4_-_Morgan_Bridge_Environmental_Assessment_1.pdf

Morgan Bridge Acquisi

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan Environmental Assessment Environmental Assessment Document No. DOI-BLM-ID-I020-2022-0014-EA

December 2022

Pocatello Field Office Idaho Falls District 4350 Cliffs Drive Pocatello ID 83204 ii

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Summary of Proposed Project

1.2 Background

1.3 Decision to be Made

1.4 Land Use Plan Conformance

1.5 Relationship to Statues and Regulations

1.6 Tiering and Incorporation by Reference

1.7 Scoping and Issues

Issues 12 Issues Identified but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis (if applicable)

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Alternative A: No Action

2.3 Alternative B: Proposed Action

2.3.1 Sportsman’s Access/Recreation:

2.3.2 Sage-grouse Habitat and Upland Restoration:

2.3.3 Riparian and Fisheries Habitat Restoration:

2.3.4 Rangeland Improvement Modification

2.3.5 Livestock Management

2.4 Alternative C

2.4.1 Sportsman Access/Recreation:

2.4.2 Sage-grouse Habitat and Upland Restoration:

2.4.3 Riparian and Fisheries Habitat Restoration

2.4.4 Rangeland Improvement Modification

2.4.5 Livestock Management

2.5 Alternative D:

2.5.1 Sportsman Access/Recreation:

2.5.2 Sage-grouse Habitat and Upland Restoration:

2.5.3 Riparian and Fisheries Habitat Restoration

2.5.4 Rangeland Improvement Modification

2.5.5 Livestock Management

2.6 Project Design Features and Mitigation Measures for Alternatives B-D

2.7 Actions Considered but not Analyzed in Detail

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

3.1 Introduction

iii

3.2 Sportsman Access/Recreation

3.2.1 Issue Statement:

3.2.2 Affected Environment

3.2.3 Environmental Consequences

3.2.4 Assumptions for Analysis

3.2.5 Alternative A - No Action

3.2.6 Alternative B – Proposed Action

3.2.7 Alternative C –

3.2.8 Alternative D -

3.3 Vegetation

3.3.1 Issue Statement

3.3.2 Affected Environment

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences

3.3.4 Assumptions for Analysis

3.3.5 Alternative A – No Action

3.3.6 Alternative B – Proposed Action

3.3.7 Alternative C

3.3.8 Alternative D

3.4 Aquatic Habitat (Riparian/Fisheries/Water Resources)

3.4.1 Issue Statement

3.4.2 Affected Environment

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences

3.4.4 Assumptions for Analysis

3.4.5 Alternative A – No Action

3.4.6 Alternative B – Proposed Action

3.4.7 Alternative C –

3.4.8 Alternative D -

3.5 Wildlife

3.5.1 Issue Statement

3.5.2 Affected Environment

3.5.3 Environmental Consequences

3.5.4 Assumptions for Analysis

3.5.5 Alternative A – No Action

3.5.6 Alternative B – Proposed Action

3.5.7 Alternative C -

iv

3.5.8 Alternative D -

3.6 Soils

3.6.3 Issue Statement

3.6.4 Affected Environment

3.6.5 Environmental Consequences

3.6.6 Assumptions for Analysis

3.6.7 Alternative A – No Action

3.6.8 Alternative B – Proposed Action

3.6.9 Alternative C –

3.6.10 Alternative D -

4.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

4.1 Summary of Public Participation

5.0 LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix B: List of References Appendix C: Resources Affected Table Appendix D: Potential Restoration Species Appendix E: Vegetation Monitoring Appendix F: Geospatial framework for Sage-grouse Management Appendix G- Idaho BLM Sensitive Species Dismissed from Detailed Analysis Appendix H- Vegetation Treatment Mitigations for Avian Species

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 5

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared to disclose and analyze the environmental consequences of the Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan as proposed by Pocatello Field Office (PFO). The EA is a site-specific analysis of potential impacts that could result with the implementation of a proposed action or alternatives to the proposed action.

1.1 Summary of Proposed Project

The proposed Action is to designate management within the 400 acres of recently acquired lands. The BLM is looking to develop and designate travel management/recreation infrastructure, implement sage-grouse habitat restoration treatments, implement riparian area/fisheries restoration treatments, modify and/or authorize rangeland improvements, and designate livestock management.

1.2 Background

The mission of the BLM is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The BLM manages public lands under the provisions of the Federal Land Management and Policy Act (FLPMA). FLPMA authorizes the BLM to acquire land through purchase, donation, and exchange. When lands are acquired by the BLM, they are to be managed consistent with the BLM mission and applicable land use plans. The Pocatello RMP provides direction to work with willing parties to acquire land that is in the public interest to improve administrative efficiencies or based upon priorities to acquire land with unique resource values such as but not limited to special status species habitat, riparian, and/or access to public lands.

In approximately 2010, the BLM Pocatello FO assembled a priority list of desired land acquisitions within the management boundary of the Pocatello Field Office. Lands identified as priority for acquisition would typically enhance BLM’s ability to manage adjacent public lands or secure public access to existing public land. The Morgan Bridge parcel was the highest priority parcel the PFO identified, primarily due to providing the ability to enhance recreation opportunities, increase public access to the Blackfoot River Special Recreation Management Area, and improve resource values such as special status species and riparian habitat.

