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Home My WebLink About9/4/2002 - STAFF REPORTS (20) DATE: September 04, 2002 TO: City Council FROM: Director of Planning & Building CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGARDING THE DRAFT CALIFORNIA DESERT CONSERVATION AREA PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY AND THE DRAFT SANTA ROSA AND SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS TRAILS MANAGEMENT PLAN. RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council approve the attached Minute Order and City comments on the subject documents and authorize transmittal of the City comments to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). SUMMARY: The subject documents have several components which directly affect BLM lands within the City of Palm Springs. The components addressed in this report include land use, trail use, biology, fire management, motorized vehicle use, recreational off-road vehicles, wind energy, and wind energy noise. The Plan and related documents are complex since four alternatives for each topic are discussed. The attached Executive Summary provides the best overview of the Plan. Due to the scope of the Plan and staff resources, every potential issue in the Plan may not be addressed in this report. Written comments must be submitted to the BLM by September 05, 2002. BACKGROUND: The BLM manages approximately 28% (333.516 acres) of the total lands in the BLM's Coachella Valley planning area. BLM lands in Palm Springs are located in the San Jacinto Mountains, Santa Rosa Mountains just north of Desert Highland-Gateway, and in the Whitewater Flood Plain. The California Desert Area Plan(CDCA)is the BLM's land use plan forthe California Desert Conservation Area. The subject CDCA amendments are focused on the Coachella Valley. CDCA land use policies and programs only affect lands managed by the BLM. The Plan has no direct affect on private lands. There may be some expectations that BLM land use policies should have an affect on private and public lands not managed by the BLM. Additionally, joint management efforts will be needed to effectively manage resources or activities such as off-road vehicle use, Bighorn sheep, and trails. Specific provisions and recommendations are as follows: FIRE MANAGEMENT: The Fire Department has reviewed the CDCA Amendments and has no comment. City Council September 04, 2002 Page 2 of 6 Pages WIND ENERGY: Wind energy development would be permitted in designated areas. Most, if not all, of the designated areas are currently developed. No comment recommended. MOTORIZED-VEHICLE AREA DESIGNATIONS: Windy Point south of Highway 111 would be designated as closed to off-road vehicle use. Additionally, the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Indian Avenue Preserve would be designated closed. Prohibition of off-road vehicle use in both of these areas is consistent with current City policy and ordinances. BLM proposes to work with the State Department of Parks and Recreation to establish an off-road vehicle area north of 1-10 and east of Dillon Road (north of Indio)as an outlet and opportunity for off-road vehicle use. The City Council should support the prohibition of off-road vehicle use on BLM lands as noted above. Recommendation: That the City Council support BLM Alternative B relative to motorized vehicle area designations within the City of Palm Springs. Closure of Windy Point and the Whitewater Preserve should be supported. Additionally, that the City should support BLM and State Department of Parks and Recreation efforts to develop an off-road vehicle area as an outlet for this form of recreation. DUNN ROAD: BLM proposes to manage vehicle access to Dunn Road for governmental purposes such as flood control,law enforcement,fire control,and other more limited uses such as research and commercial recreation subject to private land owner permission. Existing access gates would be maintained and a new gate to prevent access from Royal Carrizo would be added. Except as noted above, public access to Dunn Road, Dry Wash Road, and Royal Carrizo would be closed until Bighorn sheep populations recover. If and when Bighorn sheep recover, the status of these roads may be re-evaluated. Commercial recreation would be limited to fall months Qeep tours) and access would be from the south (off of Highway 74). Legal access for land owners and agencies may be provided through a right-of-way grant. Temporary land owner access may be granted by permit. The City will need to apply for a right-of-waygrantto access BLM lands to provide Fire,Police,and Community Preservation services. The areas of Dunn Road affected by this proposal are south of Murray Hill and the proposal does not affect the proposed Palm Hills Specific Plan. The lands affected by the proposed access restrictions are a mix of private and public lands. Alternative B would make access to Dunn Road restricted and development of formal access needed to support development virtually prohibited. Several key land owners (Lovekin and Palm Hills Land Company)would have continued difficulty securing access. A process is available to propose a right-of-way access, but the CDCA Plan Amendments /I City Council September 04, 2002 Page 3 of 6 Pages would make approval of any such requests very difficult. Consultation with Fish &Wildlife Service (FWS) would be required. As proposed, access restrictions are similar to what is currently in effect on BLM lands; however, the proposed CDCA Plan Amendments will formalize access restrictions. Considering the status of private land (much has been sold to conservation entities and several sales are pending), it is unlikely that private lands south of Murray Hill will be developed in the future. Based upon a review of land ownership patterns,land sales,and current and proposed BLM access restrictions, staff finds that future use of Dunn Road will be limited and that development of a formal roadway to support development would be unlikely. Staff does support access for administrative purposes (Police, Fire, and Community Preservation). City Council may want to advocate a position supporting expanded vehicular use for recreational purposes since Dunn Road provides access into the National Monument. National Monument access is currently being evaluated by the National Monument Committee. The City's General Plan allows for the development of private lands subject to approval of a Specific Plan. Virtually all access alternatives would require use of BLM lands. Approval of the proposed BLM Alternative B would prohibit access for development purposes, and as such, make private development unlikely. Recommendation: That the BLM work with governmental agencies and private land owners to ensure that Dunn Road is available for governmental purposes such as law enforcement,fire protection, and code enforcement activities. The CDCA Amendment text should consider the development of a master right-of-way grant to all governmental agencies with legal authority as a means to expedite continued governmental services in this area. Additionally,the BLM should further consider limited commercial jeep tours from the valley floor as a means to provide access to the National Monument. Tours could be limited to certain days of the week. BIGHORN SHEEP RECOVERY: BLM proposes to manage its lands for the recovery of Bighorn sheep. As such, land exchanges and acquisitions will focus on acquiring sheep habitat from willing land owners. Dunn Road management programs are intended to reduce or eliminate habitat fragmentation. Programs include maintaining water sources, fencing where necessary, managing roads and trails, review of research programs including 30-day public review of permit proposals for research on public lands, reduce helicopter use,and/or direct handling of sheep, evaluate mountain lion predation, and evaluate sheep augmentation on the north side of the San Jacinto Mountains (Snow Creek area). The BLM's CDCA Alternative 2 proposal is consistent with the Bighorn Sheep Recovery Plan. The BLM proposes to re-evaluate current private sheep research activities including release City Council September 04, 2002 Page 4 of 6 Pages