proposal for jockeys- swamps habitat restoration project · introduction the purpose of the...

Proposal for Jockeys- Swamps Habitat Restoration

Project

Prepared for

Fictitious Restoration Initiative, Inc.

PO Box 168

Western Pinyon Center / 56 Stable Street

Modena, UT 84753

Prepared by

Christina Tinsley

Southern Utah University

3155 Hidden Valley Drive

Saint George, Utah 84790

Telephone: (435) 862-7777

[email protected]

Submitted on

December 1, 2017

mailto:[email protected]

2

Table of Contents

Proposal for Jockeys- Swamps Habitat Restoration Project ................. 1

Table of Contents ........................................................................................ 2

Section 1- Purpose and Need ................................................................... 4

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Location and Maps ............................................................................................................................... 5

Conformance with Land Use Objectives ......................................................................................... 7

Section 2- Recommended Management .................................................. 9

Habitat Assessment Reports ............................................................................................................... 9

Nested Frequency ................................................................................................................................. 9

Line Point Intercept ........................................................................................................................... 11

Photo Plots .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Utilization Study- Key Species Method .......................................................................................... 16

Ecological Analysis............................................................................................................................. 17

Treatment Methods and Costs ......................................................................................................... 18

Section 3- Post Treatment Management .............................................. 21

Monitoring ........................................................................................................................................... 21

Section 4- Conclusion ............................................................................... 21

3

Section 5- References & Tables ............................................................... 22

References ........................................................................................................................................... 22

Tables- Excel spreadsheets attached separately. ............................................................................. 23

4

Section 1- Purpose and Need

Introduction

The purpose of the Jockeys- Swamps rehabilitation project is to restore habitat where

pinyon/juniper encroachment has damaged the potential for forage production on historical sage

brush steppe. Vegetative treatments will improve the habitat for livestock and wildlife, reduce the

fuel load to decrease the likelihood of catastrophic fires, and improve diversity and composition of

the vegetative stand.

This proposal pertains to the Swamps pasture located within the Jockeys allotment. The

dominant vegetation is pinyon and juniper forested land, located on historic sage brush steppe

habitat. The Swamps pasture is managed primarily by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with

a small section managed by the state of Utah as school trust lands. The Jockeys allotment was

identified as category I for rangeland in fair to poor condition with the potential for increased

production by the Pinyon Management Framework Plan (PMFP). Restoration projects on BLM land

must be in accordance with PMFP and all other pertinent laws (Bureau of Land Management, 1983,

pp. 7-8).

The main objectives for this treatment will be to reduce fuel loads, improve vegetation

composition and diversity, improve forage production for wildlife, wild horses, and livestock,

improve watershed capabilities, and reduce erosion by wind and water. Treatments will combine

biological, chemical, mechanical, and cultural components to achieve desired results. Followed by

long term management and assessment of habitat conditions (U.S. Department of the Interior-

Bureau of Land Management, 2014, p. 5).

5

Location and Maps

The Swamps pasture encompasses 8711 acres of rangeland located approximately 30 to 40

miles west of Minersville, Utah in the county of Beaver. Located in the Section 19, Township 30S,

and Range 15W in the Salt Lake meridian. The treatments will take place on 5,599 acres currently

receiving little use from livestock. The Jockeys- Swamps study site 06221-05-07 is located at: UTM

coordinates: 12S 0274074E 4229778N or Latitude/Longitude: 38.187622, -113.579647.

Jockeys Range Allotment- Use Map 2013

Figure 1. Jockeys allotment use map. (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management, 2013)

6

Utah Protraction Diagram No. 31, Area 2, Township and Range Map.

Figure 2. Township and Range, Section 19, Township 30S, and Range 15E, Salt Lake Meridian. (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management)

7

Township and Range Map

Conformance with Land Use Objectives

Bureau of Land Management rangelands selected for category I were designated by the

Pinyon Management Framework Plan (PMFP) to receive extensive grazing management and

vegetation treatments. Category I lands must have the potential to return the investment by

taxpayers by producing an economic return in the form of forage production that can be utilized by

livestock. The habitat must be able to meet or exceed any initial investment by a ratio of 1:1 to be

considered for restoration (Bureau of Land Management, 1983, pp. 7-8).

The Jockeys- Swamps restoration project must comply with the PMFP regulations in the

following ways:

“Wildlife: PMFP Objective WL-1: Improve high priority wildlife habitat to reach prior

stable mule deer and long-term elk and antelope population …. PMFP Recommendation

Figure 3. Close View Township and Range- Section 19, Township 30S, and Range 15E. (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management)

8

WL-1.6 – Allocate sufficient forage to satisfy the demands of current big game

populations….

