Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

and vandalism. Firearm-related property damage and garbage related to shooting is 

experienced infrequently. Natural and cultural resources are not damaged by firearm 

discharge or illegal activities. Firearm discharge and other recreational uses are managed 

concurrently to improve recreational opportunities and reduce user conflict. 

Archaeology
1

Goal
1

Locate, protect, preserve, enhance, and interpret cultural resources in accordance with 

existing legal authorities. existing legal authorities. 

Vision 

Cultural resources and “At-Risk,” significant archaeological resources are managed in 

a pro-active manner for their various use categories (as defined in BLM Manual 8100). 

Information about the archaeology of the planning area is current. Residents of, and 

visitors to, the area have an opportunity to learn about the local prehistory and history 

of the region. Interpretation, education, inventories, monitoring, and law enforcement 

enhances protection and preservation of “At-Risk”, significant archaeological resources. cant archaeological resources. 

Management Direction Management Direction 

The management direction contained in this section includes new direction from the 

Upper Deschutes planning process, as well as existing direction from regulations, 

manuals and handbooks, and unrevised portions of the Brothers/La Pine RMP. 

Ecosystem Health and Diversity
1

Vegetation
1

Ecosystem Maintenance and Restoration Ecosystem Maintenance and Restoration 

Objective V – 1 applies to all plant communities. Objectives V – 1a through V – 1g apply 

only to the plant community specified. 

All Plant Communities All Plant Communities 

Objective V - 1: Maintain and restore healthy, diverse and productive native plant 

communities appropriate to local site conditions. Manage vegetation structure, density, 

species composition, patch size, paĴern, and distribution to reduce the occurrence 

of uncharacteristically large and severe disturbances. Maintain or mimic natural 

disturbance regimes so that plant communities are resilient following periodic 

outbreaks of insects, disease and wildland fire. Identify opportunities to actively repaĴern vegetation on the landscape to conditions more consistent with landform, 

climate, biological, and physical components of the ecosystem, and considering social 

expectations and changes to the landscape driven by human influences. uences. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of October 21, 1976 (“FLPMA”, 43 USC 

1701) declares that the public land be managed in a manner that would: a) protect the 

quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric, 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

water, and archaeological values; b) preserve and protect certain public lands in their 

natural condition; c) provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals; 

and d) provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use. and d) provide for outdoor recreation and human occupancy and use. 

Many plant communities throughout the interior west are in a condition, structure and 

composition that deviate from their “natural” state that existed prior to white European 

seĴlement. Human management activities and other influences have contributed to 

the current imbalance in ecosystems. Restoring conditions that approximate historic 

conditions would help prevent large-scale occurrences of insect, disease, and wildland 

fire and the resulting undesirable ecological, social, and economic effects of these largescale disturbances. Restoration of landscape succession/disturbance regimes is the 

foundation of the strategy to manage long-term risk to terrestrial, aquatic, and riparian 

ecosystems. This risk management strategy will conserve scarce habitats in the shortterm while expanding these habitats through restoration in the long-term. term while expanding these habitats through restoration in the long-term. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Vegetative restoration treatments may be accomplished by a variety of methods 

including, but not limited to, mechanical, prescribed fire, and grazing. Specific 

project prescriptions will be appropriate to site conditions, plant community types, 

and resource objectives, and will be detailed in project-level plans and National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses. A) analyses. 

2. Apply Best Management Practices (see Appendix F) where appropriate during 

vegetative treatments. e treatments. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

Priorities Priorities 

1. Where ecosystems are healthy and functioning, apply management to ensure the 

maintenance of good conditions and, where the condition of ecosystems is not as 

good, keep conditions from deteriorating further until they can be restored, either 

passively or actively. 

2. Potential project areas will be evaluated for expected rehabilitation success given a 

reasonable level of treatment effort and investment. Areas that are so damaged or 

altered so as to have transitioned beyond the threshold of restoration success may 

be deferred in favor of areas that have greater opportunity for success. e greater opportunity for success. 

3. Rehabilitation will be considered whenever there is damage caused by natural or 

human-caused events such as erosion, fire, trespass, mining, road construction, and 

other ground disturbing activities. Weed management will also be integral to most 

rehabilitation efforts. 

4. Emphasize managing special status species habitats. Emphasize managing special status species habitats. 

5. Consult with Redmond Airport officials in T15S R13E sections 1, 13, 24, 25, and 

26 to ensure that restoration projects do not conflict with the safe operation or 

development of the airport. elopment of the airport. 

Structure 

6. Seed or plant grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees where appropriate to achieve a variety 

of objectives such as: stabilizing soils, restoring native communities, converting to 

targeted plant communities, improving wildlife habitat, and influencing potential 

fire behavior in the wildland urban interface. re behavior in the wildland urban interface. 

7. Use native species for a majority of restoration/rehabilitation treatments. Examples 

of when use of non-natives may be appropriate include: es may be appropriate include: 

a. When advantageous for quick soil stabilization antageous for quick soil stabilization 

b. When aggressive competition with invasive weeds is needed eeds is needed 

c. When non-natives are significantly more cost-effective and result in a much 

greater area treated greater area treated 

d. When natives are not capable of achieving objectives 

e. When non-natives can contribute to overall restoration success erall restoration success 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

8. Increase the potential for re-seeding success by utilizing stock adapted to or 

appropriate for local conditions. Use native seeds or seedlings obtained from local 

genetic stock whenever practicable. er practicable. 

9. Utilize wildland/urban interface fire zone treatments to maintain or contribute 

early seral (low shrub, perennial grass, forbs) structure and composition to targeted 

landscape vegetative communities. e communities. 

10. Promote native herbaceous cover with restoration treatments to reduce the amount 

of bare, exposed soil for erosion control and displacement of weeds. 

11. Restore the distribution and vigor of biĴerbrush stands through vegetative 

treatments designed to reduce competing plants, create a variety of biĴerbrush age 

classes, and create conditions conducive to biĴerbrush natural regeneration. erbrush natural regeneration. 

12. Use a variety of measures to protect planted and naturally regenerated seedlings 

from the effects of trampling, browsing, and girdling by livestock and wildlife. Such 

measures may include: suspension of grazing, fencing, tubing, neĴing, and animal 

repellents. repellents. 

13. Maintain/create snags and down logs at levels that consider historic conditions, 

wildlife habitat needs, and objectives for fuels treatments in wildland urban 

interface areas. interface areas. 

14. Restore riparian vegetation wherever it occurs within larger-scale upland vegetative 

treatments. Important hardwood riparian vegetative types occurring within the 

planning area requiring special aĴention include aspen, alder, willow, currant, 

chokecherry, oceanspray, and mock-orange. Due to the different plant communities 

and site conditions involved, site-specific prescriptions will be developed for 

riparian treatments. Additional protection from damage by domestic livestock, deer 

and elk should be considered. and elk should be considered. 

15. Mimic natural processes with vegetation management efforts in the Badlands WSA 

so as not to impair the area’s suitability for wilderness designation. s suitability for wilderness designation. 

Fire 

16. Guidelines for restoration/maintenance of ecosystems utilizing prescribed fire are 

discussed in more detail in the Fire/Fuels Guidelines. discussed in more detail in the Fire/Fuels Guidelines. 

17. Guidelines for rehabilitation of burned areas are discussed in more detail in Fire/ 

Fuels Guidelines. Fuels Guidelines. 

Soil 

18. Incorporate measures to protect microbiotic crusts where practicable during 

vegetative treatments and other authorized activities. Promote conditions favorable 

for retention and development of biological crusts. elopment of biological crusts. 

19. Retain non-commercial vegetative and woody residues from mechanical vegetative 

treatments scaĴered on-site wherever possible to: er possible to: 

a. Maintain soil nutrients and long-term site productivity Maintain soil nutrients and long-term site productivity 

b. Maintain soil organic maĴer 

c. Provide site protection from wind and water erosion ater erosion 

d. Facilitate native plant re-colonization by providing micro-site amelioration of 

extremes of heat and cold extremes of heat and cold 

Recreation 

20. Vegetative and woody residues from mechanical treatments will be placed in a 

manner that does not block designated trails or create safety hazards. manner that does not block designated trails or create safety hazards. 

21. Integrate vegetation management with recreation management whenever possible 

in areas with the following recreational characteristics: in areas with the following recreational characteristics: 

a. High density of trail systems. High density of trail systems. 

b. Trail systems important to regional trail demand. rail systems important to regional trail demand. 

c. Need for separation of different trail user groups. erent trail user groups. 

d. Integration is defined as simultaneous site-specific vegetation and recreation 

planning or a single interdisciplinary analysis. planning or a single interdisciplinary analysis. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

22. Integrate vegetation/fuels treatments and trail design within Special Recreation 

Management subunits including Millican Plateau, North Millican and Cline BuĴes. 

Old-growth juniper, degraded ecosystem conditions, weeds, soil erosion, traveler 

and recreationist’s safety, and increasing trail demand in these areas are factors that 

contribute to the high priority for integrated natural resource and recreation plans. contribute to the high priority for integrated natural resource and recreation plans. 

23. In North Millican concurrent vegetation and trail design planning will be required 

to ensure that habitat variables other than road densities such as vegetative 

structure and condition, protecting soils and vegetation from erosion and 

disturbance, and enhancing the recreation experience are considered. disturbance, and enhancing the recreation experience are considered. 

24. For areas outside of North Millican, if final trail designs for high trail density or 

multi-user group areas cannot be done in conjunction with vegetation treatments, 

a conceptual trail layout will be done that provides input into vegetation 

management strategies. management strategies. 

25. Vegetation management will provide for the following design features/mitigation 

measures in areas with existing or planned trail systems: measures in areas with existing or planned trail systems: 

a. Pile and burn, chip, or lop and spread slash (rather than pile without burning) 

along trail corridors, except where barriers or erosion control measures are 

specifically needed. Other methods may be used to accomplish goal of not 

having visual effect of piled woody debris. oody debris. 

b. Provide a clear area from trail edge to slash piles, logs, and other scaĴered 

woody debris sufficient to allow for the safety of trail users. cient to allow for the safety of trail users. 

c. Orient cuts on stumps and logs leĞ along the trail such that cut ends do not 

present a sharp hazard to riders and so as to be minimally intrusive visually. 

d. Retain higher densities of trees in areas that have mixed uses on separate trails 

in order to screen different types of trail systems from each other. 

e. Retain patches, buffer strips, or higher tree/shrub densities along trail sections 

in order to limit cross-country travel and screen views of roads, houses, fences, 

other developments, and other trail users. elopments, and other trail users. 

f. Retain trees and/or promote the growth and spread of tall shrubs (such as basin 

big sagebrush and biĴerbrush) to maintain the curvilinear nature of the trail 

and minimize the cuĴing of curves and straightening of trails by users. es and straightening of trails by users. 

Shrub Steppe Communities Shrub Steppe Communities 

Objective V – 1a: Maintain/restore large contiguous stands of healthy, productive and 

diverse native shrub/steppe plant communities throughout their historic range1 where 

appropriate considering current conditions and potential for success. appropriate considering current conditions and potential for success. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Restoration and expansion of key plant communities will approximate historic stand 

structure and geographic range using conditions existing at pre-European seĴlement 

times as a reference condition. On most historic shrub-steppe sites, western juniper will 

be reduced to widely spaced old trees or small patches on ridge tops or other focused 

locations where trees would contribute to biodiversity at the landscape level. Social 

and economic factors will be considered in formulating project design, location, and 

priorities. priorities. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Minimize disturbance to shrub-steppe communities by limiting motorized travel to 

designated roads and trails. designated roads and trails. 

1

The term “historic range” as used in the context of this RMP refers to the distribution of the following major vegetative types mapped within 

the planning area: shrub-steppe, old-growth juniper, ponderosa pine, and riparian (see Map S-8: Vegetation Types). These are the vegetative 

types within the planning area that have declined the most in terms of condition/structure and in geographic extent from the historic 

to current time period. Their decline has created a current deficit representation as compared to their distribution during pre-European 

seĴlement times. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. Restoring historic fire regimes wherever practicable outside the wildland-urban 

interface will be emphasized to improve/maintain the condition and expand the 

extent of shrub-steppe communities to historic ranges. extent of shrub-steppe communities to historic ranges. 

3. Composition, density, and distribution of young western juniper will be reduced to 

historic levels. Juniper older than 150 years or displaying old-growth characteristics 

may be removed in some circumstances if specific restoration needs for wildlife 

habitat or other natural values exceed the need to maintain the large or old tree 

component. component. 

4. A primary criterion for prescribing treatment is when juniper occurs at a density 

and/or distribution that are determined to be outside its historic range of variability. 

5. Where ecologically appropriate, restore or maintain stands of large contiguous 

sagebrush communities in patches of 400 acres and larger. Design of landscape 

paĴerns will include connectivity of large shrub-steppe patches. erns will include connectivity of large shrub-steppe patches. 

6. Vegetative habitat needs of sagebrush-steppe obligate species will be emphasized in 

treatment design. treatment design. 

7. Vegetation treatments to maintain or restore shrub-steppe communities will be 

based on a landscape level restoration of broad vegetative types. Priorities for 

treatment will focus on areas that will show the biggest ecological gain for a given 

level of treatment intensity or investment. Cost-benefit ratios will help determine 

project priority and scale. Priorities will include restoration of sage grouse and other 

special status species habitat. Areas that have transitioned beyond the threshold 

of restoration success with reasonable treatment effort and expense will normally 

receive lower priority. 

Old-Growth Juniper Woodlands oodlands 

Objectives V – 1b: Maintain, promote, and restore the health and integrity of oldgrowth juniper woodlands/savanna throughout its historic range where practicable. 

Decisions authorizing social/economic land uses and activities within mapped oldgrowth woodlands (see Map S-8, available on CD) will be evaluated against land use 

criteria in Guidelines below. Where possible, provide reasonable mitigation for 

impacts to old growth juniper woodlands ecosystems when authorizing land uses or 

activities. activities. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Old-growth western juniper woodlands in the pumice sands of Central Oregon are 

unique in their age, size and extent. Of the eight million acres of western juniper in the 

intermountain west, only an estimated three percent is considered to be old-growth. 

Ideal conditions of soil, climate and topography converge in Central Oregon to allow 

juniper to aĴain its maximum potential for size and age of individual trees and density 

and range for contiguous old-growth stands. The oldest (1,600 years) western juniper 

tree found to date is located within the planning area. Continued human population 

growth and associated increases in development and public land use in Central Oregon 

is causing fragmentation and degradation of this important habitat type. Large healthy 

contiguous stands of old woodlands provide scenic quality, education/interpretation 

opportunities, and habitat for late-seral dependent species. opportunities, and habitat for late-seral dependent species. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Allow cuĴing/harvest of green trees up to 18 inches in diameter at breast height 

(DBH) east of State Route 27. (DBH) east of State Route 27. 

2. Allow harvest of juniper west of State Route 27 generally only in conjunction with 

restoration treatments, fuels reduction, or clearing for rights-of-way (ROWs) or 

other approved facilities or developments. elopments. 

3. Generally limit cuĴing and harvest during restoration or fuels management 

treatments to trees less than 150 years old, based on physical characteristics. 

Individual trees showing characteristics of old-growth, regardless of size, will 

generally not be cut. generally not be cut. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

4. Generally do not allow cuĴing of old growth tree snags and large down logs except 

where they pose a risk to structures, facilities, or human health and safety. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

Maintenance/Restoration Maintenance/Restoration 

1. Emphasize maintenance/restoration of historic condition/range of old-growth 

woodlands/savanna while considering social and economic factors such as: anna while considering social and economic factors such as: 

2. Authorization and design of land uses and activities such as new or expanded 

rights-of-way, roads, special-use permits, and any ground-disturbing activities will 

consider the following factors: consider the following factors: 

a. Quality and importance of affected old-growth woodland values. 

b. Relative importance of the proposed use or activity. 

c. A full range of site location or route options, including non-BLM administered 

land. 

d. Considering the above factors, incorporate reasonable mitigation measures and 

special requirements into land use authorizations to protect or enhance oldgrowth woodland values. 

3. Treatments will be designed to both maintain the health and longevity of the old 

trees, snags and down logs and to increase the amount and diversity of understory 

shrubs, grasses, and forbs. shrubs, grasses, and forbs. 

4. Prescriptions will allow for, or mimic, natural disturbances wherever practicable. er practicable. 

5. Prescriptions will maintain an uneven-age structure (consistent with natural oldgrowth woodland succession and structural development). elopment). 

6. Field surveys and historical accounts will help estimate pre-seĴlement structure/ 

composition of plant communities. This information will be used to develop 

restoration prescriptions and treatment priorities that would move plant 

communities toward historic range and conditions, where practicable. Old 

woodland structural and composition components will include large old trees, 

multiple age classes, dead standing trees, dead down trees, shrub, grass, and forb 

densities and proportions similar to historic levels and distribution. els and distribution. 

Treatment Priorities eatment Priorities 

6. Selected old-growth stands with high ecological values will receive high priority 

for treatment. These areas would achieve relatively rapid response for a given 

level of rehabilitation effort/expense. Specific areas and boundaries of old-growth 

woodland priority treatment areas are subject to change based on updated 

inventory information. entory information. 

7. Sites with substantial erosion or weed infestations will receive consideration for 

treatment. These sites will be evaluated for relative ecological values and potential 

for response given reasonable rehabilitation efforts/expense. orts/expense. 

8. Other priority areas will be sites that have high densities of young juniper 

establishing in the interspace between the older trees. een the older trees. 

9. In addition, treatment priorities will include selected areas where evidence indicates 

old-growth woodland/savanna existed during pre-European seĴlement times and 

where there is potential to re-establish old-growth characteristics in the future. 

These areas may include old homesteads cleared for farming, crested wheatgrass 

seedings, firewood harvest areas, or other juniper site conversion project areas. ersion project areas. 

Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pine Forests onderosa Pine Forests 

Objective V – 1c: Maintain and promote healthy and diverse lodgepole and ponderosa 

pine forest ecosystems.2 Manage stand structure, density, species composition, patch 

2

The term “forest ecosystem” in the context of this RMP encompasses all physical and biological components of the landscape. The tree 

component in the forests located within the planning area is dominated by lodgepole pine or ponderosa pine. Management of the small 

amounts of shrub-dominated openings and riparian and wetland vegetative types will also be considered within management guidelines for 

lodgepole and ponderosa pine forest types. 

32 
 

 

Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

size, paĴern, and distribution to provide an environment in which fire intensity can 

be managed for human safety and fire effects are compatible with other management 

objectives. Maintain or mimic natural disturbance regimes so that stands are resilient 

following periodic outbreaks of insect infestation, disease, or wildland fire. Manage 

ponderosa pine health and dominance status throughout its historic range. Provide for 

a balance of biological, social and economic needs in an urban/wildland seĴing. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

See Rationale for Objective V-1. Ponderosa pine is important from an ecological 

perspective because of its relative scarcity in the planning area and its inherent resiliency 

to disease and fire. Large isolated pine trees are particularly valuable as nesting, 

perching, and roosting habitat for raptors. perching, and roosting habitat for raptors. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

Manage lodgepole and ponderosa pine stands using thinning, harvesting, prescribed fire, 

and other techniques. and other techniques. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Promote long-term sustainability by managing for a representative mix of stands of 

early, mid, and late seral ponderosa pine. , mid, and late seral ponderosa pine. 

