DOI Control #: FES-07-30 

Publication Index #: BLM/CA/ES-2009-002+1793
 

United States Department of the Interior 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
 

El Centro Field Office
 

1661 S. 4th Street
 

El Centro, CA 92243
 

www.ca blm gov/elcentro 

Dear Reader: 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is pleased to present the Eastern San Diego County 

Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision (ROD). This RMP documents where 

and how BLM plans to administer the public lands under its jurisdiction within the Eastern San 

Diego County PlanningArea. 

This document is the result of a collaborative effort with state, local, and other federal government 

agencies, organizations and members of the public. Two scoping meetings were held in September 

2004 to identify public concerns in the issue identification process. The Draft RMP and Draft 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were published in February 2007 and followed by a 90-day 

public comment period. Changes based on public comments and agency review were incorporated 

into the Proposed RMP and Final EIS. The Proposed RMP and Final EIS were published in 

December 2007 and followed by a 30-day protest period. On July 28, 2008, BLM published a Notice 

to Provide Opportunity to Comment on Changes to the Eastern San Diego County Proposed 

Resource Management Plan; the comment period ended on August 27, 2008. This document 

incorporates changes based on agency review. This Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

constitutes BLM's commitment to the public for managing the public lands. Any substantial changes 

to this approved RMP/ROD can only be made via a plan amendment process with public 

involvement in accordance with BLM regulation 43 CFR 1610.5-5. 

The decisions designating routes of travel for motorized vehicles are implementation-level 

decisions and appealable in accordance with 43 CFR Part 4, as described in Section 1.8.2 of this 

document. These implementation-level decisions for routes of travel, as described in Section 30 of 

this document, are effective upon issuance of this RMP/ROD, unless a stay of the decision is 

granted. 

We look forward to working with all interested agencies, organizations, and members of the public 

in implementing this challenging prescription for the future. If you would like more information, 

please contact the El Centro Field Office, 1661 S. 4th Street, El Centro, CA 92243, or telephone at 

(760) 337-4400.

Vicki L. Wood
 

Field Manager
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 Record of Decision 1
 

1.1 Changes from the Proposed RMP to the Approved RMP 1
 

1.2 Alternatives 10
 

1.3 Management Considerations and Rationale 12
 

1.4 Related Plans and Programmatic Records of Decision 13
 

1.5 Mitigation 13
 

1.6 Plan Monitoring 14
 

1.7 Public Involvement and Interagency Coordination and Consultation 14
 

1.7.1 Public Involvement 14
 

1.7.2 Interagency Coordination and Consultation 16
 

1.8 Administrative Remedies 19
 

1.8.1 Land Use Planning Decision Protest Resolution 19
 

1.8.2 Implementation-Level Decisions Appeal Procedures 19
 

2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 21
 

2.1 Rangeland Health Standards Management 21
 

2.2 Air Resources Management 23
 

2.2.1 Goals and Objectives 23
 

2.2.2 Management Actions 23
 

2.3 Soil Resource Management 24
 

2.3.1 Goals and Objectives 24
 

2.3.2 Management Actions 24
 

2.4 Water Resources Management 25
 

2.4.1 Goals and Objectives 25
 

2.4.2 Management Actions 25
 

2.5 Vegetation Resource Management 26
 

2.5.1 Plant Communities 26
 

2.5.2 Priority Plant Species 31
 

2.5.3 Invasive Non-native Plants 32
 

2.5.4 Vegetative Use Authorization 33
 

2.6 Wildlife Resource Management 36
 

2.6.1 Planning Areawide 36
 

2.6.2 Priority Wildlife Species 38
 

2.7 Special Status Species Management 42
 

2.7.1 Planning Areawide 42
 

2.7.2 Federally Listed Species and Designated Critical Habitat 45
 

2.7.3 State-Listed Species 54
 

2.7.4 BLM Sensitive Species 56
 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page i 

October 2008
 
1.0 Record of Decision 

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.) 

2.8 Wildland Fire Management 57
 

2.8.1 Goals and Objectives 57
 

2.8.2 Management Actions 57
 

2.9 Cultural Resource Management 60
 

2.9.1 Goals and Objectives 60
 

2.9.2 Management Actions 60
 

2.9.3 Cultural Use Allocation 62
 

2.10 Paleontological Resource Management 64
 

2.10.1 Goals and Objectives 64
 

2.10.2 Management Actions 65
 

2.11 Visual Resource Management 65
 

2.11.1 Goals and Objectives 66
 

2.11.2 Management Actions 69
 

2.12 Special Designations 71
 

2.12.1 Wilderness Areas 71
 

2.12.2 Wilderness Study Areas 75
 

2.12.3 National Scenic Trail (Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail) 76
 

2.12.4 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern 77
 

2.13 Livestock Grazing Management 78
 

2.13.1 Goals and Objectives 79
 

2.13.2 Management Actions 79
 

2.14 Mineral Resource Management 79
 

2.14.1 Management Actions 79
 

2.14.2 Locatable Mineral Management 79
 

2.14.3 Leasable Mineral Management 81
 

2.14.4 Salable Mineral Materials Management 81
 

2.15 Recreation Resource Management 82
 

2.15.1 Recreation Management Areas 82
 

2.15.2 Recreation Management Zones 90
 

2.15.3 Management Actions 99
 

2.16 Transportation and Public Access 100
 

2.16.1 OHV Management Area Designations 101
 

2.17 Lands and Realty Management 105
 

2.17.1 Land Tenure 105
 

2.17.2 Land Use Authorizations 110
 

2.17.3 Withdrawals 114
 

2.17.4 Utility Corridors 115
 

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October 2008 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.) 

2.18 Public Health and Safety 116 

2.18.1 Abandoned Mines 116 

2.18.2 Unexploded Ordnance 116 

2.18.3 International Border Issues 117 

2.18.4 Hazardous Materials 117 

3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 119 

3.1 Implementation-level Decisions 119 

3.2 Individual Routes of Travel Designations 120 

3.3 Administrative Remedies for Appeals 120 

4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 135 

4.1 Implementation 135 

4.2 Requirements for Further Environmental Analysis 135 

4.3 Adaptive Management 136 

4.4 Plan Monitoring 137 

4.5 Plan Evaluation 138 

4.6 Plan Maintenance 142 

4.7 Plan Modification 142 

4.7.1 Amending the RMP 142 

4.7.2 Revising the RMP 143 

Acronyms 

References Cited 

APPENDICES 

A: Errata 

B: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion 

C: State Historic Preservation Officer Concurrence Letter 

D: Typical Management Actions and BMPs 

E: Grazing Criteria 

F: Disposal Lands Legal Description 

G: Cottonwood Canyon Donation Agreement 

MAPS 

1: Planning Area 3 

2: Critical Habitat 47 

3: Visual Resource Management 67 

4: Special Designations 73 

5: Lands Available for Geothermal Leasing and Wind Energy Development 83 

6: Special Recreation Management Areas and Recreation Management Zones 85 

7: OHV Management Area Designations 103 

8: Lands and Realty Management 107 

9: Routes of Travel 121 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page iii 

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1.0 Record of Decision 

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT.) 

OVERSIZED MAPS 

Recreation Planning and Routes of Travel Map Pocket 

Resource Planning Map Pocket 

TABLES 

1: Changes in VRM Class from PRMP/FEIS to RMP/ROD 5 

2: Use Allocations for Cultural Properties 63 

3: VRM Class Designations 69 

4: Acres of VRM Classes I-IV by Area 70 

5: Special Designations 71 

6: Recreation Management Areas (Acres) 87 

7: Recreation Management Zones by SRMA 90 

8: OHV Management Area Designations (Acres) 101 

9: Routes of Travel Classification 119 

10: Individual Routes of Travel Designations 123 

11: Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Plan Monitoring 139 

Page iv Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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1.0 Record of Decision 

1.0 Record of Decision 

The Record of Decision (ROD) documents the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 

decision to adopt the Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan (RMP). 

This RMP is within the spectrum of alternatives analyzed in the Proposed RMP and Final 

Environmental Impact Statement (PRMP/FEIS) published in November 2007. In its 

entirety, the PRMP/FEIS provides all of the detailed background information and 

analysis in support of this RMP/ROD. An errata for the PRMP/FEIS has been developed 

and is included as Appendix A of this document. 

RMP decisions (including management activities, mitigations, and project design 

features) for BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area are presented in Section 

2.0 of this document. This RMP/ROD considers public comments, the best available 

scientific and technical information, and results of applicable consultations and 

coordination with federal and state agencies, local governments, Native American tribes, 

a variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and numerous individuals. This 

RMP/ROD and its associated PRMP/FEIS, dated November 2007, were prepared in 

accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the National 

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations 

for implementing NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1500-1508), and BLM 

regulations (NEPA Handbook [H1790-1] and Land Use Planning Handbook [H-1601-1]). 

The Eastern San Diego County Planning Area spans a portion of the eastern 

escarpment of southern California’s Peninsular Ranges. Scattered in a north–south band 

along the mountain front are 102,869 acres of public land under the administration of the 

Bureau of Land Management. Most of the higher land to the west is a part of the 

Cleveland National Forest, while the low desert country to the east is included in the 

Anza–Borrego Desert State Park. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and a number of small 

Indian reservations are interspersed with national forest lands. Riverside County and the 

Mexican border mark the northern and southern boundaries of the Planning Area, while 

Imperial County borders it to the east and western San Diego County to the west 

(Map 1). 

1.1 Changes from the Proposed RMP to the 

Approved RMP 

In response to protests raised on the Eastern San Diego County PRMP/FEIS and based 

on additional policy discussions, the BLM has clarified and made changes to the 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 1 

October 2008 
1.0 Record of Decision 

Proposed Plan as set forth in the PRMP/FEIS. The clarification and changes include: 1) 

modifying renewable energy (e.g., wind) and geothermal-related proposals and 2) 

clarifying and modifying Visual Resource Management (VRM) proposals and 

classifications. 

Concerns were raised by the public that the PRMP/FEIS was overly restrictive regarding 

wind energy development and was not adequately responsive to national goals and 

directives regarding renewable energy development on public lands. The BLM changed 

the Proposed Plan, as it was set forth in the PRMP, to allow for additional lands in the 

Planning Area to be available for wind energy and geothermal development. 

On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order (EO) 13212, Actions to 

Expedite Energy-Related Projects, establishing a policy that federal agencies should 

take appropriate actions, to the extent consistent with applicable law, to expedite 

projects to increase the production, transmission, or conservation of energy. Also in 

2001, the President’s National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG) 

recommended to the President, as part of the National Energy Policy Report, that the 

Departments of the Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Defense work together to increase 

renewable energy production (NEPDG 2001). The Energy Policy Act of 2005 states that 

“the Secretary of the Interior should, before the end of the 10-year period beginning on 

the date of enactment of this Act, seek to have approved non-hydropower renewable 

energy projects located on the public lands with a generation capacity of at least 10,000 

megawatts of electricity” (§211 Energy Policy Act (2005), Public Law 109-58). 

Based on a broad-scale assessment of wind energy potential in the western United 

States, the Department of Energy determined that the Eastern San Diego County 

Planning Area has approximately 33,100 acres of land with high-quality wind resources. 

From that total, BLM excludes designated Wilderness Areas (WAs), Wilderness Study 

Areas (WSAs), and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) from wind energy 

development. These exclusions are consistent with the Record of Decision for the Final 

Programmatic EIS for Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the 

Western United States, which was published in December 2005. 

BLM also has the discretion to exclude other areas from wind energy development 

where significant resource impacts or conflicts cannot be mitigated. Other areas that 

were excluded from wind energy development in the original PRMP included, but were 

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Page intentionally left blank. 

Page 4 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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not limited to, designated critical habitat, recreation areas, and an existing utility corridor. 

In applying all of these restrictions, the acres of high-quality wind resources available for 

renewable energy development in the Planning Area were reduced to 16,078 acres. 

Under the original PRMP, many of these remaining lands were designated as VRM 

Class II where wind energy development would likely not comply with the objectives of 

that management class. 

In recognition of concerns raised by the public and in an effort to meet its goals to 

support renewable energy development on public lands, the BLM changed the PRMP 

regarding wind energy in the vicinity of McCain Valley consistent with Alternative D. 

Specifically, the BLM designated McCain Valley East (3,635 acres outside of ACECs 

and WSAs) and McCain Valley West (8,560 acres) as VRM Class IV These areas were 

designated as VRM Class II and III, respectively, in the original PRMP. 

Table 1 illustrates the changes made to the PRMP/FEIS VRM Classes. The BLM also 

made recreation areas in McCain Valley available for renewable energy development 

consistent with Alternative D, including Lark Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area and the 

Lark Canyon Campground/Staging Area (1,300 acres) and Cottonwood Campground 

(16 acres). 

TABLE 1 

CHANGES IN VRM CLASS FROM PRMP/FEIS TO RMP/ROD
 

Classification of 

Lands Original1

 PRMP/FEIS acres RMP/ROD acres 

VRM Class I 61,908 61,908 

VRM Class II 31,623 28,033 

VRM Class III 9,288 693 

VRM Class IV 51 12,236 

Total 102,869 102,869 1

Acreages calculated for use in the Federal Register notice, as summarized in this table, were 

obtained using GIS data solely, whereas the figures in the PRMP/FEIS also used published 

acreages. 

High-quality wind resources in McCain Valley and its proximity to the existing utility 

corridor made it a logical area to focus wind energy development in the Planning Area. 

Furthermore, wind energy development currently exists in McCain Valley and is visible in 

the area. Wind energy development and recreation can effectively coexist in McCain 

Valley. This decision is consistent with the Record of Decision for the Final 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 5 

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Programmatic EIS for Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the 

Western United States (United States Department of the Interior [DOI] BLM 2005f). 

Appropriate mitigation will be required for all future development on or adjacent to 

recreation areas to minimize user conflicts and degradation of the recreational 

experience. 

As part of its protest analysis, the BLM found that it needed to clarify its description of 

land use restrictions in VRM Classes. BLM is required to manage all uses and activities 

consistent with an area’s VRM Class as established in the RMP. It is not BLM policy to 

determine, at the RMP level, which land uses or activities to restrict based on VRM 

Class. Rather, BLM must consider, at the site-specific activity level, all uses proposed for 

an area with a given VRM Class and determine if those uses would be consistent with 

the objectives for that Class. 

Therefore, the RMP has been clarified by removing the following restrictions (this will not 

impact RMP decisions related to designated critical habitat, WSAs, or ACECs): 

•	 VRM Class II areas are closed to leasable mineral entry under the Proposed 

Plan. Removal of this restriction resulted in an additional 27,387 acres open to 

leasable mineral entry in the Planning Area for a total of 34,993 acres. 

•	 VRM Class II areas are exclusion areas for renewable energy under the 

Proposed Plan. Removal of this restriction resulted in an additional 27,327 acres 

available for renewable energy in the Planning Area for a total of 34,259 acres. 

•	 VRM Class II areas are avoidance areas for all land use authorizations under the 

Proposed Plan (other than renewable energy which is described above). 

Removal of this restriction allows BLM to consider issuing land use 

authorizations on approximately 31,600 acres of land designated as VRM Class 

II in the Planning Area, outside of designated critical habitat, WSAs, and ACECs. 

All future development in the Planning Area will adhere to the VRM Class objectives 

established in the RMP. For example, VRM Class II objectives require that the existing 

character of the landscape be retained and that the level of change remains low. In order 

to meet these objectives, BLM expects that the level of development in VRM Class II 

Page 6 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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1.0 Record of Decision 

would be minimal. BLM will utilize visual resource design techniques and best 

management practices (BMPs) to mitigate the potential visual impacts. Visual contrast 

ratings will be required for all major projects proposed for VRM Class I, II, and III areas 

which have high sensitivity levels. In areas where VRM Class objectives cannot be met 

through design techniques and/orBMPs, BLM has the authority to deny the project. 

Additional minor modifications, corrections, and clarifications that were made in the 

RMP/ROD are described in the errata in Appendix A. 

On July 28, 2008, BLM published a Notice to Provide Opportunity to Comment on 

Changes to the Eastern San Diego County Proposed Resource Management Plan 

Based on the changes described above. 

The comment period ended on August 27, 2008. During the 30-day comment period, the 

BLM received approximately 50 written comments. Concerns included, but were not 

limited to: supplementation of the EIS, visual impacts associated with renewable energy 

development, loss of recreational opportunities due to renewable energy development, 

increased fire danger due to renewable energy development, impacts to threatened and 

endangered species associated with renewable energy development, and impacts on 

groundwater associated with geothermal development. Responses to these comments 

are summarized below. 

Based on a review of the changes being proposed and the analysis in the EIS, the BLM 

determined that supplementation was not necessary. The proposed changes are within 

the spectrum of alternatives analyzed in the Draft EIS (DEIS) and will not result in effects 

outside the range of effects analyzed in the DEIS and carried forward in the FEIS. 

In accordance with BLM’s Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1601-1), BLM is required to 

designate VRM Classes for all areas of BLM land, based on an inventory of visual 

resources and management considerations for other land uses. The BLM has 

determined that the high-quality wind resources in McCain Valley and its proximity to the 

existing utility corridor make it a logical area to focus wind energy development, and 

therefore a change in the VRM Class in that location is warranted. Furthermore, wind 

energy development currently exists in McCain Valley and is visible in the area. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 7 

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The BLM has determined that wind energy development and recreation can effectively 

coexist in McCain Valley. This decision is consistent with the Record of Decision for the 

Final Programmatic EIS for Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in 

the Western United States (DOI BLM 2005f). Appropriate mitigation would be required 

for all future development on or adjacent to recreation areas to minimize user conflicts 

and degradation of the recreational experience, as well as to address any economic loss 

that may result. 

Future site-specific activities in the Planning Area, including renewable energy 

development projects, are implementation-level decisions. Upon receipt of an application 

for these types of projects, the BLM would require a site-specific National Environmental 

Policy Act (NEPA) analysis before actions could be approved (FEIS Section 2.5.2, p. 2-

137). Specific impacts of such actions would be analyzed at that time, along with the 

identification of possible mitigation measures. Site-specific NEPA analysis would include 

the opportunity for additional public participation and coordination with county and state 

land and resource managers. Proposed site-specific activities would also be required to 

comply with other laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). In addition, all future 

wind proposals in the Planning Area must comply with the policies and BMPs set forth in 

the Record of Decision for Implementation of a Wind Energy Development Program and 

Associated Land Use Plan Amendments, dated December 2005 

(http://windeis.anl.gov/documents/index.cfm) that are designed to avoid or minimize 

impacts to natural resources and that were incorporated by reference into the 

PRMP/FEIS (FEIS Section 1.6, p. 1-17). 

Proposed site-specific activities would be required to meet the VRM objectives 

established in the land use plan (PRMP/FEIS p. 2-57). BLM will utilize visual resource 

design techniques and BMPs to mitigate the potential visual impacts. Visual contrast 

ratings will be required for all major projects proposed for VRM Class I, II, and III areas 

which have high sensitivity levels. In areas where VRM Class objectives cannot be met 

through design techniques and/or BMPs, BLM has the authority to deny the project 

(PRMP/FEIS pp.2-57 and 2-58). 

When/if a request for a Right-of-Way (ROW) for a renewable energy development 

project is submitted to BLM, the evaluation of wildfire potential from the proposed action 

and completion of a plan of development, appropriate mitigation, and emergency 

response plan are required as part of the subsequent site-specific NEPA analysis prior 

to approval. Further, BLM’s Final Programmatic EIS for Wind Energy Development on 

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October 2008 
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BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United States (June 2005) incorporated by 

reference in the PRMP/FEIS (Section 1.6, p. 1-17) sets forth policies and BMPs that 

apply to all future wind proposals on BLM-administered lands in the Eastern San Diego 

County Planning Area. These policies and BMPs include measures to minimize human 

health and safety impacts, including wildfire. 

General impacts on groundwater from activities that rely on well water such as 

geothermal development are adequately discussed in Section 4.4.2 of the PRMP/FEIS 

(p. 4-13). Specific geothermal development projects are implementation-level decisions 

rather than RMP-level decisions. Upon receipt of an application for a geothermal project, 

the BLM would require a site-specific NEPA analysis before actions could be approved 

(FEIS Section 2.5.2, p. 2-137). Project-specific impacts would be analyzed at that time, 

along with the identification of possible alternatives and mitigation measures. 

Subsequent site-specific NEPA analysis would include the opportunity for additional 

public participation and coordination with county and state land and resource managers. 

Proposed site-specific activities would also be required to comply with other laws and 

regulations, including but not limited to the ESA and NHPA. 

In addition, as stated in Section 3.4.2 (p. 3-17) of the PRMP/FEIS, the County of San 

Diego’s Department of Environmental Health Land Use Program regulates the design, 

construction, maintenance, and destruction of water wells throughout San Diego County 

to protect San Diego County's groundwater resources. As stated in Section 2.3.4 (p. 2-

10), the BLM has no direct authority over the groundwater. Rather, the groundwater 

resource is managed by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 

and California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The BLM works in cooperation 

with SWRCB and DWR. 

Section 3.16.3.2 of the PRMP/FEIS (p. 3-152) discusses the potential of future 

geothermal use in the Planning Area and concludes that there is limited potential for only 

"direct use" such as aquaculture, greenhouse, and spas. However, the initial cost for 

developing residential geothermal resources and operating costs for pumping water to 

heat exchange units are high, which could result in this type of development being 

economically unviable on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area. 

The PRMP/FEIS provides an adequate analysis of impacts from renewable energy 

development on Special Status Species, including threatened and endangered species 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 9 

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1.0 Record of Decision 

(Section 4.7, pp. 4-31 to 4-49). Further, consultation with the United States Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been completed in accordance with the ESA and its 

regulations, in addition to BLM policy (16 USC §1531 et seq.; 50 CFR §402 et seq.). As 

described in Section 5.1.1 of the PRMP/FEIS (p. 5-1), in 2001 the BLM and the USFWS 

finalized a consultation agreement (the Agreement) to establish an effective and 

cooperative ESA Section 7 consultation process. The 2001 Agreement defines the 

process, products, actions, schedule, and expectations of the BLM and the USFWS on 

project consultation. 

As required by the applicable laws and regulations, and the Agreement, formal 

consultation with the USFWS for the Eastern San Diego County RMP was initiated on 

November 20, 2007. A Biological Assessment (BA) was prepared to determine the 

effects of the Preferred Alternative on all relevant listed, proposed, and candidate 

species, and associated critical habitat. The BA identified all anticipated environmental 

effects, conservation actions, mitigation, and monitoring including analysis of all direct 

and indirect effects of plan decisions and any interrelated and interdependent actions. In 

response to the BA, the USFWS prepared a Biological Opinion (BO) for the Eastern San 

Diego County RMP on September 30, 2008 (Appendix B). Conservation 

recommendations specified in the BO are incorporated into this ROD as appropriate. 

Also, as described above, all future site-specific activities would be required to comply 

with the ESA through individual Section 7 consultation. 

1.2 Alternatives 

The goal of developing a reasonable range of alternatives is to find an optimally 

balanced alternative that provides guidance in the management of the lands and 

resources administered by the El Centro Field Office (ECFO) in eastern San Diego 

County that will achieve the following: 1) address conflicts between motorized, 

mechanized, and non-motorized/non-mechanized recreationists; 2) protect sensitive 

natural and cultural resources from impacts due to recreational use, livestock grazing, 

and other land uses; 3) provide guidance for renewable energy development; and 4) 

address other planning issues raised during the scoping process. The five alternatives 

developed for detailed analysis in the Draft RMP/Draft EIS (DRMP/DEIS) and 

PRMP/FEIS are summarized below. 

	 Alternative A (No Action) described the continuation of the present management of 

the Planning Area as described in the 1981 Eastern San Diego County Management 

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Framework Plan (DOI BLM 1981a). Alternative A provided an opportunity to compare 

the current management with various strategies that were analyzed for future 

management (Alternatives B, C, D, and E). Alternative A served as a baseline for 

most resources and land use allocations. 

	 Alternative B, the Mixed Alternative, provided for visitation with opportunities to 

experience natural and cultural resource values and for development within the 

Planning Area. It provided access through a transportation network while ensuring 

that resource protection was not compromised. It proposed a combination of natural 

processes and active management techniques for resource and use management. 

	 Alternative C, the Conservation Alternative, generally placed emphasis on 

preservation of the Planning Area’s natural and cultural resources through limited 

public use and discontinuation of grazing. It focused on natural processes and other 

unobtrusive methods for natural resource use and management. It proposed fewer 

motorized and developed recreation opportunities. 

	 Alternative D, the Development Alternative, generally provided more opportunities 

for development such as renewable energy, transportation and utility ROWs, and 

enhanced recreational opportunities (including motorized use). 

	 Alternative E (Proposed Plan) represented BLM’s preferred alternative for 

management of each resource and resource use. Alternative E provided for a 

balance between authorized resource use and the protection and long-term 

sustainability of sensitive resources. It allowed visitation and development within the 

Planning Area, while ensuring that resource protection was not compromised in 

accordance with the principles of multiple use and sustained yield as mandated by 

FLPMA. 

Implementing regulations for NEPA 40 CFR Part 1505.2(b) require an agency to specify 

the alternative or alternatives that are considered to be environmentally preferable in the 

process of reaching its decision The Environmentally Preferred Alternative is Alternative 

E in the PRMP/FEIS. When taking into consideration both the human (social and 

economic) and natural environment, this alternative provides the best mix of protecting 

the physical and biological environment; protecting, preserving and enhancing historic, 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 11 

October 2008 
1.0 Record of Decision 

cultural, and natural resources; and considering social and economic factors. The 

RMP/ROD was modified from the Proposed Plan in the PRMP/FEIS (Alternative E) 

within the spectrum of the analyzed alternatives, and meets the intents of FLPMA and 

NEPA. 

1.3 Management Considerations and Rationale 

The approved RMP was designed and selected based on input from other federal 

agencies, state and local governments, interested groups, Native American tribes, 

neighboring land owners, and other interested citizens. BLM considers the approved 

RMP as the best approach to meeting the purpose and need of this project, addressing 

the planning issues, and providing the optimal balance in managing resources and uses 

of the lands in the Planning Area. Factors considered during this process include: 

environmental impacts; issues raised throughout the planning process; specific 

environmental values, resources, and resource uses; conflict resolution; public input; 

and laws and regulations. 

FLPMA requires that BLM manage public lands to: 

•	 Protect the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air 

and atmospheric, water resource, and archaeological values; 

•	 Preserve and protect certain public lands in their natural condition; 

•	 Provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals; and 

•	 Regulate the use, occupancy, and development of public lands. 

The RMP as described in Section 2.0 of this document provides the best mix of 

decisions to protect the physical and biological environment; to protect, preserve and 

enhance historic, cultural, and natural resources; and that consider social and economic 

factors. The RMP meets the intent of FLPMA, NEPA, and other applicable laws, 

regulations, and BLM policies. The RMP balances a wide variety of diverse community 

and stakeholder values and uses of the public land. More specifically, the RMP provides 

for a range of recreational opportunities (hunting, hiking, recreational driving, etc.) and 

consumptive uses (minerals, renewable energy, etc.) in the areas of highest demand 

while protecting sensitive resources (sensitive species, cultural resources, etc.) through 

Page 12 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
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closures, use limitations, monitoring and the ability to adapt management to future 

conditions. 

1.4 Related Plans and Programmatic Records

of Decision 

The RMP/ROD incorporates the following BLM programmatic RODs and environmental 

analyses: 

	 ROD for the Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on Bureau of Land 

Management Lands in 17 Western States Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement (PEIS) (Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, 2007a); 

	 Wind Energy Development on BLM-Administered Lands in the Western United 

States Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Department of Interior, 

Bureau of Land Management, 2005); and 

	 National Rangeland Management Final EIS (FEIS) (Department of Interior, Bureau of 

Land Management, 2005). 

Other related plans (BLM and non-BLM), with which the RMP/ROD is consistent to the 

extent possible, are: 

	 BLM South Coast RMP (Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Palm 

Springs South Coast Field Office, 1994, currently under revision); 

	 BLM California Desert Conservation Area Plan (Department of Interior, Bureau of 

Land Management, California Desert District, 1980), as amended; 

	 Anza–Borrego State Park General Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report 

(FEIR; California State Parks, 2005); and 

	 Collaboration with the County of San Diego in development of the East County MultiSpecies Conservation Program (ECMSCP) Plan (County of San Diego, 2007). 

1.5 Mitigation 

Mitigation has been incorporated into the management actions outlined in Section 2.0 to 

avoid or minimize environmental harm while still meeting the purpose and need of the 

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1.0 Record of Decision 

RMP/ROD. As cited in 40 CFR 1508.20: “Mitigation includes avoiding the impact 

altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action; minimizing impacts by 

limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation; rectifying the 

impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; reducing or 

eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the 

life of the action; or compensating for the impact by replacing or providing substitute 

resources or environments”. 

1.6 Plan Monitoring 

Monitoring is an essential component of natural resource management, because it 

provides information on changes in resource use, condition, processes, and trends. This 

information allows managers to gauge the effectiveness of BLM activities and strategies. 

The RMP will be monitored annually or at other appropriate intervals to ensure that 

management actions follow prescribed management direction (implementation 

monitoring), meet desired objectives (effectiveness monitoring), and are based on 

accurate assumptions (validation monitoring). It is not necessary or desirable to monitor 

every management action or direction. Unnecessary detail and cost can be avoided by 

focused monitoring of key questions and issues using appropriate sampling methods. 