Forestry: PMFP Objective F-1: Promote the harvest of woodland resources scheduled for

vegetative manipulation to gain maximum benefit of the woodland products that are

currently on site.

Livestock Grazing: PMFP Objectives RM-1, RM-2 and RM-3: These recommendations

allow for continued grazing on allotments in good condition and allow for management

practices to reduce forage resource conflicts. The analysis area includes lands within the

following grazing allotments: Jockeys (06221)

Soil/Water/Air: PMFP Objective W-1: Reduce or minimize wind and water erosion on

soils in critical condition by management or land treatment to stabilize soils and improve or

maintain soil productivity” (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management,

2014, p. 6).

In addition to the PMFP, all restoration projects on BLM land must adhere to all

other governable laws and regulations. Including but not limited to, the Taylor Grazing Act,

Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Public Rangelands Improvement Act,

Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, American Indian Religious Freedom Act,

Archaeological Resource Protection Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Fire Plan,

Healthy Forest Restoration Act, Federal Wildland Fire Management Policy, Wild Free-

Roaming Horses and Burros Act and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (U.S. Department

of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management, 2014, p. 6).

9

Section 2- Recommended Management

Habitat Assessment Reports

Four studies were completed at site 06221-05-07 to assess the condition of the Swamps site.

A permanent nested frequency site was established in 2014 in order to establish trend over time for

the composition, density, diversity, and ground cover for the site. A line intercept was also

established to further assess the amount of basal and canopy cover occurring. Data will be collected

every three years at the same fixed location to measure changes in the vegetation and ground cover.

Photographs are taken at the same locations to track visual changes from year to year.

Photographs cannot provide in depth reports on the composition or production, but much can be

obtained by keeping a log of photos to compare visible changes to the environment.

Utilization studies are also conducted at various locations on the Swamps pasture to measure

the amount of forage being used by wildlife, wild horses, and livestock. Utilization studies tell the

range manager if the number of animals or duration of grazing periods are at sustainable levels.

Nested Frequency

Full nested frequency data attached in Tables 1-3, attached to back of report..

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

7/28/14 6/5/17

Nested Frequency -- Key Species+ Achnatherum hymenoides Elymus elymoides Pascopyrum smithii Pleuraphis jamesii Artemisia nova

Graphs Depicting Nested Frequency Data

10

Figures 4-12. Graphs depicting changes in species composition and ground cover from nested frequency data.

Bare Ground

48%

Bio.Crusts0%

Litter 19%Rock

3%

Veg.Basal3%

Veg. Canopy

27%

7/28/14

Bare Ground

52%

Bio.Crusts0%

Litter 18%

Rock0%

Veg.Basal4%

Veg. Canopy

26%

6/5/17

0

10

20

7/

28/

14

6/

5/

17

Litter

Other Litter

Woody Litter>5mm

0204060

7/

28/

14

6/

5/

17

Soil (Bare Ground)

0123

7/

28/

14

6/

5/

17

Rock Cover

Ground cover- Bedrock

Rock >5mm0

0.5

1

7/

28/

14

6/

5/

17

Biotic Crusts

Moss

Lichens

30.3%

29.3%

28.6%

28.8%

29.0%

29.2%

29.4%

29.6%

29.8%

30.0%

30.2%

30.4%

7/28/14 6/5/17

% Total Ground Cover (does not inclue bare soil)

0

5

10

15

20

7/28/14 6/5/17

Adjusted % Cover - Pinyon and Juniper

Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Juniperus osteosperma Pinus edulis

11

The nested frequency data collected on the Swamps pasture indicates a downward trend in

the rangeland health for this site. There is an increase in bare ground and a decrease in vegetation

canopy, total vegetation cover, and total ground cover, see Table 4. As well as an increase in

undesirable forbs, shrubs, and trees. An increase of bare ground and decrease of ground cover

leaves the top soil exposed to erosional forces.

Line Point Intercept

According to the Ecological Site Description (ESD) most closely matching this site, the

amount of cover does not meet desirable conditions. The dominant vegetation in this site should be

black sage and perennial grasses. Black sage was not found to occur within the study site in 2017. In

the 2014 study, black sage was found in only 3% of the frames, see nested frequency in Table 1.

The average amount of grass coverage for the site is 16.6%, optimal coverage should range between

29-31% (Green, 2013 ). There is not an optimal condition for trees in the ESD, however the studies

do contain data for tree cover and canopy, data for trees is included in the graphs 6 and 7. Shrubs

and trees have been separated to match the ESD for tables 5, 6 and 7.