2. Create stands with stocking levels and fuel loads that are more resilient aĞer insect 

and disease outbreaks and stand-replacement wildland fires, and that meet wildlife 

habitat management objectives. 

3. Place priority on treating sites that are at high risk of uncharacteristically severe 

disturbance events and have a relatively high potential for response to treatments to 

alleviate those risks. alleviate those risks. 

4. Restore deficient habitats to approximate historic landscape paĴerns and 

proportions on a relatively large scale. ely large scale. 

5. Use habitat patch size and larger-scale treatments to achieve stand structure, 

condition, composition, density, down log/snag levels, fuel loading, fuel 

arrangement, and liĴer and duff depth that match the desired fi depth that match the desired fire regime. re regime. 

6. Apply a series of periodic, non-commercial thinning, commercial thinning, and 

prescribed fire treatments to achieve and maintain the desired species composition 

and stand structure. and stand structure. 

7. Aggressively thin lodgepole pine and juniper where they are encroaching into and 

competing with ponderosa pine stands. Leave most old-growth juniper and some 

old lodgepole pine trees found in these mixed stands for diversity. On ponderosa/ 

lodgepole pine mixed sites, thin lodgepole pine more intensively with wider 

spacing, more acres treated, and/or more frequent treatment entries. Generally 

leave trees in the density range of 48-134 trees per acre, as appropriate to treatment/ 

restoration objectives. 

8. Target isolated groups and individual ponderosa pine trees, particularly in the 

La Pine and Cline BuĴes areas, for protection and enhancement to maintain 

biodiversity and aesthetic values associated with these trees. Thin around each 

tree to reduce competition from lodgepole pine and western juniper, to a radius 

of generally 50 feet, unless a larger radius is necessary to reduce competition and 

accomplish the objective. 

9. Leave the healthiest available ponderosa pine trees as seed trees and in shelter 

wood and fire salvage treatments. Favor retention of large trees. or retention of large trees. 

10. Favor ponderosa over other tree species in prescriptions involving planting or 

natural regeneration on sites that can support ponderosa pine. natural regeneration on sites that can support ponderosa pine. 

Objective V – 1d: Maintain, promote, and restore the health and integrity of old 

forest structure and conditions in key habitat areas and in conjunction with WUI 

management objectives. Reduce potential for physical and biological threats to late 

seral and old growth forests, including uncharacteristic or severe natural disturbances. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Promote the restoration of old ponderosa pine forests throughout most of its historic 

range. Develop and maintain stand structures that are relatively complex with variable 

tree, snag and down log densities, and healthy and diverse understory composition. tree, snag and down log densities, and healthy and diverse understory composition. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Due to past logging practices, human developments, livestock grazing, and wildland 

fire exclusion, old ponderosa pine forest structure within the planning area has been 

degraded, both in extent and condition, from historical to current periods. Similarly, 

in the lodgepole pine, the mountain pine beetle epidemic and subsequent aggressive 

salvage logging has greatly reduced the proportion of mature lodgepole pine habitat. 

These influences have created an imbalance in ecosystem composition and structure. e created an imbalance in ecosystem composition and structure. 

Restoring conditions that approximate historic conditions will help prevent large-scale 

occurrences of insect, disease, and wildland fire, and the resulting undesirable ecological, 

social, and economic effects of these large-scale disturbances. Mature forest structure 

supports a variety of wildlife and understory plant species that depend on old forest 

conditions for all or portions of their life cycle. Old forest also contributes to foreground 

scenic quality and provides opportunities for education and research. scenic quality and provides opportunities for education and research. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

Maintain and promote mature and old structure lodgepole and ponderosa pine stands 

using thinning, harvesting, prescribed fire, and other techniques. re, and other techniques. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Maintain and restore old and mature ponderosa pine forest structure and expand 

its range toward historic levels, including areas affected by past logging and species 

transition, to re-establish ponderosa pine dominance and mature structure over 

time. In selected juniper or lodgepole dominated sites, individual remnant old and/ 

or large ponderosa pine trees will be targeted for maintenance. or large ponderosa pine trees will be targeted for maintenance. 

2. Approximately ninety percent (12,800 acres) of the currently remaining mature 

lodgepole pine stands in the La Pine area will be maintained in mature/old 

structure in key habitat areas during the life of this plan. structure in key habitat areas during the life of this plan. 

3. Field surveys and historical accounts will help estimate pre-seĴlement range, 

structure, and composition of old and mature ponderosa pine forest stands. Old 

and mature forest structure components include size, age, and density of trees, 

down logs, canopy structure, and understory composition. down logs, canopy structure, and understory composition. 

Riparian and Aquatic Riparian and Aquatic 

Objective V – 1e: Maintain, conserve (protect), and restore aquatic and riparian 

dependent resources, including riparian vegetation and habitat diversity, to achieve 

healthy and productive riparian areas and wetlands. Maintain or improve current 

good to excellent stream bank stability and riparian vegetative condition. Manage 

for riparian habitats that support populations of well-distributed native and 

desired nonnative plant, vertebrate, and invertebrate populations similar to historic 

conditions. conditions. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The intent of this objective is to ensure that adequate amounts of functioning riparian 

and wetland vegetation are sustained or increased in the long term. Adequate amounts of 

healthy riparian and wetland vegetation are critical to fully functioning aquatic, riparian, 

and wetland systems, which are necessary for riparian and wetland-dependent species. 

Past alterations to vegetation on BLM administered lands have resulted in riparian 

habitat conditions that are less than optimal for aquatic and riparian–dependent species 

(USDA-FS and USDI-BLM, 1996 and 1997). Riparian ecosystem function, as determined 

by the amount and type of vegetation cover, has decreased since historic times. Therefore, 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

restoration of riparian habitat of sufficient quality, patch size, and distribution is 

necessary to support healthy populations of native fish and riparian-dependent species. sh and riparian-dependent species. 

Riparian Conservation Areas (see guidelines, below, for further explanation of RCAs) 

are intended to: maintain and restore riparian structures and functions; benefit fish and 

riparian-dependent resources; enhance conservation of organisms that depend on the 

transition zone between upslope and the stream; and improve connectivity of travel 

and dispersal corridors for terrestrial animals and plants, and aquatic organisms. The 

application of RCAs, including first and second tier analysis, is described in detail on pp. 

54-55 of the Interior Columbia Basin Final EIS/Proposed Decision (USDA-FS and USDIBLM, 2000b). BLM, 2000b). 

FLPMA directs and requires BLM to comply with State water quality standards and 

manage public land in a manner that will preserve and protect certain land in its natural 

condition. In addition to FLPMA, numerous laws, regulations, policies, executive orders, 

memorandums of understandings (MOUs) and agreements direct BLM to manage its 

riparian/wetland areas for biological diversity, and the productivity, and sustainability 

for the benefit of the Nation and its economy. The Standards for Rangeland Health 

and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management for Public Lands in Oregon and 

Washington (USDI-BLM, 1997) meet the requirements and intent of 43 Code of Federal 

Regulations, Subpart 4180 (Rangeland Health). Regulations, Subpart 4180 (Rangeland Health). 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Within designated Riparian Conservation Areas, consider the degree to which that 

activity will: activity will: 

a. Maintain and restore riparian structures and functions; Maintain and restore riparian structures and functions; 

b. Benefit fish and riparian-dependent resources; sh and riparian-dependent resources; 

c. Enhance conservation of organisms that depend on the transition zone between 

upslope and stream, and upslope and stream, and 

d. Improve the connectivity of travel and dispersal corridors for terrestrial animals 

and plants and aquatic organisms. and plants and aquatic organisms. 

2. Activities within Riparian Conservation Areas may be adjusted or excluded from 

the area if the activity does not support maintenance or measurable progress 

toward achieving Properly Functioning Condition (PFC, see glossary) streams 

within the watershed, or aĴainment of water quality standards. ater quality standards. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Riparian Conservation Riparian Conservation Areas: 

a. Designate RCAs using interim criteria consisting of the stream channel and the 

area on each side of the stream extending from the edges of the active channel 

to the extent of the flood prone width (Rosgen, 1996). This interim designation 

of RCAs is called “first tier” analysis. Where proposed activities may adversely 

affect riparian processes and functions, the BLM will develop more site-specific 

RCAs using second tier criteria (e.g., identify the dominant physical and 

biological features that influence the riparian network, and address important 

biophysical functions and processes). biophysical functions and processes). 

b. Management options will focus on uses and activities that allow for the 

protection, maintenance, and restoration of RCAs and upland watersheds and 

measurable progress toward the aĴainment of water quality standards and 

PFC, within the stream and/or RCAs. Interim RCA widths will be applied for 

planning purposes where activities will not adversely affect riparian processes 

and functions. and functions. 

c. Possible activities that may require second tier delineation of RCAs include, 

but are not limited to, juniper retention (where more trees are proposed to be 

leĞ within the RCA than historic conditions indicate), livestock grazing, roads, 

trails, new rights-of-way (ROWs), and rockhounding. Activities that promote 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

watershed function such as the removal of excessive juniper will generally not 

require second tier. 

d. Areas not in PFC will be managed to aĴain an upward trend in the composition 

and structure of key riparian/wetland vegetation and desired physical 

characteristics of the stream channel. Managed uses and activities in RCAs 

may not affect progress toward aĴainment of state water quality standards, 

PFC, and Riparian Management Objectives (RMOs, see glossary). Uses and 

activities in these riparian/wetland areas will be adjusted or excluded from the 

RCA if current management does not allow for the maintenance or measurable 

progress toward the aĴainment of PFC. Exclusion will be in the form of 

buffered exclusion areas or the use of temporary and/or permanent fencing. 

Management options for uses and activities will allow for measurable progress 

toward the aĴainment of water quality, PFC, and RMOs within RCAs at a 

positive annual rate. e annual rate. 

2. Livestock grazing will be modified where the standard for riparian-wetland 

function is not being achieved, or where measurable progress is not made toward 

achieving the standard. achieving the standard. 

3. Riparian habitat needs will be considered in developing livestock grazing systems 

and pasture designs and will be evaluated according to the Fundamentals of 

Rangeland Health. Rangeland Health. 

4. Focus management on entire watersheds using an ecosystem approach and 

involving all interested landowners and affected parties. ected parties. 

5. Achieve riparian/wetland area improvement and maintenance objectives through 

the management of existing and future uses. the management of existing and future uses. 

6. Prescribe riparian/wetland management based on site-specific physical, biological, 

and chemical condition and potential. and chemical condition and potential. 

7. Use interdisciplinary teams to inventory, monitor, and evaluate management of 

riparian/wetland areas and to revise management where objectives are not being 

met. 

8. Restoration Restoration 

a. Emphasize diversity in plant species and structure, such as shrubs and large 

trees, which occurred in the area historically. 

b. Restore the extent and diversity of wet and moist meadow and riparian plant 

communities using techniques such as burning, cuĴing encroaching conifers, 

planting native hardwoods, grazing management, fencing, and managing 

uplands for improved hydrologic function. ed hydrologic function. 

c. Promote late successional riparian vegetation in amounts and distribution 

similar to historic conditions. similar to historic conditions. 

d. Promote complex in stream structure formed from woody debris, aquatic 

plants, roots, undercut banks, or boulders that serve as cover for all life cycle 

stages. stages. 

Objective V – 1f: Secure existing habitats that support the strongest populations 

of wide-ranging aquatic species. Securing can mean either reducing threats within 

the subwatershed or reducing threats in adjacent subwatersheds that could prevent 

achievement of subwatershed objectives. achievement of subwatershed objectives. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Subwatersheds identified on DEIS Map S-14 (available on CD) represent areas that 

support the strongest fish populations and highest native diversity and integrity (Aquatic 

Strongholds). These subwatersheds serve as the foundation of a conservation strategy 

and a starting point for a restoration strategy. Securing these subwatersheds from internal 

or adjacent threats to watershed function and structure will enhance the short-term 

persistence of aquatic species and diversity. This action is necessary to ensure a source of 

aquatic species to colonize available habitats following natural recovery or restoration. ery or restoration. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Validate and, as necessary, refine the subwatershed locations using existing finer 

scale information. scale information. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. Design aquatic/riparian restoration actions to influence temporal (through time) 

and spatial (placement on the ground) diversity of productive aquatic habitat and 

key aspects of structure and function, such as channel morphology and hydrologic 

and sediment regimes; riparian vegetation condition and complexity; aquatic 

habitat complexity; and channel structure (wood and bank stability). ood and bank stability). 

3. Focus aquatic/riparian restoration where minimal investment can improve or secure 

the largest amount of productive habitat and diverse riparian-dependent species 

communities. communities. 

4. Integrate prioritization and restoration of aquatic strongholds with other subbasin 

efforts including but not limited to the seĴlement agreement for the re-licensing of 

the Pelton-Round BuĴe hydroelectric dam; subbasin assessments draĞed for the 

Northwest Power & Conservation Council; in stream flow studies currently being 

conducted in the Middle Deschutes and recently completed in the Lower Crooked 

River, in stream flow restoration efforts; Water Quality Restoration Plans; and nonprofit organizational efforts to conserve lands within the salmon restoration area. e lands within the salmon restoration area. 

Noxious Weeds 

Objective V – 2: Maintain noxious weed-free plant communities or restore plant 

communities with noxious weed infestations through the use of broad-scale integrated 

weed management strategies. During planning for vegetation management and other 

ground disturbing activities, consider opportunities to manage undesirable non-native 

or invasive species. or invasive species. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The rapid expansion of noxious and other invasive species in portions of the planning 

area is one of the greatest threats to the integrity of native plant communities. Noxious 

weeds reduce the value of native plant communities in several ways. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. All land management activities and projects will assess the risk of introducing or 

spreading weeds. Integrated weed management strategies will be incorporated 

into the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up actions of all 

ground-disturbing projects and activity plans. ground-disturbing projects and activity plans. 

2. Integrated weed management strategies will incorporate some or all of these 

objectives: detection, inventory, prevention, containment, control, and eradication of 

noxious weeds. Strategies may also target other undesirable plant communities as 

appropriate and practicable. appropriate and practicable. 

3. A balanced ecosystem approach for management of undesirable vegetation may 

include one or more of the following techniques: cultural, manual, mechanical, 

prescribed fire, competitive seeding, biological, and chemical. e seeding, biological, and chemical. 

4. When possible, grazing management practices will be designed to help control 

noxious weeds and other undesirable plants (such as cheatgrass, medusahead and 

thistles). thistles). 

5. Opportunities will be sought to form partnerships with other public agencies 

and adjacent landowners to develop regionally effective and cost-efficient weed 

management strategies. management strategies. 

6. All treatments will be in accordance with policy and guidelines in the following 

current or subsequent programmatic vegetation management plans: (1) “Vegetation 

treatment on BLM administered lands in thirteen western States” (USDI-BLM, 

1991) and (2) “Prineville District Integrated Weed Management Environmental 

Assessment (USDI-BLM 1994).” Assessment (USDI-BLM 1994).” 

7. Where possible, weed management within the planning area will be prioritized as 

follows: follows: 

a. Prevent new infestations by limiting weed seed dispersal, minimizing soil 

disturbance, and properly managing desirable vegetation. egetation. 

b. Detect and eradicate new invaders. 

c. Target roadways, watercourses, campgrounds, utility corridors and other high 

disturbance areas for a prevention and containment program. ention and containment program. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

d. Emphasize control of large-scale infestations (limiting the spread of noxious 

weeds and reducing the infestation level). 

e. Focus initial efforts on small, manageable units with a component of desirable 

native plants (or desirable non-native plants), and then focus on the remaining 

infestation. Start from the outside and work toward the center of the infestation. ard the center of the infestation. 

8. In high risk areas, prevention measures will include provisions in all land 

management activities, projects and agreements to inspect or certify that vehicles, 

equipment, livestock, supplies, and materials entering, using, or transporting across 

public lands are free of noxious weed seed or other reproductive parts of noxious 

weeds. Precautions will include ensuring use of weed-free hay/feed for livestock 

and weed-free seed in seeding projects. eed-free seed in seeding projects. 

9. Consider limiting season of use for ground disturbing activities to prevent the 

spread of weeds during and immediately aĞer the flowering and seed production 

period. period. 

10. Consider potential for spread of cheatgrass and other undesirable plants that could 

occur with disturbance by land uses or vegetation treatments, particularly within 

the lower elevation pumice sand community types. ation pumice sand community types. 

Special Status Plants Special Status Plants 

Objective V - 3: Manage special status plant species such that BLM actions do not 

contribute to the need to federally list as threatened or endangered. contribute to the need to federally list as threatened or endangered. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 the BLM has legal responsibilities and 

policy requirements to protect and provide habitat for species listed or proposed to be 

listed as threatened or endangered. listed as threatened or endangered. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Management will include a combination of protection, restoration and enhancement 

depending on individual species, population condition and dynamics, and larger 

scale treatment opportunities. scale treatment opportunities. 

2. Where practicable, vegetative treatments will incorporate active habitat 

improvement for the conservation of special status plant species. Experience and 

research findings will help dictate appropriate vegetative treatments to improve 

habitat for the specific special status species within the planning area. c special status species within the planning area. 

3. Prior to implementing any projects with the potential to affect special status plant 

species, surveys will be conducted and documented, including any site-specific 

management mitigations. management mitigations. 

Traditional Cultural Plants raditional Cultural Plants 

Objective V - 4: Through consultation and coordination with local tribal governments, 

identify plants of traditional cultural significance to contemporary Indian 

communities and the important places those plants occur. In collaboration with Tribal 

Officials, develop strategies to manage those cultural plant use areas in a proactive 

manner. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

FLPMA obligates the BLM to coordinate all aspects of planning with Indian tribes to 

ensure consistency between BLM and tribal land use plans. NEPA requires the BLM 

to consult with Indian tribes to identify potential conflicts and develop alternatives 

that would resolve those conflicts. The NHPA requires the BLM to consult with Indian 

tribes that aĴach cultural significance to traditional properties that may be eligible to 

the National Register of Historic Places. Executive Order 13175 was issued, in part, to 

“establish regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with tribal officials in 

the development of Federal policies that have tribal implications”. e tribal implications”. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Continue to consult with Tribal Officials to identify specific areas that may possess 

traditional cultural plants. traditional cultural plants. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. To the maximum extent allowable by law and the principles of a multiple use policy, 

protect cultural plants during BLM authorized, funded, or approved activities at 

specific locations identified by the Tribes. 

3. Inform Tribal Natural Resources Departments about areas observed by BLM field 

staff that may possess quantities of cultural plants that could be harvested in a 

sustainable manner. 

4. BLM will coordinate Tribal/BLM visits to locations where cultural plants have been 

observed by BLM field staff. 

5. Coordinate with the Tribes as requested to visit areas identified as important for 

traditional plant use to tribal communities. traditional plant use to tribal communities. 

6. On an annual schedule and where feasible, pursue opportunities for the Tribes and 

BLM to exchange information in the form of maps, global positioning system (GPS) 

readings, and approximate numbers of plants discovered in specific locations. c locations. 

7. Pursue opportunities with Tribal Officials and staff to develop and collaborate on 

efforts to improve access to, and enhance the condition and quantity of, cultural 

plants at specific locations. c locations. 

8. Assure that sensitive information about the locations of cultural plants is kept 

confidential to the maximum extent allowable by law. 