The BLM, in cooperation with the American Public Land Exchange and The Conservation Fund (TCF), reached out to several landowners to see if there would be any interest in selling or exchanging lands identified as priority for acquisition. The former owners of the Morgan Bridge Parcel expressed an interest in selling the property. In 2012, the Conservation Fund purchased the property. The purchase agreement allowed the former landowner to continue to farm and graze the parcel through 2018. TCF purchased the property with the intent of holding the land only until the BLM was able to secure funding for the purchase of the property. The BLM was successful in obtaining Land and Water Conservation Fund – Recreation and Sportsman Access funding to purchase the property from TCF in 2016. The BLM acquired the land with all fee simple rights, including mineral rights attached to the land for the purposes of preserving and protecting the resources within the river corridor and providing public access and use along the Blackfoot River. The BLM agreed to honor TCF’s agreement with the former landowner to continue farming and grazing the parcel through 2018.

Since 2018, the previously farmed/tilled areas were left fallow and were invaded by several noxious and/or invasive species. Beginning in 2019, the PFO began treating the noxious and invasive weeds within the fallow fields to control primarily thistle species.

The Pocatello RMP states that lands acquired will be managed in a manner consistent with adjacent or nearby public lands or managed for the goals, objectives, and standards for which they were acquired.

Management direction, including designations for such programs as OHV, SRMA, VRM, and Livestock Grazing, will be applied to acquired lands consistent with adjacent or nearby public lands, or those with

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 6 similar values, goals, and objectives for which they were obtained. The primary management/uses of the adjacent lands include recreation management as part of the Blackfoot River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) Mid-River Recreation Management Zone (RMZ), Livestock Grazing Use, Management of wildlife/fisheries habitat to include special status species (Sage-grouse, Yellowstone Cutthroat), and riparian area management.

The need identified in the 2013 Morgan Bridge Acquisition EA (DOI-BLM-ID-I020-2013-0037-EA) for acquiring the property was to secure legal access to the BLM Morgan Bridge Campground, to manage these lands consistent with the surrounding public lands within the BLM Blackfoot River Special Recreation Management Area, protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, as well as enhance riparian values, and meet management objectives in the Pocatello RMP. Acquisition of the property secured legal access to the existing BLM Morgan Bridge Campground and access to the northern end of the acquired parcel. Additional management actions for this parcel were intentionally deferred until prior obligations to the former landowner to farm and graze the parcel had been met.

The acquired parcel is located within the boundary of the Eastern Idaho Grazing Association (EIGA) Blackfoot River Allotment. The Blackfoot River is on the western side of the allotment and runs 17 miles through the allotment, which includes the project area. A portion of the public land adjacent to the acquired parcel falls within the Blackfoot River Stock Driveway, which Congress designated in 1923 to provide a corridor of public land on which to move livestock to and from the eastern Snake River Plain to the Blackfoot River uplands. In 2009/2010, a grazing EA and Decision was completed renewing the grazing permit for the allotment. Part of the Grazing Decision authorized fencing along the river corridor and closed the riparian areas to grazing. Currently only a small portion of the acquired lands are grazed, which are associated with historic trailing and watering where the bridge crosses the river. The rest of the acquired lands have not had permitted grazing and contain several internal and perimeter fences left over from when it was privately owned and grazed.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 7

Figure 1. Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan Project Area.

*For all maps. No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management. The accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual use or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 8

Purpose and Need

The purpose of this EA is to propose several management actions to fulfill/implement the purpose and rationale for acquiring the 400 acres. The need is to specify how the land will be used in conjunction with existing uses of adjacent lands, as well as to determine which management actions are consistent with management of adjacent or nearby public lands and/or the goals and objectives for acquiring the parcel. Management actions to be analyzed include:

• Determining the appropriate level of parking and designated roads/trails to enhance public access to lands within the acquired parcel as well as adjacent public lands

• Determining appropriate level of recreational development

• Determining if the parcel should be officially designated as part of the Blackfoot River Special

Recreation Management Area (SRMA)

• Determining how livestock grazing will be managed on the parcel

• Determine the appropriate level of restoration actions to improve resource and habitat conditions associated with riparian and wildlife/fisheries habitat.

• Determine the need to modify, build, maintain, and/or remove existing fencing, gates, or water gaps within the parcel

1.3 Decision to be Made

The BLM will decide whether or not to implement the Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan to improve sportsman’s access, species diversity, vegetative structure and riparian vegetation health, vigor and distribution as well as streambank stability, modification of range improvements and livestock management within the Project Area consisting of the recently acquired lands and adjacent lands near Morgan Bridge.

