BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT T&E SPECIES Divide RD – Three Salesa123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · Habitat in or near the Analysis Area: Species documented within

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT T&E SPECIES

Divide RD – Three Sales North Pool Salvage

Castor Salvage East Sheep Salvage

Rio Grande National Forest

Divide Ranger District

Prepared by: Dale Gomez Divide RD. Wildlife Biologist Rio Grande National Forest

13308 W. Hwy 160 Del Norte, CO.

Ph: (719) 657-6024 1/19/16

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: INTRODUCTION, LOCATION AND PROPOSED PROJECT 3

PART 2: T&E SPECIES, LYNX. 4 PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE and CURRENT HABITAT 8 CONDITIONS PART 4: ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS 12

PART 5: SOUTHERN ROCKIES LYNX AMENDMENT 26

PART 6: EFFECTS DETERMINATION SUMMARY 30

PART 7: MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS 33

PART 8: REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED 34

Appendix A: Project Design Features

Appendix B: North Pool Spruce Beetle Salvage - Habitat Connectivity Design

3

PART 1: INTRODUCTION, LOCATION AND PROPOSED ACTION

Introduction

The Rio Grande National Forest is evaluating the effects of three proposed salvage sales on the Divide Ranger District. The purpose of this Biological Assessment is to assess the potential influences of the proposed sales on Federally Threatened and Endangered species located on the Rio Grande National Forest.

Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the salvage projects is to utilize prior investments in the areas to cost-effectively retrieve economic value of the dead timber and to manage long-term forest conditions as prescribed by the Forest Plan Management Area Prescriptions (MAP) 5.11 and 5.13.

The sales have been initiated by the need for salvage of dead and insect damaged trees before they lose economic value. Following harvest, units will be monitored for tree stocking levels and, if needed, will be artificially regenerated to meet Forest Plan Standards.

This action responds to the goals and objectives outlined in the Forest Plan, and helps move the project area towards desired conditions described in that plan. For the purposes of this analysis, forest condition will be measured against Forest Plan Desired Conditions for MAPs 5.11 and 5.13 as all proposed management activities fall within these prescriptions, and actions are therefore dictated by it.

Proposed Action

The Rio Grande National Forest proposes to initiate salvage harvesting and where needed, artificially reforest areas within the analysis areas. The proposed action would contribute toward providing a sustained yield of forest products from the Rio Grande National Forest, would ensure meeting or moving toward Forest Plan Desired Conditions for MAP 5.13, and would maintain important wildlife habitat. Implementation of the salvage sales would begin in 2017 with activities lasting for approximately 3 years.

The proposed action would be accomplished through a variety of associated actions. Ground-based logging systems would be utilized for salvage harvest on approximately 1,500 acres from all three sales combined. Approximately 6.5 miles of old non-system road template may be re-opened (North Pool) and 3.5 miles of new temporary road may be constructed (North Pool – 2.5 and 0.5 miles each for Castor and East Sheep). Under the proposed action, trees 8 inches diameter at breast height and larger would be considered for commercial harvest. An exception to this may be in the North Pool Sale where removal of dead trees under 8” may occur in some units. These units consist almost entirely of dead trees and are considered to be unsuitable lynx habitat.

Table 1: Sale Summary North Pool Salvage Castor Salvage East Sheep Salvage

Total

Acres of Salvage 1,000 acres 250 acres 250 acres 1,500 acres Miles of old road reopened 6.5 miles 0 miles 0 miles 6.5 miles Miles of new temp road 2.5 miles 0.5 miles 0.5 miles 3.5 miles

4

PART 2: T&E Species, Lynx

Analysis Area

The analysis was conducted for the various species at the following scale:

Canada lynx – The Analysis Area is within the boundary of the three Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU) involved with these three salvage sales which includes the La Garita Wilderness LAU (North Pool Salvage Sale), Trout-Handkerchief (Castor Salvage Sale) and Pinos-Rock (East Sheep Salvage Sale). These three LAUs serve as the current baseline to analyze the impacts of the specific salvage project upon lynx.

All other terrestrial species – Other terrestrial species were analyzed at the Forest-Level or within the boundaries of the salvage sales.

Lynx Analysis Units Lynx Analysis Units serve as baseline landscape units from which long-term trends in landscape change can be tracked. In concept, LAUs are intended to reflect an average female lynx home range in size and landscape. Potential effects on all federally listed and proposed species that occur within the Analysis Area (lynx) will be based on the LAU boundary associated with these projects. T&E Species

Threatened, Endangered and Proposed (for listing) species considered in this analysis include species listed in both Mineral (North Pool) and Rio Grande Counties (Castor and East Sheep). North Pool Consultation Code: 06E24100-2016-SLI-0122/Event Code: 06E24100-2016-E-00153Castor and East Sheep Consultation Code: 06E24000-2016-SLI-0302/Event Code:06E24000-2016-00403. Both received from IPac on January 4th, 2016.

• Canada Lynx (T) • Black Footed Ferret (Experimental) • Mexican Spotted Owl (T) • Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (T) • Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (E) • Uncompahgre Fritillary Butterfly (E) • Bonytail Chub (E) • Colorado Pike Minnow (E) • Razorback Sucker ( E) • Humpback Chub ( E)

Table 2 addresses federally listed species that occur or may occur on or near the Rio Grande National Forest within Mineral and Rio Grande Counties. Those T&E species with no habitat present in or near the Analysis Areas are not evaluated further in this document. All T&E species are summarized in the Project Determination Summary Table 19.

5

TABLE 2: Threatened and Endangered Species List and Habitat Description (concurrence received from the FWS on January 4th, 2016 through IPac).

Species List Suitable Habitat in or near the Analysis Area:

Species documented within or near the Analysis Area:

Basic Habitat Description

Canada lynx (T) Lynx canadensis

Yes Yes Early successional mixed conifer forests; aspen and willow used for foraging. Late-successional forests are used for denning and winter foraging.

Black footed ferret (Experimental) Mustela nigripes

No No Historical habitats of the black-footed ferret included shortgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, desert grassland, shrub steppe, sagebrush steppe mountain grassland, and semi-arid grassland. Black-footed ferrets use prairie dog burrows for raising young, avoiding predators, and thermal cover.

Mexican spotted owl (T) Strix occidentalis lucida

No No Steep canyons with a Douglas-fir, white fir, ponderosa pine/pinyon-juniper component.

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (T) Coccyzus americanus

No No Valley low land species locally; primarily associated with deciduous riparian woodland with a well-developed understory; nests in cottonwood and willow riparian woodland.

Southwestern willow flycatcher (E) Empidonax trailii extimus

No No Riparian habitats along rivers, streams or other wetlands; closely associated with dense willows or other shrubs, often with a scattered overstory of cottonwood.

Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (E) Boloria acrocnema

No No Alpine habitat above 11,000 with a snow willow component. Sites are generally found on north, northeast and east aspects.

Bonytail Chub (E) Gila elegans

No No Bonytail chub prefer backwaters with rocky or muddy bottoms and flowing pools, although they have been reported in swiftly moving water. They are mostly restricted to rocky canyons today, but were historically abundant in the wide downstream sections of rivers. Restricted to the large rivers of the Colorado River basin.

