo habitat.

2) Incorporate conservation actions into the fuels 

projects, as needed. For example, design seed 

mixes or plantings that will enhance or promote the 

growth of willows, cottonwoods, or other target 

shrub and tree species.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Community Assistance

1) Follow all measures included throughout the 

Wildland Fire and Ecology Management program 

sections.

1) See actions within Wildland Fire and Ecology 

Management program sections. Incorporate into 

community assistance agreements.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-166

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Wild Horses

1) Activities within the Wild Horse Management 

program will implement relevant conservation 

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

conservation.

Paleontological Resources

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

1) Activities within the Paleontological Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Special 

Status Species management program section to 

promote conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Cultural Resources

1) Activities within the Cultural Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Special 

Status Species management program section to 

promote conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section in this table.

Visual Resources

None None

Livestock Grazing: Permits and Leases

1) Manage livestock grazing and trailing to promote 

growth and recruitment of healthy riparian 

vegetation communities (for example, willows and 

cottonwood trees). Maintain and promote suitable 

habitat and restore areas for the yellow-billed 

cuckoo while implementing rangeland health 

standards and guidelines.

1) Permit or lease renewal actions:

a) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2).

b) For new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3).

As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify livestock grazing permits and 

leases.

2) Promote restoration of suitable habitat following 

fire, fire rehabilitation, restoration treatments, or 

other major disturbances.

2) As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until the 

willow shrubs and cottonwood saplings (or other 

target riparian species) are re-established and selfsustaining.

3) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing 

allotments with known populations to identify 

problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures.

3) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM action.

Livestock Grazing: Range Infrastructure

1) Manage livestock facilities to promote healthy 

riparian vegetation communities (for example, 

willows and cottonwood trees). Maintain and 

promote suitable habitat and restore areas for the 

yellow-billed cuckoo while implementing rangeland 

health standards and guidelines.

1) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). For new actions, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). As 

appropriate to avoid or minimize negative impacts, 

modify existing and avoid placement of new 

livestock facilities.

Recreation

1) Developed facilities (boat access, paved 

campgrounds, vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, 

etc.): Manage existing and new recreation facilities 

1) Management of existing and new facilities:

a) For review of existing facilities, see Special 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

Transportation and Travel

1) Manage roads, off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes 

and areas, as well as non-motorized trails, so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation. This 

includes management of physical facilities, as well 

as disturbances to the species resulting from 

human uses.

A-167

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation. 

This includes management of the physical facilities, 

as well as disturbances to the species resulting 

from human uses.

Status Species management program section

item (2). As appropriate to avoid or minimize 

negative impacts, modify existing facilities.

For new facilities, or for expansion of uses or 

seasons of use at existing facilities, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(3). In addition, avoid development of new 

recreation facilities or expansion of existing 

facilities in suitable habitat, if negative impacts are 

anticipated.

2) Dispersed use areas (informal areas, including 

camping areas and tie-up areas for pack animals 

and boats): Manage dispersed use sites so as not 

to preclude species habitat conservation. This 

includes limiting disturbances to the species 

resulting from human uses.

2) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). In addition, minimize human activity in suitable 

habitat if negative impacts are occurring. Close 

areas, either seasonally or year-round, as needed 

to protect the species and its habitat, and post and 

monitor the closure.

3) Commercial and noncommercial recreation 

permits, including outfitter camps: Issue 

commercial and non-commercial recreation permits 

in accordance with goals for promoting species 

habitat conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities (such as camps), as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

3) Issuance and review of existing and new 

permits:

a) For review of existing permits, see Special 

Status Species management program section

item (2). If needed, modify existing permits that 

conflict with achieving or maintaining suitable 

habitat conditions.

For new permits, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). Avoid 

issuing recreation permits if negative impacts are 

expected. Consider the seasonal nature of the 

proposed activities, and whether this conflicts with 

yellow-billed cuckoo conservation needs. In 

particular, avoid permitting new recreation activities 

in suitable habitat. If a recreation permit is to be 

issued, apply stipulations to the permit to support 

or to not preclude species conservation. 

4) Coordinate with the IDFG to educate recreation 

users at boat ramps and at designated camp areas 

about the need to conserve yellow-billed cuckoo 

habitat.

4) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise

1) Review of existing and new roads, OHV routes, 

and areas and non-motorized trails:

a) For existing roads, designated OHV routes and 

areas, and designated non-motorized trails, 

see Special Status Species management 

program section item (2). Modify routes in 

locations with known populations, if negative

impacts are occurring. Evaluate the need for 

seasonal OHV use restrictions in suitable 

habitat and, if needed, implement restrictions 

to reduce disturbance to the species and its 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-168

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

habitat. Seek opportunities to close and 

revegetate OHV routes or non-motorized trails 

and use areas in suitable habitat, if negative 

impacts are occurring.

For new roads, OHV routes and areas, and trails, 

see Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). Avoid constructing new roads, 

trails, routes, and areas if negative impacts are 

expected. Consider the seasonal nature of the 

proposed activities, and whether this conflicts with 

yellow-billed cuckoo conservation needs. In 

particular, avoid opening new roads, trails, routes, 

and areas in suitable habitat.

2) Maintain regular compliance checks on OHV 

closures to protect known populations and to 

identify problems as soon as possible and take 

immediate corrective measures.

2) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM activities.

Land Use Authorizations: Rights-of-Way, Land Use Permits, and Leases

1) Issue new land use permits and leases and 

review existing permits and leases at renewal so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation. This 

includes management of physical facilities, as well 

as disturbances to the species resulting from 

human uses. 

1) For new permits and renewal of existing permits, 

see Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). Avoid issuing new permits or 

leases, or renewing existing permits or leases, in 

suitable habitat if negative impacts are expected. 

Consider the seasonal nature of the proposed 

activities, and whether this conflicts with yellowbilled cuckoo conservation needs. If a permit or 

lease is to be issued or re-issued in suitable 

habitat, apply stipulations to the permit that support 

or do not preclude species conservation and that 

avoid or minimize negative impacts.

Land Tenure (sale, exchanges, withdrawals, etc.)

1) Where feasible and funding is available, acquire 

through land exchange or purchase private lands 

that support known populations or could enhance 

habitat for yellow-billed cuckoo.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they 

arise. Priority should be given to lands that are 

adjacent to or near public lands.

2) Retain yellow-billed cuckoo habitat in Federal 

ownership to the extent possible, while balancing 

other needs.

2) Review each land tenure decision in terms of 

species habitat. Retain suitable habitat in public 

ownership unless compelling circumstances 

necessitate the land tenure adjustment. If property 

with suitable habitat is to be transferred out of 

Federal ownership, permanent conservation 

easements may be attached to the transfer that 

would result in equal or greater protection than 

under Federal management. Such measures must 

be approved by the State Director.

Minerals: Salable and Leasable Minerals 

1) Approve development of salable or leasable 

minerals so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of salable and leasable minerals:

a) For review of existing mineral leases, see 

Special Status Species management program 

section item (2). Modify existing mineral leases 

if negative impacts are occurring.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

For new sales or leases, see Special Status 

Species management program section item (3). 

Avoid development of salable or leasable minerals 

in suitable habitat if negative impacts are expected. 

Consider the seasonal nature of the proposed 

activities, and whether this conflicts with yellowbilled cuckoo conservation needs. If a minerals 

lease or sale is to be issued in suitable habitat, 

apply stipulations to support or to not preclude 

species conservation.

A-169

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Minerals: Locatable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow notice-level 

operations so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(2). To the extent allowed by law, modify plans 

of operation or notice-level operations that 

conflict with yellow-billed cuckoo objectives in 

suitable habitat. For notice-level operations, 

notify the operator that modifications to 

proposed activities will be required to avoid 

negative impacts.

For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations, see Special Status Species 

management program section item (3). To the 

extent allowed by law, avoid approving plans of 

operation or notice-level operations that conflict 

with yellow-billed cuckoo objectives in suitable 

habitat. Consider the seasonal nature of the 

proposed activities, and whether they conflict with 

yellow- billed cuckoo conservation needs. For 

notice-level operations, notify the operator that 

modifications to proposed activities will be required 

to avoid negative impacts. If a plan of operations is 

to be approved in suitable habitat, apply 

stipulations to support or to not preclude species 

conservation. A notice will require modification by 

the operator until BLM determines that it will not 

result in undue or unnecessary degradation.

Special Designations

1) Explore the potential for new designations that 

would enhance species conservation, such as 

good-condition cottonwood/willow riparian forest.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-170

Columbia Spotted Frog

Table C-9. Conservation Measures and Implementation Actions for Columbia Spotted Frog.

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Air and Atmospheric Values

None None

Soil Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas and Wetlands (includes noxious weed and 

invasive plant management)

1) Projects involving the application of pesticides

(herbicides, insecticides, etc.) that may affect the 

species will be analyzed at the project level and 

designed such that pesticide applications will 

support conservation and minimize risks of 

exposure.

1) Site-specific stipulations will be developed locally

using the following criteria:

a) Evaluate the benefits and risks of vegetation

treatment, including the following: application

methods; pesticides, carriers, and surfactants

used; needed treatment buffers; and use of

non-chemical weed control (for example, biocontrols, hand pulling). If objectives can be

effectively accomplished using non-chemical

methods, such is the preferred alternative.

b) Apply appropriate spatial and temporal buffers

to avoid species’ exposure to harmful

chemicals.

c) Implement appropriate revegetation and

noxious weed control measures to reduce the

risks of non-native species infestations

following any ground/soil-disturbing actions in

or near suitable habitat within occupied subwatersheds.

2) Where needed and feasible, coordinate with

adjacent landowners and local governments 

regarding control of noxious weeds and invasive 

plants in occupied sub-watersheds through 

cooperative weed management programs.

2) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

3) Conserve and, where possible, enhance

watershed conditions for Columbia spotted frogs to 

prevent soil erosion, promote riparian health, and 

prevent negative impacts to water quality.

3) Implementation actions in occupied subwatersheds:

a) Identify riparian and upland areas with

unsuitable watershed conditions near occupied

habitat. Restore to improve habitat and habitat

connectivity.

b) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground

disturbance when risks of erosion and

sediment delivery are high.

c) Seek opportunities, as funding allows, to

expand suitable habitat by restoring riparian

and wetland habitats.

Upland Vegetation (includes noxious weed and invasive plant management)

1) Within occupied sub-watersheds, projects

involving the application of pesticides in uplands 

adjacent to riparian areas that provide suitable 

Columbia spotted frog habitat or in restoration 

areas will be designed and implemented in 

accordance with the approach described in the Soil 

Resources, Water Resources, and Riparian Areas 

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and

Riparian Areas and Wetlands program section.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-171

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

and Wetlands program section.

2) Protect upland areas adjacent to riparian areas

where management activities could affect known 

populations.

2) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground

disturbance when risks of erosion and sediment 

delivery to suitable habitat are high. 

3) Manage woodland areas adjacent to riparian

areas where management activities could affect 

suitable habitat and restoration areas.

3) Implementation actions in occupied subwatersheds:

a) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground

disturbance when risks of erosion and

sediment delivery to suitable habitat are high.

b) Control juniper that encroach into suitable

habitat or restoration areas if the trees are

affecting spring recharge or degrading

Columbia spotted frog habitat.

Fish 

1) Cooperate with IDFG in protecting Columbia

spotted frogs from competition and predation by 

non-native species.

1) If needed, work with IDFG to avoid introduction

of competitive or predatory species into watersheds 

with known populations of Columbia spotted frogs. 

Cooperate in seeking opportunities to remove nonnative competitive or predatory species (for 

example, smallmouth bass) from watersheds with 

known populations of Columbia spotted frogs.

Wildlife 

1) Cooperate in protecting Columbia spotted frogs

from competition and predation.

1) Work with IDFG to avoid introduction of

competitive or predatory species into subwatersheds with known populations of Columbia 

spotted frogs. Cooperate in seeking opportunities 

to remove non-native competitive or predatory 

species (for example, bullfrogs) from subwatersheds with known populations of Columbia 

spotted frogs.

2) Cooperate in creating opportunities for Columbia

spotted frog occupancy by enhancing habitat.