1.4 Land Use Plan Conformance

The alternatives analyzed here involve public lands and are subject to and in conformance with the Pocatello Resource Management Plan (Pocatello RMP 2012), (as amended Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment (ARMPA 2015)). Relevant objectives from the Pocatello RMP are summarized below. Even though it is not specifically provided for, it is clearly consistent with the following Land Use Plan decision(s) (objectives, terms, and conditions):

Pocatello RMP (2012):

o Goal VE-1. “Provide for the proper functioning condition (PFC) of riparian areas.

o Objective VE-1.1. “Maintain properly functioning riparian areas and restore/improve those areas that are not PFC.”

Action VE-1.1.1. “Appropriate management guidelines, techniques or practices

(Appendix A of RMP) will be implemented to control erosion, stabilize streambanks, shade/reduce water temperature, and encourage a diversity of desirable riparian vegetation.”

o Goal VE-2. “Prevent the establishment of invasive species/noxious weed species.”

o Objective VE-2.1.1. “Treat invasive species/noxious weeds to decrease or control the total number of acres occupied.”

o Goal VE-4. “Manage vegetation types to provide for their continued presence as part of an ecologically healthy system.”

o Objective VE-4.1. “In Low- and Mid-Elevation Shrub and Mountain Shrub types, commensurate with site potential, maintain or increase Land Health Conditions (LHC)-A acres as described below so the landscape is composed of a diversity of desirable/native herbaceous and shrub/woody species consisting of at least 15-25% sagebrush canopy cover in greater sage-grouse habitat in the Low and Mid-Elevation Shrub types and at

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 9 least 25% shrub cover in the Mountain Shrub type.”

Action VE-4.1.2. “Priority areas for treatment and restoration will be:

• 1. Greater sage- and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse Source and Key habitat.

• 4. Areas infested by invasive species/noxious weeds.

• 5. Areas at risk of loss of key ecosystem components/functions (structure, diversity, composition, hydrologic function, nutrient cycling, energy flow).”

• Goal FW-1. “Manage wildlife habitats so vegetation composition and structure assures the continued presence of fish and wildlife as part of an ecologically healthy system.

• Goal FW-2. “Provide for the diversity of native and desired non-native species as part of an ecologically healthy system.”

Objective FW-2.1. “Maintain or improve native and desired non-native species habitat and connectivity among habitats.”

Action FW-2.1.3. “Opportunities will be considered to improve habitat connectivity and reduce fragmentation of both upland and riparian habitats through land actions (exchanges, acquisitions, and easements), partnerships, habitat improvement projects and wildland fire ES&R and restoration projects.”

• Goal SS-1. “Manage special status species and their habitats to provide for their continued presence and conservation as part of an ecologically healthy system.”

Action SS-1.3.9. “The following conservation actions (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources [UDWR] 2000, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks [MDFWP] et al. 2000, IDFG 2003) will be implemented to ensure the continued presence of native cutthroat trout within their historic range:

• Enhance or maintain channel integrity, channel processes, water quality, salmonid habitat and habitat connectivity.

• Strive to eliminate or significantly reduce threats to present or potential cutthroat trout distribution within their historic range and to habitat quality and quantity.”

• Objective RE-3.1(Page ARMP – 115). “Recognize recreation as the principal use on approximately 59,230 acres of public lands within SRMAs. “

Action RE-3.1.1. “SRMAs will be recognized as priority for recreation funding and personnel to fulfill commitments made to provide specific structured recreation opportunities (e.g., activity, experience, and benefit opportunities).”

Action RE-3.1.2. “The Blackfoot River SRMA (approximately 21,800 acres) will continue to be managed to maintain and/or enhance targeted recreational opportunities, experiences and benefits with a primary market based strategy being “Destination” for a market base of SE Idaho.”

o Mid-River RMZ (Table 9, Page - ARMP123).

• General Management Guidance:

Niche: Semi-Developed Campgrounds/Blackfoot River Access Management Objective: “Complete facility improvements, such as a vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, horseshoe pits, and fences, and parking barriers at the following sites: Trail Creek Bridge (North & South), Graves Creek, Morgan’s Bridge, Cutthroat Trout, and Sagehen Flats”

• Targeted Outcomes:

Primary Activities: Camping, rafting, kayaking/canoeing, OHV use, horseback

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 10 riding, social gathering, hiking, viewing scenery, driving for pleasure, big game hunting.

Experiences: Developing skills and abilities, experiencing a greater sense of independence, enjoying risk-taking adventure, spending time with family/friends, enjoying nature, exercise/physical fitness, escape personal/social pressure, learning/teaching about the outdoors.

• Benefits:

Personal - Personal development and growth, improve physical and mental health, greater self-reliance, improve outdoor recreation skills, and improve relationship with family/friends, personal appreciation and satisfaction.

Community/Social Benefits - Lifestyle improvement, increase awareness of community dependency on public lands.

Environmental – Increased awareness and protection of natural landscapes.

Economic – Increased local tourism revenue, maintenance of area’s recreation-tourism niche or character, increased desirability as place to live, provide food.

o Goal TM-1. (Pages ARMP -135 – 136) Establish a comprehensive approach to travel planning and management.

o Objective TM -1.2. “Designate all public lands in the planning area as Open, Limit or

Closed (Figure.18).”

Action TM -1.2.2. “Within SRMAs and WSAs, mechanized travel will be limited to designated routes only. Cross country travel will not be allowed.