Colorado Pike Minnow (E) Ptychocheilus lucius

No No The Colorado pikeminnow is a freshwater migratory species. Large adult Colorado pikeminnows like deep, fast-flowing rivers and can be found residing in large, turbid pools found in the main river and its tributaries. Smaller Colorado pikeminnows tend to stay in shallow

6

pools or close to the river’s edge where the current is slower. Restricted to the large rivers of the Colorado River basin.

Razorback Sucker (E) Xyrauchen texanus

No No Razorback suckers inhabit a diversity of areas from mainstream channels to backwaters of medium and large streams or rivers. They prefer to live over sand, mud, or gravel bottoms. Razorbacks feed on algae, insect larvae plankton, and detritus. Restricted to the large rivers of the Colorado River basin

Humpback Chub (E) Gila cypha

No No Humpback Chubs inhabit large rivers. Adults use various habitats, including deep turbulent currents, shaded canyon pools, areas under shaded ledges in moderate current, riffles, and eddies (USFWS 1994). Restricted to the large rivers of the Colorado River basin

The pre-field reviews indicated, and field surveys verified, that there is no habitat present in or near the analysis areas for the Black Footed Ferret, Mexican spotted owl, Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, Southwestern willow flycatcher, Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly, Bonytail Chub, Colorado Pikeminnow, Razorback Sucker or the Humpback Chub. The projects, as proposed, will therefore have NO EFFECT on these species. These species are evaluated no further in this document but are summarized in Table 19.

Canada lynx are the only T&E Species with suitable habitat present, are known to utilize the analysis areas and are further evaluated in this document.

Canada Lynx Background General Species and Habitat Information The lynx is a highly specialized predator, adapted to prey on snowshoe hares. Lynx inhabit coniferous forests in the spruce-fir zone that experience cold, snow winters and provide a snowshoe hare prey base. Throughout North America, the distribution of lynx is closely tied to habitats that support an abundant population of snowshoe hare. Lynx in the Southern Rockies The Southern Rocky Mountains are at the southern margin of the range of lynx. Historically, there was a record of lynx presence in the Southern Rockies. However, after conducting statewide surveys beginning in 1978, the Colorado Division of Wildlife concluded that the resident population was extremely small, and probably too small to be self-sustaining. In 1999, the Colorado Division of Wildlife initiated a

7

reintroduction project to augment the population. To date, 218 lynx have been released into southern Colorado, and at least 103 kittens have been born in the wild (Shenk 2007). While success of the reintroduction effort looks promising, whether the lynx population in Colorado will become self-sustaining is still unknown. Lynx in Colorado Canada lynx habitat in Colorado primarily occurs in the subalpine and upper montane forest zones, typically between 8,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation. Forests in these zones typically contain deep winter snows and are dominated by subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, and lodgepole pine although several mixed-conifer species may occur at lower elevations. A preference for these forest types, particularly spruce-fir associations, has been documented by radio-telemetry and tracking techniques associated with lynx reintroduced to Colorado (Shenk 2005-2006). Other habitats used by reintroduced lynx include spruce-fir/aspen associations and various riparian and riparian-associated areas dominated by dense willow. In Colorado, reintroduced lynx are also utilizing red squirrels, cottontails, and other alternate prey items (Shenk 2005-2006). The increased use of riparian-willow systems by reintroduced lynx during late summer and fall may be associated with these alternate prey sources (Shenk 2001). Canada lynx breed from March through April in the northern portion of their range, with kittens usually borne in May through June. Recent births by reintroduced lynx in Colorado all occurred in late May to mid-June (Shenk 2008-2009). All den sites found in Colorado have occurred at high elevations within the spruce-fir zone and have been associated with substantial amount of large diameter woody debris (Shenk 2005-2006). Disturbances such as insects and disease and windthrow contribute to the downed log component and are therefore important for reproduction and protection for the kittens. For denning habitat to be functional, however, it must be in or adjacent to quality foraging habitat. Because lynx may frequently move their kittens in the first few months, multiple nursery sites are needed that provide kittens with overhead cover and protection from predators and the elements (Ruediger et al. 2000). Downed logs and overhead cover must also be available throughout the home range to provide security when kittens are old enough to travel. Lynx are known to move long distances, but open areas, whether man-made or natural, may not be used as extensively. In north-central Washington, lynx typically avoided openings greater than about 300 feet wide. However, the Southern Rockies consist of more heterogeneous forest types and their response to natural or created openings may differ (Ruggiero et al. 2000). The current habitat use information for lynx in Colorado indicates that canopy closures of at least 40% are important at the site-scale, regardless of the type of cover involved (Shenk 2005-2006). Forested conditions between foraging and denning habitat has also been shown to facilitate movement within the home range, particularly along ridgelines where lynx commonly travel (Ruggiero et al. 1999). Linkage areas may be provided by forest stringers that connect large forested areas, or by low, forested passes that connect subalpine forests on opposite sides of a mountain range (Ruediger et. al. 2000).

8

PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE AND CURRENT HABITAT CONDITIONS

All three of the LAUs involved with the salvage sales are well below the 30% unsuitable habitat threshold: 1). La Garita Wilderness LAU (North Pool Salvage) = 6.06% 2). Trout-Handkerchief LAU (Castor Salvage) = 1.53% 3). Pinos-Rock LAU (East Sheep Salvage) = 2.97% All LAUs meet Standard 1 within the Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment. None of the Salvage Sales are within designated lynx linkage areas.

Table 3: Current LAU Environmental Baselines.

Lynx Analysis Unit Total Lynx Habitat

Total Suitable Total Unsuitable

La Garita Wilderness (North Pool) 17,262 16,215 93.93% 1,047 6.06% Trout-Handkerchief (Castor) 78,171 76,971 98.46% 1,200 1.53% Pinos Rock (East Sheep) 59,710 57,938 97.03% 1,772 2.97%

These environmental baselines may not necessarily reflect the current impact that spruce beetle infestations are having on lynx habitat. As an example, field surveys conducted as part of the analysis for the North Pool Salvage project determined that the majority of the units were unsuitable habitat due to the amount of beetle infestation present and lack of developed understory. These acres were added to the unsuitable habitat baseline for the La Garita Wilderness LAU giving it the highest percentage of unsuitable habitat among the three LAUs, even though the LAU has had the least amount of timber management activities occurring within its boundaries.

All three of the LAUs involved with the salvage sales are well below the 15% of habitat impacted by management activities within a 10-year period.

All LAUs meet Standard 2 within the SRLA. See Tables 15-17.

9

A brief description of the salvage sales and current habitat conditions are as follows:

1). North Pool Salvage- This sale would salvage dead and dying spruce trees on approximately 1,000 acres north of Hanson’s Mill located 11 miles east of Creede. Approximately 6.5 miles of old non-system road template may be re-opened and 2.5 miles of new temporary road may be constructed.

The majority of the stands in this sale consist of a dead spruce overstory (>90% dead), contain little sub-alpine fir, with little understory (

10

2). Castor Salvage – This sale would salvage up to 250 acres of dead and dying spruce trees in the Beaver Mountain area approximately 6 miles southeast of South Fork. Up to 0.5 miles of temporary road may be constructed or re-opened.

All of these stands consist of a dead spruce overstory (>90% dead) component but contain a good mixture of live sub-alpine fir. Stands 1-3 contain a DHC component >35% while stands 4 and 5 contain DHC at a lower percentage and with expected damage, will be converted into temporarily unsuitable habitat (S1). Damage to DHC in stands 1-3 will contribute to the Forest’s incidental damage cap but will remain as suitable habitat (S6).