The level and intensity of monitoring will vary depending on the sensitivity of the 

resource and the scope of the management activity (BLM Land Use Planning Handbook 

Section V, pp. 32-33). 

A monitoring and enforcement program has been adopted and is summarized for all 

applicable mitigation in Section 4.0 of this RMP/ROD. 

1.7 Public Involvement and Interagency

Coordination and Consultation 

1.7.1 Public Involvement 

A notice of intent (NOI) to prepare a Resource Management Plan and Environmental 

Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) for the Eastern San Diego County Planning Area was 

published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2004. A press release announcing the time 

Page 14 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
1.0 Record of Decision 

and location of the two initial public scoping meetings was sent out on August 10, 2004. 

The formal public scoping period began July 14, 2004 and closed October 12, 2004. 

Public scoping meetings were held in El Centro and San Diego, California, on 

September 8 and 9, 2004, respectively. The meetings began with the public being able 

to look at maps depicting an area of interest and discuss their concerns with a subject 

matter expert from the ECFO. The public was then given the opportunity to state for the 

record their preferences for management priorities of public lands under the Eastern San 

Diego County RMP/EIS. At the end of the meeting, information was passed out on how 

to submit additional comments. 

In addition to the two public scoping meetings, ECFO staff met with Anza–Borrego 

Desert State Park on February 28, 2005 and the County of San Diego, California State 

Parks, United States Forest Service (USFS), and two water districts on May 3, 2005 to 

gather information for the RMP/EIS process. In June 2006, a Social and Economic 

Workshop was also conducted in the Planning Area. 

During the scoping period, BLM received 17 comment letters. Public comments 

addressed a variety of issues and concerns regarding resources and resource uses, as 

well as management considerations. 

Three formal public meetings were held during the public comment period on the 

DRMP/DEIS. These meetings were held April 2–4, 2007 in San Diego, Julian, and 

Boulevard, California. The meetings provided an opportunity for interested members of 

the public to learn more about the analysis contained in the DRMP/DEIS, as well as 

provide an opportunity for attendees to provide written comments on the document. 

During the 90-day public comment period for the DRMP/DEIS, BLM received 201 

comment letters resulting in 241 individual comments. Several themes were noted in the 

comment letters: nine letters expressed a preference for Alternative A; 117 letters 

expressed a preference for Alternative C, including a set of 99 form postcards; three 

letters expressed a preference for Alternative D; two letters expressed a preference for 

Alternative E; 18 letters expressed a preference for higher VRM ratings in certain areas 

of the Planning Area or restrictions on the consideration of wind energy ROWs; and 

seven letters expressed a preference for the consideration of wind energy ROWs. See 

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Section 5.2.4 of the PRMP/FEIS for the response to public comments on the 

DRMP/DEIS. 

During the 30-day protest period for the PRMP/FEIS, nine letters of protest were 

received. Eight of the letters were deemed to contain valid protest issues, and the BLM 

Director responded to these protests on July 28, 2008. One was deemed not a valid 

protest, because it simply expressed support for two of the other letters of protest 

submitted during the protest period. 

On July 28, 2008, BLM published a Notice to Provide Opportunity to Comment on 

Changes to the Eastern San Diego County Proposed Resource Management Plan, as 

detailed in Section 1.1 of this RMP. The comment period ended on August 27, 2008. 

During the 30-day comment period, the BLM received approximately 50 written 

comments. Concerns included, but were not limited to: supplementing the EIS; visual 

impacts, loss of recreational opportunities, increased fire danger, and impacts to 

threatened and endangered species associated with renewable energy development; 

and impacts to groundwater associated with geothermal development. Responses to 

these comments are summarized in Section 1.1 of this RMP. 

Copies of this RMP/ROD (electronic version, hard copy or compact disc) are available at 

BLM’s internet site: (http://www.BLM.gov/CA/st/en/fo/elcentro.html) or the El Centro 

Field Office (1661 South 4th Street, El Centro, California 92243) or by calling 760-337-

4400. 

1.7.2 Interagency Coordination and Consultation 

The scattered nature of BLM-administered land in the Planning Area makes it essential 

for BLM to collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with adjacent and intermingled land 

owners and managers in the development and implementation of this land use plan. 

In the development of this RMP/ROD, BLM coordinated and consulted with other federal 

agencies; state, county and local government agencies as detailed in Sections 5.1.1 and 

5.1.2 of the PRMP/FEIS. 

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In 2001, BLM and USFWS finalized a consultation agreement to establish an effective 

and cooperative Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultation process. As a 

result of this consultation, a BO was prepared by the USFWS on September 30, 2008 

(USFWS 2008) to determine the effects of the RMP on all relevant listed, proposed, and 

candidate species, and associated critical habitat (see Appendix B). The BO identifies all 

expected environmental effects, including analysis of all direct and indirect effects of 

plan decisions and any interrelated and interdependent actions, and specifies additional 

conservation measures. These conservation measures are incorporated in Section 2.7.1 

of this RMP/ROD. 

BLM consulted with Native Americans in compliance with EOs regarding government-togovernment relations with Native Americans and other federal laws and regulations, and 

formal and informal consultation and contacts were made with interested tribal entities at 

several points in the planning process. BLM contacted 20 tribal entities to initiate 

government-to-government consultation or solicit information about issues of concern for 

the Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan as detailed in Section 5.1.3 

of the PRMP/FEIS. Native American tribal governments and organizations contacted are 

listed below. 

 Campo Band of Mission Indians 

 La Posta Band of Mission Indians 

 Manzanita Band of Mission Indians 

 Ewiiaapaayp Band of Mission Indians 

 Inaja-Cosmit Band of Mission Indians 

 Santa Ysabel Band of Mission Indians 

 Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians 

 Los Coyotes Indian Reservation 

 Barona Band of Mission Indians 

 Jamul Indian Village 

 Sycuan Band of Mission Indians 

 Viejas Band of Mission Indians 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 17 

October 2008 
1.0 Record of Decision 

 San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians 

 Kwaaymii Laguna Band of Mission Indians 

 Fort Yuma Indian Reservation 

 Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians 

 Morongo Band of Mission Indians 

 Rincon Band of Mission Indians 

 Cocopah Indian Tribe 

 Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe 

 Kumeyaay Cultural Historic Committee 

 Kumeyaay Cultural Repatriation Committee 

BLM initiated formal consultation with the California State Historic Preservation Officer 

(SHPO) by letter in December 2004. BLM initiated consultation in accordance with the 

Programmatic Agreement among the Bureau of Land Management, the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic 

Preservation Officers regarding the Manner in which BLM Will Meet Its Responsibilities 

under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; 1997) and the Protocol Agreement 

between the California State Director of the BLM and the California SHPO (1998). 

Consultation regarding historic properties that might be affected by this plan was 

completed on September 8, 2008. A letter of concurrence of no adverse effect dated 

June 19, 2008 was sent from the SHPO on August 6, 2008 (Appendix C). No further 

statement was issued from the SHPO based on the revisions outlined in the July 28, 

2008 Federal Register notice. 

The Governor had 60 days in which to identify inconsistencies and provide 

recommendations in writing regarding the PRMP/FEIS to the State Director. BLM 

received a letter dated September 9, 2008 from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that 

stated support for the proposed changes set forth in the Notice of Opportunity to 

Comment on Changes and encouraged renewable energy development on public lands. 

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1.8 Administrative Remedies 

The RMP/ROD includes two levels of decisions: land use planning and implementationlevel decisions. Land use planning decisions were protestable during the 30-day protest 

period that began December 7, 2007 in accordance with BLM regulations 43 CFR 

1610.5-2. Nine protest letters were received and resolved by the Director of the BLM. 

These protest resolutions constitute the BLM’s final decision on the concerns raised in 

the protest letters. 

Making implementation-level decisions as part of the land use planning process and 

analyzing them concurrently with land use plan decisions does not change the 

administrative remedies for implementation-level decisions or the timing of those 

remedies. Implementation-level decisions are appealable in accordance with 43 CFR 

Part 4. 

1.8.1 Land Use Planning Decision Protest Resolution 

During the 30-day protest period for the PRMP/FEIS, nine letters of protest were 

received. One was deemed not a valid protest because it only expressed support for two 

of the other letters of protest submitted during the protest period. Eight of the letters 

were deemed to contain valid protest issues. The Director of the BLM reviewed the 

protests and responded to them on July 28, 2008. The Director concluded that the BLM 

California State Director, the California Desert District Manager, and the El Centro Field 

Office Manager followed the applicable planning procedures, laws, regulations, and 

policies and considered all relevant resource information and public input in developing 

the Eastern San Diego County PRMP/FEIS. However, in response to protests and 

based on additional policy discussions the BLM clarified and made changes to the 

Proposed Plan as set forth in the PRMP/FEIS. A description of the clarification and 

changes made to the PRMP/FEIS as a result of protest resolution can be found in 

Section 1.1. 

1.8.2 Implementation-Level Decisions Appeal 

Procedures 

The Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) does not review appeals from a decision of 

the Director of the BLM on protests concerning resource management plans. Those who 

believe they may be adversely affected by a decision of a BLM official to implement the 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 19 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD may appeal such action to the IBLA at the time 

the action is implemented. The decisions designating routes of travel for motorized 

vehicles are implementation-level decisions and are appealable in accordance with 43 

CFR Part 4. These implementation-level decisions for routes of travel, as described in 

Section 3.0 of this document, are effective upon issuance of this RMP/ROD, unless a 

stay of the decision is granted. 

Any party adversely affected by Transportation and Public Access route designations 

may appeal within 30 days of the date of publication or date of service in accordance 

with the provisions of 43 CFR Part 4.4. The publication of the Notice of Availability of this 

ROD and approved RMP will be considered the date the decision is noticed. The Notice 

of Appeal should state the specific route(s), as identified in Section 3.2 of the RMP/ROD, 

on which the decision is being appealed. Copies of the map detailing the labeled routes 

of travel (electronic version, hard copy or compact disc) are available at BLM’s internet 

site (http://www.BLM.gov/CA/st/en/fo/elcentro.html) or the El Centro Field Office (1661 

South 4th Street, El Centro, California 92243) or by calling 760-337-4400. 

Page 20 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.0 Eastern San Diego County

Resource Management Plan 

2.1 Rangeland Health Standards Management 

The following regional standards for rangeland health are adopted with this plan: 

RHS-01 Standard #1—Soils: Soils exhibit infiltration and permeability rates that are 

appropriate to soil type, climate, geology, landform, and past uses. Adequate 

infiltration and permeability of soils allow accumulation of soil moisture 

necessary for optimal plant growth and vigor, and provide a stable watershed, 

as indicated by: 

	 Canopy and ground cover are appropriate for the site; 

	 There is diversity of plant species with a variety of root depths; 

	 Litter and soil organic matter are present at suitable sites; 

	 Microbiotic soil crusts are maintained and in place; 

	 Evidence of wind or water erosion does not exceed natural rates for the 

site; and 

	 Soil permeability, nutrient cycling, and water infiltration are appropriate for 

the soil type. 

RHS-02	 Standard #2—Riparian/Wetland and Stream Function: Wetland systems 

associated with subsurface, running, and standing water function properly and 

have the ability to recover from major disturbances. Hydrologic conditions are 

maintained as indicated by: 

	 Vegetative cover adequately protects banks and dissipates energy during 

peak water flows; 

	 Dominant vegetation is an appropriate mixture of vigorous riparian 

species; 

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October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

	 Recruitment of preferred species is adequate to sustain the plant 

community; 

	 Stable soils store and release water slowly; 

	 Plant species present indicate that soil moisture characteristics are being 

maintained; 

	 There is minimal cover of shallow-rooted invader species, and they are not 

displacing deep-rooted native species; 

	 Shading of stream courses and water sources is sufficient to support 

riparian vertebrates and invertebrates; 

	 Stream is in balance with water, and sediment is being supplied by the 

watershed, where appropriate; 

	 Stream channel size and meander is appropriate for soils, geology, and 

landscape; and 

	 Adequate organic matter (litter and standing dead plant material) is 

present to protect the site and to replenish soil nutrients through 

decomposition. 

RHS-03	 Standard #3—Native Species: Healthy, productive, and diverse habitats for 

native species, including special status species, are maintained in places of 

natural occurrences, as indicated by: 

	 Photosynthetic and ecological processes continue at levels suitable for the 

site, season, and precipitation regimes; 

	 Plant vigor, nutrient cycles, and energy flows are maintaining desirable 

plants and ensuring reproduction and recruitment; 

	 Plant communities are producing litter within acceptable limits; 

	 Age class distributions of plants and animals are sufficient to overcome 

mortality fluctuations; 

	 Distribution and cover of plant species and their habitats allow for 

reproduction and recovery from localized catastrophic events; 

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October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

	 Alien and noxious plants and wildlife do not exceed acceptable levels or 

require action to prevent the spread and introduction of noxious/invasive 

weeds; 

	 Appropriate natural disturbances are evident; and 

	 Populations and their habitats are sufficiently distributed to prevent the 

need for new listings of special status species. 

RHS-04 Standard #4—Water Quality: Water quality meets state and federal 

standards including exemptions allowable by law, as indicated by: 

	 Dissolved oxygen levels, aquatic organisms, and aquatic plants (e.g., 

macroinvertebrates, fish, and algae) indicate support of beneficial uses; 

	 Chemical constituents, water temperatures, nutrient loads, fecal coliform, 

and turbidity are appropriate for the site or source; and 

	 Implementation of best management practices (BMPs). 

2.2 Air Resources Management 

2.2.1 Goals and Objectives 

ARM-01 Maintain or improve air quality as established by the National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards and California Ambient Air Quality Standards through 

cooperative management of emissions with industry, the State of California, 

and federal agencies. 

ARM-02 BLM will strive to minimize, within the scope of its authority, any emissions 

that may cause violations of air quality standards, add to acid rain, or degrade 

visibility. 

2.2.2 Management Actions 

ARM-03	 Comply with the State of California for all proposed actions that would 

contribute to particulate matter emissions in the air as a result of actions taken 

in this RMP/ROD. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 23 

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2.3 Soil Resource Management 

2.3.1 Goals and Objectives 

SRM-01	 Manage soils to maintain productivity and minimize erosion. 

SRM-02	 Maintain or improve ecological condition to proper functioning condition in 

riparian areas to minimize soil erosion. 

SRM-03	 Meet Rangeland Health Standard #1, as related to soils in accordance with 

Standards of Rangeland Health (see Section 2.1, RHS-01). 

2.3.2 Management Actions 

SRM-04	 Take steps to control erosion on authorized vehicle routes, burned areas, 

riparian areas, and grazed areas by allowing plant growth to resume in these 

areas after catastrophic events such as fires and floods, which are common in 

the Planning Area. BLM will employ BMPs, revegetation, and strategic 

placement of rocks to control erosion. 

SRM-05	 Minimize surface disturbance from authorized activities. Post-activity disturbed 

surfaces will be restored to a pre-disturbance or stable condition. 

SRM-06	 Restrict construction activities when soils are susceptible to a heightened risk 

of erosion. Limit ground-disturbing activities when soils are wet in order to 

avoid compaction of soils. 

SRM-07	 Incorporate erosion control measures into projects on a case-by-case basis. 

SRM-08	 Manage biological resources to minimize erosion including the restoration of 

damaged riparian areas and promotion of healthy native plant groundcover. 

SRM-09	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

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October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.4 Water Resources Management 

2.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

2.4.1.1 General 

WRM-01	 Ensure the physical presence and legal availability of surface water and 

groundwater on public lands. 

WRM-02	 Ensure that those waters meet or exceed federal and California water quality 

standards for specific uses. 

WRM-03	 Ensure that water quality achieves or is making significant progress toward 

achieving established BLM management objectives such as meeting wildlife 

and recreational needs. 

WRM-04	 Meet Rangeland Health Standard #4, as related to water quality in accordance 

with Standards of Rangeland Health (see Section 2.1, RHS-04). 

2.4.1.2 Surface Water 

WRM-05	 Identify and protect surface waters from the standpoint of human health 

concerns, aquatic ecosystem health, or other public uses. 

WRM-06	 Preserve and enhance stream bank and channel condition. 

WRM-07	 Identify area-wide use restrictions or other protective measures to meet 

federal, tribal, state, and local water quality requirements. 

2.4.1.3 Groundwater 

WRM-08	 Make groundwater, where present, available for beneficial use on public lands. 

2.4.2 Management Actions 

WRM-09	 Maintain existing proper functioning conditions of watersheds by applying 

BMPs. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 25 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

WRM-10	 Prevent or reduce water quality degradation through implementation of 

applicable BMPs or other specific mitigation measures, when applicable. 

WRM-11	 Continue to maintain or improve water quality in accordance with state and 

federal standards. Consult with the appropriate state agencies on proposed 

projects that may significantly affect water quality. 

WRM-12	 Apply BMPs on public land within municipal watersheds to protect water 

quality and quantity. 

WRM-13	 Control erosion on authorized vehicle routes, burned areas, riparian areas, 

and grazed areas to protect water quality through application of BMPs. 

WRM-14	 Proposed activities (e.g. surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved until 

compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.5 Vegetation Resource Management 

2.5.1 Plant Communities 

2.5.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

Planning Area-wide 

VEG-01	 Promote biological diversity through conservation of native plant communities 

and special status species with consideration for multiple use of the land and 

sustained ecological function. 

VEG-02	 Maintain and enhance a mosaic of native plant communities in upland and 

riparian areas. 

VEG-03	 Restore unproductive or non-functioning upland and riparian sites to desired 

plant communities that are functioning properly, based upon ecological site 

potential. 

VEG-04	 Promote wildlife forage and habitat values and maintain and/or restore intrinsic 

biological integrity and value for all native plant communities. 

Page 26 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

VEG-05	 Ensure that riparian areas achieve or maintain properly functioning condition. 

Riparian areas enhance water quality, improve water storage, increase 

groundwater recharge, and provide quality wildlife habitat values. 

VEG-06	 Protect or restore native species in upland and riparian communities through 

an integrated weed management approach emphasizing prevention, early 

detection, and eradication of invasive non-native plants. 

VEG-07	 Ensure that forage on rangelands continues to support wildlife in a manner 

consistent with other resource management practices or uses. 

VEG-08	 Ensure that desired plant communities are protected from ground-disturbing 

activities, including recreation uses. 

VEG-09	 Maintain plant communities that secure soil resources and protect against 

erosion and air quality degradation. 

VEG-10	 Meet Rangeland Health Standards #3 and #4, as related to vegetative 

resources in accordance with Standards of Rangeland Health (see Section 

2.1, RHS-03 and RHS-04). 

Desired Plant Communities 

Mixed Riparian Woodlands 

VEG-11	 Promote riparian woodlands that contain a diversity of native trees adapted to 

periodic flooding. 

VEG-12	 Promote bank vegetation composed of native species capable of withstanding 

flood events to prevent soil loss and bank erosion. 

VEG-13	 Promote riparian-associated habitat to enhance wildlife habitat. 

Oak Woodlands 

VEG-14	 Promote oak woodland communities with oak recruitment that contain trees of 

various size and age classes, with an understory of native perennial grass and 

forb species. 

VEG-15	 Ensure that oak woodland communities are stable or expanding with no net 

loss and minimal habitat fragmentation. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 27 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

Desert Wash 

VEG-16	 Promote multi-layered desert wash communities that are dominated by 

perennial vegetation, which provide for watershed connectivity, sediment 

capture and storage, energy dissipation, and bank stability. 

VEG-17	 Promote diverse vegetative composition and structure that include such 

species as blue palo verde (Cercidium floridum ssp. floridum), desert willow 

(Chilopsis linearis ssp. arcuata), ironwood (Olneya tesota), mesquite (Prosopis 

glandulosa var. torreyana), smoke tree (Psorothamnus spinosus), and catclaw 

acacia (Acacia greggii). Size and growth form, such as overhanging branches, 

mid-story and under-story vegetation, are represented by naturally occurring 

species of moderate density. 

VEG-18	 Ensure sufficient bank vegetation that provides landscape habitat connectivity 

and physical stability, which in turn support ground-dwelling species. 

Semi-Desert Chaparral 

VEG-19	 Promote semi-desert chaparral communities for Native American vegetation 

collection. 

VEG-20	 Promote a natural fire regime to allow natural succession and minimize the 

likelihood of catastrophic wildfires. 

VEG-21	 Maintain unfragmented semi-desert chaparral habitats that function as a 

landscape connectivity matrix (i.e., movement corridors and foraging areas) 

between adjacent plant communities. 

Desert Fan Palm Oasis 

VEG-22	 Promote desert fan palm oasis communities for Native American cultural 

values. 

VEG-23	 Maintain desert fan palm oasis communities as an indicator of water 

resources. 

Page 28 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

Mixed Conifer Woodland 

VEG-24	 Promote conifer woodland communities that contain trees of various size and 

age classes with an understory of native perennial grass and forb species. 

Enriched Desert Scrub 

VEG-25	 Maintain cactus communities that have diverse vegetative composition and 

structure from small shrubs to large trees (such as ironwood, agave [Agave 

spp.], palo verde, and mesquite) interspersed with a variety of cacti (such as 

fish-hook cactus [Mammillaria spp.], prickly pear, beavertail, and cholla 

[Opuntia spp.], California barrel cactus [(Ferocactus cylidreaceus)], and 

hedgehog [Echinocereus engelmannii]). 

VEG-26	 Promote enriched desert scrub communities for Native American cultural 

values. 

2.5.1.2 Management Actions 

VEG-27	 Avoid adverse impacts to special status species, priority species, and plants 

protected by the California Native Plant Protection Act and associated habitats 

by developing, modifying, redesigning, mitigating, or abandoning specific 

projects. 

VEG-28	 Restore degraded native plant communities through restoration activities that 

could include but are not limited to exclusion of disturbance activity, invasive 

plant removal, site preparation, and revegetation. 

VEG-29	 Restore surface disturbance impacts resulting from discretionary activities, 

such as ROW construction, with rehabilitation measures including imprinting, 

contouring, debris and brush replacement, native plant seeding (where 

appropriate), and invasive plant treatment. 

VEG-30	 Restore surface disturbance impacts resulting from illegal trespass activities 

with rehabilitation measures including imprinting, contouring, debris and brush 

replacement, native planting or seeding (where appropriate), and invasive 

plant treatment. 

VEG-31	 Require minimum impact approaches such as trimming trees instead of 

removal, using existing routes and ROWs instead of creating new ones, and 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 29 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

using previously disturbed sites and crushed vegetation instead of blading 

new routes, where appropriate. 

VEG-32	 For surface-disturbing activities where avoidance is not possible, encourage 

transplanting of plant species directly on-site or onto neighboring public lands 

where feasible, using approved protocol. 

VEG-33	 Surface-disturbing activities will be designed to avoid impacts to riparian 

areas, desert fan palm oases, oak woodlands, and desert wash to the greatest 

extent possible. Where avoidance is not possible, these areas will be restored 

to their previously undisturbed or native condition. Restoration will follow 

approved protocol and include watering and maintenance until establishment. 

VEG-34	 Remove tamarisk and other non-native invasive plant species using 

mechanical and herbicide applications in accordance with BLM policy on 

minimum tools in wilderness and the Vegetation Treatment Using Herbicides 

on BLM Lands in Seventeen Western States Final Programmatic 

Environmental Impact Statement (DOI BLM 2007a and 2007b). 

VEG-35	 When practicable, salvage useable native plants and parts of plants where 

plants would normally be lost due to development, disposal, or disturbance on 

public lands. Plants and parts of plants may be replanted on public lands or 

salvaged for public purposes. Plants and parts of plants will only be removed 

from public lands pursuant to applicable federal and state laws and regulations 

governing the sale, disposal, and transportation of plants. 

VEG-36	 Use native plant materials for landscaping at developed recreation sites within 

public lands. 

VEG-37	 Treat non-native invasive species, where appropriate, to meet management 

objectives. 

VEG-38	 Protect desired plant communities through construction of fire breaks or 

hazard fuels reduction, where appropriate. 

VEG-39	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

VEG-40	 Allow prescribed burning on a case-by-case basis. 

VEG-41	 Prohibit removal of native standing trees, alive or dead, with the exception of 

fire management, health and human safety, or disease control. 

Page 30 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

VEG-42	 Limit the introduction of non-native plants through an education program 

partnered with equestrian recreational users, off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, 

and other recreational users. 

VEG-43	 Riparian areas will be avoidance areas for all commercial and non-commercial 

surface disturbance activities. Avoidance area is defined as an area only 

available for discretionary land use authorizations when there are no other 

reasonable alternatives for the authorization. 

VEG-44	 Perform revegetation projects that promote riparian area proper functioning 

condition and recruitment of oaks in uplands adjacent to riparian areas. 

VEG-45	 Develop partnerships with adjacent landowners, local agencies, state 

agencies, and federal agencies to manage habitat, conduct restoration 

activities, develop educational material, and provide interpretation of 

vegetation. 

VEG-46	 Rehabilitation priority will be given to riparian areas, desert fan palm oases, 

oak woodlands, and desert wash, habitats that support special status species 

and ACECs. 

2.5.2 Priority Plant Species 

2.5.2.1 Goals and Objectives 

PPS-01 Ensure that plant species populations are stable or increasing, with adequate 

recruitment given the ecological conditions and dynamics associated with the 

Planning Area. 

PPS-02 Promote landscape-scale conservation of the priority plant species to protect 

or restore botanical resources of concern and to ensure consistent 

management across jurisdictional boundaries. 

2.5.2.2 Management Actions 

PPS-03	 Minimize or mitigate loss of habitat or fragmentation of priority plant species 

populations. 

PPS-04	 To mitigate for surface-disturbing activities, avoid priority plant species where 

possible. Where avoidance is not possible, these populations will be restored 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

to their previously undisturbed or native condition after completion of the 

activity. Restoration will follow approved protocol and include watering and 

maintenance until establishment. 

PPS-05	 Implement protection and restoration measures such as fencing, invasive 

weeds treatment, and native plants seed collection for the priority plant 

species. 

PPS-06	 Treat non-native invasive species where appropriate to protect priority plant 

species. 

PPS-07	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.5.3 Invasive Non-native Plants 

2.5.3.1 Goals and Objectives 

INP-01	 Prevent the introduction or spread of non-native, invasive and state and 

federally listed noxious weed species and promote the reduction of existing 

invasive species populations. 

2.5.3.2 Management Actions 

INP-02	 Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to ensure that the best 

methods available are implemented to prevent the introduction and control the 

spread of non-native plants, invasive plants, and noxious weeds. 

INP-03	 Enhance non-native invasive species management through a collaborative 

approach with fire management. 

INP-04	 Treat non-native invasive species that constitute significant fuel load and fire 

threat directly by using IPM or management through fire breaks and other 

tactics. 

INP-05	 Treat fire breaks as needed to control the introduction and spread of nonnative invasive species. 

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INP-06	 Treat tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) and other riparian invasive, non-native species 

on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area. 

INP-07	 Require BLM contractors and employees to clean vehicles after traveling in 

areas of highly noxious or invasive weeds infestation. 

INP-08	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.5.4 Vegetative Use Authorization 

2.5.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

VUA-01	 Promote appropriate levels of dead and downed wood on the ground, outside 

of the campground areas, to provide wildlife habitat and reduce soil erosion. 

VUA-02	 Allow for the collection of plant material consistent with the maintenance of 

natural ecosystem processes. 

2.5.4.2 Management Actions 

VUA-03	 Wood cutting for commercial purposes is not allowed on BLM-administered 

lands within the Planning Area. 

VUA-04	 Wood collection is not allowed within ACECs. 

VUA-05	 Prohibit removal of native standing trees alive or dead unless needed for fire 

management, health and human safety, or disease control. 

VUA-06	 Allow gathering of dead, downed wood for personal campfire use in the 

campgrounds only. This wood must be hand carried to the campsite, in 

accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1-5(b). 

VUA-07	 Free use, without permit, of culturally important plants may be granted for 

traditional cultural gathering of vegetation by Native Americans, in accordance 

with the interagency Traditional Gathering Policy developed by the BLM and 

the USFS. All other vegetation collecting will be on a case-by-case basis by 

permit. Restrict collection of plant materials to those allowable under the 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

California Native Plant Protection Act. Consideration for collection by 

educational facilities, botanical gardens, and public institutions will be given 

priority. 

Allowable Uses Requiring Permits 

VUA-08	 To manage vegetation resources, the BLM will administer a permit program 

for specific commercial and non-commercial uses. Vegetative use 

authorization will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and permits will 

include standard guidelines and stipulations for collection. Permits may also 

include stipulation developed during a site-specific NEPA analysis. Priority 

plant species will be protected, and collections will be permitted on a case-bycase basis. 

VUA-09	 Plant and Seed Collection. Scientific collection of vegetative materials, 

including seeds, will be permitted where appropriate through an annual letter 

of permission by the ECFO. Commercial seed collection will require a permit 

on BLM lands and will follow approved protocol. Seed collection for BLM 

administrative use will follow approved protocol. 

VUA-10	 Salvage Plant Collection. Plant salvage will be allowed on BLM-administered 

lands within the Planning Area on a case-by-case basis. Plant salvage will 

require prior written authorization from BLM as well as a permit from the 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as required by the California 

Native Plant Protection Act. 

Allowable Uses Not Requiring Permits 

VUA-11	 The public does not need written authorization or a permit for the following 

uses: 

 Collection of dead, downed, and detached wood for personal campfire use is 

permissible while camping on BLM-administered land, in campgrounds only. Any 

wood collected for this purpose must be hand carried to the campsite. 

