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: Lower Bear Creek, Lower Crooked River Watershed
Allotment Areas Assessed: South Stearns (#5134)
Period Assessment Conducted: May, 2002 through October, 2003
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 ofthe 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 BLM, Oregon State Office IB No. OR-98-315 of 7/24/98: 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
Monte Kuk, Wildlife Biologist
Date:
Michelle McSwain, Hydrologist
Date: ()
Larry Thomas, Soil Scientist
9/ t /zt:9c? J
t
John Swnnson, Rangeland SpedaHst
d'~
Date:
1
'
q {I .( 0 .f-
Assessment Approval
Robert Towne, Field Manager
911 /2004
Stearns South Allotment S&G Assessment 2992
Date:
Page I of I
South Stearns Allotment
Public Land Upland Acres: 9540
Public Land Riparian/Wetland Acres: 27.0
Public Land Stream Miles· 1 5 perennial·' 1 0 intermittent· 15 0 ephemeral (estimated)
'
South Stearns Allotment= 9,540 ac
_p_ublic and 2,495 acres private
Old I Current
1978 Soil/
Range Site
Range Site
Classification
Classification
116-IOSE
Droughty Juniper
Sand Hills and
Juniper Lavalands
*Pumice Flat 8-10
OIOXA0270R and
Lava Blisters 8-10
010XA0220R
116-IOSE, 116E,
119E, Droughty
Juniper Sand
Hills and Juniper
Lavalands
*Pumice Flat 8-10
OIOXA0270R and
Lava Blisters 8-10
010XA0220R
New Range Site Name (Change
needed)
*Pumice Flat I 0-12 PZ
01 OXA0090R and Lava Blisters
10-12 PZ 010XA0230R
~
Holding, Powerline,Crested and sw
part of Poker Flat pastures)
27%
(Stiff sage on ridges of Cotton
Butte) JD Very Shallowl2-16 PZ)
10XB0320R)
33F, North
Slopes l33F,
Juniper Rolling
Hills
133F, 133E,
liSE Juniper
Rolling Hills s
Additional Notes
North Slopes 10-12
023XY3080R
Pumice Flat 08-l 0,
OIOXA0830R
South I 0-12 PZ,
OIOXA0070R
100
Juocl Artrt/Feid
Mid Sera!!
79
2%
Juoc/Chiv81Brte/ Early
Sera!= Poor
3,413
90%
Juoc/Chna8/ Agda Early
Sera!
(Juoc/ Artrt!Stoc4/Feid)
312
8%
(Juocl Artrv1Feid/Stco4)
Mid Sera! = Fair
Pumice Flat 08-10,
OIOXA0270R
Lava Blisters 8-10
OIOXA0220R
1,274
13%
-
(Juocl Artrt/Stoc41Feid)
Unit is in basins and Juoc is less
lOSE Juniper
Lavalands
Range
Site%
Dominant Vegetation &
Condition Class
40%
185E, 126E
Droughty Juniper
Sand Hills
Est
Public
Acres
%of
Allotment
8%
Lava Blisters 10-12
O!OXA0230R
Sandy North 10-12 PZ
OIOXA0830R
4%
Upper north slopes of Cotton
Butte/ Swartz Canyon
Unit is on south west/east toe
slopes of Cotton Butte
3.6%
Seeding Crested Wheat
1,130
44%
Juoc/Artrt/Feid
Mid I Early Sera!
382 /Ill
1514%
Juocl Artrt-Chiv81Brte Earl
Sera!
840
33%
Artrt-Chiv81Brte
ArriiPsspsiPoseF eid Late
to Mid Sera!
85
160 est
3%
20%
JuociArtrviFeid-Pose
Mid Sera!
505
63%
137
17%
250
72%
Juoc/Art:rv/Pssps Late
Sera!
Juocl Artrt!Pssps/Pose
98
28%
Juoc/ Artrt!Pssps
Mid Sera!
255
74%
Artrv/Feid-Pose
Early Sera!
Juoc1Putr21 ArtrviFeid!Ps
sps
ArtrviFeid Late Sera!
26%
Early Sera!
