Results of Assessment/Establishment of Cause
Achieving Standards For Rangeland Health Conforming with Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management Resource Area: Deschutes
Geographic Area of Assessment: West of Prineville, South of Hwy. 26 and Notth of the Crooked River
Allotment Areas Assessed: Montgomery # 5088
Period Assessment Conducted: April 20, 2005
Assessment determination: Meets standards
Assessment Benchmark: Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management for Public Lands in Oregon and Washington. Approved August 12, 1997 by the Secretary of the Interior. Assessment Objectives: Per USDI/USDA Tech Reference 1734-6 of2000: Provide preliminary assessment of soil/site stability, hydrologic function, biological integrity. Help land managers identify areas that are potentially at risk for degradation.
Provide early warnings of potential problems and opportunities. Provide capability to communicate fundamental
ecological concepts to a variety of audiences. Improve communications among interest groups. Provide capability
to select monitoring sites for future monitoring programs. Help understand and communicate rangeland health
issues.
Per 8LM, Oregon State Office 18 No. OR-98-315 of7/24/98 : Assess rangeland condition relative to Rangeland
Health Standards; determine cause in those cases where standards are not being met; and take action that will result
in progress toward standards attainment where these are not being met.
Assessment Preparers
Assessment Approval
Dan Tippy, Field
Manager~~)~c~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~·
~~~~~~D~a~te~~
~~~· ~~~~~~~
~~
~
{/T
Appendices:
A
8
C
D
E
Allotment Assessment Findings
Maps
Plant List
List of Lichens
Wildlife
/
Appendix A Allotment Assessment Findings Notes:
I. This information applies only to BLM-adm inistered lands within the allotment.
2. Where Allotment Monitoring Sites are referenced, information from these sites will include photographs,
vegetation data, trend rating forms, cover worksheets, and/or Rangeland Health Evaluation Summary Worksheets
(all located in the respective allotment's monitoring fi les).
Allotment:
Public Land Upland Acres: 160
Public Land Riparian/Wetland Acres: 0
Public Land Stream Miles: 0
I. Standard 1 (Watershed Function- Uplands)
A. Determination
0
D
D
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Towards Standard
B. Establishment of Cause:
D
D
D
Livestock are significantly contributing to the failure to meet the standard
Livestock are not significant contributors to the failure to meet the standard
Fai lure to meet the standard is related to other uses or cond itions:
on-site
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence
Current grazing is not problematic on this allotment. Although grazing may have been moderate to heavy in the
past, perennial grass cover and bio logical soil crust cover in the interspaces with some exceptions are relatively high.
There was indication of erosion and soil loss on the north end of the allotment where terracing is a problem and
where scattered incidents of pedestalling were seen. Sandy soil on the east end of the allotment was sparsely
vegetated. This sand is depositional and predominantly natural although more ground cover was expected. In several
locations bitterbrush and sagebrush were decadent and there was little apparent reproduction. This probably
represents sera! development. When range is heavily grazed reducing perennial grass, shrubs tend to increase. As
recovery occurs, grass replaces shrubs as the dominant vegetation type.
A right-of-way containing a set of three powerlines crosses the allotment. The damage from this right-of-way is
greater than that of previous grazing. In this area junipers have been eliminated, shrubs reduced and disturbance by
heavy equipment and a road has presented a broad corridor for potential weed invasion. Currently the most serious
problem is the increase of medusahead in patches throughout the allotment. These patches will probably increase
especially in the area partially cleared for the powerline right-of-way.
There were few signs of recent fire. Some very old fire scars existed on cut stumps and on one moderately old
juniper . There is no sign that an extensive fire burned across the allotment in over a hundred years. Many of the old
juniper stumps were cut long ago leaving a stand ofjuniper that is less than 100 years in age. Without any recent
fires, western juniper is increasing and will become a problem in the near future .