Between years 2014 and 2017, the line intercept shows a downward trend. Perennial grasses

decreased significantly in 2017, despite being read earlier in the year when more growth should have

been apparent. There was an increase in the shrub and tree canopy and a decrease in the feet on

canopy coverage.

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Line Intercept Cover

06221-05-07 Jockeys Allotment Swamps

Date 7/28/14 6/5/17

SPECIES

cover (in feet)

% cover % composition

cover (in feet) % cover

% composition

Gra

sse

s

PLJA 0.4 0.40% 4.00% 0.1 0.10% 0.62%

ACHY 0.2 0.20% 2.00% 0 0.00% 0.00%

ELEL5 0.8 0.80% 8.00% 0.4 0.40% 2.48%

BOGR 0.8 0.80% 8.0% 1.3 1.30% 8.07%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Total 2.2 2.2% 22.0% 1.8 1.8% 11.2%

Fo

rbs

PENST 0.2 0.20% 2.00% 0 0.00% 0.00%

EUPHO 0.4 0.40% 4.00% 0 0.00% 0.00%

LUPIN 0.00% 0.00% 1.3 1.30% 8.07%

DASE 0.00% 0.00% 0.2 0.20% 1.24%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Total 0.6 0.6% 6.0% 1.5 1.5% 9.3%

Sh

rub

s a

nd

Tre

es CHVI8 0.3 0.30% 3.00% 0.8 0.80% 4.97%

ARTRW8 3.4 3.40% 34.00% 6.0 6.00% 37.27%

JUOS 3.5 3.50% 35.00% 6.0 6.00% 37.27%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

Total 7.2 7.2% 72.0% 12.8 12.8% 79.5%

Total 10 10.0% 16.1 16.10%

Table 4. Line point intercept data for ground cover and composition.

Structure of the canopy cover.

Optimal Structure of Canopy Cover Composition (%)

Cover in feet %

Grasses/Grasslike % Forbs % Shrubs/Vines Trees

<=0.5 feet

> 0.5 - < 1 feet

4-6 %

< 1 - >= 2 feet

29-31%

> 2 - < 4.5 feet 29-31%

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Actual 2014- Structure of Canopy Cover Composition (%)

Cover in feet %


<=0.5 feet

> 0.5 - < 1 feet

6%

< 1 - >= 2 feet

> 2 - < 4.5 feet 22%

37% 35%

Actual 2017- Structure of Canopy Cover Composition (%)

Cover in feet %


<=0.5 feet

> 0.5 - < 1 feet

< 1 - >= 2 feet 11.2% 9.3%

> 2 - < 4.5 feet

42.24% 37.27%

Tables 5-7. The structure and % composition of the canopy cover, optimal versus actual for 2014 and 2017. Data obtained from line intercept and ESD for Upland Shallow Loam https://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESDReport/fsReport.aspx?id=R034BY320UT&rptLevel=all&approved=yes&repType=regular&scrns=&comm=

14

Photo Plots

Close View 2014 Close View 2017

General View 2014 General View 2017

90° View 2014 90° View 2017

15

Figure(s) 13-22. Photo plot comparison for years 2014 and 2017.

Photographs of the site show a side by side comparison between 2014 and 2017. A marked

increase in bare ground and a loss of litter on the soil surface. Several rills are present throughout

the site. Though not markedly sloped, there were stream patterns apparent on and near the study

site.

180° View 2014 180° View 2017

270° View 2014 270° View 2017

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Utilization Study- Key Species Method

Utilization Studies

Key Species Method 06221-05-07 Jockeys Allotment- Swamps

Kind of Livestock Cattle, Wild Horses

Examiner: Hunter

Date: 11/12/2013 STCO ORHY PLJA

Class Interval Int mid

(M)

No. ByClass(

C )

No. X midpt( C

) ( M )

No. ByClass(

C )

No. X midpt( C

) ( M )

No. ByClass(

C )

No. X midpt( C

) ( M )

0-5% 2.5 10 25 10 25 12 30

6-20% 13 7 91 3 39 4 52

21-40% 30 1 30 2 60 4 120

41-60% 50 2 100 5 250

61-80% 70

81-94% 88

95-100% 97.5

Totals 20 246 20 374 20 202

Average Utilization= ∑(CM)/∑C 12.30 18.70 10.10

Notes: No cattle or elk. All wild horse sign

Examiner: Logan Esplin

Date: 8/14/2017 ACHY ELEL5

Class Interval

Int mid (M)

No. By Class ( C )

No. X midpt

( C ) ( M )

No. By Class ( C )

No. X midpt

( C ) ( M )

No. By Class ( C )

No. X midpt

( C ) ( M )

0-5% 2.5 1 2.5 1 2.5

6-20% 13 2 26 5 65

21-40% 30 4 120 3 90

41-60% 50 14 700 4 200

61-80% 70 10 700 9 630

81-94% 88

95-100% 97.5

Totals 31 1548.5 22 987.5 0 0

Average Utilization= ∑(CM)/∑C 49.95 44.89

Notes: PLJA also present and showed moderate to heavy utilization. ELEL5 was used whenever it was not under cover.