Ecosystem Assessment Ecosystem Assessment 

Objective V - 5: Obtain and efficiently display information to help in analyses at all 

levels ranging from broad-scale assessments to site-specific projects. c projects. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Gathering of resource condition information is critical in order to assess restoration 

needs, prescriptions, cost-benefit, priorities, and treatment success. t, priorities, and treatment success. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Integrate assessments at all scales with complementary or associated efforts by 

other entities such as watershed councils and non-profit organizations. t organizations. 

2. Project proposals will consider an assessment of resource conditions, and ecosystem 

health risks and opportunities at appropriate scales. Current and historic conditions 

and trends will be considered in all project proposals and treatment prescriptions. and trends will be considered in all project proposals and treatment prescriptions. 

3. Geographically prioritize condition assessments according to the objectives of the 

Resource Management Plan and treatment priorities. Resource Management Plan and treatment priorities. 

4. Assessments will be conducted using the most current and relevant guidance 

such as that in the “Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing 

Management” (USDI-BLM, 1997), President Bush’s “Healthy Forest Initiative” 

(2002), the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (2003), the National Fire Plan (2000), 

Governor Kitzhaber’s “An 11-Point Strategy for Restoring Eastern Oregon Forests, 

Watersheds and Communities” (USDI-BLM, 2001), “Ecosystem Review at the 

Subbasin Scale” (USDA-FS et al., 1999), and “Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed 

Scale” (USDA-FS et al., 1995). Scale” (USDA-FS et al., 1995). 

5. Existing vegetative mapping and database programs such as the Forest Operations 

Inventory (FOI), Soil and Vegetation Inventory Method (SVIM), and Ecological Site 

Inventory (ESI), and others will be updated and utilized to their maximum potential 

until they are replaced with more accurate mapping and inventory efforts. 

6. Standards and procedures for collecting, storing, and displaying information 

should be compatible with those of the Forest Service and other agencies whenever 

practicable to facilitate cross-jurisdictional watershed and other landscape-level 

analysis. analysis. 

7. Stored information may include field surveys and inventories, photo points, aerial 

photography, remote sensing, scientific research, and empirical data from other 

landowner/agency experience. For preservation and retrieval efficiency, Geographic 

Information Systems and other computerized database programs are the preferred 

methods for storing and displaying information. methods for storing and displaying information. 

39 
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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Stewardship Units/Contracts Stewardship Units/Contracts 

Objective V- 6: Promote involvement of local stakeholders, and small businesses to 

accomplish resource management objectives. accomplish resource management objectives. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Consider the use of “stewardship units” wherever practicable to directly involve 

local citizen groups, individual volunteers, adjacent homeowners, nearby 

residents, and small contractors to help accomplish natural resource protection 

and enhancement work. A stewardship unit is a small parcel of public land where 

workers/volunteers have obtained BLM approval to do low-impact treatments 

such as small diameter tree thinning, pruning, brush cuĴing, hand piling, lop and 

scaĴer, and other treatments to help accomplish ecosystem restoration and fuels 

reduction objectives within or adjacent to communities. Workers will also be able to 

obtain permits to remove firewood, posts, poles and other products resulting from 

treatments. treatments. 

2. Identify project areas and units, which are operationally suitable, for small 

contractors and non-industrial workers. Provide adequate instruction and guidance 

to workers/ volunteers on operational procedures, techniques, and safety to achieve 

desired objectives. Issue wriĴen authorization with appropriate requirements and 

map or some other designation of areas. map or some other designation of areas. 

3. Consider the more formal Stewardship Contracts to efficiently achieve a wide 

variety of resource management projects over a multiple year time frame. ear time frame. 

Hydrology Hydrology 

Watershed/Hydrologic Function atershed/Hydrologic Function 

Objective Objective H – 1: Where the capability exists, restore, maintain and improve upland and 

hydrologic function through the reduction of overland flow, increased infiltration, and 

improved floodplain function similar to historic levels. oodplain function similar to historic levels. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Fundamentals of Rangeland Health captured in 43 CFR 4180 require that watersheds 

are in, or are making significant progress toward, properly functioning physical 

condition so that soil and plant conditions support infiltration, soil moisture storage and 

the release of water that are in balance with climate and landform so that water quantity 

and the timing and duration of flow is improved. Management actions will re-paĴern 

vegetation patches and succession/disturbance regimes in order to sustain hydrologic 

processes characteristic of the geoclimatic seĴing. Restoration of landscape succession/ 

disturbance regimes will maintain and promote (a) healthy, productive, and diverse 

plant and animal communities as appropriate to soil type, climate, and landform; and (b) 

ecological processes of nutrient cycling, energy flow, and the hydrologic cycle. , and the hydrologic cycle. 

Scientific assessments completed at the Columbia basin scale, have indicated where some 

critical areas for restoration focus are located. These areas were noted and identified as 

broad-scale high priority restoration subbasins (see objective H-2). Verified high priority 

areas in the planning area are based on broad-scale priority subbasins identified at the 

regional scale and are designated aĞer verifying their actual restoration needs based on 

local site conditions. These areas will receive priority consideration for future treatments 

to restore hydrologic function. to restore hydrologic function. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Designate areas for high restoration priority where site conditions support science 

findings of broad-scale high restoration areas identified by the Interior Columbia 

Basin Management Project Scientific Assessment (USDA-FS and USDI-BLM, 1996 

and 1997). and 1997). 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Determine watershed condition and restoration potential using a variety of 

evaluation techniques including but not limited to Rangeland Health Standards, 

Proper Functioning Condition assessments, “Ecosystem Review at the Subbasin 

Scale” (USDA-FS et al., 1999), “Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed Scale” (USDAFS et al., 1995), site surveys, or other existing information. Based on assessments, 

establish guidance to: establish guidance to: 

a. prevent impairment of watershed hydrologic function atershed hydrologic function 

b. improve hydrologic function e hydrologic function 

c. restore hydrologic function restore hydrologic function 

2. Reduce compaction and artificial conduits for overland flow of water by 

rehabilitating all non-designated roads and trails. Road designation will occur 

in project-specific documents. Any road that is not designated as a local road or 

motorized travel route will be closed to motorized use. Some designated roads may 

have seasonal closures. Prioritize non-system roads and trails for closure in areas of 

sensitive soils or located within RCAs. Maintain all BLM designated system roads 

to reduce concentration of water on roads as outlined in BLM Manual 9113 (also see 

Appendix F), and BLM Manual 9114 for trails. Appendix F), and BLM Manual 9114 for trails. 

3. Work cooperatively with state agencies, including Oregon Water Resources 

Department (OWRD), Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), Oregon 

Parks and Recreation, and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 

(ODEQ) to protect and maintain water resources (both quantity and quality) of 

BLM administered rivers, streams, and springs and their associated resources 

as consumptive use increases in the Deschutes basin. Where negotiations and 

cooperative efforts fail to protect water resources, utilize federal authorities to fulfill 

mandates as outlined by Congress and in the BLM’s manual and policy directives. 

4. Emphasize moving vegetation composition and densities to structural and physical 

historic ranges to promote infiltration and minimize overland flow. 

Objective H - 2: Within the Broad Scale High Restoration Priority Subbasins (Upper 

Crooked Subbasin shown on Map S-14, available on CD) determine actual restoration 

needs prior to any large scale site disturbing activities that could affect hydrologic 

function. function. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Interior Columbia Basin Scientific Assessment (USDA-FS and USDI-BLM, 1996 and 

1997) identified the Upper Crooked River Subbasin as a broad-scale high restoration 

priority. This signifies this sub- basin has a need to restore hydrologic processes to 

ensure favorable water quality conditions for aquatic, riparian, and municipal uses. 

Within the Crooked River subbasin, this objective will provide management emphasis to 

compare subbasin priorities with watershed conditions to determine specific approaches 

to restoration needs (such aquatics, water quality, vegetation management, disturbance 

regimes) that will promote effective and efficient restoration efforts. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Validate and, as necessary, refine the subwatershed locations using existing finer 

scale information. scale information. 

2. Focus restoration activities on entire watershed using an ecosystem approach and 

involving all interested landowners and affected parties. ected parties. 

3. Prescribe restoration activities based on site-specific physical, biological, and 

chemical condition and site potential. chemical condition and site potential. 

Objective H – 3: Maintain productivity and minimize accelerated erosion. Soil and 

plant conditions support infiltration, soil moisture storage and the release of water 

that are in balance with climate and landform and maintain or improve water quality, 

water quantity and the timing and duration of flow. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Rationale: Rationale: 

FLPMA directs the BLM to manage the public lands for long-term needs of future 

generations for renewable and non-renewable resources, including watershed. This 

includes management of the various resources without permanent impairment of the 

productivity of the land and the quality of the environment. productivity of the land and the quality of the environment. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Take corrective actions, where practicable, to resolve erosive conditions. Surface 

disturbance at all project sites are to be held to a minimum. disturbance at all project sites are to be held to a minimum. 

2. Disturbed soil will be rehabilitated to blend into the surrounding soil surface and 

reseeded as needed with a mixture of grasses, forbs, and browse as applicable to 

replace ground cover and reduce soil loss from wind and water erosion. ater erosion. 

Water Quality ater Quality 

Objective H - 4: Ensure that water quality (surface and ground) influenced by BLM 

activities a) achieves or is making significant progress toward achieving established 

BLM objectives for watershed functions, and b) complies with or is making progress 

toward achieving State of Oregon water quality standards for beneficial uses as 

established per stream by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). 

Where water quality does not meet the water quality standards, BLM will not allow 

water quality to degrade to the point at which it impacts beneficial use. This will be 

achieved through improved riparian vegetation, stream shade, and stream channel 

function. For streams with water quality limited segments (impaired waters) as 

defined by section 303(d) of the CWA, management activities will be implemented 

with the intent to restore water quality to levels that meet State water quality 

standards, and to meet or exceed Oregon’s Forest Practices Act.. s Forest Practices Act.. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The “Federal Water Pollution Control Act” (commonly known as the “Clean Water Act” 

[CWA]) of 1977, as amended, requires the restoration and maintenance of the chemical, 

physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. Mandates of the Act establish 

the EPA as administrator and the states (e.g., Oregon) as implementers of the Act. The 

BLM is responsible to manage the requirements of the Act on land they administer, but 

primacy in implementing the Act is retained by Oregon. BLM is required to maintain 

water quality where it presently meets EPA-approved Oregon State water quality 

standards and improve water quality on public land where it does not meet standards. 

State developed total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and State approved water quality 

management plans are required for waterbodies in subbasins and watersheds containing 

water quality limited segments (Appendix E) (as defined by section 303(d) of the CWA) 

where water quality is not meeting standards. In addition to the Act, numerous laws, 

regulations, policies, and executive orders direct BLM to manage for water quality for the 

benefit of the Nation and its economy. 

Water quality is important not only for human use but also for proper ecosystem 

function. Management practices such as grazing, mining, recreation, timber harvesting, 

and other forms of vegetation management for restoring and maintaining water quality 

will be designed for healthy sustainable and functional rangeland ecosystems as 

described in The Standards for Rangeland Health (USDI-BLM, 1997). These standards 

meet the requirements and intent of 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Subpart 4180 

(Fundamentals of Rangeland Health), and are hereby incorporated by reference to this 

section, and are not repeated here. section, and are not repeated here. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

In watersheds where stream segments are identified as water quality limited by the State 

of Oregon, current BLM management, public uses, and activities will be adjusted as 

needed if they adversely affect the restoration of water to State water quality standards. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

New uses and activities will be allowed only if they have no adverse effects on restoring 

water to State water quality standards. ater quality standards. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Eliminate all non-designated roads and maintain designated roads to reduce 

gullying and rilling in RCAs of intermiĴent and perennial streams (see also 

Riparian and Riparian and Aquatics). Aquatics). 

2. Streams and water bodies not meeting State water quality standards and/or PFC 

will be managed to aĴain an upward trend in the composition and structure of 

key riparian/wetland vegetation and desired physical characteristics of the stream 

channel. channel. 

3. Adjust, restrict or limit uses and activities within the RCA and contributing upland 

watershed areas that adversely affect water quality and/or lead to stream channel or 

riparian/wetland resource degradation if water quality and PFC cannot be aĴained 

or maintained with existing management. or maintained with existing management. 

4. Evaluate grazing allotments according to the Fundamentals of Rangeland Health. 

Modify livestock grazing where the standard for watershed function is not 

being achieved, or where measurable progress is not made toward achieving the 

standard, in accordance with Rangeland Health standard, in accordance with Rangeland Health Assessments. Assessments. 

5. Comply with the Federal CWA and the State DEQ’s program by employing the 

joint USFS and BLM protocol for addressing CWA section 303(d) listed waters. One 

goal of the strategy is to address all waters on BLM-administered lands generally 

within the timeline established by the State of Oregon DEQ. Take actions relative to 

303(d) listed water bodies in accordance with the protocol as outlined in Appendix 

E (Protocol for 303(d) listed Streams). E (Protocol for 303(d) listed Streams). 

6. Assure surface water and groundwater quality, as influenced by agency actions, 

complies with state water quality standards. ater quality standards. 

Air Quality Air Quality 

Objective AQ - 1: Meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as 

described in the Clean Air Act. described in the Clean Air Act. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The CAA requires federal agencies to comply with all federal, state, and local 

air pollution requirements. The CAA also requires each state to develop a state 

implementation plan to ensure that the national ambient air quality standards are 

aĴained and maintained for the criteria pollutants. The ODEQ is responsible for 

producing the state implementation plan, but delegates the smoke management portion 

to the Oregon Department of Forestry. As part of the state implementation plan, the 

Oregon Department of Forestry developed instructions and requirements for wildland 

and prescribed fire emissions in the smoke management plan. Federal agencies are 

required to ensure that their actions conform to state implementation plans. required to ensure that their actions conform to state implementation plans. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

The Smoke Management Guide for Prescribed and Wildland Fire (Hardy et al., 

2001) provides smoke management and emission reduction techniques for federal 

land managers to use when completing project specific NEPA. These guidelines are 

summarized, below. 

1. Consider air quality in project specific NEPA when: 

a. Air quality is raised as a significant issue in scoping, cant issue in scoping, 

b. The project includes burning, The project includes burning, 

c. The project includes significant road construction, road use or other soil 

disturbing procedures where fugitive dust may be a concern, e dust may be a concern, 

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d. The project includes significant machinery operation in close proximity to 

publicly accessible areas, publicly accessible areas, 

e. The project may have any impact on air quality, sensitive vistas, or visibility in a 

Class I area, Class I area, 

f. The area is in close proximity to a non-aĴainment area, or ainment area, or 

g. The project will make a significant amount of firewood available to the public. ailable to the public. 

2. Disclose the following information when considering air quality impacts in a NEPA 

document: document: 

a. Description of the air quality environment of the project area. Description of the air quality environment of the project area. 

b. Description of alternative fuel treatments considered and reasons why they 

were not selected over prescribed fire. 

c. Quantification of the fuels to be burned (areas, tons, types). cation of the fuels to be burned (areas, tons, types). 

d. Description of the types of burning planned (broadcast, piles, understory, etc). , etc). 

e. Description of measures taken to reduce emissions and emission impacts. Description of measures taken to reduce emissions and emission impacts. 

f. Estimation of the amount and timing of emissions to be released. Estimation of the amount and timing of emissions to be released. 

g. Description of the regulatory and permit requirements for burning. Description of the regulatory and permit requirements for burning. 

h. Modeled estimates of where smoke could go under certain common and worst 

case meteorological scenarios and focusing on new or increased impacts on 

down wind communities, visibility impacts on Class I areas, etc. down wind communities, visibility impacts on Class I areas, etc. 

i. If an air quality analysis is deemed unnecessary, state that potential air quality 

impacts were considered but were determined to be inconsequential, and a 

justification for this statement must be included. cation for this statement must be included. 

3. Reduce emissions by reducing the area burned through project design, including: Reduce emissions by reducing the area burned through project design, including: 

a. Burn concentrations of fuels rather than burning 100 percent of the area. Burn concentrations of fuels rather than burning 100 percent of the area. 

b. Isolate fuels that have the potential to smolder for long periods of time (large 

logs, snags, deep pockets of duff) with fire line, lighting paĴerns that avoid 

these areas, use of snow or natural barriers, scaĴering fuels, or spraying 

targeted fuels with foam or other fire retardant material prior to burning. re retardant material prior to burning. 

c. Mosaic burn to exclude more moist areas or mimic natural ignition paĴerns. 

4. Reduce the fuel load to reduce overall emissions or eliminate the need for burning by: nate the need for burning by: 

a. Mechanical removal of fuels including yarding of whole trees, logging slash, or 

brush removed for offsite utilization. site utilization. 

b. Mechanical processing such as chipping, mowing or other masticating of 

biomass, redistributing to increase soil contact and speed decomposition 

processes processes 

c. Firewood sales where the public has easy access. ood sales where the public has easy access. 

d. Biomass used for energy conversion at cogeneration facilities. ersion at cogeneration facilities. 

e. Biomass utilization for pulp, methanol, wood pellets, garden bedding, or 

specialty forest products. specialty forest products. 

f. Ungulate grazing and browsing live or brushy fuels to reduce fuel loading prior 

to burning, or to increase the burn frequency. 

5. Reduce the fuel consumed in prescribed fire by: 

a. Burning when large wood fuels are moist and unlikely to consume. ood fuels are moist and unlikely to consume. 

b. Burning when there are moist liĴer and duff conditions in forest ecosystems. conditions in forest ecosystems. 

c. Burning when a precipitation event is forecast in the near future. ent is forecast in the near future. 

d. Burning before large fuels cure, within 3-4 drying months of a harvest activity 

in forest types. in forest types. 

e. Burning before new fuels appear. 

f. Burning before liĴer falls or greens-up. Less fuel will be available for 

consumption, so fewer emissions. er emissions. 

6. Increase combustion efficiency by: ciency by: 

a. Burning more in the efficient flaming phase than in the smoldering phase. aming phase than in the smoldering phase. 

b. Burning clean, dry piles. Burning clean, dry piles. 

c. Using paĴern design in backing fire, to slow the fire and provide more 

complete combustion than head fire. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

d. Burning under dry conditions to increase combustion efficiency in target fuel 

size classes. size classes. 

e. Rapidly moping-up to reduce smoldering phase of combustion. Rapidly moping-up to reduce smoldering phase of combustion. 

f. Using aerial ignition/mass ignition to speed combustion. Using aerial ignition/mass ignition to speed combustion. 

g. Using air curtain incinerators, large metal containers or pits in which 

combustion is aided by powerful fans to force additional oxygen into 

combustion process. combustion process. 

7. Redistribute emissions by: Redistribute emissions by: 

a. Burning when dispersion is good with an unstable atmosphere. Burning when dispersion is good with an unstable atmosphere. 

b. Sharing the air shed with other agencies and smoke producers to reduce the 

likelihood of smoke impacts, by coordinating with the Oregon Department of 

Forestry (ODF) in compliance with the Smoke Management Plan for Oregon. Forestry (ODF) in compliance with the Smoke Management Plan for Oregon. 

c. Avoiding sensitive areas, burning when winds are favorable to carry smoke 

away from highways, populated areas, and scenic vistas. ays, populated areas, and scenic vistas. 

d. Burning larger units in smaller subunits over several days to limit short-term 

emissions. emissions. 

e. Burning more frequently, managing fuel accumulation and producing fewer 

emissions with each burn. emissions with each burn. 