Evidence:
2
II. Standard 2 (Watershed Function - Riparian/Wetland Areas)
A. Determination
D
D
D
0
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Toward
Standard Does Not Apply
B. Establishment of Cause:
D
D
D
0
Livestock are significantly contributing to the failure to meet the standard
Livestock are not significant contributors to the failure to meet the standard
Failure to meet the standard is related to other uses or conditions: _on-site;
Not Applicable
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence No areas with water were observed within the allotment. III. Standard 3 (Ecological Processes)
A. Determination
0
D
D
D
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Toward
Standard Does Not Apply
B. Establishment of Cause:
D
D
D
Livestock are significantly contributing to the failure to meet the standard
Livestock are not significant contributors to the failure to meet the standard
Failure to meet the standard is related to other uses or conditions: _on-site;
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence
Presently ecological processes are functioning well within the Montgomery allotment. Some damage exists do to
reduced production within the power line right-of-way. This has threatened the functioning of ecological processes
by opening a con·idor to weed invasion and is probably responsible for the medusa-head present in the allotment.
The long time absence of fires also introduces a threat in the form of increased juniper density.
Evidence:
IV. Standard 4 (Water Quality)
A. Determination
D
D
D
0
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Toward Standard
Standard Does Not Apply
B. Establishment of Cause (if applicable)
D
D
D
0
Livestock are significantly contributing to the failure to meet the standard
Livestock are not significant contributors to the failure to meet the standard
Failure to meet the standard is related to other uses or conditions: _on-site;
Not Applicable
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence
3
V. Standard 5 (Habitat for Native, T&E and Locally Important Species)
A. Determination
0
D
D
D
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Toward
Standard Does Not Apply
B. Establishment of Cause:
D
D
D
Livestock are significantly contributing to the failure to meet the standard
Livestock are not significant contributors to the failure to meet the standard
Failure to meet the standard is related to other uses or conditions: _on-site;
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence: Bald eagles and golden eagles are have been recently seen near this allotment. VI. Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management:
0
D
Conforms with Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management Does not conform with Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management (see table below) 4
Allotment Name and Number
Livestock Grazing Management
I. The season, timing, frequency, duration, and intensity of livestock grazing use should
be based on the physical and biological characteristics of the site and management unit in
order to:
a. provide adequate cover to promote infiltration, conserve soil moisture and to maintain soil
stability in upland areas
b. provide adequate cover and plant community structure to promote stream bank stability,
debris and sediment capture and floodwater energy dissipation in riparian areas.
c. promote soil surface conditions that supp01t infiltration
d. avoid sub-surface soil compaction that retards the movement of water in the soil profile.
Y/N/NA
e. help prevent the increase and spread of noxious weeds
f. maintain or rest for diverse plant populations and communities that fully occupy the potential
rooting volume of the soil
g. maintain or restore plant communities to promote photosynthesis throughout the potential
growing season
h. Promote soil and site conditions that provide the opportunity for the establishment of
desirable plants
i. protect or restore water quality
J. Provide for the life cycle requirements and maintain or restore the habitat elements of native
(including T&E, special status and locally important species) and desired plants and animals
2. Grazing mgmt plans should be tailored to site specific conditions and plan objectives.
Livestock grazing should be coordinated with the timing of precipitation, plant growth
and plant form. Soil moisture, plant growth stage and timing of peak stream flows are key
factors in determining when to graze. Response to different grazing strategies varies with
differing ecological sites.
3. Grazing mgmt systems should consider nutritional and herd health requirements of the
livestock
4. Integrate grazing mgmt systems into the year- round mgmt strategy and resources of
the permittee(s) or lessee(s). Consider the use of collaborative approaches in this
integration.
5. Consider competition for forage and browse among livestock, big game animals and
wild horses in designing and implementing a grazing plan.
6. Provide periodic rest from grazing for rangeland vegetation during critical growth
_)!eriods to promote plant vigor, reproduction and productivity.
7. Range improvement practices should be prioritized to promote rehabilitation and
resolve grazing concerns on transitory grazing land.
