Attachment_3_-_Design_Features_1.pdf

Appendix D Project Design Features

The proposed action would consist of a commitment to maintenance efforts to ensure that natural riverscape functions are mimicked and specific ecological processes are promoted. Installed low-tech, low-cost structures are intended to promote geomorphic and fluvial processes over a period of time, but are not engineered to withstand major flow event stream power rates. Structures are expected to withstand typical annual runoff events, but the instream features may mobilize, breach or blow out. The proposed beaver dam analogues and other low-tech restoration structures are diverse and are expected to accommodate variability and uncertainty in stream flows while retaining an ability to offer improvements to stream and riparian function. Different structures would affect different processes during different flow conditions (i.e., baseflow vs.

high flow).

The following are required Design Features that will be included as applicable for project implementation:

1. Work would not be performed during periods when the soil is too wet to adequately support equipment/vehicles. If equipment/vehicles create ruts in excess of 3 inches deep, operations would cease, as the soil will be deemed too wet to adequately support equipment/vehicles.

2. Work affecting a streambed or stream bank would be completed in an expeditious manner to avoid unnecessary impacts to the stream (i.e., work will be completed during low of no/flow periods).

3. No surface disturbing activities would occur from April 15 to July 15 to protect nesting migratory birds.

4. Within 2 miles of active sage-grouse leks, no surface disturbing activities would take place from March 1 to June 15.

5. Within big game winter habitat, no surface disturbing activities would take place from

December 1 to May 15.

6. All equipment and vehicles used in the construction process should be washed prior to entering public lands to help prevent the introduction of invasive species seed.

7. No off-road travel would be allowed within the confines of known cultural or paleontological sites.

8. Appropriate restrictions may apply during times of elevated fire danger.

9. Equipment servicing and refueling activities would take place 500 feet from the outer edge of riparian areas, wet areas, and drainages. This includes chainsaws and generators.

10. Portable hand operated hydraulic generators that operate within the stream channel or riparian area would use biodegradable hydraulic fluid, such as synthetic ester or vegetable oil.

11. The disturbance surface area will be limited by only clearing vegetation to an extent that is necessary for construction of the project. Precaution will be taken to preserve existing riparian vegetation. Native vegetation will be salvaged and reused where possible.

12. Site reclamation would initiate with the ripping of compacted areas along non-access corridors, and grading to blend with adjacent site characteristics and topography where necessary.

13. Temporary construction facilities will be configured to minimize disturbance to stream banks, stream bank vegetation, and the streambed by locating staging or storage facilities out of the floodplain.

14. All heavy operating equipment will be in clean and well maintained condition so that flowing water, wetlands, and the aquatic environment is not exposed to petroleum-based products.

15. Erosion control and sediment containment practices will aid in stabilization and capture of sediment until vegetation reestablishes to effectively control erosion and sediment. Erosion control blankets may be installed on the slopes adjacent to streams, and straw wattles will be available for installation at the bottom of the erosion control blankets so that sediment can be captured before it goes into the stream. Certified weed-free straw waddles are also available for erosion control and access-discouragement along temporary construction access footpaths and equipment routes.

16. Debris and other waste materials associated with modification, operation, and maintenance activities would be placed in a location that avoids the entry of said material into riparian-wetland areas.

17. Reclamation monitoring is required. Erosion of the site shall be equal to or less than that of similar, adjacent undisturbed areas. Soil stability will be assessed by looking for indicators of accelerated erosion such as rills, gullies, pedestalling, and/or slumping/sliding. Within 1 growing season of the initial construction, vegetative cover on the uplands shall be at least 30% or more of desirable species. Desirable species are those species specified in the seed mix. Within 3 to 5 years vegetative cover shall be at least 70% of that on similar adjacent undisturbed areas. If these standards are not met, additional reclamation measure such as re-seeding, applying soil amendments and/or additional erosion/sediment control BMPs, etc. shall be implemented.

18. Work will be conducted in a manner that minimizes turbidity and other disturbances to aquatic resources.

19. All disturbed upland areas would be reseeded with the native seed mix of adapted plant species listed below, in the amounts specified in pounds of pure live seed (PLS)/acre. Seeding methods will be further defined in the project implementation plan. Only certified weed free seed would be used. The seeding would be repeated until a satisfactory stand is established as determined by a BLM interdisciplinary team.

Seed Mixture Species of Seed Variety Pounds/acre PLS Species Composition

Western wheatgrass Pascopyrum smithii 8 PLS lbs/acre 53

Green Needlegrass Stipa viridula 4 PLS lbs/acre 27

Purple Prairie Clover Dalea purpurea 3 PLS lbs/acre 20

20. Ground disturbance, including off-road travel will be kept to a minimum to avoid the appearance of an established route that could be mistakenly used by the public.