 In accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1-5(b), reasonable amounts (as defined below) 

of the following may be collected from the Public Lands for non-commercial 

purposes: 

(1) Small quantities (no more than 20 percent of available resource from any 

individual plant and from total collecting area) of flowers for personal use; 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

(2) Small quantities (no more than 20 percent of available resource from any 

individual plant and from total collecting area) of dry vegetation, nuts, or 

berries; 

(3) Five or fewer pieces (i.e., cuttings) of a live native plant (California Native 

Plant Protection Act)—no whole plants may be collected; 

(4) Firewood that is a) dead and down, and b) can be hand carried to a campsite 

(in campgrounds only); and 

(5) Tamarisk in any quantities. 

VUA-12	 Free use, without permit, of culturally important plants may be granted for 

traditional cultural gathering of vegetation by Native Americans, in accordance 

with the interagency Traditional Gathering Policy developed by the BLM and 

the USFS. 

VUA-13	 If monitoring indicates potential resource degradation, closure to firewood 

collection will be implemented using adaptive management. The collection and 

possession of ironwood at any time are prohibited. 

Prohibited Uses (Collection Not Allowed) 

VUA-14	 The public is prohibited from collecting: 

(1) Live cacti or agave (e.g., century plant, nolina, yucca) of any kind; 

(2) Whole, live native plants; 

(3) California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera); 

(4) Fuel wood for home heating purposes; and 

(5) All species in the family Fouquieriaceae (ocotillo, candlewood); the genus 

Prosopis (mesquites); the genus Cercidium (palo verdes); Acacia greggii 

(catclaw acacia); Dalea spinosa (smoketree); and Olneya testota (ironwood), 

including both dead and live specimens. 

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2.6 Wildlife Resource Management 

2.6.1 Planning Area-wide 

2.6.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

WLD-01 Promote and maintain healthy key habitats (i.e., riparian areas, desert 

washes, oak woodlands, abandoned mines) and associated wildlife 

assemblages. 

WLD-02 Promote wildlife resources that will meet conservation, socio-economic (e.g., 

hunting, watchable wildlife), and tribal needs. 

WLD-03 Provide well-distributed habitat and connectivity corridors capable of 

supporting self-sustaining populations of interacting groups of priority species 

for biodiversity and genetic viability. 

WLD-04 Provide suitable habitat capable of maintaining stable or increasing trends in 

abundance to help keep species from becoming federally listed. 

WLD-05 Ensure that livestock waters provide safe, usable water for wildlife. 

WLD-06 Maintain natural and man-made wildlife waters for ecological integrity and to 

promote biological diversity. 

WLD-07 Reduce human-caused disturbance to habitats that result in animal mortalities 

or undesirable effects to populations of priority species during critical times, 

such as breeding or drought. 

WLD-08 Maintain or restore appropriate amount, distribution, and characteristics of lifestage habitats for general wildlife species. Populations of non-native plants will 

be reduced or eradicated in areas where their presence threatens the integrity 

of general wildlife populations. 

2.6.1.2 Management Actions 

WLD-09 Restore native species habitat distribution and occurrence (especially for 

priority species), conserve biological diversity, maintain genetic integrity and 

exchange, and improve availability of suitable habitats and habitat linkages. 

Initiate restoration activities in priority habitats—such as invasive weed 

removal or native seeding—to move toward desired habitat conditions, and 

provide functional landscapes to sustain the fish and wildlife speciesPage 36 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

populations. Wildlife habitat improvement projects for the Planning Area will be 

implemented in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game 

(CDFG), pursuant to Section 103(f) of the California Desert Protection Act of 

1994, and/or USFWS, as necessary. 

WLD-10 Authorize reintroductions, transplants, and supplemental stockings 

(augmentations) of native wildlife populations (as defined in BLM Manual 

1745) in current or historic ranges in cooperation with CDFG and/or the 

USFWS to: 1) maintain populations, distributions, and genetic diversity, 2) 

conserve or recover threatened or endangered species, 3) restore or enhance 

native wildlife diversity and distribution; and 4) maintain isolated populations. 

WLD-11 Manage invasive and pest species or species identified as pests in 

accordance with applicable BLM or CDFG management policies depending on 

administrative area. 

WLD-12 Prohibit livestock grazing when native wildlife forage (defined as food sources 

for animals, especially when taken by browsing or grazing) or water sources 

will be adversely affected. 

WLD-13 Design and implement vegetation, fire and fuels, and watershed resource 

management-related projects that will promote enhancement of existing 

habitat conditions or restoration of degraded habitat conditions for native 

wildlife species. Vegetation and fuels management for wildlife habitat 

improvement will consider the following habitat conditions or features: (1) 

amount, quality, and distribution of suitable habitats; (2) juxtaposition and 

connectivity to other habitat areas; (3) influence of roads-related degradation; 

and (4) ecosystem disturbance processes that develop and modify habitats. 

WLD-14 Pursue land acquisition options (i.e., purchase, exchange, donation, and 

easement) to consolidate important wildlife habitats. 

WLD-15 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

WLD-16 Maintain current wildlife waters through CDFG and volunteer contributions. 

Consider construction of new wildlife waters on a case-by-case basis, in 

coordination with CDFG. 

WLD-17 Conduct prescribed burns to benefit wildlife habitat. 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

Please also see Lands and Realty, Vegetation Resources, and Livestock Grazing 

sections for additional habitat conservation actions that would affect wildlife resources. 

2.6.2 Priority Wildlife Species 

Priority wildlife species on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area include 

raptors, non-game migratory birds, bats, and game animals. 

2.6.2.1 Raptors 

Goals and Objectives 

RAP-01	 Maintain, restore, or enhance nesting and foraging habitat for raptors. 

RAP-02	 Provide for safe passage of migrating raptors. 

Management Actions 

RAP-03	 Provide natural or man-made nesting or perching structures in suitable areas 

to enhance foraging and breeding habitat for raptors as the need arises. 

RAP-04	 Require all new structures to be raptor-safe in accordance with the Suggested 

Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006 

(the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee 2006) or the current version of 

this document. 

RAP-05	 Apply the BLM wind energy program policies and BMPs from Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f). 

RAP-06	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.6.2.2 Non-game Migratory Birds 

Goals and Objectives 

BRD-01	 Maintain, restore, or enhance nesting, foraging, and migratory stopover habitat 

consistent with non-game migratory birds’ habitat management objectives, 

emphasizing the natural biological diversity. 

BRD-02	 Provide for safe passage of non-game migratory birds. 

BRD-03	 Minimize habitat fragmentation and provide for migratory corridors. 

BRD-04	 Promote socio-economic and recreational values of birds, such as ecotourism. 

Management Actions 

BRD-05	 Prevent or abate the pollution or detrimental alteration of the environment for 

the benefit of migratory birds, as practicable, through the application of 

mitigation measures for authorized activities. 

BRD-06	 Management actions will be guided by recommendations of comprehensive 

migratory bird planning efforts such as those completed by California Partners 

in Flight, including The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan (California 

Partners in Flight [CalPIF] 2002), The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan 

(Riparian Habitat Joint Venture 2005), The Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Plan 

(CalPIF 2004), and other plans as available. 

BRD-07	 Require all new structures to be bird-safe in accordance with the Suggested 

Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006 

(Avian Power Line Interaction Committee 2006) or the current version of this 

document. 

BRD-08	 Apply the BLM wind energy program policies and BMPs from Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f). 

BRD-09	 Provide recreational opportunities for bird watching and photography. 

BRD-10	 Monitor new energy development including power lines and wind turbines or 

other structures to better understand risks to non-game migratory birds. 

BRD-11	 Require a non-game migratory bird inventory for new utility or energy projects. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 39 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

BRD-12	 Conduct control measures for brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) and 

European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) in riparian habitats and oak woodlands, 

as necessary and feasible. 

BRD-13	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.6.2.3 Bats 

Goals and Objectives 

BAT-01	 Maintain, enhance and protect bat roost sites and foraging habitat while 

providing for public safety. 

Management Actions 

BAT-02	 Install bat gates or cable nets at abandoned mine sites that could support bat 

roosts. 

BAT-03	 Reclaim mines to promote bat habitat, as practicable. 

BAT-04	 Apply the BLM wind energy program policies and BMPs from Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f). 

BAT-05	 Require a bat inventory for new wind energy projects. 

BAT-06	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.6.2.4 Game Animals (Birds and Mammals) 

Goals and Objectives 

GME-01	 Maintain, enhance, and protect habitat for native game animal populations. 

Management Actions 

GME-02	 Prohibit livestock grazing when native wildlife forage (defined as food sources 

for animals, especially when taken by browsing or grazing) or water sources 

will be adversely affected. 

GME-03	 Maintain, restore, or enhance wildlife waters for native game animal 

populations. Water developments will include design features to ensure safety 

and accessibility to water by desirable wildlife. Where practical, water troughs 

and tanks will be kept full year-round to provide a continuous water supply for 

native game animals. Provide reasonable administrative use-related vehicular 

access by CDFG personnel to game animal water facilities for operation and 

maintenance activities, which could include cross-country travel along a preapproved route. Enhancement projects will not be undertaken for non-native 

birds and mammals. 

GME-04	 Apply the BLM wind energy program policies and BMPs from Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f). 

GME-05	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

GME-06	 Construction of new wildlife waters will be authorized on a case-by-case basis. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 41 

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2.7 Special Status Species Management 

2.7.1 Planning Area-wide 

2.7.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

SSS-01	 Maintain, enhance, and restore terrestrial and riparian habitats for the survival 

and recovery of species listed under the ESA and to prevent proposed or 

candidate species from becoming listed as endangered or threatened under 

the ESA. Perform management actions that contribute to recovery and 

delisting of species listed under the ESA. 

SSS-02	 Avoid or minimize activities that result in the following situations for special 

status species and associated habitat on BLM-administered public lands: (1) 

species becoming endangered or extirpated from public lands in the Planning 

Area; (2) species undergoing significant current or predicted downward trend 

in habitat capability that would reduce a species’ existing distribution; and (3) 

species undergoing significant current or predicted downward trend in 

population or density. 

SSS-03	 Provide habitat capable of maintaining stable or increasing population trends 

of special status species to ensure persistence. Provide suitable ecological 

conditions that constitute well-distributed habitats and connective corridors to 

support reproductive needs and free-flow movements of special status species 

for population persistence. 

SSS-04	 Minimize or avoid human-caused habitat destruction, degradation, and 

fragmentation to protect special status species. Habitat modifications from 

land and resource uses will be at levels that do not threaten the persistence of 

threatened, endangered, proposed, or candidate species populations. 

SSS-05	 Achieve stable or increasing populations of special status plant species over 

time with adequate pollination, nurse plants, recruitment, and survivorship. 

Maintain desired habitat conditions or restore degraded habitats to promote 

pollinator success and survival. 

2.7.1.2 Management Actions 

SSS-06	 Implement species- or habitat-specific goals, objectives, prescriptions, and 

actions, as applicable, addressed in the approved recovery plans for federally 

listed species. 

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SSS-07	 No activities or projects will be permitted on BLM-administered lands that 

jeopardize the continued existence of federally listed plant and wildlife 

species, or species proposed for listing. 

SSS-08	 Authorize reintroductions, transplants, and supplemental stockings 

(augmentations) of special status species populations (as defined in BLM 

Manual 1745) in current or historic ranges in cooperation with CDFG and/or 

the USFWS. 

SSS-09	 Maintain or restore appropriate amount, distribution, and characteristics of lifestage habitats for special status plant species. Populations of non-native 

plants will be reduced or eradicated in occupied and potential special status 

plant habitat. 

SSS-10	 Apply the BLM wind energy program policies and BMPs from Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f). 

SSS-11	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

SSS-12	 Require that any surface disturbance activities avoid or minimize impacts and 

mitigate for residual impacts to all special status species habitat. Mitigation will 

be in the form of habitat restoration or acquisition. 

SSS-13	 Do not allow commercial or personal collection of special status species. Allow 

research collection by permit only. 

SSS-14	 Limit motorized use through incorporation of seasonal closure of designated 

access routes, as appropriate, in sensitive areas, such as critical habitat or 

recovery areas. 

SSS-15	 Follow prescriptions in recovery plans for federally listed species. 

SSS-16	 Critical habitat lands are exclusion areas for all types of Land Use 

Authorizations including renewable energy (geothermal development is 

regulated by the land use decisions for leasable mineral resources). 

SSS-17	 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally listed threatened or endangered species or 

proposed or designated critical habitat. Any activity located within critical 

habitat will require a Section 7 consultation with USFWS. 

SSS-18	 Critical habitat is closed to leasable mineral entry. 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

SSS-19	 Critical habitat is closed to salable mineral entry. 

SSS-20	 Incorporate the additional conservation measures that are recommended in 

the BO prepared by the USFWS for the RMP (Appendix B), as follows: 

1. Site-specific habitat evaluations and species-specific biological surveys 

shall be conducted by qualified individuals [section 10(a)(1)(A) permit 

holders when necessary, and equivalent credentials when not necessary] 

to determine the status of listed species for project proposals that may 

require consultation with the USFWS. 

2. To offset unavoidable impacts to suitable/unoccupied and occupied Quino 

checkerspot butterfly (Quino) habitat by proposed projects, BLM or the 

applicant shall restore degraded habitat at no less than a 2:1 ratio 

(restored:developed). Suitable/unoccupied habitat is defined as areas 

containing the primary constituent elements (PCEs) as outlined in the 

January 17, 2008 proposed revision to critical habitat (73 FR 3328) (see 

the “Status of the Species/Critical Habitat” section [sic, in Appendix B] for 

a discussion of the PCEs for Quino). Occupied Quino habitat is defined as 

contiguous suitable habitat containing the PCEs within 2 kilometers of a 

known Quino occurrence (habitat-based population distribution) (73 FR 

3328). 

Impacts to Quino habitat will be determined by the amount of 

suitable/unoccupied habitat and/or occupied habitat that is proposed to be 

impacted indirectly and directly. Restoration of impacted habitat will be 

conducted in areas with appropriate topographical and biological features 

to be determined by the USFWS and BLM. The details of the restoration 

shall be based on Appendix II of the Recovery Plan for the Quino 

Checkerspot Butterfly (USFWS 2003) and described in a plan to be 

reviewed and approved by the USFWS. The restoration plan shall 

include, but not be limited to: (1) larval host plants (local stock, if possible) 

to be planted, (2) nectar resources, (3) irrigation needs and/or other 

establishment procedures, (4) timeline for implementation, (5) success 

criteria, (6) contingency measures for success criteria that are not met, (7) 

weed control measures, (8) monitoring program, and (9) implementation 

schedule. The restoration plan will be prepared and submitted to the 

USFWS prior to commencement of ground disturbance associated with 

the proposed project. The proposed project will not commence until the 

restoration begins. The restoration plan actions will be completed no later 

than completion of project construction. Success criteria will be modeled 

on undisturbed native plant communities in the vicinity of the proposed 

project and sites within the area known to be occupied by Quino. 

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3. BLM will continue to cooperate with the County of San Diego to develop 

the San Diego ECMSCP in accordance with the Memorandum of 

Understanding between the BLM and the County of San Diego (signed by 

BLM on April 23, 2007). If public lands identified as available for disposal 

in the RMP are also identified in the MSCP as important components of a 

reserve system, disposal of those lands shall only be in a manner 

consistent with the conservation goals and objectives of the MSCP. 

4. To minimize effects to the least Bell’s vireo, activities proposed (i.e., 

vegetation management) within riparian areas that may affect the species 

shall avoid the breeding season. The breeding season extends from midMarch to mid- or late-September. 

5. Vegetation management plans to control tamarisk infestations shall be 

staggered and configured to allow for passerine nesting to continue in the 

same area, while native vegetation is given the opportunity to replace the 

tamarisk. 

6. To avoid disease transmission, domestic sheep and/or goat grazing will 

be allowed as a vegetation management prescription to reduce fuel levels 

only in areas greater than 9 miles from Peninsular bighorn sheep critical 

habitat. 

7. The Fire Management Plan will include all known locations of listed 

species and suitable habitat within the Planning Area. The Fire 

Management Plan and any resulting Burned Area Emergency Response 

(BAER) Plans after wildfire will incorporate measures to avoid and 

minimize impacts to listed species to the extent feasible, and include 

offsetting measures to restore habitat conditions adversely affected by 

wildfire, suppression, and BAER activities. Restoration will only include 

the use of local native plants. The Fire Management and BAER Plans will 

be prepared in consultation with the USFWS. 

2.7.2 Federally Listed Species and Designated Critical 

Habitat 

Critical habitat for Peninsular bighorn sheep, Quino checkerspot butterfly, Laguna 

Mountains skipper, and southwestern willow flycatcher are depicted on Map 2. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 45 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.7.2.1 Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (Endangered and State 

Threatened; Ovis canadensis cremnobates) 

The overall recovery objective for the Peninsular bighorn sheep identified in the 

Recovery Plan for the Bighorn Sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, California (USFWS 

2000) is to secure and manage habitat in order to alleviate threats so that population 

levels will increase to the point that this species may be reclassified to threatened status, 

and ultimately delisted. BLM will implement applicable recovery objectives consistent 

with the recovery plan and any future revisions. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to Peninsular 

bighorn sheep. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning 

Areawide also applies and should be implemented for this species as well. 

Goals and Objectives 

PBS-01	 Promote population increase and protect habitat. 

PBS-02	 Provide for habitat connectivity between BLM-administered lands in the 

Planning Area and adjacent federal and state-administered lands. 

PBS-03	 Ensure no adverse modification of critical habitat. 

Management Actions 

PBS-04	 Minimize effects resulting from human-caused disturbances. 

PBS-05	 Maintain existing water sources. 

PBS-06	 Remove tamarisk from the springs and seeps within the Peninsular bighorn 

sheep habitat, to the extent practicable, using a variety of methods. 

PBS-07	 Prohibit domestic sheep and goat grazing within nine miles from Peninsular 

bighorn sheep-occupied habitat to avoid disease transmission. 

PBS-08	 Require the use of local native plants for all restoration and landscaping 

projects to prevent sickness or death of bighorn sheep from toxic landscape 

plants. 

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PBS-09	 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally listed threatened or endangered species or 

proposed or designated critical habitat. Any activity located within critical 

habitat will require Section 7 consultation with USFWS. 

PBS-10	 Any surface disturbance associated with locatable mineral casual use activity 

in designated critical habitat causing more than negligible disturbance will 

require a notice for review or a plan of operations for approval. 

PBS-11	 Critical habitat is closed to leasable mineral entry. 

PBS-12	 Critical habitat is closed to salable mineral entry. 

PBS-13	 Critical habitat lands are exclusion areas for all types of Land Use 

Authorizations including renewable energy (geothermal development is 

regulated by the land use decisions for leasable mineral resources). 

2.7.2.2 Least Bell’s Vireo (Endangered, State Endangered; Vireo 

bellii pusillus) 

The least Bell’s vireo is known to occur within the Carrizo Gorge Wilderness Area, and 

this species does breed within and migrate through the BLM-administered lands within 

the Planning Area (Wells and Kus 2001). 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to least Bell’s 

vireo. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning Area-wide 

also applies and should be implemented for this species as well. 

Goals and Objectives 

LBV-01	 Protect and maintain existing populations. 

LBV-02	 Ensure that riparian areas are maintained as suitable for least Bell’s vireo. 

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Management Actions 

LBV-03	 Remove tamarisk from riparian areas outside of the breeding season (April 

10–August 31). Refer to the vegetation management section above for 

discussion of removal method alternatives. 

LBV-04	 Authorize brown-headed cowbird trapping by adjacent land managers or other 

agencies on a case-by-case basis. 

LBV-05	 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally listed threatened or endangered species or 

proposed or designated critical habitat. 

2.7.2.3 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Endangered, State 

Endangered; Empidonax trailii extimus) 

The overall recovery objective for the southwestern willow flycatcher identified in the 

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Final Recovery Plan (USFWS 2002a) is to attain a 

population level and an amount and distribution of habitat sufficient to provide for the 

long-term persistence of several populations throughout the species’ range that are able 

to continue to reproduce and disperse, even in the face of local losses (e.g., extirpation). 

BLM would implement applicable recovery objectives consistent with the recovery plan 

and any future revisions. 

The Planning Area is within the Coastal California and Basin & Mojave Recovery Units 

and the San Diego and Salton Management Units (MU), as identified in the recovery 

plan. Specific river reaches within the Management Unit where recovery efforts should 

be focused are identified in the recovery plan. Substantial recovery value exists in areas 

of currently or potentially suitable habitat. Currently, the only known site within the 

Planning Area that supports a nesting population of this species is the San Felipe Creek 

area which is also designated critical habitat; however, this portion of San Felipe Creek 

is not located on any BLM-administered public lands. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to 

southwestern willow flycatcher. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status 

species Planning Areawide also applies and should be implemented for this species as 

well. 

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Goals and Objectives 

SWF-01 Manage riparian areas for a suite of habitat features that may support the 

transitory use by this species. 

Management Actions 

SWF-02 Protect known occupied sites or potential southwestern willow flycatcher 

habitat through acquisition, easements, partnerships, and other means. 

SWF-03 Manage areas adjacent to critical habitat in a way that is compatible with the 

conservation goals identified in both the recovery plan and the critical habitat 

designation. 

SWF-04 Avoid, minimize, and/or mitigate to the extent possible disturbance in potential 

habitat during the spring (May 1–June 21) and fall (August 15–October 7) 

migration seasons. 

SWF-05 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally listed threatened or endangered species or 

proposed or designated critical habitat. 

2.7.2.4 Arroyo Toad (Endangered; Bufo californicus) 

The overall recovery objective for the arroyo toad identified in the Arroyo Southwestern 

Toad (Bufo microscaphus californicus) Recovery Plan (USFWS 1999) is to “downlist to 

threatened status, then delist.” 

Critical habitat has been designated and does not occur on any BLM-administered public 

lands within the Planning Area (USFWS 2005b). The nearest known location is in Pine 

Valley, which is eight miles from BLM-administered lands in the Planning Area. The 

species has not been identified in surveys conducted within the Planning Area to date, 

and there is little to no habitat present. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to arroyo toad. 

The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning Area-wide also 

apply and should be implemented for this species as well. 

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Goals and Objectives 

ART-01	 Manage riparian areas for a suite of habitat features that may support use by 

this species, if it were to occur within the Planning Area. 

Management Actions 

ART-02	 Protect potential arroyo toad habitat through acquisition, easements, 

partnerships, and other means. 

2.7.2.5 Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Endangered; Euphydryas

editha quino) 

The overall recovery objective for the quino checkerspot butterfly identified in the 

Recovery Plan for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (USFWS 2003) is to reclassify the 

species from endangered to threatened and to ensure the species’ long term 

conservation. A portion of the critical habitat identified occurs within the southern portion 

of the Planning Area; however, this area overlaps only one small parcel of BLMadministered public land on Round Mountain. An historic 1944 sighting of this species 

occurs in the Table Mountain area and several sightings have been made in 2006 within 

the critical habitat area in the Planning Area (State of California 2006a). Four quino 

checkerspot butterfly studies have been conducted on BLM-administered lands within 

the Planning Area in the last two years, including a habitat assessment of BLM lands 

within the quino recovery area and two adult flight season surveys (Osbourne 2005 and 

2006; DOI BLM 2005d, Tierra Environmental Services 2006). Suitable habitat was 

identified but no quino checkerspot butterflies were detected. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to quino 

checkerspot butterfly. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species 

Planning Area-wide also applies and should be implemented for this species as well. 

Goals and Objectives 

QCB-01	 Protect and maintain habitat suitable to support quino checkerspot butterfly 

within the critical habitat and quino checkerspot butterfly recovery area. 

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Management Actions 

QCB-02	 Prevent non-native invasive species infestations following fire events. See the 

Wildland Fire Management section for more details. 

QCB-03	 Designate BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area as limited or 

closed to OHV use. Provide appropriate signage to keep OHV and other 

public access on assigned routes. See the transportation/recreation sections 

for more details. 

QCB-04	 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally listed threatened or endangered species or 

proposed or designated critical habitat. Any activity located within critical 

habitat will require Section 7 consultation with USFWS. 

QCB-05	 Any surface disturbance associated with locatable mineral casual use activity 

in designated critical habitat causing more than negligible disturbance will 

require a notice for review or a plan of operations for approval. 

QCB-06	 Critical habitat is closed to leasable mineral entry. 

QCB-07	 Critical habitat is closed to salable mineral entry. 

QCB-08	 Critical habitat lands are exclusion areas for all types of Land Use 

Authorizations including renewable energy (geothermal development is 

regulated by the land use decisions for leasable mineral resources). 

2.7.2.6 Laguna Mountains Skipper (Endangered; Pyrgus ruralis

laguna) 

The Laguna Mountains skipper occurs within the Cleveland National Forest in the vicinity 

of the BLM-administered public lands in the Planning Area. USFWS has designated 

critical habitat that includes areas within USFS land in the vicinity of Sunrise Highway, 

but does not encompass any BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area (USFWS 

2006). A recovery plan for this species has not yet been prepared. This species is not 

currently known from BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area, and the BLM 

lands are not known to support the larval host plants (Horkelia clevelandii) or the 

preferred montane meadow habitat. A habitat ranking model performed by USFWS 

(2007), however, does indicate that there is some potential for this species to occur on 

BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area, along the western fringe of the 

Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth Wilderness Study Area (WSA) A, and lands within the 

Oriflamme Canyon region. One isolated BLM parcel of land, approximately 42 acres just 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

west of the Oriflamme area, is ranked much higher in the model and appears to be more 

topographically connected to the complex that currently supports the species. This 

isolated parcel appears to have the highest probability of supporting this species of all 

BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to the Laguna 

Mountains skipper. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species 

Planning Area-wide also applies and should be implemented for this species as well. 

Goals and Objectives 

LMS-01	 Manage areas of suitable habitat for a suite of habitat features that may 

support future use by this species. 

Management Actions 

LMS-02	 Protect potential habitat through acquisition, easements, partnerships, and 

other means. 

LMS-03	 Maintain management of areas adjacent to critical habitat (once finalized) 

compatible with the conservation goals of those areas. 

LMS-04	 For locatable minerals, require mining plans of operation in lands or waters 

known to contain federally threatened or endangered species or proposed or 

designated critical habitat. Any activity located within critical habitat will require 

Section 7 consultation with USFWS. 

2.7.3 State-Listed Species 

2.7.3.1 Barefoot Gecko (Threatened; Coleonyx switaki) 

Barefoot gecko was listed as threatened in 1980 (CDFG 2005). Barefoot geckos are rare 

nocturnal animals that spend the majority of their lives wedged under the cracks of 

boulders and rocks; thus little is known about the status, range, or abundance of this 

species. The BLM would adopt and implement, as practicable, any conservation 

strategies outlined by the CDFG for this species. Overall, the conservation objective is to 

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2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

provide habitat capable of maintaining stable or increasing trends in abundance of 

barefoot gecko. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to barefoot 

gecko. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning Areawide should also be implemented, where it applies to this species. 

Goals and Objectives 

BFG-01	 Maintain suitable habitat of sufficient quality and quantity with adequate patch 

sizes that may support geckos. 

Management Actions 

BFG-02 Analyze impacts to the barefoot gecko for all projects occurring within occupied 

barefoot gecko habitat and require that projects mitigate the impacts 

accordingly. 

2.7.3.2 Swainson’s Hawk (Threatened; Buteo swainsoni) 

Swainson’s hawk was listed as threatened in 1983 (CDFG 2005). This species generally 

breeds in the Central Valley of California and winters in Mexico. This species primarily 

occurs within the Planning Area as migrants during the fall and spring. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to Swainson’s 

hawk. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning Area-wide 

should also be implemented, where it applies to this species. 

Goals and Objectives 

SWH-01	 Maintain migratory corridors and stopover habitat of sufficient quality and 

quantity to facilitate use by Swainson’s hawks. 

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Management Actions 

SWH-02	 Analyze project impacts to this species and require that projects mitigate the 

impacts accordingly. 

2.7.3.3 Laguna Mountains Aster (State Rare; Machaeranthera 

asteroids var. lagunensis) 

The Laguna Mountains aster was listed as state rare in 1979. The overall recovery 

objective for the Laguna Mountains aster is to protect sufficient habitat in the Planning 

Area in order to preserve lands capable of supporting populations of this plant. BLM 

would implement applicable recovery objectives consistent with an applicable California 

State recovery plan or strategy and any future revisions of that plan or strategy. 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to Laguna 

Mountains aster. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species Planning 

Area-wide should also be implemented, where they apply for this species. 

Goals and Objectives 

LMA-01	 Protect known populations of the species. 

Management Actions 

LMA-02	 Prohibit personal or commercial collection of the species (except for Native 

American collection). 

LMA-03	 Require permits for research collection. 

2.7.4 BLM Sensitive Species 

The following goals and objectives and management actions are specific to BLM 

sensitive species. The itemized list in Section 2.7.1 for all special status species 

Planning Area-wide should also be implemented, where they apply. 

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Goals and Objectives 

BSS-01	 Protect habitats of sensitive plant and wildlife species on BLM-administered 

lands in order to keep the species from becoming listed under the ESA. 

Management Actions 

BSS-02	 Allow collection of seeds of native plants to be used in rehabilitation and 

restoration activities. Seeds must be collected in accordance with seed zones 

or breeding zones for native plants. 