Table 8. Utilization Study- Key Species Method.

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Ecological Analysis

The Jockeys- Swamps restoration site is located in an area not yet mapped by a soil survey.

This report is relying on range land health assessments completed during an environmental

assessment on the neighboring Blawn Wash pasture, which borders the Swamps pasture within the

Jockeys allotment. The most closely matched ecological site descriptions (ESD) for the site is

Upland Shallow Loam and Semidesert Shallow Loam. The study site 06221-05-07 most closely

matches the Upland Shallow Loam. For the remainder of this report, the Upland Shallow Loam

ESD will be used as a reference for this site (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land

Management, 2014, p. 14).

Blawn Wash receives about 12 to 18 inches of precipitation per year, while the ESD for this

site estimates between 8 and 12 inches per year. Since much of the Blawn Wash site occurs on or

near higher elevations, it is estimated precipitation would be an average between the two. Grasses

chosen for the seeding were chosen for this ecological zone as well as drought tolerance to

withstand the hot dry summers and frequent periods of drought occurring in southern Utah (Green,

2013 ).

According to the ESD, the growing season begins in March to April and runs through

October. Soils are sandy, well drained, rocky, and usually high in calcium. Soils are permeable, and

runoff should be low. Dominate vegetation should consist of perennial grasses and black sage

brush (Green, 2013 ). Pinyon/Juniper encroachment has decreased the amount of understory

vegetation and increased the amount of bare ground and litter. The plant community is no longer

able to hold the top soil and erosional forces are dominating the soil surface (Green, 2013 ).

Treatment of this area would open up the canopy to make way for perennial grasses, forbs

and sage brush to more closely match historic levels of production for this site. The Swamps area

has not been used for several years for cattle grazing. Most of the utilization occurring on this site is

18

from wild horses. Treatment on this area would make the Swamps pasture a more productive site

which would support the grazing of livestock, wild horses and wildlife.

Treatment Methods and Costs

Treatments will be focused on areas where key species have been compromised and fuel

loads are high. Specific mechanical treatment will vary depending on ease of access, topography, and

invasive species. A 20-foot barrier of trees on mountain and rough roadways will left intact to

provide corridors and shelter for wildlife and for visual appeal. Treatments will be completed in

stages as to limit interference of grazing on the pasture.

The treatment will follow natural patterns, such that fire would create to appear more

natural. Islands and corridors of trees will be left intact for shelter, migration, nesting and cover for

wildlife. Lop and scatter treatment will leave healthy pinyon and juniper of various ages to provide

food source for wildlife, while removing older decadent and diseased stands.

A seed mixture consisting of native and non-native species will be applied prior to

treatments in the form of aerial and broadcasting methods. Seed will be purchased from

Department of Natural Resources, Great Basin Native Plant Project.

A full list of prices and spreadsheet for seed mix with PLS and cost per pound of

seed attached to back of the report. Spreadsheets are too large to fit into the body of this

report.

Treatment 1: Lop and scatter will take place on 720 acres of land located on the highest reaches and

most difficult to access by equipment. A maximum of 10 tons per acre of slash will be left as to not

increase fuel loads. Lop and scatter will only occur in areas where the fuel loads do not exceed

moderate. Trees will be thinned to a stand density index on less than 20 percent, leaving a mixed age

19

class of healthy pinion and juniper in equal amounts (U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of

Land Management, 2014, pp. 63-64).

Cost of Treatment: Lop and scatter, with aerial seeding of native and non-native seeds.

Cost per acre: $105 - $200/acre

Total pounds of seed 9,972

Bulk lbs. of seed/acre 13.85

PLS lbs. of seed/acre 11.78

Dollars/acre $59.01

Live seed/ft2 61.56

Total seed cost $42,490.44

Treatment of 720 acres $75,600 - $144,000

Total treatment + seed cost: $118,090.44 - $186,490.44

Treatment 2: Chaining and broadcast seeding will be completed on 2706 acres. In areas of steeper

topography not exceeding 20% grade. A natural mosaic mimicking the effects of fire are to be

completed along the edges of the treatment area. Islands and corridors of wooded areas are to be

left for wildlife to shelter and migrate. Treatment 2, will use two-way chaining and broadcast seeding.