Action TM -1.2.5 “Until travel management planning/route designation is completed, travel will be managed in the following manner:

4. Prohibit cross-county travel for motorized vehicles.

5. Limit motorized travel to existing routes in areas where no designated routes have been established.

6. Limit mechanized travel to existing roads and trails within SRMAs and WSAs.

7. Recognize existing roads and trails that can be identified on:

• Most current Digital Ortho Quads (DOQs) as 2004

• 2004 National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) digital color aerial photos.

• Most current existing U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographical maps as of January 1, 2005.

o Goal LG-1. Provide forage for livestock grazing consistent with other resources/uses as part of an ecologically healthy system consistent with multiple use and sustained yield.

o Goal: LR-5. (Page ARMP – 76) Improve administrative management efficiency, natural resources management and protection, and public benefit.

o Objective LR-5.1. Adjust and consolidate public land ownership patterns through land tenure adjustments.

Action LR-5.1.1. Lands acquired will be managed in a manner consistent with adjacent or nearby public lands or managed for the goals, objectives and standards for which they were acquired.

Action LR-5.1.2. Management direction, including designations for such programs as

OHV, SRMA, VRM, and Livestock Grazing, will be applied to acquired lands consistent with adjacent or nearby public lands, or those with similar value goals and objectives for which they were obtained.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 11

Approved Resource Management Plan Amendment (ARMPA 2015)

• Sage-grouse Conformance Review available in Project Record.

1.5 Relationship to Statues and Regulations

The following statutes, regulations, and other plans apply to activities contemplated under the alternatives:

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA)

• Federal Power Act of 1935

• Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)

• Clean Water Act of 1977, Sections 404 and 401, as amended (CWA)

• Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended (LWCF)

• Endangered Species Act of 1973, Section 7, as amended (ESA)

• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA)

• Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (NHPA)

• Archaeological Resource Protection Act

• American Indian Religious Freedom Act

• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

• BLM Manual 6804, Special-Status Species Management

• Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice

• Executive Order 11911, Preservation of Endangered Species

• Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management

• Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands

• Executive Order 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds

• Executive Order 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment

• Executive Order 13007, Indian Sacred Sites

• Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments

• Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species

• Taylor Grazing Act of June 28, 1934, as amended

• Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978

1.6 Tiering and Incorporation by Reference

This EA tiers to the following environmental analysis, as outlined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR) 1502.20.

• Morgan Bridge Acquisition EA Serial No. IDI-037510, DOI-BLM-ID-I020-2013-0037-EA

• Upper Snake-Pocatello Integrated Weed Control Program EA, DOI-BLM-ID-I010-2016-0011-EA

• Grazing Lease Renewal within the EIGA Blackfoot River Allotment #14112, ID-320-2009-EA-

1.7 Scoping and Issues

The BLM interdisciplinary team (IDT) met on several occasions between October 2019 and July 2022, to evaluate the proposed action and develop a checklist of preliminary issues to be analyzed in the EA.

Public scoping was conducted through an announcement on BLM’s ePlanning website and mailings to

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 12 identified interested parties. The announcement requested comments on the preliminary proposed action and the preliminary issues. The public scoping period was open from February 25th to March 31st, 2022.

Direct notification of scoping was made by letter to tribes, partnering agencies, adjacent landowners, county commissioners, and other known interested parties. Comments were received from 4 interested parties that included questions and/or comments about potential parking area locations, potential trail system development, modifications to existing fencing and associated livestock management. The proposed action as well as Alternatives were developed to address these concerns.

Issues The IDT identified several issues through public scoping, field review, and consideration of published and collected information regarding the Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan and its surrounding landscape (Table 1-1). These issues are used by the BLM to determine the level of analysis needed to inform the decision-maker. Analysis of issues helps to facilitate a reasoned choice between alternatives. The indicators provided are used to describe the affected environment for each issue in Chapter 3, to measure change in the issue for the different alternatives, and to assess the impacts of alternatives. A resource affected table, located in Appendix C, was completed by IDT members.

Table 1-1. Issues Identified for Detailed Analysis

Resource Issue Statement Impact Indicator

Sportsman Access/ Recreation

Impacts, short-term, as recreation participation increases, will the proposed developed infrastructures be built in time to provide parking, camping, information signs, directional signs, and sportsman access within the interior of the acquired land?

Impacts, long-term, as recreation infrastructures are completed, will they be adequate for future growth in the public’s demand for ongoing recreational opportunities?

Number, size, and nature of developments.

Miles of authorized roads and/or trails.

Vegetation

Impacts, such as a reduction in vegetation composition associated with recreation actions and/or infrastructure development.

Temporary and long-term impacts, such as a change in vegetation composition, and/or structure, associated with restoration actions or failure to conduct restoration actions.

Impacts, such as change in vegetation composition due to changes in livestock management.

Acres associated with infrastructure construction in relation to overall acquired lands acreage and project area acreage.

Acres associated with disturbance and potential disturbance timeframes related to restoration activities.

Acres associated with livestock management actions.

Weeds

• Potential increased presence of

Noxious/invasive species and/or populations.

Anticipated increase in recreation vehicles/users as vectors.

Acres associated with infrastructure construction in relation to overall acquired lands acreage.

Acres associated with disturbance and potential disturbance timeframes related to restoration activities.

Soils

• Reduced permeability and/or increased compaction due to infrastructure development.

• Acres associated with infrastructure construction in relation to overall acquired lands acreage.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 13

Resource Issue Statement Impact Indicator

• Temporary increased erosion potential due to ground disturbing activities associated with restoration treatments.

• Acres associated with disturbance and potential disturbance timeframes related to restoration activities.

• Improvement of hydrologic processes, such as translocation of water to deeper soil horizons, decreased erosion, etc.

• Acres associated with increased native vegetation related to restoration activities.

• Temporary increase in sediment load to Blackfoot River in association with restoration treatments in contrast with long-term decrease in sediment load due to restoration activities.

Riparian/Fisheries

Potential influx of sediment from current or potential livestock water gaps.

Temporary decrease in streamside vegetation or other debris and undercut bank influenced fish holding cover disturbed during restoration actions in contrast with long-term increases in streambank habitat complexity and fish holding cover following restoration activities.

Approx. 1.5 Miles impacted Increased woody vegetation/shade Potential water gap vs current water gap and duration of use.

• Acres associated with infrastructure

Wildlife

• How will the proposed action and alternatives, impact wildlife resources the project area?

in construction in relation to overall acquired lands acreage.

Acres associated with disturbance and potential disturbance timeframes related to restoration activities.

Acres associated with increased native vegetation related to restoration activities.

Miles of fencing installed or removed.

Issues Identified but Eliminated from Detailed Analysis (if applicable) The BLM also evaluated the following issues but eliminated them from detailed analysis for the reasons described (Table 1-2).

Table 1-2. Issues Not Included for Further Detail in the Environmental Assessment

Issue Statement Rationale for Elimination*

Cultural

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) as outlined in the 2012 Pocatello RMP and subsequent 2015 ARMPA would be followed. Recommendations from the cultural resource report completed for this project (BLM Report #2022-PFO-24) would also be followed. Any identified National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligible sites would be avoided by proposed treatments.

Potential acres authorized for use for livestock grazing by the EIGA-Blackfoot River Allotment within the newly acquired lands are different under the alternatives, however, AUMs, season of use and livestock numbers would

Livestock Management remain unchanged from the current mandatory terms and conditions as stated in the Grazing Lease Renewal within the EIGA Blackfoot River Allotment #14112, ID-320-2009-EA-417. Livestock would retain the access to watering areas.

* Supporting documentation for these statements is available in the project record.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 14

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Introduction

Four alternatives are evaluated in this EA to address a range of potential recreation infrastructure development, rangeland improvement modifications, livestock management options and restoration actions.

2.2 Alternative A: No Action

This alternative represents the current management situation for the acquired parcel. Under Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, sportsman’s access for recreation would continue to be available for fishing, hunting, non-motorized boating, and other recreational activities. However, there would not be any developments of parking areas/trailheads, nature trails, or a campground to enhance recreational opportunities.

Under this alternative, there would be no change in the current travel management direction.

Approximately 3.5 miles of existing routes would be available for motorized travel. Any proposed closures or restrictions of existing motorized travel routes to prevent resource damage or user conflicts would be reviewed and implemented subject to special rule authorities provided under 43 CFR §8340 – Off-Road Vehicles.

Under Alternative A, no sage-grouse habitat or upland restoration work would occur on any degraded or impaired newly acquired BLM-managed lands outside of noxious/invasive species treatments. These lands would remain in a low productivity state, composed of a mixture of non-native grasses, with little structural complexity (i.e., lacking shrubs). Additionally, no riparian or fisheries habitat restoration work would occur, which would leave approximately 1.5 miles of riparian habitat vulnerable to continued erosion and decreased stability. This area would continue to provide less than ideal wildlife habitat quality or enjoyment of the public utilizing the area.

As per the 2013 Morgan Bridge Acquisition EA, fences and cattleguards may be relocated or removed to be consistent with management direction to protect riparian areas and provide recreation opportunities, thus interior fencing (approximately 3.5 miles), not required for the proper management of livestock would be removed.

No changes to current livestock management would occur. Approximately 19 acres of the newly acquired lands, which have been unfenced and accessible to livestock from the adjacent allotment, would continue to be available to the authorized operator during the permitted grazing season with no increase in AUMs. Additionally, approximately 6 acres historically associated with the Blackfoot River Stock Driveway and water gap south of Morgan Bridge would continue to be available to trailing livestock.

The remaining 371 acres currently unavailable to livestock would remain inaccessible to livestock (Figure 2).

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 15

Figure 2: Alternative A Range Improvement Modification and Grazing Management.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 16

2.3 Alternative B: Proposed Action

The emphasis of Alternative B is on providing both sportsmen’s access and restoration of terrestrial habitats. Under the Proposed Action, the BLM would develop varying infrastructure related to sportsman’s access/recreation and designate inventoried motorized travel routes (See Figure 3). The BLM would also incorporate the 400 acres of acquired lands into the existing Blackfoot River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), conduct vegetative and riparian restoration actions, modify current fencing through both fence removal and construction, and modify livestock grazing. A full description of proposed actions associated with Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan can be found below.

2.3.1 Sportsman’s Access/Recreation:

The BLM would designate inventoried routes for motorized travel within the Project Area. The BLM would designate the Bingham County Roads, about 2.6 miles, that cross public lands administered by the PFO as “Open to All Vehicles.” The North Primitive Road (1), about 0.34 miles, would be designated as “Open to All Vehicles.” The Morgan Bridge Access Road (7), about 0.26 miles, would be designated as “Open to All Vehicles.” The South Primitive Road (C), about 0.33 miles, would be designated as “Open to All Vehicles.”

The BLM would designate the West Nature Trail (2) for nonmotorized sportsman’s access. This portion of the West Nature Trail, about 0.96 miles, is a primitive road. Although, it is a primitive road, it would provide for nonmotorized sportsman’s access within the interior of the acquired lands. The BLM would limit motorized travel on the primitive road/ nature trail for conducting restoration efforts and other administrative uses. The primitive road would be designated as “Limited to Administrative Use Only.”

The BLM would be cognizant of any members of the public using the West Nature Trail prior to access the primitive road for motorized administration uses.

The BLM would install two Administration Gates (A & B) at both ends of the West Nature Trail (2). The areas outside both Administrative Gates would allow for public parking. Signs stating “Do Not Block Gate” would be installed on the Administrative Gates to ensure access. Barricades could be installed to delineate the parking areas. Walk through gates for the nonmotorized sportsman’s access to the nature trail would be installed. The parking areas would be designated as “Day-Use Only, No Overnight Camping.” Overnight camping would occur in either the existing Morgan Bridge Campground or the proposed Campground (E) when it is developed.

The BLM would build and designate both the West Nature Trail (3) and the East Nature Trail (6) for nonmotorized sportsman’s access. The West Nature Trail (3) is about 0.54 miles, and the East Nature Trail (6) is about 0.36 miles. The trails would be built out of natural or other types of materials to delineate them. The trails would have a Universal Design to be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible. The BLM would designate the Morgan Bridge Trail (8), the Footbridge (G), and the West Site Connector Trail (5) as “Nonmotorized.” The Morgan Bridge Trail, about 0.11 miles, and associated Foot Bridge leads to walk-in campsites associated with the Morgan Bridge Campground. The West Side Connector Trail, about 0.35 miles, would have Walk Through Gates (C and D).

The BLM would fully develop a Campground (E), about 6.5 acres. The development could include access roads and have concrete or aggregate pads for facilities (i.e., restrooms, parking, tables, tents, shelters, etc.). The development could also include picnic tables, fire rings, shelters, groups sites, potable water, electricity, restrooms, kiosks, barricades, and directional/informative signs. The campground would have both overnight and day-use facilities. The campground would also provide for Universal Design to the greatest extent possible.

The BLM would establish a Multiple-Use Area (F), about 2.25 acres, for nonmotorized boating access to the Blackfoot River, unloading/loading livestock, watering area for livestock, and administrative uses.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 17

Figure 3: Alternative B Proposed Recreation Infrastructure and Travel Management.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 18

Table 2.1: List of Proposed Designated Routes (mi.) and Recreation Infrastructure (ac.).

Map ID Route/ Infrastructure ID Length

(mi.)/ Area (ac.)

Description

Administration Access Gates would be installed on both sides of West Nature Trail (2) to accommodate restoration efforts and other administration uses.

A/B Administrative Gates

Access N/A Public parking would be allowed outside the gates for nonmotorized access to the West Nature Trail (2).

Walk through gates would be installed for public access. The parking areas outside the gates would be designated as “Day Use Only, No Overnight Camping.”

Walk The Gates would be installed on the north and

C/D Walk Through Gates N/A south sides of the West Side Connector Trail for nonmotorized sportsman’s access.

E Campground 6.5 Acres A fully developed campground would be developed for overnight and day-use activities.

F Multiple Use Area 2.25 Acres

A Multiple-Use Area would be established for nonmotorized boating access to the Blackfoot River, unloading/loading livestock, watering area for livestock, and administrative uses.

1 North Primitive Road 0.34 Miles The North Primitive Road would be “Open to All” for motorized travel.

designated as

2 West Nature Trail 0.96 Miles

This portion of the West Nature Trail is a primitive road/ nature trail which would provide for nonmotorized sportsman’s access and would be designated as “Limited to Administrative Use Only” for restoration efforts and other administrative uses.

3 West Nature Trail 0.54 Miles The trail would access.

be built for nonmotorized sportsman’s

4 South Primitive Road 0.33 Miles The South Primitive Road would be designated as “Open to All Vehicles” for motorized travel.

5 West Side Connector Trail 0.35 Miles The trail would provide nonmotorized sportsman Access and would be built out of natural or other types of materials to delineate it.

6 East Nature Trail 0.36 Miles The trail would provide nonmotorized sportsman Access and would be built out of natural or other types of materials to delineate it.

7 Morgan Bridge Access Road 0.26 Miles

The road is the main access into the existing Morgan Bridge Campground. The road would be designated as “Open to All” for motorized travel.

8 Morgan Bridge Trail 0.11 Miles This existing trail serves as nonmotorized access to the Morgan Bridge Campground walk-in sites.

N/A Bingham County Roads 2.6 Miles

The Bingham County Roads would be designated as “Open to All” for motorized travel. The Country Roads outside the Project Area is located on private lands and the BLM does not have jurisdiction to authorize the roads for designations.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 19

2.3.2 Sage-grouse Habitat and Upland Restoration:

The BLM is proposing to restore portions of the terrestrial habitats associated with the acquired lands.

Restoration actions would be implemented to restore and improve habitat conditions for a variety of wildlife species including, migratory birds, big game species, sage-grouse, and pollinators where native plant communities have been diminished or impaired due to past land use practices, such as farming and ranching. Restoration treatments would occur in areas closed to livestock (See Livestock Management

2.4.5 below) facilitating improved potential for restoration treatment success.

Goals include increasing native shrub cover, improving/increasing native/desired herbaceous (grass and forb) understory vegetation, and reducing invasive, non-native, and noxious weed species with the objective of establishing a canopy cover of desirable herbaceous vegetation (grasses and forbs), woody vegetation (e.g., sagebrush), and forb availability consistent with those identified in Table 2-2 for nesting/early brood rearing of the 2015 GRSG ARMPA. Sage-grouse habitat and upland restoration treatments would be completed in a phased approach and focused first on areas that were historically farmed (approximately 55 acres), followed by those areas converted to predominately smooth brome (approximately 210 acres) (Figure 4) with the intent of converting those degraded lands back to a more native vegetation cover type and structure. Total restored acres would be minus those acres associated with proposed sportsman access/recreation infrastructure described above, which accounts for approximately 0.75 acres within the previously cultivated fields associated with the proposed trails and 7 acres within the smooth brome dominated areas associated with the proposed campground development.

A monitoring plan will be developed to determine if upland habitat restoration projects are achieving sage grouse habitat objectives listed in Table 2-2 of the ARMPA. Cover transects would be established within treatment areas following BLM approved protocols such as those established in the HAF, AIM or other applicable Technical Reference. The information gained from the monitoring plan will be used to assess and adapt treatments as necessary.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 20

Figure 4: Approximate locations of Sage-grouse Habitat/Upland and Riparian/Fisheries Restoration by within the acquired lands.

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 21

Herbaceous Seeding:

The herbaceous seeding treatment would focus on restoring native plant diversity and structure by seeding with primarily native species of grasses, forbs and shrubs. Seeding may occur as either drill seedings and/or aerial applications followed by harrowing. Both methods are expected to cause soil surface disturbance. Prior to seeding, the area may require a combination of chemical, cultivation, and/or cover crop treatment(s) (See Seedbed Preparation Treatments below) to remove non-native, completive vegetation and improve nutrient availability. It is anticipated that seedings would occur in fall, though spring application could occur. Depending on the level of success, multiple treatments may be needed.

Follow-up weed control after seeding could be accomplished by mowing competitive weeds before they set seed and/or broadcast applications of a selective herbicide. Treatments could be conducted by a tractor or other capable equipment with various pull-behind implements. Repeat treatments may be conducted as necessary to achieve/maintain restored habitat objectives.

A cover crop, composed of those species capable of restoring depleted nutrients back into soil associated with past agricultural use, may be planted within the 55 acres of historically farmed area prior to seeding the area with a diverse restoration seed mix. A combination of native and non-native species may be within the restoration seed mix, though native species would be the dominant component. See Appendix D for a list of potential species and rationale for inclusion, though actual application rates and species will vary depending on treatment site, seed availability, and funding.

Seedbed Preparation:

Seedbed preparation would be similar for both the previously cultivated fields and those areas previously converted to smooth brome with the potential for additional treatments associated with the smooth brome fields.

Previously cultivated fields:

Seedbed preparation treatments may involve the use of herbicides, mowing, harrowing, disking, and/or packing utilizing tactor-based implements or other applicable vehicles/equipment. The treatment type and order in which treatments may occur would remain flexible in order to best adapt to the success and/or failure of the previous treatment. Mowing may be conducted to remove standing biomass and improve incorporation of said biomass into the soil. Mowing may also be employed to remove seed heads from non-native, invasive weedy species prior to seed set. Harrowing may be conducted, with or without mowing first, to incorporate litter and any viable seeds into the soil surface. This would be done to promote weed germination to deplete the seed bank of the existing stand. Follow-up treatments of non-native, invasive or noxious species could be conducted prior to subsequent seed set with herbicides, mowing, harrowing, and/or disking. Herbicides, either ground-based application or aerial application, may be employed to kill existing vegetation in preparation for future seedings. Disking could be used to uproot any re-establishing weeds, incorporate biomass, and form a soil mulch to help maintain soil moisture. Packing could be done prior to actual seedings to crush soil clods and firm the soil to produce a smooth seedbed to increase germination/establishment rates.