2.8 Wildland Fire Management 

2.8.1 Goals and Objectives 

WFM-01	 Protect human life (both firefighters and public) and communities, property, 

and the natural resources on which they depend. Firefighter and public safety 

are the highest priority in all fire management activities. 

WFM-02	 Reduce hazardous fuels around communities at risk within the Wildland Urban 

Interface (WUI) using mechanical, manual, biological, and prescribed fire 

treatments, where applicable. 

WFM-03	 Appropriate management response (AMR) for resource benefits will range 

from full suppression to the appropriate strategy to safely contain and control 

wildland fires in the Planning Area. 

WFM-04	 Maintain natural biological processes through the use of fire as a natural 

disturbance. 

2.8.2 Management Actions 

WFM-05	 Implement fuels reduction programs where needed, with wildland fuels 

decreased and maintained at a manageable level, creating conditions 

conducive to safe, efficient, and effective firefighting. Fire and fuels 

management treatments may include fire suppression, prescribed fire, and 

non-fire treatments (manual, chemical, mechanical, or biological treatments). 

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WFM-06	 Identify, prioritize, and plan fuels reduction projects using a uniform system for 

determining wildland fire risk in WUI (e.g., Risk Assessment and Mitigation 

Strategy). 

WFM-07	 Use prescribed fire to protect values-at-risk (life and property) and to maintain 

or enhance the ecosystem health. 

WFM-08	 Identify AMR-related goals, objectives, and constraints for each fire 

management unit. 

WFM-09	 Identify areas where prescribed fire use is appropriate to maintain or restore 

desirable plant communities. Prescribed fire activities will comply with federal 

and state standards for smoke and air quality management. 

WFM-10	 Identify, prioritize, and implement an estimated annual average of 1,000 acres 

per year of fuel management over the life of the plan. Fuel treatments to 

reduce wildland fire risk will focus on areas in which altered fire regimes and 

fire return intervals have resulted in increased risk to natural resources and 

those WUI areas and shrublands characterized as Fire Regime Condition 

Class II and III. 

WFM-11	 Identify and implement post-fire stabilization and rehabilitation actions in 

burned areas to restore a functional landscape to meet the natural resource 

management objectives. 

WFM-12	 Include wildfire hazard mitigation strategies in the Fire Management Plan for 

the Planning Area by identifying appropriate areas for fire use (prescribed 

and/or wildland) and mechanical, biological, or chemical treatments to reduce 

hazardous fuels to minimize the adverse effects of uncharacteristic wildland 

fires and meet resource objectives. The Fire Management Plan will also 

identify areas for exclusion from fire (through fire suppression), chemical, 

mechanical, and/or biological treatments. 

WFM-13	 In WAs and WSAs, when wildland fire suppression is required, minimum 

impact suppression tactics identified in the Interagency Standards for Fire and 

Aviation Operations will be applied. 

WFM-14	 Conduct fire management activities along the Pacific Crest National Scenic 

Trail (NST) in a manner that will avoid or minimize adverse impacts to existing 

resources and values identified in the legislative designation of the trails. For 

ACECs, the desired conditions and management prescriptions will be 

considered in implementing fire management activities (see ACEC section of 

this chapter, 2.12.4). 

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WFM-15	 Wildland fire suppression activities will utilize methods with lesser ground 

disturbance to minimize potential adverse impacts on special status species, 

critical habitat, desired plant communities, and cultural resources. Provide an 

on-site resource advisor to consult with the wildland fire responders on the 

location of sensitive resources and provide input to minimize impacts to those 

resources. When feasible, use of fire suppression techniques that minimize 

ground-disturbing impacts is desirable, however, reduction of total acreage 

lost to fire, especially in critical habitat, through the use of mobile attack with 

engines, fireline construction with bulldozers, aerial fire retardant, or other 

necessary techniques is appropriate and requested. 

WFM-16	 Currently under the Operating Plan, use of mechanized equipment is 

allowable in Special Designations (e.g., WAs, WSAs, ACECs) subject to the 

following: 1) dozer use in WAs and WSAs require the approval of the BLM 

State Director, and 2) dozer use in ACECs is subject to approval by the BLM 

Field Manager. 

WFM-17	 Use of fire retardants or chemicals adjacent to waterways will be in 

accordance with the Environmental Guidelines for Delivery of Retardant or 

Foam near Waterways (Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation 

Operations). 

WFM-18	 Fuels treatment will be conducted around campgrounds, administrative sites, 

and other areas of public interest, providing for public safety and reducing the 

risk of improvement loss. 

WFM-19	 The entire Planning Area will be identified as non-wildland fire use land. This 

is based on the desired future condition of vegetation communities, ecological 

conditions, and ecological risks. The identification of lands where wildland fire 

use is not appropriate is determined by contrasting current and historical 

conditions and ecological risks associated with any changes. The condition 

class concept helps describe alterations in key ecosystem components such 

as species composition, structural stage, stand age, canopy closure, and fuel 

loadings. Non-wildland fire use land areas are those where mitigation and 

suppression are required to prevent direct threats to life or property. It includes 

areas where fire historically never played a large role in the development and 

maintenance of the ecosystem and some areas where fire return intervals 

were very long. It also includes areas (including some WUI areas) where an 

unplanned ignition could have negative effects to life and property, unless 

some form of mitigation takes place. Mitigation may include mechanical, 

biological, chemical, or prescribed fire means to maintain non-hazardous 

levels of fuels, reduce the hazardous effects of unplanned wildland fires, and 

meet resource objectives. 

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WFM-20	 Proposed activities related to prescribed fire projects will not be approved until 

compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.9 Cultural Resource Management 

2.9.1 Goals and Objectives 

CRM-01 Identify, preserve, and protect significant cultural resources, districts and 

landscapes and ensure that they are available for appropriate uses by present 

and future generations. 

CRM-02 Identify priority geographic areas for new field inventory, based upon a 

probability of unrecorded significant resources. 

CRM-03 Enhance public understanding of and appreciation for cultural resources 

through educational outreach and heritage tourism opportunities. 

CRM-04 Maintain viewsheds of important cultural resources whose settings contribute 

significantly to their scientific, public, traditional, or conservation values. 

CRM-05 Provide and encourage research opportunities on cultural resources that will 

contribute to the understanding of the ways humans have used and influenced 

natural systems and processes. 

CRM-06 Seek to reduce imminent threats and resolve potential conflicts from natural or 

human-caused deterioration, or potential conflict with other resource uses. 

CRM-07 Reduce or eliminate indirect impacts from land uses on cultural resources. 

2.9.2 Management Actions 

CRM-08 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

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CRM-09 Manage cultural resources in accordance with existing laws, regulations, EOs, 

and SHPO protocol agreements (as amended). Management actions on public 

lands—and private land projects that are federally funded, permitted or 

assisted—must comply with Sections 106 and 110 of the NHPA, which include 

consultation with Native American representatives and the SHPO, when 

appropriate. 

CRM-10 Conform to the NHPA, Federal Regulations, and the California State Protocol 

Amendment for identifying and treating properties affected by grazing. 

CRM-11 Reduce hazardous fuels or provide effective mitigation around archaeological 

and cultural sites that are vulnerable to wildland or prescribed fire. Conform to 

the California State Protocol Amendment for identification and protection of 

cultural resources from prescribed fire effects. 

CRM-12 Maintain current cultural resource data in a geographic information system 

(GIS) format. The inventory will include a prioritized list (high/medium/low 

sensitivity) of areas for future inventory—based on sensitivity and the 

likelihood of significant, unrecorded sites. Inventory strategies for un-surveyed 

areas will be continually refined. 

CRM-13 Work cooperatively with the California SHPO on data sharing and information 

management, and the promotion and enhancement of public education, 

including Archaeological Awareness Week/Historic Preservation Month, 

outreach, and stewardship programs. 

CRM-14 Provide interpretive (and/or other educational opportunities) at selected 

cultural sites. Work with communities, groups, interested individuals, and other 

agencies to enhance public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of 

cultural resources. Maintain, stabilize, or reconstruct selected sites where 

necessary to preserve site integrity. 

CRM-15 Implement protection measures to stop, limit, or repair damage to sites. A 

variety of protection measures, described in BLM Manual 8140, may be used 

to protect the integrity of sites at risk such as signing, fencing or barriers, trash 

removal, target shooting closures, erosion control, backfilling, repairing, 

shoring up, or stabilizing structures, restricting uses and access, and closures. 

Structural and material stabilization techniques may use chemical, 

mechanical, or structural elements to retard deterioration to cultural resources. 

CRM-16 Where feasible, acquire properties adjacent to public lands that contain 

significant cultural resources including, but not limited to, those properties 

eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). 

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CRM-17 Promote the use of appropriate cultural resource sites for heritage tourism and 

economic benefit, and cooperate with tribes, other agencies, and 

organizations on heritage tourism projects that benefit local economies. 

CRM-18 Manage spiritually significant and traditional cultural properties in consultation 

with Native American tribes, accommodate tribal access to spiritually 

significant and traditional cultural properties, and prevent physical damage or 

intrusions that might impede their use by religious practitioners. The locations 

of spiritually significant and traditional cultural properties and other places of 

traditional or religious importance to Native American tribes will be kept 

confidential to the extent allowed by law. 

CRM-19 Coordinate with Native Americans to manage harvesting areas for the 

collection of medicinal herbs, ceremonial herbs, other vegetation, and/or 

minerals for traditional or ceremonial use. See the Vegetative Use 

Authorization Section for more information (see Section 2.5.4). 

CRM-20 Evaluate and allocate cultural properties (including cultural landscapes) to one 

of six uses as outlined in BLM Information Bulletin (BLM-IB) No. 2002-101 

Cultural Resource Considerations in Resource Management Plans. 

CRM-21 Provide support to the on-site resource advisor on a wildland fire to identify 

cultural resources and provide recommendations to avoid or minimize impact 

to the resource. 

2.9.3 Cultural Use Allocation 

CUA-01	 Table 2 depicts typical use allocations for the various types of cultural 

resources found within the Planning Area. Scientific use is defined as 

resources preserved until research potential is realized; conservation for future 

use is defined as resources preserved until conditions for use are met; 

traditional use is defined as resources designated for long-term preservation; 

public use is defined as resources designated for long-term preservation and 

on-site interpretation; experimental use is defined as resources that will be 

protected until used; and discharged from management is defined as 

resources with no use after recordation and not to be preserved. No properties 

are allocated to the discharged from management category at this time. Sites 

within the Planning Area will typically be allocated to one or more of the use 

categories presented in the table, although specific allocations of individual 

sites may be reevaluated and revised based on changing circumstances or if 

any new or existing information regarding site attributes comes to light such as 

site access, physical setting, site complexity, Native American consultation, 

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TABLE 2 

USE ALLOCATIONS FOR CULTURAL PROPERTIES 

Cultural Site Attributes Scientific Use Public Use Traditional Use 

Conservatio

for Future U

Rock art X X X 

Human remains X Bedrock milling with or without artifacts X X X 

Hearth with or without artifacts X House pit/Rock shelter X X X Cleared circle/Rock ring X X 

Cairn/rock alignment X X X 

Historic X X 

All other cultural properties, both known and projected, to occur throughout the Planning Area X X 

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impacts to the site, etc. In addition, all sites within ACECs, WAs and WSAs will 

be allocated to the conservation for future use and traditional use categories 

and will be managed appropriately for that class. 

2.10 Paleontological Resource Management 

PRM-01	 All BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area are classified as Class 1 

through Class 3, based on their potential to contain vertebrate fossils or 

noteworthy occurrences of invertebrate or plant fossils. 

Class 1 (low sensitivity). Igneous and metamorphic geologic units or units 

with highly disturbed preservational environments not likely to contain 

recognizable fossil remains. Management concern is negligible for Class 1 

resources, and mitigation requirements are rare. 

Class 2 (moderate sensitivity). Sedimentary geologic units not likely to 

contain vertebrate fossils or significant non-vertebrate fossils. Management 

concern is low for Class 2 resources, and mitigation requirements are not 

likely. 

Class 3 (moderate sensitivity). Fossiliferous sedimentary geologic units 

where fossil content varies in significance, abundance, and predictable 

occurrence or units of unknown fossil potential. Management concern may 

extend across the entire range of management. Ground-disturbing activities 

require sufficient mitigation to determine whether significant resources occur in 

the area of the proposed action. 

2.10.1 Goals and Objectives 

PRM-02	 Protect and conserve significant paleontological resources as they are 

discovered on public lands. 

PRM-03	 Manage paleontological resources in ways that prioritize research needs, 

facilitate educational and recreational needs, and protect important sites. 

PRM-04	 Develop specific objectives and management actions for fossil localities, when 

paleontological resources are discovered in the Planning Area. 

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2.10.2 Management Actions 

PRM-05	 Evaluate paleontological resources as they are discovered, considering their 

scientific, educational, and recreational values. Identify appropriate objectives, 

management actions, and allowable uses for fossil localities as they are found. 

PRM-06	 Restrict the collection of all vertebrate fossils and noteworthy invertebrate and 

plant fossils to legitimate scientific or educational uses in accordance with 

permitting procedures. 

PRM-07	 Allow recreational collecting of common invertebrate and plant fossils, in 

accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1-5. 

PRM-08	 Should paleontological resources be encountered during project grounddisturbing activities, work will cease in the area of the discovery, and the BLM 

will be notified immediately. Work may not resume, until written authorization 

to proceed is issued by BLM. 

PRM-09	 In Class 3 areas, a field survey by a qualified paleontologist may be required. 

Management prescriptions for resource preservation and conservation through 

controlled access or special management designation will be considered. 

Surface-disturbing activities may require assessment in Class 2 areas to 

determine further courses of action. Assessment or mitigation in Class 1 areas 

will not be required except in very rare circumstances. 

2.11 Visual Resource Management 

In accordance with the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1601-1), the BLM is 

required to designate VRM Classes for all areas of BLM land, based on an inventory of 

visual resources and management considerations for other land uses. The original VRM 

Inventory in the existing Management Framework Plan for Eastern San Diego County 

was completed in 1981 by BLM staff. Weaknesses were identified in the original 

inventory necessitating the completion of a new inventory based on new information and 

cultural modifications to the landscape. The new inventory was updated as part of the 

current land use planning effort. The BLM Handbook on Visual Resource Management 

(BLM VRM Manual 8410) was consulted during the preparation of the Eastern San 

Diego County PRMP/FEIS. Specifically, the Handbook guidance regarding scenic quality 

(i.e. visual appeal), sensitivity level (i.e. measure of public concern), and distance zones 

(i.e. visibility from travel routes or observation points) were carefully considered and 

utilized. 

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Visual Resource Inventory Classes were identified based on these three key elements 

(scenic quality, sensitivity level, and distance zones) of the BLM VRM process. Certain 

locations in the Planning Area have received levels of use that have led to significant 

cultural modification to the vegetation and surface area resulting in an adjustment to the 

scenic quality rating. This is particularly true in areas of distinctly high off-highway 

vehicle (OHV) use, such as the OHV use area on the west side of McCain Valley Road. 

Here, the increase in “cultural modification”, coupled with the associated decrease in 

vegetation and alteration of the natural landform has resulted in Scenic Quality Rating of 

Class IV in the immediate vicinity of the campgrounds and staging areas and Scenic 

Quality Rating of Class III in the surrounding area, which in turn resulted in an 

adjustment of the Visual Resource Inventory Class to III. 

In accordance with the BLM VRM Handbook, Visual Inventory Classes are informational 

in nature; they inform rather than establish management direction. During the planning 

process, management considerations and public concerns factored into the final 

proposed VRM Classes, based upon the various management decisions of the 

PRMP/FEIS. A range of VRM Classes was identified in the alternatives for the RMP. 

VRM Class designations for the approved RMP are presented on Map 3. 

2.11.1 Goals and Objectives 

VRM-01	 The RMP/ROD assigns VRM Classes ranging from Class I to IV to all BLM 

lands in the planning area. All future projects and actions will adhere to the 

objectives of the applicable VRM Classes: 

Class I. To preserve the existing character of the landscape. The level of 

change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract 

attention. 

Class II. To retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change 

to the characteristic landscape should be low. 

Class III. To partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level 

of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. 

Class IV. To provide for management activities that require major modification 

of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the 

characteristic landscape can be high. 

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2.11.2 Management Actions 

VRM-02	 Incorporate design considerations to minimize potential impacts to public 

lands’ visual values into all surface disturbing activities, regardless of size. 

Emphasis will be on BLM providing input during the initial planning and design 

phase to minimize costly redesign and mitigation at a later time. 

VRM-03	 Evaluate proposed surface-disturbing projects from Key Observation Points 

(KOPs) for the following factors: distance (between project and KOPs), angle 

of observation, length of time the proposed project will be in view, relative size 

or scale, season of use, light conditions, recovery time, spatial relationships, 

atmospheric conditions, and motion. 

VRM-04	 Use visual resource design techniques and best management practices (see 

Appendix D which describes the Typical Management Actions and BMPs) to 

mitigate the potential for short- and long-term visual impacts from other uses 

and activities. 

VRM-05	 Where practicable, in Class I and Class II areas that have existing disturbance 

areas that are frequently viewed from KOPs, feather the edge lines between 

disturbed and undisturbed areas to minimize the visual contrast and create a 

more natural appearance. 

VRM-06	 VRM Class designations are shown in Table 3. 

TABLE 3 

VRM CLASS DESIGNATIONS 

VRM Class Acres1,2 

I (acres) 1 61,908 

II (acres)2 28,033 

III (acres) 693 

IV (acres) 12,236 

TOTAL1 102,869 

 Acreages calculated for use in this table were obtained using GIS data solely, whereas the figures in the 

PRMP/FEIS also used published acreages. 

2 Acres of ACECs excludes the private in-holdings located within the ACECs, as BLM’s land use decisions apply only 

to BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area and do not apply to these private lands. 

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VRM-07 Table 4 describes in detail VRM Class designations for specific areas. 

TABLE 4 

ACRES OF VRM CLASSES I–IV BY AREA 

Name or Description of Land Area Acres1,2 

Class I 

WAs 48,333 

WSAs 13,575 

VRM Class I Total: 61,908 

Class II 

ACECs1 12,588 

San Felipe 106 

Sawtooth 849 

Buck Canyon (non-WSA lands) 621 

Volcan Mts. 1,732 

Chariot Canyon 5,338 

Oriflamme Mts. & Canyon 6,253 

McCain Valley West 0 

McCain Valley East 

(non-ACEC & non-WSA lands) 0 

Cottonwood and Lark Canyon Campgrounds 0 

Table Mountain (non-ACEC & non-WSA lands) 430 

Airport Mesa 0 

Round Mountain 116 

VRM Class II Total: 28,033 

Class III 

Cottonwood and Lark Canyon Campgrounds 0 

McCain Valley West 0 

Airport Mesa 693 

VRM Class III Total: 693 

Class IV 

Buck Canyon (non-WSA lands) 0 

Volcan Mts. 0 

Chariot Canyon 0 

Oriflamme Mts. & Canyon 0 

McCain Valley West 8,560 

McCain Valley East (non-ACEC & non-WSA lands) 3,635 

Round Mountain 0 

Cottonwood and Lark Canyon Campgrounds 41 

Airport Mesa 0 

VRM Class IV Total: 12,236 

 Acreages calculated for use in this table were obtained using GIS data solely, whereas the figures in the 

PRMP/FEIS also used published acreages. 

2 Acres of ACECs excludes the private in-holdings located within the ACECs, as BLM’s land use decisions apply only 

to BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area and do not apply to these private lands. 

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2.12 Special Designations 

SDA-01 Map 4 illustrates the boundaries of all Special Designations areas within the 

Planning Area. Table 5 provides a breakdown of acreages of each of the 

special designations present within the Planning Area. 

TABLE 5 

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS 

Wilderness Areas Acres 

Carrizo Gorge 14,735 

Sawtooth Mountains 33,598 

Wilderness Areas Total 48,333 

Wilderness Study Areas Acres 

Table Mountain 1,018 

Carrizo Gorge 1,012 

Sawtooth Mountains “A” 3,883 

Sawtooth Mountains “C” 600 

San Felipe Hills 5,325 

San Ysidro Mountain 2,125 

Wilderness Study Areas Total 13,963 

National Scenic Trail Miles 

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail 15 

National Scenic Trail Total 15 

ACECs Acres 

In-Ko-Pah Mountains1 9,743 

Table Mountain1 5,213 

ACEC Total1 14,956 

1

Total acreages of ACECs include private in-holdings located within the boundaries of the ACECs. 

BLM’s land use decisions and management actions only apply to BLM-administered lands within 

the ACEC. 

2.12.1 Wilderness Areas 

2.12.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

DWA-01	 Provide for the long-term protection and preservation of the area’s wilderness 

character under the principle of non-degradation. The area’s naturalness and 

untrammeled condition, opportunities for solitude, opportunities for primitive 

and unconfined types of recreation, and any ecological, geological, or other 

features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value will be managed so 

that they remain unimpaired. 

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DWA-02	 Meet minimum requirements necessary for the administration of the area for 

the purpose of the Wilderness Act (including measures required in 

emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area). 

DWA-03	 Manage any newly designated WAs in accordance with the designation 

authority. 

2.12.1.2 Management Actions 

DWA-04	 Continue to provide monitoring, signing, and restoration as necessary. 

DWA-05	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing restoration activities) will not be 

approved until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed 

and documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

DWA-06	 Expand access by improving staging areas and providing informational kiosks 

at wilderness trailheads 

DWA-07	 Acquire in-holdings from willing owners. 

DWA-08	 Perform restoration treatments where damage has occurred or where it will 

reduce vehicle incursions. 

Some relevant management provisions provided for by law or policy for these areas are: 

DWA-09	 WAs are withdrawn from all forms of land entry including land use 

authorizations for commercial purposes, mineral entry, mineral leasing, and 

mineral sales. 

DWA-10	 No use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or other form of mechanical 

transport is allowed. 

DWA-11	 No structure or installation within these areas is allowed. 

DWA-12	 Administrative structures (e.g., trail markers or informational kiosks) and use 

of vehicles and structures will be the minimum necessary for the 

administration of these areas. 

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DWA-13	 Prescribed fire may be used 1) to reintroduce or maintain the natural condition 

of a fire-dependent ecosystem, 2) to restore fire where past strict fire control 

measures had interfered with natural ecological processes, 3) where a primary 

value of a given wilderness will be perpetuated as a result of burning, or 4) 

where it will perpetuate threatened and endangered species (BLM Manual 

Section [MS]-8560.35). 

DWA-14	 For locatable minerals, a mining plan of operations will be required in any 

Special Designation in accordance with 43 CFR 3809 regulations. 

2.12.2 Wilderness Study Areas 

2.12.2.1 Goals and Objectives 

WSA-01	 To continue resource uses on lands designated as WSAs in a manner that 

does not impair the area’s suitability for preservation as wilderness. 

2.12.2.2 Management Actions 

WSA-02	 WSAs are exclusion areas for all types of Land Use Authorizations. 

WSA-03	 Improve staging areas and provide informational kiosks at trailheads to 

enhance public access. 

WSA-04	 Acquire in-holdings from willing owners. 

WSA-05	 Perform restoration treatments where damage has occurred or where it will 

reduce vehicle incursions. 

Management provisions mandated by law or policy for these areas are: 

WSA-06	 WSAs will not be leased for oil and gas or geothermal extraction. 

WSA-07	 WSAs are closed to salable mineral entry. 

WSA-08	 Use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or other form of mechanical 

transport will not be allowed off boundary roads or newly constructed trails 

since 1976 within the WSA. 

WSA-09	 Monitor conditions and uses in and around WSAs to identify actions or uses 

that impair the wilderness values of the Planning Area. 

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WSA-10	 Continue to provide monitoring, signing, and restoration as necessary. 

WSA-11	 Continue to manage WSA under BLM’s interim management policy (IMP) until 

Congress designates as wilderness or releases from WSA status. When a 

WSA is released from WSA status by Congress, the lands will be managed in 

accordance with the release language. Manage any WSA designated as WA 

in accordance with the designation authority as stated in DWA-03 above. 

WSA-12	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

WSA-13	 For locatable minerals, require a mining plan of operations in any Special 

Designation in accordance with existing 43 CFR 3809 regulations. 

2.12.3 National Scenic Trail (Pacific Crest National 

Scenic Trail) 

The Pacific Crest NST is a congressionally designated trail for hiking and equestrian 

use. The trail was designated through the National Trails Systems Act (Public Law 90-

43; October 2, 1968) and is managed in accordance with a comprehensive plan 

developed by the USFS (DOA 1982) and a subsequent Memorandum of Understanding 

(MOU) with the BLM. Approximately 68 miles of the Pacific Crest NST occur in the 

Planning Area, 15 miles of which occur on BLM-administered lands within Chariot and 

Rodriguez Canyons and the San Felipe Hills WSA. Motorized vehicles and mountain 

bikes are not allowed on the Pacific Crest NST (see Map 4 for the location of the Pacific 

Crest NST). 

2.12.3.1 Goals and Objectives 

NST-01	 Continue to provide for the outdoor recreation needs of the public and promote 

the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment of the openair, outdoor, and scenic areas. 

NST-02	 Manage the Pacific Crest NST for educational, recreational, and scientific 

values. 

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2.12.3.2 Management Actions 

NST-03	 Continue to manage the Pacific Crest NST in accordance with the existing 

management plan and the existing MOU. 

2.12.4 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern 

Under this RMP/ROD, the In-Ko-Pah Mountains ACEC is adjusted to exclude the area 

that overlaps the Carrizo Gorge WA and Carrizo Gorge WSA, and expanded to include 

the adjacent Peninsular bighorn sheep critical habitat along the western and southern 

boundaries. The Table Mountain ACEC is expanded to include the land to the north 

between the northern boundary of the ACEC and the southern boundary of the Table 

Mountain WSA. 

2.12.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

ACC-01	 ACECs will provide protection for relevant and important values including, but 

not limited to, special status species, wildlife, scenic, and significant cultural 

resources values. 

2.12.4.2 Management Actions 

ACC-02	 Protection of relevant and important values will take precedence over 

authorized land uses. 

ACC-03	 The BLM will retain the ACECs in public ownership and seek to acquire nonfederal lands and interests in lands within the ACECs from willing sellers by 

purchase, exchange, or donation. Future acquisitions of in-holdings and edgeholdings will be managed in accordance with the designated ACEC. See Land 

Tenure section for additional information. 

ACC-04	 Treatment for hazardous fuels and non-native invasive or pest species will be 

allowed. 

ACC-05	 All ACECs are closed to wood collection. 

ACC-06	 Allow traditional use by Native Americans consistent with Vegetative Use 

Authorization (see Section 2.5.4). 

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ACC-07	 Monitor resources within the ACECs to detect change and prevent future 

deterioration. 

ACC-08	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

ACC-09	 Manage the Table Mountain and In-Ko-Pah Mountains ACECs for biological 

and cultural values. 

ACC-10	 Acquire in-holdings from willing owners. 

ACC-11	 Perform restoration treatments where damage has occurred or where it will 

reduce vehicle incursions. 

ACC-12	 ACECs are exclusion areas for renewable energy development. Geothermal 

development is regulated by the land use decisions for leasable mineral 

resources below. 

ACC-13	 ACECs are avoidance areas for all Land Use Authorizations other than 

renewable energy. 

ACC-14	 Recommend withdrawal of the In-Ko-Pah Mountains ACEC from locatable 

mineral entry. 

ACC-15	 Recommend withdrawal of the Table Mountain ACEC from locatable mineral 

entry. 

ACC-16	 ACECs are closed to leasable mineral entry, including geothermal mineral 

leasing. 

ACC-17	 ACECs are closed to salable mineral entry. 

ACC-18	 For locatable minerals, require a mining plan of operations in any Special 

Designation in accordance with existing 43 CFR 3809 Regulations. 

2.13 Livestock Grazing Management 

Based on application of grazing criteria presented in Appendix E, all BLM-administered 

lands within the Planning Area are unavailable for livestock grazing, except for 

vegetation management prescriptions. 

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2.13.1 Goals and Objectives 

LGM-01	 Maintain or improve healthy, sustainable rangeland ecosystems to meet 

approved Rangeland Health Standards (see Section 2.1) and produce a wide 

range of public values such as wildlife habitat, livestock forage, recreation 

opportunities, clean water, and functional watersheds. 

2.13.2 Management Actions 

LGM-02	 Eliminate grazing within all allotments with the exception of vegetation 

management prescriptions. 

LGM-03	 Prohibit domestic sheep grazing within nine miles of Peninsular bighorn sheep 

critical habitat to avoid disease transmission. 

2.14 Mineral Resource Management 

2.14.1 Management Actions 

MRM-01	 WAs are withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under 

the public land laws. 

MRM-02	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.14.2 Locatable Mineral Management 

2.14.2.1 Goals and Objectives 

LOC-01	 Provide for prospecting and location of valuable (locatable) mineral deposits 

on public lands in the Planning Area (unless withdrawn) in order to meet local, 

regional and national needs by providing opportunities for exploration, 

location, and development of mining claims and sites while preventing 

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unnecessary or undue degradation of public lands and resources, and 

protecting sensitive resource values. 

2.14.2.2 Management Actions 

LOC-02	 Through land tenure adjustments, surface and subsurface (minerals) estates 

will be consolidated under single ownerships when possible, thereby 

improving manageability of the federal lands involved. Consolidate split-estate 

pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of FLPMA. 