88
Current classifications indicate an adjustment to the late 1970s SVIM classification and subsequent 1980s correlation and
1990 update ofNRCS Range Sites. There was no attempt made in 2002 to map any variation in condition class or new range
sites identified. There is significant variability in the potential of different sites associated with relatively minor differences in
aspect, slope, rockiness and changes in soil depth especiallv in the juniper sites.
*Both 010XA.0090R I 010XA0230R and 010XA0270R I 010XA0220R have small mcluswns of deep sand (185E Umts) too
small to map out.
Also these map units consists of two soil units and two range sites
C. Rationale/Evidence
A segment of the Crooked River parallels the east allotment boundary and approximately 14 mile of river is located within the
allotment at Stearns Dam. The river is in Proper Functioning Condition and is Meeting Standard. Given the capability ofthe river
with the effects ofBowman Dam and Hwy. 27, the river geometry, vegetation and bank stability are good. However, were it not for
the regulated flows from the dam, the assessment for this river segment would likely be Functioning At Risk with an upward trend.
This is due to the narrow fringe of riparian vegetation along the riverbanks that would've provided inadequate bank protection with
umegulated flows. In addition, the river could benefit from more woody vegetation (willow in particular), and noxious weeds and
juniper occupation pose a risk to riparian vegetation recovery.
Evidence: Riparian PFC Assessment (Appendix B)
III. Standard 3 (Ecological Processes)
A. Determination
D
D
0
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
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: _X_ on-site;
off-site V~Thile
the Assessment Team agreed that the allotment was not meeting this standard in some places, and is making significant
progress in others, individual Team members had in (some cases) differing opinions about whether or not current livestock grazing
management was a significant causal factor in not meeting this standard. It was decided to check all three blocks (instead of one) to
represent all the views. In those cases below where views differed, evidence is provided for each view.
C. Rationale
1) Sandy North (348 ac. I 4% of allotment) and South (343 ac. I 3.6% of allotment) 10-12 PZ Range Sites in the Cotton Butte Area
These typically have steeper slope and bitterbrush potential. The Sandy North 10-12 PZ is in good condition and the South 10-12 PZ
is in fair condition. Both have the potential for juniper to come in and reduce the amount ofbitterbrush in the north sites and the sage
and grass on both sites. The south sites have higher site potential for juniper.
Bitterbrush is present within the north and eastern allotment fringes along Cotton Butte, Swartz Canyon, and the Crooked River rim.
The one South Stearns bitterbrush monitoring site indicates that this species is in poor health in juniper-dominated sites there; whereas
in an adjacent juniper cut, bitterbrush abundance/health/vigor appears much more clearly expressed.
2) Pumice Flat 10-12 and Lava Blister 10-12 PZ Sites (1,274 ac. I 13% of allotment)
These sites were rated as in fair condition in SVIM. These sites probably remain in fair condition with more diversity and a higher
composition and quality ofbunch grasses. No data was collected in these sites but it is·felt that the amount ofjuniper is above site
potential and increasing. These areas typically have less rabbit brush and cheat grass.
4) Pumice Flat 8 -10 PZ and Lava Blister 8-10 PZ Complex
This complex overall is in better condition now than it was in the past. These sites have higher than desired juniper occupation and
are not expected to continue to improve due to the juniper densities. Failure to meet standard in the general complex and southwest
portion of the allotment is primarily due to historic grazing practices, juniper occupation, OHV use, and heavy equipment disturbance.
5.) Pumice Flat 8-10 PZ and Lava Blister 8-10 PZ Inclusion: Juniper /Rocky Soil Sites (3,725 ac. I 40% of allotment).
These areas are typically juniper dominated with sage brush and mix of perennial grasses. They also have varying degrees of cheat
grass and rabbit brush.
These sites generally have bunch grasses levels well below site potential. Juniper and sagebrush canopies covers are higher then
potential on most sites. They are not currently meeting standard primarily due to higher juniper canopies and in some cases
sagebrush. Sagebrush populations are declining in some areas due to lack of disturbance and competition. High levels of decadence
are reducing overall sagebrush densities. Decadency levels appeared to be higher in the southern area of the allotment. Some areas
with relatively lower juniper densities within this Range Site description have higher levels of rabbit brush particularly in the southern
portions of the allotment.
Ifjuniper treatments occur in old growth juniper sites there is a risk for rabbit brush and cheat grass invasion. Retaining existing old
grO\vth trees in treatment areas will help maintain the native bunch grasses that exist due to the micro climate and other factors created
by these trees.
6.) Pumice Flat 8-10 PZ Inclusion: Heavily Disturbed Sites (Power line/road corridors, water sets, and OHV activity sites)
In these areas cheat grass and rabbit brush is almost always prominent and in some cases dominant. iv-eas that were not as heavily
disturbed in the past tend to have a higher component of sagebrush and native grasses than areas that have had heavier disturbance.
Due to road access these areas have also historic had temporary water sets and salting areas. Cattle also use these corridors due to the
reduced juniper densities and ease of travel to and from water, salt, and forage. Wood cutting and Right of Way maintenance (grading,
bulldozing, and burning) along the Millican road ( 1.7 miles) and within the powerline corridor perpetuate disturbance in these areas.
OHV traffic has been creating additional trails and staging/play areas in the vicinity of the designated trails. Both of these actions are
removing vegetation and increasing the area that is susceptible to invasion by non-native species and reducing total production
capability of these sites.
In areas where continued vehicle or other mechanical disturbance are not being perpetuated and those areas where livestock
concentrations are not lengthy or repetitive, static or slight upward trends are indicated. Where the opposite is occurring static or
slightly downward trends are indicated.
It is estimated that on average 50% of the roads in the Erickson, Poker Flat, Crested, and Powerline pastures have rabbit brush and
cheat grass prominent within 150 feet of the road center line. Within the powerline corridor and the highway these conditions occur
out to 600 and 100 feet from the center line respectively. In these areas what is most often seen is a static to slight downward trend.
These same conditions occur approximately 1,320 feet from water traps. Total area affected comes to 7,573 acres. This makes up
58% of these four pastures.
Old growth juniper trees are expected to occur either in contiguous patches or as scattered isolates throughout the allotment. They are
currently missing or only marginally present within the primary highway and utility corridors.
7). Pumice Flat 8-10 PZ Inclusion: Flat Basins (185E and 126E), Sprayed and Seeded (1,130 acres/ 11.8% of allotment)
These deeper sandy soil sites have been manipulated in such a way that they cannot be compared to range site desired conditions.
Seedings are partially meeting the objectives of the RMP by providing additional forage for wildlife and cattle, and by stabilizing soil.
However, these sites have higher than desired rabbit brush, cheat grass, and lower levels of sagebrush than expected, and are not
meeting the standard.
Areas that were sprayed and seeded with Fairway crested wheat grass have crested percent composition by weight exceed the bunch
grass ESI potential for the site. Sagebrush percent composition by weight are well below site potential primarily due to the past
spraying Higher levels of rabbit brush are persisting in most areas of the seedings.
The crested plants are still dominating the site after 30+ years. Some sagebrush recruitment has occurred however, the dominate shrub
is-currently green rabbit brush. The monitoring records do not clearly define whether rabbitbrush populations are currently increasing
or decreasing in the allotment. Within the crested wheatgrass seedings, it is suspected that these populations at some unknown point
in time increased since 1970, when the Church Flat 2,4-D spray project leader documented that "over most of the area 70 to 90% of
the brush was killed" - whereas today, rabbitbrush is clearly expressed in the seedings. On the other hand, rabbitbrush mortality has
been documented in/next to the crested wheatgrass seeding areas. (A range examiner documented in 1991 that in the Powerline
Pasture, "almost every rabbitbrush plant" in one location had "webs with little worms in bunches").
Evidence that current livestock grazing management is a significant causal factor to the above situations includes:
-Heavy livestock sagebrush utilization observed in the Vigilante Pasture in 2003, which reduced- sagebrush cover, vigor, and
precluded seed production .. \Finalized ROAs\Support files\SStearns\Sstearns sageuse.jpg. These impacts retarded the rate of
recovery of sagebrush on this site.