8. Consider the potential for conflict between grazing use on public land and adjoining
land uses in the design and implementation of a grazing mgmt plan.
N
Facilitating the Management of Livestock Grazing
1. The use of practices to facilitate the implementation of grazing systems should
consider the kind and class of animals managed, indigenous wildlife, wild horses, the
terrain and the availability of water. Practices such as fencing, herding, water
development, and the placement of salt and supplements (where authorized) are used
where appropriate to:
a. promote livestock distribution ;
b. encourage a uniform level of proper grazing use throughout the grazing unit;
c. avoid unwanted or damaging concentrations of livestock on stream banks, in riparian areas
and other sensitive areas such as highly erodible soils, unique wildlife habitats and plant
communities; and
d. protect water quality.
2. Roads and trails used to facilitate livestock grazing are constructed and maintained in a
manner that minimizes the effects on landscape hydrology; concentration of overland
flow, erosion and sediment transport are prevented; and subsurface flows are retained.
y
NA
y
y
y
y
y
NA
y
NA
NA
NA
NA
y
NA
NA
Y/N/NA
y
y
NA
NA
y
5
Accelerating Ranf!elmul Recovery
1. Upland treatments that alter the vegetative composition of a site, like prescribed
burning, juniper management and seedings or plantings must be based on the potential of
the site and should:
a. retain or promote infiltration, permeability, and soil moisture storage
b. contribute to nutrient cycling and energy flow
c. protect water quality
d. help prevent the increase and spread of noxious weeds
e. contribute the diversity of plant communities and plant community composition and structure
f. support the conservation ofT&E, other special status species and species of local impotiance
g. be followed up with grazing management and other treatments that extend the life of the
treatment and address the cause of the original treatment need.
2. Seeding and plantings of non-native vegetation should only be used in those cases where
native species are not available in sufficient quantities; where native species are incapable of
maintaining or achieving the standards; or where non-native species are essential to the
functional integrity of the site.
3. Structural and vegetative treatments and animal introductions in riparian and wetland
areas must be compatible with the capability of the site, including the system's hydrologic
regime, and contribute to the maintenance or restoration of properly functioning condition.
Y/N/NA
NA
NA
NA
Recommendations:
Close attention should be paid to the density of western juniper, it is possible that an underburn would be a good
thing for this area. The medusa-head might increase with further disturbance.
6
Appendix B Allotment Map TOPO! map printed on 06/29/05 from "Montgomery .tpo" and "Montgomery .tpg"
662000mE.
663000mE.
664000mE ,
z
!~~¥m~~~~~~~r~~~~n=~~~~~~~~ ~
z
§....
~000
fEET
500
1000 MHEflS
Map created wilh TOPOl f) ~2002 National Geogre.phi:: (www.nalionalgeoglophi::.coml!opo)
7
Appendix C Plant List Montgomery Allotment # 5088
Field Date: April 20, 2005
Aficroseris troximoides
Mantia perfoliata
Achillea millefolium
Agropyron dasystachyum
Alyssum alyssoides
Amsinkia sp.
Antennaria dimorpha
Artemisia rigida
Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata
Astragalus lentiginosus
Astragalus purshii
Penstemon richardsonii
Phlox hoodii
Poa secunda
Polemonium micranthum
Pseudoroegnaria spicata (AGSP)
Purshia tridentate
Bromus japonicus
Bromus tectorum
Ranunculus testiculatus
Ribes sp.
Calochortus macrocarpus
Chtysothamnus nauseosus
Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus
Collinsia parviflora
Crepis sp.
Stipa thurberiana
Zigadenus venenosus
Delphinium sp.
Descurainia pinnata
Draba verna
Elymus elymoides
Epilobium sp.
Eriogonum sp.
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum
Erodium cicutarium
Festuca idahoensis
Fritillaria pudica
Fritillaria sp.