LOC-03	 Require notices, when mechanical equipment is used for exploration or 

processing and cumulative disturbance is less than five acres. 

LOC-04	 Require mining plans for operations where disturbance is greater than five 

acres and/or where bulk sampling removes 1,000 tons or more. 

LOC-05	 In withdrawn areas, an investigation and a report to determine the validity of 

the mining claim will be required prior to approval of a mining plan of 

operations. 

LOC-06	 Require a mining plan of operations in any Special Designation in accordance 

with existing 43 CFR 3809 regulations. 

LOC-07	 Require mining plans of operation in areas designated as closed to OHV use 

and in lands or waters known to contain federally listed threatened or 

endangered species or proposed or designated critical habitat. Any activity 

located within critical habitat will require a Section 7 consultation with USFWS. 

LOC-08	 Any surface disturbance associated with casual use activity in designated 

critical habitat causing more than negligible disturbance will require a notice 

for review or a plan of operations for approval. 

LOC-09	 All post plan created mining disturbances will be reclaimed to meet the 

surrounding natural environment. Mining activities would be in compliance with 

all State of California reclamation requirements, particularly the Surface 

Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA). 

LOC-10	 Recommend withdrawal of the In-Ko-Pah Mountains ACEC from locatable 

mineral entry. 

LOC-11	 Recommend withdrawal of the Table Mountain ACEC from locatable mineral 

entry. 

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LOC-12	 WSAs are subject to IMP. 

2.14.3 Leasable Mineral Management 

LSE-01	 There are 34,993 acres of land available for leasable mineral entry, including 

geothermal mineral leasing, in the Planning Area (Map 5). 

2.14.3.1 Goals and Objectives 

LSE-02	 Provide opportunities for mineral leasing, while preventing unnecessary or 

undue degradation of public lands. 

2.14.3.2 Management Actions 

LSE-03	 Consolidate split-estate pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of FLPMA. 

LSE-04	 Critical habitat and ACECs are closed to leasable mineral entry, including 

geothermal mineral leasing. 

LSE-05	 Lark Canyon OHV Area, Lark Canyon Campground/Staging Area, and 

Cottonwood Campground are available for leasable mineral entry, including 

geothermal mineral leasing. 

LSE-06	 WSAs are closed to leasable mineral entry, including geothermal mineral 

leasing. 

LSE-07	 Riparian areas are avoidance areas for all commercial and non-commercial 

surface-disturbance activities, including leasable mineral entry (e.g. 

geothermal). 

2.14.4 Salable Mineral Materials Management 

2.14.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

SAL-01	 Prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of public lands. 

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SAL-02 Respond appropriately to increasing demand for mineral materials in the 

Planning Area. 

SAL-03 Provide mineral 

development. 

materials on a case-by-case basis for infrastructure 

2.14.4.2 Management Actions 

SAL-04 Consolidate split-estate pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of FLPMA. 

SAL-05 WSAs are closed to salable mineral entry. 

SAL-06 Critical habitat and ACECs are closed to salable mineral entry. 

2.15 Recreation Resource Management 

2.15.1 Recreation Management Areas 

BLM identifies Special Recreation Management Areas (SRMA) where the resources of 

the public lands attract visitors. All BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area 

have a demonstrated destination recreation–tourism market and will be managed as a 

Destination SRMA through collaborative partnerships. 

The SRMA boundaries are not intended to confer authority, responsibility, or jurisdiction 

over lands and waters that are not administered by the BLM. Planning boundaries reflect 

the fact that these adjacent lands are vital in the appropriate management of the entire 

area. 

For decisions concerning OHV recreation within the Planning Area, please see the 

Transportation and Public Access section. 

RMA-01 Map 6 identifies the locations of the SRMAs. SRMAs are presented in Table 6. 

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TABLE 6 

SPECIAL RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREAS (ACRES) 

SRMA Acres 

Boulevard/Jacumba Destination SRMA 42,673 

Julian Destination SRMA 15,170 

Sawtooth Destination SRMA 45,026 

Total BLM acres 102,869 

RMA-02 Boulevard/Jacumba Destination SRMA 

Goals and Objectives 

The Boulevard/Jacumba Destination SRMA includes the most extensively used 

areas in the Planning Area and includes the established campgrounds, horse 

corrals, and designated OHV use area and route network. The SRMA also 

includes lands that are designated as wilderness areas, wilderness study 

areas, and ACECs. The primary activities in these areas are camping, OHV 

use, equestrian use, target shooting, hunting, mountain biking, hiking and 

backpacking, wildflower and wildlife viewing, rock hounding, and pleasure 

touring. This SRMA will be managed as a regional or national destination 

through collaborative partnerships in order to promote the continued use of the 

lands for these activities. 

Primary Market Strategy 

The primary market strategy for the proposed Boulevard/Jacumba Destination 

SRMA will be to target demonstrated destination recreation-tourism market 

demand for specific activity, experience, and benefit opportunities. 

Partnerships and Coordination 

BLM will coordinate with local communities, Native American tribes and groups, 

Cleveland National Forest, California SHPO, San Diego Archaeological 

Society, San Diego County, CDFG, USFWS, Department of Homeland Security 

Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), California State 

Parks, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 

California State Lands Commission, and local public health and safety 

organizations, and various NGOs. 

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Environmental Education Needs 

BLM supports the Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace national programs and 

promotes proper OHV use, hunting ethics, and archaeological/cultural resource 

ethics. BLM will provide information about geology, wildlife, and other points of 

interest. BLM will implement wildland fire prevention and mitigation, invasive 

species prevention, and wilderness survival skills programs. 

RMA-03 Julian Destination SRMA 

Goals and Objectives 

The Julian Destination SRMA includes a mixture of lands that are either limited 

use areas or are designated WSAs. Primary uses include 4X4 touring, 

equestrian use, mountain biking, target shooting, hunting, hiking and 

backpacking, wildflower and wildlife viewing, and rock hounding. This SRMA 

will be managed as a regional or national destination through collaborative 

partnerships in order to promote the continued use of the lands for these 

activities. 

Primary Market Strategy 

The primary market strategy for the proposed Julian Destination SRMA will be 

to target demonstrated destination recreation-tourism market demand for 

specific activity, experience, and benefit opportunities. 

Partnerships and Coordination 

BLM will coordinate with local communities, Native American tribes and groups, 

California SHPO, San Diego Archaeological Society, Julian Historical Society, 

San Diego County, CDFG, USFWS, California State Parks, CAL FIRE, 

California State Lands Commission, and local public health and safety 

organizations, and various NGOs. 

Environmental Education Needs 

BLM supports the Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace national programs and 

promotes proper OHV use, hunting ethics, and archaeological/cultural resource 

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ethics. BLM will provide information about geology, wildlife, and other points of 

interest. BLM will implement wildland fire prevention and mitigation, invasive 

species prevention, and wilderness survival skills programs. 

RMA-04 Sawtooth Destination SRMA 

Goals and Objectives 

The Sawtooth Destination SRMA is composed primarily of designated WAs 

and WSAs. The primary activities in these areas are wilderness activities, 

including hiking and backpacking, hunting, wildflower and wildlife viewing, rock 

hounding, and equestrian use. Limited OHV use, camping, and day use will be 

accommodated, outside of designated WAs and WSAs. This SRMA will be 

managed as a regional or national destination through collaborative 

partnerships in order to promote the continued use of the lands for these 

activities. 

Primary Market Strategy 

The primary market strategy for the proposed Sawtooth Destination SRMA will 

be to target demonstrated destination recreation-tourism market demand for 

specific activity, experience, and benefit opportunities. 

Partnerships and Coordination 

BLM will coordinate with local communities, Native American tribes and 

groups, California SHPO, San Diego Archaeological Society, San Diego 

County, CDFG, USFWS, USBP, California State Parks, CAL FIRE, California 

State Lands Commission, and local public health and safety organizations, 

and various NGOs. 

Environmental Education Needs 

BLM supports the Tread Lightly! and Leave No Trace national programs and 

promotes proper OHV use, hunting ethics, and archaeological/cultural 

resource ethics. BLM will provide information about geology, wildlife, and other 

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points of interest. BLM will implement wildland fire prevention and mitigation, 

invasive species prevention, and wilderness survival skills programs. 

2.15.2 Recreation Management Zones 

Within each SRMA, BLM also allocates Recreation Management Zones (RMZ). An RMZ 

represents public lands with a distinctive recreation niche (activities, experiences, and 

benefits) within each SRMA. The BLM will focus management, funding, and planning 

within SRMAs and their RMZs to work towards stated Recreation Management 

Objectives and Goals and Objectives. 

The allocation of SRMAs and RMZs provides the Planning Area with an activity-level 

planning framework for future recreation management. Activity-level recreation 

management plans based on this framework will provide additional opportunities for 

public involvement and agency collaboration to further ensure that future proposed 

actions are compatible with the BLM’s multiple-use mission. 

RMZ-01	 Recreation Management Zones by SRMA are presented in Table 7 below (see 

Map 6 for the locations of the RMZs). 

TABLE 7 

RECREATION MANAGEMENT ZONES BY SRMA 

Recreation Management Zone (RMZ) 

Boulevard/ 

Jacumba 

Destination 

SRMA 

Julian 

Destination 

SRMA 

Sawtooth 

Destination 

SRMA 

Airport Mesa RMZ X 

Buck Canyon RMZ X 

Chariot Canyon RMZ X 

Carrizo Gorge Wilderness RMZ X 

McCain Valley RMZ X 

Oriflamme Semi-primitive RMZ X 

San Felipe Hills/San Ysidro Wilderness Study 

Area RMZ X 

Sawtooth Wilderness Semi-Primitive RMZ X 

Table Mountain RMZ X 

Table Mountain Wilderness Study Area RMZ X 

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2.15.2.1 Boulevard/Jacumba SRMA 

RMZ-02 Airport Mesa RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: Airport Mesa RMZ will be managed for its rural 

recreational qualities. 

Recreation Niche: The Airport Mesa RMZ is a destination point for many of 

San Diego and Imperial County residents that enjoy target shooting, hiking, and 

hunting. 

•	 Primary Activities: Target shooting, hiking, and hunting. 

•	 Experiences: Learning about open spaces, proper shooting etiquette and 

purchasing recreation supplies from local communities. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: Increased appreciation of open spaces that allow various 

recreational opportunities. 

o	 Household & Community: Increased community stewardship of public 

lands and increased family bonding. 

o	 Economic: Increased local tourism revenues. 

RMZ-03 Carrizo Gorge Wilderness RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: The Carrizo Gorge Wilderness RMZ consists of the 

Carrizo Gorge WSA. This RMZ will be managed for it wilderness qualities 

while supporting the needs of the California State Parks in the vicinity. 

Recreation Niche: The RMZ offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an area that 

supports solitude and remoteness, a diverse flora and fauna, and general 

wilderness quality. 

•	 Primary Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, backcountry hiking, hunting, 

and wildlife viewing. 

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•	 Experiences: Regular exercise in natural environments, seeing restored 

riparian ecosystems, and learning about the area’s natural and cultural 

history. 

•	 Benefits: 

o Personal: Increased appreciation of the area’s natural and cultural 

heritage. 

o Community: Improved community fitness and increased community 

stewardship of public lands. 

o	 Economic: Increased local heritage tourism revenues, and increased 

local property values. 

o Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources 

and decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

RMZ-04 McCain Valley RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: The McCain Valley RMZ includes the Lark Canyon 

and Cottonwood Campgrounds and developed recreational facilities. This 

RMZ will be managed for its historical, cultural and natural qualities while 

continuing to be managed as a diverse recreational area supporting a 

developed recreational trail system for OHV day-use area, developed 

recreation facilities (e.g., campgrounds and other sites), and natural resource 

qualities. The RMZ will continue to support the management plan and 

agreements with Native American communities and California State Parks. 

Recreation Niche: The RMZ supports multi-recreational activities to people 

in San Diego and Imperial Counties, including numerous hiking, OHV, and 

equestrian trail opportunities. 

•	 Primary Activities: Camping, OHV riding, hunting, mountain bike riding, 

hiking, horseback riding, wildlife and landscape viewing, photography and 

picnicking. 

•	 Experiences: Regular exercise in natural environments, family 

recreation, purchasing recreation supplies at local communities, and living 

near safe and convenient access to recreational opportunities on public 

lands. 

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•	 Benefits: 

o Personal: Increased family bonding; increased community 

stewardship of public lands; a better understanding for the need to 

maintain rural and undeveloped ecosystems; and improved physical 

fitness. 

o	 Household & Community: Stronger family ties and increased 

community stewardship of public lands. 

o	 Economic: Increased local eco-tourism revenues and increased local 

property values. 

o	 Environmental: Reduced presence of non-native invasive species and 

improved protection of natural and cultural resources. 

RMZ-05 Table Mountain RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: The Table Mountain RMZ will be managed for its 

historical, cultural and natural qualities while supporting the needs of the local 

Native American tribal communities and the California State Parks within the 

vicinity. 

Recreation Niche: This RMZ has a wide variety of primitive, natural, and 

unconfined recreation opportunities. Challenging outdoor adventures to hike, 

camp, and hunting exist throughout the mountain range’s rugged and 

undeveloped terrain. 

•	 Primary Activities: Landscape viewing, OHV use, wildlife and wildflower 

viewing, hunting, and camping. 

•	 Experiences: Recreating as a family, enjoying safe access to public 

lands, enjoying the undeveloped nature of rugged western lands, and 

purchasing recreation supplies from local communities. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: More family bonding; increased community stewardship of 

public lands; and a better understanding for the need to maintain 

undeveloped desert ecosystems. 

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o	 Household & Community: Increased community stewardship of public 

lands. 

o Economic: Increased local eco-tourism revenues. 

o	 Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources 

and a decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

RMZ-06 Table Mountain Wilderness Study Area RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: Table Mountain Wilderness Study Area RMZ consists 

of the Table Mountain WSA. This RMZ will be managed for its wilderness 

qualities while supporting the needs of the local Native American tribal 

communities and the California State Parks within the vicinity. 

Recreation Niche: The RMZ offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an area that 

supports solitude and remoteness, a diverse flora and fauna, and general 

wilderness quality. 

•	 Primary Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, backcountry travel, wildlife 

viewing, and hunting. 

•	 Experiences: Regular exercise in natural environments, learning about 

the area’s natural and cultural history, purchasing recreation supplies at 

local communities, and living near safe and convenient access to 

recreational opportunities on public lands. 

•	 Benefits: 

o Personal: Increased appreciation of the area’s natural and cultural 

heritage. 

o Community: Improved community fitness and increased community 

stewardship of public lands. 

o	 Economic: Increased local heritage tourism revenues, and increased 

local property values. 

o	 Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources 

and decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

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2.15.2.2 Julian SRMA 

RMZ-07 San Felipe Hills/San Ysidro Wilderness Study Area RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: San Felipe Hills/San Ysidro Wilderness Study Area 

RMZ consists of the San Felipe Hills and San Ysidro Mountain WSAs. This 

RMZ will be managed for its wilderness qualities while working in conjunction 

with Native American tribes, California State Parks, and USFS. The BLM will 

continue to support the management plan and agreements for the Pacific 

Crest NST. 

Recreation Niche: The RMZ provides challenging, primitive recreation 

opportunities such as hunting, hiking, and equestrian use. This RMZ is a main 

thoroughfare for the Pacific Crest Trail. The RMZ also offers a unique 

opportunity to explore historical mining areas. 

•	 Primary Activities: Hiking, backcountry camping, horseback riding, 

wildlife viewing, hunting, photography, picnicking, and wildlife and 

wildflower viewing. 

•	 Experiences: Challenging, non-motorized, exploratory adventures; 

enjoying a sense of community from recreating with other outdoor 

enthusiasts; and appreciating the primitive, natural, and unconfined 

recreation opportunities. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: Improved self-confidence and physical fitness and a better 

understanding for the need to maintain undeveloped ecosystems. 

o Community & Household: Improved community stewardship of public 

lands. 

o	 Economic: Increased regional eco-tourism revenues by purchasing 

recreation supplies at local communities and increased local property 

values. 

o	 Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources, 

and decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

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RMZ-08 Buck Canyon RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: Buck Canyon RMZ will be managed as a Limited Use 

Area emphasizing its historical, cultural and natural qualities while supporting 

recreational activities. BLM will consider the future development of an 

equestrian parking/turnaround area in Buck Canyon. 

Recreation Niche: Buck Canyon RMZ provides a range of trail-based 

recreation opportunities and is a portal for backcountry travel into the Anza 

Borrego Desert State Park. Recreational activities for OHV use and nonmotorized activities such as hiking, hunting, horseback riding, bird watching, 

and photography are available. 

•	 Primary Activities: OHV riding, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and 

wildlife viewing. 

•	 Experiences: Recreating as a family, enjoying safe access to our public 

lands, enjoying the undeveloped nature of the San Ysidro Mountains. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: Better understanding for the need to maintain open spaces. 

o	 Household & Community: Increased appreciation of nature and 

opportunities of the public lands, closer family ties, and increased 

community stewardship of public lands 

o	 Economic: Positive contributions to local-regional economic stability 

and increased local property values. 

o	 Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources, 

and decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

RMZ-09 Chariot Canyon RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: Chariot Canyon RMZ will be managed as a Limited 

Use Area emphasizing its historical, cultural and natural qualities as well as 

remote recreational uses. The RMZ will continue to support the management 

plan and agreements for the Pacific Crest NST, USFS, and California State 

Parks. BLM will consider the development of a primitive 

campground/equestrian area for this RMZ. 

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Recreation Niche: This area provides multi-use recreation for motorized and 

non-motorized activities in a remote setting. 

•	 Primary Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, 4x4 touring, camping, 

hunting, and wildlife viewing. 

•	 Experiences: Appreciating the primitive, natural, and unconfined 

recreation opportunities. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: Better understanding for the need to maintain undeveloped 

desert ecosystems, improved self-confidence, and physical fitness. 

o	 Household & Community: Improved community stewardship and 

increased family bonding through recreation. 

o	 Economic: Increased local eco-tourism revenues through the 

purchase of recreation supplies. 

o	 Environmental: Improved wildlife habit, increased awareness of nature 

and giving the public a sense of stewardship of the land. 

2.15.2.3 Sawtooth Destination SRMA 

RMZ-10 Oriflamme Semi-primitive RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: Oriflamme Semi-Primitive RMZ is a remote Limited 

Use Area that will be managed for its historical, cultural and natural qualities. 

The RMZ will continue to support the management plan and agreements for 

Pacific Crest NST, USFS, and California State Parks. BLM will consider 

implementation of road improvements and the development of a picnic area 

for this RMZ. 

Recreation Niche: The RMZ provides a range of trail-based recreation 

opportunities for OHV use and non-motorized activities in a secluded area of 

the Planning Area. 

•	 Primary Activities: OHV riding, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, 

hunting, photography, and wildlife viewing. 

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•	 Experiences: Recreating as a family, enjoying safe access to our public 

lands, and enjoying the undeveloped natural environment. 

•	 Benefits: 

o	 Personal: Better understanding for the need to maintain open spaces. 

o	 Household & Community: Increased appreciation of nature and 

opportunities of the public lands, closer family ties, increased 

community stewardship of public lands, and a better understanding for 

the need to maintain open spaces. 

o	 Economic: Positive contributions to local-regional economic stability 

through increased eco-tourism. 

o	 Environmental: Reduced presence of hazardous fuels, improved 

protection of cultural and historic resources, and improved health of 

the land. 

RMZ-11 Sawtooth Wilderness Semi-primitive RMZ 

Goals and Objectives: The Sawtooth Wilderness Semi-primitive RMZ 

consists of the Sawtooth WA and WSAs. There are also a few small scattered 

BLM-administered lands adjacent to the designated WA and WSAs within the 

RMZ. This RMZ is a rugged area that will be managed for its wilderness 

qualities while working in conjunction with Native American tribes and 

California State Parks. BLM will consider implementation of road 

improvements and the development of a trailhead on the BLM-lands adjacent 

to the designated WA and WSA boundaries to facilitate access to these areas. 

Recreation Niche: This RMZ offers a unique opportunity to explore lands that 

have a wilderness quality. The Sawtooth area offers a diverse flora and fauna 

community and remote hiking and backcountry experiences for visitors to 

enjoy. 

•	 Primary Activities: Hiking, backcountry camping, horseback riding, 

wildlife viewing, photography, and hunting. 

•	 Experiences: Regular exercise in natural environments, seeing riparian 

ecosystems, learning about the area’s natural and cultural history, and 

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living near safe and convenient access to recreational opportunities on 

public lands. 

•	 Benefits: 

o Personal: Increased appreciation of the area’s natural and cultural 

heritage. 

o Community: Improved community fitness and increased community 

stewardship of public lands. 

o	 Economic: Positive contributions to local-regional economic stability 

and increased local property values. 

o Environmental: Improved protection of natural and cultural resources 

and decreased presence of non-native invasive species. 

2.15.3 Management Actions 

RMZ-12	 Collect Recreation Use Permit (RUP) fees at Cottonwood and Lark Canyon 

Campgrounds under the authority of Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement 

Act (FLREA). 

RMZ-13	 Collect Special Recreation Permits (SRP) fees for commercial activities and 

organized group events on a case-by-case basis to provide for a wide range of 

recreation opportunities within the Planning Area. 

RMZ-14	 Maintain, install, and improve informational and interpretive kiosks and signs 

at the main points of access and interest throughout the field office. Signage 

will focus on informing visitors of applicable regulations and sustainable 

outdoor recreation ethics. 

RMZ-15	 Protect at-risk cultural resources from recreational damage as needed 

throughout the field office. Protection measures will include, but are not limited 

to fencing, signage, and trail realignments, restorations, and use limitations. 

RMZ-16	 Limit the length of stay for overnight camping on BLM-administered lands to 

14 days within any 28-day period. After 14 days, visitors must move to another 

campsite at least 25 miles away. 

RMZ-17	 Target shooting is permitted on BLM-administered lands throughout the 

Planning Area except in the McCain Valley and Table Mountain RMZs. 

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However, the legal pursuit of game is allowed on BLM-administered lands 

throughout the Planning Area, subject to the CDFG regulations. 

RMZ-18	 Proposed activities (e.g. surface disturbing activities) will not be approved until 

compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

RMZ-19	 Limit group size for Table Mountain to 12 visitors. 

RMZ-20	 Where warranted by increased recreation demands, expand the RUP fee 

program to additional BLM-administered lands. The development of new and 

expanded RUP sites must support stated Recreation Management Objectives 

and Goals and Objectives, and will be contingent upon the completion of 

publicly reviewed recreation activity-plans that document the expected longterm compatibility with the BLM’s multiple-use mission. 

RMZ-21	 Currently there are 38,690 acres allocated in the McCain Valley National 

Cooperative Land and Wildlife Management Area in accordance with the 

McCain Valley Recreational Area Management Plan (RAMP; 1979). This 

RAMP will be reviewed for consistency with approved RMP and revised 

accordingly. 

RMZ-22	 Lark Canyon OHV Area, Lark Canyon Campground/Staging Area, and 

Cottonwood Campground are available for leasable mineral entry, including 

geothermal mineral leasing. 

RMZ-23	 Lark Canyon OHV Area, Lark Canyon Campground/Staging Area, and 

Cottonwood Campground are available for renewable energy development 

(including geothermal mineral leasing). 

RMZ-24	 Airport Mesa is an exclusion area for renewable energy development (except 

geothermal mineral leasing). 

2.16 Transportation and Public Access 

All BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area are designated as open, closed, or 

limited to OHV use (Land Use Plan-level decision). Designation of individual routes of 

travel within the Planning Area is an implementation-level decision and is discussed in 

Section 3.0. 

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2.16.1 OHV Management Area Designations 

Criteria and definitions for limited, open, and closed area designations are established in 

43 CFR 8340.0-5 (f) (g) and (h), respectively. 

Open areas are areas where all types of vehicle use is permitted at all times, anywhere 

in the area. 

Limited areas are restricted at certain times, in certain areas, and/or to certain vehicular 

use. These restrictions may be of any type, but can generally be accommodated within 

the following type of categories: numbers of vehicles; types and sizes of vehicles; time or 

season of vehicle use; permitted or licensed use only; use on existing roads and trails; 

use on designated roads and trails; limited to administrative use only; and other 

restrictions. The distance motorized vehicles may pull off of a designated route is 25 

feet. This will be monitored on a continuing basis. If monitoring results show effects that 

exceed limits of acceptable change, the distance allowed for motorized vehicles to pull 

off from a designated route may be modified. 

Closed areas are areas where motorized vehicle use is prohibited. Use of OHVs in 

closed areas may be allowed for certain reasons; however, such use would be made 

only with the approval of the authorized officer. Congressionally designated WAs are 

statutorily closed to motorized and mechanized use, except for purposes specifically 

provided for by law. 

OHV-01	 This RMP/ROD designates all BLM-administered public lands within the 

Planning Area as open, closed, or limited to motorized travel as identified in 

Map 7 and on Table 8. 

TABLE 8 

OHV MANAGEMENT AREA DESIGNATIONS (ACRES)
 

Designation Acres 

Open 0 

Closed 61,712 

Limited 41,157 

Total Acres 102,869 

2.16.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

OHV-02	 Continue to provide essential motorized access to non-federal lands, prior 

existing rights on BLM lands, and private in-holdings surrounded by BLM 

lands. 

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OHV-03	 Continue to provide adequate motorized access for the maintenance of wildlife 

water catchments and for dispersed recreation activities such as hunting. 

OHV-04	 Provide for a wide variety of trail-based recreational opportunities (i.e., hiking, 

mountain biking, OHV riding, horseback riding, etc.). 

OHV-05	 Reduce or halt the unauthorized proliferation of motorized and non-motorized 

recreation trails. 

OHV-06	 Minimize impacts to identified sensitive cultural, natural, biological, and visual 

resources. 

2.16.1.2 Management Actions 

OHV-07	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

OHV-08	 General vehicle travel will only be allowed on routes designated for motorized 

vehicles. Emergency vehicles may utilize a drivable wash in order to access a 

site. Where no roads exist, vehicles may be authorized on a case-by-case 

basis to travel cross-country to avoid the need for road building. Where new 

roads must be built, roadbeds will be no wider than needed for reliable access; 

BLM specifications will also be used to reduce erosion. 

OHV-09	 As a general practice, new roads will not be bladed for use in fence 

construction. The Authorized Officer may approve cross-country vehicle travel, 

or fences will be built without use of motorized access. 

OHV-10	 Mining plans of operation will be required in areas designated as closed to 

OHV use. 

OHV-11	 BLM’s strategy to reduce vehicle incursions by restoring conditions of 

disturbed or degraded non-motorized routes or trespasses will be 

accomplished as rapidly as funding permits. Sensitive resources in immediate 

danger, or those that have been damaged by vehicle trespass, will be a high 

priority for restoration. Typically, the restoration will be limited to that portion of 

the route of trespass that is in line of sight from an open route. Each route will 

be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and the most appropriate method of 

restoration used based on geography, topography, soils, hydrology, and 

vegetation. 

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The methods of restoration will include: 

o	 Not repairing washed-out routes 

o	 Using natural barriers, such as large boulders 

o	 Using rocks and dead and downed wood to obscure the route 

entryway 

o	 Employing mulching, chipping, and raking to disguise evidence of 

routes 

o	 Ripping up the route bed and reseeding with vegetation native to that 

area. 

o	 Utilizing fences or barriers 

o	 Providing signage, including information to OHV users, on the need 

and value of resource protection 

o	 Converting motorized two-track routes into non-motorized single track 

routes 

o	 Ensure that designated routes within the Planning Area are 

adequately signed and mapped for public use. 

2.17 Lands and Realty Management 

Lands and realty actions are generally externally initiated by the public and considered 

on a case-by-case basis as implementation level decisions. 

Map 8 illustrates the locations of lands available for disposal, lands currently withdrawn 

and those recommended for withdrawal, existing communication sites, and the utility 

corridor (see Map 5 for the lands available for wind energy development). 

2.17.1 Land Tenure 

2.17.1.1 Land Available for Disposal 

DIS-01	 There are approximately 490 acres identified as available for disposal on 

BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area (see Map 8). These are 

identified in detail in Appendix F. 

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Goals and Objectives 

DIS-02	 No net loss of lands that are: a) designated or proposed to be designated as 

critical habitat for a listed or proposed threatened or endangered species; b) 

identified as supporting listed or proposed threatened or endangered species; 

or c) identified as supporting federal candidate species. 

DIS-03	 Retain lands to benefit resource values and management. 

DIS-04	 Land ownership patterns will be consolidated to achieve more efficient and 

effective resource management. 

Management Actions 

DIS-05	 Disposal of mineral estate will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Consolidate split-estate pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of FLPMA. 

DIS-06	 When disposing by sale, the preferred method will be competitive or modifiedcompetitive. 

DIS-07	 Land tenure adjustment actions will be determined by resource management 

priorities. 

DIS-08	 Proposed activities will not be approved until compliance with Section 106 of 

the NHPA has been completed and documented, including where applicable, 

consultation with the SHPO and federally recognized tribes. 

2.17.1.2 Acquisition 

ACQ-01	 Lands and interests in lands (including easements) will be acquired from 

willing sellers on a case-by-case basis. Emphasis will be on protecting 

sensitive wildlife and archaeological resources; facilitating public recreation 

programs; and consolidating WAs and WSAs. Purchase and donations are 

key mechanisms for land acquisition. 