This project is located in the Trout-Handkerchief LAU. Telemetry work has demonstrated this this area receives some use by lynx but does not appear to be an area of high use.

11

3). East Sheep Salvage – This sale would salvage up to 250 acres of dead and dying spruce trees in the Rock Creek Drainage approximately 12 miles southwest of Monte Vista. Up to 0.5 miles of temporary road may be constructed or re-opened.

All of these stands consist of a dead spruce overstory (>90% dead) with some sub-alpine fir present. All stands contain good quality DHC in excess of >35%. Following salvage, all acres will remain as suitable habitat. All stands will contribute towards the Forest’s incidental damage cap.

The number of stands analyzed in this sale contain 340 acres. Final units selected for harvest will be determined during layout. However, the total acres to be harvested will be no more than 250 acres. All of the acres are similar as far as lynx habitat and only 250 acres are analyzed here.

This project is located in the Pinos-Rock LAU. Telemetry work has not demonstrated lynx use in this area, but due to adequate habitat being available, it is likely that lynx do utilize the area as part of a home range.

12

PART 4: ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS (direct, indirect and cumulative)

The effects of the various proposed salvage treatments are analyzed against the Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) for the effects of the SRLA on the Canada Lynx 2008, to examine if the anticipated effects from the proposed projects are consistent with those anticipated in the programmatic biological consultation.

The proposed actions fall into two categories.

Category 1 includes project components that are within the scope of the SRLA, require use of an exemption and/or exception to SRLA standards, and the effects are consistent with those anticipated, analyzed, and quantified in the first-tier BO. These project components are addressed under the following headings:

A. Direct Effects of Salvaging upon Lynx B. Indirect Effects of Salvaging in Lynx Quality Habitat and Prey-base Resources C. Effects from Salvage Harvest on Habitat Connectivity

Category 2 includes project components that are permissible under the SRLA, but do not require exemptions or exceptions to SRLA standards and the effects were not fully analyzed and quantified in the first-tier BO. These activities were analyzed and addressed under the following headings:

D. Indirect Effects from Salvaging on Lower Quality Horizontal Cover (not DHC) E. Effects from Roads on Lynx and Prey base

Category1 A. Direct Effects of Salvaging upon Lynx

Direct effects are those directly impacting lynx or their primary prey as the result of salvage harvesting activities. Direct impacts may range from temporary disturbance due to salvage harvest and possible but unlikely, direct mortality resulting from salvage activities. The active disturbances associated with the proposed action may reduce lynx use of the immediate harvest areas while harvest and post-harvest activities are occurring, which is expected to last for approximately 3 years. Disturbances are expected to subside thereafter, with increased use of the post-harvest areas occurring most likely immediately following the activity as long as adequate habitat, in particular dense horizontal cover (DHC) is remaining on site.

Salvage is most likely to occur during the winter months. Salvaging in the winter has shown to limit potential damage to soils and DHC. Lynx are expected to be displaced from activity areas, if lynx are present during winter activities. However, adequate winter foraging habitat exists in the surrounding areas of each sale during limited displacement time.

13

Lynx kittens are vulnerable when very young. Project design features are in place to protect lynx kittens when they are most vulnerable from April 15 to June 30th. However, it is unlikely that logging would occur during this time period due to wet soil conditions.

We conclude that the direct effects of project components and their anticipated effects are consistent with those in the PBO.

B. Indirect Effects of Salvaging in Lynx Quality habitat and Prey-base Resources Lynx prefer to forage in spruce-fir forests with high horizontal cover, abundant hares, deep snow and large diameter trees during the winter (Squires et.al. 2006). Indirect effects of timber salvage are expected to reduce the amount of (dead) mature overstory trees and horizontal cover habitat (i.e. DHC), down woody-debris and consequently reduce the stands capacity to support snowshoe hares.

Live mature tree canopy cover is being reduced currently by the beetle epidemic; however, these units are still maintaining their suitability as lynx habitat in many areas. An exception to this is the majority of the North Pool Table Salvage Sale where all but two units are currently considered to be unsuitable due to spruce beetle infestation and lack of DHC.

In those salvage units currently containing suitable lynx habitat, post-salvage conditions are expected to continue to provide adequate lynx habitat in both of the currently suitable units in North Pool Table Salvage, three out of five units of the Castor Salvage and all units in the East Sheep Salvage Sale. The currently suitable habitat within each sale that will remain as suitable habitat (not converted into unsuitable) will be of a lower quality but is expected to support hare populations at lower densities that may allow lynx to successfully hunt. Two of the units in the Castor Sale will be returned to the Stand Initiation Structural Stage (SISS). See Tables 4-10).

Indirect effects within each completed salvage unit could last up to 30 years depending on pre/post-harvest site conditions. Mature late successional stands with closed canopy conditions are not expected until well over 100 years later. In the long-term (30-50 years post-harvest), improvements in understory composition and regeneration, stem densities, forest maturity and canopy cover, and overall forest diversity should have occurred along with a stand capacity that can support habitat suitability, lynx and its prey base.

Red squirrel densities are expected to decrease in abundance due to the spruce beetle influence. The effects from harvesting combined with the spruce beetle influence are expected to cause a reduction in lynx prey resources. Overall, this potential reduction in prey abundance (primary and secondary) could result in low lynx reproduction particularly during those years during snowshoe hare low population cycles.

14

For snowshoe hare and consequently lynx, these effects could last until understory conditions once again provide security, forage and overall quality winter snowshoe hare habitat (generally 30-50 years), depending on site conditions. Improvements in red squirrel densities are also not expected for up to 40 years, or until trees reach the reproductive capacity to bear cones.

We conclude that the indirect effects of project components and their anticipated effects are for the most part consistent with those in the PBO. Some deviation may occur however, due to the unforeseen impacts upon red squirrels brought about by the spruce beetle.

C. Effects from Salvage harvest on habitat connectivity Within each of the salvage sales analysis areas, there exists relatively large areas of undisturbed habitat available for lynx foraging, potential denning and habitat connectivity. Overall, all of the LAUs are comprised of relatively contiguous forest habitat that is well-connected and well within the 30% Suitable Habitat Standard (S1) (see Table 3).

Specifically for the North Pool Salvage Project, three areas adjacent to and within the project area will continue to provide sufficient habitat for wildlife dispersion between undeveloped areas as displayed in Appendix B, North Pool Spruce Beetle Salvage-Habitat Connectivity Design. These areas include 1) Bellows Creek Wildlife Corridor providing for east to west movement along East Bellows Creek 2) Bellows Peak Wildlife Corridor (buffer) providing east to west movement along the base of Bellows Peak and 3) Meadow/Stream Wildlife Corridor (buffer) along Units 6 and 12 which provides for south to north movement.

Additionally, within all three salvage sales, no live conifers and aspen where present, will be harvested except where safety and operational conditions warrant. Riparian buffers are in place to protect riparian areas but may also help to facilitate movement. These measures will help to provide additional cover and security for movement across the area. Remaining DHC and lower quality summer foraging habitat should not only provide snowshoe hare habitat, but will help to provide some level of cover and habitat connectivity.

We conclude that the effects of project components on habitat connectivity are consistent with those in the PBO.

Category 2 D. Indirect Effects from Salvaging on Lower Quality Horizontal Cover (

15

capable of supporting hares at a lower density, and providing forage opportunities for lynx. These units will be converted into temporarily unsuitable with a similar impact as that upon quality DHC habitat and is also estimated at approximately 30% of the unit’s acreage (ie. 30% of 30 acres or 9 acres of impact, See Table 6). Overall, the reduction of horizontal cover by incidental impacts of the developing understory can impede the future development of these stands into quality winter snowshoe hare habitat and overall a mature multi-storied stand. This can also prevent or delay habitat suitability, and future occupancy of lynx and associated prey. These stands will most likely be converted into temporarily unsuitable habitat ( 35%. In addition, this type of high horizontal cover must reside in a multi-storied mature late successional stand that has a canopy cover of >40% (SRLA 2008 a). However, because of the rapidly changing conditions within timber stands from the spruce beetle influence, canopy closures of mature late successional stands have been reduced below 40%. Therefore, DHC cover (≥35%) that would usually meet S6 exception #3 would be no longer applicable. This type of DHC habitat can also exist in stands where the mature late successional canopy cover is not present, and the stand is dominated by 30-50 year old trees. These habitats still function as high quality winter hare habitat, and have an inherent capacity to support hares at a higher density and remain suitable habitat for lynx. The S6 exception #3 standard also would not apply to any horizontal cover below the 35% threshold (i.e. lesser quality summer foraging habitat) (SRLA, 2008 b). As discussed in the indirect effects analysis above, that does not preclude this type of habitat from having some value to snowshoe hare and/or lynx. For this habitat, the expected effects would be the same as quality DHC habitat but at a lesser magnitude.

Standard Veg S6 of the SRLA prohibits vegetation management projects that reduce winter snowshoe hare habitat within multi-storied mature or late successional conifer forests unless a Veg S6 exception is used. As allowed under Exception 3 of the Veg S6 Standard, however, some salvage harvesting will occur in select units that also provide high quality hare/lynx habitat. The Rio Grande NF estimates that the percentage of incidental damage to understory will vary over any given unit/area because of factors such as slope, areas of salvage concentrations, topography influences on the exact locations of skid trails/landings, etc. Because of this variation, it is estimated that any given unit may average approximately 30% incidental damage to the understory when entered, thus resulting in a 30% calculation of understory damage to the exception acreage allowances (i.e. caps) at the site-specific level.

The Rio Grande National Forest takes a conservative approach to lynx conservation because the core habitat area for lynx in Colorado overlaps much of our spruce-fir zone. Therefore, our application of the 30% incidental damage at the site-specific level is a conservative estimate of

16

the potential impact for analysis of our project activities. This estimate stems from the recognition of the importance of the habitat values associated with Standard Veg S6. Our estimate shows our intent to capture unintentional damage to understory DHC when it is present and to use a realistic estimate in doing so. Although the SRLA Implementation Guide suggests that 15-20% may be a reasonable estimate of incidental damage in a typical salvage operation, it also notes that there may be several factors about projects and project areas that affect this estimate or actual amounts of unavoidable damage. The Implementation Guide further notes that field reviews should be conducted that result in an estimate of how much of the winter snowshoe hare habitat might be actually affected, and to document this estimate for future analysis. The Implementation Guide recognizes that the amount of incidental damage may vary depending upon site-specific conditions, but should still remain within the context of being minor to the overall cover and habitat value of the understory, unless otherwise noted. The inclusion of project design features, including post-activity validation monitoring, are central to ensuring that incidental damage remains light and minor if higher quality habitats are entered. We conclude that these project components are consistent with those in the PBO and are not likely to contribute additional adverse effects to lynx and are tracked in S1.

E. Effects from Roads on Lynx and Prey base Road construction/maintenance is expected to add to species disturbance and displacement, and increase the potential for more reductions in prey species. Up to 10 miles of new temporary road construction or re-opening of existing road may occur as part of the three sales. Of these miles, 1.5 miles representing 3 acres, will contribute to a temporary loss of suitable habitat. The remaining road miles are already considered as unsuitable habitat due to lack of regeneration.

In addition, road construction would likely increase the presence of humans if access is available. Constructed and re-constructed roads, even if closed post-project may result in access routes for hikers and snowmobilers, and all-terrain vehicles. Snowmobile use may have the most influential effect on lynx and their habitat during and post-harvest. Repeated snowmobile traffic may improve the ability of competitive predators such as the coyote to access lynx habitat. An increase in snowmobile traffic and compaction in the area would increase the potential for lynx disturbance and potentially hinder regeneration efforts. However, these roads will not add to the groomed snowmobile trail system. There will be no net increase in groomed snowmobile trails. No permanent roads will be added to the areas. Post sale, all new temporary roads will be closed once all harvest and reforestation activities are complete. However, the effects from any new, re-opened or decommissioned roads could last up to 30 years post-harvest, depending on regeneration success. We conclude that these project components are consistent with those in the PBO and are not likely to contribute additional adverse effects to lynx and are tracked in S1.

17

SALVAGE SALE SPECIFIC IMPACTS

TABLE 4 - NORTH POOL SALVAGE – Salvage Only Units and Acres

Currently Suitable Habitat?

Project Will Change Habitat to Temp. Unsuitable? S1

Acres Converted to temporarily unsuitable.

Stand meets S6 definitions (exceptions apply). Criteria: -Multi-story -Mature ->/=40% CC -DHC>/=35%

Acres of Exceptions 3 applies in VEG S6 @ 30% incidental damage on a unit scale. S6

Comments

13 Units1,000 acres

Only 2 out of 13 units are currently suitable habitat (203 acres) + (797 acres unsuitable)

No

0 acres The two suitable habitat units (10 and 5) will remain as suitable lynx habitat.

Due to beetle kill, the stands (10 and 5) lack a mature component but will remain as the best habitat for the area.

Stands 10 and 5 = 203 acres total (203 acres *30% = 61 acres). 61 acres counted towards the Forests exemptions or exceptions cap.

The majority of the stands in this sale consist of dead overstory Spruce (>90% dead), very little sub-alpine fir and contains little understory (

18

TABLE 6 - CASTOR SALVAGE – Salvage Only Units and Acres


Project Will Change Habitat to Temporarily Unsuitable? S1




Comments

5 Units and 250 acres

All 5 units are currently suitable lynx habitat.

Units 4 and 5 will be converted into temporarily unsuitable. Units 4 and 5 = 30 acres.

30 acres (Units 4 and 5) will be converted into temporarily unsuitable habitat.

Due to beetle kill, the stands lack a mature component but will remain as the best habitat for the area.

Stands 1-3 Only. Stands 1-3 = 220 acres (220 acres * 30%= 65 acres). 66 acres of DHC counted towards the Forests exemptions/exceptions cap.

The majority of the stands in this sale consist of dead overstory Spruce (>90% dead), scattered sub-alpine fir with a good understory in units 1-3 (>35% DHC).

TABLE 7 - SUMMARY for Castor Salvage- Salvage and Road Acres Converted to Temporarily Unsuitable

Acres Applied to Exception 3/VEG S6

Roads re-opened or new temporary road construction

30 acres-Salvage 0 acres - Road

66 acres Salvage Up to 0.5 miles. These miles equate to 1 acre but is already considered as unsuitable habitat (due to poor tree regeneration on the road) and are not additive due to the project. (1 mile = 2 acre conversion used).