Wildlife ildlife 

All objectives in the wildlife section apply to the entire planning area. Specific allocations, 

allowable uses and guidelines for wildlife for each geographic area are described aĞer 

Objective W-4d. See the Recreation section for corresponding recreation allocations and 

guidance for specific geographic areas. c geographic areas. 

Planning Area Wide Direction ide Direction 

Objective W – 1: Conserve federally listed species and the ecosystems on which they 

depend. Ensure that actions requiring authorization or approval by the BLM are 

consistent with the conservation needs of special status species and do not contribute 

to the need to designate additional special status species. to the need to designate additional special status species. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The BLM has been directed to contribute to the protection and recovery of species 

federally listed or proposed for listing (or subspecies or populations) across their ranges 

by maintaining and restoring habitat quality, quantity and effectiveness (Endangered 

Species Act of 1973, 16 USC 1531 et seq., as amended; and BLM Manual 6840, Special 

Status Species Management). Meeting these responsibilities requires maintenance of 

suitable habitat and restoration of degraded habitats necessary for the recovery of these 

species. species. 

The Standards for Rangeland Health (USDI-BLM, 1997) provide a clear statement of 

agency policy and direction to promote healthy sustainable rangeland ecosystems, 

restore and improve public rangelands and to provide sustainable resources to support 

the livestock industry. 

The Bureau is directed under Executive Order No. 13186 to protect, restore, enhance 

and manage habitat of migratory birds and prevent the loss or degradation of 

remaining habitats on BLM. Also, this executive order directs the BLM to “ensure that 

environmental analysis of federal actions required by the NEPA or other established 

environmental review processes evaluate the effects of actions and agency plans on 

migratory birds, with emphasis on species of concern.” migratory birds, with emphasis on species of concern.” 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Locate new roads and trails away from important habitats3 (e.g., at least 1⁄4 mile 

from bald eagle habitats). from bald eagle habitats). 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. During seasonally sensitive periods (e.g., breeding, nesting, winter roosting), or in 

sensitive sites (e.g., raptor roosts, great blue heron rookeries) avoid or mitigate for 

impacts from activities occurring in or near habitats of species listed or proposed 

to be listed as threatened or endangered. See Table 1 for a list of species that may 

require seasonal restrictions, seasonal restriction dates and distance buffers. 

a. Disturbance activities include, but are not limited to, people walking or 

running; riding a bike, horse or motorized vehicle; creating loud noises (chain 

sawing, blasting); on-site or at a distance of 1⁄4 to 1 mile, depending on species. sawing, blasting); on-site or at a distance of 1⁄4 to 1 mile, depending on species. 

b. Mitigation may include but not be limited to seasonal use restrictions and/or 

distance buffers around sensitive sites. e sites. 

c. For nest sites, seasonal closures may be ended early if, through monitoring, the 

nest is determined to be unoccupied. However, the closure period must include 

dates that will allow late nesting birds. Prior to disturbing activities, conduct 

surveys to determine presence/absence of special status species; allow the 

action to proceed if field exam indicates the nest is inactive. 

3. Bald eagles: Include current and potential habitat4 into an overall Bald Eagle 

Habitat conservation strategy where current populations occur near Prineville 

Reservoir and Grizzly Mountain. oir and Grizzly Mountain. 

4. Sage grouse: Sage grouse: 

a. Design and implement management activities to be consistent with adopted 

sage grouse conservation strategies and current, accepted science. ation strategies and current, accepted science. 

b. Vegetation altering activities may occur in sage grouse habitat where it does not 

result in the long-term loss of habitats or contribute to the need to list. result in the long-term loss of habitats or contribute to the need to list. 

c. Disturbance activities may occur in sage grouse habitat if they do not disrupt 

breeding and over-wintering activities or compromise habitat suitability. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

General General 

1. Enhance health of roost and nest trees by reducing competing vegetation. egetation. 

2. Enhance conditions for future large perch/nest trees. Enhance conditions for future large perch/nest trees. 

3. As new habitat areas or potential habitat areas become known, consider including 

them into the Bald Eagle Habitat Conservation Strategy and managing them with 

an emphasis on bald eagles. an emphasis on bald eagles. 

4. Action will be taken, when practical, to determine the distribution, abundance, 

reason for current status, and management needs of special status species occurring 

on BLM administered lands, and will evaluate needed management for the 

conservation of these species. The District will also document observations of, and 

minimize impacts to Bureau assessment and Bureau tracking species. minimize impacts to Bureau assessment and Bureau tracking species. 

5. Assess habitat potential within all caves and identify which caves (if any) contain 

potentially suitable habitat for bats (especially, Townsend’s big-eared bat). s big-eared bat). 

6. Consider providing suitable habitat for the restoration of bat populations (including 

Townsend’s big-eared bats) in a portion of the Redmond Caves lava tube system. a tube system. 

7. In coordination with other federal and state natural resource management agencies 

develop a long-term conservation strategy for managing sage grouse habitats. Until 

that time, use the guidelines from the Greater Sage Grouse and Sagebrush-Steppe 

Ecosystems Management Guidelines (USDI-BLM et al., 2000). Ecosystems Management Guidelines (USDI-BLM et al., 2000). 

Habitat Modification and Disturbance cation and Disturbance 

8. Vegetative habitats may be maintained or improved using a variety of techniques, 

such as mowing shrubs, altering or removing trees and shrubs, prescribed burning, 

3

“Important habitat” is a general term that includes seasonal habitats, such as winter ranges and breeding sites; habitat structure, such as 

snags and down logs; and unique features, such as cliffs and caves.
1 4

“Potential habitats” are areas that either historically were or naturally have the potential to develop into bald eagle habitat. These areas 

will typically consist of ponderosa pine stands or individual trees, cliffs or rock outcrops that could be restored or grow to provide nesting, 

perching or roosting habitats.
1

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Table 1: General Guidelines* for Seasonal Restriction and Distance Buff for Seasonal Restriction and Distance Buffers 

Species Habitat Spatial Buffer Restriction Dates 

Bald eagle Nest 1⁄4 mile non-line of sight 1⁄2 mi 

line of sight 

1.0 mile blasting 

January 1 – August 31 

Winter Roosts 1⁄2 mile December 1 – April 1 

Golden eagle Nest 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 mile February 1 – August 31 

Northern goshawk Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Cooper’s hawk Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Sharp-shinned hawk Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Ferruginous hawk Nest 1⁄2 mi direct line of sight 

1⁄4 mi with visual buffer 

March 1 – August 1 

Red-tailed hawk Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Swainson’s hawk Nest 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 mile April 1 – August 31 

Peregrine falcon Nest 1.0 mile January 1 – August 15 

Prairie falcon Nest 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 mile March 15 – August 15 

Osprey Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Burrowing owl Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – August 31 

Flammulated owl Nest 1⁄4 mile April 1 – September 30 

Great gray owl Nest 1⁄4 mile March 1 – July 31 

Sage grouse Lekking 0.6 mile March 1st – May 15 

** February 15– May 1 

Nesting, Brooding 

and Rearing 

Not applicable (N/A) April 1 – July 31 

*March 15– July 31 

Winter Habitat N/A November 15 – March 15 

**November 1– March 31 

Great blue heron Nest 660 Ğ – 1⁄4 mile 15 March – 15 July 

Mule deer Winter Range N/A 01 December – 30 April 

**01 November – 01 May 

Rocky Mountain elk Winter Range N/A 01 December – 30 April 

**01 December – 01 May 

Calving N/A May 15 – Jun 30 

Pronghorn Winter Range N/A 01 December – 30 April 

**01 November – 01 April 

Townsend’s big-eared bat Hibernaculum N/A November 1 – April 15 

Nursery N/A April 15 – October 31 

*These general guidelines are typical restrictions that could be applied. Specific dates and distances may vary depending on the type of 

action proposed and the local breeding chronology of species or the local weather paĴerns. 

** Millican Dates 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

managed wildland fire, planting, livestock grazing, and commercial and noncommercial tree cuĴing. 

9. Balance the need for restorative actions to address long-term threats to special 

status species with the short-term need to protect special status species and their 

habitats. habitats. 

10. Management activities in the habitat of federally listed, candidate threatened, or 

endangered and sensitive species will maintain or improve habitat conditions and/ 

or not prevent or retard aĴainment of future desirable habitat conditions. ainment of future desirable habitat conditions. 

11. Develop a species response matrix that includes documented (from literature 

searches) responses of the species to management activities or natural phenomena. 

This information will be used to determine management activities for which 

mitigation measures should be recommended or are needed. mitigation measures should be recommended or are needed. 

12. Identify needs to protect special status species and their habitats when authorizing 

activities by conducting an appropriate assessment of the wildlife resources 

depending upon the level of anticipated impacts. Include consideration of: el of anticipated impacts. Include consideration of: 

a. The Wildlife Observations Database and conduct field surveys during 

appropriate seasons to identify existing habitat conditions and species 

occurrences and habitat associations. occurrences and habitat associations. 

b. Impacts and develop mitigation measures to be applied to project 

implementation requirements. implementation requirements. 

c. Opportunities for habitat enhancement as part of project design. Opportunities for habitat enhancement as part of project design. 

d. Contract stipulations to allow work to be stopped if special status species are 

discovered to be present in or adjacent to a project area. ered to be present in or adjacent to a project area. 

e. Adjustment of clearance and mitigation activities to accommodate additions or 

deletions in official listings of special status species. cial listings of special status species. 

13. Evaluate effects of Bureau actions on federally listed, proposed, candidate, state 

listed, Bureau sensitive or assessment species in accordance with management 

direction. Impacts to these species will be evaluated through the NEPA process 

(Instruction Memorandum No. OR-91-57). (Instruction Memorandum No. OR-91-57). 

14. Seek opportunities to conserve and improve habitats for special status species and 

native animals in BLM authorized activities. e animals in BLM authorized activities. 

15. Design and implement relevant management activities to be consistent with BLM 

adopted recovery plans, conservation strategies, and other appropriate reports. ation strategies, and other appropriate reports. 

16. In situations where data are insufficient to make an assessment of proposed actions, 

surveys of potential habitats will be made before a decision is made to take any 

action that could affect special status species. ect special status species. 

17. Maintain existing shrub-steppe habitats in the existing sage grouse range in order 

to sustain sage grouse populations and protect options for the future (Information 

Bulletin No. OR-200-334). Bulletin No. OR-200-334). 

18. Where possible, design or redesign travel routes to contribute to the conservation of 

special status species, and relocate roads and trails away from important habitats. ay from important habitats. 

19. Conduct periodic surveys of potential raptor habitats and monitor active and 

historic sites to determine occupancy and management consistency. 

Objective W - 2: Protect and restore special habitat features that contribute to the 

productivity of species. These special habitat features include, but are not limited to 

caves, cliffs, playas, riparian areas and wetlands, foraging areas, and snags and down 

wood. Maintain and/or recruit adequate numbers, species and sizes of snags and levels 

of downed wood to contribute meaningfully to the needs of wildlife, invertebrates, 

fungi, bryophytes, saprophytes, lichens, other organisms, long-term soil productivity, 

nutrient cycling, carbon cycles and other ecosystem processes (See also Vegetation). egetation). 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, public lands are to be 

managed in a manner that protects ecological values, maintains their natural condition 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

and provides food and habitat for wildlife. Special habitat features are oĞen limited 

across the landscape, and thus are more important to those species that depend upon 

those features for some portion of their lifecycle than more abundant features of the 

landscape. landscape. 

Snags and downed logs are important components of forest and woodland ecosystems. 

They provide essential habitat for wildlife and other organisms, long-term soil 

productivity and several ecosystem processes. They store carbon and nutrients and 

provide site improvement following extreme disturbance. Large diameter snags are 

especially valuable to a wide array of species because they offer greater surface area, 

more opportunity for cavities, and greater longevity. Hann et al. (1997) found that snag 

and coarse woody debris levels have declined in roaded and harvested areas. Providing 

for the appropriate species, numbers and sizes of snags maintains the value of the stand 

for wildlife. for wildlife. 

The special habitat features described here were identified as critical to the long-term 

conservation of a variety of species in Source Habitats for Terrestrial Vertebrates of Focus 

in the Interior Columbia Basin (USDA & USDI, 2000a) and in Assessment of Ecosystem 

Components (USDA & USDI, 1997, p. 64, modified). The Federal Cave Resources 

Protection Act (FCRPA) of 1988 directs the agency to: Prohibit any person who, without 

prior authorization from the Secretary knowingly destroys, disturbs, defaces, mars, 

alters, removes or harms any significant cave or alters the free movement of any animal 

or plant life into or out of any significant cave located on Federal lands. e located on Federal lands. 

The Interim Cave Management Policy (Instruction Memorandum No. OR-95-021) 

provides for the following: provides for the following: 

• Where known or potential adverse impacts from human use to threatened, 

endangered, and/or sensitive plants or animals, cultural resources, biological deposits 

(i.e. middens, skeletal remains, etc.), or geologic/paleontologic/mineral features are 

present, then the responsible authorized officer shall act to protect these resources. 

Such actions could include information/education, closures (seasonally or yearlong), 

wriĴen authorization for activities, or other appropriate measures. en authorization for activities, or other appropriate measures. 

• On public lands administered by the BLM, no new surface disturbing activities will 

be authorized within a 350 foot radius of a cave opening or any known cave passages 

which may adversely impact any significant or potentially significant cave resource 

value. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses Allocations/Allowable Uses 

1. Special habitats and features may be maintained or improved using a variety 

of techniques, such as mowing shrubs, prescribed burning, livestock grazing, 

commercial and non-commercial tree cuĴing, spatial buffers and seasonal closures. ers and seasonal closures. 

2. Mineral material mining may be allowed on cliffs or talus slopes not occupied 

by special status species provided that special habitat features are provided in 

appropriate amounts and arrangements across the landscape to support general 

species needs. species needs. 

3. Also see specific management direction for caves in the section on Special 

Management Management Areas. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Consider presence and abundance of wildlife values when evaluating proposed 

mining reclamation/rehabilitation plans. mining reclamation/rehabilitation plans. 

2. Whenever practical, avoid special habitat features when authorizing activities. oid special habitat features when authorizing activities. 

3. Provide reasonable mitigation, by reducing, avoiding, restoring or compensating 

for important special habitats that are altered by management actions such as 

mineral material mining, road construction, et cetera. mineral material mining, road construction, et cetera. 

4. Consider the natural variability in number and size of snags and downed logs 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

across landscapes, through time, and in context of biomass levels under which soils 

and species evolved. 

5. Except where public safety is a concern, forest and woodland management 

activities will retain an adequate number of snags and large coarse woody debris in 

treatment areas at levels sufficient to support species of cavity-nesting birds at 100 

percent of potential population levels. Except for safety concerns and fire hazards 

management actions will: management actions will: 

a. Retain all soĞ snags 

b. Retain scaĴered hard snags and large live trees, both to provide the current 

needs of hard snag dependent species and to serve as a source of future hard 

and soĞ snags. 

c. Retain approximately 8 large live trees per acre in regeneration harvest units 

to provide a legacy, bridging past and future forests. These trees are not to be 

counted toward future snag recruitment as described above. 

d. Where snag densities are below the established, desired range, initiate 

management activities to increase snag levels (USDA-BLM and USDI-BLM, 

2000a, p. 48). 2000a, p. 48). 

e. Retain and consider increasing snag numbers and coarse woody debris levels in 

areas that have been burned. e been burned. 

f. Trees retained for current and future snags and as “legacy trees” will be chosen 

from the largest trees available. ailable. 

6. The potential population levels for snags described above will be determined using 

one the following three methods: one the following three methods: 

a. Use the amounts described in Wildlife-Habitat Relationships in Oregon and 

Washington (Johnson and O’Neil, 2001, Chapter 24, p. 596, Tables 1, 2 and 3), or; ables 1, 2 and 3), or; 

b. Use the interim standard densities described in the Interior Columbia Basin 

Supplemental DraĞ EIS (USDA & USDI, 2000c, Vol. 2, Appendix 12, pp. 12-13, 

Tables 1, 2 and 3) for snags and downed wood to be used in designing field 

projects, or; projects, or; 

c. Determine site specific natural variability of snag and down log amounts for 

the planning area using the snag analysis and coarse woody debris process 

described in the Interior Columbia Basin Supplemental DraĞ EIS (USDA & 

USDI, 2000c, Vol. 2, Appendix 12, pp. 12-13, Tables 1, 2 and 3), or use or develop 

a similar process appropriate for local conditions. If using or developing a new 

process, it must have a scientific basis, using information from the literature 

and/or studies on historical conditions to determine snag sizes and average 

numbers. numbers. 

7. Dead and down woody material will be retained in amounts that are within the 

range of natural variability for the plant community, to the extent compatible with 

reforestation objectives, fire hazard reduction standards, and public safety/trail use. re hazard reduction standards, and public safety/trail use. 

8. Coarse woody debris will be leĞ in place across treatment areas rather than piled 

and burned (unless precluded for safety reasons, see Fire/Fuels Management 

section). section). 

9. Salvage dead and down material only where an adequate amount of such material 

will be retained to provide sufficient habitat to maintain populations of dependent 

wildlife. wildlife. 

10. When approving habitat modification activities, determine the importance of 

special habitat features to special status species, and maintain the integrity of the 

site. 

11. Where possible, avoid or minimize changes to special habitat features. oid or minimize changes to special habitat features. 

Disturbance actions Disturbance actions 

12. Minimize activities that could adversely influence wildlife use of special habitat 

features by using one or more techniques appropriate to the species’ needs and 

status. These techniques may include: status. These techniques may include: 

a. Seasonal restrictions Seasonal restrictions 

b. Distance buffers 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

c. Signs 

d. Closures Closures 

e. Relocating disturbance (i.e. moving trails, etc.) Relocating disturbance (i.e. moving trails, etc.) 

13. Identify, and, where appropriate, maintain, restore or enhance wetland habitats 

such as playas, springs, and other riparian habitats. as, springs, and other riparian habitats. 

Objective W - 3: Determine the distributions, abundance, reasons for current status, 

habitat, and management needs of Species of Focus (which include special status 

species and species of local interest) occurring on BLM administered lands, and 

evaluate the significance of these lands and BLM actions for the conservation of these 

species. species. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Inventory and conservation of habitats for Bureau designated special status species, and 

other state or federally protected species, is directed by FLPMA, NEPA, and Bureau 

policy in BLM Manual 6840 and BLM Fish and Wildlife 2000. This manual also directs 

the agency to provide habitat for species listed or proposed to be listed as threatened or 

endangered. Meeting these responsibilities requires maintenance of high quality habitat 

and restoration of degraded habitats necessary for species recovery. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Map the habitat of all Species of Focus (see Table 2). Periodically update the maps 

as new information becomes available and as habitats change relative to land 

management actions and natural events. 

2. Map the locations of active and historic important wildlife habitats (i.e. raptor nests, 

deer, elk and pronghorn winter range, sage grouse leks, etc.). Periodically monitor 

these habitats and survey potential habitats for additional activity. Map the land use 

activities that may cause negative impacts to these habitats. e impacts to these habitats. 

3. Record observations of and minimize impacts to BLM assessment and tracking 

species. species. 

4. Prior to initiating ground disturbing projects within potential habitat of Species of 

Focus, review habitat and management relationships for these species to assess key 

wildlife issues concerning these species and identify conservation measures and 

management opportunities to address these issues. management opportunities to address these issues. 

5. Conduct literature searches and identify potential disturbance or habitat altering 

actions that may have a negative impact on important wildlife resources and 

develop mitigating measures to lessen the negative affects. 