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Goals and Objectives 

ACQ-02	 Lands or interest in lands (including easements) to be acquired must either: 

 Facilitate access to public lands and resources, 

 Maintain or enhance public uses and values, 

 Facilitate implementation of this RMP/ROD, 

 Provide for a more manageable land ownership pattern, or 

 Include significant natural or cultural resource values. 

Management Actions 

ACQ-03	 Manage all acquired lands in accordance with the RMP/ROD decisions for 

surrounding or adjacent BLM-administered lands. 

ACQ-04	 Consolidate split-estate pursuant to Sections 205 and 206 of FLPMA. 

ACQ-05	 Any lands acquired by the BLM will include both the surface and subsurface 

(minerals) estate when possible and will be managed in accordance with the 

RMP/ROD decisions for the surrounding area. 

ACQ-06	 In April 2006, the BLM El Centro Field Office accepted the donation of an 

approximately 1,800-acre parcel in Cottonwood Canyon (see Map 8) from the 

Conservation Fund (TCF). In a donation agreement signed by BLM and TCF 

in 2006, BLM agreed to manage the parcel for ecological integrity and the 

permanent protection of the natural resources (see paragraph 1 in the 

Donation Agreement, Appendix G). To that end, BLM specifically agreed to: 

1. construct roads, structures or other improvements only as minimally 

necessary to protect resources; 

2. establish management guidance for motorized use consistent with 

Paragraph 1 in the Donation Agreement; 

3. protect hydrologic and aquatic systems. 

Therefore, in accordance with the Donation Agreement stipulations 

summarized above, this parcel will be available only for uses that would 

maintain or improve ecological integrity and resource conditions as consistent 

with Paragraph 1 in the Donation Agreement. Furthermore, this ROD 

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establishes route designations for motorized use in accordance with the 

Donation Agreement as outlined in Item 2, above. 

2.17.2 Land Use Authorizations 

Land use authorizations consist of leases, permits, and easements; ROWs; 

communication sites; renewable energy; withdrawals; and utility corridors. 

LUA-01	 WSAs are exclusion areas for all types of land use authorizations. 

LUA-02	 ACECs are avoidance areas for all land use authorizations other than for 

renewable energy (i.e., wind and geothermal development). 

LUA-03	 ACECs are exclusion areas for renewable energy (i.e., wind and geothermal 

development). 

LUA-04 Critical habitat lands are exclusion areas for all types of land use 

authorizations. 

Avoidance area is defined as an area only available for discretionary land use 

authorizations when there are no other reasonable alternatives for the authorization. 

Exclusion area is defined as an area that is not available for discretionary land use 

authorizations. 

2.17.2.1 Leases/Permits/Easements 

LPE-01	 Leases, permits, and easements are considered and authorized on a case-bycase basis to meet public demand consistent with exclusion and avoidance 

areas identified in this RMP/ROD. Geothermal development is regulated by 

the land use decisions presented under Leasables in the Mineral Resources 

Section (see Map 5). 

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Goals and Objectives 

LPE-02	 BLM will respond to public demand for leases, permits, and easements on a 

case-by-case basis, consistent with management decisions in this RMP/ROD. 

LPE-03	 Land will not be available for leasing for residential purposes. 

Management Actions 

LPE-04	 BLM will use Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) leases to meet 

community needs. 

LPE-05	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.17.2.2 Rights-of-Way 

ROW-01	 ROWs are considered and authorized on a case-by-case basis to meet public 

demand consistent with exclusion and avoidance areas identified in this 

RMP/ROD. 

Goals and Objectives 

ROW-02	 BLM will respond to public demand for ROWs on a case-by-case basis, 

consistent with management decisions in this RMP/ROD. 

Management Actions 

ROW-03	 Locate new major utility ROWs only in a designated corridor, unless an 

evaluation of the project shows that location outside of a designated corridor is 

the only practicable alternative. 

ROW-04	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

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2.17.2.3 Communication Sites 

COM-01	 There are two communication sites present on BLM-administered lands within 

the Planning Area (see Map 8). 

Goals and Objectives 

COM-02	 When practicable, consolidate future proposed facilities within existing 

communication sites, consistent with management decisions in this 

RMP/ROD. 

Management Actions 

COM-03	 Any application for proposed facilities at existing communication sites must be 

compatible with other uses at the site existing at the time of application. 

COM-04	 Applications for new communication sites outside the two existing sites will be 

considered on a case-by-case basis to meet public demand, emphasizing colocation and subleasing of facilities, consistent with management decisions 

and exclusion and avoidance areas identified in this RMP/ROD. 

COM-05	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.17.2.4 Renewable Energy 

RNE-01	 This RMP/ROD identifies 34,259 acres of land available for wind energy 

development. Geothermal energy development is regulated by the land use 

decisions presented under Leasable Mineral Management in the Mineral 

Resources Section of the RMP/ROD. 

RNE-02	 Renewable energy projects (e.g., wind and geothermal development) will be 

considered and authorized on a case-by-case basis to meet public demand 

consistent with management decisions identified in this RMP/ROD. 

RNE-03	 ACECs are exclusion areas for renewable energy development. 

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RNE-04	 Airport Mesa is an exclusion area for renewable energy development (except 

geothermal). 

RNE-05	 WSAs are exclusion areas for renewable energy development (including 

geothermal). 

RNE-06	 Critical habitat lands are exclusion areas for renewable energy development 

(including geothermal). 

RNE-07	 Riparian areas are avoidance areas for all commercial and non-commercial 

surface-disturbance activities, including renewable energy development. 

Goals and Objectives 

RNE-08	 Provide for the production and distribution of renewable energy, consistent 

with management decisions in this RMP/ROD. 

RNE-09	 Allow the use of public lands for production of renewable energy compatible 

with management of sensitive resources. 

Management Actions 

RNE-10	 Process applications for commercial renewable energy (e.g., wind and 

geothermal development) facilities as ROWs or leases on a case-by-case 

basis. 

RNE-11	 Do not allow surface occupancy of renewable energy facilities in special 

designation areas (WA, WSA, and ACECs). 

RNE-12	 Make land available for growth, production, or conversion of biomass 

materials to energy products consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and 

policy and in accordance with the approved RMP/ROD. 

RNE-13	 BLM Wind Energy Program Policies and BMPs established in Appendix A in 

the Wind Energy Development Program ROD (DOI BLM 2005f) will be used 

for all site-specific wind development projects. 

RNE-14	 Surface disturbing activities associated with renewable energy development 

will not be approved until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been 

completed and documented, including where applicable, consultation with the 

SHPO and federally recognized tribes. 

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RNE-15	 Surface disturbing activities associated with renewable energy development 

will not be approved until compliance with Section 7 of the ESA has been 

completed and documented, in areas where such consultation is needed. 

2.17.3 Withdrawals 

2.17.3.1 Land Withdrawn Current and Recommended 

Lands currently withdrawn and recommended for withdrawal are shown on Map 8. 

WTD-01 WAs are withdrawn from all forms of land entry. There are 48,333 acres of 

WAs on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area. 

WTD-02 Existing Public Land Orders (PLO) withdraw 18,319 acres from all forms of 

land entry on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area. PLOs 

withdraw lands from application under certain non-mineral public land laws 

and from disposition under the homestead, desert land, and scrip selection 

laws. This acreage excludes any overlap with WAs. 

WTD-03 BLM will recommend the withdrawal of 12,592 acres of BLM-administered 

lands within the Planning Area from all forms of land entry. This includes the 

In-Ko-Pah Mountains ACEC and Table Mountain ACEC. The acreage of 

ACECs excludes the private in-holdings located within the ACEC boundaries; 

however, these areas do overlap the PLO boundaries, as the PLOs do not 

withdraw lands from mineral entry. 

2.17.3.2 Goals and Objectives 

WTD-04 Protect sensitive or significant natural or cultural resource values from 

disturbances relating to locatable mineral entry. 

2.17.3.3 Management Actions 

WTD-05 Minimize the amount of land withdrawn under PLOs and, where applicable, 

revoke existing withdrawals, if the land is no longer needed for the original 

purpose of the withdrawal. 

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WTD-06 Continue to review existing lands withdrawn under PLOs and other agency 

withdrawals periodically to ensure that the reasons for the withdrawal are still 

valid, and that only the acreage needed is retained in withdrawn status. 

WTD-07 In withdrawn areas, an investigation and a report to determine the validity of a 

locatable mineral mining claim will be required prior to approval of a mining 

plan of operations. 

2.17.4 Utility Corridors 

COR-01	 There is one designated utility corridor on BLM-administered lands within the 

Planning Area. This corridor has a maximum length of 1.5 miles and a 

maximum width of 1 mile with the northern boundary being the southern 

boundary of the ROW of Interstate 8 (see Map 8). 

2.17.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

COR-02	 Consolidation of major ROWs within the approved corridor to minimize 

resource impacts. 

COR-03	 The designated corridor would be the preferred location for major utility ROWs 

passing through the Planning Area. 

2.17.4.2 Management Actions 

COR-04	 BLM will continue to manage one utility corridor consistent with the Western 

Regional Corridor Study (Western Utility Group 1993). 

COR-05	 All new utility ROWs, consisting of the following types, will be located only 

within the designated corridor: 1) new electrical transmission towers and 

cables of 161 kV or above; 2) all pipelines with diameters greater than 12 

inches; 3) coaxial cables for interstate communications; and 4) major 

aqueducts or canals for interbasin transfers of water. 

COR-06	 Avoid special designation areas and environmentally sensitive areas. 

COR-07	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) within the utility corridor 

will not be approved until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been 

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completed and documented, including where applicable, consultation with the 

SHPO and federally recognized tribes. 

2.18 Public Health and Safety 

2.18.1 Abandoned Mines 

2.18.1.1 Goals and Objectives 

ABM-01 Reduce or eliminate the risk to members of the public associated with 

abandoned mines. 

2.18.1.2 Management Actions 

ABM-02 Implement fencing, gating, signage, and/or closure of abandoned mine 

openings. 

ABM-03 Consider using abandoned mines for wildlife habitat. 

ABM-04 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved, 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

2.18.2 Unexploded Ordnance 

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for investigating 

and mitigating environmental impacts related to past military use. 

2.3.19.2.1 Goals and Objectives 

UXO-01	 Promote pubic and/or environmental safety from unexploded ordnance (UXO). 

Page 116 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.3.19.2.2 Management Actions 

UXO-02	 In cooperation with the USACE, identify the locations on BLM-administered 

lands that are potential areas of UXO concern. 

2.18.3 International Border Issues 

BLM manages approximately 0.5 mile of public land along the international border within 

the Planning Area. 

2.18.3.1 Goals and Objectives 

IBI-01 Ensure that borderlands are safe for public and agency use. 

2.18.3.2 Management Actions 

IBI-02 In performance of border management duties, Department of Homeland 

Security Customs and Border Protection USBP is authorized to use all BLM 

routes as they are designated. In emergency situations, where greater access 

may be required, BLM will coordinate with USBP to minimize impacts to 

resources. 

2.18.4 Hazardous Materials 

2.18.4.1 Goals and Objectives 

HZM-01	 Minimize the presence and potential impact to human health and the 

environment from hazardous materials. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 117 

October 2008 
2.0 Eastern San Diego County Resource Management Plan 

2.18.4.2 Management Actions 

HZM-02	 Perform public notification of potential health risks by means of notices, 

signage, and other forms of communication. 

HZM-03	 Remediate areas contaminated with hazardous materials in accordance with 

applicable laws and regulations. 

HZM-04	 Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing activities) will not be approved, 

until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has been completed and 

documented, including where applicable, consultation with the SHPO and 

federally recognized tribes. 

Page 118 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: 

Routes of Travel 

All routes have been classified as motorized or non-motorized. Motorized routes are 

open to all vehicles, including OHVs. Some motorized routes may have additional 

limitations on use, including vehicle size, vehicle type, and season of use, or by limiting 

use to administrative vehicles only. Non-motorized routes will be closed to motorized 

vehicles, including OHV, but open to biking, hiking, and equestrian use. 

3.1 Implementation-level Decisions 

ILD-01 Table 9 provides the total mileage of each of these classifications, and Map 9 

illustrates the locations of the routes of travel by classification. 

TABLE 9 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL CLASSIFICATION 

Classification Miles 

Motorized 95.7 

Non-motorized 97.4 

Total Mileage 193.1 

ILD -02 WAs and WSAs would be designated as closed areas for mechanized and 

motorized vehicle use. Travel within the rest of the Planning Area would be 

limited to designated routes. 

ILD -03 Non-motorized routes would be restored, as funding is available. 

ILD -04 Lark Canyon OHV Area, routes limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 40” or 

less in size would have an average width of 5 feet. Vehicles may pull off of the 

route a maximum of 40 inches to allow for safe passing. 

ILD -05 Motorized vehicles may be allowed to pull off 25 feet from the edge of a 

designated route. 

ILD -06 Route decisions based on importance for recreation, cultural, and biological. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 119 

October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

ILD -07 BLM routes would be inspected and some may be maintained on a periodic 

basis. 

3.2 Individual Routes of Travel Designations 

Map 9 shows the routes of travel as designated, and Table 10 lists the individual routes 

of travel, length of the route or segment, the designation, and any limitations on the 

route. The routes of travel are also depicted and labeled on the oversized maps included 

in the map pocket. 

3.3 Administrative Remedies for Appeals 

A person who wishes to appeal to the IBLA must file a notice expressing the wish to 

appeal in the office of the officer who made the decision (not the IBLA). A person served 

with the decision being appealed must transmit the Notice of Appeal in time for it to be 

filed in the office where is required to be filed within 30 days after the date of service. If a 

decision is published in the Federal Register, a person not served with the decision must 

transmit a Notice of Appeal in time for it to be filed within 30 days after the date of 

publication (43 CFR 4.411 and 4.413). 

The Federal Register notice announcing the availability of this approved RMP/ROD will 

initiate the 30-day appeal period for the implementation-level decisions on Routes of 

Travel. The Notice of Appeal should state the specific route(s), as identified in Section 

3.2 Individual Routes of Travel Designations of the RMP/ROD, on which the decision is 

being appealed. Copies of the map detailing the labeled routes of travel are included 

within the map pocket of this RMP/ROD and are also available at BLM’s internet site: 

(http://www.BLM.gov/CA/st/en/fo/elcentro.html) or the El Centro Field Office (1661 South 

4th Street, El Centro, California 92243) or by calling 760-337-4400. 

Page 120 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 

3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

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Page 122 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Dec

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use 004a Provides a pull-off for parking and camping. 005 Main road into Buck Canyon. Provides access for recreation. 006 Provides access for recreation. 007 Provides access for recreation and a turn around area for vehicles. 009 Provides recreational access. 010 Provides a pull off for recreational camping and access. 012 Provides access to numerous trails for recreational access. 012a 012b Provides recreational access. 012f 012g Provides a pull off for parking or camping. 012h Provides recreational access. 013 Provides a leg of a loop for recreational touring. 015 Provides main access to Chariot Canyon. Important for recreation and fire protection. 015d 015e 015f 

Provides a pull-off for camping and parking. 

016 Provides main access to Rodriguez Canyon. Important for recreation and fire protection. 016b 016c 016d 

Provides a pull-off for camping and parking. 

018 019 Provides access to mine claims, fire protection and recreation. 020 Provides access for fire protection and recreation. Forms part of a loop for recreational touring. 020a This route provides a pull off area from the main route for parking or camping. 021 Provides the only access to the Oriflamme area. Important for fire protection and recreation. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use (cont.) 021a 021b This route provides a pull off area from the main route for parking or camping. Provides access for fire protect021c Major route into Oriflamme. Forms part of a touring loop. Important for fire protection and recreation. 022 Provides recreational access and fire protection. Forms part of a loop for recreational touring. 

023 Provides recreational access and fire protection. 024 This route is the main access rout to the Table Mountain Area for camping hunting and other recreation as we

communication towers. 

024a 024b Provides pull off areas from the main route for parking or camping. 024c This route provides recreation access. 

024d 024e 024f 

Provides a pull off area from the main route for parking or camping. 

024g 024h 024i 024j 024k 024l 

Provides pull off areas for parking or camping and provides recreational access. 

024m This route provides access for hikers to reach Anza Borrego State Park. 

025 This route forms a loop to connect other routes and will provide access for recreation. 

025a This route provides a pull off area for parking or camping. 026 This route provides access for hikers into Anza Borrego State Park. 026a 026b Provides pull off areas for parking or camping. 027 Provides recreational access. Forms part of a loop for recreational touring. 027a This route provides a pull off area for parking or camping and provides recreational access. 

Page 124 Eastern San Diego C
3.0 Implementation-level Dec

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use (cont.) 028 Provides recreational access. 029 This route provides access for camping and recreation and connects other trails. Will provide access to hikers 

Borrego State Park. 

030 This route provides access for camping and recreation. 

031 This route provides access for camping and recreation. Will provide access to hikers to Anza Borrego State P032 This route provides access for camping and recreation. 033 033a This route provides access for camping and recreation. Will provide access to hikers to Anza Borrego State P034 This route provides access for camping and recreation. 035 Provides recreational access. 035b Route forms loop for turn-around area. 039 039a 040 041 041a 041b 041c 042 043 044 045 045a 045b 046 047 048 048a 

Routes access the Airport Mesa Area and are important for Border Patrol use and recreational access. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use (cont.) 048b 048c 049 050 

Routes access the Airport Mesa Area and are important for Border Patrol use and recreational access. 

051 McCain Valley Road is limited to street legal vehicles only. This is the only access into McCain Valley. 

052 054 

This route provides access to the Sacatone Overlook. It is limited to street legal vehicles only. Provides recrea

Provides access to Mount Tule. 

055 Provides a pull-off for parking and recreational access. 056 Provides recreational access. 057 Canebrake Road provides recreational access, fire protection, and provides access to private inholdings. 

058 059 Provides pull-off for parking and recreational access. 059a Needed for fire protection. 060 Route used by hang gliders. 064 Canebrake Road provides recreational access, fire protection, and provides access to private inholdings. 

064a Provides a pull-off for parking. 067a Provides access to private lands. Limited to street legal vehicles. 068 070 Provides recreational access and fire protection. 086 Provides recreational access. Provides access to Wilderness Study Area boundary. 

086a Provides pull-off for recreational access. Provides access to hikers to Anza Borrego State Park. 087 Serves as a pull-off from Hwy 78 for sight-seers. Recreational access. 089 Grapevine road is a popular touring route through Anza Borrego. 091 Provides recreational access and a pull off for parking. 097 This route makes up part of a loop for technical 4wd touring. 

108 Provides access to private property. Located along cherry-stem between WA and WSA. 

109 Provides access from Anza Borrego to the Sawtooth Wilderness Area Boundary. 

Page 126 Eastern San Diego C
3.0 Implementation-level Dec

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use (cont.) 110 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 325 326 327 328 

Provides access to private property. 

Lark Canyon OHV area. Routes used for recreational purposes as part of the trail network. Routes limited to 

inches in width. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD October 2008
 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use (cont.) 329 330 331 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 343 344 345 346 347 

Lark Canyon OHV area. Routes used for recreational purposes as part of the trail network. Routes limited to inches in width. 

Motorized Routes: Available for motorized use—administrative use only 098 099 100 Per the donation agreement for Cottonwood Canyon, these routes will be available for administrative motorize101 101a Non-motorized Routes: Not available for motorized use 001 002 Routes occur within a Wilderness Study Area. 003 008 Route is a redundant loop and does not improve access. 

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TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Non-motorized Routes: Not available for motorized use (cont.) 011 Extremely rugged route that is naturally rehabilitating. 012c 012d 012e 

Routes are overgrown and naturally rehabilitating and do not improve access to public lands. 

014 Does not improve public access. 015a Does not improve access to public lands. 015b 015c Sensitive cultural and biological resources are present and routes do not improve access to public lands. 015g Route crosses riparian area. Mostly overgrown, does not improve access to public lands. 016a Sensitive cultural and biological resources are present and route does not improve access to public lands. 017 Route is naturally rehabilitating. Extremely rugged with sensitive natural and cultural resources. 024n This route provides access for hikers to reach Anza Borrego State Park. 027b Route is within Table Mountain ACEC. It is a duplicate route, not serving as access and could lead to route pr036 037 038 

Routes in Table Mountain ACEC which supports sensitive cultural and biological resources. Routes are not n

reach points of interest. 

051a Duplicate route. Does not improve access to public lands. 052a 052c Routes are located inside In-Ko-Pah ACEC and do not improve public access. 

053 Route is within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive cultural and biological resources in the area. 

061 This route is Pepperwood Trail, which is a hiking trail. 062 063 Sensitive cultural and biological resources are present and routes lead into state park wilderness. 064b Does not improve access to public lands. 065 Sensitive cultural and biological resources in the area. 065a Does not improve access to public lands. 066 Sensitive cultural and biological resources in the area. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Non-motorized Routes: Not available for motorized use (cont.) 067 Isolated route surrounded by private land. Does not provide for public access to BLM-administered lands. 068b Does not improve access to public lands. 069 071 Duplicate routes. 072 Does not provide significant access. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. 073 074 075 075a 

Routes are located within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. 

076 Route lies within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. Route leads in

Area. 

076a 077 078 079 079a 

Routes are located within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. 

079b Route lies within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. Route leads in

Area. 

080 081 082 083 084 085 

Routes are located within the In-Ko-Pah ACEC. Sensitive biological and cultural resources in the area. 

088 Inside San Felipe Wilderness Study Area. 090a Does not improve access to public lands. 092 093 Routes are rarely used and are naturally rehabilitating. 

Page 130 Eastern San Diego C
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TABLE 10 

ROUTES OF TRAVEL (CONT.) 

Route ID Number Rationale for Implementation Level Decision 

Non-motorized Routes: Not available for motorized use (cont.) 094 Does not improve access to public lands. Extremely rugged route that is naturally rehabilitating. 095 Route is within Table Mountain ACEC. It is not necessary to reach any points of interest. Sensitive cultural an

resources are present in the area. 

095a Route is within Table Mountain ACEC. Sensitive cultural and biological resources are present in the area. 

096 102 

Route is within Table Mountain ACEC. It is a duplicate route, does not serve as access, and could lead to rou

Route connected by a closed route. Sensitive cultural and biological resources are present in the area. 

103 Route passes through Wilderness Study Area. It is naturally rehabilitating. Sensitive cultural and biological res

present in the area. 

104 105 106 

Routes are located inside Wilderness Study Area. 

107 Route is located inside Sawtooth Wilderness Area. 108a Route is located inside a Wilderness Study Area. 111 Route leads form an area closed to motorized use by Anza Borrego State Park. 112 Route is located inside Sawtooth Wilderness Area. 114 Route is located inside Wilderness Study Area. 120 Banner Julian Trail is a historic trail used for hiking. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

The Notice of Appeal must be filed with: 

Bureau of Land Management 

El Centro Field Office 

Attn: Field Manager 

1661 South 4th Street 

El Centro, California 92243-4561 

With a copy also sent to the Solicitor: 

Office of the Solicitor 

Pacific Southwest Region 

1800 Cottage Way, Room E-1712 

Sacramento, California 95825-1890 

Within 30 days after filing the Notice of Appeal, a complete statement of reasons why 

you are appealing should be filed. If the Notice of Appeal fully stated the reasons for the 

appeal, no additional statement of reasons is necessary. 

A separate Statement of Reasons must be filed with: 

United States Department of Interior
 

Office of Hearings and Appeals 

Interior Board of Land Appeals 

801 N. Quincy Street, MS-300-QC 

Arlington, Virginia 22203
 

With a copy also sent to the Solicitor: 

Office of the Solicitor 

Pacific Southwest Region 

1800 Cottage Way, Room E-1712 

Sacramento, California 95825-1890 

Within 15 days after each document is filed, each adverse party named in the decision 

and the Regional Solicitor having jurisdiction over the State in which the appeal rose 

must be served with a copy of: (a) the Notice of Appeal, (b) the Statement of Reasons, 

and (c) any other documents filed (43 CFR 4.413). 

Page 132 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

Within 15 days after any document is served on an adverse party, file proof of that 

service with: 

United States Department of Interior
 

Office of Hearings and Appeals 

Interior Board of Land Appeals 

801 N. Quincy Street, MS-300-QC 

Arlington, Virginia 22203
 

This may consist of a certified or registered mail “Return Receipt Card” signed by the 

adverse party (43 CFR 4.401(c)). 

This decision becomes effective upon expiration of the time allowed for filing an appeal 

unless a petition for stay is timely filed together with a Notice of Appeal (43 CFR 4.21). If 

you wish to file a petition for a stay of the effectiveness of this decision during the time 

that the appeal is being reviewed by IBLA, the petition for a stay must accompany the 

Notice of Appeal (43 CFR 4.21). A petition for a stay is required to show sufficient 

justification based on the standards listed below. Copies of the Notice of Appeal and 

Petition for a Stay must also be submitted to each party named in this decision and to 

the Interior Board of Land Appeals and to the appropriate Office of the Solicitor (see 43 

CFR 4.413) at the same time the original documents are filed with this office. If a stay is 

requested, the requestor has the burden of proof to demonstrate that a stay should be 

granted. 

Standards for Obtaining a Stay. Except as otherwise provided by law or other 

pertinent regulations, a petition for a stay of a decision pending appeal shall show 

sufficient justification based on the following standards: (1) the relative harm to the 

parties if the stay is granted or denied, (2) the likelihood of the appellant’s success on 

the merits, (3) the likelihood of immediate and irreparable harm if the stay is not granted, 

and (4) whether the public interest favors granting the stay. 

Unless these procedures are followed, the appeal will be subject to dismissal (43 CFR 

4.4.02). 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 133 

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3.0 Implementation-level Decisions: Routes of Travel 

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Page 134 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

4.1 Implementation 

Many land use plan decisions are implemented or become effective upon approval of the 

RMP/ROD. Examples of decisions that become effective upon approval of the 

RMP/ROD include decisions on land health standards, desired outcomes (goals and 

objectives), allowable uses to achieve outcomes, and all special designations such as an 

ACEC. Management actions that require additional site-specific project planning as 

funding becomes available will require further environmental analysis. Decisions to 

implement site-specific projects are subject to administrative review at the time when 

such decisions are made. 

BLM will continue to involve and collaborate with the public during implementation of this 

plan. Opportunities to become involved in the plan implementation and monitoring will 

include development of partnerships and community-based citizen working groups. BLM 

invites citizens and user groups within the Planning Area to become actively involved in 

implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of RMP decisions. BLM and citizens may 

collaboratively develop site-specific goals and objectives that mutually benefit public land 

resources, local communities, and the people who live, work, or play on the public lands. 

4.2 Requirements for Further Environmental 

Analysis 

The RMP/ROD is a programmatic statement describing the impacts of implementing the 

proposed land use plan decisions and associated management actions described for the 

Planning Area. 

Land use plan decisions that are implemented upon approval of the RMP/ROD do not 

require any further environmental analysis or documentation until modified through an 

RMP amendment or revision. Whenever implementation-level plans (e.g., ACEC 

Management Plans, etc.) are prepared, additional environmental analysis and 

documentation would be required. Individual management actions or projects requiring 

additional site-specific project planning, as funding becomes available, would require 

further environmental analysis. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 135 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

Site-specific environmental analyses and documentation (including the use of 

categorical exclusions and determinations of NEPA adequacy where appropriate) may 

be prepared for one or more individual projects in accordance with management 

objectives and decisions established in the approved land use plan. In addition, BLM will 

ensure that the environmental review process includes evaluation of all critical elements, 

including cultural resources and threatened and endangered species, and completes 

required USFWS Section 7 consultations and coordination with the SHPO in accordance 

with the BLM Cultural Resources National Programmatic Agreement and California 

BLM-SHPO protocols. 

Interdisciplinary impact analysis will be based on this RMP/ROD and other applicable 

EISs. If the analysis prepared for site-specific projects finds potential for significant 

impacts not already described in an existing EIS, another EIS or a supplement to an 

existing EIS may be warranted. 

Upon providing public notice of a decision, supporting environmental documentation will 

be sent to all affected interests and made available to other publics on request. 

Decisions to approve implementation-level plans or to implement site-specific projects 

are subject to administrative review at the time such decisions are made. 

4.3 Adaptive Management 

Adaptive management is a formal, systematic, and rigorous approach to learning from 

the outcomes of management actions, accommodating change, and improving 

management. It involves synthesizing existing knowledge, exploring alternative actions, 

and making explicit forecasts about their outcomes. Management actions and monitoring 

programs are carefully designed to generate reliable feedback and clarify the reasons 

underlying outcomes. Actions and objectives are then adjusted based on this feedback 

and improved understanding. In addition, decisions, actions, and outcomes are carefully 

documented and communicated to others, so that knowledge gained through experience 

is passed on rather than being lost when individuals move or leave the organization. 

This RMP/ROD implements an adaptive management strategy. This adaptive 

management process is a flexible process that generally involves four phases: planning, 

implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. As BLM obtains new information, it would 

Page 136 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

evaluate monitoring data and other resource information to periodically refine and 

update desired conditions and management strategies. This approach ensures the 

continual refinement and improvement of management prescriptions and practices. 