2) Work with IDFG to transplant beavers to

enhance suitable habitat and restoration areas in 

occupied sub-watersheds, where appropriate.

Special Status Species: Common to All Programs

1) In cooperation with Idaho Department of Fish

and Game (IDFG), US Fish and Wildlife Service 

(FWS), and others:

1) Following actions to be completed in

cooperation with others:

a) Continue to cooperate to identify and map all

known populations and suitable habitat.

a) Mapping and data inventory:

i). Use Idaho Natural Heritage Program and

other data to identify, record, and map 

known populations and suitable habitat on 

BLM managed land.

ii). Participate in surveys and map new 

populations as found. Systematic 

inventories will continue to be conducted in 

cooperation with other agencies.

iii). Maintain a spatial database of species 

population and habitat information for BLM 

managed lands.

b) Following current monitoring protocols, b) Continue to cooperate with IDFG and FWS to
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

conduct regular monitoring of populations on 

BLM managed lands.

cooperate in monitoring Columbia spotted frog 

population trends and habitat conditions.

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Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

c) Promote species conservation by maintaining 

or improving habitat conditions in occupied 

sub-watersheds.

c) Habitat management and species conservation 

in occupied sub-watersheds:

i). Develop and implement habitat 

management plans for sub-watersheds, as 

funding allows. 

ii). Identify barriers or impediments to 

seasonal movements or dispersal. This 

could include nonfunctioning stream 

sections or poor watershed conditions 

adjacent to suitable habitat within the 

scope of the sub-watershed plans.

iii). Identify restoration areas where habitat

improvements will be emphasized within 

the scope of the sub-watershed plans.

iv). Cooperate with IDFG and others to 

improve habitat, as funding and 

opportunities allow.

d) Cooperate to expand the distribution of

Columbia spotted frogs.

d) Cooperate with IDFG and others to reintroduce 

spotted frogs into suitable habitat.

e) Participate in research essential to recovery of 

the species. Cooperate in determining specific 

limiting factors in terms of habitat needs and 

characteristics. Cooperate in population 

viability analyses.

e) BLM will participate as funding allows.

f) Participate in research essential to recovery of 

the species. Cooperate in determining specific 

limiting factors in terms of habitat needs and 

characteristics. Cooperate in population 

viability analyses.

f) BLM will participate as funding allows.

2) Ensure that ongoing Federal actions support 

species conservation.

2) Ongoing BLM activities:

a) As needed, review ongoing activities in areas 

with known populations and associated 

suitable habitat.

b) Determine if direct or indirect negative impacts 

to the species or its habitat are occurring as a 

result of ongoing discretionary BLM actions. If 

so, modify the activity to avoid or minimize 

anticipated negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species conservation.

3) Ensure that new Federal actions support or do 

not preclude species conservation.

3) New BLM activities:

a) Project-level inventories will be completed 

using currently accepted survey protocols in 

suitable habitat during project planning if 

inventory information is not available or 

adequate. 

b) If direct or indirect negative impacts to the 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

4) Implement adaptive management as needed to 

achieve conservation objectives.

A-173

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

species or its habitat are anticipated as a result 

of new BLM actions, modify the activity to 

avoid or minimize negative impacts and, where 

feasible, promote species conservation.

4) Conduct site-specific implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring. Adjust management as 

needed to ensure that management objectives are 

met.

5) Support conservation easements, cooperative 

management efforts, and other programs on 

adjacent non-Federal lands to support 

conservation of the Columbia spotted frog.

5) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fire Suppression

1) Fire suppression efforts will be conducted, as 

possible, to protect occupied Columbia spotted frog 

habitat.

1) Fire management activities in occupied subwatersheds:

a) Review Fire Management Plan for adequacy in 

addressing conservation measures. Modify the 

plan if needed.

b) Apply Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics 

(MIST) in suitable habitat, as appropriate. 

Consult with resource advisors to determine 

where MIST tactics should be applied to avoid 

or minimize negative impacts.

c) Avoid fire base camps, staging areas, fueling 

areas, or other related activities in or adjacent 

to areas with known populations.

d) Avoid drawing water from springs, streams, 

and ponds occupied by Columbia spotted frogs 

unless required to do so to protect life or 

property.

2) Coordinate with Idaho Department of Lands or 

other applicable agency personnel regarding fire 

suppression activities in or near suitable habitat.

2) Ongoing interagency coordination.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation

1) Implement Emergency Stabilization and Burned 

Area Rehabilitation (ES&BAR) activities to promote 

spotted frog habitat rehabilitation.

1) ES&BAR activities in occupied sub-watersheds:

a) If needed and if natural recovery would not 

achieve habitat objectives, implement ES&BAR

activities to promote rehabilitation of suitable 

habitat. In areas where the natural drainage 

regime has been altered, plant locally 

appropriate vegetation to reestablish suitable 

habitat.

b) As needed, protect disturbed areas using 

temporary closures or other measures until 

riparian vegetation is re-established and selfsustaining.

2) Fire rehabilitation projects involving the

application of pesticides will be analyzed and 

implemented in accordance with the approach 

described in the Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands program section.

2) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands program section.
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Prescribed Fire

1) Prescribed fire projects will be designed to 

conserve suitable Columbia spotted frog habitat.

A-174

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Wildland Fire Use

1) Wildland fire use projects (where allowed) will be 

designed to conserve suitable Columbia spotted 

frog habitat.

1) When developing wildland fire use plans in 

occupied sub-watersheds, avoid burning in and 

adjacent to suitable habitat and develop burn 

prescriptions that promote habitat conservation.

1) When developing and implementing prescribed 

fire plans, avoid or minimize negative impacts to 

suitable habitat, and use prescribed fire as a tool 

for assisting with species conservation. Consider 

allowing prescribed fires to burn in and adjacent to 

suitable habitat if it is likely to benefit Columbia 

spotted frog habitat or have a neutral effect. 

Management actions in occupied sub-watersheds:

a) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground 

disturbance when risks of erosion and 

sediment delivery to suitable habitat are high.

b) Control juniper that encroach into suitable 

habitat or restoration areas, if the trees are 

affecting spring recharge or degrading 

Columbia spotted frog habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Fuels

1) Implement projects involving the application of 

pesticides in accordance with the approach 

described in the Soil Resources, Water Resources, 

and Riparian Areas and Wetlands program section.

1) See Soil Resources, Water Resources, and 

Riparian Areas and Wetlands program section.

2) Non-fire fuels management projects will be 

designed to conserve Columbia spotted frog 

habitat.

2) Incorporate conservation actions into the fuels 

projects, as needed. Avoid non-fire fuels 

management activities in or adjacent to suitable 

habitat, if negative impacts may occur. 

Management actions in occupied sub-watersheds:

a) Emphasize soil stabilization and avoid ground 

disturbance when risks of erosion and 

sediment delivery to suitable habitat are high.

b) Control juniper that encroach into suitable 

habitat or restoration areas if the trees are 

affecting spring recharge or degrading 

Columbia spotted frog habitat.

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management: Community Assistance

1) Follow all measures included throughout the 

Wildland Fire Ecology and Management program 

sections.

1) See actions within Wildland Fire Ecology and 

Management program sections. Incorporate into 

community assistance agreements.

Wild Horses

1) If the range of wild horses and Columbia spotted 

frogs is found to overlap in the future, protect 

suitable habitat areas in occupied sub-watersheds 

from damage by wild horses by including 

applicable conservation measures in herd 

management plans.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section at the beginning of this table.

Paleontological Resources

1) Activities within the Paleontological Resources

program will implement relevant conservation 

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-175

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

measures as described in the Special Status 

Species management program section to promote 

conservation.

section at the beginning of this table.

Cultural Resources

1) Activities within the Cultural Resources 

management program will implement relevant 

conservation measures as described in the Special 

Status Species management program section to 

promote conservation.

1) Apply relevant conservation measures from the 

Special Status Species management program 

section at the beginning of this table.

Visual Resources

None None

Livestock Grazing: Permits and Leases

1) Manage livestock grazing and trailing to promote 

healthy riparian communities in sub-watersheds 

occupied by Columbia spotted frogs. Maintain and 

promote suitable habitat and restore areas for the 

Columbia spotted frog while implementing 

rangeland health standards and guidelines. 

2) Promote restoration of suitable habitat following 

fire, fire rehabilitation, restoration treatments, or 

other major disturbances.

1) Permit or lease renewal actions:

a) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). In unsurveyed suitable habitat, 

schedule surveys so Columbia spotted frog 

occurrence information is available for

rangeland health assessments associated with 

permit and lease renewals.

b) For new actions, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3).

c) As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts, modify livestock grazing permits and 

leases.

2) As needed to protect disturbed areas in 

occupied sub-watersheds, use temporary closures 

or other measures until desired riparian or wetland 

vegetation species are re-established and selfsustaining.

3) Maintain regular compliance checks on grazing 

allotments with known populations to identify 

problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures.

3) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM action.

Livestock Grazing: Range Infrastructure

1) Manage livestock facilities to promote healthy 

riparian communities. Maintain and promote 

suitable habitat and restore areas for the Columbia 

spotted frog while implementing rangeland health 

standards and guidelines. 

1) For review of ongoing actions, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). For new actions, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3).

a) As appropriate to avoid or minimize negative 

impacts to Columbia spotted frogs in occupied 

sub-watersheds, modify existing and avoid 

placement of new livestock facilities in or 

adjacent to areas with known populations.

b) Protect hibernacula and water sources from 

spring or other water developments in 

occupied sub-watersheds unless the activity 

will have beneficial long-term or neutral effects 

on Columbia spotted frogs and their habitat.

c) Construct livestock exclosures to protect locally 

important habitats in occupied sub-watersheds. 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

4) Coordinate with the IDFG to educate the public 

on the frog’s unique ecological requirements, 

sensitivity to habitat alteration, and need for 

protection in order to reduce recreation impacts 

and stop collection of frogs.

A-176

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Recreation

1) Developed facilities (boat access, paved 

campgrounds, vault toilets, interpretive kiosks, 

etc.): Manage existing and new recreation facilities 

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation. 

This includes management of the physical facilities, 

as well as disturbances to the species resulting 

from human uses.

1) Management of existing and new facilities in 

occupied sub-watersheds:

a) For review of existing facilities, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). As appropriate to avoid or minimize 

negative impacts, modify existing facilities.

b) For new facilities, or for expansion of uses at 

existing facilities, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3). In 

addition, avoid development of new recreation 

facilities or expansion of existing facilities in or 

adjacent to areas with known populations, if 

negative impacts are anticipated.

2) Dispersed use areas (informal areas, including 

camping areas and tie-up areas for pack animals 

and boats): Manage dispersed use sites so as not 

to preclude species and habitat conservation. This 

includes limiting disturbances to species habitat 

resulting from human uses.

2) For review of ongoing activities, see Special 

Status Species management program section item 

(2). In addition, minimize human activity in and 

adjacent to known populations, if negative impacts 

are occurring. Close areas, either seasonally or 

year-round, as needed to protect the species and 

its habitat, and post and monitor the closure.

3) Commercial and non-commercial recreation 

permits, including outfitter camps: Issue 

commercial and non-commercial recreation permits 

so as not to preclude species habitat conservation. 

This includes management of physical facilities 

(such as camps), as well as disturbances to habitat 

resulting from human uses.

3) Issuance and review of existing and new permits 

in occupied sub-watersheds: 

a) For review of existing permits, see Special 

Status Species management program section 

item (2). If needed, modify existing permits if 

the permitted activity is causing negative 

impacts.

b) For new permits, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3). Avoid 

issuing recreation permits in and adjacent to 

areas with known populations if negative 

impacts are expected. If a recreation permit is 

to be issued, apply stipulations to the permit to 

support or to not preclude species 

conservation.

4) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Transportation and Travel

1) Manage roads, off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes 

and areas, as well as non-motorized trails, so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation. This 

includes management of physical facilities, as well 

as disturbances to habitat resulting from human 

uses.