6. Conduct and record systematic inventories of populations and distributions of 

Species of Focus. Species of Focus. 

7. Conduct monitoring and evaluation studies on Species of Focus on a regular 

periodic basis. periodic basis. 

8. Evaluate potential effects of management actions (i.e., grazing, recreation and 

timber management plans, right-of-way applications, etc) on fish and wildlife 

habitat on a case-by-case basis as part of project-level planning. Consider the 

significance of the proposed projects and the sensitivity of fish and wildlife 

habitats in the affected areas. Stipulations will be aĴached as appropriate to assure 

compatibility of projects with management objectives for fish and wildlife habitat. sh and wildlife habitat. 

Objective W - 4: Maintain or improve habitats to support healthy, productive and 

diverse populations and communities of native plants and animals (including species 

of local importance) appropriate to soil, climate and landform. Where consistent with 

habitat capabilities, meet ODFW management objective numbers for deer, elk, and 

pronghorn. pronghorn. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

As directed under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 public lands 

will be managed in a manner that protects ecological values, maintains their natural 

51 
Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan Table 2: Species of Focus Common Name Scientifi c Name Source Habitat Federally Listed Species (Threatened) Birds Northern bald eagle Northern bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Haliaeetus leucocephalus Old growth ponderosa pine, riparian Federal Candidate Species Amphibians & reptiles Columbia spoĴed frog Columbia spoĴed frog Rana luteiventris Riparian Riparian Oregon spoĴed frog Oregon spoĴed frog Rana pretiosa Rana pretiosa Riparian Riparian Bureau Sensitive Species Birds American peregrine falcon American peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus anatum Falco peregrinus anatum Riparian Riparian Black-backed woodpecker Black-backed woodpecker Picoides arcticus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest Burrowing owl Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia Shrub-steppe Ferruginous hawk Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis Buteo regalis Shrub-steppe Flammulated owl Otus Flammeolus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest Lewis’s woodpecker Lewis’s woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Melanerpes lewis Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest Northern goshawk Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis Accipiter gentilis Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest Northern pygmy owl Northern pygmy owl Glaucidium gnoma Glaucidium gnoma Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest Northern three-toed woodpecker Northern three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus Picoides tridactylus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest

Pygmy nuthatch (BM) Pygmy nuthatch (BM) SiĴa pygmaea SiĴa pygmaea Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestSage grouse Sage grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Centrocercus urophasianus Shrub-steppeUpland sandpiper Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda Bartramia longicauda Riparian, grasslandWhite-headed woodpecker White-headed woodpecker Picoides albolarvatus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forest

Mammals Fisher Martes pennanti Martes pennanti Riparian Riparian Townsend’s big-eared bat Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii Corynorhinus townsendii Generally associated with all; close association with riparian

Bureau Assessment Species

Birds 

Black-throated sparrow Black-throated sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Amphispiza bilineata Shrub-steppeNorthern water thrush Seiurus noveboracensis Riparian Riparian Tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor Agelaius tricolor Riparian Riparian 

Mammals 

Pygmy rabbit Pygmy rabbit Backylagus idahoensis Backylagus idahoensis Shrub-steppeBrazilian free-tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis Generally associated with allSpoĴed bat Euderma maculatum Generally associated with shrub-steppe, forest, woodland, 

riparian riparian 

Bureau Tracking Species

Amphibians

& reptiles 

Cascade frog Cascade frog Rana cascadae Riparian Riparian Northern sagebrush lizard Sceloporus grasiosus

graciosus graciosus 

Shrub-steppe 

Western toad Bufo Boreas Bufo Boreas Generally associated with all Generally associated with all 

52 
Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Birds 

Bank swallow Riparia riparia Riparia riparia Riparian, shrub-steppeGreat gray owl Great gray owl Strix nebulosa Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestGreater sandhill crane Grus Canadensis tabida Riparian Riparian Loggerhead shrike Loggerhead shrike Lanius ludocicianus Shrub-steppe, juniper woodlandLong-billed curlew Long-billed curlew Numenius americanus Shrub-steppe, RiparianMountain quail Mountain quail Oreortyx pictus Oreortyx pictus Ponderosa pine, juniper woodlandOlive-sided flycatcher Olive-sided fl ycatcher Contopus borealis Contopus borealis Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestPileated woodpecker Pileated woodpecker Cryocopus pileatus Cryocopus pileatus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestPine grosbeak Pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestPygmy nuthatch (EC, HP) Pygmy nuthatch (EC, HP) SiĴa pygmaea SiĴa pygmaea Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestSage sparrow Sage sparrow Amphispiza billi Amphispiza billi Shrub-steppeWilliamson’s sapsucker Williamson’s sapsucker Sphyrapicus throideus Sphyrapicus throideus Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestWillow flycatcher Willow fl ycatcher Empidomax trailiii brewsteri Empidomax trailiii brewsteri Riparian/woodland Riparian/woodland 

Mammals 

American marten Martes Americana Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestBighorn sheep Bighorn sheep Ovis canadensis Shrub-steppe and woodlands near steep, rugged terrainLong-eared myotis Long-eared myotis Myotis evotis Myotis evotis Forest, shrub-steppe, woodland, riparianLong-legged myotis Long-legged myotis Myotis volans Myotis volans Forest, shrub-steppe, woodland, riparianPallid bat Antozous pallidus Antozous pallidus Shrub-steppe, riparian, ponderosa pine, juniper woodlandPreble’s shrew Sorex Preblei Shrub-steppe, riparianSilver-haired bat Euderma maculatum Ponderosa pine/lodgepole pine forestSpoĴed bat SpoĴed bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Lasionycteris noctivagans Shrub-steppe, woodlandWestern gray squirrel Western gray squirrel Sciurus griseus Sciurus griseus Ponderosa Pine ForestWestern small-footed myotis Western small-footed myotis Myotis ciliolabrum Myotis ciliolabrum Shrub-steppe, ponderosa pine, juniper, riparianWhite-tailed jackrabbit White-tailed jackrabbit Lepus townsendii Lepus townsendii Shrub-steppe, ponderosa pine, juniperYuma myotis Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis Myotis yumanensis Generally associated with all; closely associated with riparian

Species of Local Interest

Birds Golden eagle Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Aquila chrysaetos Shrub-steppe Shrub-steppe 

Mammals 

Mule deer Odocoileus hemionus Generally associated with allPronghorn Pronghorn Antilocapra Americana Antilocapra Americana Shrub-steppeRocky Mountain elk Rocky Mountain elk Cervus elaphus nelsoni Cervus elaphus nelsoni Generally associated with all Generally associated with all 

53 
Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

condition and provides food and habitat for wildlife. As directed in BLM Manual 6840 

- Special Status Species Management, the BLM will take actions that progress towards the 

conditions indicating aĴainment of the Fundamentals of Rangeland Health (described in 

43 CFR 4180.1) and associated Standards (43 CFR 4180.1) and associated Standards (43 CFR 4180.2). 4180.2). 4180.2). 

As noted by Johnson and O’Neil (2001), the conservation of wildlife and of biological 

diversity at large has taken various approaches in the U.S. Sometimes the focus is on the 

provisions of life requisites for a single species, sometimes for a suite of species (i.e.: guild 

or biological community such as cavity-dependent or wetland and riparian dependent 

species), and sometimes the focus is on ecosystems (i.e.: integrated systems of land, 

water, and biota in contiguous areas such as watersheds, landscapes, or regions). atersheds, landscapes, or regions). 

In this plan, management considerations are directed at some individual species such 

as sage grouse, deer, elk, and pronghorn by designating wildlife management emphasis 

levels described here; at groups of species represented by the emphasis on management 

of source habitats such as shrub-steppe, juniper woodlands, or riparian in the vegetation 

section; and on ecosystem function represented by the emphasis on restoration of the 

historic structure and extent of vegetation conditions and hydrologic function in high 

priority watersheds. atersheds. 

For individual and groups of species, habitat factors that most influence wildlife use in 

an area include habitat patch size, quality, connection to habitats that provide for all life 

requisites, and disturbance – most oĞen from human activities and most prominently 

from open motorized travel routes. Objectives and guidelines focus on providing 

effective wildlife habitat at various emphasis levels based on those factors. Habitat 

effectiveness5 is one model that provides guidance for evaluating the influences of 

disturbances caused by open motorized travel routes. Use of the model in this planning 

process was described in detail on pages 357-358 of the DraĞ Upper Deschutes RMP/EIS 

(USDI-BLM, 2003). (USDI-BLM, 2003). 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Avoid or minimize actions that may cause disturbance to important or seasonally 

important wildlife habitats. important wildlife habitats. 

2. Designate areas for primary, secondary, or general wildlife management emphases 

in winter range, breeding and rearing habitats, connectivity areas, and source 

habitats. habitats. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

General General 

1. Consider partnering with ODFW, OMD, USFWS and others in developing a multispecies habitat conservation strategy for the Bend/Redmond, Horse Ridge, Mayfield 

Pond, Millican Plateau, North Millican and Prineville Reservoir geographic areas. 

Focal species for this strategy are to include, but not be limited to sage grouse, deer, 

elk, pronghorn and golden eagles. elk, pronghorn and golden eagles. 

Habitat Modification 

2. Maintain or improve habitats using a variety of techniques, such as, mowing 

vegetation, prescribed burning, livestock grazing, commercial timber harvest, noncommercial tree cuĴing and planting and seeding. ing and planting and seeding. 

3. In order to restore native plants, areas disturbed during project construction will be 

seeded with a mix of native grasses, forbs, and shrubs to meet site-specific needs or 

habitat requirements. habitat requirements. 

5

Habitat effectiveness is used as an index to measure the percentage of available habitat that is usable by elk and is used as a guideline for 

some alternatives. The Habitat Effectiveness Index for Elk on Blue Mountain Winter Ranges developed by Thomas and others (USDA-FS, 

1988) was used (with modifications) in developing this RMP, and may be used with other research (e.g., Roloff et al., 2001, and Rowland et al., 

2000) to assess impacts caused by motorized travel. Note that because of fragmented ownership and differing road jurisdictions, this guideline 

may not be achievable in some geographic areas. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

4. Non-native species may be used when they will contribute to the recovery of the 

site, contribute to soil conservation, help manage against weeds, and/or prepare the 

site for eventual occupation by native plant species and will not impede the growth 

of native plants. e plants. 

5. Activities authorized by permit (with interdisciplinary team review) will be 

restricted in all areas where vegetation manipulation (human or naturally caused) 

occurs and results in sensitive soil and plant conditions, or the site already has 

sensitive soils and/or plant conditions. These permiĴed activities include, but 

are not limited to, livestock grazing, off-road vehicle travel, recreational events, 

construction of new roads and trails, and timber harvests. 

6. Range developments will be designed to achieve both wildlife and livestock grazing 

management objectives. 

7. Where natural springs exist and are developed, the development will provide a 

more dependable water source for wildlife as well as livestock. Water troughs will 

accommodate use by wildlife and livestock, and will be constructed with wildlife 

escape devices. The spring area and the overflow will be fenced to exclude livestock 

trampling. trampling. 

8. Where pipelines are developed to deliver water more than two miles from an 

existing water source, the water system will be designed to provide water for 

wildlife between July and October. 

Structural Developments Structural Developments 

9. Guzzlers (artificial structures that collect rain water and then regulate the flow to 

a drinking basin) will be installed only where they facilitate distribution of target 

wildlife species. Maintenance of existing guzzlers will receive priority funding over 

the development of new guzzlers, except when managing for special status species. elopment of new guzzlers, except when managing for special status species. 

10. To the maximum extent feasible, new guzzlers will be located away from existing 

designated trails to avoid the potential for seasonal trail closures or rerouting of 

trails. trails. 

11. In suitable habitats, where important nesting structures are absent, consider 

installing nesting platforms, nest boxes, and other structures to improve habitat 

conditions for snag dependent species. conditions for snag dependent species. 

12. New fences will be built to standard Bureau wildlife specifications to allow wildlife 

passage, with the exception of fences built specifically to keep wild ungulates out 

of an area or fences built to meet specific public safety or other administrative 

purposes. Existing fences not meeting standard Bureau wildlife specification will 

be modified to meet the standard when major reconstruction is done or as funding 

allows. allows. 

Disturbance Actions Disturbance Actions 

13. Manage important wildlife habitats to minimize human disturbance by maintaining 

seasonal closures throughout the sensitive period (See Table 1 for a list of species 

that may require seasonal restrictions, the restriction dates, and distance buffers). 

14. In seasonally important wildlife habitats (winter range, nest sites, roosts, etc.), 

major construction and maintenance work will be scheduled to avoid or minimize 

disturbance to wildlife. disturbance to wildlife. 

15. Timber sales will be designed to provide sufficient cover to maintain the existing 

deer migration corridor through the La Pine area. deer migration corridor through the La Pine area. 

Objective W – 4a – Primary Wildlife Emphasis: Provide habitat that benefits wildlife 

and retains high wildlife use. Wildlife habitat is a primary management consideration 

in these areas. in these areas. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Habitat effectiveness should advance toward 70 percent or greater. 

2. Where possible, maintain large un-fragmented patches (1,000 to 2,000 acres). Where possible, maintain large un-fragmented patches (1,000 to 2,000 acres). 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

3. Where possible, manage for low densities of open motorized travel routes 

(approximately<1.5 mi/mi2). 

4. Rate as a high priority for habitat restoration treatments. Rate as a high priority for habitat restoration treatments. 

5. Group use restrictions may be applied in some areas or during some seasons. Group use restrictions may be applied in some areas or during some seasons. 

6. Seasonal closures. Seasonal closures. 

Objective W-4b – Secondary Wildlife Emphasis: Provide habitats that support 

wildlife and maintain a moderate level of wildlife use. Wildlife habitats may receive a 

secondary management emphasis in these areas. secondary management emphasis in these areas. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Habitat effectiveness should advance toward 50 percent or greater. 

2. Maintain moderate size un-fragmented habitat patches (400 to 800 acres). Maintain moderate size un-fragmented habitat patches (400 to 800 acres). 

3. Target low to moderate densities of open motorized travel routes (approximately 

≤ 2.5 mi/mi2). 2.5 mi/mi2). 

Objective W-4c – General Wildlife Emphasis: Provide habitat that contributes to 

species occurrence and distribution. Wildlife habitats typically are not the focus of 

management in these areas. management in these areas. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Consider focused management effort to maintain or improve the condition of 

important habitat areas (i.e., nest sites of special status species or connectivity 

corridors of species of local importance) corridors of species of local importance) 

2. When opportunities arise, employ management actions that will maintain or 

improve wildlife habitat conditions. e wildlife habitat conditions. 

Objective W-4d – Jurisdictional Limitations: Provide habitat conditions that move 

toward primary or secondary wildlife management emphasis to the extent practicable 

within jurisdictional limitations. within jurisdictional limitations. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Northwest, Tumalo, La Pine (Northern Area and Southern Area), Prineville Reservoir 

(Chimney Rock, Eagle Rock, West Eagle Rock, Taylor BuĴe and Reservoir North) and 

Prineville Geographic Areas are examples of geographic areas where guidelines for 

primary or secondary emphasis may not be achievable because of conditions (such as 

fragmented land ownership or occurrence of county/state roadways) outside of BLM 

jurisdiction. In those or other areas with similar conditions the guidance is to manage 

toward those objectives. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. During the development of management facilities (mineral sites, access roads, etc.) 

or infrastructure (trails) emphasize maintenance of relatively large un-fragmented 

habitat patches. The term “relatively large un-fragmented habitat patches” means 

the size of the patch is related to the size of the BLM parcel(s) in the area and the 

goal is to minimize the amount of human disturbance of wildlife and human 

influence on the physical condition of the habitat. uence on the physical condition of the habitat. 

2. Non-motorized trail systems will be developed in a manner that leaves some unfragmented areas across the geographic area. fragmented areas across the geographic area. 

3. Motorized travel routes will be kept to a minimum. Roads and driveways that 

access private land and are not needed for general public access may be gated 

to limit use only to land owners. Consider building roads and driveways to the 

minimum standard necessary that allows reasonable access and has the least impact 

on wildlife resources possible. on wildlife resources possible. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Direction for Specific Geographic Areas c Geographic Areas 

Badlands WSA Badlands WSA 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Primary emphasis will be for deer and elk winter range, pronghorn year-round and 

connectivity habitats. connectivity habitats. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Avoid actions that create barriers to pronghorn movements in connectivity 

corridors. Emphasize shrub-steppe and open savanna habitat restoration. anna habitat restoration. 

Bend/Redmond Recreation Area Bend/Redmond Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. General wildlife emphasis for pronghorn year-round habitat and secondary wildlife 

emphasis for the potential pronghorn connectivity corridor located along Highway 

126. 

2. Consider managing the potential pronghorn connectivity corridor along Highway 

126 to maintain a low to moderate level of motorized travel routes. el routes. 

Cline BuĴes Recreation Area es Recreation Area 

Allocations: Allocations: 

1. Main Block: General wildlife emphasis. Main Block: General wildlife emphasis. 

2. Southwest: Secondary emphasis for deer, elk and raptor habitats. , elk and raptor habitats. 

3. Southeast: General wildlife emphasis. Southeast: General wildlife emphasis. 

4. The Dry Canyon area south of State Highway 126 and east of Fryrear Road will be 

managed for secondary wildlife emphasis. managed for secondary wildlife emphasis. 

5. Maston allotment: Primary emphasis for elk, raptors and riparian habitat. Maston allotment: Primary emphasis for elk, raptors and riparian habitat. 

Horse Ridge Recreation Area Horse Ridge Recreation Area 

Allocations: Allocations: 

1. Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range, sage grouse habitat and yearround habitat for pronghorn. round habitat for pronghorn. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

See guidelines for Recreation Objective R – 3 and R – 3 and R – 4 for Horse Ridge area. – 4 for Horse Ridge area. – 4 for Horse Ridge area. 

La Pine Recreation Area La Pine Recreation Area 

Allocations: Allocations: 

1. Northern portion: Primary emphasis for elk winter range, deer migration corridor, 

ponderosa pine and riparian source habitats. ponderosa pine and riparian source habitats. 

2. Isolated parcels along the LiĴle Deschutes River: Primary emphasis for riparian 

habitats, deer migration, elk winter range and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. habitats, deer migration, elk winter range and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. 

3. Southern area: Primary emphasis for deer migration corridor, ponderosa pine and 

riparian source habitats. riparian source habitats. 

4. Rosland OHV Play Area and area south and east of the Play Area: General 

emphasis. emphasis. 

Mayfield Pond Recreation Area ond Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Main: Secondary emphasis for year-round pronghorn habitat and connectivity 

corridors. corridors. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. South Alfalfa: Primary emphasis for deer and pronghorn year-round and 

connectivity habitats; connectivity habitats; 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. North of Alfalfa-Market Road: Avoid actions in pronghorn connectivity corridors 

that create barriers to pronghorn movements and relocate the existing access road 

to Mayfield Pond away from the pond to improve habitat condition and decrease 

disturbance to wildlife. disturbance to wildlife. 

2. South of Alfalfa-Market Road and west of Dodds Road: Avoid actions in pronghorn 

connectivity corridors that create barriers to pronghorn movements. ements. 

Millican Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area ehicle (OHV) Area 

Millican Plateau OHV Area Millican Plateau OHV Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Main: General wildlife emphasis except the Mayfield link (west side of the 

block north of Alfalfa) which has a secondary wildlife emphasis for pronghorn 

connectivity. Also See Objective MU-2, e MU-2, Allocations/Allowable Uses, 3. a. able Uses, 3. a. 