4.4 Plan Monitoring 

Land use plan monitoring is conducted in three stages. The first of which is to ensure 

that decisions are implemented in accordance with the approved RMP/ROD. This type of 

monitoring is conducted as RMP decisions become effective or when decisions to 

approve implementation-level plans or to implement site-specific projects are approved 

or implemented. The next stage of monitoring is to determine whether land use plan 

decisions are achieving the desired effects. Effectiveness monitoring provides an 

empirical database on impacts of decisions and effectiveness of mitigation. 

Effectiveness monitoring is also useful for improving analytical procedures for future 

impact analyses and for designing or improving mitigation and enhancement measures. 

As stated in BLM Land Use Planning Handbook H-1601-1, (page 33): 

“Implementation monitoring is the process of tracking and documenting the 

implementation (or the progress toward implementation) of land use plan 

decisions. This should be done at least annually and should be documented in 

the form of a tracking log or report. The report must be available for public review 

(one way to accomplish this is an annual planning update which can be sent to 

those who participated in the planning process or have expressed an interest in 

receiving the report). The report should describe management actions proposed 

or undertaken to implement land use plan decisions and can form the basis for 

annual budget documents. In subsequent years, reports should document which 

management actions were completed and what further actions are needed to 

continue implementing land use plan decisions. 

Effectiveness monitoring is the process of collecting data and information in order 

to determine whether or not desired outcomes (expressed as goals and 

objectives in the land use plan) are being met (or progress is being made toward 

meeting them) as the allowable uses and management actions are being 

implemented. A monitoring strategy must be developed as part of the land use 

plan that identifies indicators of change, acceptable thresholds, methodologies, 

protocols, and timeframes that will be used to evaluate and determine whether or 

not desired outcomes are being achieved. The monitoring process should collect 

information in the most cost-effective manner and may involve sampling or 

remote sensing. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 137 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

Monitoring could be so costly as to be prohibitive if it is not carefully and 

reasonably designed. Therefore, it is not necessary or desirable to monitor every 

management action or direction. Unnecessary detail and unacceptable costs can 

be avoided by focusing on key monitoring questions and proper sampling 

methods. The level and intensity of monitoring will vary, depending on the 

sensitivity of the resource or area and the scope of the proposed management 

activity. ” 

Table 11 includes examples of monitoring that periodically occur within the Planning 

Area and outlines an approach to monitoring based on needs identified in this RMP. 

Monitoring will be directed at areas in which specific and important resource values and 

visitor experiences could be threatened. Key results of monitoring will be summarized in 

the annual reports. 

4.5 Plan Evaluation 

The last stage of monitoring is to determine whether a land use plan decision continues 

to be the correct or proper decision over time. Evaluation monitoring goes beyond 

effectiveness monitoring and focuses on examining the validity of decisions. 

As stated in the BLM Land Use Planning Handbook H-1601-1 (pages 34-36), evaluation 

is the process of reviewing the land use plan and the periodic plan monitoring reports to 

determine whether the land use plan decisions and NEPA analysis are still valid and 

whether the plan is being implemented. Land use plans are evaluated to determine if: 

(1) decisions remain relevant to current issues, 

(2) decisions are effective in achieving (or making progress toward achieving) 

desired outcomes, 

(3) any decisions need to be revised, 

(4) any decisions need to be dropped from further consideration, and 

(5) any areas require new decisions. 

Page 138 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

TABLE 11 

EASTERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY RMP/ROD PLAN MONITORING 

Type of 

monitoring 

Staff member 

responsible 

How 

often? 

Where will it take 

place? Purpose? 

Riparian Area 

Surveys 

Natural 

Resource 

Specialist 

Every 5 

years 

Each documented 

riparian area within 

the planning 

boundary 

To assess proper 

functioning condition 

Bird monitoring Wildlife 

Biologist 

Each 

spring and 

fall 

McCain Valley To assess bird 

populations and overall 

ecosystem health 

Tamarisk 

removal/ 

monitoring 

Natural 

Resource 

Specialist/ 

Wildlife 

Biologist 

Each year Each documented 

riparian area or 

infestation site 

To boost overall 

ecosystem health and 

eradicate an invasive 

species. To improve 

wildlife habitat. 

Wilderness 

monitoring 

Wilderness 

Specialist 

Each year Each wilderness 

boundary in the 

Planning Area 

To monitor activity in and 

around the WAs. 

Law 

Enforcement 

(LE) Patrols/ 

monitoring 

LE Units Yearround All BLM lands in the 

Planning Area. 

To monitor legal and 

illegal activity occurring in 

the Planning Area. 

Grazing 

allotment 

monitoring 

Natural 

Resource 

Specialist 

Each year Each grazing 

allotment in the 

Planning Area. 

To monitor activity, 

forage conditions, water 

sources and range 

improvements on each 

grazing allotment in the 

Planning Area. 

Vehicle 

counters 

Outdoor 

Recreation 

Planner 

Yearround At Lark Canyon & 

Cottonwood 

Campground 

To monitor visitor use 

patterns at the developed 

campgrounds in the 

Planning Area. 

Campground 

hosts/ 

campgrounds 

monitoring 

Outdoor 

Recreation 

Planners/ 

Campground 

hosts 

During 

summer 

high use 

season 

At Cottonwood 

Campground 

To monitor visitor use 

patterns at the developed 

campgrounds in the 

Planning Area. 

Cultural 

resources 

monitoring 

Archaeologist Yearround All BLM lands in the 

Planning Area. 

To monitor cultural sites 

for visitor use and 

vandalism/theft. 

CDFG Bighorn 

Sheep surveys 

CDFG/Wildlife 

Biologist 

Each 

spring/ 

summer 

Peninsular Bighorn 

Sheep habitat in the 

Planning Area. 

To monitor populations of 

Peninsular bighorn sheep 

in the Planning Area. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 139 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

TABLE 11 

EASTERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY RMP/ROD PLAN MONITORING (CONT.) 

PLAN MONITORING 

As outlined in the RMP, the BLM will monitor and evaluate management strategies and 

resource conditions and trends to determine the effectiveness of the RMP and to ensure 

that its implementation is achieving the desired results. Information on resource 

conditions obtained through monitoring will be used to assess the effectiveness of 

management strategies and evaluate whether or not management should be adapted to 

accommodate new information, changes in demands on resources, or other 

considerations. 

The BLM will monitor Lark Canyon OHV area to quantify the number of recreational 

visits, types of recreational activities and use patterns, accomplishment of management 

objectives, and potential adverse impacts to resources and visitor experiences from use 

of the areas. The results of the monitoring will provide an opportunity to identify actions 

to protect resources, enhance visitor experiences, and deal with health and safety needs 

in the area. 

The monitoring program will include such actions as: 

• Patrolling roads, trails, and areas to observe recreation use where it is concentrated; 

• Monitoring road traffic counters and site registers; 

• Monitoring birds in McCain Valley; and 

• Monitoring riparian areas throughout the Planning Area. 

Monitoring will help the BLM to detect and document natural and human-induced 

changes in resource conditions and visitor experiences, and offer insights into the 

effectiveness of resource management policies and objectives. It will also help agency 

personnel understand what might be driving the changes requiring intervention 

(corrective management actions or strategies). Monitoring will be directed at areas in 

which specific and important resource values and visitor experiences could be 

threatened. 

Page 140 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

In making these determinations, the evaluation should consider whether mitigation 

measures are satisfactory, whether there are significant changes in the related plans of 

other entities, and whether there is new data of significance to the plan. The plan should 

be periodically evaluated (at a minimum every 5 years) as documented in an evaluation 

schedule. Plan evaluations should also be completed prior to any plan revisions and for 

major plan amendments. 

Evaluations may identify resource needs and means for correcting deficiencies and 

addressing issues through plan maintenance, amendments, or new starts. They should 

also identify where new and emerging resource issues and other values have surfaced. 

Evaluations may also identify new and innovative practices that improve effectiveness 

and efficiency so that other offices may benefit. The state and field office will identify an 

interdisciplinary team that will complete the evaluation(s), and the State Director should 

approve or concur with all evaluations. 

An evaluation report documenting the findings of the evaluation must be prepared. 

Following State Director approval or concurrence, the report will be made available to 

the public. Guidance on the report format is included in the BLM Land Use Planning 

Handbook H-1601-1, page 36. 

Evaluation of the RMP will generally be conducted every five years, unless unexpected 

actions, new information, or significant changes in other plans, legislation, land 

conveyances, or litigation triggers an evaluation. The following estimated evaluation 

schedule will be followed for the Eastern San Diego County RMP: 

• October 2013 

• October 2018 

• October 2023 

• October 2028 

Evaluations will follow the protocols established by the BLM Land Use Planning 

Handbook H-1601-1 or other appropriate guidance in effect at the time the evaluation is 

initiated. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 141 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

4.6 Plan Maintenance 

The BLM regulation in 43 CFR 1610.5-4 provides that land use plan decisions and 

supporting components can be maintained to reflect minor changes in data. 

Maintenance is limited to further refining, documenting, or clarifying a previously 

approved decision incorporated in the plan. Maintenance must not expand the scope of 

resource uses or restrictions or change the terms, conditions, and decisions of the 

approved plan. 

Plan maintenance is not considered a plan amendment and does not require formal 

public involvement, interagency coordination, or the NEPA analysis required for making 

new land use plan decisions. Maintenance actions must be documented in the plan or 

supporting components (i.e., recorded so that the change and Field Manager 

concurrence are evident). Examples of maintenance actions include: 1) Correcting minor 

data, typographical, mapping, or tabular data errors in the planning records after a plan 

or plan amendment has been completed; 2) refining the known habitat of a special 

status species addressed in the plan based on new information; and, 3) modifying or 

waiving the lease stipulation language in the RMP/ROD consistent with the criteria 

outlined in the land use plan. 

4.7 Plan Modification 

4.7.1 Amending the RMP 

Plan amendments (see 43 CFR 1610.5-5) change one or more of the terms, conditions, 

or decisions of an approved land use plan. These decisions may include those relating 

to desired outcomes; measures to achieve desired outcomes, including resource 

restrictions; or land tenure decisions. Plan amendments are most often prompted by the 

need to: 1) Consider a proposal or action that does not conform to the plan; 2) 

implement new or revised policy that changes land use plan decisions, such as an 

approved conservation agreement between the BLM and the USFWS; 3) respond to 

new, intensified, or changed uses on public land; and 4) consider significant new 

information from resource assessments, monitoring, or scientific studies that change 

land use plan decisions. 

Page 142 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

The BLM regulations in 43 CFR 1600 and the NEPA process detailed in the CEQ 

regulations in 40 CFR 1500 guide preparation of plan amendments. The process is 

tailored to the anticipated level of public interest and potential for significant impacts. 

4.7.2 Revising the RMP 

RMP revisions (see 43 CFR 1610.5-6) involve preparation of a new RMP to replace an 

existing one. RMP revisions are necessary if monitoring and evaluation findings, new 

data, new or revised policy, or changes in circumstances indicate that decisions for an 

entire plan or a major portion of the plan no longer serve as a useful guide for resource 

management. Plan revisions are prepared using the same procedures and 

documentation as for new plans. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page 143 

October 2008 
4.0 Implementation and Monitoring 

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Page 144 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Acronyms 

Acronyms 

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern 

AMR Appropriate Management Response 

ATV All-Terrain Vehicle 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BMP Best Management Practice 

BO Biological Opinion 

CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection 

CALPIF California Partners in Flight 

CDFG California Department of Fish and Game 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CO Carbon Monoxide 

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement 

DOI United States Department of the Interior 

DRMP Draft Resource Management Plan 

DRMP/DEIS Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact 

Statement 

ECFO (BLM) El Centro Field Office 

ECMSCP East County Multi-Species Conservation Program 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

EO Executive Order 

ESA Endangered Species Act 

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page AC-1 

October 2008 
Acronyms 

FEIR Final Environmental Impact Report 

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 

FLREA Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act 

GIS Geographic Information System 

IB (BLM) Information Bulletin 

IBLA Interior Board of Land Appeals 

IMP (BLM) Interim Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands under 

Wilderness Review 

IPM Integrated Pest Management 

KOP Key Observation Point 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MPC Materials Processing Center 

MS (BLM) Manual Section 

MU Management Unit 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NGO Non-Governmental Organization 

NOI Notice of Intent 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

NST National Scenic Trail 

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle 

PLO Public Land Order 

PRMP Proposed Resource Management Plan 

PRMP/FEIS Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact 

Statement 

Page AC-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Acronyms 

R&PP Recreation and Public Purposes Act 

RAMP Recreation Area Management Plan 

RMP Resource Management Plan 

RMP/EIS Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement 

RMP/ROD Resource Management Plan and Record of Decision 

RMZ Recreation Management Zone 

ROD Record of Decision 

ROW Right-of-Way 

RUP Recreation Use Permit 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SMARA Surface Mining and Reclamation Act 

SRMA Special Recreation Management Areas 

SRP Special Recreation Permit 

USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

USBP Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection United 

States Border Patrol 

USFS United States Forest Service 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

UXO Unexploded Ordnance 

VRM Visual Resource Management 

WA Wilderness Area 

WSA Wilderness Study Area 

WUI Wildland Urban Interface 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page AC-3 

October 2008 
Acronyms 

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Page AC-4 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
References 

References 

The following documents are cited in the RMP/ROD. For a complete list of 

references used and cited during the evaluation process please consult the 

PRMP/FEIS. 

Avian Power Line Interaction Committee 

2006 Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art 

in 2006. 

California Partners in Flight (CalPIF) 

2002 Version 2.0. The Oak Woodland Bird Conservation Plan: a Strategy for 

Protecting and Managing Oak Woodland Habitats and Associated Birds in 

California (S. Zack, Lead author). PRBO Conservation Science, Stinson 

Beach, CA. 

2004 Version 2.0. The Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Bird Conservation Plan: a 

Strategy for Protecting and Managing Coastal Scrub and Chaparral Habitats 

and Associated Birds in California (J. Lovio, Lead author). PRBO Conservation 

Science, Stinson Beach, CA. 

California, State of 

2006a Natural Diversity Data Base. Nongame-Heritage Program, Department of Fish 

and Game, Sacramento. 

California Department of Fish and Game 

2005 The Status of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants and Animals in the 

State of California 2000-2004. 

California State Parks 

2005 Anza Borrego Desert State Park Final General Plan and EIR. February. 

County of San Diego 

2007 Overview of East County MSCP Plan. Accessed 

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/mscp/ec_overview.html 7/30/2007. 

National Energy Policy Development Group 

2001 National Energy Policy; Reliable, Affordable, and Environmentally Sound 

Energy for America’s Future. May. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page R-1 

October 2008 
References 

Osborne, K. 

2005 Draft Habitat Evaluations for Quino Checkerspot Butterfly on Eight Linear Miles 

of Wind Turbine Array Sites, San Diego CountyPrepared for TetraTech, Inc.. 

April 9. 

2006 Focused Adult Survey for Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha 

quino) on Approximately 19 square kilometers of BLM lands in the Table 

Mountain Area, San Diego County, California. Osbourne Biological Consulting. 

June 26. 

Riparian Habitat Joint Venture (RHJV) 

2004 Version 2.0. The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan: a Strategy for Reversing the 

Decline of Riparian Associated Birds in California. California Partners in Flight. 

Tierra Environmental Services 

2006 Focused Survey Report for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly, Lark Canyon 

Study Site. Prepared for BLM California Desert District Office. June 29. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (DOA). Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. 

1982 Comprehensive Management Plan for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. 

January. 

U.S. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Land Management (DOI BLM) 

1979 McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area Recreation Activity Management 

Plan. BLM, Riverside, CA, District Office. 

1981a Eastern San Diego County Management Framework Plan. April. 

1988a California Vegetation Management Final Environmental Impact Statement. 

August. 

2005d Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat Assessment for BLM Lands Managed by 

the El Centro Field Office. 

2005f Record of Decision. Implementation of a Wind Energy Development Program 

and Associated Land Use Plan Amendments. December. 

2007a Record of Decision for Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on Bureau of 

Land Management Lands in 17 Western States Programmatic Environmental 

Impact Statement. September. 

2007b Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement; Vegetation Treatments 

Using Herbicides on Bureau of Land Management Lands in 17 Western 

States. June. 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 

1999 Arroyo Southwestern Toad (Bufo microscaphus californicus) Recovery Plan. 

Portland, OR vi+119 pp. 

2000 Recovery Plan for Bighorn Sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, California. 

Portland, OR. xv + 251 pp. 

Page R-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
References

 2002a Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Final Recovery Plan. Alberquerque, NM. i-ix + 

210 pp. Appendices A-O. 

2003 Recovery Plan for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). 

Portland, OR. X + 179 pp. 

2005b Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical 

Habitat for the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus); Final Rule. Federal Register 

Vol. 70, No. 70. April 13. 

2006 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical 

Habitat for the Laguna Mountains Skipper. Final Rule. Federal Register Vol. 

71, No. 238. December 12. 

2007 Laguna Mountains Skipper Habitat Ranking Model. Prepared by E. Luciani. 

June 11. 

2008 Section 7 Consultation/Conference Opinion on the Eastern San Diego County 

Resource Management Plan (FES-07-30; 1610 1150; CA-670.27). September 

30, 2008. 

Wells, J.M. and B.E. Kus 

2001 Least Bell’s Vireo Surveys and Nest Monitoring at Anza Borrego Desert State 

Park in 2000. January. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page R-3 

October 2008 
References 

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Page R-4 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendices 

APPENDICES 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendices 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix A 

APPENDIX A 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix A 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix A 

Errata for Eastern San Diego County 

Proposed RMP and Final EIS 

1. From Section 5.2.3 of the PRMP/FEIS: “Complete comment letters are on the 

compact disc published with this PRMP/FEIS.” ... “Consequently, the numbering of 

comment letters on the CD and in the Response to Public Comments below includes 

201 comment letters, but numbering of letters up to 227.” 

A compact disc was not included with the PRMP/FEIS, but was available upon 

request. 

2. Table 4-2 of the PRMP/FEIS: carbon monoxide (CO) in last row should have been 

summed from the rows above to be a total of 22.2 tons per year rather than 1.4. 

3. The heading for under Cultural Resources, Section 2.3.9.2 was “Management 

Actions and Land Use Plan Decisions” in the PRMP/FEIS. This titling was found to 

be inconsistent with the rest of the document, and was revised to be simply 

“Management Actions” in the Cultural Resource Management section of the ROD, 

Section 2.9.2. 

4. The fourth item in Table 2-2 of the PRMP/FEIS cites 43 CFR 836531-5(b); this is 

incorrectly cited and should refer to 43 CFR 8365.1-(b). 

5. The second paragraph of Section 3.16.2.2 of the PRMP/FEIS states that “Surface 

disturbance associated with the level of historical underground mine activity in the 

Planning Area is less than 10 acres per operation.” The fourth paragraph in this 

section was intended to be consistent with this historical level of activity and should 

read as follows: “Based on the level of activity in the last 20 years and the potential 

for locatables on BLM-administered lands within the Planning Area, potential future 

mineral development activity is estimated at one gold mine and one gemstone 

operation within the next 10 years with mines no greater than 10 acres of surface 

disturbance” (emphasis added). 

6. The following Management Action from Section 2.3.18.2.2 of the PRMP/FEIS was 

stated as: “Locate new major ROWs in designated corridors, unless an evaluation of 

the project shows that location outside of a designated corridor is the only practicable 

alternative.” In order to clarify that the major ROWs referred specifically to ultilty 

ROWs, the wording of this Management Action has been revised as follows in 

Section 2.17.2.2 of the ROD: 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page A-1 

October 2008 
Appendix A 

ROW-03	 Locate new major utility ROWs only in a designated corridor, unless an 

evaluation of the project shows that location outside of a designated corridor 

is the only practicable alternative.” 

7. The following Visual Resources Management Action from Section 2.3.11.2 of the 

PRMP/FEIS was deleted from the Visual Resources Management Section of the 

RMP/ROD (Section 2.11.2), since VRM is a classification only process and would 

never result in surface-disturbance: “Proposed activities (e.g., surface-disturbing 

activities) would not be approved, until compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA has 

been completed and documented, including where applicable, consultation with the 

SHPO and federally recognized tribes.” 

8. The following sentence from Section 3.4.6 of the PRMP/FEIS: “In addition, federal 

reserved water rights for the two wilderness areas were explicitly established by 

statute at Section 707 of the California Desert Protection Act of Act.” should read “In 

addition, federal reserved water rights for the two wilderness areas were explicitly 

established by statute at Section 706 of the California Desert Protection Act.” 

9. The following reference, cited in Section 4.2.1 of the PRMP/FEIS: “(EPA 1996, 

Section 13.1)” should read (EPA 1995, Section 13.1), as it is listed in the References 

section of the PRMP/FEIS. 

10. In the Executive Summary, Table ES-1 and in Table 2-4, of the PRMP/FEIS, under 

Special Status Species Management, both “Critical Habitat would be an avoidance 

area for Renewable Energy” and “Critical Habitat would be an exclusion area...” 

were marked under Alternative E. The former one was erroneously marked and 

critical habitat would be an exclusion area for Renewable Energy under Alternative E 

of the PRMP/FEIS. 

11. Table 2-2 incorrectly referenced 43 CFR 8365.1-5(b) as 836531-5(b). This regulation 

has been revised in the RMP/ROD. 

12. Table 4-15 makes reference to Table 2-20 in several places within the table. The 

reference should have been made to Table 2-21 instead. 

13. Section 4.15.3 of the PRMP/FEIS incorrectly references the wind energy model 

developed by PPM Energy. One revision made between the DRMP/DEIS and the 

PRMP/FEIS was to use the wind energy model developed by NREL to evaluate 

lands with wind energy potential as described in Section 3.15.5 of the PRMP/FEIS. 

Section 4.15.3 was not revised upon publication of the PRMP/FEIS. 

14. Map 2-20 (Routes of Travel) incorrectly displayed the In-Ko-Pah ACEC boundary for 

Alternatives B and E. Map 2-7 (Special Designations) for Alternatives B and E shows 

the correct ACEC boundary. 

Page A-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix B 

APPENDIX B 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix B 

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Appendix C 

APPENDIX C 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix C 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 








Appendix D 

APPENDIX D 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Typical Management Actions and 

Best Management Practices 

Vegetation Treatments (Including Fire Manage- ment Activities) 

The following chemical, mechanical, manual, biological, and fire treatment methods 

would be used to achieve vegetation management objectives in the Planning Area. 

A. Chemical 

BLM would use EPA-approved herbicides in accordance with EPA’s Endangered 

Species Pesticide Program covered in the BLM’s Vegetation Treatment Using 

Herbicides on BLM Lands in Seventeen Western States Draft PEIS (DOI BLM 2005b). 

These herbicides are: atrazine; bromacil; bromacil + diuron; 2,4-D, 2,4-DP, dicamba; 

dicamba +2,4-D; diruon; glyphosate; glyphosate + 2,4-D; hexazinone; fosamine, 

imazapyr; picloram; picloram + 2,4-D; simazine; tebuthiuron; and triclopyr. 

Buffer zones would be used adjacent to dwellings, domestic water sources, agriculture 

land, streams, lakes and ponds. A minimum buffer zone of 100 feet wide would be 

provided for aerial application, 25 feet wide for vehicle application, and 10 feet wide for 

hand application. Any deviations must be in accordance with the label for the herbicide. 

Herbicides would be hand wiped on individual plants within 10 feet of water where 

application is critical. Additionally, in order to protect listed, proposed, and candidate 

species, these buffer strips would be used. 

BLM would work closely with the USFWS to ensure that herbicide applications would not 

affect listed or proposed, threatened, and endangered species on a project-level basis. If 

adverse effects are anticipated during informal consultation, BLM would formally consult 

on these projects. If USFWS develops herbicide guidance for particular species that 

improves protection beyond the current BLM design features, BLM would consider and 

incorporate that guidance as it consults with USFWS on a project-level basis. 

The chemicals can be applied by many different methods, and the selected technique 

depends on a number of variables. Some of these are: (1) the treatment objective 

(removal or reduction); (2) the accessibility, topography, and size of the treatment area; 

(3) the characteristics of the target species and the desired vegetation; (4) the location of 

sensitive areas in the immediate vicinity (potential environmental impacts); (5) the 

anticipated costs and equipment limitations; and (6) the meteorological and vegetative 

conditions of the treatment area at the time of treatment. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-1 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Herbicides are applied in several ways, depending upon the treatment objective, 

topography of the treatment area, target species, expected costs, equipment limitations, 

and potential environmental impacts. Herbicide applications would be timed to have the 

least impact on non-target plants and animals consistent with the objectives of the 

vegetation management program. 

The chemicals would be applied aerially with helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, or on the 

ground using vehicles or manual application devices. Helicopters are more expensive to 

use than fixed-wing aircraft, but they are more maneuverable and effective in areas with 

irregular terrain and in treating specific target vegetation in areas with many vegetation 

types. Manual applications are used only for treating small areas or those inaccessible 

by vehicle. 

Rates of herbicide application would depend on the target species, other vegetation 

present, soil type, depth of the ground water table, and presence of other water sources. 

When target species occur in riparian areas, the application rate would be reduced to 

reduce injury to non-target species. 

During aerial applications, nozzles to reduce drift would be used for all liquid 

applications. Liquid herbicides would not be applied, when wind speeds exceed 5 miles 

per hour, and granular herbicides would not be applied, when wind speeds exceed 10 

miles per hour (mph). Herbicides would not be applied, when conditions stated on the 

herbicide label cannot be met and when air turbulence significantly affects the desired 

spray pattern. Buffer zones to protect water resources would be provided according to 

individual state regulations and guidelines and herbicide labels. 

Vehicle-mounted sprayer (hand gun or boom) applications would be mainly used in open 

areas that are readily accessible by vehicle. The boom would be used only where 

feasible to treat concentrated weed infestations. The hand gun would be used for spot 

treatment of weeds and only up to the high water line near water bodies. Neither hand 

guns nor booms would be used in riparian areas where weeds are closely intermingled 

with shrubs and trees. Under both hand gun and boom methods, sprays would be 

applied in a manner that gives the best possible coverage with the least amount of drift, 

and only when wind velocity is below 8 mph, except in riparian areas where treatment 

would be applied only at wind velocities below 5 mph. Boom sprayers would not be used 

within 25 feet of water bodies. 

Hand applications could involve backpack spraying, hand wiping application, and 

cyclone broadcast spreading (granular formulations). Backpack sprayers are operated at 

low pressure and low volume and release herbicide through a single nozzle held from 

0.5 to 2.5 feet above the ground when wind velocities do not exceed 8 mph. Near water, 

wind velocities cannot exceed 5 mph. Contact systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate, 

wiped on individual plants, would be used up to the existing high water line. Granular 

formulations would be applied through broadcast spreaders at about 3.5 feet above the 

Page D-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

ground and no closer than 10 feet from the high water line of streams and other water 

bodies. 

Herbicide applications are scheduled and designed to minimize potential impacts on 

non-target plants and animals, while remaining consistent with the objective of the 

vegetation treatment program. The rates of application depend on the target species, 

presence, and condition of non-target vegetation, soil type, depth to the water table, 

presence of other water sources, and the requirements of the label. 

In many circumstances, the herbicide chosen, time of treatment, and rate of application 

of the herbicide are different than the most ideal herbicide application for maximum 

control of the target plant species in order to minimize damage to the non-target plant 

species and to ensure minimum risk to human health and safety. 

B. Mechanical 

Mechanical methods of vegetation treatment employ several different types of 

equipment to suppress, inhibit, or control herbaceous and woody vegetation (Vallentine 

1980). The goal of mechanical treatments is to kill or reduce the cover of undesirable 

vegetation and thus encourage the growth of desirable plants. BLM uses wheel tractors, 

crawler-type tractors, mowers, or specially designed vehicles with attached implements 

for mechanical vegetation treatments. The use of mechanical equipment to reduce fuel 

hazards would be conducted in accordance with BLM established procedures. Reseeding after a mechanical treatment has been applied is important to help ensure that 

desirable plants would become established on the site and not invasive species. The 

mechanical treatment and re-seeding should occur at a time to best control the 

undesirable vegetation and encourage the establishment of desirable vegetation. The 

best mechanical method for treating undesired plants in a particular location depends on 

the following factors: 

	 Characteristics of the undesired species present such as plant density, stem size, 

woodiness, brittleness, and re-sprouting ability 

	 Need for seedbed preparation, re-vegetation, and improve water infiltration rates 

	 Topography and terrain 

	 Soil characteristics such as type, depth, amount and size of rocks, erosion potential, 

and susceptibility to compaction 

	 Climatic and seasonal conditions 

	 Potential cost of improvement as compared to expected results 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-3 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Bulldozing is conducted with a wheeled or crawler tractor with a heavy hydraulic 

controlled blade. Vegetation is pushed over and uprooted, and then left in windrows or 

piles. Bulldozing is best adapted to removing scattered stands of large brushes or trees. 

There are several different kinds of blades available depending on the type of vegetation 

and goals of the project. The disadvantage of bulldozing is soil disturbance and damage 

to non-target plant species. 

Disk plowing in its various forms can be used for removing shallow-rooted herbaceous 

and woody plants. Disk plows should only be used where all of the vegetation is 

intended to be killed. There are several different kinds of root plows that are specific for 

certain types of vegetation. In addition to killing vegetation, disk plowing is effective in 

loosening the soil surface to prepare it for seeding and to improve the rate of water 

infiltration. The disadvantage of disk plowing is that it may be expensive and usually kills 

all species. Also, plowing is usually not practicable on steep slopes (greater than a 35- to 

45-percent slope) or rocky soil. Plant species that sprout from roots may survive. 