- Heavy graminoid utilization observed in 2003 ..\Finalized ROAs\Support files\SStearns\sSteams uselevel.jpg
..\Finalized ROAs\Support files\SSteams\SStearnsuselevel.JPG indicating that livestock were likely the herbivore responsible for this
level of use. This indicates that there is a risk for livestock grazing impacts on sage plants in those other heavy use areas/patches that
have been observed in the past and any of those sites where heavy stock use may occurs in the future. Heavy use of graminoids was
observed in portions of the pasture in 1995 and 2002 (the stocking rate in 2002 was Y. the average stocking for this pasture).
- Repeated heavy livestock use may be perpetuating rabbit brush, cheat grass densities and retarding sagebrush recovery.
- The Brothers La Pine RMP goal for range vegetative condition is for mid sera!: (40% of vegetation potential) to the lower end of
late sera! (60% percent of potential). Currently the sites with higher use are being maintained in an early sera! condition with higher
than desired levels of annual grasses.
Evidence that current livestock grazing management is not a significant causal factor to cheatgrass and rabbitbrush proliferation includes: - The perennial graminoid component exceeds that amount expected for these sites
- If current livestock grazing use was consistently heavy we would not see the prevalence of decadent grass plants present today.
- As described in Section VI, multiple years of both year-long and seasonal rest have been provided to these sites, and stocking
levels below that prescribed by the RMP.
6) Pumice Flat 8- 10 PZ Inclusion: Flat Basins (185E and 126E), Not Sprayed or Seeded (1,036 ac. I 10.9% of allotment).
These deeper (sandy) soil, enclosed basins typically have less juniper and no rock component that have not been seeded. These areas
that were not sprayed or seeded and have a high component of cheat grass, rabbit brush, and bare soil interspace- and are not meeting
or moving significantly toward the standard.
Evidence that current livestock grazing management is a significant causal factor to the above situations includes the following:
- Continued high levels of livestock use at these sites has increased the level of bare ground and perpetuated cheat grass and rabbit
brush.
- Under current livestock and other uses we are not seeing significant progress toward meeting standard.
- All of these sites are associated with water sets or a corner where livestock congregate.
- The Brothers La Pine RMP goal for range vegetative condition is for mid sera!: (40% of vegetation potential) to the lower end of
late sera! (60% percent of potential). Currently the sites with higher use are being maintained in an early sera! condition with higher
than desired levels of annual grasses.
Evidence that current livestock grazing management is not a significant causal factor to the above situations includes the following:
- Allotment data sets indicate over 300% more perennial graminoid foliar cover and 7% less bare soil interspace in a livestock
concentration area than in an adjacent area where livestock had been excluded for 7 of the past 10 years.
- If current livestock grazing use was consistently heavy we would not see the prevalence of decadent grass plants present today.
- As described in Section VI, multiple years of both year-long and seasonal rest have been provided to these sites, and stocking
levels below that prescribed by the RMP.
- Whereas in 1978, SVIM results documented cheat grass and rabbit brush as primary understory vegetative components, the 2002
vegetation transects indicate that this is no longer the case
- As disclosed to the public the Brothers La Pine RMP projected livestock concentration areas would occur around water and in some
valley bottoms. These exist around water and along sites, where such bare soil interspace is expected. The total of these areas is less
than 40 acres.
- During the past 10 years, there have been multiple activities and situations in this allotment which have impacted these sites. These
include vehicle and heavy equipment parking and travel, fire exclusion, road construction and maintenance, firewood cutting, bough
collecting, dumping, livestock use, and multiple recreation uses. Although all are known to be contributory, the consequences of these
-···an the soil and vegetation resources have not been segregated. It is not currently known which of these speCifically are significant
causal factors.
7) Stiff Sage Sites in Coral, Cotton Butte, and Slope pastures
Sage densities are well above range site guidelines with low levels of decadence. Total grass composition is below site guidelines for
blue bunch wheatgrass but within for Sandberg's Bluegrass. Cheat grass composes almost 7% of the sites production by cover in
areas that historically burned.
This site is rated as meeting upland PFC, however it was noted that there is a risk ofjuniper occupation in the future, cheat grass composition is higher than desired, and species of bunch grasses is STIP A and not AGSP. 8. Noxious Weed Sites
Russian thistle occurs along Millican Road within the allotment. Over the last five years the road corridor has been widened or
disturbed repeatedly. This has increased the amount and distribution of Russian thistle along the Millican road. Other species such as
Diffuse knapweed, Russian knapweed, Spotted knapweed, Whitetop and Canada thistle occur within the adjacent Wild and Scenic
River Corridor/Prineville Reservoir area. These pose risks for biotic and hydrologic integrity within and surrounding the South
Steams Allotment area. Vehicle users coming from all areas of the country and traveling off trail have potential for introducing new
and spreading additional species of noxious weeds. This is especially true adjacent to the Millican road and OHV trails.
IV. Standard 4 (Water Quality)
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
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
Approximately 15 miles of streams located within the allotment are ephemeral in nature. Therefore, ephemeral streams within the
allotment are not listed as water quality limited by DEQ and do not appear on the 303(d) list.
The Crooked River segment which parallels the east allotment boundary is Meeting Standard. As influenced by agency actions, this
Wild and Scenic River segment complies with State water quality standards. However, it is listed as water quality limited by the
Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality for Total Dissolved Gasses due to the release of water from Bowman Dam.
Evidence: ODEQ Records
V. Standard 5 (Habitat for Native, T&E and Locally Important Species)
A. Determination
D
D
0
Meeting the Standard
Not Meeting the Standard; Making Significant Progress Toward
Not Meeting the Standard; Not Making Significant Progress Toward
B. Establishment of Cause
0
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: _X_ on-site;
off-site
C. Rationale/Evidence
1. Season of Cattle Use
This allotment does not have current BLM designation as winter range (December 1 through March 30) for big game. ODF&W has
designated this area as winter range for deer and antelope and the majority of current alternatives for the Draft Urban Interface RMP
designate this area as winter range. The Brothers La Pine RMP calls for improving forage for wintering deer and antelope and
summer forage for antelope. Use by cattle occurred during the big game winter range period in the Poker Flat pasture in 1996 and
2000 and in 2000 in the Holding, Powerline, Corral, Home, Erickson Flat, and Draw pastures.
In an experiment done at the Starky Research Center it was determined that cattle can exclude use by deer and elk when they are
present. When wintering areas are limited, big game can be forced to utilize areas cattle are currently using. This can vary based on
winter weather intensity, big game populations, and cattle use patterns. Administrative use required to feed and water cattle can result
in more than one vehicle trip per month. One vehicle trip per month is the standard for determining if a road affects big game habitat.
2. Road Densities
Road densities are well above those desired for wintering or summer habitats. OHV use has created numerous new trails and hill
climbs. Road densities were calculated based on previously mapped roads. Field review in 2003 indicates that this data under
represents the number of roads actually on the ground. Increased road densities allow higher levels of disturbance, remove land from
producing additional forage or cover, increase flow volumes and speeds which degrade riparian habitats, and allow for activities like
garbage dumping and poaching. Excessive garbage dumping and vandalism is occurring particularly in the northern portions of this
allotment.
3. Stubble Heights
Specific stubble height measurements were not taken. Use levels in this allotment appeared to be very high, this was particularly true
near watering and feeding sites but in general this allotment appeared to have heavier use levels. In both 2002 and 2003 use levels in
portions ofthe allotment were repeatedly grazed heavily. There appeared to be excessive trailing, loafing, and pinch points where
severe use occurs on this allotment.
Utilization levels documented in the range files stating moderate to heavy, heavy, and severe are areas where stubble height would
have been below 3". The break currently applied by the range conservationist between moderate and heavy use is 2" or less. This
level of stubble remaining would not have provided ground nesting birds habitat for nesting or concealment. Additionally this level of
use reduces the amount of seed source available for small mammals and birds for forage.
4. Shrub Composition
Of the four fourth order Hydrologic Units (HUCs) that were reviewed using course scale vegetation analysis only one had sufficient
land mass dominated by sage brush species. Bitter brush levels are below desired and often heavily hedged. Decadence levels are as
high as 90% on the low sage and 70% on big sage. Sage densities were above ecological site potential in places but with the amount
of decadence vigorous shrub canopy closure is well below desired levels. Open flats and other areas with past treatments had low
amounts of sage brush and higher amounts of rabbit brush and cheat grass.
Sage brush recruitment has occurred within the sprayed and seeded areas. The heavy utilization levels have lead to use by cattle of these sage brush plants causing them to be severely hedged. This is reducing the sites overall sage brush cover and the ability of these plants to produce seed...\Finalized ROAs\Support files\SStearns\Sstearns sageuse.jpg Management Recommendations for Improvement Categories from MSU Extension Service: If grazed to heavy, especially in fall, then spring growth is delayed and plants produce fewer tillers. 3-4 inch stubble traps snow, insulates plant cwwn, and plant gro·wth begins earlier in spring. Grazing in the fall should leave 50% of standing forage for use the next spring. Fall grazing favors the cool-season species which are more difficult to maintain than the warm-season grasses. No grazing plan succeeds in eliminating selective grazing (Tainton 1991). Those that do so soon destroy the vegetation. 5. Fragmentation/Other
Portions of this allotment are disjoint from the rest of the allotment due to private lands. The Millican Hwy and Alfalfa Hwy are on
two sides and two major power line corridors intersect the allotment. The numerous roads and trails serve to further fragment this
already overly fragmented habitat. There were several flats that had been converted from sage sites to rabbit brush. Increased juniper
occupation has altered the habitat function of some of the sagebrush bunch grass sites and creates fragmentation of larger tracts of
open sage brush sites. This is true of the higher elevation rocky sites. There are old fences that are in need of reconstruction, down
fence that should be removed, and fences with wire spaces not induce of wildlife movement (See wildlife report for details). All stock
tanks are supposed to have wildlife escape ramps according to the Brothers La Pine RMP. Although wildlife escape ramps were
installed in the steck tanks a wildlife biologist was not consulted to confirm that design specifications will meet the needs of djstressed
animals within the tank.
VI. Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management
0
0
Conforms with Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management
Does not conform with Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management
Individual Team members had differing views concerning whether or not current management conformed with these guidelines. The
following includes a range of views on this topic.
A. Appropriate Stocking Levels
The active grazing preference is 583 AUM's. Average annual stocking during 1993-2002 for public lands has been 283 AUM's
(excluding any unauthorized use which might or might not have occurred in any given pasture or year). Average annual stocking
during years when the allotment was stocked was 363 AUM's. During the past 10 years, the number of years of year-long rest (or
nearly so) from livestock grazing for each of the pastures has been as follows: Holding- 7; Powerline- 6; Crested- 3; Vigilante Flat
- 3; Poker Flat- 6; Erickson Flat- 4; Slope- 9; Cotton Butte- 6; Corral- 5; Draw- 5.
Evidence: Grazing Permit; South Stearns Actual Use Records
B. Forage Use Distribution:
In recent years, livestock have tended to concentrate on the highway corridor within the Powerline Pasture, which is annually/semi­
annually bladed/ditched, and sustains a cheatgrass/Russian thistle/annual forb plant community. The livestock appear to seek out
these species, and use is typically heavy or extreme on these annual species in this corridor. Livestock have also shovm a marked
preference for the crested wheatgrass seeding sites within the Vigilante Flat and Crested Pastures, and in the eastern corner of the
Poker Flat Pasture - which have at times shown heavy livestock use.