Idahoa scapigera
Juniperus occidentalis
Leptodactylon pungens
Lewisia rediviva
Lithophragma bulbifera
Lomatium macrocarpum
Lomatium sp.
Lomatium triternatum
8
Appendix D List of Lichens Montgomery Allotment # 5088
Field Dates: April20, 2005
Scientific Name
Common Name
Substrate
Crustose
Amandinea punctata
Aspicilia cinerea
Aspicilia contorta
Aspicilia sp
Buellia alboatra
Buellia papillata
Buellia terricola
Caloplaca cerina
Caloplaca epithellina
Caloplaca Holocarpa
C aloplaca jungermannae
Caloplaca tominii
Candelariella aurelia
Candelariella terrigena
Candelariella vitellina
Cyphelium tigillare
Diploschistes muscorum
Lecanora hagenii
Lecanora sp
Lecanora zosterae
Lecidella tessellata
Leprocaulon subalbicans
1Uegaspora verrucosa
Ochrolechia upsaliensis
Pleopsidium flavum
Rhizocarpon bolanderi
Rhizocarpon disporum
Rhizocarpon geographicum
Rinodina sp
Tiny button lichen
Cinder lichen
Chiseled sunken disk lichen
Sunken disk lichen
Button lichen
Button lichen
Button lichen
Firedot lichen
Parasitic firedot lichen
Firedot lichen
Firedot lichen
Firedot lichen
Hidden goldspeck lichen
Tundra goldspeck lichen
Common goldspeck lichen
Soot lichen
Cow-Pie Lichen
Hagen's rim-lichen
Rim-lichen
Flat-fruited rim-lichen
Tile lichen
Cottonhead lichen
False sunken disk lichen
Tundra saucer lichen
Gold cobblestone lichen
Map lichen
Single-spored map lichen
Yellow map lichen
Pepper-spore lichen
Soil, litter, bark and wood
Rock
Rock
Rock
Juniper wood
Soil
Soil/Litter
Organic matter
Rock
Ribes twig
Organic matter
Soil
Rock
Organic matter and soil
Rock
Juniper wood
Soil and dead vegetation
Twigs and juniper wood
Juniper wood
Organic matter
Rock
Soil and moss
Moss and organic matter
Soil and dead vegetation
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Juniper wood
Comma Lichen
Brown-fuzz lichen
Stipplescale lichen
Black-berry Scale
Soil
Soil
Soil
Soil
Soil
Gelatinous
Collema tenax
Leptogium lichenoides
Soil Jelly Lichen
Tattered Jellyskin
Moss and soil
Soil, moss and litter
Foliose
Candelaria concolor
Dermatocarpon reticulatum
Dimeleana oreina
Lecanora muralis
Melanelia exasperatula
Melanelia multispora
Neofi!scelia subhosseanna
Peltigera rufescens
Candleflame lichen
Sandpaper stippleback
Golden moon-glow lichen
Stonewall rim-lichen
Lustrous camouflage lichen
Many-spored camouflage lichen
Erupted camouflage lichen
Field dog-Lichen
Bark and wood
Rock
Rock
Rock
Tree and shrub bark
Ribes bark
Rock
Soil and moss
Squamulose
Arthonia glebosa
Fuscopannaria cyanolepra
Phaeorhiza sareptana
Placidium lachneum
Psora globifera
9
Peltigera didactyla
Physcia magnussonii
Physcia tenella
Physconia enteroxantha
Alternating dog-lichen
Rosette lichen
Fringed rosette lichen
Yellow-edged frost lichen
Umbilicaria hyperborea
Umbilicaria phaea
Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca
Rhizoplaca melanophthalma
Xanthoparmelia sp
Xanthoria elegans
Xanthoria fall ax
Xanthoriafitlva
Blistered Rock Tripe
Emery rock tripe
Orange rock-posy
Green rock-posy
Rock shield lichen
Elegant sunburst lichen
Hooded sunburst lichen
Bare-bottomed sunburst lichen
Fruiticose
Aspic ilia filiform is
Aspicilia hispida
Aspicilia replans
Cladonia cariosa
Cladonia fimbriata
Cladonia pocillum
Letharia columbiana
Letharia vulpina
Vagabond lichen
Split-peg lichen
Trumpet Lichen
Rosette pixie-cup lichen
Brown-eyed wolf lichen
Wolf lichen
Soil
Moss over rock
Rock
Juniper bark
and moss over rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
Bark and twigs
Bark and twigs
Soil
Soil and vagrant
Soil
Soil
Soil, moss and litter
Soil, moss and litter
Bark and wood
Bark and wood
10
Appendix E Wildlife Montgomery Allotment# 5088
Field Date: April20, 2005
This is only a partial list of species that would be expected in this allotment.