programs, augmentation, and use of helicopters. An important component is the proposed public review period for research proposals on public lands. Staff supports this component since current research activities are not evaluated publicly. Direct effects of CDCA on private and public lands will not directly affect any proposed development areas. BLM lands in the San Jacinto Mountains are limited and most BLM lands in the Santa Rosa Mountains are located south of Murray Hill. Augmentation, if implemented in the northern San Jacinto Mountains,could expand the range of sheep north and west of Chino Canyon. Staff recommends thatthe City Council oppose Bighorn sheep augmentation in the northern San Jacinto Mountains (north of Chino Canyon)until such time that the existing ewe group is stabilized and that more study of augmentation programs has been completed and publicly reviewed. Staff also recommends that annual monitoring and research reports be made available for public review. The City Council previously expressed concern about the Bighorn Sheep Recovery Plan and Critical Habitat designation, and the Economic Study prepared by Fish & Wildlife Service. Additionally, the City Council should be concerned that capture/release and augmentation programs in the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains have not been fully evaluated and circulated for public review. Release of captured or pen-raised Bighorn sheep in the San Jacinto Mountains may have an adverse impact upon the existing herd. Specifically, the City Council should be concerned that capture and release of Bighorn sheep from the northern Santa Rosa Mountains or pen-raised sheep from the Bighorn Institute could have an adverse impact. These Bighorn sheep have exhibited behavior such as using urban landscapes for forage and water and seem to have adjusted to more human contact and acceptance. The existing San Jacinto ewe group avoids urban landscapes, avoids human contact and seems to stay at higher elevations. Adding Bighorn sheep with different behavior patterns may jeopardize the existing ewe group. Recommendation: That the City Council support the BLM Alternative B provisions for continued and more importantly, public review of Bighorn research, capture programs, and augmentation programs. TRAIL USE: The BLM Alternative B Trail Plan has been developed after lengthy public input from trail user groups, governmental agencies, and the general public. As proposed, most trails in the San Jacinto Mountains (Picnic Table and North and South Lykken Trails ) would be open year-round. The Skyline Trail would be closed seasonally from January 15 to June 30 due to conflicts with Bighorn sheep. Staff questions the need to seasonally close this trail since its use has not been fully evaluated, and it is the only trail route to the Tram and Mountain Station. At a minimum, this trail should be open several days per week while its use and effect on Bighorn sheep are evaluated. A number of trails in the Santa Rosa Mountains are proposed to be open year-round. Trails with proposed seasonal closures include Eagle Canyon,Goat Trail,Clara Burgess, Dry City ;7� Council September 04, 2002 Page 5 of 6 Pages Wash, Hahn, Buena Vista, Cathedral Canyon Trail, Dunn Road, and Schey Trails. The Art Smith Trail will be open two (2) days per week (Tuesday and Sunday) January 15 - February 15 and May 5 - June 30. All seasonal closures are from January 15 - June 30. The purpose of these seasonal closures is to restrict access in the Critical Bighorn Sheep Habitat. As proposed, Alternative B would seasonally reduce trail use into 142,705 acres or 75% of the designated critical habitat. To seasonally close trails effectively, the BLM will need to seek a cooperative agreement with other jurisdictions. It is proposed that this be done in conjunction with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan(CVMSHCP). The BLM has stated in the subject documents that the proposed Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is included in the subject documents to benchmark progress on the development of the trails plan and that the BLM will make its decision upon completion of the CVMSHCP. The proposed Trails Plan includes a proposal to connect the North Lykken Trail with the Pacific Crest Trail. This trail would provide a trail access connection in Chino Canyon and then continue northwesterly along Highway 111 to Snow Creek. This proposed trail connection is consistent with the City's General Plan, and was added o the proposed Plan in response to City stafrs recommendation. A key issue addressed in the Trails Plan is to prohibit dogs (except seeing eye and law enforcement dogs)within the Bighorn Sheep Critical Habitat. Staff recommends that the City Council support this prohibition and support designation of dog hiking areas as outlined in Alternative B. No comment is necessary if City Council agrees to this portion of the Trails Plan. Recommendation: That the City Council express concern regarding the proposed Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan in that there is insufficient information to support the proposed restrictions and seasonal trail closures over such a wide area. As proposed,trails providing access to 75% of Bighorn Sheep Critical Habitat are proposed to be seasonally closed from January 15 - June 30. The City Council recommends that, prior to BLM approval of the Trails Plan, additional information relative to the need to seasonally close trails be provided for agency and public review. The City Council support the year-round trail use listed in Alternative B provided the Skyline Trail is added to the list. This trail provides the only access to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station, is not heavily used, and may not have a potential negative effect on Bighorn sheep. At a minimum, this trail needs to be studied further and open several days per week in a manner similar to the Art Smith Trail. Additionally, the City Council support the approval and construction of new perimeter trails described in Alternative B. These trails would connect the North Lykken Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail at Snow Creek. This perimeter trail connection would be consistent with the City's General Plan and complete a perimeter trail program in the San Jacinto Mountains. The City Council also support the proposed perimeter trail alignment from Rimrock Shopping Center to and around Cathedral Canyon Cove. /r 4 S City Council September 04, 2002 Page 6 of 6 Pages Based upon the need for additional information, the City Council reserves the right to provide additional comments regarding the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan during the CVMSHCP review process. In summary,the City Council commend the BLM in developing a range of trail alternatives. However, the City Council expresses concerns about the trail closures that are proposed and recommends that more specific environmental analysis be provided as part of the CVMSHCP review process. NOISE: The subject documents state that wind energy development on BLM lands comply with the Riverside County Noise Ordinance. Staff recommends that BLM utilize the City noise standards for wind energy development within the City limits. Recommendation: That the BLM utilize the City of Palm Springs'wind energy noise standards for wind energy projects developed within the City of Palm Springs. The subject documents need to be revised accordingly. If these recommendations or modified City recommendations in Exhibit A are approved, staff will send them to the BLM. Director o fanning and Zoning City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction Pages 3. Proposed Preferred Alternative B 4. Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains Trail Management Plan 5. Exhibit A- Recommendations 6. Minute Order t , California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment j Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement t for the Coachella Valley, California a f EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ' INTRODUCTION The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency responsible for managing the public lands in accordance with federal law, regulation and policy in order to sustain the health, r � diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future l generations. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), BLM's organic act, directs the t BLM to prepare land use plans which provide guidance, with public input, on how the public lands are to be managed. All subsequent activities on the BLM-managed public lands must be in conformance with the approved land use plan. The California Desert Conservation Area Plan (CDCA Plan, 1980, as amended) provides land use plan guidance for the entire California Desert Conservation Area. The CDCA Plan has undergone numerous minor amendments over the past 20 years, and is currently undergoing major amendments, divided into five eco- regions/planning areas; 1) the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert planning area, 2) the Northern and Eastern Mojave Desert planning area, 3)the West Mojave Desert planning area, 4) the Coachella Valley planning area and 5) the Imperial Sand Dunes planning area. 1 The Bureau of Land Management(BLM) manages approximately 28 percent (330,516 acres) of t the total federal and non-federal land base in the Coachella Valley planning area (1,195,057 acres). The Coachella Valley planning area (Figure 1-2) is located approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles in central Riverside County, plus a small portion in San Bernardino County. A. Purpose and Need The BLM in the Coachella Valley planning area has a need: 1) to provide for multiple use and sustainable development of the public lands while making progress towards healthy, properly functioning ecosystems; 2) to provide for the recovery of federal and state listed species; 3) to avoid future listings of sensitive species; 4 4) to provide recreational opportunities on the public lands; 1 5) to make available mineral and energy resources on the public lands; 6) to work collaboratively with the local jurisdictions to facilitate land management consistency, management effectiveness and cost-efficiency across jurisdictional 3 boundaries. The purpose of this plan amendment is to develop a general plan of action (in accordance with Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1610) for the BLM-managed public lands that will meet the aforementioned needs while at the same time: Page ES-1 Executive Summary 1) Shall minimize resource use conflicts; 2) Shall not unduly burden Bureau resources and funding capability, including maintenance activities; 3) Shall include actions which are manageable and implementable relative to the urban/wildland interface and the public/private interface; 4) Shall be conducted in coordination with the members of the public, local jurisdictions, State and other Federal agencies to garner the public support needed to effectively implement the plan. The BLM has a need in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains to 1) provide for the recovery of federal and state listed species, 2) to avoid future listings of sensitive species, 3) to provide recreational opportunities on the public lands, and 4) to work collaboratively with the local jurisdictions to facilitate land management consistency, management effectiveness and cost-efficiency across jurisdictional boundaries. The purpose of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains trails management plan is to develop a management strategy which provides year-round hiking, biking and equestrian use opportunities on the public lands while promoting recovery of the Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep. This strategy must also meet the aforementioned purpose statements identified for the Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment. B. Relationship to Other Plans BLM planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.3-2 require BLM planning documents to be consistent with officially approved resource-related plans, policies and programs of other Federal, State and local government agencies, and Indian Tribes, to the extent legally feasible under Federal laws and regulations. The Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment is being developed in concert with several planning efforts relevant to the Coachella Valley. These plans and their relationship to this plan amendment are summarized below: The Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment was developed in tandem with the CVMSHCP to provide the Framework for those implementation actions which will support landscape-level conservation and provide for community needs. The CVMSHCP will include.a combined Environmental Impact Review (EIR), as required by the California Environmental Quality Act, and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is an element of and would be incorporated into the CVMSHCP. Upon completion of the CVMSHCP, the BLM proposes to adopt management measures in support of this plan as an activity (implementation) level plan for public lands within the planning area. The activity plan would be tiered to BLM's Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment. Page ES-2 i' I I I. r , Executive Summary ' Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Management Plan. In October of 2000, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 created a 272,000 acre national monument on BLM and Forest Service managed land. The Act requires development of a management plan by Fall of 2003. This National Monument is entirely ( t within the Coachella Valley planning boundary. BLM's Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment decisions affecting the National Monument would be brought forward into the management plan, as will US Forest Service plan revision decisions affecting the National Monument. y The Recovery Plan for the Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep. Recovery plans, developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), identify actions needed to reverse the decline of a + i threatened or endangered species. Such actions frequently require coordination among i 1 Federal, State, and local agencies, academic researchers, conservation organizations, private individuals, and major land users in order to be successful. However, the development and 1 approval phases of recovery plans are excluded from National Environmental Policy Act of i 1 1969 (NEPA) requirements because they are advisory in nature. ' { The Peninsular Ranges population of bighorn sheep (PRBS; Ovis canadensis nelsoni)was listed as { endangered in 1998. In October of 2000, the USFWS completed the Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep Recovery Plan which recommends actions to recover and protect this listed species. In I February 2001, USFWS designated critical habitat for the PRBS. Bureau of Land Management ` employees were consulted during preparation of the recovery plan. The recovery plan makes recommendations which are directly applicable and addressed in this CDCA plan amendment. i Through the CVMSHCP, Trails Management Plan and CDCA Plan amendment, the BLM is considering a range of alternatives, each composed of a suite of actions and guided by the 1 Recovery Plan recommendations. The alternatives include habitat improvements (tamarisk control, water sources, etc.), land exchanges, land acquisitions, trails management, and limits to other activities. Altogether, the decisions regarding these actions will compose the strategy to be implemented on BLM-managed public lands in order to contribute to bighorn sheep population recovery. By means of these planning efforts, the alternative strategies for public lands are analyzed by an interdisciplinary team and with the benefit of public input and comment in accordance with NEPA, as well as plan-level consultation with the USFWS. Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Land Management Plan. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is developing a Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan for the Agua Caliente Indian l Reservation. The purposes of this plan are to balance environmental protection and economic j development objectives for the Reservation and to simplify compliance with the Endangered i Species Act. BLM-managed public lands adjoin Tribal lands in a number of locations throughout the Valley. BLM's CDCA plan amendment was developed in coordination with the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan in order to facilitate consistency in land uses and habitat protection across the Coachella Valley. Furthermore, the Tribe and the BLM operate under a i Cooperative Management Agreement and actively seek to find ways to engage in activities that improve land management compatibility, effectiveness and efficiency. �1 Page ES-3 , 1 Executive Summary Santa Rosa Mountains Wildlife Habitat Management Plan: A Sikes Act Project (Sikes Act Plan): This plan was jointly prepared and approved by BLM and the State of California Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game in 1980. It described shared wildlife and habitat management objectives, as well as actions to implement those objectives. The plan includes information that is no longer current, decisions that have already been implemented, decisions which no longer fit current conditions, and decisions which are still relevant. The CVMSHCP and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan (an activity plan)would update and amend the Sikes Act Plan. Draft 2002 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan Due to exceedances of the 24- hour and annual average PM10 standards, U.S. EPA classified Coachella Valley as a serious PM10 non-attainment area. In cooperation with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, local jurisdictions, government agencies (including BLM), developers/builders, farmers, other stakeholders and the public, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) staff prepared the draft 2002 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (2002 SIP). The purpose of the 2002 SIP is to develop an enhanced PM10 reduction program that demonstrates attainment with the PM10 standards by the earliest practicable date, and to provide the necessary supporting documentation to formally request an extension of the PM10 attainment date. In response to the 2002 SIP, the BLM has incorporated an air quality management strategy in this Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment, in an effort to reduce PM70 emissions from the public lands. General Plans and Management Plans prepared by Local jurisdictions, Native American Tribes, and State Agencies. The BLM shall coordinate with the local jurisdictions, Native American Tribes and State Agencies to facilitate consistency with plans prepared by these entities, to the legal extent feasible under Federal law, regulation and policy. The Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert (NECO) Plan. BLM's Draft NECO Plan provides alternative scenarios for a comprehensive framework for managing species and habitats, including recovery of the desert tortoise, on Federal lands managed by the BLM, National Park Service (Joshua Tree National Park), and the U.S. Marine Corps (Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range) in eastern San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. The western edge of the NECO plan overlaps the CVMSHCP planning area by about 55,000 acres, all in Riverside County. The proposed NECO plan and final environmental impact statement is scheduled for completion Summer of 2002. Even though the respective planning leads have been coordinating to facilitate consistency in the overlap area, some NECO Plan decisions may require amending in order to complete the CVMSHCP. The West Mojave Desert Plan. The West Mojave Plan is being jointly prepared by local jurisdictions, the Department of Defense and BLM, and encompasses 9.4 million-acres in most of California's western Mojave Desert. Approximately two square miles of the West Mojave planning boundary overlaps with the Coachella Valley planning boundary, all within San Bernardino County. The draft plan is currently under preparation and scheduled for public release late in 2002. The BLM planning team leads for the West Mojave and Coachella Valley plan are working together to ensure consistency between the two plans in the overlap area. Page ES-4 c' 'I t Executive Summary 1 C. Planning Criteria Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment. Planning criteria are "sideboards" which guide development of the California Desert Conservation Area Plan f ! amendment, to ensure it is tailored to the issues and to avoid unnecessary data collection and 1 ( analyses. In addition to the standard suite of Federal laws, regulations, Executive Orders, Manual guidance and Bureau policies which guide all BLM planning and environmental review I documents, the following criteria were specifically established to guide development of the jJ California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley: j1) This CDCA Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley shall be completed by 1 December 31, 2002. 2) As this Coachella Valley planning effort is an amendment to and not a revision of ' the CDCA Plan (1980, as amended), any CDCA plan elements not addressed nor specifically changed in this plan amendment shall remain extant and in effect. 3) The planning boundary for the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert (NECO) Plan overlaps the eastern portion of the Coachella Valley planning boundary. BLM staff working on the Coachella Valley plan amendment shall coordinate with staff working on the NECO Plan to ensure consistency between the two plans. I 4) The planning boundary for the West Mojave Plan overlaps the northwest portion of i the Coachella Valley planning boundary. BLM staff working on the Coachella Valley plan amendment shall coordinate with staff working on the West Mojave Plan to ensure consistency between the two plans. 5) Any proposals promulgated through this Coachella Valley planning effort shall be in r t compliance with the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 and the Santa Rosa l and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000. 1 Relationship to the Center for Biological Diversity, et al. Lawsuit (Case No. C-00-0927 WHA. U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division). The December 31, 2002 due date is related to the following lawsuit stipulations. 1) 1 Paragraph 5 of Stipulation and Proposed Order to Amend Prior Stipulations, approved by U.S. j District Court on January 31, 2002, amends the All Further Injunctive Relief Stipulation to require that"BLM will issue a Record of Decision regarding route designation in NECO, NEMO desert tortoise Desert Wildlife Management Areas (DWMAs), and the Coachella Valley by December 31, 2002." 2) Paragraph 15 amends the Bighorn Sheep Stipulation. This provision reads in part: "if the BLM Record of Decision for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Amendment (CVMSHCP) is not signed by December 31, 2002, BLM will close to vehicles and effectively block by January 1, 2003 all known routes providing unauthorized vehicle access onto the Dunn Road. In the interim, until a BLM Record of Decision for the plan is signed, BLM will, by April 1, 2002, install and maintain signs on all known roads providing access to the Dunn Road that indicate that access to the Dunn Road is prohibited." In order to integrate route designation into the overall land management program, thereby providing meaningful public participation, the route designation process must proceed with the plan amendment, and both must be completed by December 31, 2002. Route designation i Page ES-5 _ Executive Summary has always been part of the larger BLM plan amendment process, based on the public notice of June 28,2000, public scoping meetings in July of 2000, and the April 12, 2002 notice addendum describing proposals, alternatives and issues being addressed. To treat route designation separately would require re-initiation of public scoping and the public process relative to the routes. The relationship of route designation to landscape level land management would be lost if the full plan amendment was not completed. For these reasons, route designation remains part of the larger BLM plan amendment process. Absent the lawsuit requirements, the schedule for public review and decision making might have been delayed slightly in order to track very closely with the timing of the non-federal portion of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/ Natural Communities Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The BLM has been working closely with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the local jurisdictions since 1996 to develop this Draft CDCA Plan Amendment in tandem with the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, including coordination of alternatives in areas with intermingled or adjacent jurisdictions. The Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment provides the framework to support the landscape-level approach to conservation and providing for community needs. Upon completion of the CVMSHCP, the BLM proposes to adopt the CVMSHCP as an activity (implementation) level plan, tiered to BLM's Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment. Trails Management Plan Guidance. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is being prepared under separate regulatory authority than the CDCA Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley. This trails management plan is an element of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Area Plan (CVMSHCP), and is an activity level (also known as implementation level) plan prepared in accordance with BLM Manual 8322 and is not subject to the 43 CFR 1610 planning regulations. A Record of Decision for the trails management plan will not be issued until completion of the CVMSHCP. At such time, the BLM portion of the approved trails management plan may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals in accordance with the regulations at 43 CFR 4.4. The trails management plan must be in conformance with and is tiered to the Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment under Chapter 2, the section addressing "Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails." Page ES-6 i�1 Executive Summary i ` ALTERNATIVES iT f A. Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment f} General Description of each Alternative. Alternatives A through C represent an array of 11 options for each plan element, ranging from less restrictive land use (A) to more restrictive (C). Alternative D is the "no action" alternative. The BLM preferred alternative consists of an t amalgamation of plan elements chosen from three alternatives (A through C). The preferred alternative for each plan element is highlighted in the "Summary of Alternatives" table ES-1. r 1 As this is a plan amendment and not a revision, most of the guidance and land use plan i 1 decisions established in the California Desert Conservation Area Plan (1980 as amended) shall remain extant. The land use plan action alternatives identify specific proposed changes to the j CDCA Plan, and are not meant to replace all decisions for a particular plan element. Plan Goals Common to All Alternatives. The preferred alternative incorporates the following ' goals which are a supplement to the goals presented in the California Desert Conservation Area Plan (1980, as amended). 1. Ensure a balance of multiple use and sustainable public land uses with progress toward attaining healthy, properly functioning ecosystems. 2. Achieve recovery of listed species, and manage species to avoid future listings. 3. Maintain a network of motorized vehicle routes necessary to meet recreational and other needs while minimizing affects to air quality and other resource values. r 4. Provide opportunities for off-highway vehicle free-play in the Coachella Valley where compliance with the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and other environmental laws will be attained. ` 5. Establish and maintain a network of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that 1 provide opportunities for year-round recreation. 6. Make available public lands to support community infrastructure needs for i 1 southern California including energy production, mineral extraction and utilities, while minimizing resource use conflicts and promote species recovery in the plan area as a whole. 7. Work in collaboration with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to manage the branded horses in the Indian Canyons effectively and efficiently. 8. Protect the free-flowing characteristics and outstandingly remarkable values of rivers that are eligible and may be suitable for Wild and Scenic River designation, and ensure their tentative classifications as "wild," "scenic" or "recreational' are not affected. 9. Participate as a federal land management partner with the local Coachella Valley jurisdictions, and contribute to development and implementation of the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 10. Develop an overall strategy for managing the public lands which is adaptable over time based on the results of resource monitoring in order to effectively achieve the l above goals. i_ Page ES-7 Executive Summary r Land Use Plan Alternatives. Table ES-1 presents a summary description of the various alternatives for each plan element. Please refer to the full text version of the Draft Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment and draft environmental impact statement for a complete (and therefore more accurate) description of each alternative plan element. Not all of the plan elements have 4 different alternatives. Some plan elements have only three or two alternatives. The BLM preferred alternative consists of an amalgamation of plan elements chosen from Alternatives A through C. The preferred alternative for each plan element is highlighted in Table ES-1 "Summary of Alternatives." Plan Maintenance. Several of these CDCA Plan Amendment alternatives are contingent upon the conservation boundary established through the CVMSHCP. Most of the CVMSHCP conservation boundary has been delineated. Areas still under discussion between the local jurisdictions, CDFG and the USFWS do not involve BLM-managed public lands, such that BLM can definitively establish management direction for the BLM-managed public lands. The BLM would use the CVMSHCP preferred alternative conservation boundary delineated as of the date of the Record of Decision for the BLM CDCA Plan Amendment. The final CVMSHCP boundary would be updated in the CDCA Plan Amendment through plan maintenance (43 CFR 1610.5-4), as uses or restrictions on the BLM-managed public lands would not change. In the event that the CVMSHCP is not completed, the land use designations established for the BLM- managed lands through this CDCA Plan Amendment would remain extant, until such time a subsequent CDCA Plan Amendment was deemed necessary, B. Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Although the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is being prepared as an element of the CVMSHCP, the BLM would like to 'benchmark' progress made to date through negotiations with the local jurisdictions and wildlife agencies, by including the draft trails management plan in this draft environmental impact statement. A separate Record of Decision (from that of the CDCA Plan Amendment)would be issued for the BLM portion of the trails management plan. Members of the public may appeal activity level decisions, to the Interior Board of Land Appeals in accordance with 43 CFR 4.4. The BLM preferred alternative for the trails management plan consists of Alternative B, highlighted in Table ES-Z. Refer to the full text version of the draft trails management plan and draft environmental impact statement for a complete (and therefore more accurate) description of each trails alternative. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES A summary of the anticipated impacts of each of the alternatives for the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan and the trails management plan is presented in tables ES-3 and ES-4 respectively. Refer to the full text of version of this document for a complete description of potential impacts. THE COLLABORATIVE PLANNING PROCESS Throughout this planning process, the BLM has strived to create an open planning process, such that opportunities for public input are not be limited to the minimum requirements set ti Page ES-8 ` !rj r1 i j } t , Executive Summary by the BLM planning regulations and National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). This planning process has also been deliberately designed to engage and involve local government, state agencies, other federal agencies, and Indian tribes to a very high level. � i , The Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment and trails management plan are being developed in partnership with the local jurisdictions, State and Federal agencies, and private interests, in tandem with the multi jurisdictional Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 7 Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). There have been numerous public meetings since 1996, held jointly with the CVMSHCP, to discuss development of the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment and trails management plan. Policy Action Group meetings are being conducted monthly as part of the joint CDCA Plan Amendment/CVMSHCP planning effort. The Policy Action Group meetings are regularly attended by representatives of local jurisdictions, Native American Tribes, State and Federal government agencies, private interest groups and citizens. Numerous additional meetings and working group sessions were held to focus on issues of particular interest, such as development of a trails management plan and public input on inventories of motorized vehicle routes. tj The BLM initiated government-to-government consultation with Indian Tribes by letter in November of 2000. This letter invited Native American participation and comment in the planning process. In March of 2002, as the planning document evolved and potential land management actions became more clearly defined, a second letter was sent to update tribes and to continue government-to-government consultation. Letters were sent to the following i Tribes:Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Augustine Band of Mission Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, Cahuilla Band of Indians, Colorado River Indian Tribes, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Los Coyotes Band of Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Ramona Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians, Torres-Martinez Band of Desert Cahuilla Indians, and Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Follow-up discussions were conducted with representatives of the Agua Caliente, Augustine, Morongo, and Fort Mojave groups. The Bureau of Land Management also requested a record search of the sacred lands files of the Native American Heritage Commission. JBLM has been informally consulting with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game since 1996 as the Draft CDCA Plan Amendment/EIS was being developed in coordination with the CVMSHCP Plan. Formal consultation for the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment will be initiated June, 2002, BLM is also in consultation with the California State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) under the 1998 State Protocol Agreement between the California State Director of the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) and the California State Historic Preservation Office. An early notification and invitation to participate in identification of issues was submitted to the SHPO's office in September of 2001. BLM met with the State Historic Preservation Officer in Sacramento in February, 2002 to facilitate consensus between the agencies on the approach � ) taken to address cultural resources under the plan amendment. During the meeting, BLM briefed the SHPO staff on the planning effort and presented a proposal for,completing field inventory in support of the planning effort. This proposal was submitted formally to SHPO on March 25, 2002. BLM will submit draft and final plans to SHPO for review and comment. 1 Page ES-9 Executive Summary Page ES- 10 NN ti eA.* e- ative aLiu ; w WIdattdSoenrc:RvePs Wild and Scenic Rivers A total of EO<3 miles of riversementsn 8LM managetl lands were tourt�al�giblA foY inelsion mto the No recommendations would be Nationa!Zyild and Scenic Riper Systerii Those river segments rnclUde portions of Whttawater Canyon - made at this time. Mrssro�i-Greek channel and Palm Can or BLM managett"river segrtlents m Little and Big Mflrdf1go - Cartytrds andIh'itewater tanyDn sauth se of Bonnie eellwere+asssed_and cfetefnrned fb be�neligible for, 1nG1rJSiE1_n = - _ _ - Visual Resource Management Visual Resource Management Vlstial Resource Itilana emarrt(Vf3M)classification§wauldfi as igrid as,ollows `(. Wildernesa as.URM No VRM classifications would be C3as I { ACECS and tha;Santa Rosa ancf San Jaoirto ttloUntains N14raaTlo-numentS=Classeaegeg assigned at this time. Wilderness ftrn4vtfde rt ss vnfi in th`e?rt of�Ement) {SPB1:1v1 managed lands vttfFtin GtIMSHQP eonseNatian areas, er- '— k would be managed consistent stor�uintl Energy fa litierts,an sarYrl anel graveY mm ng,srtes 5>y12ss { rBLlvj rrfanagettl+lands ssoci�ted with VRM Class 1 objectives. witty eisfr€fghanrl futu€e developrnnt o#;rrt lnd�nergy faciNtres antl safrd#end grauel minirtsites,as Glassy 5}Rerrramtng BLIif mahatded lands-oilier=than lhdse ip the fE t}bv rla r area as Class ,anti NECS overlap arawould reinairr unassrgnedr 11, LaYrd4Healthn5tancfards` :Fk, Land Health Standards h Arirjpi'regionaf3ancl ealth standards AddcE.ssing Boils nat Adopt the National Fallback and ater quality -These regional land+hdaith sSandarcis wouldjapply taa�l 3> IGl7anm and'-programs,and Standards for use as regional wotllti5e irxtplementedt#rrctighterntsarriondrt#ons of pni erri>its Ieas�saalrotdrauthoYlzafrons actfQrss, land health standards, addressing in ken rn aocordanewith �L(A"sll�tnwd Ezseians soils, riparian/wetland, stream p function and native species. Air Quality Management Strategy RAirality Manaoe Air Quality Management Strategy 1) Install sand fencing to reduce 1SRt1Uce fhetnum�dT bf, rpyetl � vtnrdrit�u Authorized uses would be in PM10 emissions and maintain reGe3of5` " 3 ,t conformance with the Coachella Valle PM10 State habitat for sand dependent )1��ragehU�tai�thbrize rs p D t e p4Ftga ieso y species; xd awa ;frt�ifi sera y ed ft Implementation Plan 2) Authorized uses would be in } Ista1 nadfemo*rrdtI �e ,isEon� 7n�1InatSrrt conformance with the CoachellaorstE�epesfenls�p� bi' s�'y a ';trgt Valley PM10 State4t�glie [scscvo}iltta IririTAN rti?-wi[h� � " � Implementation Plan P tartp�II I e[�yy i .' ,�\h1 !^1 1 F Executive Summary Page ES- 11 KNEW Mt�otsefassifcat on ;, Multiple Use Classification Multiple Use Classification _C assify fderness areas as Glass ' ° ( ontrofle isej Class fy Same as Alternatives A-B except BLM multiple-use classifications ;PLT7lrrnanged lands+rrlthi>{conservtfonTaS and;outside wiltiemess no Class"I" lands would be would remain unchanged. <a9 1as 'L LcmitectAisej GA sift' LM1lmana ed'I�nd outside designated. or�serv01zb - reas us Class Ivl'" (Moderate"Use ClasstfyBL,tut =htat�edtdnds w�tYrtt deslgna�ed off hag�iway vehicle open areas,ands_; �cisfm�s_andargravel la rnIn�tg areaaGss" I (4terasive_ fe Habitat Conservation ObjectivesHabitat Conservation Obiectives ' �'g _w Same as Alternative D. �tat�ltsh Gaseryatl3t�`cfJl�ctns bd$ e fll4aViLtg haI#a}tie Guidelines provided in the CDCA j'It�`sfartd`�v�es and sant`f�c�s;�(��, &"k� r�brt;dritsmuniites,{3�� Plan, as amended would be used 5dprIfSiYtuiiit es,"( j drh, rtSrnurttdr5 mesh to determine allowable uses grnxain jmtie; ( drywas W�dfa stjui)ec4lrti it es { within conservation areas. Fire Management x s; -;= t Fire Management Same as Alternative D. 7 rce M nagement C-6ted6i,i A j }t i i t3t�ariauiii s s No habitats would be categorized 3vfiKf�eoul nct be tlesit s r ie„ at this time. Manage fire in FRe Ma a r(eniCate�ory B r .eifeg ta#io cai sm ltOb 3 accordance with CDCA Plan ACe ate 1I�� re'N7ilditre fsf#s�drtxt5 �q e t Y' Z (1980, as amended) and the afkadi scrub„ l rna sh (41wd wish o " rTr P nycn juniper, District-wide Fire Management �vvoa ilah�l art�l. esgwtean8 dip' rafeas hrescretl feat Plan. be utifzed 3s`arssrurcemaa nef oIxn +erySelect situetions, or exatnple kc1 effectively mrfa^y olt etiafir FfEyManagerr}gnt Category (i �,�odfatis anal fdres�t ormunilles� gd(�S chapaarraprY,reJ2t8a5rivk��ra n ldlarld fire i[nt lucf[ng,drtescnbact burntn9)�ri �3 i sub o f ,dP af�aN�'�irxg�cons�raints �}�"Ma�Tfi`a� e e�ifS ' `lifer' �sr��ei;�r, (gsjratl4illuseand, rrontnob t * �v !� oantiai - „Ua eficial ar gtl Verse eftects,ors lxr a r�daplert d,Recies �,�iat3 estied�al[y endemrc 3"pecv �a„t* ot�n��l'�xs' �ue �df�c'�s`to s1,9(Itijjcdn2 or;setrsittv�e c`tai hetYtr�t�>yes�ss � sronrota.ttrps��,pdtE�fnwtl� " s�'�Yih ra'mt��r�f�e i� I!e 1 N Executive Summary Page ES- 12 Soec !krea flesipnattons Special Area Designations Special Area Desianations Special Area Designations DaszgnatBt NI managed#ar�is Include Dos Palmas CVMSHCP Designate BLM-managed lands No BLM-managed lands would be v$ItiimitUMSHCP conservation sub-area in the Dos within the CVMSHCP given additional designations t onservatigrl aromas whigtrare Palmas ACEC. Designate Upper conservation areas, and outside beyond those currently listed in tsutsJd8Wdting ACECs Mission Creek conservation sub- existing ACECs, Wilderness the CDCA Plan as amended and th/tlderriess Ateas,Nationat s area as an ACEC. Designate Areas and National Monuments those established by law. 1Atznur ' s and teewat remaining BLM-managed lands as the Coachella Valley ACEC. Existing ACEC boundaries shall irttorcfiaRes m thetECQ =' within the CVMSHCP remain unchanged. uerlaparea ashe�oachela conservation areas and outside Val /tltlltf l Labitai ACECs and existing Wilderness Management Area�WHMA� Areas and National Monuments cisttnECFboundaries01d w as the Coachella Valley WHMA. rema�rrunc�lar�? d ,.y .�Cv:t r� •;, i"i " hl ! .,ti �s#�' y lam"^"+. c3"e`r=�. Land Tenure: aLrttt�Tenue )=xchanp�t* a1ad Land Tenure: Exchange&Sale Criteri Exchange&Sale Criteria Same as Alternative D. pribliofiershipLand dsftnga at �a�riensati Public land disposal will be a M� nt Ya r S.t't t' tir& wr J r• {„ fi`-a-' i€ s =., }t£)revouldyPacilatafpafieGtw3� #[GerraCemrtt7 considered on a case-by-case aY - .0 'iS 1 F .L1Y W r1` S1 e �etvafto�tt�re�ds,��,>�oor��t �e�l �xJn�dictits��j,�m basis in accordance with the @rfAitltYf oa]� ea° flri f � iteCU�fi, ; k CDCA Plan (1980 as amended). a�gGti3enting€I;pt'abGc�rwrfEtsh! " ��s al raa,� did��[,lnt ��eP : Class C, L and I lands may be Usek ,a (r�] r,sahft 3e ar ?) re errtgp �6r exchanged, but not sold. �.ra�a"'halt+tatt�pas3frar�rear�ser��^�c� �rat��t�o�'t�t� osa'�ot . P sr.; fi b10>i s n prop ale tr t�33 f i�; weep fa��rtrari er 4 �Nat��e�k rlpa�zTribes of I��iv�Ar��aag�ltistd�ici5ropa�t`ies;antl't6) ��Jot�Iim�nat+yasignitlo'�rSt;P�t�tSJic�c�e��F - 3 Land Tenure:Acquisition Criteria 6ar€t4Tr3nure` baowstfiotYS t(terlan Land Tenure: Acquisition Criteria Same as Alternative D. f cgyrsit otl`3 ro szsals tv�tght eet tb alJg01 "wntt _j%ay.be Acquisitions would be considered costc(eretrF 1; ,)3gagttltaltd o ty tl 4tg91lersntTy, f 'e,�cogrdinated d on a case-by-case basis in 1Mtltie Ina(juPis�liCcSna',x3 ti �taaq' la� eY lI accordance with the CDCA Plan cisivatlonrQ9 d �;,e >tarea; 1980 as amended. Executive Summary Page ES- 13 a fiurlim =Manarewent 6YAcduired and.FormerluCNittSdrat*m Lands Management of Acquired and Lends a qutretl b purchase z(onatton ortantls removed trom;witbdr wal status shalt a-mar!' Ndj�n - Formerly Withdrawn Lands acggrdar ee with the CDCA Plan as amended and=tfis applicable landanti mineralL aw --pon assuarvW61' Acquired and formerly withdrawn art oper�ir g grder publ shed�n 3he�derdt Register_Lands located,witfiin the bobadarres otAGECs or any lands are subject to applicable gttter area having an adrnmtstrat ye tlesination estakUsk�ditirougl thelandxus'e{tlanrnngsrocess shall = land and minerals laws when an kectaritfl�Sart at tha;area wtthrn-whh theyate located attd rrtanagataccorfnc�lyupoYt issuance offhe _` opening order is issued and 4pernngjaPrter = published in the Federal Register Communication Sites & Utilities Ulm,Ulm, lfll I ii '+ Communication Sites & Utilities Communication Sites & Utilities Rights-of-way for new andimdpekduetgpfnen �vgltl*6e ` No new communication sites nor Rights-of-way for new windparks, renewals of windparks, permtttdirtt, estgnated'ateas ,k windparks within CVMSHCP renewals of existing windparks, communications sites, and anri,rlwd e"swit#nn exiatmg conservation areas. Renewals communications sites, and' utilities would be considered ootr,tytuntc'aatis`ites on a space ' would be considered on a case- utilities will be considered on a within conservation areas, if avatfabe basis,constsYentirth by-case basis consistent with space available basis in f , habitat conservation objectives fiabitatopnaer tat7q+kr pbae�fives habitat conservation objectives. conformance with CDCA Plan, as could be met using appropriate usrli ,ap}}profina4e ligation ` Retire inactive windpark sites. amended. mitigation measures.. mdast�res Propgsedtllities Proposed utilities within wlthr� esrgnas�(oarnda"rsand designated utility corridors and within cgrtservatarn,aieas maybe+, within conservation areas may be LOnsitl4Nedloansi�"trtitivth considered, consistent with the haitata"eseryatrati abtegtives r habitat conservation objectives. Sand and Graving Mining r5aftd antl Graveftyinng- Sand and Gravel Mining Sand and Gravel Mining Saleable mineral materialttfrin donsrat�on areas�'mtntng BLM lands within the CVMSHCP Saleable mining actions would be extraction would be allowed wo bexrestricted tq StaYer conservation areas would be considered on a case-by-case within CVMSHCP conservationdicnatrtrer�l,resourge closed to saleable mineral basis in accordance with the areas and outside of Areas of ports;artd maybe aflgwedrf material extraction. CDCA Plan (1980 as amended). Critical Environmental Concern if 'h %bitatCps'Yl3tior{objctives r habitat conservation objectives ?ahlltet {)utsidFte, could be met. c �, tc�rraareas�r�mlpgrrtay- tre, :` si��eU�erine'ihtbnYv�ith ' W Executive Summary Page ES- 14 ,1 s 1 ra: Liyes#CEltat2zmtf: _ Livestock Grazing Livestock Grazing Livestock Grazing Drscorifmwe g�azrngm Wh t Retire that portion of the Retire the entire Whitewater Current management of the water Ca you allotment perldin z Whitewater Canyon grazing Canyon grazing allotment. Whitewater Canyon grazing 0 mpief ofrofa stud Vithm the = allotment north of the San allotment as provided in the rre3it lrsFrat_assesses_ LL Bemardino/Riverside County CDCA Plan, as amended. lives o fc�g axing r ompatibtlity Line. Adjust season of use and vatj�[s O Ninrua grazing capacity accordingly. sgesids'g gparrawvalue- and iW a�+;ea�Ea ir�te�mgigled private Gars 1TPp�t-s Yp-gmpl9 ivR, odnd tol.,SPA analysis of altar naf MV P391en6ed is conserve rtd ,' .provide Fmr ttrese values -, e�rns�at�rtt with tie,study issue a grazir#g€Tee ion ati implem:e its eom fife rr ana`emerd ANssan On = Y h u it k�'w� W, m Wild Horse and Burro Program if�iHorsf3uand 6 ii rrcoIP,rti r r Wild Horse and Burro Program Wild Horse and Burro Program Retain Palm Canyon and tjFY a & ol Retire Palm Canyon and Retain Palm Canyon and Morongo Herd Management Area x ` parcels n{ Morongo HMAs. Remove Morongo and Herd Management (HMA) designations. Maintain existing animals from BLM- Areas (HMA)designations. levels set in accordance with �dq(I 6 wiR24E d managed lands. Levels set at six and 16 animals, current CDCA Plan, as amended kf E won 4e trahssfe�re�t,p, respectively in accordance with Establish Palm Canyon HMA as a the Agua C`alrett#�Trih§ tatarftl .. current CDCA Plan, as amended. grazing allotment for branded such nge iul adcard+anGeVOIth'ihe horses. Mlw7rriYmeftrtAtaof2QA0ti'd u �xtsti)tgi�,tt5�f t allow RMMg f ftgdv�de�,m'�r��ge�ment�a s�s'tart�„a fgr htr�ses�Yah fritjat,CanrlSr.., f� l Executive Summary Page ES- 15 :• m s e x ' Motorized-Vehicle xr Motorized-Vehicle Motorized-Vehicle tkMo��nzed �e�iufA „ Area Designations Feaaesign3fins Area Designations Area Designations Designate Indio Hills, Drop 31, dy Point south of Highway No new area closures nor off- Windy Point, and Iron Door as Cprt�Syr�aa rrr 111 would be designated highway vehicle open areas areas"open"to motorized ecrrrlanc �ob�ectrves }'r. "closed." Indian Avenue Preserve would be established at this time. vehicles. Manage Drop 31 in otitl,'t, et7rt51 o _�}tf tie% wT Y and Willow Hole-Edom Hill would Existing area closures within the accordance with objectives r!