19

TABLE 8 - EAST SHEEP SALVAGE – Salvage Only Units and Acres


Project Will Change Habitat to Temporarily Unsuitable? S1




Comments

10 -13 units but no more than 250 acres

All units are currently suitable habitat.

No 0 acres All units will remain as suitable lynx habitat.

Due to beetle kill the stands lack a mature component but remain quality habitat for the area.

All Acres = 250 acres. (250 acres * 30%=75 acres). 75 acres counted towards the Forests exemptions/exceptions cap.

The majority of the stands in this sale consist of dead overstory Spruce (>90% dead), scattered sub-alpine fir but contain a thriving understory (>35% DHC).

TABLE 9 - SUMMARY for East Sheep Salvage – Salvage and Road Acres Converted to Temporarily Unsuitable


Roads re-opened or new temporary road construction

0 acres-Salvage 1 acre Road

75 acres Salvage Up to 0.5 miles. These miles equate to 1 acre and due to good regeneration on the roads will be converted into 1 acre of unsuitable habitat within the LAU. (1 mile = 2 acre conversion used).

20

TABLE 10 - SUMMARY for All THREE SALES LAU and Salvage Sale Acres Converted to

Temporarily Unsuitable due to Salvage


Acres converted into unsuitable due to re-opening of roads or new temporary road construction

La Garita Wilderness (North Pool Salvage)

0 61 2

Trout-Handkerchief LAU (Castor Salvage)

30 66 0

Pinos-Rock LAU (East Sheep Salvage)

0 75 1

TOTAL 30 acres salvage 202 acres 3 acres

21

TABLE 11 – NORTH POOL SALVAGE: Expected Change to LAU Baseline per Action Alternative for the La Garita Wilderness LAU. Existing baseline source is the September 2011 Revised Lynx Habitat Mapping Criteria Report.

La Garita Wilderness LAU Existing Baseline Post Project

Description Acres (%) Acres (%)

Total Acres 38,479 38,479

Total Acres of Lynx Habitat 17,262 17,262

Acres of Suitable Habitat 16,215 (93.93%) 16,213 (93.92%) (A decrease of 2 acres from new temp. road construction .

Acres of Unsuitable Habitat /Stand Initiation Structural Stage.

1,047 (6.06%)

*797 acres added to unsuitable based on existing field conditions.

1,049 (6.07%) (An increase of 0.01% due to new temp. road construction.

Meets VEG S1 – No more than 30% of the lynx habitat in an LAU currently in Stand Initiation Structural Stage.

YES – 6.06% Yes – 6.07% (0.01% change)

Meets VEG S2 – Timber mgmt projects shall not regenerate more than 15% of lynx habitat in a ten-year period.

YES – See Table 15 YES – See Table 15

Dense Horizontal Cover; Acres of treatments under Exceptions 1-4 in VEG S5 and Exceptions 1-3 in VEG S6 (0.5%). Forest-Wide current cap of 3,081 acres.

Forest-Wide cap of 3,081 acres remaining (from Poage Lake Salvage).

61 acres subtracted from the cap from the North Pool Salvage Project.

See Summary Table 14 for all 3 sales.

Wildland Urban Interface; Acres of treatment within WUIs under exemptions to VEG S1, S2, S5 or S6 (3.0%).

N/A N/A

Acres of Total Treatment under Exemptions and Exceptions to VEG S1, S2, S5 or S6 (4.5%) or 36,677 Forest-Wide.

Forest-Wide cap of 36,137 acres (from Poage Lake Salvage).

61 acres subtracted from the cap from the North Pool Salvage Project.


22

TABLE 12 – CASTOR SALVAGE: Expected Change to LAU Baseline per Action Alternative for the Trout Handkerchief LAU. Existing baseline source is the September 2011 Revised Lynx Habitat Mapping Criteria Report.

Trout-Handkerchief LAU Existing Baseline Post Project


Total Acres 104,875 104,875


Acres of Suitable Habitat 76,971 (98.46%) 76,941 (98.43%) (A decrease of 30 acres from salvage.


1,200 (1.53%) 1,230 (1.57%)


YES – 1.53% Yes – 1.57% (An increase of 0.04%)





66 acres subtracted from the cap from the Castor Salvage Project.



N/A N/A



66 acres subtracted from the cap from the Castor Salvage Project.


23

TABLE 13 – EAST SHEEP SALVAGE: Expected Change to LAU Baseline per Action Alternative for the Pinos-Rock LAU. Existing baseline source is the September 2011 Revised Lynx Habitat Mapping Criteria Report.

Pinos Rock LAU Existing Baseline Post Project


Total Acres 94,933 94,933


Acres of Suitable Habitat 57,938 (97.03%) 57,939 (97.03%) (A decrease of 1 acre from new temp. road construction.


1,772 (2.97%) 1,773 (2.97%)


YES – 2.97% Yes – 2.97% (An increase of 1 acre but negligible percentage wise)





75 acres subtracted from the cap from the East Sheep Salvage Project.



N/A N/A



75 acres subtracted from the cap from the East Sheep Salvage Project.


24

TABLE 14 - Summary Table for All Three Salvage Sales Summary Existing Baseline Post Project


Total Acres See LAUs See LAUs

Total Acres of Lynx Habitat See LAUs See LAUs

Acres of Suitable Habitat See LAUs See LAUs


See LAUs See LAUs


See LAUs See LAUs


See LAUs See LAUs


Forest-Wide cap of 3,081 acres remaining (Poage Lake).

202 acres subtracted from the cap for a NEW CAP of 2,879 acres.


N/A N/A


Forest-Wide cap of 36,137 acres (Poage Lake)

202 acres subtracted from the cap for a NEW CAP of 35,935 acres.

Cumulative The cumulative effects analysis for the Salvage Sales are based on future State and private land, tribal or non-Federal activities that are reasonably certain to occur within the three LAUs. Federal actions are not addressed under Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements. The US Fish and Wildlife Service will address federal actions separately through individual Section 7 Consultation as projects are analyzed. There are potentially several more, smaller sized salvage sales likely to occur within each of the LAUs.

25

La Garita Wilderness LAU – Within the past 10 years, there has been only 1 Federal project which has resulted in converting suitable lynx habitat into temporarily unsuitable habitat within the La Garita Wilderness. However, when ground truthing the North Pool Salvage Sale, 11 units encompassing 797 acres were identified as being in a Stand Initiation Structural Stage and have been added to the LAUs temporarily unsuitable habitat base. These acres are accounted for in Table 15 and are part of the current LAU baseline. There are no other projects or activities planned on private or state land within the La Garita Wilderness LAU, in the foreseeable future which might impact lynx, their habitat, or the environmental baseline. Table 15: Projects impacting VEG S2 (15% of lynx habitat/ten-year period- La Garita Wilderness LAU). PROJECT YEAR ACRES CONVERTED INTO

UNSUITABLE Pool Table Salvage 2012 145 acres TOTAL 145 acres representing less than 1% of

lynx habitat impacted in a ten year period.