Mammals
Coyote
Porcupine
Northern Pocket Gopher
Bushy-tailed woodrat
Mountain cottontail rabbit
Elk
Mule Deer
Pronghorned antelope
Bird species in the vicinity around the time ofthe evaluation (not necessarily breeding in the
area).
Golden eagle
Bald eagle
Red-tailed hawk
Notthern Harrier
American kestrel
Prairie falcon
Turkey vulture
California quail
Say's phoebe
Ash-throated flycatcher
Robin
Mountain bluebird
Western bluebird
Townsend's Solitaire
Pinyon Jay
Raven
Black-billed magpie
Red-shafted Flicker
Canyon wren
Rock wren
Bushtit
Western meadow lark
Brewer's sparrow
Chipping sparrow
White-crowned sparrow
Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas Species List of known breeding in the type of habitat found in the Allotment area
To see more information on habitats in the area control/click on the hyperlink, then click on a hexagon in Crook
county and find your way to the map hexagon 26088 OR Breeding Birds
Reptiles (* Not observed but probably present within the Allotment.)
Racer*
Gopher snake*
Western rattlesnake*
Western fence lizard*
Amphibians
Pacific treefrog*
II
Rangeland Health Evaluation Summary Worksheet
Part 1. Area of Interest Documentation (Bold items require completion, other informotion is optional) State
f) r<l ~0 Vi
Office
p,.,..., l'lt. ..,.; lie_
Management Unit
Movt~llf'1~V'y ./})).,-}-~ CV"ook..J Iff~ ID# 5P 1 ~ Major Land Resource Area Qe>ch.v.J-eS Location (description) ,1\/ f CrooM!(,· v~) s ,f-fk;J u;) LA,; c>f r;_,:,e~)Je Pasture/Watershed
0
Lega!T_,R __ ,Sec __ , --1/4, _J/4orLat __ ,Long_ orUTM-Coord _ _ __ /bO <a C.
Size of Evaluation Area
Observer(s)
J)eV>1vv-.e.r
Photo(s) Taken Yes
q.._ lf.r..-.,_15 on
Date
..X No_
f/2-L>Jo->­
Ecological Site - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Soil Map Unit N o m e - - - - - - - - ­
----------------Soil/Site Verification---------------­
Rangeland Ecological Site Description and/or Soil Survey
Surface Texture
Depth: Very Shallow
0
(< ~ 0")
Shallow
0
(1 0"-20")
Moderate
(20"-40")
0
Deep
0
Area of Interest Determination
-·surface Texture - - - - - - - - - - - - ­
Depth: Very Shallow
Shallow
Moderate
Deep
0
(>40")
(< 10")
0
(1 0"-20"]
0
(20"-40")
List diagnoslic horizons in profile and depth
List diagnostic horizons in profile and depth
1
2
l
2
3
4
0
(>40")
3
4 _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Parent Material ____ Slope __ % Elevation __ ft Topographic Position _ _ Aspect _ _
Avg Annual Predp ___ Recent Weather (last 2 years) Drought __ Normal _ _ Wet _ __
Describe wildlife and livestock use and recent disturbances
E /,fc> D~e.v- <J- A,-fe )ocy
.!1ilz
Part 2. Indicator Rating
Departure from Ecological Site Description/
Ecological Reference Area(s)
Indicators
Attribute
S,H
Extreme
Slight to
Moderate
to Extreme Moderate Moderate
None to
Slight
X
1. Rills
Comments:
S,H
·•
3. Pedestals and/or Terracettes
fp ,rv-~ ce.:J:;f-e.J. are G VJ>? ..., ., ,_, e .i JPe c ,-...u_
Comments:
S,H
)(
2. Water Flow Patterns
S,H
Comments:
4, Bare'Ground
,.