2. Wild and Scenic River Corridor: Primary emphasis for deer and pronghorn winter 

range, and riparian and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. range, and riparian and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. 

3. West BuĴe: Primary emphasis for elk and sage grouse winter range and breeding 

habitat. habitat. 

4. Northern Peninsula: eninsula: About 800 acres Primary for pronghorn winter range. About 800 acres Primary for pronghorn winter range. 

5. Crooked River Rim: Primary wildlife emphasis for deer and pronghorn winter 

range, and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. range, and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. 

6. South: General wildlife emphasis. South: General wildlife emphasis. 

7. Mayfield Link (west side of the block north of Alfalfa): Secondary for pronghorn 

connectivity routes. connectivity routes. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Winter closures of this area may be implemented during especially severe winter 

conditions upon request by ODFW. Such requests will be evaluated on a case-bycase basis. case basis. 

North Millican OHV Area North Millican OHV Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Dry River Canyon: Primary emphasis for deer, elk and sage grouse. , elk and sage grouse. 

2. Main (East and West): Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range, sage grouse 

habitats and pronghorn year-round and connectivity habitats. -round and connectivity habitats. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Manage for habitat effectiveness (HE) of 50-60 percent for road influences and have 

concurrent (integrated) vegetation management goals to improve poor quality 

habitat conditions and maintain existing good quality habitat conditions. habitat conditions and maintain existing good quality habitat conditions. 

2. Manage for a wide range of un-fragmented habitat patch sizes, with some as large 

as 1,000 acres, some smaller sizes in less effective habitats and some considerably 

larger in key habitat areas. larger in key habitat areas. 

3. Avoid locating motorized trails within two to four miles of any active leks. e leks. 

4. Through trail design provide some un-fragmented habitat patches of high value 

wintering habitat for deer and elk. wintering habitat for deer and elk. 

5. Seasonally close road/trail system to OHV and bicycle use within areas or on 

portions of the trail system. portions of the trail system. 

6. Concentrate year round open trail areas in/near areas of lower value habitats. alue habitats. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

7. Winter closures of this area may be implemented during especially severe winter 

conditions upon request by ODFW. Such requests will be evaluated on a case-bycase basis. case basis. 

South Millican OHV Area South Millican OHV Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Primary emphasis for deer and elk habitat, sage grouse winter and breeding 

habitats, and year-round pronghorn habitat. -round pronghorn habitat. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Increase the size of habitat patches by permanently closing some trails and roads 

and rehabilitating them to natural vegetation. egetation. 

Northwest Recreation Area Northwest Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range and raptor nesting and foraging 

habitats. habitats. 

Prineville Geographic Area rineville Geographic Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Section 32 north of Ochoco Reservoir: Primary emphasis for deer winter range and 

raptor nesting and foraging habitats. The area will be closed to motorized travel. 

Other activities may be subject to seasonal restrictions or limitations on types of use 

depending upon their potential effects to deer and raptors (See Table 1). able 1). 

2. Powell BuĴes: Primary emphasis for year-round deer habitat. -round deer habitat. 

3. Grizzly/ScaĴered Northern parcels: Primary emphasis for deer and elk, with 

remaining isolated parcels secondary to deer and elk. remaining isolated parcels secondary to deer and elk. 

4. Combs Flat: Secondary emphasis for deer and pronghorn winter range and year 

round habitat. round habitat. 

5. Miscellaneous ScaĴered Parcels: Some primary and some secondary emphasis for 

deer and year-round pronghorn habitat. -round pronghorn habitat. 

Prineville Reservoir Recreation Area rineville Reservoir Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Eagle Rock: Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range and elk connectivity 

habitat. habitat. 

2. Lower Crooked River (W&S River): Primary emphasis for deer, riparian and raptor 

habitats. habitats. 

3. Chimney Rock: Primary emphasis for deer winter range and raptor habitat. Chimney Rock: Primary emphasis for deer winter range and raptor habitat. 

4. West Eagle Rock: Secondary wildlife emphasis for deer winter range and yearround pronghorn habitat. round pronghorn habitat. 

5. Main: Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range, elk connectivity and raptor 

habitats. habitats. 

6. Taylor BuĴe: Primary for deer and raptors. e: Primary for deer and raptors. 

7. Reservoir North: Primary emphasis for deer winter range, elk connectivity routes 

and raptor habitat. and raptor habitat. 

Guideline: Guideline: 

1. When considering developing a motorized use area (see Recreation section), first 

consider locating it in secondary habitat emphasis areas. Consider primary habitat 

emphasis areas only if secondary are found unsuitable. Avoid the Eagle Rock 

area as well as the area adjacent to the north portion of the Prineville Reservoir 

Recreation Recreation Area. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Smith Rock Recreation Area Smith Rock Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses Allocations/Allowable Uses 

1. Primary emphasis for deer winter range and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. 

See Table 1 for distance or seasonal restrictions that could be applied to climbing 

activities. activities. 

Steamboat Rock Recreation Area Steamboat Rock Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Wild and Scenic River, Wilderness Study Area and River Riparian Habitats in the 

scaĴered parcels: Primary emphasis for riparian habitats, deer and elk winter range 

and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. and raptor nesting and foraging habitats. 

2. Main Block: General emphasis. Main Block: General emphasis. 

3. River in Main Block: Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range, raptors and 

riparian habitat. riparian habitat. 

Tumalo Recreation Area umalo Recreation Area 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range. Primary emphasis for deer and elk winter range. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Consider limiting activities authorized under permit during the winter if necessary 

to manage for wintering deer and elk. to manage for wintering deer and elk. 

Fire/Fuels Management Fire/Fuels Management 

Objective FF – 1: Provide an appropriate management response on all wildland fires, 

with emphasis on firefighter and public safety. When assigning priorities, decisions 

will be based on relative values to be protected commensurate with fire management 

costs. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Protection of human life (firefighter and public safety) is the highest priority during a 

wildland fire. Property and natural and cultural resources are lower priorities. er priorities. 

The Review & Update of the 1995 Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy (USDI et 

al., 2001) acknowledges that fire is a critical natural process and must be reintroduced 

into the ecosystem on a landscape scale. Wildland fire management decisions are based 

on approved fire management and activity level plans, this RMP, and the best available 

science. The policy further emphasizes that for natural ignitions (i.e., lightning caused); 

a manager must have the ability to choose from the full spectrum of fire management 

actions—from prompt suppression to allowing fire to function in its natural ecological 

role. The “Interior Columbia Basin Final Environmental Impact Statement” (USDA-FS 

and USDI-BLM 2000b) states that wildland fire management strategies and suppression 

activities should minimize damage to long-term ecosystem function, and should 

emphasize protection, restoration, or maintenance of key habitats. emphasize protection, restoration, or maintenance of key habitats. 

The Central Oregon Fire Management Plan (USDA, 2003) addresses fire suppression 

and fuels management on all federal lands for the Deschutes National Forest, the 

Ochoco National Forest, and the Prineville District BLM. The fire management plan 

outlines the appropriate management response, including full suppression and modified 

suppression, throughout the Central Oregon. It also identifies conditions and potential 

locations for wildland fire use and for prescribed fires, as well as other factors pertaining 

to fire management in the COFMS (Central Oregon Fire Management Service) area. re management in the COFMS (Central Oregon Fire Management Service) area. 

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Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Use natural and human-created barriers (i.e., roads) as available for control lines. ailable for control lines. 

2. Use of heavy equipment in ACECs, WSAs, and RNAs will be avoided. Exceptions 

may be granted by the field manager to protect public and firefighter safety, other 

Federal, state and private property, and commodity areas. During times of multiple 

ignitions and limited suppression resources, place highest priority on suppression 

resources to protect communities from wildland fire. If used, heavy equipment will 

be restricted to existing roads and trails. Use of retardant will be allowed within 

these areas for initial aĴack. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Provide for an appropriate management response of initial aĴack and full 

suppression on all wildland fires. 

2. Retardant use during extended aĴack will be considered as a part of the wildland 

fire situation analysis, considering the resource values at risk and public and 

firefighter safety. 

Objective FF – 2: Rehabilitate burned areas to mitigate the adverse effects of wildland 

fire on soil and vegetation in a cost-effective manner and to minimize the possibility of 

wildland fire recurrence or invasion of weeds. re recurrence or invasion of weeds. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Handbook (H-1742-1) outlines the process for 

implementing emergency fire rehabilitation projects following wildland fires and 

wildland fire use. re use. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. AĞer prescribed burns or wildland fire, livestock grazing will typically be excluded 

through the second full growing season (see Livestock Grazing section for details). estock Grazing section for details). 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. AĞer a fire disturbance event which results in undesirable soil or plant conditions, 

review current uses including but not limited to recreation, rights of way and 

permiĴed uses to determine whether site has recovered sufficiently to support those 

uses without further degradation. uses without further degradation. 

2. Emergency fire rehabilitation activities will be implemented aĞer wildland fire. 

Separate environmental analysis will be completed only for emergency fire 

rehabilitation projects that are outside the scope of activities described in the burn 

rehabilitation plan. rehabilitation plan. 

Objective FF – 3: Restore and maintain ecosystems consistent with land uses and 

historic fire regimes through wildland fire use, prescribed fire, and other methods. 

Reduce areas of high fuel loading that may contribute to extreme fire behavior. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Both the Integrated Scientific Assessment for Ecosystem Management in the Interior 

Columbia Basin (USDA-FS and USDI-BLM, 1996) and the Review Update of the 1995 

Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy and Program Review (USDI et al., 2001) 

recognize fire’s essential role as an ecological process. s essential role as an ecological process. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Prescribed fire use will not be allowed within the plan area due to proximity to 

developed areas unless otherwise determined by site specific analysis. c analysis. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Subsequent analysis will identify conditions and potential locations for prescribed 

fires, as well as other factors pertaining to fire management in the RMP area. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

2. Fuels treatments in non-WUI areas will be designed to restore acres currently in Fire 

Regime Condition Classes 2 and 3 where the probability of success is high and other 

resource objectives can be met. Fuel treatments, mostly in the form of prescribed 

burning, will be done in condition class 1 areas to maintain desired conditions and 

prevent these areas from progressing into condition class 2. ent these areas from progressing into condition class 2. 

3. Vegetative treatments will be designed to break up treated and untreated areas in a 

mosaic effect to meet fire and vegetation management objectives. 

4. AĞer prescribed burns or wildland fire, livestock grazing will typically be excluded 

through the second full growing season (see details in Livestock Grazing section). 

Other temporary use restrictions, such as no off-road travel, may be imposed where 

warranted. arranted. 

5. Use prescribed fire and mechanical, and biological hazardous fuels reduction 

treatments on a case-by-case basis to improve forage base and restore natural 

processes. Where these treatment areas intersect special management areas, the 

fuels management project design will incorporate the objective of the special 

management area. management area. 

6. Prescribed fires will be conducted under fuel and weather conditions that allow for 

public and firefighter safety while meeting meeting desired desired resource resource management management objectives. 

Objective FF- 4: In the wildland urban interface, live and dead vegetation will be 

managed so that a wildland fire would burn with fire behavior where firefighters 

can be safe and successful in suppression efforts under hot, dry summer weather 

conditions. Treatments will be designed for human safety while still considering 

recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat and corridors, visual quality, air and water 

quality, and public access. , and public access. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, A Collaborative Approach for Reducing 

Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the Environment: A 10-Year Comprehensive 

Strategy (USDA et al., 2001), and the National Fire Plan (USDA et al., 2000) all emphasize 

the need to reduce hazardous fuels that pose a risk to Communities at Risk from the 

undesired effects of wildland fire. 

With the protection of human life as the highest priority during a wildland fire, fuel 

conditions should be managed adjacent to Communities at Risk that allow for safe 

operations during fire suppression. re suppression. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Hazardous fuels reduction objectives may be met through a combination of fuels 

treatments including thinning, mowing, pruning, piling, burning, grazing, or other 

approaches that reduce the three dimensional fuel profiles and reduce the risk of 

crown fire or uncontrollable surface fire. 

2. Wildland Urban Interface zones are designated as follows: ildland Urban Interface zones are designated as follows: 

a. Forested Zones: up to 1.5 miles adjacent to Communities at Risk. Forested Zones: up to 1.5 miles adjacent to Communities at Risk. 

b. Rangeland/Woodland Zones: up to 1⁄2 mile adjacent to Communities at Risk. oodland Zones: up to 1⁄2 mile adjacent to Communities at Risk. 

Guidelines Guidelines 

Fuels Management in Forested Wildland Urban Interface Zones ildland Urban Interface Zones 

1. For site specific planning, the forested WUI zone is subdivided into three bands 

with treatments designed to give desired fire behavior given 90th percentile 

(extreme) summer weather conditions. The actual width of these three bands and 

treatment prescriptions will vary according to site-specific conditions such as 

vegetation/fuel type/density/structure, proximity of homes to property boundaries, 

prevailing winds, topographic and other natural fuel breaks, etc. ailing winds, topographic and other natural fuel breaks, etc. 

2. The first band, nearest to homes and private property, will managed for conditions 

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that will not support crown fire, and will only allow for surface fires with flame 

lengths of less than 2 feet under average weather conditions. eather conditions. 

3. Treatments in the second band will be designed to prevent crown fire initiation and 

spread, and keep surface fuel flame lengths below the 3 to 4 foot range under 90th 

percentile summer weather conditions. Flame lengths below 4 feet are considered to 

be a safe environment for suppression forces to engage in direct aĴack of the fire. 

4. Treatments in the third band, farthest away from homes, will be designed to reduce 

the occurrence, size, and severity of crown fires by breaking up fuel continuities 

and limiting ladder fuels. Most wildland fires will be limited to surface fires less 

than 4 foot flame lengths under average weather conditions, with opportunities for 

limited passive crown fire (occasional ignition and torching of individual or small 

groups of overstory trees). Stand replacement fires will be a rare occurrence. Crown 

fire approaching this zone will fall from the tree canopy to the forest floor in this 

area due to lack of horizontal and vertical fuel continuity. Treatment objectives will 

place a higher emphasis on wildlife habitat and silvicultural needs as long as fuel 

continuities and ladder fuels are reduced on at least 50 percent of the area. continuities and ladder fuels are reduced on at least 50 percent of the area. 

5. Prescribed fire in the WUI will be used only for burning piles or broadcast burning 

in smaller areas where smoke and risk could be managed at acceptable levels. Based 

on expected re-growth rates in these vegetative types, re-treatment is expected to 

occur approximately every 15 to 20 years for tree thinning and every 5 to 10 years 

for brush cuĴing/mowing. ing/mowing. 

Fuels Management in Rangeland/Woodland Wildland Urban Interface Zones ildland Urban Interface Zones 

6. As in forested areas, the actual width and treatment prescriptions of two treatment 

bands will vary according to site-specific conditions. c conditions. 

7. The first band may be 500 to 600 feet wide. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of the 

area within this band will be treated to prevent crown fires and keep surface fuel 

flame lengths in the 1 to 2 foot range. ame lengths in the 1 to 2 foot range. 

a. Brush treatments will be initiated when shrub canopy exceeds 50 percent or is 

greater than 2 feet in height. greater than 2 feet in height. 

b. Thinning in this area will favor leaving older juniper (greater than 150 years 

old) and removal of younger trees. ounger trees. 

c. All naturally occurring juniper snags will be leĞ within this band. An exception 

to this is snags less than 6 inches diameter at breast-height (dbh) in a fire-killed 

juniper stand. In this case dead trees will be reduced to a density of 5 to 7 trees 

per acre. per acre. 

d. No hazard trees will be leĞ within reach of property within reach of property, roads or other facilities. , roads or other facilities. 

8. The second band will be 600 feet to 1/2 mile wide. Treatments will be designed to 

reduce the occurrence, size, and intensity of fires by breaking up fuel continuities 

and limiting ladder fuels. and limiting ladder fuels. 

a. Wildland fires will be limited to surface fires with flame lengths of 3 to 4 feet. ame lengths of 3 to 4 feet. 

b. Crown fires will not occur under 90th percentile summer weather conditions. 

There may be an occasional ignition of individual or small groups of juniper 

trees under extremely windy conditions. trees under extremely windy conditions. 

c. Juniper less than 150 years old will occur in small clumps where needed for 

hiding cover, and will be discouraged elsewhere. , and will be discouraged elsewhere. 

d. Most of the old juniper will be leĞ. 

e. Treatment objectives will place a higher emphasis on wildlife habitat and 

woodland management objectives as long as fuel continuity and ladder fuels 

are reduced such that crown fires do not occur. Mosaic paĴerns of old juniper, 

shrub, and grass types will be emphasized. shrub, and grass types will be emphasized. 

f. Prescribed fire will be used only for burning piles or broadcast burning in 

smaller areas where smoke and risk could be managed at acceptable levels. 

Based on expected re-growth rates in these vegetative types, re-treatment 

is expected to occur approximately every 15 to 20 years. All treatments will 

consider potential of introduction and spread of exotic annuals and noxious 

weeds. 

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Priority SeĴing in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) ildland-Urban Interface (WUI) 

9. The COFMS Fuels Management Priority Framework guides fuels project priorities 

in the wildland urban interface by considering the potential for damaging fire 

behavior, economic opportunities, community involvement, values at risk, and the 

condition of vegetation and fuels. Risk from the undesired effects of wildland fire 

is not the same for each community within the plan area. Priority treatments will be 

done adjacent to those communities that have the following characteristics: e the following characteristics: 

a. The community is physically close to federal lands, with structures or other 

improvements within 1 mile of BLM administered lands. ements within 1 mile of BLM administered lands. 

b. The community is actively involved in the hazardous fuels reduction effort, 

matching federal efforts on private lands, coordinating fuels reduction or 

suppression capability improvements with the protection agencies like ODF or 

city/ rural fire districts, and taking steps to improve the survivability of their 

community. 

c. Adjacent BLM administered lands exhibit heavy fuel loading and high potential 

for crown fire or fast moving surface fire at the average weather conditions, 

especially if those fuels are “upwind” given the dominant summer wind 

directions. directions. 

d. Adjacent BLM administered lands opportunities exist to meet multiple 

objectives with the fuel treatment activities, including improvement of wildlife 

habitat, recreation opportunities, visual quality, restoration of ecosystem 

integrity, or opportunity to provide marketable products or energy from the 

removal of hazardous fuels. al of hazardous fuels. 

WUI fuel treatments and potential social conflicts 

10. Where WUI intersects other specially designated areas such as WSA, wild and 

scenic river corridors, ACECs, or RNAs, the fuels objectives will be pursued within 

the framework of the objective for the special management designation. e for the special management designation. 

11. Reduction of hazardous fuels in the WUI may increase conflicts between 

recreational users and adjacent landowners, increase incidents of unauthorized use, 

and could impact visual quality, wildlife habitats, populations of rare plant species, 

spread of exotic species, or availability of forage or small wood products to the 

public. To beĴer manage public use of BLM administered land, and to reduce the 

potential adverse impacts of fuels treatments to adjacent landowners, site specific 

analysis should include mitigating measures in the project design. Those measures 

may include: may include: 

a. Information sharing, including posting of signs and working with the adjacent 

homeowners to enlist their support for appropriate use of BLM administered 

land. 

b. Physical barriers leĞ or installed as part of the fuels treatment, including 

boulder placement, log barriers, fences, and vegetative patches or strips leĞ in 

deliberate paĴerns to discourage unauthorized use erns to discourage unauthorized use 

c. Design features should be employed to reduce the potential indirect effects of 

the fuels treatment on designated trails. It may be appropriate to move or close 

designated trails or roads within the WUI zone to reduce conflicts between 

users and adjacent landowners. users and adjacent landowners. 

d. Where backyard stewardship contracts are forged to treat the hazardous fuels at 

the WUI, consider including an agreement with adjacent landowner/stewards 

to refrain from accessing their private lands or other BLM administered land 

through the treated area. through the treated area. 