By chaining in one direction while broadcast seeding and then returning the opposite direction, seed

is incorporated into the soil. Chaining should occur late in the fall or early winter to provide seed

stratification and correct temperature and moisture to overcome embryo dormancy (Monsen,

Stevens, & Shaw, 2004, p. 150). Chaining should only be done on soil that is relatively dry to avoid

rutting, puddling, and extensive soil damage.

Cost of Treatment: 2 Way chaining with aerial seeding $155 - $190/acre


Bulk lbs. of seed/acre 13.85

PLS lbs. of seed/acre 11.78

Live seed/ft2 61.56

Dollars/acre $59.01



Total treatment + seed cost $579,123.24 - $673,833.24

20

Treatment 3: Bull hogging will be completed on 1256 acres of juniper stands where increased

mulch on the ground would be beneficial. Bull hogging would occur in areas with high erosional

patterns from water erosion and areas where selection of species would be of value. Plant litter

would deter runoff and increase water infiltration. Aerial seeding in the late fall to early winter, prior

to bull hogging would protect seeds from erosion and provide a mulch bed. Bull hogging should

only occur on relatively dry soils to prevent rutting, puddling, and extensive soil damage (U.S.

Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management, 2014, p. 48).

Cost of Treatment: Mastication with aerial seeding $270 - $500/acre.


Bulk lbs. seed/acre 13.85

PLS lbs. seed/acre 11.78

Live seed/ft2 61.56

Dollars/acre $59.01




Treatment 4: Dixie Harrow would be completed on 917 acres of sage brush areas that need

improvement. Old decadent stands or areas with young encroaching pinyon and juniper trees.

Broadcast seeding would be used in conjunction with the Dixie harrow to incorporate seed into the

seedbed.

Cost of Treatment: 2 Way Chain Harrow/Pipe Harrow with broadcast seeding $140 - $170/acre.


Bulk lbs. seed/acre 13.85

PLS lbs. seed/acre 11.78

Live seed/ft2 61.56

Dollars/acre $59.01




21

Section 3- Post Treatment Management

Monitoring

Yearly monitoring will need to be completed during the first 2 years after treatment to ensure

successful seedling emergence. Monitoring would consist of nested frequency, line intercept, photo

plots, and utilization studies. If seeding is not successful, reseeding will need to occur to prevent

further soil loss and increased erosion. Grazing will need to be deferred for 2 years after treatment

completion to give plants the necessary time to establish and form a seed bank.

Grazing restrictions of livestock, wild horses, and wildlife will need to be enacted to sustain

proper utilization levels. Proper monitoring and management will ensure the sites sustainability into

the future. Management should be adaptive and based on the results of the data obtained from

annual studies to increase or decrease the grazing rates.

Maintenance of the treatments to thin pinyon and juniper will need to be completed

approximately every 5-10 years to keep stands at containable levels.

Section 4- Conclusion

A four-part treatment on the Swamps pasture in the Jockeys allotment will open the canopy

making way for perennial grasses and desirable forbs and shrubs. The variety of treatments will leave

a mosaic of different age classes of vegetation, thereby increasing resistance to disease and

infestation. The threat of catastrophic fires will be decreased by reducing fuel loads.

With restorative treatments, this site has the ecological characteristics to become both

economically profitable as a source of forage for livestock and as a healthy rangeland to provide

diverse landscape for vegetation and wildlife.

22

Section 5- References & Tables

References

Bureau of Land Management. (1983, 08 15). Pinyon Management Framework Plan (1983). Retrieved

from Bureau of Land Management- Document and reports: https://eplanning.blm.gov/epl-

frontoffice/eplanning/planAndProjectSite.do?methodName=dispatchToPatternPage&curre

ntPageId=96469

Green, S. A. (2013 , 04 02). Ecological Site Description . Retrieved from National Resource

Conservation Service:

https://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/ESDReport/fsReport.aspx?id=R034BY320UT&rptLevel=all

&approved=yes&repType=regular&scrns=&comm=

Monsen, S. B., Stevens, R., & Shaw, N. L. (2004, September). Restoring Western. Fort Collins, CO,

U.S.

U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management. (2013). Jockeys range allotment-

2013 Use pattern mapping. BLM Cedar City field office.

U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management. (2014, February 10). Blawn

Mountain vegetation enhancement project. Cedar City, Utah, United States.

U.S. Department of the Interior- Bureau of Land Management. (n.d.). Land records. Retrieved from

Bureau of Land Management: https://www.ut.blm.gov/LandRecords/search_plats.cfm

23

Tables- Excel spreadsheets attached separately.

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