Although all the allotment's pastures are small enough to sustain the short-duration grazing sets annually employed, a management
quandary exists here. In order to meet core RMP objectives (as well as achieve intended livestock and antelope/deer/elk forage
benefits sought by the Church Flat Spraying/ Seeding Project) graminoids need to be maintained in a healthy, succulent state. Yet,
the utilization records are replete with annotations about ungrazed, "wolfy", dead, unproductive or rank plants (Decadent- see
definition in Item E below) being present here. At the same time, they also note the efficacy of heavy livestock use as a means to
correct this. Yet, when such heavy livestock use is employed, it can lead (and in some South Steams Allotment places, has led) to
undesired/annual outcomes such as heavy use on non-target species (such as sagebrush), and/or what some might feel are "visual
eyesores" such as very prominent livestock trailing (bare soil) along road corridors, and larger barren spots around livestock troughs.
Adding to this issue's management complexity is that regulated/managed OHV use in this allotment also creates barren trails and
barren areas (such as staging areas and camping sites) and displaces vegetation- except that in these situations, the barren areas tend
to be more "visually permanent".
Evidence: Utilization Records U-1 through 23. Observed Trend Worksheets. 1968 Report ofBLM/ODFW Field Meeting. 1993
Inspection Note. Allotment Monitoring Site PP-15.
C. Grazing Management Practice Coordination with other Resources/Uses:
The Steams AMP was written in 1969. Since this time the Brothers/LaPine RMP (1989) has been used as the guiding document for
this allotment. Coordination measures have been institutionalized in the Brothers/LaPine RMP and actions are governed accordingly.
Since 1989 coordination with other resources has been:
Y Range improvements have considered multiple use objectives as specified in the RMP and coordinated with internal
specialists prior to implementation.
Y Range Conservationist on a yearly basis reviews the grazing permittees grazing application for consistency with the goals and
objectives of the RMP, and will coordinate with internal or external interests if there is an issue identified.
Y Grazing renewal or transfers have been reviewed by an interdisciplinary team.
Additionally, Crook County is proposing to pull all cattle guards. To address livestock management issues they are proposing to
either install painted cattle guards or fence both sides of the Millican road. Fence construction may provide administrative
opportunities for allotment and pasture boundary realignment.
Evidence: Annual Use Authorizations. Grazing Permit. Compliance Records. Utilization Studies U-1 through U-23.
D. Historical vs. Current Livestock Grazing Practices:
Historical notes and records suggest that at least through the 1930's, livestock grazing strategies in this area were exploitative in
nature. The Stearns Allotment Management Plan (covers area which is now knovm as the North Stearns and South Stearns
Allotments) was completed in 1970. This AMP states that the "1964 range condition survey shows the entire allotment as being in
poor condition except for 2000 acres in the Church Flat Pasture. The range condition has not changed since because of drought and
continued spring use". Actions subsequently taken in the South Steams block included a grazing permit adjudication (43% reduction
in the active grazing preference/stocking level); institution of a deferred-rotation grazing system; fence and water development; and a
monitoring program.
Current grazing practices are now driven by the RMP, and markedly differ from those practiced as late as the 1970's. The deferred­
rotation grazing system has evolved over time into more of a short-duration I rest-rotation system.
Evidence: Bear Creek Watershed Plan; Permit/Allotment Files; Allotment Management Plan; George Peterson Historical Note.
E. Promotion of Plant Vigor, Reproduction and Productivity
The current strategy of seasonal or year-long rest; shorter-duration grazing; and avoidance of repetitive spring-time grazing are
believed to be reducing risks for re-grazing of individual plants, providing for seed production and the annual development of
carbohydrate reserves.
At the same time, overall lighter stocking intensities (and/or absence of fire) during the past management cycle may be contributory to
the mortality/decadence of graminoids in some allotment areas.
Allotment files contain records of decadent graminoid plants. Webster's Third International Dictionary- 1986 defines decadence as:
"Marked by decay or decline as from an earlier condition of excellence or vitality, tending to regress." The current Range
Conservations generally uses the following indicators to classify a graminoid plant as decadent: approximately 90% or more of leaves
dead, limited or no seed head production, root crovm covered with dead material, no evidence oflateral basal leaf production, and
these conditions persist through moist years ... \Finalized ROAs\Support files\N Stearns urass shrub decadence.JPG
...Finalized ROAs .Support files N Stearns .urass decadence.JPG
Decadent graminoid plants occur naturally. There is no data to indicate that current levels are above what is typical for these sites.