Special Management Areas Special Management Areas 

Special Management Areas within the Upper Deschutes Planning Area include Areas of 

Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs), Research Natural Areas (RNAs), Wilderness 

Study Areas (WSAs), Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSRs), and caves. Each of these areas 

has special management direction that reflects the values for which each of these areas 

or sites are managed. Specific management direction that is provided for Wild and 

Scenic Rivers and river corridors within the planning area boundary remains in place 

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is provided in the Upper Deschutes Wild and Scenic River and State Scenic Waterway 

Comprehensive Management Plan (USDA-FS, 1996) and the Middle Deschutes and 

Lower Crooked Rivers Management Plan (USDI-BLM and USDA-FS, 1992) prepared 

since the adoption of the B/LP RMP. 

Most of the planning area is designated as a Special Recreation Management Area. For a 

description of this designation, see the Recreation section, planning area wide direction. description of this designation, see the Recreation section, planning area wide direction. 

Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) 

ACECs are areas designated for special management. In the Upper Deschutes area, some 

ACECs have additional overlying designations. These include two RNAs (which are also 

ACECs) and the Badlands WSA (a portion of which is also an ACEC). Objectives SMA 

– 1 and SMA – 2 apply to all ACECs; Objectives SMA – 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are additional 

guidance specific to individual c to individual ACECs. 

Objective SMA – 1: Retain existing and/or designate ACECs where relevance and 

importance criteria are met and special management is required to protect the 

identified values. Management activities and resource uses within ACECs will not 

impair the values for which the ACEC was designated. CEC was designated. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Under the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Secretary of the 

Interior and the BLM were directed to designate ACECs within the public lands where 

special management aĴention is required to protect and prevent irreparable damage to 

important cultural, historic or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural 

systems or processes, or to protect public health and safety from natural hazards. By 

BLM policy, every RNA is also designated as an is also designated as an is also designated as an ACEC. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. The following areas are designated as The following areas are designated as ACECs: 

a. Badlands – 16,684 acres (note: this ACEC includes some but not all of the 

Badlands WSA). Badlands WSA). 

b. Peck’s Milkvetch – 14,075 acres. etch – 14,075 acres. 

c. Tumalo Canals – 1,055 acres. umalo Canals – 1,055 acres. 

d. Wagon Roads – 982 acres. agon Roads – 982 acres. 

e. Horse Ridge RNA – 609 acres (note: this area is also an Instant Study Area or 

ISA). 

f. Powell BuĴe RNA – 510 acres. – 510 acres. 

2. Unless specifically addressed in other guidance, uses that will not impair the values 

for which the for which the ACEC was designated will be allowed. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Establish baseline conditions for ACEC values and monitor for trends in the 

condition of those values. If declining conditions are observed, identify and take 

action to mitigate the cause(s). action to mitigate the cause(s). 

2. Evaluate proposed uses within ACECs to determine whether those values for 

which the ACEC was designated would be adversely affected. Evaluations should 

consider the context, intensity, and duration of modifications to resource conditions 

that contribute to the that contribute to the ACEC values. 

3. If an ACEC value will be adversely affected by a proposed but not prohibited use, 

seek modifications that will mitigate the adverse effects. 

Objective SMA – 1a: Continue designation of the core Badlands area as an ACEC to 

provide for continued protection if the WSA designation is dropped by Congress. provide for continued protection if the WSA designation is dropped by Congress. 

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Rationale: Rationale: 

The continuing designation of the Badlands as a WSA is not within the authority of 

the BLM. Congress can designate this area as a wilderness or release this area for other 

uses. If the WSA designation is dropped by Congress, the BLM will continue to apply 

ACEC designation to provide protection for old growth juniper, geologic formations, 

pictographs, and primitive recreation opportunities. e recreation opportunities. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. ACEC Area: 16,684 acres are designated as an 16,684 acres are designated as an ACEC. 

2. General: See Badlands WSA. If the Badlands WSA designation is discontinued, 

the allocations/allowable uses and guidelines for the Badlands WSA will continue 

to apply to the Badlands ACEC, except a) those specific to the interim policy 

(USDI-BLM, 1995) for lands under wilderness review would not continue, and 

b) the closure to mineral leasing would change to a closure to surface occupancy 

within the ACEC. ACEC protection for old growth juniper, geologic formations, 

pictographs, and primitive recreation opportunities would continue. The ACEC 

designation will be removed if the Badlands is designated as a wilderness area. ed if the Badlands is designated as a wilderness area. 

Objective SMA – 1b: Manage land uses and other activities so as to not impair Peck’s 

milkvetch (Astragalus peckii) populations or its habitat. ) populations or its habitat. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The ACEC encompasses the central known habitat for Peck’s milkvetch (Astragalus peckii), 

a Federal candidate plant. The high levels of public use of the area pose potential threats 

to this species. to this species. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1.	1 ACEC Area: 14,075 acres are designated as an 14,075 acres are designated as an ACEC. 

2.	1 Fire Management: Unless life or property is threatened, off-road use of fire 

suppression vehicles will not be allowed and fire lines will be limited to hand lines 

only. Prescribed burning will be allowed. 

3.	1 Vegetative Treatments: Treatments designed to maintain or enhance Peck’s 

milkvetch populations or its habitat will be allowed. 

4.	1 Forest and Range Products: Generally, harvesting of wood products will not be 

allowed except in conjunction with restoration treatments or if it does not impair 

the values of this alues of this ACEC. 

5.	1 Minerals: Rockhounding and the collection of decorative stone will not be 

allowed. Mineral material mining, development of mining claims, and geophysical 

exploration will be restricted as necessary based on site-specific analysis to protect 

the special values of this ACEC. Approved plans of operation will have stipulations 

to protect special values. Surface occupancy for fluid mineral leasing will not be 

allowed. 

6.	1 Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing will continue to be allowed under a deferred 

rotation system, but deferment will be until Peck’s milkvetch dormancy (usually 

mid-August) at least every other year. 

7.	1 Recreation: See Recreation sections for additional area guidance. See Recreation sections for additional area guidance. 

8.	1 Firearm Discharge: No allocations/allowable uses specific to this ACEC. See Public 

Health and Safety sections for area guidance. Health and Safety sections for area guidance. 

9.	1 Rights-of-Way: 

a. New rights-of-ways (ROWs) will be granted only if no other reasonable route 

is available. Where new ROW cannot be reasonably accommodated outside 

of ACECs, consider first along existing utility corridors, county roads, or BLM 

system roads. system roads. 

b. A vacated ROW will be considered for conversion to compatible trails prior to 

obliteration. obliteration. 

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10.	1 Land Ownership: Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases will not be 

issued for lands within the ACEC unless such leases are non-patent leases that will 

not impair the values of the alues of the ACEC. 

Objective SMA – 1c: Protect and maintain the integrity of the identified relic, historical 

Tumalo Canal segment and associated features, and provide for their use as an 

interpretive resource. Manage land uses, recreation, and other activities to maintain or 

enhance the archaeological and interpretive values of the Tumalo Canals. umalo Canals. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The relic canal system was developed during the first decade of the twentieth century 

and represents an excellent example of efforts to provide irrigation water to the high 

desert during the early seĴlement period of central Oregon. Integrity and significance of 

the identified canal segment has been assessed by a BLM archaeologist and is considered 

eligible to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation 

Office. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1.	1 ACEC Area: 1,055 acres are designated as an ACEC, containing a portion of the 

historic Tumalo irrigation canals. The ACEC is managed with an emphasis on 

interpretation of the historic values. 

2.	1 Fire Management: Fire lines will not be constructed on or adjacent to the canal 

features and surface disturbance will be kept to the minimum amount necessary. 

3.	1 Vegetative Treatments: Treatments that will not impair historical and interpretive 

values will be allowed. 

4.	1 Forest and Range Products: Generally, harvesting of wood products and special 

forest and range products will not be allowed except in conjunction with restoration 

treatments or if the values of the alues of the ACEC will not be impaired. ACEC will not be impaired. 

5. Minerals: Minerals: 

a. Mineral material mining will not be allowed in the south 1⁄2 sections 29 and 30 

and the north 1⁄2 of sections 31 and 32 of T15S, R12E to protect the canal features 

and interpretive values. Surface occupancy for fluid mineral leasing will not be 

allowed within the ed within the ACEC boundary. 

b. Plans of operation will be required prior to any development of mining claims. 

Approved plans of operation will have stipulations to protect the interpretive 

and historical values of this alues of this ACEC. 

c. Rockhounding and the collection of decorative stone will not be allowed in the 

ACEC. 

6.	1 Livestock Grazing: Not allow Not allowed within the core area around the canal features. ed within the core area around the canal features. 

7. Recreation: Recreation: 

a. Overnight use, campfires, geocaching and use of paintball guns will not be 

allowed within the core area around the canal features. The core area will be 

designated during plan implementation. designated during plan implementation. 

b. Motorized, mechanized, and equestrian uses will be restricted to designated 

trail systems throughout the trail systems throughout the ACEC. 

8.	1 Firearm Discharge: The entire The entire ACEC will be closed to all firearm discharge. rearm discharge. 

9. Rights-of-Way: 

a. New rights-of-ways (ROWs) will be granted only if no other reasonable route 

is available. Where new ROW cannot be reasonably accommodated outside of 

the ACEC, consider first along existing utility corridors, county roads, or BLM 

system roads. system roads. 

b. A vacated ROW will be considered for conversion to compatible trails prior to 

obliteration. obliteration. 

10.	1 Land Ownership: Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases will not be 

issued for lands within the ACEC unless such leases are non-patent leases that will 

not impair the values of this alues of this ACEC. 

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Upper Deschutes Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan ce Management Plan 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Pursue opportunities to form partnerships between the BLM and interested parties 

to develop a pedestrian interpretive trail in the approximately 433-acre area of the 

ACEC that comprises the relic canal system. ACEC that comprises the relic canal system. 

2. Consider fencing and/or signing the area that includes the relic canal system 

following site-specific analysis. c analysis. 

3. Consider designation of equestrian and mountain bike trails at the minimum 

density necessary to provide trail links between BLM lands on eastern slope of 

Cline BuĴes and east of Cline Falls Highway with BLM lands west of Barr Road. est of Barr Road. 

4. Emphasize restoration/enhancement projects to improve native plant communities, 

old-growth juniper woodlands, and habitat for raptors, neo-tropical birds and 

threatened, endangered or other special status plants and animals. Long-term 

vegetation maintenance will be designed to emulate natural processes. egetation maintenance will be designed to emulate natural processes. 

Objective SMA – 1d: Protect and maintain the segments of the historic Horner, 

Huntington and Bend-Prineville roads designated as an ACEC. Manage land 

uses, recreation, and other activities to maintain or enhance the archaeological and 

interpretive values of these roads. interpretive values of these roads. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The ACEC contains one of the few known, relatively intact segments of Huntington 

Road; a mid 19th century military route between The Dalles and Fort Klamath (Klamath 

Falls), Oregon. The BLM and Deschutes County Historical Society entered into a 

partnership and interpreted the road and its historical features for the benefit of the 

public in 1993. public in 1993. 

The ACEC also contains relatively intact segments of historic Bend-Prineville Road and 

Horner Road, and various historic features associated with these two roads and with 

the Huntington Road segment. The roads were developed between the 1860s and 1908 

and represent excellent examples of transportation systems during the pioneer and early 

seĴlement periods of central Oregon. The road segments in this ACEC are considered 

eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places, based on assessments by 

archaeologists employed by the BLM and in the private sector. 

The high levels of public use in the area pose potential threats to the integrity of this 

feature; therefore the feature; therefore the ACEC designation has been determined relevant. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses Allocations/Allowable Uses 

1.	1 ACEC Area: The Wagon Roads ACEC contains approximately six miles of the 

Historic Horner Road and approximately five miles of the historic Bend -Prineville 

Road, including a 300 Ğ. distance on each side of these road segments (see RMP 

Map 1). The Map 1). The ACEC totals about 982 acres. ACEC totals about 982 acres. 

2.	1 Fire Management: Wildland fire will be fought aggressively if within, or 

threatening the ACEC. Fire lines will not be constructed within the ACEC and 

surface disturbance will be kept to the minimum amount necessary. Prescribed fire 

will not be allowed. 

3.	1 Vegetative Treatments: Vegetative treatments designed to maintain or enhance the 

values of this alues of this ACEC will be allowed. 

4.	1 Forest and Range Products: Generally, harvesting of wood products and special 

forest and range products will not be allowed except in conjunction with restoration 

treatments or if it is consistent with the values of the ACEC. Firewood cuĴing will 

not be allowed. 

5.	1 Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing and associated developments will be 

allowed provided that livestock are not allowed to concentrate in the ACEC and 

developments do not impair elopments do not impair ACEC values. 

6.	1 Military Use: Tracked military vehicles will not be allowed on the protected road 

segments. Locations where tracked vehicles may cross the historic roads have 

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been, or will be in the future, determined in consultation with the Oregon Military 

Department. Department. 

7. Minerals: Minerals: 

a. An area one-half mile on each side of the historic roads will be closed to mineral 

material mining and surface occupancy for fluid mineral leasing. uid mineral leasing. 

b. Geophysical exploration will be allowed if the values of this ACEC will not be 

impaired. impaired. 

c. Plans of operation will be required prior to development of mining claims. 

Approved plans of operation will have stipulations to protect the interpretive 

and archeological values of this alues of this ACEC. 

d. Rockhounding and the collection of decorative stone will not be allowed. 

8. Recreation: Recreation: 

a. The ACEC will be closed to overnight use, campfires, use of paintball guns, and 

geocaching. geocaching. 

b. OHV use will be allowed on designated trails within the 300 foot area on each 

side of each road (except the southernmost segment which is designated closed, 

see RMP Maps 1 and 12) to the extent necessary to create safe and maintainable 

trail crossings. OHV trails that parallel the historic roads will be located beyond 

300 feet from each side of the road to the maximum extent feasible. Guidelines 

for the issuance of Special Recreation Permits (SRPs) are in the Recreation 

section. section. 

9.	1 Firearm Discharge: Will not be allowed within the fence enclosure that surrounds 

the segment of Huntington Road in Section 1. the segment of Huntington Road in Section 1. 

10. Rights-of-Way: 

a. New rights-of-ways (ROWs) will be granted only if no other reasonable route 

is available. Where new ROW cannot be reasonably accommodated outside of 

the ACEC, consider first along existing utility corridors, county roads, or BLM 

system roads. system roads. 

b. A vacated ROW will be considered for conversion to compatible trails prior to 

obliteration. obliteration. 

11.	1 Land Ownership: Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases will not be 

issued for lands within the ACEC unless such leases are non-patent leases that will 

not impair the values of this alues of this ACEC. 

Guidelines Guidelines 

1. Protect and preserve the integrity of identified segments of historic Huntington, 

Horner, and Bend-Prineville roads, its associated rock features, and blazed trees 

from BLM authorizations and actions. from BLM authorizations and actions. 

2. Revise boundaries to reflect modifications to the cations to the ACEC. 

3. Emphasize partnerships for interpretive development and educational products for 

the ACEC. 

4. As funding permits, pursue opportunities to form partnerships between the BLM 

and interested parties to develop an interpretive pedestrian trail system along 

segments of the historic roads. segments of the historic roads. 

5. Complete a cultural resource survey and documentation of the historic road 

segments and their associated features. segments and their associated features. 

6. Continue a site stewardship program with the Archaeological Society of Central 

Oregon (ASCO) to monitor the condition of the Oregon (ASCO) to monitor the condition of the ACEC. 

7. Continue the partnership with Deschutes County Historical Society for interpretive 

development and educational products for the elopment and educational products for the ACEC. 

8. Periodically assess the condition of the eriodically assess the condition of the ACEC. 

9. Periodically examine the fence that surrounds Section 1 in which the ACEC is 

located. Coordinate with grazing permiĴee to mend segments of the fence as 

necessary. 

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Objective SMA – Objective SMA – 2: Provide public information concerning ACECs (boundaries, 

management guidelines, reasons for designation, etc.) to increase public awareness of 

the location and importance of specific ACEC values. CEC values. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Identify perimeter and locations of Identify perimeter and locations of ACECs 

2. Improve public understanding of ACEC values through methods including but not 

limited to websites, maps and brochures, signing, field tours, and news releases. eld tours, and news releases. 

3. Develop programs to increase adoption and other volunteer stewardship activities ardship activities 

Research Natural Areas (RNA) Research Natural Areas (RNA) 

Objective SMA – 3: Provide components of the national system of RNAs. The Natural 

Heritage Act calls for the establishment of a “discrete and limited system” of natural 

heritage conservation areas, which have “substantially retained their natural character” 

and which “represent the full range of Oregon’s natural heritage resources.” s natural heritage resources.” 

Rationale: Rationale: 

The Horse Ridge RNA provides representation of the western juniper/big sagebrush/ 

threadleaf sedge community, filling the cell need for this community as identified in the 

Oregon Natural Heritage Plan (Oregon Department of State Lands, 2003). Oregon Natural Heritage Plan (Oregon Department of State Lands, 2003). 

The Powell BuĴes RNA provides representation of the western juniper/big sagebrush/ 

bluebunch wheatgrass and juniper/bunchgrass communities, primarily on a south slope, 

filling the cell needs for these communities as identified in the Oregon Natural Heritage 

Plan. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1.	1 RNA Areas: Continue designation of the 609-acre Horse Ridge RNA/Instant Study 

Area (ISA) and 510-acre Powell BuĴes RNA. es RNA. 

2.	1 Vegetative Treatments: Vegetative treatments other than restoring or maintaining 

characteristic disturbances to meet the purposes of the RNA will not generally 

be allowed. RNA management strategies or site specific projects may determine 

whether activities are suitable to further the purpose of the RNA. See the Horse 

Ridge ACEC/RNA Natural Area Management Plan (USDI-BLM, 1996) for 

management direction for introduced plant species. management direction for introduced plant species. 

3.	1 Fire Management: Consistent with the District’s Fire Management Plan, prescribed 

fire will be allowed as well as suppression activities, provided restrictions or 

stipulations are designed to maintain or enhance natural vegetation communities. 

Fire management direction provided in the Horse Ridge ACEC/RNA Natural Area 

Management Plan (USDI-BLM, 1996) will continue to apply. 

4.	1 Special Forest and Range Products: Generally, harvesting of wood products 

and special forest and range products will not be allowed. See the Horse Ridge 

ACEC/RNA Natural Area Management Plan (USDI-BLM, 1996) for additional 

management direction. management direction. 

5. Minerals: Minerals: 

a. Plans of operation must be submiĴed and approved prior to any development 

of mining claims in the Powell BuĴe RNA. Approved plans of operation will 

have stipulations to protect the values of this RNA. alues of this RNA. 

b. The Horse Ridge RNA area is withdrawn from locatable mineral entry under 

the 1872 mining laws. the 1872 mining laws. 

c. Surface occupancy for fluid mineral leasing will not be allowed. Geophysical 

exploration will be restricted to protect the natural values for which the RNA 

was designated. as designated. 

d. Rockhounding and the collection of decorative stone will not be allowed. 