Comments:
S,H
X
CJVI
><
/(/ :::.Io .,ee.s.
.2<.
5. Gullies
Comments:
s
6, Wind-Scoured, Blowouts, and/or Deposition Areas
X_
Comments:
12
Part 2. Indicator Rating
(continued)
De?arture from Ecological Site Descri?tion/ Ecological Reference Area(.s:) Indicators
Attribute
1
H
17. Litter Movement
I
I
Md
sr19 ht t 0 i N one to '
o era e
Slight
to Extreme Moderate Moderate
Extreme
I
I
I Comments:
S,H,B
I 8. Soil Surface Resistance to Erosion
I
I
I Comments: /fl. ,c;/,)·m +e ~or"" c:_p.AJ.p_s avvl 5q...,dv, £,
I S,H,B I 9. Soil Surface Loss or Degradation
I
I
I
1
11 0. Pbnt Community Composition and
-:;/o,.z('.J
, S,H,B
]11. Compaction layer
I
*
I
I
I
I­
I
I
I
l
iip $C>~ ~ 'T
Cf,;'e_
I
I
I
Distribution Relative to Infiltration and Runoff
Comments:
I
X
I _X
I
Comments:
H
I
I
I
I >< I
I
I
I 'X I
Comments:
112. Functional/Structural Groups
8
I
)(j
/ncvc~jeA J..J..-,.~ c;;.~ A JC.T 12. J. AJ'JIC. rJ.. ~ c:.q c~T
T13. Plant Mortality/Decadence
I X I
I
I
l
Comments: J tJ v-v ~
/ .:Z. '1 e.-v­ ~-Je vVZ.-r&t_~ I ' ., ;::::,",,..... G-d.--f-,;~ {v~ o/J)
I
Comments:
B
H,B
-'I
]14. LiHer Amount
I
1 ..• ~
I
I
I
Comments:
B
I
i
I
]15. Annual Production
I
I
X
I
I
I
Comments:
B
i
17. Reproductive Copabi!ity of Perennial Plants
J
I
I X J
I
I
!16. Invasive Plants
I Comments:
i
'
j
Comments:
18,
ZL'Io?; c.-~
S~-' I
C.-.J> fs
)'<
Part 3. Summery
Deporture from Ecologi::o! Site Description/
E:o!o,gical Reference AreG{s}
A. Indicator Summary
I
I
I
I
s .1
1-5, 7-11 & 14) j
I
I
3
Rangeland Health Attributes
s
I Soil/Site Stability (Indicators 1-6, 8, 9 &1 i)
H
I
B
I Biotic Integrity (Indicators 8-9 & 11-17)
Hydrologic Function [Indicators
'·I
Extreme
I
Moderate
to Extreme Moderate
Slight to
Moderate
~
None to
Slight
4
2
4
4
!?
I 4--1' . B. Attribute Summary- Check the category that best fits the "preponderance of evidence'' for each
a!tributes relative to the distribution of indicator ratings in the preceding Indicator Summary table.
19
I
I
Soil/Site Stobiiity Rationale:
I
Hydrologic Function Rationale:
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I ~ I
IX l
Moderate
!Slight to
Extreme1 to Extreme Moderate Moderate
i(
i
of the th:ee
I
Biotic Integrity Rationale:
jli
j 9
I
Attribute
I~ l
None to
Slight
I
_I
13