Chaining and cabling is accomplished by dragging heavy anchor chains or steel cables 

hooked behind tractors in a U-shape, half circle of J-shaped manner. Chaining and 

cabling is effective on rocky soils and steep slopes. Chaining and cabling is best used to 

control non-sprouting woody vegetation such as small trees and shrubs. However, 

desirable shrubs may be damaged in the process. Herbaceous vegetation is normally 

not injured by this control method. This control method is cost effective, as large areas 

can be readily treated. The chains or cables also scarify the soil surface in anticipation of 

seeding desirable species. The disadvantage is that weedy herbaceous vegetation can 

survive this treatment. 

There are various tractor attachments that are used for mowing, beating, crushing, 

chopping, or shredding vegetation depending on the nature of the plant stand and goals 

of the project. The advantage in using this type of equipment is that selective plants may 

be targeted to achieve specific goals. For example, mowing is effective in reducing plant 

height to a desirable condition and it usually does not kill vegetation. Mowing is more 

effective on herbaceous than woody vegetation. On the other hand, a rolling cutter can 

kill woody non-sprouting vegetation by breaking stems at ground level but leave 

herbaceous vegetation. Mowing, beating, crushing, chopping, or shredding usually does 

not disturb the soil. Rocky soil and steep slopes may limit this use of equipment. 

Debris management after a mechanical control treatment application is critical in fuel 

reduction projects. Vegetation material that is left onsite would dry and become more 

hazardous than before the treatment. Herbaceous material is usually not a problem, 

because it would decompose relatively fast depending on soil moisture, ambient 

humidity, and temperature. Woody vegetation should be piled and burned under 

acceptable fire management practices. 

Page D-4 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Efforts repeated every 21 days during the growing season can deplete the underground 

food supply of some perennials. This method would be required for at least a 3-year 

period to attain satisfactory control and would be considered only in areas where slope is 

less than 10 percent and where a small percentage of the vegetation consists of shrubs. 

This method would also weaken non-target species in treated areas. 

C. Manual 

Hand-operated power tools and hand tools are used in manual vegetation treatment to 

cut, clear, or prune herbaceous and woody species. In manual treatments, workers 

would cut plants above ground level; pull, grub, or dig out plant root systems to prevent 

subsequent sprouting and re-growth; scalp at ground level or remove competing plants 

around desired vegetation; or place mulch around desired vegetation to limit the growth 

of competing vegetation. Hand tools such as the handsaw, axe, shovel, rake, machete, 

grubbing hoe, mattock (combination of axe and grubbing hoe), brush hook, and hand 

clippers are used in manual treatments. Axes, shovels, grubbing hoes, and mattocks can 

dig up and cut below the surface to remove the main root of plants such as prickly pear 

and mesquite that have roots that can quickly resprout in response to surface cutting or 

clearing. Workers also may use power tools such as chain saws and power brush saws. 

Manual methods are highly labor intensive, requiring periodic retreatment, ranging from 

every three weeks during the growing season to annually, depending on the target 

species. These methods have been successful in controlling annuals and biennials, but 

are ineffective in controlling creeping perennials. 

D. Biological 

Biological methods of vegetation treatment could employ grazing by cattle, sheep or 

goats, but would not include the use of invertebrates or microorganisms. BLM would only 

use cattle, sheep, or goats when grazing, which would not adversely affect listed, 

proposed, or candidate species. The use of grazing as a biological control agent would 

be conducted in accordance with BLM procedures in the Use of Biological Control 

Agents of Pests on Public Lands (DOI BLM 1990). Grazing cattle, sheep, or goats would 

control few plant species. 

Biological control methods using cattle, sheep, or goats would avoid erosion hazard 

areas, areas of compactable soils, riparian areas susceptible to bank damage, and steep 

erodible slopes. 

Biological control methods using cattle, sheep, or goats would be applied to treat areas 

for short periods. When considering the use of grazing animals as an effective biological 

control measure, several factors would be taken into consideration including: 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-5 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

	 Target plant species present 

	 Size of the infestation of target plant species 

	 Other plant species present 

	 Stage of growth of both target and other plant species 

	 Palatability of all plant species present 

	 Selectivity of all plant species present by the grazing animal species that is being 

considered for use as a biological agent 

	 Availability of the grazing animal within the treatment site area 

	 Type of management program that is logical and realistic for the specific treatment 

site. 

These factors would be some of the options taken when developing the individual 

treatment for a specific site. 

Although discussed as biological agents, cattle, sheep, and goats are not truly biological 

agents, but are domestic animals used to control only the top growth of certain noxious 

weeds. The following are some advantages of using domestic animals, mainly sheep or 

goats, for noxious weed control: (1) they use weeds as a food source, (2) following a 

brief adjustment period, they sometimes consume as much as 50 percent of their daily 

diet of this species, (3) average daily gains of offspring grazing certain weed-infested 

pastures can sometimes be significantly higher than average daily gains of offspring 

grazing grass pastures, and (4) sheep or goats can be used in combination with 

herbicides. 

Some of the disadvantages of using domestic animals are: (1) they also use non-target 

plants as food sources, (2) the use of domestic animals, like sheep or goats, requires a 

herder or temporary fencing, (3) the animals may be killed by predators such as coyotes, 

(4) heavy grazing of some weed species, such as leafy spurge, tends to loosen the stool 

of the grazing animals, (5) most weed species are less palatable than desirable 

vegetation and would cause overgrazing, (6) they may accelerate movement of 

nonnative plants through seed ingestion and excretion, and (7) domestic livestock may 

transmit parasites and/or pathogens to resident native wildlife species. 

E. Prescribed Burning 

Prescribed burning is the planned application of fire to wild land fuels in their natural or 

modified state, under specific conditions of fuels, weather, and other variables to allow 

Page D-6 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

the fire to remain in a predetermined area and to achieve site-specific fire and resource 

management objectives. 

Management objectives of prescribed burning include the control of certain species; 

enhancement of growth, reproduction, or vigor of certain species, management of fuel 

loads, and maintenance of vegetation community types that best meet multiple-use 

management objectives. Treatments would be implemented in accordance with BLM 

procedures in Fire Planning (DOI BLM 1987c), Prescribed Fire Management (DOI BLM 

1988b), and Fire Training and Qualifications (DOI BLM 1987d). 

Prior to conducting a prescribed burn, a written plan must be prepared that takes into 

consideration existing conditions (amount of fuel, fuel moisture, temperatures, terrain, 

weather forecasts, etc.) and identifies people responsible for overseeing the fire. Natural 

fire that is allowed to burn also needs to be carefully monitored to ensure that it would 

not threaten communities, other values to be protected, and ecosystems. This may 

require special expertise such as the fire use management teams that have been 

developed to support the overall fire management program. Planning and 

implementation for a specific prescribed fire project entails the following four phases: 

Phase 1. The Information/Assessment Phase includes identifying the area to be treated, 

inventorying and assessing site specific conditions (live and dead vegetation densities, 

dead down woody fuels loadings, soil types, etc.), analyzing historic and present fire 

management, identifying resource objectives from Land Use Plans, and analyzing and 

complying with NEPA. 

Phase 2. The Prescribed Fire Plan Development Phase includes developing site specific 

prescribed fire plan to BLM Standards. It also includes reviews of the plan and obtaining 

plan approval from local BLM field office administrators. 

Phase 3. The Implementation Phase includes ignition of the fire according to the plan’s 

prescribed parameters. Implementation includes prescribed fire boundary area 

preparation to ensure that the fire remains in prescribed boundaries. Site preparation 

may take place in the form of fire line construction, road improvements, wildlife and stock 

trails, tree limbing, and debris clearing. 

Phase 4. The Monitoring and Evaluation Phase includes assessment and long-term 

monitoring of the fire treatment to ensure that the prescribed fire has met the objectives 

of the approved prescribed fire plan. BLM fire monitoring policy is described in the BLM 

prescribed Fire Management Handbook, October 2003, Chapter 2 and Appendix 7. This 

policy applies to prescribed fire and wildland fire use. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-7 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

F. Cultural Resources 

Should cultural and/or paleontological resources be encountered during project grounddisturbing activities, work will cease in the area of the discovery, and the BLM will be 

notified immediately. Work may not resume until written authorization to proceed is 

issued by BLM. 

The management of cultural resources on BLM land must be in compliance with several 

federal laws, including the Antiquities Act of 1906; the NHPA of 1966, as amended; the 

NEPA of 1969; EO 11593 Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, the 

FLPMA of 1976; the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978; the ARPA of 1979; 

the NAGRPA of 1990; EO 13007 Indian Sacred Sites, and EO 13287 Preserve America. 

In addition, the BLM manages its cultural resources according to BLM Manual 8100 

Fundamentals for Managing the Cultural Program and Arizona BLM Handbooks 8110-H 

Guidelines for Identifying Cultural Resources and 8120-H Guidelines for Protecting 

Cultural Resources. 

Restrict public information about the locations of sites that are not allocated to public 

use, as allowed by law and regulation. 

Ensure that all proposed undertakings and authorizations are reviewed and conducted in 

compliance with applicable federal laws including Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act. 

Complete consultations with the California SHPOs prior to project implementation, as 

necessary. 

Ensure that information on Native American religious and cultural issues receives good 

faith consideration during decision making and that government-to-government 

consultation procedures are carried out as appropriate for each proposed action. 

G. Paleontological Resources 

If vertebrate or noteworthy occurrences of invertebrate or plant fossils are discovered, 

the user/operator shall suspend all operations that further disturb such materials and 

immediately contact the authorized officer. User/operators shall not resume until written 

authorization to proceed is issued by the authorized officer. The authorized officer would 

evaluate the discovery and inform the operator of actions that would be necessary to 

prevent loss of significant scientific values. The user/operator shall be responsible for the 

cost of any mitigation required by the authorized officer. Upon verification from the 

authorized officer that the required mitigation has been completed, the operator shall be 

allowed to resume operations. 

Page D-8 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

H. Special Designation Areas 

Guidelines and operating procedures for all management activities in WAs are provided 

in BLM Manual 8560 Management of Designated Wilderness Areas and in Wilderness 

Management Plans, where completed for specific WAs. 

Management guidance for WSAs is provided in BLM Manual 8550 Interim Management 

Policy and Guidelines for Lands under Wilderness Review. Approved land use plans 

specify management procedures for areas identified in the land use plan to be managed 

for wilderness characteristics. 

Management activities along NSTs would be conducted to assure that no adverse 

effects occur to those resources and values identified in the legislation designating the 

trail. 

ACECs are established through the land use planning process. The desired conditions 

and management prescriptions for these special areas would be considered in 

implementing management activities. 

Wildland Fire Management 

A. Appropriate Management Response 

The appropriate management response concept represents a range of available 

management responses to wildland fires. Responses range from full fire suppression to 

managing fires for resource benefits (fire use). Management responses applied to a fire 

would be identified in the fire management plans and would be based on objectives 

derived from the land use allocations; relative risk to resources, the public and fire 

fighters; potential complexity; and the ability to defend management boundaries. Any 

wildland fire can be aggressively suppressed, and any fire that occurs in an area 

designated for fire use can be managed for resource benefits if it meets the prescribed 

criteria from an approved fire management plan. 

B. Fire Suppression Actions 

Suppression tactics would be utilized that limit damage or disturbance to the habitat and 

landscape. No heavy equipment would be used (such as dozers), unless approved by 

the Field Office Manager. 

Use of fire retardants or chemicals adjacent to waterways would be accomplished in 

accordance to the Environmental Guidelines for Delivery of Retardant or Foam Near 

Waterways (Interagency Standards for Fire and Aviation Operations 2003, pages 8-13). 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-9 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

The general and species-specific Conservation Measures listed in Appendix D would be 

implemented to the extent possible to minimize adverse effects to federally listed, 

proposed, or candidate species occurring within the action area. 

For fire suppression activities, a protocol for consultation would be developed as a part 

of the Biological Opinion (BO). This programmatic consultation would contain 

conservation measures and prescriptions for use in fire suppression activities. 

Emergency consultation should only be needed in the future, if suppression actions fall 

outside of these prescriptions/measures. The BO would outline coordination needs for 

emergency response actions that may affect a listed/proposed species and/or critical 

habitat. The following protocol would apply: BLM would contact the appropriate USFWS 

biologist as soon as practical once a wildfire starts and a determination is made that a 

federally protected species and/or its habitat could be affected by the fire and/or fire 

suppression activities. USFWS would work with BLM during the emergency response to 

apply the appropriate conservation measures. When conservation measures cannot be 

applied during the suppression activities, BLM would, after the fact, need to consult on 

any suppression actions that may have affected the federally protected species or its 

habitat. If conservation measures are adhered to, BLM would report on the actions taken 

and effects to the species and its habitat following the fire, but no further consultation on 

that incident would be required. 

In WAs, WSAs, and areas being managed for wilderness characteristics, minimum 

impact suppression tactics (MIST) would be applied and coordinated with WA 

management objectives and guidelines when fire suppression actions are required 

(Interagency Standards for Fire Operations BLM 2003). 

C. Cultural Resources 

All known cultural resources would be protected from disturbance to the extent possible. 

Should cultural resources be encountered during wildland fire suppression, the BLM or 

appropriate resource advisor will be notified as soon as possible. 

D. Paleontological Resources 

If vertebrate or noteworthy occurrences of invertebrate or plant fossils are discovered, 

during wildland fire suppression, the BLM or appropriate resource advisor will be notified 

as soon as possible. 

Page D-10 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Discretionary Construction Activities 

The following measures would reduce fugitive dust impacts: 

1. All unpaved construction areas shall be sprinkled with water or other acceptable San 

Diego APCD dust control agents during dust-generating activities to reduce dust 

emissions. Additional watering or acceptable APCD dust control agents shall be 

applied during dry weather or windy days until dust emissions are not visible. 

2. Trucks hauling dirt and debris shall be covered to reduce windblown dust and spills. 

3. On dry days, dirt or debris spilled onto paved surfaces shall be swept up immediately 

to reduce resuspension of particulate matter caused by vehicle movement. 

Approach routes to construction sites shall be cleaned daily of construction-related 

dirt in dry weather. 

4. On-site stockpiles of excavated material shall be covered or watered. 

5. Water rock materials undergoing rock-crushing processing at sufficient frequency. 

Automatic water or mist or sprinkler system should be installed in areas of rock 

crushing and conveyor belt systems. 

6. Use low pollutant-emitting construction equipment. 

7. Equip construction equipment with prechamber diesel engines (or equivalent) 

together with proper maintenance and operation to reduce emissions of nitrogen 

oxide, to the extent available and feasible. 

8. Use electrical construction equipment, to the extent feasible. 

A. Cultural Resources 

All known cultural resources would be protected from disturbance. 

Should cultural resources be encountered during project ground-disturbing activities, 

work will cease in the area of the discovery, and the BLM will be notified immediately. 

Work may not resume until written authorization to proceed is issued by BLM. 

The management of cultural resources on BLM land must be in compliance with several 

federal laws, including the Antiquities Act of 1906; the NHPA of 1966 as amended; the 

NEPA of 1969; EO 11593 Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment, the 

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976; the American Indian Religious 

Freedom Act of 1978; the ARPA of 1979; the NAGPRA of 1990; EO 13007 Indian 

Sacred Sites, and EO 13287 Preserve America. In addition, the BLM manages its 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-11 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

cultural resources according to BLM Manual 8100 through 8170, and in accordance with 

the statewide protocol from the California SHPO and other guidelines from the SHPO. 

Restrict public information about the locations of sites that are not allocated to public 

use, as allowed by law and regulation. 

Ensure that all proposed undertakings and authorizations are reviewed and conducted in 

compliance with applicable federal laws including Section 106 of the NHPA. 

Complete consultations with the California SHPOs prior to project implementation, as 

necessary. 

Ensure that information on Native American religious and cultural issues receives good 

faith consideration during decision making and that government-to-government 

consultation procedures are carried out as appropriate for each proposed action. 

B. Paleontological Resources 

If vertebrate or noteworthy occurrences of invertebrate or plant fossils are discovered, 

the user/operator shall suspend all operations that further disturb such materials and 

immediately contact the authorized officer. User/operators shall not resume until written 

authorization to proceed is issued by the authorized officer. The authorized officer would 

evaluate the discovery and inform the operator of actions that would be necessary to 

prevent loss of significant scientific values. The user/operator shall be responsible for the 

cost of any mitigation required by the authorized officer. Upon verification from the 

authorized officer that the required mitigation has been completed, the operator shall be 

allowed to resume operations. 

C. Special Designation Areas 

Guidelines and operating procedures for all management activities in WAs are provided 

in BLM Manual 8560 Management of Designated Wilderness Areas, and in Wilderness 

Management Plans, where completed for specific WAs. 

Management guidance for Wilderness Study Areas is provided in BLM Manual 8550 

Interim Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands under Wilderness Review. 

Approved land use plans specify management procedures for areas identified in the land 

use plan to be managed for wilderness characteristics. 

Management activities along NSTs would be conducted to assure that no adverse 

effects occur to those resources and values identified in the legislation designating the 

trail. 

Page D-12 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

ACECs are established through the land use planning process. The desired conditions 

and management prescriptions for these special areas would be considered in 

implementing management activities. 

D. Visual Resources 

There are numerous design techniques for Visual Resources that can be used to reduce 

the visual impacts from surface-disturbing projects. These techniques should be used in 

conjunction with BLM’s visual resource contrast rating process wherein both the existing 

landscape and the proposed development or activity are analyzed for their basic 

elements of form, line, color, and texture. Design techniques are discussed in the BLM 

VRM Manual (MS 8400) in terms of fundamentals and strategies. The fundamentals and 

strategies are all interrelated, and when used together, can help resolve visual impacts 

from proposed activities or developments. 

Design fundamentals are general design principles that can be used for all forms of 

activity or development, regardless of the resource value being addressed. Applying 

these three fundamentals will help solve most visual design problems: 

• Proper siting or location 

• Reducing unnecessary disturbance 

• Repeating the elements of form, line, color, and texture 

Design strategies are more specific activities that can be applied to address visual 

design problems. Not all of these strategies will be applicable to every proposed project 

or activity: 

• Color selection 

• Earthwork 

• Vegetative manipulation 

• Structures 

• Reclamation/restoration 

• Linear alignment design considerations 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-13 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

Livestock Grazing and Wildlife Habitat Activities 

A. Typical Range or Habitat Improvements 

Following is a discussion of typical design features, construction practices, and 

implementation procedures for range or habitat improvements that could be constructed 

following approval of the RMP/ ROD. The extent, location, and timing of such actions 

would be based on allotment-specific management objectives adopted through the 

evaluation process, interdisciplinary development and analysis of proposed actions, and 

funding. 

Fences: All new fences would be built to BLM manual specifications. Fences would 

normally be constructed to provide exterior allotment boundaries, divide allotments in 

pastures, protect streams, and control livestock. Most fences would be three-wire or 

four-strand with steel posts spaced 16.5 feet apart with intermediate wire stays. Existing 

fences that create wildlife movement problems would be modified. Proposed fence lines 

would usually not be bladed or scraped. Gates or cattle guards would be installed where 

fences cross existing roads. 

All new or reconstructed fences in big game habitat, including bighorn sheep habitat, 

would meet specifications in BLM Handbook 1741-1 or be designed to allow for the 

movement of big game, including bighorn sheep. BLM would consult with CDFG on the 

design and location of new fences. 

Pipelines: Wherever possible, water pipelines would be buried. The trench would be 

excavated by a backhoe, ditch witch, or similar equipment. Plastic pipe would be placed 

in the trench and the excavated material would be used to backfill. Most pipelines would 

have water tanks spaced as needed to achieve proper livestock distribution. 

Wildlife Waters and Reservoirs: Stock pond sites would be selected based on 

available watershed and hydrologic information. All applicable state laws and regulations 

would be followed. Water developments would include design features to ensure safety 

and accessibility to water by desirable wildlife. These features will include ramps to allow 

wildlife to escape, should they become trapped. Also, waters built in areas adjacent or in 

Peninsular bighorn sheep habitat will be designed to preclude shallow, vegetated edges 

that provide breeding habitat for Culicoides midges, an invertebrate disease vector for 

bluetongue virus. 

Wells: Well sites would be selected based on geologic reports that predict the depth to 

reliable aquifers. All applicable state laws and regulations that apply to groundwater 

would be observed. 

Page D-14 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

B. Supplemental Feedings 

Supplemental feed must be authorized in advance. Supplemental feed means a feed 

that supplements the forage available from the public lands and is provided to improve 

livestock nutrition or rangeland management. 

If used, salt must be placed at least 0.25 mile from water sources to disperse impacts. 

Mining Activities 

A. Reasonable Foreseeable Development 

This appendix provides a summary of the exploration history, current lease status, and 

20-year projections for reasonable foreseeable development (RFD) of leasable, 

locatable, and salable minerals in the Planning Area. 

Three factors of analysis are considered when making mineral determinations in RMPs: 

(1) the potential for occurrence and development of mineral resources, (2) immediate 

and cumulative impacts due to RFD of mineral resources, and (3) the need to apply 

constraints or restrictions, known as stipulations, to the determination (DOI BLM 1985). 

The first factor, mineral resource potential, is discussed in the MRPR. The second factor, 

RFD, is discussed in this appendix. The third factor, stipulations, will be analyzed and 

considered in the RMP. 

Leasable Minerals 

a. Oil and Gas 

There are no documented proven reserves of oil and gas in the Planning Area and 

currently only minor leasing interest. No drilling activity has occurred. The RFD for fluid 

mineral development estimates that six exploratory wells would be drilled within the next 

15 years. 

b. Carbon Dioxide and Helium 

Areas having moderate CO2/He potential in the Planning Area are assumed to be 

correlative with areas of moderate oil and gas potential. So far, there has been no 

CO2/He exploration in the Planning Area and no leasing interest. The RFD for CO2/He 

development estimates that no oil and gas exploratory wells drilled in the Planning Area 

would discover CO2/He reserves, and no exclusively CO2/He exploratory wells would be 

drilled. The evaluation process for the RFD assumed that an increase in oil and gas 

drilling would result in production tests in two oil and gas exploratory wells without 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-15 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

recovery of economic concentrations of CO2/He. Therefore, there will be no disturbance 

or impact in the Planning Area from development of a CO2/He field. 

c. Geothermal 

So far, there has been no geothermal exploration in the Planning Area and no leasing 

interest. There are no geothermal energy leases in the Planning Area and no indications 

of future leasing activity. The RFD for geothermal resource development in the Planning 

Area expects that no leasing, exploration, or development would occur in the next 15 

years. There is no foreseeable disturbance to public lands from geothermal resource 

development in the Planning Area in the next 15 years. 

d. Coal 

There are no coal deposits reported in the Planning Area. 

e. Sodium 

There has been no development of sodium resources and no indications for future 

leasing and development activity. The absence of leasing activity for sodium resources 

in the Planning Area is likely due to the limited demand for sodium resources and the 

considerable expense to explore and develop them. The RFD for sodium resource 

development expects that no leasing, exploration, or development will occur in the 

Planning Area in the next 15 years. There is no foreseeable disturbance to public lands 

from sodium resource development in the Planning Area in the next 15 years. 

Locatable Minerals 

Mineral districts in the Planning Area are regions of known occurrence and high potential 

of locatable metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources. The location of these mineral 

districts was identified in the mineral potential maps section of the RMP. There are no 

active locatable mineral mines currently operating in the Planning Area 

The RFD for locatable mineral resources in the Planning Area indicates that some 

exploration would occur in the next 15 years with two underground locatable mineral 

deposits being developed. The following assumptions were considered when evaluating 

the RFD for locatable mineral resources in the Planning Area: 

•	 There would be two new locatable metallic lode discoveries in the next 15 years. 

•	 Each new locatable metallic mineral discovery would include an underground mine, 

occupy approximately 10 surface acres, and include mining waste rock piles. In 

addition, these mines would produce between 25,000–50,000 tons of ore per year. 

Page D-16 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

•	 Each new locatable non-metallic mineral discovery would include a prospecting pit, 

occupy approximately <1 surface acre, include mining waste rock piles. In addition, 

these mines would produce less than 100 pounds of gems per year. 

•	 Where applicable, commodity ore would be transported offsite via surface roads for 

processing. 

•	 The land surface would not be reclaimed during the life of the mine. 

There is some foreseeable disturbance due to mining activities on public lands in the 

Planning Area in the next 15 years. Activities associated with the two new underground 

mines would impact up to 20 acres, including placement of waste rock piles. Activities 

associated with a gemstone mine would be small (less than one acre). Disturbance of 

the land surface would require reclamation at the end of the mine life. 

Salable Minerals 

Aggregate and Stone 

Known occurrences (quarries and pits), prospects, and potential locations for salable 

mineral resources were identified in the mineral potential maps. Most locations are 

actively used for aggregate for construction operations or in some cases, for decorative 

stone or rip rap. The following assumptions were considered when evaluating the RFD 

for salable mineral resources in the Planning Area: 

•	 The demand for salable minerals would increase during the next 15 years as 

population increases stimulate construction and infrastructure development. 

•	 Based on past experience and projected future demand, no new pits / mines would 

be permitted / contracted in the next 15 years. 

Remaining mines would require reclamation at the end of the life of the pits. 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page D-17 

October 2008 
Appendix D 

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October 2008 
Appendix E 

APPENDIX E 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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Appendix E 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

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Appendix E 

Grazing Criteria 

1) Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Critical Habitat 

 Is any part of the allotment located within Peninsular Bighorn Sheep Critical Habitat? 

 Is the allotment more than ~30 percent located within Peninsular Bighorn Sheep 

Critical Habitat? 

 Are the areas of the allotment still open after excluding Peninsular bighorn sheep? 

2) What vegetation type/community is dominant on the 

allotment? 

 Is the majority of the allotment composed of a chaparral vegetation community? 

 Is critical habitat usable by cattle (is the area level, not steep?)? 

3) Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Area 

	 Is any part of the allotment located within the Quino Checkerspot Recovery Area? 

	 Is the allotment more than ~30 percent located within the Quino Checkerspot 

Recovery Area? 

	 Are the areas of the allotment still open after excluding the Quino Checkerspot 

Recovery Area usable by cattle (is the area level, not steep?)? 

4) Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat 

	 Is there potential or known habitat for the federally endangered southwestern willow 

flycatcher within and/or near the allotment? 

	 Have southwestern willow flycatchers been located within or near the allotment? 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page E-1 

October 2008 
Appendix E 

5) Arroyo Toad Habitat 

	 Is there potential or known habitat for the federally endangered arroyo toad within 

and/or near the allotment? 

	 Have arroyo toads been located within or near the allotment? 

6) Are there sufficient range improvements on the 

allotment to support grazing? 

 Is the size of the allotment practical to allow grazing? 

 Will the allotment support any number of cattle, while allowing 15 AUMs for deer? 

 Are there sufficient livestock improvements on the allotment to support any number 

of cattle? 

 If new range improvements or maintenance is needed on existing range 

improvements, would the cost/benefit ratio be appropriate? 

7) Water Sources/Topography 

 Are there sufficient water sources on the allotment to begin with?
 

 How many water sources are left on the allotment once Critical Habitat is excluded?
 

 Are the water sources left after exclusion of Critical Habitat reliable water sources?
 

 Are the water sources left after exclusion of Critical Habitat accessible to cattle?
 

 Are the available areas within the allotment too steep for cattle to utilize (greater than 

a 50-percent slope)? 

8) Rangeland Health Standards 

	 Can all four of the Fallback Rangeland Health Standards (soils, riparian/wetland, 

stream function, and native species) be met on the allotment? 

	 After Rangeland Health Assessments are conducted, are any of the allotments 

Category 1 (Areas where one or more standards are not being met, and significant 

Page E-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix E 

progress is not being made toward meeting the standard(s), and livestock grazing is 

a significant contributor to the problem)? 

9) Are there parties interested in the allotment? 

	 How many years has the allotment been vacant with no interested parties coming 

forward? 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page E-3 

October 2008 
Appendix E 

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Page E-4 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix F 

APPENDIX F 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix F 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix F 

Land-Tenure Adjustment 

Eastern San Diego County Planning Unit 

Disposal 

The public lands described below, located within eastern San Diego County, may meet 

the criteria outlined in FLPMA for BLM to use in determining suitability for disposal through 

sale or exchange, subject to NEPA requirements. They do not lie within designated critical 

habitat, but could contain other sensitive resources pending further evaluation. 

All measured from the San Bernardino Base and Meridian: 

(A) San Felipe Valley Area Acres 

T.11S., R.4E., 

sec. 33, NW1⁄4SW1⁄4 40.00 

(B) McCain Valley/Boulevard Area 

T.17S., R.7E., 

sec. 8, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4 

sec. 17, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4 

sec. 21, NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4NW1⁄4 

40.00 

40.00 

200.00 

(C) La Posta/Interstate 8 Area 

T.17S., R.6E., 

 sec. 4, lots 8, 10, 12 

 sec. 9, N1⁄2NW1⁄4, SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 

46.73 

120.00 

TOTAL ACRES: 486.73 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD Page F-1 

October 2008 
Appendix F 

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Page F-2 Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

OPctober 2008 
Appendix G 

APPENDIX G 

Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 
Appendix G 

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Eastern San Diego County RMP/ROD 

October 2008 








UNITED STATES
 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 

El Centro Field Office 

1661 S. 4th Street 

El Centro CA 92243 

OFFICIAL BUSINESS 

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE $300