U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Vale DiirkA Office

100 Oregon Street

Vale, Oregon 97918 November 1995

Fir

Y--M-I

Final

Leslie Gulch ACEC

Management Plan

Summary of Management

Actions
As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and

natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the

environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation.

The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interest of all our people.

The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in Island Territories under

U.S. administration.

BLh’UOR/VVA/PL-95/050+1792
LN REPLzY REFER TO:

1602

United States Department of the Interior

BURE4U OF LAND ?vfANAGJ3E~T

Vale District Office

100 Oregon Stxet

Vale, Oregon 97918

OCT 3 I I995

r~!ar Reader:

This is the final management plan for the Leslie Gulch Area of Critical

Environmental Concern. The management actions presented here were developed

during a process which included four opportunities for public input. Many of

you provided comments and suggestions for the management of Leslie Gulch and I

would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest and

efforts.

The management actions selected include nine amendments to the Northern

Malheur Management Framework Plan and 48 other actions. We feel that the

array of actions selected will protect the natural values found in Leslie

Gulch for the foreseeable future while allowing for compatible resource uses.

Implementation of the plan was approved with a memorandum to the Vale District

Manager from the Oregon/Washington BLM Director dated February 7, 1995. This

document is contained in Appendix 1.

Malheur Resource Area Manager

Leslie Gulch, Oregon

Layer on layer of falling pumice.

Compressing more and more fuming,

gas pockets and columns forming,

more eruptions and red hot lava flowing,

then cooling, and fZnally rain falling,

over the eons, on spores and seeds.

Rain eroding, wind too, freezing and

thuwing, cracking, grinding, leaching

minerals and growing algae dyeing colorful rocks,

becoming m.ore colorful for us to see.

Multitudes of fantustic shapes, what may they be?

Juniper, grass, ferns and flowers,

And who is the sage?

MGO 1993

LEGEND

I I GW?WJ OF W-3 tWW&tENT

---- ---- - ---------- JEEPnw.

r ImacE

. EXISllNG VlWCf? FKXIlY

. FTWATE CABIN SITE

* SPRNG

Df?NNUX CHANNEL

LESLIE GULCH

AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

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ii&AI

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Table of Contents

IIJTRODUCTION .............................................. ..l

PLANNING PROCESS ......................................... ...2

PUBLIC OUTREACH.................................~........~ ..3

PLANNING RECORDS...................................~~ .... ...3

RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT VALUES ............................ ...4

INTERIM POLICY FOR LANDS UNDER WILDERNESS REVIEW ......... ...5

SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS ............................ ...8

LAND TE~URE.........................................~ ..... ..a

ACCESS AND ROADS .......................................... ..g

MINERALS....................................................lO

LIVESTOCK GRAZING........................................~..~ .

NOXIOUS WEEDS.....................................~..~......l3

WILD HORSES.................................................l4 l

SPECIAL STATUS PLANTS.......................................1 4

WILDLIFE....................................................l5

FIRE....................................................~...l~

RECREATION..................................................16

MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION..............................2 3

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE........................-.............2 5

MONITORIIJG ............................................... ..3 .

APPENDIX 1 BLM STATE DIRECTOR APPROVAL.....................3 2
.
INTRODUCTION

An area is designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) when

spscial management attention is required to protect specific relevant and

important t7alues or to provide public safety from natural hazards. These

values can include important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and

wildlife resources or other natural systems or processes.

Leslie Gulch was designated as an ACEC in 1983 to protect the relevant and

important values of high quality scenery, California bighorn sheep habitat and

special status plant species habitat. The objectives for management within the

ACEC are to protect, conserve and enhance these values while authorizing

compatible activities within the area.

The 11,653 acre Leslie Gulch ACEC drains into the Owyhee Reservoir

approximately 50 miles south of Ontario, Oregon, and 6G miles southwest of

Boise, Idaho. The boundary of the ACEC is generally defined by the watershed

boundaries of Leslie, Slocum, Juniper, Dago and Runaway Gulches and their

tributaries and private land boundaries along the south side.

Mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk and California bighorn sheep a z found in the

upland habitats of the ACEC and in adjacent lands. Upland game birds such as

chukar partridge and California quail occupy much of the area. The rugged

canyons also provide habitat for coyote, bobcat, reptiles, and a variety of

non-game migratory birds. Raptors, northern flickers and white-throated swifts

use the numerous cliff crevices and cavities, which also provide potential

habitat; for bats.

Leslie Gulch is popular for recreational use. Developed recreational

opportunities include boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing. The boat

launch facility is a favored takeout point for floaters on the Owyhee Wild and

Scenic River and provides the only launch facility on the upper Ow?fhee

Reservoir. Dispersed recreational opportunities include hiking, rockclimbing,

hunting, outdoor photography and wildlife watching. Leslie Gulch and the

surrounding area provides one of the few places in Oregon where bighorn sheep

can be hunted. The developed rockclimbing routes within the ACEC are highly

challenging.

Approximately 85% of the ACEC is made up of portions of three Wilderness Study

Areas (WSAs). The Slocum Creek, Honeycombs and Upper Leslie Gulch WSAs have

all been recommended by the BLM for wilderness designation. The Oregon

Wilderness Environmental Impact Statement identified all three WSAs as having

a high degree of naturalness and outstanding opportunities for solitude or

primitive and unconfined types of recreation.

The Leslie Gulch pasture of the Three Fingers Allotment makes up approximately

9G percent of the ACEC. The remainder of the ACEC is within the Bannock

pasture of the same allotment.

One 40-acre, privately owned parcel is located at the confluence of Leslie and

Dago gulches and is surrounded by the ACEC. There is a cabin and a perennial

spring on the parcel.
PLANNING PROCESS

During development of th@ management plan for the Leslie Gulch ACEC, there

were four solicitations seeking public input from interested indfviduals,

organizations and other go-ernment agencies. Preliminary scoping of issues :+~<Is

completed in March of 1992. Three ,further-documents were mailed for public

comnent :

*The Analysis of Management Alternatives Leslie Gulch Area of Criticai

Environmental Concern

This document, which was mailed for pub1 ic comment in September, 1993,

presented an array of three alternatives for management of each resource topic

contained 7Jithin the ACEC. No preferred alternative was identified.

+Environmental Assessment OR-030-94-02 for Leslie Gulch Area of Critical

Environmental Concern (ACEC) Draft Amendment of the Northern Malheur

Management Framework Plan and Draft ACEC Management Plan

This document was mailed for public comment in January, 1994. Following

analysis of public comment, a preferred alternative was identified which

consisted of management actions selected from the three alternatives

identified in the previous mailing. All four alternatives were then analyzed

for environmental impacts. This met the National Envirormental Policy Act

requirements for analysis of impacts of proposed actions. A draft Finding of

No Significant Impact was also presented which stated that an EIS would not be

necessary.

+Proposed Axen&ent of the Northern Malheur Management PramehS~zj: Plan

and Proposed ACEC Management Plan and Environmental Assessment OR-SSO94-02 for Leslie Gulch Area of Critical Env'~rc~mental Concerri (ACEC:

Mailed in April, 1994, this document identified those management actions xhici:

required amendment of the Northern Malheur Management Framework Plan IFIFP! ,

those actions which did not require plan amendment, and presented the amended

EA. Changes in the Ek reflected public comment. The Finding of PJo Significant

Impact, which was signed on March 24, 1994, was also presented. The final

management actions are the same those which were presented in this document.

Five protest letters were received to the Proposed Amendment of the Northerr.

Malheur Management FrdR?ehQrk Plan and Proposed ACEC Management Plan. Of these,

three were determined to raise issues which were relevant and had stariding.

These protests were reviewed by the BLM Director and his responses to the

protests dated January 30, 1995 are the final decisions of the Department of

the Interior for the protests. This document also served as the decision

record for the MFP amendments.

The Vale District Manager responded to other concerns which were raised in

each of the five letters. No adjustments were made in proposed management

actions as a result of anq of the five protest letters.

2
PUBLIC OUTREACB

More than 380 of each of the final three documents were mailed and a regional

news release announced their availability. Approximately 195 comments were

received, and appropriate adjustments were made to proposed management as a

result of these comments.

Other outreach efforts included posting mail-in interest forms at four

locations in Leslie Gulch and conducting visitor use surveys during the summer

of 1993. Vale District held meetings with certain user groups known to be

affected by the plan. Meetings were held with rock climbers, grazing

permittees, a recreational equestrian group, a native plant conservation group

and four civic organizations.

PLANNING RECORDS

All planning records, including files of public comments and copies of

protests, are available for pub%lic review at the Vale District Office.
RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT VALUES

Special Status Plants

The canyons of Leslie Gulch support the highest concentration of rare plant

species in eastem Dregon, five of which are candidates for listing under the

federal Endangered Species Act. A11 are associated with the unusual volcanic:

ash formations found in the area. Two of these species, Ertter's groundsel

(Senecio ertterae - Category 1) and Packard's blazing star (Mentzelia

packardiae - Category 2), grow predominantly on the greenish-yellow volcanic

ash-tuff talus slopes. Grimy ivesia (Ivesia rhpara var. rhypdra - Categorj- 2

) and Otj;thee clover (Trifolium owhyeense - Category 2) grow on a shallow

volcanic ash substrate. Sterile milk-vetch (Astragalus sterilis - Category 2)

also is found scattered on volcanic ash deposits throughout the region. T‘hree

uncorrhmon plant species, Packard's sagebrush (Artemisia packardiae),

Mackenzie's phacelia (Phacelid lutea var. nackenziorum) and bare-stemmed

buckwheat (Eriogonuni novonudum) are also found in the canyons and bluffs of

the ACEC. Ertter's groundsel and Packard's blazing star have been list 3 b;l

the state of Oregon as threatened, and grimy ivesia and sterile milk-iretch

were proposed for addition to the state list in 1993.

Scenic Values

The scenery within the ACEC is dominated by spectacular geologic forrrrritions

created by the differential weathe ring of the Leslie Gulch Ash-Flow Tuff

member of the Succor Creek formation. The tuff may be 2,020 feet thick in

some places. Its great thickness, uniformity and relative resistance to

weathering formed the impressi:ie cliffs, outcrops and spires that characterize

t.he area. As the volcanic rocks cooled, gases trapped inside led to the

creation of the eerie and spectacular "honeycombing" effect in some areas, an':1

is responsible for many skyline windows in the rock formations. The various

ash layers present a variety of colors ranging from yellow to green and

multiple shades of red. The areas's vegetation and intrusions of more

resistant rhyolite dikes, frequently columnar in appearance, provide

additional contrasting texture and color to the inspiring landscape.

Bighorn Sheep Habitat

California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) are a Category 2

candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. In the early 19Ocs,

bighorn sheep in Leslie Gulch were extirpated due to domestic sheep diseases

and unregulated hunting. Seventeen bighorns were reintroduced in Leslie Gulch

in 1955 and a second release of 15 head was made north of the ACEC in 1987.

The herd has grown to a population of approximately 200-240 animals which

range outside of the ACEC, utilizing a 120-square mile area on the east side

of OwlThee Reservoir and the Owyhee River.

4
INTERIM MANAGEMENT POLICY AND GUIDELINES

FOR LANDS UNDER WILDERNESS REVIEW

The 1989 BLM Oregon Final Wilderness EIS and subsequent 1991 BLM Oregon

Wilderness Study Report to the President recommended nearly all of the three

WSAs within the ACEC be designated as components of the National Wilderness

Preservation System. In 1992, the President submitted to Congress the same

recommendation. Congress has no deadline to make a decision on the wilderness

issue. There is substantial public support for wilderness designation of the

WSAS *

While in study status, the three wilderness study areas within the Leslie

Gulch ACEC are managed in accordance with ELM's Interim Management Policy and

Guidelines for Lands under Wilderness Review (IMP) (BLM Manual Handbook a550-

1) and Instruction Memorandum OR-94-023, "Interim Management of Wilderness

Study Areas". In general, the only activities allowed under these guidelines

are temporary uses that create no new surface disturbance. Proposed surface

disturbing management actions which would require reclamation could not be

implemented until Congress removes an area from WSA status. Surface disturbing

actions proposed in this plan have been assessed and meet the IMP by providing

for one or more of the following: 1) the action is the minimum necessary to

protect or enhance wilderness values; 2) the action provides the minimum

necessary facilities for public enjoyment of the wilderness values; or 3) the

action is necessary for public health and safety in the use and enjoyment of

the public lands' wilderness values. Implementation of any surface disturbing

action within a WSA must be substantiated by appropriate monitoring.

Monitoring results must show that the impacts on wilderness values requires a

project's implementation as a minimum action to protect or enhance the

wilderness resources or their uses.

Activities that do not impair the land's suitability as wilderness or those

that protect or enhance wilderness values are permitted in WSAs. The IMP

requires separate analysis of impacts for the exceptions of use or surfacedisturbing activities to ensure that wilderness values are maintained. The

environmental analysis of the proposed action for this,ACEC Management Plan

has determined that the management actions affecting WSAs meet the minimum

requirements for approval under IMP. A decision to implement an approved ACEC

managernent action within a WSA must have a project plan and assure the

following: 1) the project is determined necessary and timely to protect the

needs of wilderness values and/or is relevant to visitors' health, safety,

and/or their enjoyment of the wilderness values and uses, and 2) the project

size, scope and design do not exceed the extent of action necessary to meet

the purpose and needs for responsible management of wilderness values and

uses.

The IMI? states that livestock grazing activities, mining, and mineral leasing

uses on lands under wilderness review may continue in the manner and degree in

which these uses were being done on October 21, 1976. These are

"grandfathered" uses. Livestock grazing is grandfathered in all three WSAs.

There are no grandfathered mining claims or mineral leases within the WSAs of

the Leslie Gulch ACEC.

New permanent structures, installations or trails are permitted if needed to

preserve wilderness and resource values or provide the minimum necessary for

public health and safety in the use and enjoyment of the public lands'

wilderness values. Maintenance, construction or removal of existing structures

and installations are permitted if accomplished by primitive means. New

permanent range improvements may be approved for the purpose of enhancing

wilderness values by better protecting the rangeland in a natural condition.

5
Land use authorizations such as leases and special use permits may be

permitted if ELM determines that wilderness values would not be impaired.

Changes in livestock use are allowed if the changes do not cause declining

conditicn or trend of the vegetation or the soil. Noxious weeds ma,' be

controlled by grubbing or chemicals if there is no effective alternative an3

there are no serious adverse impacts on wilderness values.

The IMP provides for land exchanges when BL&I receives lands within an area

under wilderness review in exchange for public lands not under wilderness

review .

Any portions of the WSAs that are Congressionally designated as wilderness

would be managed in accordance with BLM's Wilderness Management Policy; Title

43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 8560 and BLM Manual 8560 (Management 0 f

Designated Wilderness Areas) and other applicable laws and regulations. A

wilderness management plan would be developed for any designated wilderness

area. All issues and needs to specifically manage the wilderness area(s) ~:ou?d

be addressed in the plan. Appropriate decisions of this plan would ba included

in the wilderness management plan.

6
5

STUDY

2 4

AREA

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LESLIE GULCH

AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

GRAPHIC 3CAtE

1m3 24x&
SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

This section presents a comprehensive list of the final management actions

selected during development of the Leslie Gulch ACEC Management Plan. Those

actions which required an MF'P amendment are noted.

I. LAND TENURE

A. OBJECTIVE: Protect and enhance the scenic values, special status pl,%t and

bighorn sheep habitat and wilderness values which are found cjn and influenced

by- private land surrounded by the ACEC.

MJWAGEMENT ACTION 1: This MFP amendment permits acquisition of the 40

dcxe parcel located in T26.S R45E Set 18 SK% SE% through exchange, direct

purchase, donation, easement, life estate or any other means. Public

acquisition would only be completed with the cooperation of a t:i1Litlg

seller. The Bureau recognizes its co4mmitment to counties in Oregon for

no net gain in federal land to maintain a stable economy and county tax

base. Therefore, land exchange is the preferred method of acquisition.

RATIONALE: The parcel has two sensitive plant species, Pacicards blazing

star and Erters groundsel, provides the only reliable bighorn sheep

water within the ACEC and has outstanding scenic vallues. It proLrides

public vehicular access to Dago Gulch and is used by the public for

parking and camping. This use could be terminated at an;' time by the

land owner. Although no known development is planned, the landoxner

could construct additional structures on the property increasing the

level of impact to the surrounding setting. Allo-+~ing acquisition through

any of several means wil 1 increase the chances for successful

acquisition of this important parcel.

B. OBJECTIVE: Reduce the impacts of developments which are contained a;~& the 4i)

acre Dago Gulch parcel upon the ACEC's scenic and wilderness -values.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 2: With public acquisition of the 40 acre parcel at

the junction of Dago and Leslie Gulches, the area woulo' be reclaimer' to

a mostly prim.itive state by removal of all structures and reseeo'ing with

native vegetation. No water would be developed at the site for public

consumption.

RaTIONALE: Returning the area to a mostly primitive condition would

eliminate the visual impacts of the site on the surrounding ACEC.

Development of water at the site for public consumption would increase

conflicts between humans and the bighorn sheep and other wildlife which

water at the site. Developed water would also attract more recreational

use within the ACEC.

C. OBJECTIVE: Correct an acreage error in the Northern Malheur Management

Framework Plan.

WGEMFNT ACTION 3: This ME'P amendment designates the Leslie Gulch &XC

as 11,653 acres.

RaTIONALE: Recent measurements using new technology has resulted in an

updated ACEC acreage of 11,653 acres.

8
II. ACCESS AND ROADS

A. OBJECTIVES: Reduce the level of impact to the scenic values and special

status plants along the Dago Gulch Road. Reduce vehicular trespass from the

Dago Gulch Road into the Upper Leslie Gulch and Slocum Creek Wilderness Study

Areas.

MANA- ACTION 4: This MFP amendment proposes a locked gate and fence

in Dago Gulch near the southern boundary of the 40 acre private parcel.

The road will remain open for access to private land owners and for

administrative purposes.

RATIONALE: Vehicle traffic is impacting special status plant sites along

the road. Vehicles are also leaving the road and driving into adjacent

WSAS . An existing right of way to the private lands in upper Dago Gulch

entitles the owner to use and maintain the road.

B. OBJECTIVES: Reduce driving hazards and road congestion, disperse

recreational use, direct use away from special status plant sites and provide

for increased back country access.

&iaNA- ACTION 5: Construct up to four pullout/parking areas along

the Leslie Gulch Road. If mitigation standards in the remainder of the

plan are insufficient for the protection of resource values, then

development of.a vehicle pullout/parking site will be considered.

A,dditionally, a pullout/parking site may be developed if over fifty

percent of back country visitors surveyed during the two-month highest

annual visitation period have had their opportunities for solitude or

primitive recreation significantly impacted.

RATIONALE: Where parking is not provided, visitors occasionally park on

the road surface creating traffic congestion. When parking off of the

road, drivers are damaging vegetation, causing soil compaction, and are

threatening special status plant species within WSAs. The distribution

of recreational use in the ACEC is partially dependent on the

availability of suitable parking. Visitors can be directed away from the

more heavily used areas to reduce the impacts to wilderness resources

and improve opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation. The

establishment of pullout/parking areas would meet the IMP by providing

the minimum necessary facilities for safe parking at determined

locations so visitors may use and enjoy wilderness values in the back

country of the ACEC.

C. OBJECTIVES: Reduce conflicts between the Leslie Gulch Road and the special

status plant sites located along the road.

MANA- ACTION 6: Evaluate road width, maintenance practices and

design where the Leslie Gulch Road crosses special status plant sites to

identify opportunities to reduce conflicts with the plants. Road

realignment in non-WSA locations could be made for enhancing special

status plant habitat.

&mGE&ZN!P ACTION 7: Road maintenance on the Les2i.e Gulch Road will be

done as needed. Generally, the road is graded annually with major work

scheduled in response to flood events. Outside special status plant

si tes, the road maintenance follows standard practices with a goal being

to retain a graded and drained road prism. Procedures to achieve this

include cleaning of the roadside ditches, backslopes, and crowning of

the road surface. Roadside seeding with native plant species may be

done to reduce weed invasion.

9
l&WA- ACTION 8: Drainage crossings along the Leslie Gui~.h Road will

hatre drap structures constructed as necessary to retain existing road

standards. Where culverts have been installeci, culvert maintenance will

follow standard practices including tail ditch maintenance and control

of intersecting drainages to control runcff.

RATIONALE : Slight changes to road maintenance practices or road design

can allow recovery of lost plant habitat adjacent to the road. The

primary concern will be to avoid further habitat losses while retaining

the existing levels of access.

The nature and levels of recreational use in Leslie Gulch dictate that a

moderate standard of access be maintained. However, improsring the road

standard would encourage additional use of the ACEC which would

adversely impact the relevant and important values of the ACEC. Storm

events within the gulch often result in high levels of runoff that can

seriously degrade the drainage crossings along the Leslie Gulch Road.

Crossings and culverts must be designed and maintained to withstand high

peak flows. Surface flow can also erode the surface of the road if not

properly diverted. Standard maintenance practices and designs have

evolved over long periods of time to provide for stable roads. A11 road

x rk will consider the scenic values contained within the AGEC and must

meet IMP guidance since the WSk boundaries are at the shoulders of the

roads.

D. OBJECTIVE: Control accelerated soil erosion on the Steamboat Ridge Road and

reduce vehicular trespass into the Honeycombs WSA while retaining srehicular

access to Steamboat Ridge.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 9: Erosion control improvements will be installed

where accelerated erosion is occurring on the Steamboat Ridge Road. WSA

boundary signs and increased patrolling will be used tc discourage

vehicular traffic into Honeycombs WSA. If monitoring indicates that

unacceptable resource damage is continuing, Steamboat Ridge Road would

be closed using emergency OHV closure procedures.

RATIONALE: Effective closure of the road would require extensive and

costly measures to prevent off highway vehicles from driving around the

closure causing increased resource damage. The level of use upon the

Steamboat Ridge Road is very low. The road is not within the FJSA and

crosses only about 0.25 mile of the ACEC. The Oregon Department of Fish

and b!ildlife uses the road for annual big game inventory.

III. MINERALS

A. OBJECTIVES: Protect the relevant and important and wilderness values of

the ACEC from damage caused by plant and mineral collection.

MANIA- ACTION 10 : This MFP amendment closes the ACEC to vegetation

and mineral collection without a permit. Permits may be granted for

scientific and educational purposes provided that the relevant and

important and wilderness values are protectea'.

RATIONALE: Plant material collection is a particular threat to special

status plants. Other plant species are an integral part of the scenery

within the ACEC. Collection of plants for fire wood or other uses could

adversely affect the Relevant ant Important Values of the ACEC.

10
The intricate rock formations are also important components of the

scenery in the ACEC. These formations would be desirable for landscaping

purposes.

Extraction of these types of materials is contrary to the definition of

wilderness, as described in the Wilderness Act, which states that a

wilderness is an area of earth untrammeled b'y~ man, protected and manage*d

so as to preserve its natural conditions. The collection of natural

materials within F?SAs for the purpose to advancing scientific or

educational understanding of resource values of a WSA is permissible so

:Long as wilderness values are not-so impaired as to make the area

unsuitable for wilderness designation.

B, OBJECTIVES: Protect the relevant and important and wilderness values of the

ACEC from adverse impacts due to mineral e.xploration and development.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 11: A locatable mineral withdrawal will be pursued for

the entire ACEC as called for in the Northern Malheur Management

Framework Plan. Because the area to be withdrawn is larger than 5,000

acres , a mineral withdrawal will require Congressional notice and is

subject to T-eto by either house of Congress.

JdAHAm ACTION 12: The entire ACEC will remain closed to salable

mineral development as called for in the Northern Malheur Management

Framework Plan.

MANAc;EMENT ACTION 13: Mineral leasing will be restricted to no surface

occupancy as called for in the Northern Malheur Management Framework

Plan.

RATIONALE: Any potential mineral development scenario would not be

c:ompatible with the relevant and important values of the ACEC. Those

portions of the ACEC within WSAs are protected from development as long

as they remain in study status. In those areas outside the WSAs,

locatable mineral activity is regulated under the 43 CFR 3805

regulations to prevent unnecessary and undue degradation of the federal

lands. Under these regulations impacts to the relevant and important

values of the ACEC may not be prevented. If the ACEC were left open to

location under the mining law, a plan of operations and submission of a

bond will be required for any locatable mineral development proposed

within the ACEC. However, claimants would retain the basic right to

pursue development of claims under the Mining Law of 1872 even if they

impact the relevant and important values for which the ACEC was

designated.

Any Congressionally designated wilderness would likely be withdrawn from

mineral activity. Congress can adjust wilderness boundaries during the

designation process, so portions of the ACEC may not be protected. Any

mining claims located within the WSAs while in study status would be

subject to validity examination should any development work be proposed

following designation as wilderness. With a valid discovery, mineral

development could proceed within the designated wilderness area.

Following Congressional action which does not designate the areas as

wilderness, the WSA portions of the ACEC would again become available

for locatable mineral development if the ACEC does not have a mineral

withdrawal.

11
IV. LIVESTOCK GRAZING

A. OBJECTIVES: Protect the special status plant species and high quality

scenery from possible damage due to livestock grazing. Eliminate conflicts

between livestock and those recreationists who do not want to see li:?estock or

their sign in the scenic, primitive setting of Leslie Guich. Maintain the

active grazing preference for the grazing permi&"tees within the Three Fingers

Allotment.

MANAc;EMFNT ACTION 14: This Mr"P amendment closes the Leslie Gulch pasture

to livestock grazing. Grazing will continue in the Barnock pasture. The

264 animai unit months of grazing capacity in the Lesiie Gulch pasture

are moved to the other pastures of the Three Fingess Alictment.

RATIONALE: Livestock grazing is a discretionary activity authorized by

the BLM. Livestock removal from the Leslie Gulch pasture would eliminate

ail potential threats to special status plants associated with livestock

grazing. These threats include destruction of habitat through trailing,

destruction of plants by trampling and ingestion, and transport of

noxious weed seeds. Although improving, the lower serai vegetative

conditions of the bottom areas near the Gwyhee Reservoir may improve

more quickly ,hrith removal of livestock grazing, reduci.nJ the chance of

weed invasion.

Removal of liT,restock from the Leslie Gulch pasture helps protect the

high quality scenery. There will be no new livestock trails, no grazed

appearance, no livestock and no livestock sign to alter the scenic,

natural setting within the ACEC.

The 264 AUMs of active preference are accommodated elsewhere in the

Three Finaers Allotment. There is no reduction in active preference and

no economic impact to the grazing permittees who currently use the

Leslie Gulch pasture.

Livestock grazing relocation is based on The Federal Land Policy and

Management Act of 1976, Section 2C2 and implementing regulations at 43

CFR 1610.4-7. In addition, removal of livestock grazing from the Leslie

Gulch pasture is supported by BLM policy as foliows:

1621.31Alc--"Maintaining existing ecological stage in order to protect a

special status species"

1622.31Al--"identify public lands where livestock grazing will be

excluded considering terrain characteristics, potential of the soil and

vegetation, the presence of undesirable vegetation or the presence of

other resources that may require special management or protection,..."

B. OBJECTIVE: Maintain vegetative condition in that portion of the APEC in the

Bannock pasture which may be affected by livestock.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 15: Establish additional vegetative monitoring ir! the

portion of the ACEC in the Bannock pasture.

RATIONALE: Monitoring of vegetation in the Bannock Pasture will be

necessary to determine whether livestock grazing is having any negative

impacts to ACEC values in that area.

12
C. OBJXCTIYE: Ensure compliance with closure of Leslie Gulch pasture to

grazing.

m ACTION 16: Monitor Leslie Gulch pasture for compliance with

livestock closure to determine the extent of livestock drift from

adjacent areas. Range riders will be utilized to control livestock

movement in unfenced areas without natural barriers. If livestock

trespass occurs in the Leslie Gulch pasture more than 3 or 4 times per

grazing season with more than 10 to 15 head each time, drift fences will

be constructed in areas without natural barriers.

RATIONALE: Monitoring will be necessary to determine compliance with

livestock closure of Leslie Gulch Pasture and to determine whether a

drift fence is necessary.

V. NOXIOUS WEEDS

A. OBJECTIVES: Control infestations of noxious weeds found within the Leslie

Gulch ACEC while protecting the special status plant populations from

inadvertent impacts from weed contra: practices.

bGd??lm ACTION 17: Continue the existing combination of manual and

chemical weed control methods. All chemical control actions will be

done on a site-specific basis and will be monitored on-site by a

botanist to eliminate chances for impacts to special status plant

species. Manual control methods will be used where they are effective.

If chemical control is necessary, application would be according to the

Vale District Five Year Integrated Weed Control Plan and EA. Chemical

application would use methods that apply chemical targeted to individual

plants.

RATIONALE: The spread of noxious weeds represents a substantial threat

to the populations of special status plants and to the preservation of

the natural biological setting of the ACEC and WSAs. Several species of

noxious weeds are established within the ACEC and others are nearby.

Since these infestations are still small, eradication remains feasible.

Careful use of control methods will substantially reduce the potential

for negative impacts to special status plants. Biological controls have

not been found for whitetop or Scotch thistle.

B. OBJECTIVEI Protect special status plant habitat by reducing the potential

for introduction of additional noxious weed seeds to the ACEC.

lGdL4- ACTION 18: Clean road maintenance equipment prior to moving

into the ACEC.

RATIONALE: Road maintenance equipment can carry plant seeds within soil

upon the equipment. Road graders and other equipment working in weed

infested areas can transport weed seeds to other areas when they move.

C!. OBJECTIVE: Reduce the potential sites for new infestations of weeds by

reducing the amount of bare ground within the ACEC.

MNAGEMENT ACTION 19: Seed selected sites of low seral vegetation to

native species where noxious weeds have been found or could grow within

the ACEC.

13
MTi.X'LGEMENT ACTION 20: Seed areas disturbed during road maintenance to

native species where the seeding will not adversely impact special

status plant habitat.

RATIONALE: Freshly disturbed soil and other areas of bare groun.d provide

natural habitat for the pioneering habit of noxious weed species.

Vegetation established on these sites consumes the available soil

moisture and nutrients leaving less availa'ble for newly establishing

weed species. Potential invasion by other species, such as the knapweeds

(Centaurea spp.) and yeilow star thistle (Centaurea solstitalisi,

presents additional threats to native plants.

VI. WILD HORSES

OBJECTIVES: Protect the special status plants within the ACEC from potential

impacts from wild horses.

MANA- ACTION 21: This MFP amendment removes the Leslie Gulch .4CEC

from the Three Fingers Herd Management Area. Any horses which mcve into

the ACE& will be relocated to t$e HMA or gathered and removed for

adoption.

RATIONALE: Although wild horse use of the KEC is currently minimal, the

animals have used the area in the past and could move into the area once

again. Special status plant sites could be impacted if horses were to

concentrate on the sites for any length of time. The 7,OOG acres of the

ACEC that are within the Herd Management Area represent apprsximatel;?

10% of the HM.k. This amendment does not change the numbers of horses

that will be maintained within the HMA.

VII. SPECIAL STATUS PLANTS

A. OBJECTIVE: Maintain viable populations of the five special status plant

species found in the Leslie Gulch ACEC on all suitable habitat.

m ACTION 22: If monitoring indicates that a special status

plant species may be threatened with immediate extinction, the species

will be introduced into identified suitable habitat. This action wili be

considered following consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and other experts.

-ACTION 23: Periodically collect a limited number of seeds and

cooperate with the Center for Plant Conservation to maintain a seed bank

for the five special status plant species.

RATIONALE: Reintroductions and seed collections of the special status

plants will help insure that the species' genetic materib xi11 be

maintained should stochastic events beyond human control severel;r

deplete population numbers.

B. OBJECTIVE: Reduce and eliminate where possible impacts of human activities

on suitable habitat for special status plant species.

MANIA- ACTION 24: Install site-specific trail segments, fences

and/or signs if monitoring indicates a need to protect special status

plants or their habitat. These actions will be considered if any impact

occurs to any special status plant site.

14
KATIONALE: One of the primary purposes in designating Leslie Gulch as an

ACEC was to protect the special status plant species and their habitats

found there. Many populations of these species are accessible to both

direct and indirect human activities. Specific management of the species

and their habitats, which requires a broad range of measures is

necessary to control potential threats to their existence and to

maintain viable populations of these species within their natural

setting.

VII. WILDLIFE

A. OBJECTIVE: Protect relevant and important ACEC values while allowing

management of California bighorn sheep.

Jm ACTION 25: Base bighorn sheep transplant operations at Slocum

Creek Campground. Require ODFW to submit a proposal to BLM for

evaluation of environmental impacts and approval if other sites are

needed for operations. Require ODFW to submit a proposal to BOR for

evaluation of environmental impacts and approval if BOR withdrawn lands

along Owyhee Reservoir are needed.

MANAGZUEN!I ACTION 26: Review ODFW placement of wormer blocks or feed

supplements for bighorn sheep to evaluate impacts to ACEC values.

Placement will require approval by BLM.

RATIONALE: California bighorn sheep are one of the relevant and

important values of the ACEC and management is necessary to maintain a

healthy population. Slocum Creek Campground is already used for camping

and no further impacts on ACEC values will result from ODFW base

operations at that location. Negative impacts on BOR withdrawn lands

will be considered during an evaluation process. Potential damage to

special status plant sites or other ACEC values will be avoided through

the evaluation process if ODFW needs other areas for operations. BLM

review of the placement of wormer blocks and feed supplements will

assure that there are no negative impacts to the ACEC's relevant and

important values.

B. OBJECTIVE: Avoid or mitigate conflicts between recreational use and special

status or other wildlife species.

m ACTION 27: Collect baseline data on bald eagle winter use,

raptor species nesting sites, and other special status wildlife species

in the ACEC.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 28: Coordinate with and support ODFW inventory and

monitoring efforts.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 29: Restrict or close areas to recreational uses

during critical seasons if conflicts occur.

HATIONALE: In areas where there is high recreational use, there is a

potential for visitor/wildlife conflicts to occur. Little is known.about

the presence and distribution of special status wildlife species in the

ACEC other than California bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep, as well as big

game species and upland game birds, are currently monitored by ODFW. Of

particular concern are raptor nests, bat roosts and bighorn sheep

lambing areas that could be disturbed by recreational activities. If

conflicts are identified, restrictions or closures will be necessary to

protect wildlife resource values.

15
VIII. FIRE

A. OBJECTIVE: Protect the relevant and important values of the ACEC from

impacts caused by fire suppression activities wh,ile limiting the potential for

fires to spread to adjacent private lands.

&iZXAm ACTION 30: Retain the Vale District Fire Management Activity

Plan as the overall guidance for fire suppression activities within the

ACEC.

RATIONALE: The Fire Management Activity Plan highlights ACECs and !GSAs

for special consideration when wild fire occurs within or approaches

them. These fires have personnel assigned who monitor the fire

suppression efforts to control impacts to the special values noted

within these areas. IMP guidance is incorporated into the provisions of

the Activity Plan.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 31: The Interim Policy and Guidance for Lards i~.x&r

Wilderness Review will continue to be followed fcr fire suppression

activities within the ACSC if the WSAs are not designated as wilderness.

This guidazce applies to the entire ACEC.

RATIONALE: The IMP for WSAs specifies that fir@ suppression methols be

selected which are most effective while being least damaging to

wilderness values. Although this guidance does not completel-y rule out

the use of mechanized earth moving equipment, it requires that this

method of fire suppression be used only as a last resort. Occasional

extreme fire conditions may require the use of a variety of suppression

methods. This policy is appropriate for protecting the relevant and

important values of the ACEC,

B. OBJECTIVE: Retain fire management alternatives which could be used to

enhance the Relevant and Important and wilderness values found within the

ACEC.

-CEMENT ACTION 32: Prescribed or naturaiiy occurring fire map be

utilized when specific management objectives are identified to enhance

ACEC or wilderness values.

RATIONALE: L,ow intensity fire can be used to achieTre a %.-ide variety of

management objectives, generally aimed at manipulating 7Jegetatisn. In

Leslie Gulch these objectives will likely be to retain naturally

occurring vegetation or to return a portion of the ACEC to a mc;:‘e

natural vegetative co;rLmunity.

IX. RECREATION

A. OBJECTIVES: Protect the special status plants by reducing the potential for

spread of noxious weeds into the area by domestic recreational lives%ock.

Reduce conflicts between recreationists within the ACEC.

MzwA6EME7?T ACTION 33: This MFP amendment eliminates recreational

domestic livestock from the Leslie Gulch ACEC. Administrative uses for

conducting official business, such as for removal of trespass livestock

and search and rescue activities are allowed.

16
IUTIONALE: Horses and other domestic livestock can transport weed seeds

in their hooves and digestive tracts. Hay brought into the ACEC for feed

and for bedding can also contain weed seeds. There has been nominal

historic recreational horse use in the ACE.2 with most use being

associated with big game hunting. Most of the ACEC is within 2.5 miles

of the Leslie Gulch Road and public lands outside of the ACEC remain

available for recreational domestic livestock use.

B. OBJECTIVES: Protect the scenic values, special status plants and wilderness

values of the ACYX.

MANAGEMEN ACTION 34: This MFP amendment designates the Leslie Gulch

ACEC as day use only outside of the Slocum Creek Campground.

RATIQNALE: The back country portions of the ACEC remain readily

available via day hiking due to the central location of the Leslie Gulch

Road and size of the ACEC. Camping remains available within the ACEC at

the Slocum Creek campground and outside the ACEC on surrounding public

Lands.

sites,

Dispersed camping has resulted in the proliferation of camp fire

trash, damage to vegetation due to gathering wood for fires and

damage to special status plant sites.

C. OBJECTIVES: Maintain the ACEC's scenic values and meet requirements of the

IMP for WSAs.

MANAGEMFNT ACTION 35: Within one year, rock climbers will remove or

mitigate all fixed anchors, artificial hand holds and visual evidence of

contrasting chalk use developed in the ACEC since 1990. This a'oes not

include those fixed anchors at the "Einstein" climbing site. These

fixtures at the "Einstein" climbing site will be removed or mitigated by

the rock climbers within five years, with a minimum of 20 percent of the

original number of fixed anchors removed/mitigated every year. The

removal and mitigation methods must be approved by BLM. Fixed anchors

will be inspected by rock climbers and any unsafe fixed anchors,

artificial hand holds and visible evidence of hand drying agents will be

immediately removed by rock climbers. Until removed or mitigated,

camouflaging techniques must be applied and maintained by rock climbers

on all existing fixed anchors at the "Einstein" site.

RATIONALE: The most popular recreational pursuit within the ACEC is

leisure driving to enjoy the exceptional scenic qualities of the natural

landscape. Sport rock climbing at the "Asylum" climbing site is a

visually disruptive presence within view of the Leslie Gulch Road.

Although enjoyment of climbing with fixed anchors may be enhanced when

performed outdoors in a natural setting, pursuit of the activity or it's

enjoyment does not require wilderness characteristics. While the

placement of fixed anchors is preferred for safety, the establishment of

climbing routes with fixed anchors within WSAs, considered permanent

installations under the IMP, are not a minimum requirement to enjoy

wilderness values and are not in compliance with the IMP. BLM approval

of specific equipment removal or mitigation plans will allow for

analysis of these procedures to help ensure the least impacting

methodologies are selected.

Continued placement of fixed anchors would cause accumulative impacts to

the wilderness value of naturalness, and likely impact some outstanding

opportunities for solitude with other WSA visitors in the ACEC. Over the

long term, requirements of the IMP will be met. The visual scaring and

disruptive contrast of fixed anchors will become less apparent at the

17
"Einstein" site as fixed anchors are removed or mitigated.

Opportunities for rock climbing without the placement of fixed anchors

and artificial hand holds will remain available throughout the KEC.

D. OBJECTIVE!: Maintain the existing roaded natural, semiprimitixze motorized

and primitive recreaticnal settings, and protect the XEC's outstanding scenic

values while providing limited delreloped recreationa 1 facilities and motorized

access. .

MANAGEMENT ACTION 36: Tile existing Iv&able gate at-the Overiook wiL3 bo

retained to provide for visitor safety and resource prctection.

RATIONALE: Road damage from flash flooding within Leslie Gulch can

create unsafe driving conditions or make the area temporarily

inaccessible by automobiles. The ACEC could also require temporary

access restrictions due to other unforeseeable circumstances for the

purpose of protecting important resource values or for public safetlr.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 37: Specific project plans will be developed prior to

construction of developed recreational facilities. Provision for the

physically challenged will be a component of project plans and of

upgraded maintenance of certain existing facilities.

BATIONALE: Project plans will ensure design and development of

facilities is no greater than that required to meet public needs within

the scope of this plan, while allowing appropriate protection of the

area's important values.

MANAGEMEBY ACTION 38: A signs plan will be developed for administrative

and informative sign placement within the ACEC. Signs wili coordinate

with a brochure/pamphlet about the ACEC.

RATIONALE: A signs plan will determine the scope and type of signs

required to assist resources protection and visitors' enjoyment of the

area without negatively impacting the relevant and important value of

the ACEC. Witten iiterature will provide information about resource

values, user ethics, safety, rules of use in the area, the BLM, and

other appropriate subjects.

MANA- ACTION 39: At rock climbing sites, there wiil be no

alteration of hand/foot holds, and temporary hardware wili not be left

on walls or climbing sites.

RATIONALE: The Einstein climbing site is and other climbing sites may be

visible to primary back country access routes and the Leslie Gulch Road.

The artificially altered hand/foot holds and various types of climbing

equipment result in visual impacts which are visible to many visitors to

the ACEC. Removal of temporary equipment when climbers leave the sites

will significantly reduce the impacts to the natural setting of the .XEC

and to those recreationists seeking to enjoy a primitive recreational

experience.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 40: If monitoring indicates that ACEC or wilderness

values are being significantly impacted by climbing activities, then

group size and frequency of use will be limited or all rock climbing

eliminated. Impacts on cultural resources, acceierated soil erosion,

soil compaction, or evidence of accumulative trash or human feces k'iil

require use limitations to preclude further impacts. A twenty percent

increase of bare soil at a site will require employment of use

restrictions. visitor use may resume at sites if reestablishment of

native plant species covers at least eighty percent of the original bare
soil measurement. Site-specific use restrictions may be employed if over

fifty percent of surveyed non-rock climbing visitors have had their

opportunities for outstanding solitude or primitive recreation

significantly impacted by rock climbing activities.

- ACTION 41: There will be no competitive or commercial rock

climbing activities in the ACEC.

RATIONALE: Concentrated use at climbing sites could cause damage to

vegetation, accelerated soil erosion, disturbance of wildlife or

disturbance of cultural sites along the access trails or at the climbing

sites themselves. These disturbances could result in visual impacts

which exceed the visual resource management class II or exceed

acceptable levels of impact to the wilderness values of naturalness,

primitive setting and solitude. Organized competitive or commercial

climbing events attract large groups of people. As with any commercial

venture on public lands, the exploitation or promotion of rock climbing

requires BLM authorization.

blANAGZMENT ACTION 42: The use of chalk or other drying agents by rock

climbers will be mitigated by removal of any contrasting deposits cn

rock walls which are visible from the primary access routes used by

other ACEC visitors before leaving the climbing sites.. Removal

techniques must leave no scarring on the rock surface. Inadequate

cooperation by climbers may result in prohibition on the use of certain

drying agents or further restriction on climbing activities within the

ACEC. BLM will post trailhead registers and notify known rock climbers

in the area.

RATIONALE : The use of drying agents on the hands is a recognized safety

factor for rock climbers. The use of some drying agents, especially

white chalk, results in highly contrasting deposits on the red colored

rock in Leslie Gulch. Deposits of contrasting chalk and intentional

marring of the rock surface are unnatural and to some visitors an

abusive visual intrusion on the naturalness of the area. Appropriate

substitutes are available and should be used to preserve the naturalness

of the ACEC. The responsibility to reduce the impacts of chalk use rests

with all rock climbers.

-GlWENT ACTION 43: A cooperative agreement will be developed with the

rock climbers for implementing management actions, monitoring of use,

minimizing resource impacts, promoting climbing ethics, developing a

search and rescue plan and other climbing related subjects.

Unsuccessful agreement efforts or inadequate cooperation and assistance

from rock climbers will result in further BLM imposed restrictions on or

complete removal of rock climbing activities in the ACEC.

RATIONALE: An instrument is needed to coordinate with the rock climbers

to ensure critical elements of this plan are carried out. A cooperative

agreement would mutually benefit rock climbers and BLM. The agreement is

an excellent tool to mutually ensure continued communication and

cooperation, provides rock climbers a direct and active role in managing

their own activity, and formalizes understanding for the continuance of

rock climbing activities within the constraints of the ACEC plan.

mACTION 44: Site-specific signs or trail segments will be

developed or restrictions on visitor use will be employed if monitoring

indicates a need to protect specific areas. Unnecessary primitive trails

will be closed and reclaimed. Trails will be kept to the minimum needed

for reasonable access and resource protection.

19
RaTIONALE: Concentrated visitor use can impact natural values. Special

status species can be impacted or areas of accelerated soil erosion can

be created. Trails can be used to route visitors away from sensitive

areas. Minimizing trail development and sign placement would enhance the

naturalness and visual qualities of the ACEC.

MZ.NAGZXENT! ACTION 45: An Cwyhee Breaks trailhead will be provided at an

established pullout/parking area. Site specific trail segments will be

established only to protect important ACEC or wilderness values. The

Cwyhee Breaks trail route will cross the ACEC south to north. This

backcountry trail corridor will be developed if user demands indicate d

need for providing an identifiable route from the Owyhee Reserl,oir

Resort south to the Birch &reek Historic Ranch on the Owyhee Hationai

Wile' River.

RATIONALE: The presence of the Leslie Gulch Road makes the XCC a

logical location for trailhead establishment in this region's largely

unroaded country. The Ohyhee Breaks trail is designed to be a nontreaded, point-to-point type of hiking route. Treaded trail may be sitespecifically established in order to protect ACEC or wilderness ~:aluss.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 46: A back country visitor access permit system w,ill

be implemented if monitoring indicates a need for the protection: of

resource values. The permit system may be incrementally implemented,

depending on the extent or severity of impacts occurring.

RATIONALE: The purpose of a back country visitor access permit system is

to limit visitor levels thus providing continued opportunities for

solitude and to prevent damage to important values of the ACEC and P:Sks.

Back country use of the ACEC is increasing. Repeated use has created

trails in some locations. If unacceptable impacts occur, limits m?y be

needed to reduce the levels of use.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 47: Any activity requiring the BLM issuance of a

special use permit (special recreation use permits, land use permits) or

other special authorizations will normally be limited to a maximum of

six persons. Specific exceptions may be allowed.

RATIONALE: Physical impacts caused by concentrated use by larr;eu grsups

will be reduced. Vehicle congestion and contact between parties in the

back country will also be reduced.

XUZ?LGEMENT ACTION 48: The present "Limited" Off Highway Vehicle use

designation will be retained to restrict vehicle traffic to the Leslie

Gulch and Steamboat Ridge roads. Vehicle access to Dago Gulch will be

colsistert . - * with the existing private right-of-way and controlled -with a

locked gate located on public lands approximately O.S miles north cf the

existing gate.

RATIONALE: This action protects the relevant and imzportant and

wilderness values of the ACEC. The IMP is met by limiting 5?ehic!le use to

existing roads and ways within the area. The Steamboat Ridge Road is

left open to provide access beyond the XCEC.

MANA- ACTION 49: The Back Country Byway and Watchable Wildlife

designations will be removed. The Wilderness Study Area, Special

Recreation Management Area, and Resource Natural Area designations will

be retained.

20
RATIONALE : Removal of these designations will remove the Leslie Gulch

ACEC from BLM's national level promotional programs and reduce the rates

of increased use expected for this area in the future. Increased visitor

use will have additional impacts upon all of the special natural

resource values contained within the ACEC.

MANA- ACTION SO: The restroom adjacent to the 40 acre private

parcel will be moved to Dago Gulch and a day use parking area developed

at Dago Gulch if the private land or easement is acquired by BLM. As an

alternative, a restroom and pullout/parking area wili be relocated to

upper Leslie Gulch. A small pullout/parking area will be provided at

upper Leslie Gulch until a determination for the private Dago Gulch

parcei is made.

RATIONALE : Since four major, drainages and two roads merge near the mouth

of Dago Gulch, the area receives high levels of recreational use and has

been somewhat impacted by this use. This location is the first area west

of The Overlook which can physically accommodate any concentration of

parked vehicles or visitor facility development. A designated parking

area will help protect resource values b;f preventing off road driving

and parking. Natural features allow for screening of developed

facilities in this area. Visitors are currently parking off of the

Lieslie Gulch Road at upper Leslie Gulch impacting vegetation there.

IEDU?A- ACTION 51: A vehicle access loop and approximately 10

campsites each with a table, grill and vehicle parking will be developed

at the Slocum Creek campground within the existing campground area.

Revegetation with native plant species will be accomplished as

appropriate. Table shades may be provided at no more than half of the

tables.

&?XtiA- ACTION 52: The existing 14 day maximum camping limit may be

shortened for Slocum Creek to no less than seven days if the campground

is full over fifty pe~rcent of the time during its highest two month use

period.

RATIONALE: Due to the area's remoteness, most reservoir boating parties

stay longer than one day. Camping at Slocum Creek provides a level of

security for boats and gives opportunity for extended stays by persons

desiring to further explore and enjoy the values of the ACEC. Land based

recreationists also utilize the camping opportunities offered at Slocum

Creek. Restricting development to the presently disturbed area keeps

concentrated use activities over 200 feet from a known special status

plant site near the campground. The proliferation and scarring of

unsightly dispersed rocked fire pits is avoided and fire safety is

enhanced by placement of fire rings. Individual campsites provide

designed spacing between camping parties to enhance the camping

experience, and prevents overcrowding at the campground. Shading

provides for more bearable camping conditions during the intense summer

heat of the canyon.

MANA- ACTION 53: Potable water will not be developed within the

ACEC.

RATIONALE: There has been little public demand for developed water

within the ACEC. Without developed water, the average length of camping

stay at Slocum Creek campground will likely remain shorter than if water

were provided, thus maintaining a lower rate of increased use while

providing more visitors the opportunity to camp in the ACEC. Day use

visitors of the ACEC can readily carry enough water to meet their needs.

21
MANA- ACTION 54: Additional day use and boat trailer parking, d

safety dock, a fish cleaning station, and a waste disposal facility

provided for floaters of the Owyhee Wild and Scenic River wiL1 be

provided.

RATIONALE: These facilities are located adjacent to the ACEC on BGR

withdrawn lands, and are administered by BLM for recreational purposes

through an interagency agreement. This portion of the ACEC receives very

heavy levels of use in the spring.

River floatboaters are required to carry out and properly dispose humal

solid waste from the wild river corridor. Presentl-y, approximately 65

percent of the Owyhee River floatboaters take out at Leslie Gulch.

Plastics and other trash are very difficult to remove from vault

restrooms. Since the river floating season is short, the disposal unit

may be an annually placed temporary structure.

MAzJaGEMENT ACTION 55: Temporary overnight facilities may be provided at

the Slocun: Creek Campgrour:d for a BLM visitor contact/rescurce

protecticr: employee. This facility will be used during the peak

recreaticnal use season.

RATIONALE: The ACEC is a two hour drive from the BLM district office.

Temporary housing will improve BLM's efficiency when providing for

visitor services, initiation of a permit system, resource protection and

monitoring of visitor uses and resource values.

MANAGEMENT ACTION 56: Camp fires will be restricted to the S:ocum Creci:

campground.

RATIONALE: Destruction and damage to the ACEC's limited amount of dead

woody vegetation will be reduced. The visual character of the natural

landscape will be protected by eliminating the contrasting presence of

fire rings, charcoal and destroyed vegetation.

E. OBJECTIVE: Maintain the suitability of the wilderness study areas for

inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

MANXGEUENT ACTION 57: Comply with the requirement of the Interilil

Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness ReL-iew.

RATIONALE: BL!4 is required b'y law to comply with this guidance.

22
MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of the actions described in the proposed MFP amendments and the

proposed ACEC Management Plan, as well as ongoing maintenance in the ACEC,

have been listed in the following table. Five time frames have been

identified: immediate, short-term, long-term, ongoing, and as needed.

Immediate actions are those which will be implemented within one year after

the final plan goes into affect. Short-term actions should be completed within

two to five years after plan approval. Long-term actions should be completed

within six to ten years after plan approval. Ongoing actions are those that

are currently taking place and will continue, or those actions which will

continue after immediate implementation. As Needed actions have no scheduled

time frames and will only be implemented if monitoring indicates a need for

the action.

Approximate costs in 1996 dollars for specific actions are given in the

appropriate time frame column. An X indicates that the action will be

completed within that time period with no cost.

Implementation of the identified management actions will be an element of the

Vale District's annual budgetary planning process. Distribution of limited

funding will be based on prioritizing actions District-wide.

23

Table 1

IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE AND PROJECTED COSTS

Time Frames and Projected Costs (1996 dollars)

Correct ACEC acreage

m-4

rlA-5

rIA-6

Gate installed at Dago Gulch $2500

Construction of up to 4

pull-out/parking areas

$2000/each

Identify opportunities to $500

reduce road maintenance and

special status plant

conflicts

.lA-7

1A-7

Vi-8

4A-9

Maintain roads $2500/year

Roadside seeded with native

plants

$1000-5000

Drainage crossings

maintained or improved

$5000-

70,000

Erosion control on Steamboat $500

Ridge Road

JA-9 Increased patrols and WSA

boundary signs on Steamboat

Ridge Road

$1000

m-10 Close ACEC to vegetation and

mineral gathering

X

ACEC withdrawn from

locatable and saleable

mineral development

$10,500 $4000

MA-13 Mineral leasing in ACEC

restricted to no surface

occupancy

X

25
Manager

IA- 14

IA-15

fA-26

tA-16

a- 17

myI-17

4A-18

m-19

WA-20

U-21

HP-22

m-22

MA-23

MA-24

MA-25

MA-26

WL-27

!nt Action Immediate Short-term Long-term Ongoing As Needed

Remove li7estock grazing $3500

from Leslie Gulch pasture

Establish additional

vegetative monitoring in

Bannock pasture

Construct drift fence

Range use supervision

Existing combination of

manual and chemical weed

control

$1000-4000

$1750:year

$lOOO-4000/

year

Monitor for weedo $500 $500;/year

Clean road maintenance

equipment prior to moving

into ACEC

$500,'yaar

Seed native plants at

selected sites for weed

control

$1000-3000 $1000-3000

Remove ACEC from Three

fingers HMA X

Special status plant $1000-5000 $2000-5000/

monitoring year

Introduce special status $2000

plants into suitable habitat

Collect special status plant $500 $500iyear

seeds for seed bank

Install site-specific trail

segments, fences, signs to

protect special status

plants or their habitat

$500-15.000

Base ODFW bighorn transplant

operations at Slocum Creek

Campground. Other sites

evaluated and approved prior

to operations

$1700/srte

OnFW placement of wormer

blocksjfeed supplements

evaluated and approved by

BIX

x

Special status wildlife

SLlF.'i_-'2'.S

$500iySK $lOOO10,000
r -I I

Manaqement Action Long-term Short-term 1 1 As Needed Ongoing

1

MA-28 Support ODFW wildlife

inventory and monitoring in

ACEC Campground. Other

potential sites evaluated

and approved prior to

operations

Restrict or close areas

where wildlife/recreation

MA-29

MA-30

MA-31

Activity

Manage

per

Retain

Use

conflicts

of

IMP

fire

Fire

prescribed

Plan

occur

suppression

Management

fire

as

X I

X

MA-32 X

MA-33

MA-34

MA-35

MA-36

Removal of recreational

domestic livestock use

Dispersed recreation limited

to day use only. Camping

only at Slocum Creek

Campground

Existing fixed anchors on3.y

at Einstein climbing site.

Cl.imbing routes at Einstein

closed over 5-year period

$1500

$500 $100-500

$2000 $4000

I

Maintain gate at Overlook $100-500 I

I

Develop project plans for

develooed facilities I

MA-37

MA-38

$10,000

Develop/maintain a Signs

Plan

$3500

MA-38 Develop/maintain ACEC $10,000

literature

MA-39 Rock-climbing hand/foot

holds not altered, temporary

hardware removed

$3000

Rock climbing group size and

frequency limited. No

competitive or commercial

rock climbing. I

Chalk, other drying agent

use mitiaated

MA-42 $500

MA-43 Develop and implement

cooperative agreement with

rock climbers

$7000 $5000

27
x
N

al
MONITORING

EFFECTS OF MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

Monitoring will be developed and implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of

actions taken in the Leslie Gulc:h Management Plan to meet management

objectives. AS data are collected, implementation of additional analyzed

actions may be necessary. Data may also indicate that a revision of this plan

is necessary in order to refine goals and objectives or to consider other

management options. Below is a list of monitoring activities that will occur

with implementation of the Leslie Gulch Management Plan. Specific methods and

locations of monitoring studies are on file at the Vale District office.

Management actions will be implemented as determined by annual review by an

interdisciplinary team. Prioritization will be determined by BLM policy and

resource protection needs as determined by the changing resource conditions

within the ACEC!.

ACCESS AND ROADS

+ Periodicall; inspect Dago Gulch for vehicle trespass beyond the locked gate.

+ Annually inspect the Steamboat Ridge Road lor accelerated erosion and

correct as necessary.

l Annual11 inspect areas where the Leslie Gulch Road crosses special status

plant sites for negative impacts to the plants by the road. Work with road

maintenance personnel as necessary to correct conflicts.

MINERALS

+ Periodically check the ACEC for mineral related activity. This activity

would be in trespass following mineral withdrawal.

LIVESTOCK GRAZING

+ Monitor trend of perennial vegetation condition in the portion of the ACEC

within the Bannock pasture. This will be completed by installation of at least

one permanent photo plot and one 1CO foot line intercept transect.

+ Use supervision will be made at a minimum of once a month to detect

livestock trespass. More frequent checks may be made when livestock are

present in adjacent pastures.

NOXIOUS WEEDS

6 Conduct at least two field trips annually in spring and early summer for the

purpose of identifying and recording infestation sites and directing control

efforts.

+ Monitor effectiveness of control measures for white-top, Scotch thistle, and

other invasive weeds.

WILD HORSES

+ Wild horse activity will be monitored during livestock use supervision

monitoring. Use supervision will be made at a minimum of once a month. More

frequent check maybe made when livestock are present in adjacent pastures.

+ Conduct aerial inventory of wild horses annually.

30
SPECIAL STATUS PLANTS

t Implement monitoring studies at selected locations that will track viability

of knoum pcpulations of the five sensitive plant species within the ACEC.

Specific methods of monitoring and locations of studies are on file at the

Vale District Office.

+ Continue inventories within the ACEC to determine distribution and numbers

of the sensitive plant species.

+ Conduct general ecological monitoring at specific sites where special status

plants are known to occur which will help give understanding of natural

processes and causes of population trends for sensitive status plant species.

+ Assess yearly impacts of human activities, including but not limited to

hiking activities, road repair work, and camping, at selected locations of

sensitive plant species.

WILDLIFE

+ Monitor the ACEC for winter use by bald eagles and other raptors with a

minimum of one winter survey (December l- February 1) when roads are passable.

+ Monitor for prairie falcon, golden eagle, and other raptor species of

concern during nesting season. Any nests that are 1ocatPd will be monitored

for human disturbance.

+ Conduct inventory and monitoring for special status wildlife species as

budget constraints permit. Areas of high recreational use will have the

highest priority for survey. If special status species are found, appropriate

monitor.ing will be developed and implemented.

FIRE

+ Any wild fire within or near the ACEC will have a Resource Advisor assigned

who will advise the Incident Commander concerning resource values in the area.

Provisions of IMP, the Vale District Fire Management Activity Plan and this

plan will be followed.

RECREATION

+ Maintain records of the volume of motorized and nonmotorized recreational

use. Emphasize selected popular, sensitive resource, concentrated and

adversely impacted user sites and locations. Recreational uses monitored

include road travel, camping, and various day use land and water-based related

activities.

Monitoring methods will include road and trailhead mechanical counters,

voluntary sign-in registers, patrols, visitor use surveys, plot photography,

comparative physical resource evaluation, and tracking of issued use permits.

+ Evaluate user satisfaction, preference, trends, demography and economic

impacts by conducting periodic visitor use surveys for both motorized and

nonmotorized land and water-based activities.

Elements of measure include retention and enjoyment of the ACEC's relevant and

important values, meeting wilderness values and providing quality recreational

camping and day use experiences. Evaluation elements for measuring economic

impacts include duration of stay, user patterns/histories and demography of

the ACECI's visitors.

+ Conduct patrols and checks, as necessary, for compliance with the provisions

of this plan.

31
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 3

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Oregon State Office

L bp& @P

P.O. Box 2965 % a,

/&

0 %

Portland, Oregon 97208 a-> %

9 3‘

*A In Reply Refer to:

1610/1785 (933)

Memorandum

To: District Manager, V

From: State Director, Oregon/Washington

Subject: Implementation of the Northern Malheur Plan Amendment for the Leslie

Gulch Area of Critical Environmental Concern ’

In April, 1994, the proposed plan amendment and environmental assessment was distributed

to the public for review with the opportunity to protest under 43 CPR 1610.52. As a result,

three valid protests were received from various individuals or groups. After careful

consideration, the Director has responded to the germane portions of the protests and

med all aspects of the decisions. Since a member of the Director’s field planning staff

personally toured the area, affirmation of our proposed resource protection actions and

procedural review of alternatives and environmental consequences is noteworthy. A copy of

each of the Director’s responses is attached and should be made a part of your official

planning record, along with this memorandum. Please note that the portions of the original

protests which were found to be without formal standing or not germane to the plan

amendment should receive a formal District Manager response. This would also be

appropriate for the other party who failed to demonstrate standing to protest, but should

receive more feedback than a protest rejection notice. One option would be to forward that

party a copy of the similar protest response to the group with comparable concerns.

In accordance with 43 CFR 1610.3-2(e), the proposed plan amendment was forwarded to the

fionorable Barbara Roberts, Governor of Oregon for her staff review for consistency with

State plans, programs and policies. Based on the absence of any known letter or contact by

the Governor’s Natural Resource Assistant or the Governor’s Forest Planning Team, it

appears there are no known inconsistencies or objections from the State.

We also understand there were no protests or appeals filed on the proposed Leslie Gulch

Area of Critical environmental Concern Management Plan, included on pages 19-34 of the
2

April 1994 document. Since there is no further reason to modify, further amend or defer the

proposed actions in the April 1994 document, it is unconditionally approved and you are

hereby authorized to implement all aspects of the decision relating to land tenure adjustment,

road maintenance and closures, visitor use and recreational livestock use restrictions,

domestic: livestock use restrictions, wild horse herd management and pubiic information and

interpretative improvements. Since the environmental assessment and decision record clearly

anticipated the necessary actions required to meet the plan objectives, no further

environmental analysis or decisionmaking steps are anticipated. We suggest that your staff

utilize an inexpensive news release to notify all addressees on the MFP mailing list and other

interested publics that the proposed decision has been approved and affirmed by the Director

without change. We also recommend noting the status of the decision in your FY 1995

Malheur Resource Area Planning Update report.

Please provide OR-933 with copies of your news release or other mailer which indicateq our

decision has been affirmed. Please extend our appreciation to your staff for the close support

and cooperation in developing this plan to provide appropriate resource protection, visitor

services <and public safety while protecting and enhancing Leslie Gulch resources. Please

keep the Oregon State Office staff informed of your progress.

Associate State Directmu

1 Attachment

1 - Director’s responses to three protests (11 pages)

cc: WO-480 (406LS) (w/o attachments)

ID-930 (Attention: Wallace Evans) (w/o attachments)

OR-912 (Attention: Chris Strebig) (with attachments)

OR-931 (with attachments)