Draft Bennett Hills Resource management plan and draft environmental impact statement

422 Pages·1994·76 MB·English

by  United States. Bureau of Land Management. Shoshone District

BLM LIBRARY
88045276
BENNETT
HILLS
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Shoshone
District
March 994
1
TAKE
United States Department of the Interior
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BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ^M
SHOSHONE DISTRICT OFFICE *^^5 |^^TL
400 WEST "F" STREET
P.O. BOX 2B
SHOSHONE. IDAHO 83352 "" REPLY REFER TO:
Enclosed for your review is the Draft Bennett Hills Resource Management Plan and Draft
Environmental Impact Statement. This plan outlines the proposed management of 649,786 acres
A
of public land in the Bennett Hills Resource Area. Alternative is the "no action" alternative
and would continue the current management subject to new policy direction by the BLM's State
and Washington Offices. Alternatives B and C differ in the management of recreation use along
the north rim of the Snake River, the initial level of grazing use, and in the designation of river
segments suitable for consideration by Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic
D BLM
Rivers System. Alternative reflects a conceptual agreement between the and the State of
Idaho for land exchange and sets initial livestock grazing use at the 1984-1992 nine-year average
actual use. Alternative D is the BLM's preferred alternative.
For further information contact District Manager Mary Gaylord, Bureau of Land Management,
P.O. Box 2-B, Shoshone, Idaho 83352, Telephone [phone].
Comments should be submitted to the above address by July 1, 1994.
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BLM-ID-PT-94-007-4410
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1. Responsible Agency: United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
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2. Draft (X) Final
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3. Title: Bennett Hills Resource Management Plan
and Environmental Impact Statement
Shoshone District
Lincoln, Gooding, Camas, Jerome, Blaine and Elmore Counties, Idaho
Administrative Action Legislative Action
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5. Abstract: This plan outlines the proposed management of 649,786 acres of public land in
the Bennett Hills Resource Area. Alternative A is the "no action" alternative and would
continue the current management subject to new policy direction by the BLM's State and
Washington Offices. Alternatives B and C differ in the management of recreation use along the
north rim of the Snake River, the initial level of grazing use, and in the designation of river
segments suitable for consideration by Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic
D BLM
Rivers System. Alternative reflects a conceptual agreement between the and the State of
Idaho for land exchange and sets initial livestock grazing use at the 1984-1992 nine-year average
actual use. Alternative D is the BLM's preferred alternative. This document also includes the
environmental analysis required for the wild and scenic river proposal.
6. Date Comments Must be Received: July 1, 1994.
7. For Further Information Contact: District Manager
Shoshone District Office
Bureau of Land Management
P.O. Box 2-B
Shoshone ID 83352
[phone]
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SUMMARY
The Bennett Hills Resource Management Plan (RMP) is prepared to provide the Shoshone
District Bureau of Land Management with a comprehensive framework for managing 649,786
acres of BLM-administered public land over the next 15 to 20 years. This draft Resource
Management Plan is developed to guide the management of public land resources according to
the principles of multiple-use, sustained yield, and other principles as outlined in Bureau of Land
Management planning regulations. This draft Environmental Impact Statement addresses the
Bureau of Land Management's preferred plan.
This draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement updates land use
planning decisions in two existing Management Framework Plans (Sun Valley, 1981 and Bennett
Hills/Timmerman, 1976) and one Resource Management Plan (Monument, 1985) which have
guided the BLM's management of public land in the planning area for the past 14 years. The
Management Framework Plan and Resource Management Plan decisions that still have merit are
being carried forward and are incorporated into this plan. Those not specifically mentioned in
this plan will no longer be valid.
This plan will also amend the Jarbidge Resource Management Plan (1987) to designate 800 acres
along 10 miles of the west side of King Hills Creek as an Area of Critical Environmental
Concern in coordination with the same designation along the east side within the Bennett Hills
planning area.
The Bennett Hills Resource Area of Idaho's Shoshone District is presented in this document as
of the start of 1994 with all its warts and beauty; its areas showing habitat improvements,
degradation, and static condition; and the various issues and pressures facing management of the
resources.
This plan is also a vision document showing the direction where management and resource
specialists, with input from the public, believe the Bennett Hills should be heading. This
direction is toward riparian area improvement, increasing vegetation diversity, improved water
quality and quantity, and general increased ecological and economical health.