1) Review of existing and new roads, OHV routes 

and areas, and non-motorized trails in occupied 

sub-watersheds:

a) For existing roads, designated OHV routes and 

areas, and designated non-motorized trails, 

see Special Status Species management

program section item (2). Modify routes in and 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-177

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

adjacent to areas with known populations if 

negative impacts are occurring. Seek 

opportunities to close and revegetate roads, 

OHV routes, or non-motorized trails and use 

areas in and adjacent to suitable habitat, if 

negative impacts are occurring.

b) For new roads, OHV routes and areas, and 

non-motorized trails, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(3). Avoid constructing new roads, trails, 

routes, and areas in suitable habitat if negative 

impacts to riparian or wetland habitat are 

expected. In particular, avoid opening new 

roads, trails, routes, and areas adjacent to 

suitable habitat particularly susceptible to 

erosion and thus sediment delivery to suitable 

habitat.

2) Maintain regular compliance checks on OHV 

closures to protect suitable habitat and to identify 

problems as soon as possible and take immediate 

corrective measures.

2) Ongoing, day-to-day BLM activities.

Land Use Authorizations: Rights-of-Way, Land Use Permits, and Leases

1) Issue new rights-of-way (ROWs) and review

existing ROWs at renewal so as not to preclude 

species habitat conservation. This includes 

management of physical facilities, as well as 

disturbances to the species resulting from human 

uses.

1) For new ROWs and renewal of existing ROWs, 

see Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). In occupied sub-watersheds, avoid 

issuing ROWs, or renewing existing ROWs, in or 

adjacent to suitable habitat if negative impacts are 

expected. If a ROW is to be issued or re-issued, 

apply stipulations to the ROW that support or do 

not preclude species conservation and that avoid 

or minimize negative impacts.

2) Issue new land use permits and leases and 

review existing permits and leases at renewal so as 

not to preclude species habitat conservation. This 

includes management of physical facilities, as well 

as disturbances to the species or its habitat 

resulting from human uses.

2) For new permits and renewal of existing permits, 

see Special Status Species management program 

section item (3). In occupied sub-watersheds avoid 

issuing new permits or leases, or renewing existing 

permits or leases, in or adjacent to areas with 

known populations if negative impacts are 

expected. If a permit or lease is to be issued or 

reissued in suitable habitat, apply stipulations to 

the permit that promote species conservation and 

that avoid or minimize negative impacts.

Land Tenure (sale, exchanges, withdrawals, etc.)

1) Where feasible and funding is available, acquire 

through land exchange or purchase private lands in 

suitable habitat areas that could enhance habitat 

for Columbia spotted frogs.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise. 

Priority should be given to lands that are adjacent 

to or near public lands and/or a population 

occurring on BLM and private lands.

2) Retain spotted frog habitat in Federal ownership 

to the extent possible, while balancing other needs.

2) Review each land tenure decision in terms of 

species habitat. Retain areas with known 

populations in public ownership unless compelling 

circumstances necessitate the land tenure 

adjustment. Avoid the loss of suitable habitat from

Federal ownership. If property with known 

populations is to be transferred out of Federal 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

A-178

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

ownership, permanent conservation easements 

may be attached to the transfer that would result in 

equal or greater protection than under Federal 

management. Such measures must be approved 

by the State Director.

Minerals: Salable and Leasable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow notice-level 

operations so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(2). To the extent allowed by law, in occupied 

sub-watersheds modify plans of operation or 

notice-level operations that conflict with 

Columbia spotted frog objectives in suitable 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 

operator that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative 

impacts.

b) For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3). To the 

extent allowed by law, in occupied subwatersheds avoid approving plans of operation 

or notice-level operations that conflict with

Columbia spotted frog objectives in suitable 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 

operator that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative 

impacts. If a plan of operations is to be 

approved in suitable habitat, apply stipulations 

to conserve Columbia spotted frogs. A notice 

will require modification by the operator until 

BLM determines that it will not result in undue 

or unnecessary degradation.

2) Protect the groundwater sources that contribute 

to Columbia spotted frog habitat.

2) Conduct appropriate hydrologic studies or 

analysis before permitting mineral extraction on 

BLM managed lands where the extraction of 

groundwater may reduce or eliminate flows in 

occupied sub-watersheds. Depending on the scope 

of the activity, this may require coordination and 

cooperation with other agencies.

Minerals: Locatable Minerals 

1) Approve plans of operations or allow notice-level 

operations so as not to preclude species habitat 

conservation. This includes management of 

physical facilities, as well as disturbances to the 

species resulting from human uses.

1) Approval of plans of operations and notice-level 

operations:

a) For review of existing plans of operation and 

notice-level operations, see Special Status 

Species management program section item 

(2). To the extent allowed by law, in occupied 

sub-watersheds modify plans of operation or 

notice-level operations that conflict with 

Columbia spotted frog objectives in suitable 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 
Appendix C: Conservation Measures

operator that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative 

impacts.

b) For new plans of operation and notice-level 

operations, see Special Status Species

management program section item (3). To the 

extent allowed by law, in occupied subwatersheds avoid approving plans of operation 

or notice-level operations that conflict with 

Columbia spotted frog objectives in suitable 

habitat. For notice-level operations, notify the 

operator that modifications to proposed 

activities will be required to avoid negative 

impacts. If a plan of operations is to be 

approved in suitable habitat, apply stipulations 

to conserve Columbia spotted frogs. A notice 

will require modification by the operator until 

BLM determines that it will not result in undue 

or unnecessary degradation.

A-179

Conservation Measures BLM Implementation Actions

Special Designations

1) Explore the potential for new designations that 

would enhance species conservation, such as 

healthy riparian and emergent aquatic vegetation.

1) Take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
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Appendix D: Drought Management Guidelines

A-181

APPENDIX D: DROUGHT MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

Implementation of management actions may be necessary when it is anticipated or evident that, in 

addition to existing terms and conditions of livestock grazing permits, temporary measures are necessary 

to protect public land resources due to developing or existing drought conditions.

Drought is defined by the Society for Range Management as a period of time when the precipitation is 

less than 75% of normal (Holecheck et al., 1998) and occurs seasonally or over long periods of time. 

Normal precipitation is based on the median of 30 years or more of precipitation (Thurow and Taylor Jr., 

1999; Wilhite and Glantz, 1985). Regional indicators such as the US Drought Monitor 

(http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/) and the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI) 

(http://vegdri.unl.edu/) may be used to provide regional depictions of existing or developing climatic 

conditions. However, because drought can occur at a range of spatial scales these tools may or may not 

accurately represent local conditions so when available, local climatic data should be used.

Within the planning area average annual precipitation varies substantially from north to south (see the Air 

and Atmospheric Values: Climate and Meteorology section in Chapter 3). Additionally, plant growth is 

dependent on timing of precipitation as well as quantity. The April-May-June precipitation period is most 

important for determining vegetation production and making annual adjustments to livestock stocking 

rates (Comstock and Ehleringer, 1992; Sharp et al., 1990). However, the October-through-March 

precipitation period is important for maintenance of vegetation communities through soil moisture 

recharge and initiation of early spring plant growth (Comstock and Ehleringer, 1992). Therefore, to the 

extent possible local climate data should be used to provide site-specific information on the amount and 

timing of precipitation, as well as other environmental factors such as temperature and wind that affect 

the occurrence and severity of drought. In addition to climate data, site visits to allotments would be used 

to evaluate the current condition of water resources and forage production to better define drought 

affected areas.

Wang and others (2012) found wet-dry cycles in the Great Basin to be about six to nine years, making it 

reasonable to expect that during the life of a 10-year grazing permit some level of drought could occur. 

Relative to the effects of livestock grazing, the degree to which drought impairs the range’s potential for 

future forage production can be affected by the intensity, frequency, and timing of grazing (Howery, 

1999). Properly stocked rangelands should maintain rangeland conditions (Martin and Cable, 1974) and 

require fewer adjustments to grazing operations during periods of drought. Therefore, drought 

management should begin with the determination of livestock stocking rates, seasons of use, and 

utilization levels for an allotment during the permitting process. The likelihood that drought could occur 

during the period of the permit should be considered and stocking rates set at a level that would not 

require frequent annual adjustments in order to provide for watershed protection through retention of litter, 

physiological function of vegetation communities, and wildlife habitat.

Implementation 

When drought conditions develop, and it is determined additional temporary measures are necessary to 

maintain resource values, one or more of the following actions should be implemented. The selection of 

temporary actions will consider the severity of drought, vegetation type, and soil characteristics of the 

affected area. 

The term of temporary measures would reflect the severity of the drought and ensure adequate protection 

of resources during the drought as well as allow for resource recovery following resumption of nondrought climate conditions. As the length and severity of the drought increase, livestock grazing 

management would be more constrained to reduce impacts to soil, water, upland and riparian vegetation, 

and fish and wildlife habitat. Pre-drought grazing levels should not be implemented too rapidly following a 

return to normal precipitation levels as drought-stressed plants require time to regain vigor and be able to 

resist normal grazing pressure (Vallentine, 2001).
Appendix D: Drought Management Guidelines

A-182

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Triggers for implementation of temporary actions:

The following list of actions is not exclusive and can be used singularly or in combinations as field 

conditions require. Persistence of drought through multiple years could result in additional and more 

restrictive actions taken to protect resource values.

If precipitation between October and January is less than 75% of normal, initiate communication with 

affected permittees to coordinate potential changes to their grazing operations if drought conditions 

persist. 

If drought continues to the April-May-June precipitation period, and allotment inspections identify 

resource concerns such as reduced production that would limit maintenance of achievement of 

resource objectives, implement the following measures as appropriate. The specific measures to be 

implemented would depend on the length and severity of the drought as well as vegetation and soil 

characteristics.

Adjust stocking rate using April-May-June precipitation to match current forage production 

available for livestock (Heitschmidt et al., 2005) and ensure adequate residual ground cover for 

watershed protection and wildlife habitat needs.

Adjust timing and duration of grazing to reduce utilization of key native grasses and riparian 

vegetation.

Monitor utilization closely and remove livestock from pastures or the allotment if allowable use 

criteria will be exceeded early.

Adjust timing and duration of grazing to reduce the opportunity for upland and riparian plants to 

be grazed repeatedly during the growing season1

. 

During the growing season, shift use to pastures managed as non-native to defer grazing of 

native pastures until after the growing season. 

Encourage permittees to closely manage livestock watering systems (e.g., turn off troughs when 

not needed by livestock, eliminate overflow) to facilitate conservation of water within streams and 

springs.

Consistent with water rights, consider authorizing water hauling or temporary pipelines to reduce 

impacts to riparian areas and wetlands.

Pastures which are managed as native that are grazed during the growing season one year 

would be deferred until after the end of the growing season the following year.

Defer spring grazing until end of growing season.

Do not allow spring grazing.

Close pasture and/or allotment.

 

1 The growing season is defined as the portion of the year during which temperature and moisture typically enable 

plant growth (Vallentine, 2001). For key species in the planning area, this period typically falls between April 1 and 

July 15; however, drought conditions typically shorten the growing period.
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

A-183

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

APPENDIX E: CULTURAL RESOURCE USE CATEGORIES 

All cultural properties in the planning area, whether already recorded or projected to occur, are allocated 

to one or more of the uses described below. Allocations apply to individual properties and to classes of 

similar properties. The purpose of these allocations is to provide up-front management direction to aid the 

authorized officer in responding to conflicts between specific cultural resources and land uses and to 

enable the authorized officer to analyze needs and develop appropriate mitigation and treatment options 

during the compliance process for proposed actions. Managing cultural properties according to use 

categories does not relieve the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of its obligations to consult with the 

tribes, the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), or the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

(ACHP) regarding the specific treatment of historic properties, or the potential effects of land use 

proposals on cultural resources.

Allocations of individual sites may be revised when site conditions change or new information becomes 

available. Changes that may warrant revision of a site’s use allocation include:

Destruction of a site’s primary use values due to natural or human-caused disturbance.

When ethnographic, historical, or archaeological research reveals important but previously 

unrecognized values that may be damaged or destroyed under the current allocation or that may 

more effectively meet Resource Management Plan (RMP) goals and objectives if used in another 

way.

When a site’s primary values are legitimately expended or its use potential is fully realized.

Following consultation with the tribes, SHPO, or ACHP, as appropriate for the resource and use 

category being revised.