Smooth brome dominated areas:

Seedbed preparation in smooth brome dominated areas may include all methods discussed above under previously cultivated fields, but due to the rhizomatous nature of smooth brome, may include several additional steps as outlined below.

Seedbed preparation treatments could involve application of herbicides, soil tilling and sowing of a monoculture cover crop (i.e., wheat, barley, or native grass) for a duration of no more than 5 years. These actions would help remove the existing non-native rhizomatous vegetation, reducing/eliminating potential competition with the future desired vegetative state. The area could be sprayed with an herbicide, either individually or in combination before treatment. Two or more chemical treatments may be necessary due

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 22 to the resiliency and extensive root system of the rhizomatous grass species. The herbicide(s) would be applied according to the application rate identified on the chemical label and in accordance with the Upper Snake-Pocatello Integrated Weed Control Program EA.

Shrub and Tree Planting:

Native shrub and tree seedlings (either bare root or containerized) would be planted in clumps with spacing dependent upon species being planted. Some soil disturbances would occur due to the planting process. Seedlings may be planted utilizing earth augers, hoedads, planting bars, shovels, other such implements. The use of 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles (UTV’s), heavy equipment (e.g., skid steer with augers, buckets, or other attachments) may be needed to transport materials and equipment to the planting sites, and/or implement planting. The use of protective shields/screening or fencing may be used around individual plants or clumps of plants, where wildlife herbivory is identified as a potential threat to the success of the treatment.

2.3.3 Riparian and Fisheries Habitat Restoration:

Riparian Habitat Restoration work would occur primarily north of Morgan Bridge, outside of the current livestock water gap and boater put-in/take-out. As with the terrestrial restoration treatments, riparian restoration treatments would occur in areas closed to livestock (See Livestock Management 2.4.5 below) facilitating improved potential for restoration treatment success.

Streambank stabilization would be accomplished through a combination of streambank stabilization structures, streambank recontouring, and/or riparian vegetation plantings. These treatments would occur along the approximate 1.5 miles of recently acquired river access. The majority of the restoration would occur outside of the grazing allotment which will facilitate recovery and durability.

Streambank Stabilization structures/recontouring:

Several locations within the newly acquired riparian area have impacted riverbanks which are steep, lacking adequate riparian vegetation cover, with accelerated erosion occurring. Bioengineering and fluvial process-based restoration treatments may be implemented, using natural materials, willow bundles/cuttings, wetland sod mats, large wood/whole tree placements, and hard structures (e.g., buried large wood, rock) as necessary. Aquatic habitat enhancement and bank stabilization structures could be placed with minimal disturbance if just staked, layered, or driven into the bank. Other treatments would entail excavation and trenching to anchor/bury structures between the toe of the bank in the stream channel and top of bank or connected floodplain elevation. Steep eroding streambanks may need to be recontoured to a lower slope conducive to floodplain connectivity and riparian vegetation establishment necessary to limit ongoing bank erosion. While projects to improve streambank stability and the diversity, cover and vigor of riparian vegetation along the river are the primary focus, projects may also have other benefits related to fish holding cover and habitats targeted by trout fisherman. For example, banks with adequate depth and overhead cover or with protruding large wood and simulated log jams are likely to be occupied by sportfish (e.g., trout) and scour pool formation associated with instream structures may enhance pool/holding habitat as well.

Heavy equipment may be used to complete these activities and work below the ordinary high-water mark within the stream channel and adjacent areas on the bank above ordinary high water. The use of 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles (UTV’s), heavy equipment (e.g., skid steer with augers, buckets, or other attachments) may be needed to transport materials and equipment to streambank project areas and implement projects in combination with hand-labor. Materials (rocks, vegetation, and woody materials) used in construction may be sourced locally if available but may need to be imported from outside sources.

Riparian Vegetation Planting:

Multiple riparian species types (herbaceous and woody) and associated planting techniques (containerized

Morgan Bridge Acquisition Management Plan EA 23 plantings, bare root, cuttings, bundles, whole plant transplant, plugs, coir logs, mats/sods, etc.) may be utilized to stabilize the streambank and promote healthy streambank vegetation, expand riparian areas and benefit fisheries habitat. Planting materials may include willow cuttings and/or whole willows harvested from the project area or other BLM managed lands in the vicinity, sod mats similarly may be harvested from the project area or public lands in the vicinity, or from retail sources. Placement of species type would depend on the nature of the river system with woody species, such as willows and redosier dogwoods, being placed primarily on outside bends where water moves quicker, banks tend to be steeper and erosion is greater, while herbaceous vegetation would tend to be placed in inside bends and/or on point bars, where the water is slower, banks have a gentler slope, and new soils are frequently deposited.

As with shrub and tree planting described above under terrestrial habitat, some soil disturbances would occur due to the planting process. Seedlings may be planted utilizing earth augers, hoedads, planting bars, shovels, or other such implements. The use of 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles (UTV’s), heavy equipment (e.g., skid steer with augers, buckets, or other attachments) may be needed to transport materials and equipment to the planting sites, and/or implement planting or streambank stabilization activities.