Whether present conditions are correctly described in this plan, and proposed improvements are
the proper ones to undertake, often depend upon the viewpoint and past experience of the reader.
We believe, however, that it is important to present a brief description of how past events
shaped the area into what it is today and why the proposed goals are important.
Presettlement vegetation along the Snake River Plain was mainly sagebrush and bunchgrasses,
with thickets of willows and cottonwoods at springs and along streams. The Oregon Trail
opened in 1836 with one wagon and 20 cows. The flood of emigrants peaked in 1852 with
about 10,000 wagons and 250,000 horses, cattle, and mules. Huge cattle drives of up to 3,000
longhorns were trailed from Oregon to Eastern markets in the 1860s and cattle ranching in Idaho
DRAFT BENNETT HILLS RMP SUMMARY
S-l
was begun. Within 10 years, up to 50,000 cattle were being raised on ranches in southern
Idaho, and another 100,000 were trailed through Idaho from Oregon. The sheep industry began
in the mid-1860s. By 1880, at least 357,000 sheep were reported in southern Idaho, not
counting the numerous drifting or tramp sheep outfits which did not have a ranch headquarters.
In 1890, at least 84,000 horses used southern Idaho rangelands and many of these became feral.
These massive numbers of livestock had major impacts on native vegetation in the Bennett Hills
Resource Area, and throughout the Snake River Plain.
In 1934, the Taylor Grazing Act was passed requiring base property to graze on public land.
While the Act resulted in reduced grazing pressure on most of the American West, the Bennett
Hills was one of the last areas to be adjudicated. Unrestricted grazing, especially by sheep, and
the trailing of large bands from southern desert land to the Sawtooth Valley, continued for many
years.
Wild fires, both natural and man-caused, burned hundreds of thousands of acres, further
reducing perennial grasses and forbs. These burned areas have been heavily invaded by exotic
plants such as Russian thistle, cheatgrass, mustards, and medusahead rye. Native ranges were
further modified by brush control using herbicides, or burning and replacing the brush with
range seedings, especially crested wheatgrass.
Degraded habitats displaced wildlife species such as mule deer and pronghorn antelope from
traditional winter ranges and migration routes. The result has been substantial wildlife loss from
collisions with trains and motor vehicles, depredation to agricultural crops, and damages to
residential property. Poor riparian habitats resulted in increased sediment, and warmer water
temperatures affected aquatic resources within the streams in the Bennett Hills and influenced
water quality in the Snake River. Loss of riparian vegetation reduced habitats and migratory
corridors for many species of wildlife, and especially for non-game migratory birds.
Into this gloomy picture has entered improved management. Some riparian areas have been
improved through protective fences and management techniques such as increased herding of
cattle and changes in season and duration of use. Land exchanges, range improvements, and
cooperative agreements have provided for better livestock distribution and stocking numbers.
Cooperative efforts with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game have resulted in some shrub
restoration and habitat improvements in the traditional key wildlife habitats, improving numbers
of elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and sage grouse. Use of techniques such as
"greenstripping" has helped to reduce the frequency and size of wild fires, and had some success
in slowing the spread of exotic plants. The Thorn Creek Pilot Riparian Area showed major
improvements in rangeland, and fish and wildlife habitat before an arson burned the area. It is
again showing good recovery.
BLM
The is beginning a management concept called Ecosystem Management, where all resource
actions will be evaluated in relation to their effects on other resources within each ecosystem.
We believe that we are on the right track in improving resource conditions within the area. The
actions proposed in this plan, using the concept of ecosystem management, should accelerate that
process. We hope you will agree that we are on track and we look forward to your comments.
DRAFT BENNETT HILLS RMP SUMMARY
S-2
Public Participation Activities
The draft plan and impact statement is focused on resolving planning issues associated with the
management of the planning area's public land. Planning issues were identified by the public
BLM
and the during the scoping period, which began on September 20, 1990. Major
components of the scoping process included open house meetings in Twin Falls, Gooding,
Jerome, and Shoshone (see Chapter 5 for list of meeting dates). Meetings were held with local,
state, and Federal Government agencies. Presentations were made to the Shoshone District
Grazing Advisory Board, the Multiple Use Advisory Council, and local interest groups.
Emphasis was placed on informal meetings with interested individuals and groups to provide a
comprehensive picture of issues and an interdisciplinary resolution. Throughout the process,
written and verbal comments were accepted and summarized. Original comments and
summaries are part of the supporting documentation and are available for inspection at the
Shoshone District Office.
Issues
The following planning issues were identified through public participation for the Bennett Hills
planning area.
Issue 1: How will the BLM continue tofocus management attention on riparian
resources and related uplands?
Many public comments regarding the management of riparian/upland areas and
water quality were received. Comments included praise for the current riparian
management policies and achievements, and suggestions for expanding the pilot
management efforts to the entire resource area. Comments regarding livestock
use ranged from satisfaction with the current management level to dissatisfaction
and urging more intensive livestock management. Riparian management is of
primary concern to the BLM, as shown in the BLM's Riparian Management
Policy (Fish and Wildlife 2000, 1987), and has received considerable management
attention in the Bennett Hills Resource Area, as demonstrated by the Thorn Creek
Pilot Riparian Management Area and other "showcase" riparian achievements. Of
BLM
concern to the public and the is the continued and expanded attention to
riparian and upland resources.
DRAFT BENNETT HILLS RMP SUMMARY
S-3
Issue 2: What land will be acquired into, or made availablefor disposalfrom, federal
ownership?
The Shoshone District has entered into a conceptual plan for a land exchange
program with the State of Idaho, designed to block up land ownership for more
efficient management, and acquire state land within wilderness study areas. Land
ownership adjustments are desired to achieve more efficient management and
BLM
utilization of public resources, to identify areas that are desirable to because
of high resource values, and to respond to specific public requests for the
purchase or exchange of public land.
Issue 3: How willpublic resources along the north rim ofthe Snake River Canyon be
managed andfor what uses?
During the scoping process, much public attention was focused on the area
bounded by the Snake River rim on the south, Interstate 84 on the north, and US
Highway 93 on the west. Due to its proximity to the city of Twin Falls, increased
recreation use, and the public's increased environmental awareness of the Snake
River, this area contains many resource values in demand by the public. Besides
the high recreation use, the area contains significant historical value (remnants of
the Oregon Trail), wildlife habitat, livestock forage, saleable mineral materials, an
Area of Critical Environmental Concern (Vineyard Lake), and portions are
proposed for exchange into state ownership. Uncoordinated and unfocused
management could result in conflict between the public users and degradation of
the resources.
Issue 4: Is there a needforprotecting the Resource Area's critical resource values
through special management designation?
BLM
During the scoping process, the received formal nominations for Areas of
Critical Environmental Concern. Additionally, there are other special designations
that can be made to focus management attention. These designations include, but
are not limited to, Special Recreation Management Areas for intensive or
concentrated recreation use, Significant Caves to focus management attention on
important cave resources, Conservation Areas or Research Natural Areas for the
protection or enhancement of opportunities for biological, geological and aquatic
research. Selection and use of the appropriate designation, if any, is based on
evaluation of the critical resource values. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968)
requires the BLM to study and make recommendations on waterways for inclusion
in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This planning effort will
determine eligibility, tentative classification, and interim management of wild and
scenic rivers as part of this issue.
DRAFT BENNETT HILLS RMP SUMMARY
S-4
Description of Alternatives
As required by the National Environmental Policy Act, and following guidelines developed by
the Council on Environmental Quality, four alternative plans were developed. These alternatives
compare the environmental consequences of addressing the planning issues in dissimilar ways.
The alternatives chosen for study in this draft plan and impact statement are: Alternative A is
the "no action" alternative and would continue the current management subject to new policy
direction by the BLM's State and Washington Offices. Alternatives B, C and D use desired
future vegetation condition to establish management goals and direction instead of the traditional
commodity goals used in Alternative A. Alternatives B and C differ from each other in the
management of recreation use along the north rim of the Snake River, the initial level of grazing
use, and in the recommendation of river segments for consideration by Congress for inclusion in
D
the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Alternative reflects a conceptual agreement
between the BLM and the State of Idaho for land exchange. Alternatives A and B leave the
initial livestock grazing at current levels, while Alternatives C and D adjust the livestock use
levels at the 1984-1992 nine-year average actual use. Alternative D is the BLM's preferred
alternative.
Table S-l compares the resource allocations, management actions and cummulative impacts of
each alternative. The Table shows the expected value of a resource or impact at the end of the
20-year planning horizon, and the amount of increase or decrease in the resource compared to
the current situation. Impacts and allocations are accumulated from the analysis of each
individual action analyzed in Chapter 4.
DRAFT BENNETT HILLS RMP SUMMARY
S-5
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