Traditional Use

The Traditional Use category applies to any cultural resource in the planning area known to be perceived 

by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes or the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes as important in maintaining their cultural 

identity, heritage, or well-being. Cultural properties assigned to this category are managed in ways that 

recognize the importance ascribed to them and seek to accommodate their continuing traditional use.

Management Direction

Avoidance is the preferred treatment.

If impacts are unavoidable, data recovery and/or other measures will be implemented after 

appropriate consultation and before implementation of a proposed activity.

Sites in this category are available for use by members of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and the 

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes for traditional uses. Access to these sites will be accommodated to the 

extent practicable.

Ethnographic studies may be initiated when funding is available to identify these types of properties 

and to ensure that they receive the appropriate level of management.

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Traditional Use:

Historic/Ethnographic Tribal Sites, 

Ceremonial Locations, 

Burial Sites1

, 

Sacred Sites, 

Natural Resource Collection Sites, and

Native American Trails.

 

1 Native American burials on public lands would normally be subject to the Native American Graves Protection and 

Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA).
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

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Conservation for Future Use

The Conservation for Future Use category is reserved for any cultural property in the planning area that is 

unusual because of scarcity or has a research potential that surpasses the current state of the art, 

singular historic importance, cultural importance, architectural interest, or comparable reasons. These 

properties are not currently available for consideration as the subject of scientific or historical study that 

would result in their physical alteration.

Management Direction

• Avoidance is the preferred mitigation measure. Discretionary activities will usually be denied within 

the boundaries of these resources if such activities are likely to result in adverse effects to the cultural 

property.

If impacts are unavoidable, data recovery or other measures may be allowed after going through the 

required consultation processes. Avoidance should be possible in most cases. 

Sites in this category have the highest priority for protection and preservation and will generally not be 

available for other uses.

A resource listed in the Conservation for Future Use category may be placed in another use 

management category if: (a) BLM identifies the specific criteria underlying this classification (e.g., 

outstanding research potential), (b) the specific reasons for prohibitions or limitations are identified, 

and (c) BLM identifies or accepts methodological, technological, or other criteria that, if met or 

implemented, justify alterations to the integrity of the resource and placement in another use 

category. 

Protective actions may be taken to ensure preservation of those qualities providing the basis for 

classification. These actions, such as fencing, installation of erosion control structures, road closures, 

etc., must not impinge on the values and integrity of the site. Sites in this category are generally the 

highest priority for monitoring of potential threats.

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Conservation for Future Use:

Oregon Trail (Main Route and South Alternate) – Undisturbed Ruts, 

Kelton Freight Road – Undisturbed Ruts, 

Toana Freight Road – Undisturbed Ruts, and

Cemeteries and Grave Sites.

Scientific Use

The Scientific Use category applies to any cultural property in the planning area available for 

consideration as the subject of scientific or historical study at the present time, using currently available 

research techniques. Study includes methods that would result in the property’s physical alteration or 

destruction. This category applies almost entirely to archaeological properties, where the method of use is 

generally archaeological excavation, controlled surface collection, and/or controlled recordation (data 

recovery). Recommendations to allocate individual properties to this use must be based on 

documentation of the kinds of data the property is thought to contain and the data’s importance for 

pursuing specified research topics. Properties in this category need not be conserved in the face of a 

research or data recovery (mitigation) proposal that would make adequate and appropriate use of the 

property’s research importance.

Management Direction

Data recovery rather than avoidance is the preferred option; although sites should be preserved until 

research potential is realized. Data recovery should be accomplished prior to impacts from conflicting 

uses or natural or human-caused deterioration and may be undertaken to mitigate impacts that have 

already occurred.

Resources in this category are available for testing and excavation by qualified researchers operating 

under valid permits with acceptable research designs. Resources in this category may be discharged 

from use or assigned to a category other than Conservation for Future Use once the resource has no 

further scientific use.
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

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The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Scientific Use:

Fur Trade Camps; 

Cabins/Line Shacks, including Ruins; 

Abandoned Homesteads, including Ruins; 

Historic Cairns; 

Trash Dumps – Community; 

Irrigation Project Construction Camps; 

Moonshine Distilleries; and

Archaeological Sites that are not identified through research or consultation as traditional cultural 

properties or sacred sites.

Public Use

This category may be applied to any cultural property in the planning area found to be appropriate for use 

as an interpretive exhibit in place or for related educational and recreational uses by members of the 

general public. This category may also be applied to historic features (e.g., roads, dams, canals) that are 

still in use.

Management Direction

Interpretation through the development of on-site facilities and/or published materials made available 

to the public is the preferred treatment. Interpretation will be based on appropriate archaeological, 

historic, or ethnographic research and will reflect consultation with the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and 

the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes when Native American information is included.

These sites are available for educational and recreational use by the general public. Testing, data 

recovery, historic research, oral histories, ethnographic research, and other treatments may be 

necessary to gather sufficient information for suitable educational and interpretive uses and to 

prevent damage from proposed recreational or educational uses.

Interpretive facility designs will be consistent with the area’s Visual Resource Management class and 

compatible with the physical setting of the interpreted site.

Fences, erosion control devices, vehicle barriers, parking areas, and other protective structures may 

be constructed to prevent or limit site damage.

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Public Use:

Crippen Grade; 

Portions of Historic Roads and Trails that are improved for Modern Use; 

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Dams, Roads, and Related Sites – Still in Use; 

Non-CCC Reservoirs – Still in Use; and

Irrigation Canals and Ditches – Still in Use.

Experimental Use

This category may be applied to a cultural property in the planning area determined to be well-suited for 

controlled experimental study, conducted by BLM or others concerned with the techniques of managing 

cultural properties, which would result in the property’s alteration, possibly including loss of integrity and 

destruction of physical elements. Committing cultural properties or the data they contain to loss must be 

justified in terms of specific information that would be gained and how it would aid in the management of 

other cultural properties. Experimental study should aim toward understanding the kinds and rates of 

natural or human-caused deterioration, testing the effectiveness of protection measures, or developing 

new research or interpretation methods and similar kinds of practical management information. It would 

not be applied to cultural properties with traditional cultural importance, research potential, or public use 

potential.
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

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Management Direction

These sites are reserved for studies concerning the effects of erosion, fire, land treatments, or other 

site formational processes on cultural resources. The preferred treatment for sites placed in an 

Experimental Use category will be avoidance unless the proposed impacts are related to the study 

being conducted.

If impacts unrelated to the study are unavoidable, then the site may be placed in the Discharged from 

Management category, or may undergo data recovery or other treatment depending on eligibility for 

the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or other factors and after appropriate consultation.

If BLM determines the useful experimental life of the site is exhausted, then it can be placed into the 

Discharged from Management or other appropriate category. 

Individual sites within the following property types in the planning area may be allocated to Experimental 

Use as needed:

Temporary Camps – Livestock Industry and

Trash Dumps – Unassociated Household Refuse.

Discharged from Management

This category is assigned to cultural properties in the planning area that have no remaining identifiable 

use. These are most often prehistoric and historic properties, such as small surface scatters of artifacts or 

debris, whose limited research potential is effectively exhausted during documentation. More complex 

archaeological properties that have had their salient information collected and preserved through 

mitigation or research may be discharged from management, as should cultural properties destroyed by 

any natural or human activity. Properties discharged from management remain in the inventory, but are 

removed from further management attention and do not constrain other land uses. Particular classes of 

unrecorded cultural resources may be named and described in advance as dischargeable upon 

documentation, but specific cultural properties must be inspected in the field and recorded before they 

may be discharged from management.

Management Direction

Preservation is not required.

Tribal consultation is required before any site of cultural or religious significance to the tribes is placed 

in this category.

SHPO consultation is required before any property previously determined eligible for the NRHP or 

any unevaluated property is placed in this category.

The following property types in the planning area are Discharged from Management:

General Transportation Routes (e.g., ranching, recreation, farming); 

Temporary Camps – Livestock Industry; 

Generic Range Developments (e.g., fences, corrals, water tanks, ponds); 

Irrigation Canals and Ditches – No Longer Used and Not Eligible for NRHP Listing; 

Trash Dumps – Unassociated Household Refuse; 

Non-CCC Reservoirs – Breached; 

Military – Aircraft Debris; 

Military – Expended Ordnance; 

Small, Non-Diagnostic Lithic Scatters; 

Isolated Artifacts; and

Modern Period (post 1960) Sites, Facilities, and Features.
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

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Traditional/Scientific Use

This category is assigned to cultural properties in the planning area important because of their links to

traditional values, but also important for the archaeological information they contain.

Management Direction

Access for traditional use will be accommodated to the extent and manner practicable.

Non-destructive recordation, photography, mapping, and analysis, as well as actions needed to 

protect artifacts and sites threatened by theft or physical destruction will be allowed, including 

research and stabilization related to investigations of criminal violations of the Archaeological 

Resources Protection Act. 

Research that does not conflict with traditional use may be allowed after consultation with the tribes, 

SHPO, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, as appropriate.

Public dissemination of research results will take into account the confidentiality and privacy concerns 

of the tribes.

Cultural resource data recovery, using standard archaeological methods, may be allowed, after 

appropriate consultation, if impacts to sites are unavoidable and non-destructive conservation 

measures are not adequate or feasible, or when necessary to determine a site’s eligibility for the

NRHP or mitigate adverse effects to NRHP-eligible or -listed properties. 

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Traditional/Scientific Use:

Native American Rock Art Sites (petroglyphs and pictographs); 

Native American Cave and Rock Shelter Sites; 

Native American Open Habitation Sites; 

Lithic Scatters; 

Tool Stone Quarries; and

Native American Rock Features (e.g., hunting blinds, rock circles, linear rock alignments, and cairns)

Isolated Native American Artifacts.

Public/Scientific Use

This category is assigned to cultural properties in the planning area that are most valuable for public use, 

but that may require scientific data collection to enhance their interpretive potential.

Management Direction

Sites assigned to this category will be available for educational and recreational use by the general 

public. Interpretive and educational actions, including but not limited to on-site interpretation, signage, 

or publications, are the preferred management actions.

Data recovery or other treatments deemed necessary to provide sufficient information for suitable 

educational and interpretive uses, or to treat damage from recreational uses, may be authorized 

providing they do not diminish the public use potential of the site.

Data recovery and stabilization actions for investigations and treatments related to criminal violations 

of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act will be allowed.

To the extent practical, data recovery and other treatment actions will involve volunteers.

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Public/Scientific Use:

Oregon Trail Campsites; 

Pilgrim Stage Station; 

Historic School Sites; 

Historic Inscriptions; 

CCC Dams, Roads, and Related Sites – No Longer Used; and

Irrigation Canals and Ditches – No Longer Used.
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

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Isolated Artifacts

A-188

Conservation/Public Use

This category includes cultural resources in the planning area that are suitable for long-term preservation, 

but also possess high public use values. 

Management Direction

Sites in this category will be managed to avoid degradation from competing land uses and from 

natural processes.

Sites may be used for interpretation or other public purposes and for data recovery and other 

treatments if these uses do not conflict with conservation of the property.

The following property types in the planning area are allocated to Conservation/Public Use:

Oregon Trail (Main Route and South Alternate) – the NHRP Contributing Segments, 

Kelton Freight Road – NRHP Contributing Segments, 

Toana Freight Road – NRHP Contributing Segments, and

Wilkins Rock Fence.

Summary of Cultural Resource Use Allocations

Table E-1 summarizes the cultural resource use categories to which properties of cultural and religious 

importance and prehistoric and historic sites would be allocated.

Table E-1. Cultural Resource Property Types and Use Allocations

Property Type Use Category

Properties of Cultural and Religious Importance to Native American Tribes

Historic/Ethnographic Tribal Sites

Ceremonial Locations Traditional

Burial Sites Traditional

Sacred Sites Traditional

Natural Resource Collection Sites Traditional

Native American Trails Traditional

Native American Archaeological Sites

Petroglyphs Traditional/Scientific

Pictographs Traditional/Scientific

Caves and Rock Shelters Traditional/Scientific

Open Habitation Sites Traditional/Scientific

Lithic Scatters with potential for subsurface deposits, diagnostic 

artifacts, surface patterning of cultural debris, or evidence of cultural 

features 

Traditional/Scientific

Lithic Scatters with no or little potential for subsurface deposits, and no 

diagnostic artifacts, surface artifact patterning, or evidence of cultural 

features

Traditional/Scientific or 

Discharged from Management

Tool Stone Quarries Traditional/Scientific

Hunting Blinds Traditional/Scientific

Rock Circles Traditional/Scientific

Linear Rock Alignments Traditional/Scientific

Cairns Traditional/Scientific

Traditional/Scientific or 

Discharged from Management

Archaeological sites that are not identified through research or 

consultation as traditional cultural properties or sacred sites Scientific
Appendix E: Cultural Resource Use Categories

Trash Dumps – Unassociated Household Refuse

Scientific

Non-CCC Reservoirs – Still in Use

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Property Type Use Category

Historic Sites

Fur Trade Camps Scientific

Oregon Trail (Main Route) Conservation or 

Conservation/Public

Oregon Trail (South Alternate) Conservation or 

Conservation/Public

Oregon Trail Campsites Public/Scientific

Kelton Freight Road Conservation or 

Conservation/Public

Pilgrim Stage Station Public/Scientific

Toana Freight Road Conservation or 

Conservation/Public

Crippen Grade Public

General Transportation Routes (Ranching, Recreation, Farming, etc.) Discharged from Management

Portions of Historic Roads and Trails that are Improved for Modern 

Use Public 

Cabins/Line Shacks, including Ruins Scientific

Temporary Camps – Livestock Industry Experimental or Discharged 

from Management

Historic School Sites Public/Scientific

Abandoned Homesteads, including Ruins Scientific

Cemeteries and Grave Sites Conservation 

Cairns Scientific

Wilkins Rock Fence Conservation/Public

Generic Range Developments (Fences, Corrals, Water Tanks, Ponds, 

etc.) Discharged from Management

Trash Dumps – Community Scientific

Experimental or Discharged 

from Management

Historic Inscriptions

Irrigation Project Construction Camps

Public/Scientific

Irrigation Canals and Ditches – Still in Use Public

Irrigation Canals and Ditches – No Longer Used Public/Scientific or Discharged 

from Management

CCC Dams, Roads, and Related Sites – Still in Use Public

CCC Dams, Roads, and Related Sites – No Longer Used Public/Scientific

Public

Non-CCC Reservoirs – Breached Discharged from Management

Moonshine Distilleries Scientific

Military – Aircraft Debris Discharged from Management

Military – Expended Ordnance Discharged from Management

Isolated Artifacts Discharged from Management

Modern Period (post 1960) Sites, Facilities, and Features Discharged from Management
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-191

APPENDIX F: RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREAS 

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Recreation settings are the collective, distinguishing attributes of landscapes that influence and 

sometimes determine what kinds of recreation opportunities are produced. Recreation setting 

characteristics are objectively defined along a continuum ranging from primitive to urban landscapes, 

expressed in terms of the nature of the component parts of its physical, social, and administrative 

attributes; recreation setting characteristics are described for both the existing and desired condition of a 

landscape.

The physical setting addresses the land and facilities and describes the character of the natural 

landscape; remoteness, naturalness, and facilities are all components of the physical setting. The 

continuum of setting characteristics for physical setting is displayed in Table F-1. 

Table F-1. Physical Setting

Remoteness Naturalness Facilities

Primitive

Pristine More than 10 miles 

from any road. Undisturbed natural 

landscape. None.

Transition More than 3 miles from 

any road.

Back Country

More than .5 mile from 

any kind of road, but 

not as distant as 3 

miles, and no road is in 

sight.

Naturally-appearing 

landscape having 

modifications not 

readily noticeable.

Structures are rare and 

isolated.

Middle Country

On or near four-wheel 

drive roads, but at least 

1/2 mile from all 

improved roads, though 

they may be in sight.

Naturally-appearing 

landscape except for 

obvious primitive roads.

Maintained and marked 

trails, simple trailhead 

development and basic 

toilets.

Front Country

On or near improved 

country roads, but at 

least 1/2 mile from all 

highways.

Landscape partially 

modified by roads, 

utility lines, etc., but 

none overpower natural 

landscape features.

Rustic facilities such as 

campsites, restrooms, 

trailheads, and 

interpretive displays.

Rural

On or near primary 

highways, but still 

within a rural area.

Natural landscape 

substantially modified 

by agriculture or 

industrial development.

Modern facilities such 

as campgrounds, boat 

launches, and group 

shelters.

Urban

On or near primary 

highways, municipal 

streets, and roads 

within towns or cities.

Urbanized 

developments dominate 

landscape.

Elaborate full-service 

facilities.

The social setting addresses visitor use and users and describes the character of recreation and tourism 

use; the number of contacts with other groups, group size, and evidence of use are all components of the 

social setting. The continuum of setting characteristics for social setting is displayed in Table F-2. 

The administrative setting addresses recreation administration and services and describes how public 

land managers, county commissioners and municipal governments, and local businesses care for the 

area and serve visitors and local residents. The amount and type of mechanized use, visitor services, and 

management controls are all components of the administrative setting. The continuum of setting 

characteristics for administrative setting is displayed in Table F-3. 
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

Transition

A-192

Table F-2. Social Setting

Contacts with Other 

Groups Group Size Evidence of Use

Primitive

Pristine Fewer than 3 

encounters per day at 

camp sites and fewer 

than 6 encounters per 

day on travel routes.

Fewer than or equal to 

3 people per group.

Only footprints 

observed. No noise or 

litter.

Back Country

3-6 encounters per day 

off travel routes (e.g., 

campsites) and 7-15 

encounters per day on 

travel routes.

4-6 people per group.

Footprints and bicycle 

tracks observed. Noise 

and litter infrequent. 

Slight vegetation 

trampling at campsites 

and popular areas. Fire 

rings seen.

Middle Country

7-14 encounters per 

day off travel routes 

(e.g., staging areas) 

and 15-29 encounters 

per day en route.

7-12 people per group.

Vehicle tracks 

observed. Occasional 

noise and litter. 

Vegetation and soils 

becoming worn at 

campsites and at highuse areas.

Front Country

15-29 encounters per 

day off travel routes 

(e.g., campgrounds) 

and 30 or more 

encounters per day en 

route.

13-25 people per 

group.

Vehicle tracks common. 

Some noise and litter. 

Vegetation and soils 

commonly worn at 

campsites, along travel 

routes, and at popular 

areas.

Rural People seem to be 

generally everywhere.

26-50 people per 

group.

Frequent noise and 

litter. Large but 

localized areas with 

vegetation damage and 

soil compaction.

Urban

Busy place with other 

people constantly in 

view.

More than 50 people 

per group.

Unavoidable noise and 

litter. Widespread 

vegetation damage and 

soil compaction.

Table F-3. Administrative Setting

Mechanized Use Visitor Services Management Controls

Primitive

Pristine

None whatsoever. None is available onsite.

No visitor controls 

apparent. No use limits. 

Enforcement presence 

very rare.

Transition

Back Country

Mountain bikes and 

perhaps other 

mechanized use, but all 

is non-motorized.

Basic maps, but area 

personnel seldom 

available to provide onsite assistance.

Signs at key access 

points on basic user 

ethics. May have back 

country use restrictions. 

Enforcement presence 

rare.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

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Mechanized Use Visitor Services Management Controls

Middle Country

Four-wheel drives, allterrain vehicles, dirt 

bikes, or snowmobiles 

in addition to nonmotorized, mechanized 

use.

Area brochures and 

maps, plus area 

personnel occasionally 

present to provide onsite assistance.

Occasional regulatory 

signing. Motorized and 

mechanized use 

restrictions. Random 

enforcement presence.

Front Country

Two-wheel drive 

vehicles predominant, 

but also four-wheel 

drive vehicles and nonmotorized, mechanized 

use.

Information materials 

describe recreation 

areas and activities. 

Area personnel are 

periodically available.

Rules clearly posted 

with some seasonal or 

day-of-week use 

restrictions. Periodic 

enforcement presence.

Rural

Ordinary highway auto 

and truck traffic is 

characteristic.

Information materials 

same as described in 

Front Country, plus 

experience and benefit 

descriptions, staff 

regularly present.

Regulations prominent. 

Total use limited by 

permit, reservation, etc. 

Routine enforcement 

presence.

Urban

Wide variety of street 

vehicles and highway 

traffic is ever-present.

Information described 

to the left, plus regularly 

scheduled on-site 

outdoor skills 

demonstrations and 

clinics.

Continuous 

enforcement to 

redistribute use and 

reduce user conflicts, 

hazards, and resource 

damage.

Special Recreation Management Areas 

The Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) is an administrative unit where the existing or 

proposed recreation opportunities and recreation setting characteristics are recognized for their unique 

value, importance, and/or distinctiveness, especially as compared to other areas used for recreation. The 

SRMA is managed to protect and enhance a targeted set of activities, experiences, benefits, and desired 

recreation setting characteristics. The Approved Jarbidge Resource Management Plan (RMP) subdivides 

the SRMA into Recreation Management Zones (RMZs) to further delineate specific recreation 

opportunities. Within an SRMA, recreation and visitor services management is recognized as the 

predominant focus, where specific recreation opportunities and recreation setting characteristics are 

managed and protected on a long-term basis. Below are management strategies for SRMAs under the 

Approved RMP. The existing and prescribed setting characteristics for the physical, social, and 

administrative settings as described in Table F-1, Table F-2, and Table F-3 are identified for each SRMA.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

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Balanced Rock Special Recreation Management Area

Supporting Information

Appreciation of an area important to the local community.

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Balanced Rock SRMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage 

in activities in an area of importance to the local communities so they realize a “moderate” level of the 

targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Activities: Hiking, viewing wildlife/natural scenery, non-motorized boating.

Experiences: Enjoying natural scenery and wildlife, escaping everyday responsibilities, enjoying solitude, 

and being with friends and family.

Benefits:

Personal: Nature/aesthetic appreciation, improved mental wellbeing, and opportunity to view wildlife 

close-up.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities, improved perceived 

quality of life, and family bonding/better family life.

Environmental: Creates sense of “ownership” and stewardship of the area, provides natural habitat and 

open space.

Economic: Increased desirability of a place to live and work.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components: 

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Front/Middle 

Country

Facilities – Middle Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Middle Country

Group Size – Back Country

Evidence of Use – Middle 

Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Back Country

Visitor Services – Middle Country

Management Controls – Middle 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on developing a hiking trail to enhance existing 

facilities.

Improvements will be preceded by formal site plans and will adhere to guidelines developed for the area.

Other Programs: Manage as Visual Resource Management (VRM) Classes I and III.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and develop cooperative partnerships with volunteer groups, State, County, and local 

agencies to facilitate management and additional development of the area.

Marketing activities will include directional signing, interpretation, and brochures. 

Support active volunteer programs and develop new partnerships (e.g., National Public Lands Day and 

National Trails Day events and volunteer projects for local groups).

Routine monitoring of area and facilities, periodic visitor contact, and monitoring to assess achievement of 

objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

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Jarbidge Forks Special Recreation Management Area

Supporting Information

Fishing and camping in a remote area with few contacts with other people. 

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Jarbidge Forks SRMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage 

in fishing and camping so they achieve a “moderate” level of the targeted experiences and benefits 

outcomes.

Activities: Rafting, fishing, camping, picnicking, viewing wildlife, and viewing natural scenery.

Experiences: Engaging in preferred activities with family and friends, relaxing physically, enjoying natural 

scenery and wildlife, and enjoying leisure activities.

Benefits:

Personal: Nature/aesthetic appreciation, positive change in mood and emotion, social 

bonding/cohesion/cooperation, and identification with a special place.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities, improved image of land 

management agencies, and family/friends bonding.

Environmental: Better preservation of riparian environment, creates sense of “ownership” and 

stewardship of the area.

Economic: Retain recreation spending in local area and increase desirability of a place to live and work.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Middle Country

Facilities – Front Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Back Country

Group Size – Back Country

Evidence of Use – Middle 

Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Front Country

Management Controls – Middle 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on access, whitewater boat launch, parking, resource 

protection, and sanitation. 