6.	1 Livestock Grazing: Will not be allowed. 

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7.	1 Recreation: Both RNAs will be closed to overnight use, OHV use, mechanized 

travel, campfires, geocaching and the use of paintball guns. res, geocaching and the use of paintball guns. 

8.	1 Firearm Discharge: Both RNAs will be closed to firearm discharge unless legally 

hunting. hunting. 

9.	1 Rights-of-way: New rights of w New rights of way will not be allowed. 

10.	1 Land Ownership: Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases will not be 

issued for lands within either RNA unless such leases are non-patent leases that will 

not impair the condition of natural plant communities. not impair the condition of natural plant communities. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. The Horse Ridge RNA is also an Instant Study Area (ISA) and will be managed 

in accordance with the “Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness 

Review” (USDI-BLM, 1995). Review” (USDI-BLM, 1995). 

Wilderness Study Areas ilderness Study Areas 

Objective SMA - 4: Manage Wilderness Study Areas to maintain wilderness suitability 

consistent with the “Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review” 

(USDI BLM, 1995). (USDI BLM, 1995). 

Rationale: Rationale: 

Steelhead Falls and Badlands WSAs are existing WSAs located in the planning area. The 

BLM is required to maintain the suitability of these WSAs for possible future wilderness 

designation by Congress (H-8550-1). General management policy for these areas is set 

forth in the Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review (1995). Like 

most of the BLM administered land in the planning area, these two areas are receiving 

increasing visitation and use by the public. Both local and out of area visitation is 

increasing, resulting in user conflicts, safety issues, visitor dissatisfaction, and resource 

impacts. There are ongoing occurrences of vandalism to cultural resources, and theĞ of 

firewood, furniture wood and decorative stone in the Badlands WSA. e stone in the Badlands WSA. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1.	1 WSA Area: Badlands WSA, 29,545 acres Badlands WSA, 29,545 acres6; Steelhead Falls WSA, 3,071 acres. ; Steelhead Falls WSA, 3,071 acres. 

2.	1 Fire Management: Prescribed fire and suppression activities will be allowed 

consistent with the District’s Fire Management Plan and with the non-impairment 

standard of the “Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review” 

(“IMP”, USDI BLM, 1995). (“IMP”, USDI BLM, 1995). 

3.	1 Vegetative treatments: Treatments will be allowed that meet the non-impairment 

standard of the IMP. 

4.	1 Forest/range products: Generally, harvesting of wood products and special forest 

and range products will not be allowed except in conjunction with restoration 

treatments. treatments. 

5. Minerals: Minerals: 

a. Mining for mineral materials will not be allowed. 

b. Development of mining claims and geophysical exploration may be allowed 

with restrictions designed to prevent impairment of wilderness suitability. 

Approved plans of operation must meet the non-impairment standard of the 

IMP. 

c. The Badlands WSA designation closes the area to mineral leasing. If the WSA 

designation is dropped, mineral leasing will be allowed in the Badlands ACEC 

but the area will be closed to surface occupancy. 

d. Decorative stone collection will not be allowed. 

e. Rockhounding will not be allowed. 

6

The 29,545 acres published here is less than the 32,221 published in the past. There have been no changes in the WSA boundary or reduction 

in the area within the boundary. The change is the result of utilizing new techniques for determining the acreage within the boundary. 

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6.	1 Livestock Grazing: Livestock grazing will be managed according to the nonimpairment standards of the IMP. 

7.	1 Recreation: Motorized vehicle use will not be allowed. The use of paintball guns is 

not allowed (also see Recreation section). ed (also see Recreation section). 

8.	1 Firearm Discharge: Firearm discharge will not be allowed unless legally hunting. 

Within 1⁄4 mile of Badlands Rock, there is a seasonal closure to all firearm discharge. rearm discharge. 

9. Rights-of-Way: 

a. New rights-of-ways (ROWs) will be granted only if no other reasonable route 

is available. Where new ROW cannot be reasonably accommodated outside of 

the WSA, consider first along existing utility corridors, county roads, or BLM 

system roads. system roads. 

b. Vacated ROWs will be considered for conversion to compatible trails prior to 

obliteration. obliteration. 

10.	1 Land Ownership: Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases will not be 

issued for lands within the WSA unless such leases are non-patent leases that will 

not impair the values of this WSA. alues of this WSA. 

11. All Wilderness Study Areas recommended to Congress maintain that designation 

unless Congress decides otherwise. unless Congress decides otherwise. 

12. Additional management direction for the Steelhead Falls WSA is provided in the 

Middle Deschutes/Lower Crooked River Management Plan (USDI-BLM and USDAFS, 1992). FS, 1992). 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Survey and locate boundaries of each WSA on the ground. on the ground. 

2. Use signs, fences and other appropriate techniques to define and mark the 

boundaries of each WSA. boundaries of each WSA. 

3. Vegetation management efforts will be designed to mimic natural processes and 

avoid impairment of the area’s suitability for wilderness designation. s suitability for wilderness designation. 

4. Geocaching will be managed in the Badlands and Steelhead Falls WSAs so as to 

not impair each area’s suitability for wilderness designation by Congress. Within 

these WSAs, geocaches will not be allowed in areas that are closed year-round or 

seasonally for wildlife management reasons. seasonally for wildlife management reasons. 

a. The BLM may request removal of geocaches located in sensitive locations or 

impairing wilderness characteristics. The BLM may remove caches as needed 

to maintain wilderness suitability or protect resources. These may include 

locations within or adjacent to sensitive wildlife habitat, wildlife water guzzlers, 

sensitive or special status plant communities, or archeological sites. e or special status plant communities, or archeological sites. 

b. Caches in locations where the use creates obvious surface disturbance of the soil 

or vegetation, including vegetative trampling, that will necessitate reclamation 

will be relocated or removed. Geocaches must be concealed in a way that does 

not disturb an area, and will not require damage to vegetation to reveal the 

cache. Concealment of geocaches by burial in the ground is prohibited. Concealment of geocaches by burial in the ground is prohibited. 

c. To prevent degradation to wilderness characteristics, the total number of 

caches allowed at any one time in the WSAs will be limited to no more than the 

number known to exist on the date that this provision was craĞed (i.e., 17 in 

the Badlands WSA and 3 in the Steelhead Falls WSA). Given the larger area and 

more dispersed, open seĴing, the threshold of geocache sites in the Badlands is 

greater than the much smaller river canyon seĴing of Steelhead Falls WSA. ing of Steelhead Falls WSA. 

d. A record of repeated violations of the above provisions, of instances where 

BLM must relocate or remove caches, or of increasing disturbance to wilderness 

characteristics and other special wilderness features from geocaching activities 

will result in either closure of the entire WSA to physical geocaching or in 

development of an alternative restriction on geocaching activities designed to 

remedy the problem, and to be determined by the authorized officer. 

e. If either WSA becomes designated as Wilderness, the geocaching provisions 

described above will be reviewed during the development of the required 

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Wilderness Management Plan. The geocaching provisions described above for 

the WSA could be revised, if necessary could be revised, if necessary, at that time. , at that time. 

Caves 

The guidance provided under Objective SMA - 5 applies to all nominated/significant 

caves. Objectives SMA – 5a and SMA – 5a and SMA – 5b apply only to the cav – 5b apply only to the caves specified. 

Objective SMA - 5: Manage caves nominated for significance or determined significant 

with an emphasis on education, research, and protection of cave resources while 

providing for public use opportunities. providing for public use opportunities. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

A number of caves within the planning area have been nominated as “significant” under 

the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (FCRPA, 1988). The act directs the 

agency to a) Secure, protect, and preserve significant caves on Federal lands for the 

perpetual use, enjoyment, and benefit of all people; and b) foster increased cooperation 

and exchange of information between governmental authorities and those who use 

caves located on Federal lands for scientific, education, or recreational purposes. BLM 

Washington/Oregon Policy directs the BLM to manage significant caves or nominated 

caves in accordance with the provisions of the FCRPA and interim Cave Management 

Policy. The following caves within the planning area have been determined “significant” 

under FCRPA, (year of determination in parentheses): ear of determination in parentheses): 

• Horse BuĴe Indian Cave (1995) e (1995) 

• Pictograph (Stout) Cave (1995) e (1995) 

• Redmond Cave (1995) e (1995) 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Recreational or other human activities are allowed in caves consistent with 

protecting other cave resource values. 

2. Where known or potential adverse impacts from human use to threatened, 

endangered, and/or sensitive plants or animals, cultural resources, biological 

deposits (i.e., middens, skeletal remains, etc.), or geologic/paleontologic/mineral 

features are present, then the responsible authorized officer will act to protect these 

resources. resources. 

3. On public lands administered by the BLM, no new surface disturbing activities 

will be authorized within a 350 foot radius of a cave opening or any known cave 

passages which may adversely impact any significant or potentially significant cave 

resource value. 

4. Acts that are not allowed in significant/nominated caves: 

a. Willfully defacing, removing, or destroying plants or their parts, soils, rocks, 

minerals, or other cave resources. e resources. 

b. Smoking. Smoking. 

c. Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic 

devices. devices. 

d. Possessing a domestic animal. ossessing a domestic animal. 

e. Depositing or disposing of human waste. 

f. Digging, excavation, or displacement of natural and/or cultural features. ation, or displacement of natural and/or cultural features. 

g. Entering without wriĴen authorization, if required. en authorization, if required. 

5. Vegetative Treatments: reatments: 

a. Trees will not be harvested in a 150-200 Ğ radius around cave entrances and 

feeder drainages with slopes greater than 30 degrees. feeder drainages with slopes greater than 30 degrees. 

b. Clearing of vegetation, except for noxious weeds, will not be allowed within 250 

feet of the entrance to caves with significant populations of bats. cant populations of bats. 

c. Similar buffers will be maintained around direct drainages into caves, including 

sinkholes, cave collapse areas known to open into a cave’s drainage system, and 

perennial, intermiĴent, or ephemeral streams flowing into caves. 

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6.	1 Forest and Range Products: Follow Allocations/Allowable Uses listed above for 

Vegetative Treatments. reatments. 

7.	1 Minerals: An area 1⁄2 mile from the entrance and 1⁄2 mile on each side of the 

centerline along the length of any significant/nominated cave will be closed to 

mining for mineral materials and surface occupancy for fluid mineral leasing. uid mineral leasing. 

8.	1 Livestock Grazing: Not applicable. Not applicable. 

9. Recreation: Recreation: 

a. Access to all Significant/nominated Caves will be restricted to foot access only. 

b. Group and commercial use: Group and commercial use: 

i. Group and commercial use of caves will be allowed only under Special 

Recreation Permit authorizations, and must comply with seasonal 

restrictions and provisions of the FCRPA. 

ii. In Pictograph Cave, limit group size to no less than six and no more than 

eight people at one time (group leader(s) included), and no more than one 

tour per cave per day (group and commercial use combined). e per day (group and commercial use combined). 

c. The following acts are not allowed in nominated/significant caves: 

i. Building, maintaining, aĴending, or using any fire, campfire, or stove. 

ii. Camping or overnight use. ernight use. 

iii. Mountain bike, horse, or motor vehicle use. ehicle use. 

iv. Use and possession of chalk or hand drying agents for climbing which are 

not natural appearing. not natural appearing. 

v. Geocaching. Geocaching. 

vi. Possession and use of paintball guns. ossession and use of paintball guns. 

vii. Possession and use of alcoholic beverages as defined by state law. 

viii.Use of glass containers. Use of glass containers. 

10.	1 Firearm Discharge: Discharging a fi Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun will not be allowed. 

11.	1 Rights-of-way: New rights-of-way will not be granted within 1⁄2 mile of entrance(s) 

to any significant/nominated cave unless no reasonable alternative routes are 

available. Where new ROW cannot be reasonably accommodated outside of the 

1⁄2-mile buffer, consider first along existing utility corridors, county roads, or BLM 

system roads. system roads. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Determine significance for nominated caves according to the following FCRPA 

criteria (43 CFR Part 37.11(c)): art 37.11(c)): 

a. Biota: The cave provides seasonal or yearlong habitat for organisms or animals 

or contains species or subspecies of flora or fauna native to caves, or are 

sensitive to disruption, or are found on State or Federal sensitive, threatened, or 

endangered species lists. endangered species lists. 

b. Cultural: The cave contains historic properties or archeological resources or 

other features that are included in or eligible for inclusion in the National 

Register of Historic Places because of its research importance for history 

or prehistory, its historical associations, or other historical or traditional 

significance. 

c. Geologic/Mineralogic/Paleontologic: The cave possesses one or more of the 

following features: (1) Geologic or mineral features that are fragile, or that 

exhibit interesting formation processes, or that are otherwise useful for study; 

(2) Deposits of sediments or features useful for evaluating past events; (3) 

Paleontological resources with potential to contribute useful educational and 

scientific information. c information. 

d. Hydrologic: The cave is part of a hydrologic system or contains water that is 

important to humans, biota, or development of cave resources. e resources. 

e. Recreational: The cave provides or could provide recreational opportunities or 

scenic values. 

f. Educational or Scientific: The cave offers opportunities for educational or 

scientific use; or, the cave is virtually in a pristine state, lacking evidence or 

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contemporary human disturbance or impact; or, the length, volume, total depth, 

pit depth, height, or similar measurements are notable. pit depth, height, or similar measurements are notable. 

2. Survey nominated and potentially significant caves under BLM jurisdiction to 

determine significance. Periodically eriodically update list of significant caves based on results. based on results. 

3. As funding permits, develop a management plan for each significant cave, 

including an inventory and mapping of cave resources, research and monitoring 

programs, and if necessary, a clean-up or rehabilitation program. , a clean-up or rehabilitation program. 

4. For caves with designated parking areas, consider providing a visitor register to 

collect information on the visitors name, purpose, number in party, comments and 

use paĴerns. Caves with high resource concerns and those with active volunteer/ 

stewardship programs will be considered as priorities for visitor registers. ardship programs will be considered as priorities for visitor registers. 

5. For caves with designated parking areas, provide signs with cave information, cave 

etiqueĴe and leave no trace information. e no trace information. 

6. Where appropriate, locate sign to minimize advertisement of the cave location, and 

to provide information to those who already know the cave’s location. s location. 

7. Maintain current native plant populations or rehabilitate denuded areas at cave 

entrances by encouraging foot traffic in designated areas only (mark entry trails). c in designated areas only (mark entry trails). 

8. Provide multi-agency consistency with seasonal closure periods. Hibernacula 

closure dates will be approximately October 15 to May 1, and maternity closure 

dates will be dates will be April 15 to September 30. April 15 to September 30. 

Objective SMA – 5a: Manage the Redmond Caves parcel to protect and maintain the 

resources found there, including biologic, cultural, and geologic features. Provide for 

recreational use that is consistent with management of these cave resources. recreational use that is consistent with management of these cave resources. 

Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1.	1 Vegetative Treatments: Emphasize restoration/enhancement projects to improve 

native plant and animal communities. Where feasible, vegetation maintenance will 

be designed to emulate natural processes. be designed to emulate natural processes. 

2.	1 Recreation: The following activities that are not allowed within significant/ 

nominated caves will also not be allowed in all of the 40-acre Redmond Caves 

Parcel: 

a. Motorized and mechanized vehicles. ehicles. 

b. Campfires. 

c. Overnight use, except under permit. ernight use, except under permit. 

d. Geocaching. Geocaching. 

e. Paintball use. aintball use. 

f. All firearm discharge. rearm discharge. 

3.	1 Minerals: Rockhounding and the collection of decorative stone will not be allowed 

within the 40-acre Redmond Caves Parcel. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. In partnership with the City of Redmond, continue to pursue the development of 

the 40 acre parcel into a “natural” community park. the 40 acre parcel into a “natural” community park. 

2. Fence the area and designate a parking area. Fence the area and designate a parking area. 

3. Provide for marked and signed foot trails. Provide for marked and signed foot trails. 

4. Work with the City of Redmond, local Tribes, and interested parties to develop the 

interpretive component of the future community park. e component of the future community park. 

5. If portions of the Redmond Caves lava tube system are found to be suitable habitat 

for Townsend’s big-eared bat, consider excluding human uses from some portion of 

caves. 

Objective SMA – 5b: Manage Pictograph (Stout) Cave to protect scientific values 

and cave resources (including habitat for bats), and to meet the requirements of the 

FCRPA. Recreation management will be oriented toward interpretive and educational 

opportunities. opportunities. 

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Allocations/Allowable Uses: Allocations/Allowable Uses: 

1. Recreation: Recreation: 

a. Bolted climbing routes will not be allowed. 

b. Pictograph Cave will be closed seasonally (October 15 – May 1) for bat 

hibernacula. hibernacula. 

Guidelines: Guidelines: 

1. Manage cave access for hike-in visitation only. No developed or designated roads 

or trails will be built to provide access to the cave site. No designated parking area 

will be provided. will be provided. 

2. Place signs at the cave informing visitors of cave management policy. 

3. Remove all existing bolts and climbing hardware and manage the cave under Leave 

No Trace principles. race principles. 

Land Uses
1

Livestock Grazing
1

Objective LG - 1: Promote healthy sustainable rangelands, provide for continued 

livestock grazing, and limit conflicts between livestock grazing and other uses and 

values of public land and adjacent private land. values of public land and adjacent private land. 

Rationale: Rationale: 

BLM planning manuals direct BLM to reduce threats to public health, safety, and 

property as well as provide guidance for grazing management. ell as provide guidance for grazing management. 

FLPMA, Public Rangeland Improvement Act (PRIA), Taylor Grazing Act, and other acts, 

direct the management of public land for multiple use and sustained yield; and, among 

other things, to provide for improved forage conditions to benefit wildlife, watershed 

protection and livestock production. Desired outcomes may take social and economic 

values into consideration (p. III-5, BLM H-1601-1 Land Use Planning Handbook). 

FLPMA directs the BLM to improve forage conditions, with resulting benefits to wildlife, 

watershed protection, and livestock production. estock production. 

Prineville District BLM policy, based on the Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Handbook 

(BLM Manual Handbook H-1742-1), typically calls for exclusion of livestock grazing 

through the second full growing season aĞer fire. 

In 1997 the Oregon/Washington BLM adopted The Standards for Rangeland Health and 

Guidelines for Grazing Management (“The Standards”, USDI 1997), and incorporated 

the Standards into existing land use plans. The Standards meet the intent of 43 CFR 4180 

(the rangeland health regulations). The Standards direct the BLM to modify livestock 

grazing prior to the start of the next grazing year if livestock are found to be a significant 

contributing factor to failure to aĴain a Standard. The Standards address watershed 

function (upland and riparian), ecological processes, water quality, and habitat for native, 

T&E and locally important species. T&E and locally important species. 

During the planning process, public comments urged the BLM to modify or discontinue 

grazing in sensitive areas, critical plant/animal habitats, and areas not grazed in many 

years. Livestock grazing permiĴees who rely on public lands also expressed continued 

concerns about the difficulty of managing allotments in areas adjacent to resorts and 

residential areas, and in areas of high recreation uses. BLM management direction is to 

reduce threats to public health, safety, and property as well as to provide guidance for 

grazing management. grazing management. 

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