Trout-Handkerchief LAU- Within the past 10 years, there have been seven (have occurred or soon to occur) Federal projects which have resulted in converting suitable lynx habitat into temporarily unsuitable habitat within the Trout-Handkerchief LAU. These acres are accounted for in Table 16 and are part of the current LAU baseline. There are several proposed future State and private actions anticipated in the reasonably foreseeable future within the LAU including repair of Beaver Park and Million Reservoirs, Ski Area Improvements as approved by their Master Development Plan and the proposed Village at Wolf Creek. Other than these projects, there are no other projects or anticipated activities planned on private or state land within the Trout-Handkerchief LAU, in the foreseeable future which might impact lynx, their habitat, or the environmental baseline. Table 16: Projects impacting VEG S2 (15% of lynx habitat/ ten-year period – Trout-Handkerchief LAU). PROJECT YEAR ACRES CONVERTED INTO

UNSUITABLE Willow Aspen 2006 55 acres Lost Aspen 2008 60 acres Del Norte Peak Blowdown 2009 75 acres Tucker Pond Campground Salvage 2014 12 acres Wolf Creek Ski Area – Elma Lift 2013 2 acres Village at Wolf Creek Land Exchange 2015 145 acres Poage Lake Salvage 2015 79 acres pending TOTAL 428 acres representing less than 1% of lynx

habitat impacted in a ten year period.

26

The West Fork Fire burned over 100,000 acres on the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forest in 2013. The fire impacted the amount of suitable habitat within several LAUs. However, the fire did not burn within the boundaries of the Trout-Handkerchief LAU. Pinos-Rock LAU - Within the past 10 years, there have been two Federal projects which have resulted in converting suitable lynx habitat into temporarily unsuitable habitat within the Pinos-Rock LAU. These acres are accounted for in Table 17 and are part of the current LAU baseline. There are potentially several more, smaller sized salvage sales likely to occur with this LAU. Other than that, there are no other projects or activities planned on private or state land within the La Garita Wilderness LAU, in the foreseeable future which might impact lynx, their habitat, or the environmental baseline. Table 17: Projects impacting VEG S2 (15% of lynx habitat/ten-year period – Pinos-Rock LAU). PROJECT YEAR ACRES CONVERTED INTO

UNSUITABLE Ruston Aspen Sale 2007 110 acres Burro-Blowout Veg. Mgt. Projects 2008 1,662 acres TOTAL 1,772 acres representing less than 3% of

lynx habitat impacted in a ten year period. In consideration of this cumulative effects analysis, all standards, guidelines, exemptions and exceptions within the SRLA pertaining to habitat would be met with the implementation of the three Salvage Projects. Therefore, the potential for cumulative effects from future State and private land, tribal or non-Federal activities would not influence the overall determination. PART 5: Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment (SRLA) The Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment (SRLA) was finalized in October of 2008. The purpose and need for the amendment was to establish management direction that conserves and promotes the recovery of lynx, and reduces or eliminates potential adverse effects from land management activities and practices on national forests in the Southern Rockies, while preserving the overall multiple-use direction in existing plans.

The amendment (SRLA) allows for some possible adverse effects on lynx to occur. By placing certain limits on the activities that could have adverse effects to lynx, the amendment provides for long-term persistence of lynx while accommodating other multiple uses The vegetation management direction set forth in the SRLA focuses on conserving the most important components of lynx habitat: a mosaic of young and mature multi-story forests with high levels of horizontal cover and coarse woody debris. These components will sustain lynx habitat and the snowshoe hare prey base across all seasons. The standards will be applied for all vegetation management actions in lynx habitat, with exceptions that may be applied on less than

27

5 percent of lynx habitat. Collectively, application of the standards for vegetation management is expected to minimize adverse effects on lynx and promote the survival and recovery of lynx populations. Objectives and Standards in the SRLA pertaining to the Salvage Sales and how they are addressed are included in Table 18 Below:

Table 18: Lynx Objectives and Standards

Objective VEG O1

Manage vegetation to mimic or approximate natural succession and disturbance processes while maintaining habitat components necessary for the conservation of lynx.

• The projects include the salvaging of dead and dying trees from high levels of spruce beetle infestation. The removal of some of these trees will create gaps that encourage understory initiation and growth while the snags and downed logs that remain contribute to successional processes on the forest floor. The project areas will resemble a small disturbance patch within a larger matrix of untreated stands when activities are complete.

Objective VEG O2

Provide a mosaic of habitat conditions through time that support dense horizontal cover, and high densities of snowshoe hare. Provide winter snowshoe hare habitat in both the stand initiation structural stage and in mature, multi-story conifer vegetation.

• As noted in the response to VEG01, the project areas are expected to function as disturbance patches within larger matrixes dominated by untreated spruce-fir stands. Stand initiation processes will be encouraged within the treatment areas and will be surrounded by thousands of acres of untreated habitat within the Analysis Areas.

• Past treatment openings have been cited as providing good winter snowshoe hare habitat

based on personal information provided by CDOW’s lynx tracking crews. Jake Ivan (CDOW hare researcher) also indicated that older openings are similar to good hare habitat in the spruce-fir within his study area near Taylor Park, Colorado.

• The combination of existing openings that support healthy immature trees, the proposed

treatment areas, and the existing untreated spruce-fir stands in the analysis area suggest that a mosaic of habitat conditions will be provided through time.

Objective VEG O4

Focus vegetation management in areas that have potential to improve winter snowshoe hare habitat but presently have poorly developed understories that lack dense horizontal cover.

• Units containing the best Dense Horizontal Cover will continue to provide adequate habitat for snowshoe hares and lynx in the longer term.

• Units having poorly developed understories are expected to be improved (through planting

if necessary).

Standard VEG S1

If more than 30% of the lynx habitat in an LAU is currently in a stand initiation structural stage that does not yet provide winter snowshoe hare habitat, no additional habitat may be regenerated by vegetation management projects.

• All treatments are consistent with VEGS1. The specific impacts upon Forest-Wide and LAU Standards and Guidelines, and Exemptions and Exceptions are displayed in Tables 15-18.

28

Standard VEG S2

Timber management projects shall not regenerate more than 15% of lynx habitat on NFS lands within an LAU in a ten-year period. * Salvage harvest within stands killed by bugs does not add to the 15%, unless the harvest treatment changes the habitat to unsuitable.

• All treatments are consistent with VEGS2. The specific impacts upon Forest-Wide and LAU Standards and Guidelines, and Exemptions and Exceptions are displayed in Tables 15-17.

Standard VEG S6

Vegetation management projects that reduce winter snowshoe hare habitats in multi-story mature or late successional conifer forests may occur only/Exception 3 applies – For incidental removal during salvage.

• Incidental impacts associated with harvest are recognized under Exception 3, and are consistent with the SRLA. The specific impacts upon Forest-Wide and LAU Standards and Guidelines, and Exemptions and Exceptions are displayed in Table 14.

Objective ALL O1

Maintain or restore lynx habitat connectivity in and between LAUs, and in linkage areas.

• The vast majority of salvage units currently suitable, will remain as suitable habitat. These units in conjunction with the larger untreated areas surrounding each of the salvage sales should provide cover (vegetation) in sufficient quantity and arrangement to allow for the movement of lynx.