Maintain or upgrade existing facilities. 

Other Programs: Manage Jarbidge River portion as VRM Class I (eligible Wild and Scenic River 

segments with a scenic Outstandingly Remarkable Value) and manage the East Fork of the Jarbidge 

River portion as VRM Class II.

Implementation Decisions

Seek cooperative relationships with local groups and other agencies to facilitate management.

Occasional visitor contact and law enforcement.

Marketing activities would include word of mouth, brochures, and interpretative and directional signing.

Routine monitoring of physical facilities; visitor number collections will continue to include whitewater 

boating registration forms; periodic visitor surveys to assess achievement of objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

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Little Pilgrim Special Recreation Management Area

Supporting Information

Vehicle-accessible fishing. 

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Little Pilgrim SRMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

sturgeon fishing so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experiences and benefit outcomes.

Activities: Fishing and bird hunting.

Experiences: Enjoying activities in a natural setting, enjoying natural scenery and wildlife, engaging in 

preferred activities with family and friends, and testing and improving outdoor skills.

Benefits:

Personal: Nature/aesthetic appreciation, positive change in mood and emotion, social 

bonding/cohesion/cooperation, and identification with a special place.

Community/Social: Lifestyle improvement or maintenance, family and friends bonding, improved image of 

the area and its recreational opportunities.

Environmental: Protection of wildlife and fish habitat and provide natural habitat and open space.

Economic: Retain recreation spending in local area and increase desirability of a place to live and work.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Middle Country

Naturalness – Middle Country

Facilities – Middle Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Back Country

Group Size – Back Country

Evidence of Use – Middle 

Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Middle Country

Management Controls – Middle 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on public access, parking, resource protection, and 

sanitation. 

Develop facilities for parking, camping, and sanitation. Improvements will be preceded by a formal site 

plan and will adhere to guidelines developed for the area. 

Other Programs: Manage as VRM Class II.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and develop cooperative relationships with land owners and other entities to facilitate 

responsible recreational use of the area.

Marketing activities would include word of mouth and brochures.

Routine monitoring of physical facilities and periodic visitor contact to assess achievement of objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-197

Salmon Falls Reservoir Special Recreation Management Area

Antelope Bay Recreation Management Zone

Supporting Information

Fishing, camping, and boating on a reservoir with consistent water levels and within proximity to major 

transportation routes.

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Antelope Bay RMZ to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

fishing, camping, and boating so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit 

outcomes.

Activities: Fishing, camping, water sports, hunting, boat launching and take out, equestrian, hiking, allterrain vehicle (ATV) riding, and motorcycle riding.

Experiences: Enjoying having easy access to natural landscapes, engaging in preferred activities with 

family and friends, enjoying activities in a natural setting, relaxing physically, and feeling good about how 

natural resources and facilities are being managed.

Benefits:

Personal: Positive change in mood and emotion, identification with a special place, and nature/aesthetic 

appreciation.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities, improved image of land 

management agencies, and family and friends bonding/ better family life.

Environmental: Greater protection of fish, wildlife, and plant habitat from public use impact, creates sense 

of “ownership” and stewardship of the area.

Economic: Contribution to Recreation and Tourism sector of the local economy and retain recreation 

spending in local area.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Middle/Front 

Country

Facilities – Front/Rural Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Middle/Front Country

Group Size – Middle Country

Evidence of Use – Middle/Front 

Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Front Country

Management Controls – Front 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on access, boat launch, parking, resource protection, 

and sanitation. 

Develop facilities to provide for access, visitor parking, boat launching and take out, and sanitation. 

Develop multiple-use designated trail system.

Facility development will be preceded by project planning and will adhere to guidelines developed for the 

area.

Other Programs: Manage as VRM Class II. 

Implementation Decisions

Develop cooperative relationships with volunteer groups, State and county agencies to facilitate 

responsible planning and use of the area.

Marketing activities would include directional signing, interpretative signing, brochures, and word of 

mouth.

Provide information and a regular management presence to allow the visitors to enjoy the area while 

protecting its natural resources.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-198

Cedar Creek Recreation Management Zone

Supporting Information

Easily accessed fishing and camping on a stocked reservoir.

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Cedar Creek RMZ to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

fishing and camping so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Activities: Fishing, camping, boat launching and take out.

Experiences: Being with friends and family, engaging in preferred activities, relaxing physically, and 

enjoying activities in a natural setting.

Benefits:

Personal: Positive change in mood and emotion and nature/aesthetic appreciation.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities and bonding with family 

and friends. 

Environmental: Creates sense of “ownership” and stewardship of the area.

Economic: Retain recreation spending in local area and increase desirability of a place to live and work.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Front Country

Facilities – Front Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Back Country

Group Size – Back/Middle 

Country

Evidence of Use – Front Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Middle Country

Management Controls – Middle 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on access, boat launch facilities, parking, resource 

protection, and sanitation. 

Develop and upgrade existing facilities to provide for access, visitor parking, and sanitation. Facility 

development will be preceded by project planning and will adhere to guidelines developed for the area.

Other Programs: Manage as VRM Class III. 

Implementation Decisions

Develop cooperative relationships with land owners and Twin Falls County Parks and Waterways.

Marketing activities would include directional signing, brochures, and word of mouth.

Routine monitoring of physical facilities and periodic visitor contact to assess achievement of objectives. 

Provide information and a regular management presence to allow the visitors to enjoy the area while 

protecting its natural resources.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-199

Yahoo Special Recreation Management Area

Supporting Information

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding in sand washes within proximity to major transportation systems and 

available during the winter season.

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Yahoo SRMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in OHV 

riding so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Activities: OHV riding (e.g., ATV, motorcycle, utility terrain veheicle).

Experiences: Exhilaration and excitement, testing and improving riding skills, being with friends and 

family, enjoying preferred activities in an appropriate setting, and risk taking.

Benefits:

Personal: Positive change in mood and emotion, social bonding/cohesion/ cooperation, and improve skills 

for outdoor enjoyment.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities creates a positive image 

of OHV motorized activities.

Environmental: Creates a sense of “ownership” and stewardship of the area. Increased awareness and 

protection of landscapes.

Economic: Retains recreation spending in the local area and increases attractiveness of southern Idaho 

as a place to live.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Front Country

Facilities – Front Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Middle/Front Country

Group Size – Middle Country

Evidence of Use – Front Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Front Country

Management Controls – Front 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Improvements geared toward facilitating parking, sanitation, 

and reducing sediment into Yahoo Creek. 

Designated open/play areas and trail system.

Other Programs: Manage areas open to cross-county travel and areas outside the Oregon National 

Historic Trail visual corridor as VRM Class III. Manage the Oregon National Historic Trail visual corridor 

as VRM Class II.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and pursue cooperative partnerships with user groups, land owners, and Idaho Department of 

Parks and Recreation (IDPR) to facilitate responsible recreational use of the area.

Pursue partnerships with user groups and IDPR for a formal site plan.

Marketing activities will include word-of-mouth, directional signing, and brochures.

Routine monitoring of area and facilities and periodic visitor contact and monitoring to assess 

achievement of objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-200

Deadman Special Recreation Management Area

Supporting Information

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding within proximity to major transportation systems and available during the 

winter season.

SRMA/RMZ Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Deadman SRMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

OHV riding so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Activities: OHV riding (e.g., ATV, motorcycle, utility terrain vehicle).

Experiences: Exhilaration and excitement, testing and improving riding skills, being with friends and 

family, enjoying preferred activities in an appropriate setting, and risk taking.

Benefits:

Personal: Positive change in mood and emotion, social bonding/cohesion/ cooperation, and improve skills 

for outdoor enjoyment.

Community/Social: Improved image of the area and its recreational opportunities creates a positive image 

of OHV motorized activities.

Environmental: Creates a sense of “ownership” and stewardship of the area. Increased awareness and 

protection of landscapes.

Economic: Retains recreation spending in the local area and increases attractiveness of southern Idaho 

as a place to live.

Recreation Setting Characteristics

Physical Components:

Remoteness – Front Country

Naturalness – Front Country

Facilities – Front Country

Social Components:

Contacts – Middle/Front Country

Group Size – Middle Country

Evidence of Use – Front Country

Administrative Components:

Mechanized Use – Front Country

Visitor Services – Front Country

Management Controls – Front 

Country

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Improvements geared toward facilitating parking, sanitation 

for users, and developing an OHV training area. 

Designated Open/Play areas and trail system. 

Other Programs: None.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and pursue cooperative partnerships with user groups, land owners, and IDPR to facilitate 

responsible recreational use of the area.

Pursue partnerships with user groups and IDPR for a formal site/layout/facility plan.

Marketing activities will include word-of mouth, directional signing, and brochures.

Routine monitoring of area and facilities and periodic visitor contact and monitoring to assess 

achievement of objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-201

Extensive Recreation Management Areas

The Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) is an administrative unit that requires specific 

management consideration in order to address recreation use, demand, or recreation and visitor services 

program investments. The ERMA is managed to support and sustain the principal recreation activities 

and the associated qualities and conditions of the ERMA. Management of ERMAs is commensurate with 

the management of other resources and resource uses. While generally unnecessary, ERMAs may be 

subdivided into Recreation Management Zones to ensure recreation and visitor services are managed 

commensurate with the management of other resources and resource uses. Below are management 

strategies for ERMAs that designated under the Approved RMP. 

Canyonlands ERMA

ERMA Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Canyonlands ERMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

motorized and non-motorized recreation experiences including hunting, hiking, and equestrian so they 

realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Maintain the backcountry character and primarily 

undisturbed natural landscape to allow visitors to enjoy opportunities for solitude.

Primarily manage for backcountry recreation opportunities, including non-motorized hunting and 

whitewater boating. 

Maintain and protect natural and cultural resource values. 

Any improvements will be preceded by site/area plans.

Other Programs: Manage wilderness portion of Canyonlands ERMA as VRM Class I (Wilderness).

Implementation Decisions

Marketing activities will include word of mouth, Owyhee & Bruneau River Systems Boating Guide, 

interpretive and educational signing, and directional signing.

Visitor number collections will continue to include registration forms for whitewater boating. Periodic visitor 

surveys will assess achievement of objectives.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-202

Jarbidge Foothills ERMA

ERMA Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Jarbidge Foothills ERMA to provide opportunities for visitors to 

engage in motorized and non-motorized recreation experiences including hunting, hiking, and equestrian 

so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Motorized routes would be designated to maximize wildlife 

habitat core size.

Primarily manage for backcountry recreation opportunities, including non-motorized hunting. 

Maintain and protect natural and cultural resource values. 

Any improvements will be preceded by site/area plans.

Other Programs: Manage Browns Bench portion of Jarbidge Foothills ERMA as VRM Class II.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and develop cooperative relationships with land owners, volunteer groups, and state agencies 

to facilitate responsible recreational use of the area.

Marketing activities will include directional and informational signing.

Periodic visitor contact and monitoring to assess achievement of objectives.

Rosevear ERMA

ERMA Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Rosevear Gulch ERMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage 

in motorized trail riding opportunities on a series of designated routes so they realize a “moderate” level of 

the targeted experience and benefit outcomes.

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Improvements geared toward facilitating access and 

accommodating users. 

Develop designated trail system.

Other Programs: None.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and pursue cooperative partnerships with user groups and state/county agencies to facilitate 

responsible recreational use of the area.

Project plan will be developed and will adhere to guidelines developed for the area.

Marketing activities will include word-of mouth, directional signing, brochures, and maps.

Routine monitoring of area and periodic visitor contact to assess achievement of objectives. Off-highway 

vehicle a primary focus of monitoring.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-203

Luds Point ERMA

ERMA Objective(s)

Objective Statement: Manage the Luds Point ERMA to provide opportunities for visitors to engage in 

fishing, primitive camping, and hunting so they realize a “moderate” level of the targeted experience and 

benefit outcomes.

Management Actions and Allowable Use Decisions

Recreation and Visitor Services Program: Focus on public access, resource protection, and sanitation.

Improvements will be preceded by project planning and will adhere to guidelines developed for the area.

Other Programs: None.

Implementation Decisions

Encourage and develop cooperative relationships with user groups and State and county agencies to 

facilitate responsible recreational use of the area.