Decadent graminoid plants provide above ground vegetative matter that assist with capture and holding snow, provide ground cover
for watershed protection, provide ground nesting opportunities for birds, and provides litter. These plants may be broken down by
heavy snow or hoof action or may die. Decadent graminoid plants can preclude the availability of livestock forage and thus effect
distribution, result in some areas being unused and other areas over utilizated. There needs to be additional research/study into
decadence levels, are these areas beyond desired/natural levels, are in some way limiting the allotments ability to meet objectives, and
what the causal factors are. Decadent plants may produce less green material, have lower vigor, and produce less seed.
Risks for bitterbrush vigor, reproduction and productivity in at least some juniper-dominated sites may be quite high.
Evidence: Actual Use Records. Utilization Records U-1 through 23. Allotment Monitoring Site PP-15.
VII. Recommendations
The following represent a range of recommendations and ideas developed by Team members.
A. Update/firm up allotment management goals/objectives, to include the following:
1. Promote plant health so that we can achieve bio-physical function and site resiliency. Vegetative condition of mid sera!: (40% of
vegetation potential) to the lower end of late sera! (60% percent of potential).
2. Per existing AMP, maintain winter range for deer, improve winter and summer range for antelope, and improve palatability of
forage for livestock and wildlife.
3. Per ICBEMP (Seedings)- "A mixture including 6-10% ground cover of sagebrush has proven to be adequate for many obligatory
wildlife and does not greatly restrict productivity of crested wheatgrass for grazing use. The manager must way the benefits of
different methods of wolf plant control so that other values are not overlooked. For big game close utilization of created wheatgrass
during the spring and early summer by cattle and then complete rest during, late summer, and fall is recommended. Autumn "green­
up" is then available during the snow-free periods of winter."
B. Grazing management on seedings:
Crested Pasture:
-·-·
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Light to Moderate Spring use
Moderate Summer use (post seed ripe)
Rested from grazing
Moderate Fall use (post seed ripe)
Vigilante Pasture
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Light to Moderate Spring use
Moderate Summer use (post seed ripe)
Rested from grazing
Moderate Fall use (post seed ripe)
General: Ifwolfy crested plants exceed 25% options such as: temporary electric fences, protein supplements, water, or salt should be
considered to improve distribution and alter utilization. Maintenance of seedings may require close cropping due to plant decadence,
or rest subject to ID team review (hydrology, range, wildlife, soils, and recreation). This objective would need to be evaluated as it
relates to other objectives particularly for sagebrush densities and antelope habitat. It is preferable that rest and use patterns don't
occur in both pastures in the same year.
C. Other:
Annual grazing should continue to focus on short duration use providing 49-52 weeks of rest per year. Cattle should be
removed from these pastures when average stubble height of grazed plants reaches maximum of3-4".
r Ensure that livestock feeding, salting, or watering do not occur on the stiff sage site in the Cotton Butte pasture.
r Implement fence replacement, reconstruction, modifications, removal, or repairs and wildlife escape ramps- see list in
wildlife report.
r Study/research decadent plants and associated factors.
r Interdisciplinary team review prior to stocking the allotment at levels higher than the average annual stocking rate that has
occurred over the last ten years when stocked (363 AUM's).
r Bitterbrush Utilization: Standardize a District approach to measuring utilization and long term monitoring. In addition
establish a methodology for involving the permittee and other interested parties. Once methodology is approved bitterbrush
monitoring will be done in areas identified by the ID team.
r
Non-designated roads would be closed or rehabilitated consistent with the Upper Deschutes RMP.
'r Vegetative treatments ie. Juniper thinning is recommended throughout the allotment with priority toward the Slope, Erickson
Flat, Cotton Butte, and Coral Pastures and the Crooked River Wild and Scenic River Corridor.
• Ifjuniper treatments are done on the Pumice 8-10, old growth juniper trees should not be cut. If cut or burned these sites
have potential to go to rabbit brush and cheat grass. Post treatment grazing should be addressed by an ID team to target a
grazing strategy that will not impede the site moving toward standards in a timely manner.
r