• Specifically for the North Pool Salvage Project, three areas adjacent to and within the project area will continue to provide sufficient habitat for wildlife dispersion between undeveloped areas of the Forest as displayed in Appendix B, North Pool Spruce Beetle Salvage-Habitat Connectivity Design. These areas include 1) Bellows Creek Wildlife Corridor providing for east to west movement along East Bellows Creek 2) Bellows Peak Wildlife Corridor (buffer) providing east to west movement along the base of Bellows Peak and 3) Meadow/Stream Wildlife Corridor (buffer) along Units 6 and 12 which provides for south to north movement.

Biological Opinion In its Biological Opinion on the Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment (USDI Fish and Wildlife Service 2008), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that management direction would not jeopardize the continued existence of lynx, but that some adverse effects to lynx would still be anticipated. The Biological Opinion contains an incidental take statement that describes the anticipated level of incidental take of lynx that may occur as a result of implementing this decision. It also provides reasonable and prudent measures that are necessary to minimize the impacts of the take and sets forth terms and conditions which must be complied with in order to implement the reasonable and prudent measures.

Reasonable and Prudent Measures, and Terms and Conditions The Biological Opinion identified one reasonable and prudent measure (RPM) with two associated terms and conditions (T&C). The T&Cs are incorporated into the management direction.

29

Reasonable and Prudent Measures #1: The Forest Service shall minimize harm of lynx from pre-commercial thinning and other vegetation management projects by ensuring that lynx home ranges, as represented by LAUs, either retain sufficient lynx habitat (when sufficient lynx habitat already exists in an LAU) or lynx habitat is not substantially reduced (when sufficient lynx habitat does not already exist in an LAU).

The following terms and conditions implement Reasonable and Prudent Measures #1:

Terms and Conditions # 1: The Forest Service shall ensure that timber management projects conducted under the exemptions and exceptions from standards VEG S1, S2, S5, or S6 in occupied habitat do not occur in greater than 4.5 percent of lynx habitat on any Forest for the life of the amendment (15 years).

Terms and Conditions #2: In lynx habitat, pre-commercial thinning and vegetation management projects allowed per Exceptions 2 and 3 in VEG S5 and Exceptions 2 and 4 in VEG S6 shall not occur in any LAU in which VEG S1 is exceeded (i.e., no more than 30 percent of LAU in stand initiation structural stage).

Viability determination – Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment: A viable population is one which has the estimated numbers and distribution of reproductive individuals to insure its continued existence is well-distributed in the planning area. While the SRLA may allow some negative impacts to occur to individual lynx, it is expected to maintain habitat quality and connectivity, and will provide for persistence of the lynx population in the Southern Rockies over the long-term. In its Biological Opinion (2008), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that the SRLA will support lynx populations in the Southern Rocky Mountains Lynx Amendment area, and will contribute to recovery of the lynx.

30

PART 6: EFFECTS DETERMINATION SUMMARY

It is determined that the Proposed Actions “May Affect, and are Likely to Adversely Affect” the Canada lynx. Rationale for this conclusion is discussed below: Following analysis and review of the Category 1 and 2 components of the Salvage Projects upon lynx and lynx habitat, it is our conclusion that the effects of the proposed actions are consistent with the effects analyzed in the Programmatic Biological Opinion (PBO) for the Southern Rockies Lynx Amendment. In its decision, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that management direction would not jeopardize the continued existence of lynx, but that some adverse effects to lynx would still be anticipated. Salvage of beetle killed trees is expected to impact the stands capacity to support snowshoe hares by the removal of mature trees and damage to DHC. Concurrently, the spruce beetle influence is expected to cause a reduction in red squirrel densities. Overall, these changes in prey abundance and availability from the beetle influence, combined with anticipated salvage impacts, are anticipated to have discernable effects on lynx. These impacts may rise to the level of being adverse as defined under the ESA, but are consistent with the effects analyzed in the PBO. LYNX ANALYSIS UNITS

La Garita Wilderness (North Pool Table Salvage)

There will be a 0.01% change to the LAUs Environmental Baseline resulting from the North Pool Salvage Sale. Two acres of new temporary road will be converted into temporarily unsuitable increasing the unsuitable habitat baseline from 6.06% to 6.07%. Approximately 797 acres within the salvage units were determined to consist of unsuitable habitat during field reviews. These acres have been made part of the LAUs current baseline of 6.06% unsuitable habitat.

Trout-Handkerchief (Castor Salvage)

The Castor Salvage Sale will convert 30 acres of suitable lynx habitat into temporarily unsuitable habitat. The LAUs current baseline will increase from 1.53% to 1.57% unsuitable habitat.

Pinos-Rock (East Sheep Salvage)

Road activities with the East Sheep Salvage Sale will result in converting 1 acre of suitable habitat into temporarily unsuitable habitat. The LAUs current baseline will be at 2.97% unsuitable habitat.

Together, the three salvage sales (salvage and roads) will increase the amount of unsuitable habitat within the LAUs by a grand total of 33 acres. Meets Reasonable and Prudent Measures #1 and Terms & Conditions #2. These acres are reflected in Tables 11 – 14.

31

FOREST-WIDE EXEMPTIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

The salvage sales will add to the exemptions and exceptions within the SRLA by 202 acres. Meets Reasonable and Prudent Measures #1 and Terms & Conditions #1. These acres are reflected in Table 14.

7(a)(2) Requirements:

The effects of treatments not fully analyzed in the first-tier BO are analyzed in this document and determined to be within the effects anticipated in the PBO.

7(a)(1) Requirements: The Endangered Species Act requires the Forest Service to use authorities to conserve

species. The establishment of Project Design Features helps to meet these authorities along with SRLA exemptions, exceptions, standards and guidelines.

32

Table 19: Project Determination Summary

Species Determination Rationale PDCs

Canada lynx (T) Lynx canadensis

May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect

The projected effects of the various activities associated within the Salvage Sale Projects are consistent with those in the PBO for the effects of the SRLA (2008) on the Canada Lynx .

Section 7(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act requires the Forest Service to use authorities to conserve species. The establishment of PDC’s helps to meet these authorities along with SRLA exemptions, exceptions, standards and guidelines.

This analysis fulfills section 7(a)(2) consultation requirements and references back to the Biological Opinion issued for the SRLA amendment to ensure the effects of these specific projects are within the effects anticipated in the Biological Opinion.

See Appendices A and B.

Black footed ferret (Experimental) Mustela nigripes

No Effect No habitat within analysis areas. N/A

Mexican spotted owl (T) Strix occidentalis lucida

No Effect No habitat within the analysis areas. N/A

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (T) Coccyzus americanus


Southwestern willow flycatcher (E) Empidonax trailii extimus


Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (E) Boloria acrocnema


Bonytail Chub (E) Gila elegans


Colorado Pike Minnow (E) Ptychocheilus lucius


Razorback Sucker (E) Xyrauchen texanus


Humpback Chub (E) Gila cypha


33

PART 7: MONITORING RECOMMENDATIONS

Monitoring is the gathering of information and data and observing the results of management activities to provide the basis for evaluation. Monitoring will include implementation monitoring and evaluation to assess if standards and guidelines are being incorporated during the project activities. Also included is effectiveness monitoring and evaluation to determine whether assumptions and objectives of the project are being met. Based on the analysis completed for the Salvage Projects, the following monitoring procedures are recommended for the wildlife resources due to the type and location of activities associated with the proposed project. Objective: To evaluate whether Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines and project specific wildlife design criteria are being implemented. To examine if a need exists to modify specific wildlife design criteria for future projects. Method: Perform site inspections during and/or following the vegetative management activities to determine compliance with project design criteria. Items important to monitor include: Snag numbers, species and size Impacts to understory vegetation

Percentage of damage to Dense Horizontal Cover * Percentage of damage to developing understory * Skid trail designation Landing placement

TES species monitoring Timing of project activity Amount of large woody debris Riparian area buffers

* Post-harvesting monitoring will be implemented to assess actual incidental damage to the understory. This post-harvest monitoring will be useful for application to future vegetation management projects. Action: Take corrective action as needed to meet Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines. Consult with the necessary managers as needed to take corrective measures if necessary.

34

PART 8: REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED

Banci, V. 1994. Wolverine. Pp. 99-123 in Ruggiero, L.F., K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, J.L. Lyon and W.J. Zielinski, eds.; the scientific basis for conserving forest carnivores: American marten, fisher, lynx and wolverine in the western United States. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-254. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. 151 p. + appendices. Buskirk, S.W., and L.F. Ruggiero. 1994. American marten. Pp. 7-37 in Ruggiero, L.F., K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, J.L. Lyon and W.J. Zielinski, tech. eds. The scientific basis for conserving forest carnivores: American marten, fisher, lynx and wolverine in the western United States. USDA USDA Forest Service General Technical Report RM-254. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Fort Collins, CO. 151 p. + appendices. Buskirk, S.W., L.F. Ruggiero, K.B. Aubry, D.E. Pearson, J.R. Squires, and K.S. McKelvey. 2000. Comparative ecology of lynx in North America. Pp. 397-417 in L.F. Ruggiero, K.B. Aubry, S.W. Buskirk, S.W., G.M. Koehler, C.J. Krebs, K.S. McKelvey, and J.R. Squires, eds; Ecology and Conservation of Lynx in the United States. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO. CDOW. 2012. Success of the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s lynx reintroduction program. Unpublished report, Colorado Division of Wildlife. Fitzgerald et al 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History and University Press of Colorado. 460 p. Ruediger, B., J. Claar, S. Gniadek, B. Holt, L. Lewis, S. Mighton, B. Naney, G. Patton, T. Rinaldi, J. Trick, A. Vandehey, F. Wahl, N. Warren, D. Wenger, and A. Williamson. 2000. Canada Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy. USDA Forest Service, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, USDI Bureau of Land Management, and USDI National Park Service. USDA Forest Service Publication #R1-00-53, Missoula, MT. 142 p. Ruggiero et al 1999. Ecology and Conservation of Lynx in the United States. University Press of Colorado, Boulder, CO. 480 Pp. Ruggiero et al 1994. The Scientific Basic for Conserving Forest Carnivores, American Marten, Fisher, Lynx and Wolverine in the United States. Pp. 1-176. General Technical Report RM-254. Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experimental Station. Shenk, T. 2001. Post-release monitoring of lynx reintroduced to Colorado: Annual report for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. December 2001. 33 pp.

Shenk, T. July 2005- June 2006. Colorado Division of Wildlife Lynx Update. 26 pp.

Shenk, T. July 2008-August 2009. Colorado Division of Wildlife Lynx Update. 28 pp.

35

Shenk, T. 6/24/2009. Lynx Kittens Found in Spring Survey. Colorado Division of Wildlife News Release. 2 pp. Shenk, T.M. July 2008-Aug 2009. Post-release monitoring of lynx (Lynx canadensis) reintroduced to Colorado. Colorado Division of Wildlife Report. 30 pp. USDA Forest Service. 1996. Revised Land and Resource Management Plan: Rio Grande National Forest and appendices. USDA Forest Service. 2008. Southern Rockies Canada Lynx Amendment: Record of Decision and Environmental Impact Statement. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Denver, CO. January 2004. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. 2004. Southern Rocky Mountain Section 7 Lynx Project Decision Screen. Revised 6/2010. USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. 2008. Biological Opinion of the effects of the Southern Rocky Mountains Lynx Amendment (SRLA) on the Distinct Population Segment of Canada lynx in the contiguous United States, in accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Susan Linner, Colorado Field Supervisor.

36

Appendix A: Project Design Criteria that specifically benefit wildlife are provided below. Effects to understory vegetation and dense horizontal cover will be minimized to benefit snowshoe hare and lynx by utilizing existing skid trails or identifying skid trail locations away from dense understory and spacing skid trails approximately 100 feet apart, allowing for topographic variation and skid trail convergence.

If available, place landings and slash piles in natural clearings or open areas to protect understory- avoid transitional areas (e.g. timber/meadow edges).

Patches of dense understory are further protected by contractual specifications B6. 32 Protection of Residual Trees which states that Purchasers Operations shall not unnecessarily damage young growth or other trees to be reserved.

Where present, avoid the harvest of isolated individual dead trees with high amounts of regeneration around them. These trees can be retained for snag requirements listed below.

Retain all green/live trees unless their removal is needed for safety or operational needs.

Winter logging is encouraged but harvest activities (felling, skidding, processing slash…) will not occur between the timeframe of April 15th to June 30th to minimize potential disturbance to lynx kittens when most vulnerable. Exceptions to these activities and timeframe may occur depending upon site conditions upon consultation with the District Ranger and District Biologist. This PDC also helps to protect mule deer fawns and elk calves when most vulnerable.

The project has been surveyed for TES/MIS species and will continue during project implementation. If a species is discovered, they will be protected as indicated in the Forest Plan with consultation with the USFWS as necessary.

Leave large woody debris (10-15 tons per acre in spruce fir) on harvested sites to retain moisture, trap soil movement, provide microsites for establishment of seedlings, and to provide habitat for small mammals.

Retain a minimum average of six snags/acre in various distributions within the cutting units in East Sheep and Castor. Preferably, these snags should be spruce and of a larger-than-average diameter for the stand where available. In North Pool, strive to retain six snags/acre but fewer than six may remain due to lack of larger sized standing trees present. Snags within North Pool will be further protected as described below.

In Units 5 and 10 in North Pool, wildlife snags retained will be posted with wildlife tree signs after salvage harvest. This will prohibit these trees from being cut for firewood after completion of commercial salvage harvest, and ensure wildlife needs are met.

Approximately 25% of the slash piles created from the timber sale will remain on site for small mammal habitat. A team consisting of the District Biologist, Forester and Fuels Specialist will jointly determine which piles to preserve.

After implementation, temporary roads will be closed (blocked to vehicle access), cross-drainage established, covered with slash (when needed), and reseeded.

Recommended Raptor Buffer Guidelines (Colorado Parks and Wildlife) will be reviewed for guidance in the instance of a raptor nest being identified during project implementation.

Trees with known active bird nests/cavities, or those otherwise marked as wildlife trees will be designated for retention.

Several areas within the analysis area in North Pool are specifically designed to not be harvested to provide for habitat connectivity. See Appendix B. Large areas of untreated habitat will remain available within the East Sheep and Castor Sales for wildlife habitat connectivity.

37

APPENDIX B

Purpose and Need for ActionTABLE 2: Threatened and Endangered Species List and Habitat Description (concurrence received from the FWS on January 4th, 2016 through IPac).

Documents

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT T&E SPECIES Divide RD – Three Salesa123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · Habitat in or near the Analysis Area: Species documented within