Occasional visitor contact and law enforcement.

Marketing activities would include directional and interpretative signing, brochure, and word of mouth.

Routine monitoring of facilities and periodic visitor contact to assess achievements of objectives.

Public Lands Not Established as Recreation Management Areas

Those areas not identified in the planning area as recreation management areas (SRMAs or ERMAs) are 

managed to meet basic recreation and visitor services and resource stewardship needs. Recreation is not 

emphasized on these lands; however, recreation activities may occur, except on those lands closed to 

public use. The recreation and visitor services are managed to allow recreation uses that are not in 

conflict with the primary uses of these lands. Public lands not managed as recreation management areas 

include the following objectives:

• Visitor Health and Safety - Ensure that participants in dispersed recreational activities have a low 

potential for serious accidents due to human-created conditions and minimal exposure to hazardous 

health conditions.

• Use and User Conflicts - Mitigate conflicts with other uses through visitor outreach efforts. Direct 

administration of conflicts may be implemented by way of recreation use restrictions, realignments, 

signage, and closures.

• Resource Protection - Create an increased awareness and understanding and a sense of 

stewardship in recreational activity participants so their conduct safeguards natural resource values.

Implementation actions for public lands not designated as recreation management areas include:

o Managing the lands to provide a variety of recreational opportunities including primitive, back 

country, middle country, and front country. Provide outdoor settings ranging from areas with a 

high-to-moderate opportunity for solitude and closeness to nature and to areas where visitors 

have a higher interaction with other users.

o Limiting recreational access, season of use, and numbers of users, if needed, to protect other 

resources.

o Implementing site-specific facility development on a case-by-case basis, based on needs for 

resource protection, user demand, and visitor health and safety.
Appendix F: Recreation Management Areas

A-204

o Providing signs, brochures, and maps to facilitate the use and enjoyment of public lands and to 

protect visitor health, safety, and resources.

o Managing BLM lands adjacent to other Federal and State lands to complement the recreational 

experience on the adjoining lands.

o Monitoring recreational activities and implementing adaptive management where there are 

conflicts with other uses (e.g., grazing, wilderness management) and private lands.
A-205

APPENDIX G: LANDS AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSAL

The parcels listed below meet Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) Section 203 criteria for 

disposal by sale. These lands, in addition to lands outside of Zone 1, may also be considered for disposal 

under FLPMA Section 206 exchange or under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1954. 

Criteria for Land Ownership Adjustment

Lands with Highest Priority for Retention or Acquisition

Those lands specifically identified by the Shoshone-Bannock and/or Shoshone-Paiute Tribes as 

having special importance related to treaty and/or traditional uses and values;

Important, crucial, or critical habitat for special status species including proposed species, listed 

species, and candidate species under the Endangered Species Act; State-listed species; and BLM 

State Director-designated sensitive species;

Riparian areas and wetlands;

Parcels that provide public and/or administrative access to larger blocks of public land; and

Lands with special designation or management emphasis (see category below).

Special Designation/Management Areas Where it is a High Priority to Acquire 

Inholdings

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, or lands adjacent to and important for expansion of such 

areas;

National Historic Trails;

Wild and Scenic Rivers (eligible, recommended suitable, or designated);

Significant cultural resources and sites eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic 

Places; and

Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas.

Areas Generally Retained, but May be Exchanged for Parcels with Higher 

Resource Values

Important habitat for fish or wildlife, 

Developed recreation sites and recreation access, 

Recreation opportunities and benefits, 

Significant energy and mineral resources, 

Significant cave resources, 

Significant cultural resources and sites eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic 

Places, and

Significant paleontological resources.

Areas that Are a High Priority for Disposal

Parcels which are difficult or costly to administer (manageability and/or isolation of the parcel);

Parcels more suitable for management by another Federal or State agency; and

Parcels of special importance to (and generally adjacent to) local communities for purposes including, 

but not limited to, community expansion, extended community services, or economic development.

Other Issues to be Considered Prior to any Land Tenure Adjustment Action

To what extent the individual action will help achieve overall land ownership management objectives 

at the watershed level, in cooperation with State and private landowners;

Existing legal accessibility of the land for public uses;

Amount of public investments in facilities or improvements and the potential for recovering those 

investments; and

Consistency with cooperative agreements and plans or policies of other agencies. 
A-206

Table G-1. Lands Available for Disposal 

Township and Range Section Legal Description Approximate 

Acres

T. 5 S., R. 10 E., 

25 SE1⁄4NE1⁄4, W1⁄2SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4 279

26 SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, W1⁄2NW1⁄4, SE1⁄4NW1⁄4, 

N1⁄2S1⁄2, SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, S1⁄2SE1⁄4 437

27 S1⁄2NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4SE1⁄4 120

33 SE1⁄4NE1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4 119

34 N1⁄2SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4 277

35 NE1⁄4NE1⁄4, W1⁄2SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4SW1⁄4 159

T. 5 S., R. 11 E.,

17 NW1⁄4SW1⁄4 40

18 SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 40

30 Lots 1-4, SE1⁄4NW1⁄4 183

31 Lot 5, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4NW1⁄4 88

32 E1⁄2NW1⁄4 81

T. 6 S., R. 9 E.,

2 SW1⁄4NW1⁄4, NE1⁄4SW1⁄4, S1⁄2SE1⁄4 160

3 Lot 1 43

4 SW1⁄4 159

5 S1⁄2 321

8 W1⁄2NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4 240

9 E1⁄2NW1⁄4 80

14 SE1⁄4NW1⁄4, S1⁄2SW1⁄4, NE1⁄4SW1⁄4 160

15 SE1⁄4 160

17 All 640

20 All 641

21 All 639

22 W1⁄2NE1⁄4, W1⁄2, W1⁄2SE1⁄4 480

23 W1⁄2SW1⁄4 80

26 NW1⁄4NW1⁄4, W1⁄2SE1⁄4 120

27 N1⁄2NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4, 

NW1⁄4SE1⁄4 400

28 N1⁄2, N1⁄2S1⁄2 481

29 All 642

32 All 640

33 S1⁄2N1⁄2, S1⁄2, 483

35 E1⁄2SW1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4 160

T. 6 S., R. 10 E., 2 Lots 2-4, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, S1⁄2NW1⁄4, N1⁄2S1⁄2, 

SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 486

T. 6 S., R. 11 E., 6 SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 80

T. 6 S., R. 12 E., 8 Lots 5, 8 70

T. 7 S., R. 9 E., 

1 SW1⁄4SW1⁄4 40

2 S1⁄2 321

3 Lots 2-4, S1⁄2 442

T. 7 S., R. 9 E., 

4 All 480

9 N1⁄2 320

10 N1⁄2N1⁄2, SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, S1⁄2NW1⁄4 283

11 N1⁄2N1⁄2, SE1⁄4NW1⁄4 203

12 S1⁄2N1⁄2, N1⁄2NW1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4, SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 359

T. 7 S., R. 10 E.,

7 Lots 2-4, E1⁄2SW1⁄4, S1⁄2SE1⁄4 253

17 W1⁄2NW1⁄4, NW1⁄4SW1⁄4 120

18 Lot 1, NE1⁄4, E1⁄2NW1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4 351

22 NE1⁄4NW1⁄4, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 80

28 S1⁄2SW1⁄4 80

32 N1⁄2NE1⁄4 80
A-207

Township and Range Section Legal Description Approximate 

Acres

33 N1⁄2NW1⁄4 80

T. 8 S., R. 13 E., 14 NW1⁄4SW1⁄4 40

T. 8 S., R. 14 E., 7 NE1⁄4SW1⁄4 40

T. 9 S., R. 12 E., 20 SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 40

24 SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 40

T. 9 S., R. 13 E., 19 Lots 3-4, NE1⁄4NE1⁄4 82

T. 10 S., R. 12 E., 12 SW1⁄4NW1⁄4 40

Total 12,962

Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act

The lands listed below were identified for potential disposal as of July 25, 2000, and may therefore be 

considered for disposal under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act of 2000 (FLTFA). Under 

FLTFA, the monies received from sales or exchanges of lands identified for disposal in land use plans as 

of July 25, 2000 are retained in an account and can be used by the BLM and other Federal agencies to 

purchase additional lands; they are not deposited in the General Treasury. 

Table G-2. Lands Available for Disposal under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act

Township and Range Section Legal Description Approximate 

Acres

T. 6 S., R. 9 E.,

8 S1⁄2NW1⁄4 80

17 All 640

20 W1⁄2NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4, E1⁄2SW1⁄4, SE1⁄4 480

21 N1⁄2, SW1⁄4, W1⁄2SE1⁄4 560

22 W1⁄2NE1⁄4, W1⁄2, W1⁄2SE1⁄4 480

27 SW1⁄4NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4, NW1⁄4SE1⁄4 320

28 N1⁄2, N1⁄2S1⁄2 480

29 NE1⁄4, SW1⁄4NW1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4 280

32 SW1⁄4SW1⁄4 80

Total 3,400
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Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-209

APPENDIX H: IMPORTANT SEASONAL PERIODS AND 

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANT, FISH, AND

WILDLIFE SPECIES 

Plants

In general, critical time periods for special status plants are during the flowering period (Table H-1). 

Exceptions are earth lichen and slickspot peppergrass, which have habitats that are sensitive to 

disturbance while soils are saturated (January through May), and cowpie and matted buckwheat, which 

are sensitive to disturbance year-round.

Table H-1. Flowering Periods for Special Status Plants in the Planning Area

Common Name Scientific Name Flowering Period

Annual/Biennial Forbs

Alkali cleomella Cleomella plocasperma May through September

Desert pincushion Chaenactis stevioides April through June

Rigid threadbush Nemacladus rigidus May through June

Slickspot peppergrass Lepidium papilliferum April through July

Spreading gilia Ipomopsis polycladon [syn. Gilia polycladon] April through June

White eatonella Eatonella nivea April through July

White-margined wax plant Glyptopleura marginata May through June

Perennial Forbs

American wood sage Teucrium canadense var. occidentale April through August

Bruneau River prickly 

phlox

Linanthus glabrum [syn. Leptodactylon 

glabrum] April through July

Chatterbox orchid Epipactis gigantea April through early August

Davis peppergrass Lepidium davisii May through July

Four-wing milkvetch Astragalus tetrapterus April through early July

Fringed waterplantain Damasonium californicum April through June

Greeley’s wavewing Cymopterus acaulis var. greeleyorum March through April

Janish penstemon Penstemon janishiae April through mid-June

Matted cowpie buckwheat Eriogonum shockleyi [syn. Eriogonum 

shockleyi var. shockleyi] May through June

Mudflat milkvetch Astragalus yoder williamsii June through July

Newberry’s milkvetch Astragalus newberryi var. castoreus April through early July

Packard’s buckwheat Eriogonum shockleyi [syn. Eriogonum 

shockleyi var. packardiae] May through July

Simpson hedgehog cactus Pediocactus simpsonii May through June

Snake River milkvetch Astragalus purshii var. ophiogenes Late April through June

Spine-noded milkvetch Peteria thompsoniae Late April through June

Two-headed onion Allium anceps Early April through June

Waterthread pondweed Potamogeton diversifolius April through May

Non-Vascular Plants

Earth lichen Catapyrenium congestum September through 

November
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-210

Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates

Table H-2 includes the majority of identified important seasonal periods for special status fish and aquatic 

invertebrates in the planning area, as well as the habitats in which they occur in the planning area. These 

periods may vary annually due to environmental variables.

Table H-2. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Fish and Aquatic 

Invertebrates in the Planning Area

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

Fish

Bull trout

Spawning

August 

through 

November

Occupies habitats varying from small headwater 

streams to 3rd and 4th order streams. Prefer streams 

where water temperatures do not exceed 59oF. Prefer 

stream substrates with loose, clean gravel, numerous 

large pools (>3.3 ft deep), stable and undercut 

streambanks and abundant large wood debris (FWS, 

2004). 

Incubation November 

through May

Redband 

trout A

Spawning May through 

June

Occupies habitats with large pools (1-1.3 ft deep) that 

span half the width of the stream and adjacent to the 

thalweg (deepest part of the stream), stable 

streambanks (>80%), and water temperatures from 50-

68oF (Muhlfeld, 2002). Prefers stream substrates with 

low fines (Muhlfeld, 2002). 

Incubation June through 

August

Snake River 

white 

sturgeon A

Spawning March through 

June

Occurs in isolated populations in the Snake River but 

require free-flowing cold water environments for 

successful spawning. Often found in turbulent pools 

with high velocity. White sturgeon prefer deep pool 

habitat with a fine-bottom substrate. Spawning occurs in 

waters >3 m deep and over a cobble-sized substrate 

(64-256 mm) (Idaho Power Company, 2005). Incubation March through 

mid July

Shoshone 

sculpin A

Spawning March through 

August

Endemic to cold-water springs in the Snake River in the 

Hagerman Valley. Prefer spawning habitats with nonembedded cobbles or boulders, water temperatures 

less than 63oF, and surface velocity <40 cm/second. 

Normally are associated with cover such as rocks, 

cobble, gravel or vegetation. Juveniles can be found on 

sand or mud substrates with submerged vegetation 

(FWS, 1995). 

Incubation March through 

September

Aquatic Invertebrates

Bliss Rapids 

snail Reproduction

October 

through 

February

Occurs in stable cobbles and boulders in flowing waters 

of unimpounded reaches of the Snake River and in a 

few spring habitats in the Hagerman Valley. Also found 

in spring influenced areas or along the edges of rapids 

that flank the shoreline. Can be locally abundant, 

especially on smooth rock surfaces with red algae 

(FWS, 1995). 

Bruneau hot 

springsnail Reproduction Year-round

Only found in warm water springs and seeps along a 5 

mile reach of the lower Bruneau River and its tributary 

Hot Creek. Occupies flowing geothermal springs and 

seeps with temperatures ranging from 60oF to 98oF 

(24oC to 35oC). Found on exposed rock, gravel, sand, 

mud, and algae substrates (FWS, 2002). 
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-211

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods 

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

California 

floater A Reproduction Dates 

unknown

Found in well-oxygenated mud to fine gravel beds. 

Often is found immediately above or below rapids in 

mud-sand substrates with good water quality. Life 

history requirements have not been thoroughly 

investigated (FWS, 1995). 

Columbia 

pebblesnail A Reproduction Dates 

unknown

Found in flowing waters with gravel- to boulder-sized 

substrate at the edges or downstream of rapids and 

whitewater areas. Avoids areas with swift current and 

spring systems. Life history requirements have not been 

thoroughly investigated (FWS, 1995). 

Short-face 

lanx A Reproduction Dates 

unknown

Found in areas with steady to strong current on the 

under surfaces of large rocks in the Snake River. Can 

also be found in large springs in rapids and boulder 

bars below rapids. Requires water with high amounts of 

oxygen (FWS, 1995). 

Snake River 

physa snail Reproduction Dates 

unknown

Prefers the underside of gravel- to boulder-sized rock in 

swift currents and deep waters at the margins of rapids. 

Also found on boulders in the deepest part of the river. 

Prefers cold, clean, well-oxygenated, flowing water with 

low turbidity. Much of the habitat for this species may be 

in deep water beyond the range of routine sampling. 

Life history requirements have not been thoroughly 

investigated (FWS, 1995). A Egg incubation periods and emergence dates are estimates. Rates vary according to local water temperatures.

Wildlife

Table H-3 and H-4 include the majority of identified important seasonal periods for special status wildlife 

and selected general wildlife in the planning area, as well as the habitats in which they occur in the 

planning area. These periods may vary annually due to environmental variables like temperature, 

precipitation, and habitat condition.

Table H-3. Important Seasonal Periods and Habitats for Special Status Wildlife in the Planning 

Area

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

Invertebrates (terrestrial)

Bruneau 

Dunes tiger 

beetle

Breeding March through 

mid June

Sparsely vegetated, lower elevation dunelands. Adults 

burrow into sand dunes. Larval habitat is sparsely 

vegetated areas between dunes. Known only from the 

Bruneau Dunes State Park and Indian Cove areas. 

Larval burrows are vulnerable to collapse (Bauer, 1991)

year round.

Larval Year-round

Amphibians

Columbia 

spotted frog

Breeding Mid April 

through July

Higher elevation wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, 

springs, and marshes with slack water areas (e.g., 

beaver ponds, oxbows) for reproduction and ponds and 

Winter springs for hibernation (Howard and Munger, 2003). October 

through March

Northern 

leopard frog Breeding April through 

July

Wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, springs, and 

marshes with slack water areas (e.g., beaver ponds, 
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-212

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

Winter October 

through March

oxbows) for reproduction and ponds and springs for 

hibernation (Nussbaum et. al., 1983). 

Western toad

Breeding April through 

July Wetlands associated with rivers, creeks, and springs 

with slack water areas for reproduction. Adults use small 

mammal burrows in uplands for hibernation (Nussbaum, 

et al., 1983). 

Winter October 

through March

Winter October 

through March

Reptiles

Great Basin 

black-collared 

lizard

Breeding

Dates 

unknown 

locally

Generally lower elevation areas with rock outcrops 

and/or boulder piles and sparse herbaceous vegetation 

(Groves et al., 1997). 

Longnose 

snake Breeding

Dates 

unknown 

locally

Generally lower elevation areas with sandy soil for 

burrowing. Uses rodent burrows for reproduction and 

hibernation (Groves et al., 1997). 

Birds

Bald eagle

Winter

Mid November 

through 

February Found foraging primarily along the Snake River Canyon

during winter. Limited habitat for nesting in the planning 

area. Breeding

Mid May 

through 

August

Black tern Breeding/

Nesting

Mid-May to 

mid-July

Freshwater marsh, occasionally seen along the Snake 

River,

Blackthroated 

sparrow

Breeding/ 

Nesting

Mid April 

through mid 

July

Sagebrush steppe habitats.

Brewer’s 

sparrow

Breeding/ 

Nesting

Mid April 

through mid 

July

Sagebrush steppe habitats.

Burrowing 

owl

Breeding/

Nesting

April through 

August Grassland, sagebrush steppe habitats

Columbian 

sharp-tailed 

grouse

Display/ 

Breeding

Mid March 

through June

Display, breeding, and nesting in mountain shrub, 

sagebrush steppe to grasslands. Time of day restrictions 

(sunrise to 2 hours after sunrise) could reduce or 

mitigate adverse impacts of some activities (routine 

maintenance, SRP, etc.). 

Nesting May through 

mid July

Winter

November 

through mid 

March

Aspen and mountain shrub habitats are critical when 

snow is deep.

Ferruginous 

hawk

Breeding/

Nesting

March through 

July

Sagebrush steppe and grasslands. Nests in isolated 

trees (junipers) or in juniper stringers, or on the ground 

on bluffs or rock outcrops.

Golden eagle Breeding/

Nesting

April through 

July Nests in canyons forages in multiple habitats

Grasshopper 

sparrow

Breeding/

Nesting

June through 

July Grassland habitat

Greater sagegrouseDisplay/ 

Breeding

Mid February 

through mid 

May

Sagebrush steppe habitats (Connelly et. al., 2000); 

Idaho Sage-grouse Advisory Committee, 2006). Time of 

day restrictions (sunrise to 2 hours after sunrise) could 

reduce or mitigate adverse impacts of some activities 

(routine maintenance, SRP, etc.).
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-213

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

Nesting/

Early Brood 

Rearing

Mid March 

through mid 

June

Sagebrush steppe habitats (Connelly et al., 2000; Idaho 

Sage-grouse Advisory Committee, 2006). 

Winter

January 

through mid 

March

Windswept ridges when snow is deep in lowland areas 

(Connelly et al., 2000). 

Green-tailed 

towhee

Breeding/

Nesting

May through 

July Mountain mahogany and mountain shrub habitats

Lewis 

woodpecker

Breeding/ 

Nesting

May through 

mid July

Stands of mature aspen with larger diameter (>10 

inches in diameter at breast height) trees.

Loggerhead 

shrike

Breeding/ 

Nesting

Mid April 

through mid 

July

Sagebrush steppe areas with tall sagebrush and black 

greasewood habitats 

Long billed 

curlew

Breeding/

Nesting

April through 

July Grassland habitat

Mountain 

quail

Breeding May through 

mid July Riparian zones and mountain shrub to forested areas.

Winter Mid November 

through April

Typically winter in riparian zones and mountain shrub 

habitats.

Northern 

goshawk

Breeding/ 

Nesting

March through 

July

Stands of mature aspen with larger diameter (>10 

inches in diameter at breast height) and branches large 

enough to support the nest.

Olive-sided 

flycatcher

Breeding/

Nesting

Late May 

through 

August

Locally, occasionally in aspen habitat

Peregrine 

falcon

Breeding/ 

Nesting

March through 

July

Canyonlands usually with perennial water source in 

bottom. Forages in canyon and adjacent uplands.

Sage sparrow Breeding/ 

Nesting

Mid April 

through mid 

July

Sagebrush steppe habitats.

Sage 

thrasher

Breeding/

Nesting

Mid March 

through July Sagebrush steppe habitats.

Short-eared 

owl

Breeding/

Nesting

April through 

July Grassland, sagebrush steppe habitats

Trumpeter 

swan

Winter Mid November 

through April Winters along Snake River. Not known to nest locally.

Virginia’s 

warbler

Breeding/

Nesting

May through 

July Locally, mountain mahogany/mountain shrub habitats

Willow 

flycatcher

Breeding/ 

Nesting

Mid May 

through mid 

July

Riparian zones dominated by willows, occasionally 

aspen habitats.

Yellow-billed 

cuckoo Breeding

May through 

early 

September

Observed rarely on islands in the Snake River with 

overstory trees and dense shrub understory.

Mammals* 

Big brown bat Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-214

Species

Important 

Seasonal 

Periods

Approximate 

Dates Habitats

California 

bighorn 

sheep

Breeding

Mid October 

through 

December Canyonlands with perennial water and adjacent upland 

plateaus. Prefer areas with little competition from other 

ungulates. Winter December through March

Lambing Mid April 

through June

Canyon bat Winter November 

through March

Canyons and rock outcrops. Forages in canyons or well 

away from canyons in the uplands.

Kit fox Denning

Dates 

unknown 

locally

Sagebrush steppe

Little brown 

bat Winter November 

through March

Canyons and pinyon/juniper forests. Forages in canyons 

or well away from canyons in the uplands.

Long-eared 

myotis Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands

Long-legged 

myotis Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands

Pallid bat Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands and talus with perennial water 

(Hermanson and O'Shea, 1983). 

Piute [Great 

Basin] ground 

squirrel

Spring 

through 

early 

summer

Early March 

through June

Sagebrush steppe and in meadows, usually with deeper 

soils.

Pygmy rabbit Year-round Year-round Sagebrush steppe usually with deeper soils also in salt 

desert shrub, mountain shrub habitats.

Spotted bat Winter

Dates 

unknown 

locally

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands.

Townsend 

big-eared bat Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Uses caves, lava 

tubes, mine adits for communal roosts (maternity and 

winter). Forages in canyons or well away from canyons 

in the uplands.

Western 

small-footed 

myotis

Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands

Yuma myotis Winter November 

through March

Canyonlands with perennial water. Forages in canyon or 

well away from canyon in the uplands

*Hoary bat and silver-haired bat were not included because they have not been documented within the planning area. 

Additionally both species migrate from Idaho during the winter.

Table H- 4. Important Seasonal Periods for General Wildlife in the Planning Area

Species or Group of 

Species

Important Seasonal Periods Approximate Dates

Pronghorn Winter December through March

Fawning Mid May through June

Mule Deer Winter December through March

Fawning May through June

Elk Winter December through March

Calving May through June
Appendix H: Important Seasonal Periods and Habitat Requirements

A-215

Species or Group of 

Species

Important Seasonal Periods Approximate Dates

Upland game birds Breeding/Nesting March through June

Winter December through February

Neo-tropical migratory birds

Breeding/Nesting Mid April through mid July

Spring migration March through mid May

Fall migration August through October

Raptors Pair formation/Nesting Mid February through mid June

Fledging young Mid June through mid July

Amphibians Breeding April through June

Hibernation Mid October through mid April
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