}IeGaprvporalReOatrd[{I r,I be designated"closed." All other Big Morongo Canyon ACEC, and outlined below for thet�riage {Aa Wind Fottit BLM-managed public lands Dos Palmas ACEC would remain Management Area.Special Indianration F p �Gl sed T o within the CVMSHCP unchanged. Wilderness areas are J dPari V4 conservation areas and outside closed to casual motorized- Avenue Preserve and Willowisr� P�$Ngaandi�lo 3fi1' existing area closures would vehicle use by statute. w,�a, y5'na,,lF wrz°ui e � �is rf`r r� ,4d�' Hole-Edom Hill would be Edl„ �IcrnLW�UCie? rl remain as "limited:' designated"closed:' Outside I�r� igdfFf, existing area closures, all otherd2ea public lands within the CVMSHCP conservation areas would remain r t9esrgnated dosed," Ail o'her r +;. 'limited:' LLfrt3ndub�ralard ° cagserv'�tigGlt�x�as end�rutside 3� y�a��tir�gra�¢fo�ures�x�i°oaltl + �r vrv+ ih pk i� Y�'� ��.�4i ✓ i Um60 AcrEedtrdra arvr rgr tt th U* Ift3Sthial ] Ititi�htbfPS F ��,hTc��e f�ee�Sl�yareanbr�h pf �_; �Iriter�t��ela �n��as��Qf:D11i�n, Ratat ""q"yrfed?ancCsEasad #µ "oetkle antip �slnity fat v' r Executive Summary Page ES- 16 i ~ rj U-M ternatcve tna eve 7 a i c't�on Motorized-Vehicle Access: Motorized-Vehicle Access: Motorized-Vehicle Access: x , *,s L r, Route Designations 'Rnu'��J]�s�iin"a�ions � ;, ��y,,; Route Designations Route Designations 71 miles of existing routes outside wjes ofUtes�Vuou13 be F T 25 miles of routes would be Motorized-vehicle access would areas closed to casual motorized- bkNt designated open. Maintain the continue on 71 miles of existing vehicle use would be designatedei3i�ta;�oservatio[ , F} public route network as needed routes outside existing area as"open." Maintain the public and seek legal access across closures. route network as needed and � �ag�m�ent�str�tegy� private land parcels from willing seek legal access across private f�dtldriYr�Qtite whiCliavlo*uldpt3a sellers in areas needed to Maintain the public route network land parcels from willing sellers in maintain the route network. as needed and seek legal access d3'..a J a k K ..a ail a r Ny tJ areas designated for public 'Ar,tp;#c�M 0� road��r�,velbrt�Rutt�lc�A Manage vehicle access in the across private land parcels from recreation. Manage vehicle landoUl�rioYbe, Ilawed Dunn Road area in a manner that willing sellers in areas designated access in the Dunn Road area iitY�,ders t�rlet�d, opera f s c��iL" allows routes to naturally reclaim for public recreation. Manage primarily for administrative + 3 eaS orUr fl, -1 s r K a*;;; over time. Where the routes are vehicle access in the Dunn Road purposes such as flood control oadskesdithe JndiQ 1r tJahi3 *L passable, allow administrative area for administrative purposes law enforcement, search and rpnitprnSftigh wguJd pe, ,r ;Y vehicle access for flood control, such as flood control, law rescue,fire control, and permitted cicrseyd ` u ar "r ` law enforcement, search and enforcement, search and rescue, uses such as research and rescue, and fire control. fire control, research and commercial recreation, subject to r i f, �ut,,a4iq'rorffa�7te c�r � commercial recreational uses. k private landowner permission. d 9c'cwesrtlY s tK %i c��t�e��a� gels' ri� il k' t r�dtlti lnisfratrVMpu, is phhsk�f000ntral,lam E, �arrd�"�r�ecalitrbl,tas�wel ��v"�>,�� n fCecf i§IfM errni�te tdo ercla,grepreat o s Cf c p i a eat ilb'n p r ssio� ' '. of tF'r�ro ✓a ��rc, P ° � ,,�£ ti ,;, Istthg,'gate�;wbuld�b�+`a„ ^��Ea:F Executive Summary Page ES- 17 4 ift rri %nair,� drDGnn Roa'ty�rld Mraew 9ateswcruTrUe knstalled,o pceel�liip�C�aiiltdnzedac�e"ssS + f�n�i5 h9 F#� 'ik� FCizd+1'2 y. f�' b �I'ari'd,�o�tl�hs�df,br'r � � ,'�iy, s xFtoadr � : F. i1 64 9 r�{YLk b ff0�R1 F�Oy �"dLCI U.P'E �.- a i sung gn sfireep pbp�atra€�scovbr $N t1EM atlenYStp3fl2Se T[r3fJ i�� `d`v�lu�£�cfaatthat#iine< PX1, rt#btl`lisb Mg lncttl �mltdd s reTIP a shkakb `crbaRrdnpldss asae Svt Ada ands c�5rr�'#�trancb��rith thrs"�ar�is�P a _ , ', Fifo© 1akapflcshbilitotid rt 0�rareaconal5ebbss z' Wtlicl ntdn#E ed tb tF e falH 11r{t��3t1f1i`b#3t} Y��Iff�83t]' i i §gas ttr lie rsrted would �des��gn�d tO�bNbr�cdttt��ci5auvith accs'�#ai�ds�"�"ers ar�dG� � a e�gibs ir�a�ia� tb�n�t d4 t��o�g�arigbi c�fitNu �rar�twitl� �enaf�nd,cc�itron��basbt�te�pctn apf�io ti iL�l'ap�rr�bh bk rpnraty . Img,obbheC� ces day h , ,a�Ih�(tFlZbd�� Th'YIF V� V r M1 Executive Summary Page ES- 18 airoe'A � e . fi e B o�ctra Special Recreation Mgt Area � #5$erationvfgt'tr £r Special Recreation Mat.Area Special Recreation Mat. Area Establish the Meccacopia SRMA Establish the Meccacopia SRMA No SRMA would be designated at which includes the Mecca Hills , aCnd#d�ii{niYfS which includes the Mecca Hills this time. Management would and Orocopia Mountains ., I 't �[I# � { i and Orocopia Mountains continue based on existing uses Wildernesses, Drop 31 "open" !5trnl$lifr ' b, Wildernesses, and Red Cloud and designations. r rtl+ rry area, and Red Cloud Mine Road taUi lttg zciY � cOnTroti�tg : Mine Road. Develop a Develop a management strategy armr#ai i n adil ti0ta1+'�taetk,h management strategy through through preparation of a iur, etta limtYer ueh�clbr k preparation of a management management plan which protectscet " ottrage"blgfiaTrU plan which protects wilderness wilderness values, and enhances Sheep frgr ttsirg the G©ache la values, and enhances quality of quality of motorized and non- aha arl�dt afnirnr igsonfVKE�icts motorized and non-motorized motorized vehicle recreation. ittt3fga +rehicfet+sers {';` vehicle recreation. Close areas Lielopm, tufater �urcS where vehicle use is significantly iwtlderdess areas wotjld bee limiting or preventing wildlife � �etfiml>s aractc "`"` access to water. El i1r36t� SYat�std in t �Ny�P�f�aµjrtArrp�pl�gC'Jxpz�?'�♦1�N`; • n51Uq �I I le n;mea°popd`a OnfaEn tay% fP [ deue1opd ;. ha�ed}ot �n�at�rs�s and=a rv�f*,r ofrtesrdcif"eproposas.ir€ -. �'C�l'd�SutYa�lo�S�S+JI�h'��a� Retxeal bnr Stoppi io Parking anVekicle Camoino '`{ z c Recreation: Stooping. Parking, Recreation: Stopping, Parking. *`Stdp ing p�ftcmg antEvewor dar gint�twqul�dx �;allawed within PODk and Vehicle Camping:would be and Vehicle Camping efm �oenierTine of,an appy4��t �a4teclilw�erfelaCe yy �I� allowed within 300 feet from the Stopping, parking, and vehicle centerline of an approved route camping would be allowed within Th�rssecetiarxappLes is aEt attdatrues �lVli" re su�IUernes except within ACECs and 300 feet of a route of travel T7ounIa"�ese cotncttlenilwFfhapprouea#ouies, iopprng,parktt!g, s'° conservation areas where the except within ACECs where the a1ei�lecarn67 pti��ratirmin`cairasir�a of wd2xness boriitddty limit would be 30 feet for stopping limit would be 100 feet. 71 1 and parking. No camping within rfi CVMSHCP conservation areas.. e Executive Summary Page ES- 19 s A ernat- ��ctron a • .PenmsuYat Ianbes 8rphorn Sheen Recra ery Strateav Adopt azecvverystta#egyfnr Peninsular tanges bighorn sl eep ftabttatonBU administered public lairds As gait gf ihafsffategy the-#ollowrng;- `arecipmVerime alrern'airves'_ AGGlptr , or exctrahge i quireoac kkighc1 sheep Plabitat frort Yai({rnt f8tidnwrt8rs arragarrcraft acirX}trey toFsduce or elimma#e habitat#ragrtmentafioril of interfiecence,with bghom sheep resourcevse pattms A'norkrng groupzfhebasert ManagetsYoup has'been;estabtished_tpaddrgss Interagercgbbbrdrnatrgn issues on an or}gorng basis �T�vetg;�apd rmplemen�edueaCan»sr�d put,xlrcawareltesaQrogr�ms� k - ' F#sduc M-airr unate wtldlho sepopulatjorls, & bighorn sheep babatat • rrrplerr enis€ire managernerit glair;m fire ada to habitat robe{pj Yarri3�TnJ�igfirim hbep tra rtat Manag roatl use to reduce srehr itrtate habitat f a'gmentat onbr inte e�enc tKti h bighprit sheep restivrce use Patterns + r Pat icrp_ate in$he clevetopm rit of an iititeragenpyytratls management plaLrr fdDho Santal osa andSan Jacinto Mountains The goal of this trails managemern RI2n would be=to provide tpFreasn iablg flpporturrtied f0;f t2eteatibhll tYdauae i✓hil fa0_,ilrtetrng recovery trf Peninsular Ranges brghotr#sheep Actronsdevaloped thrcrGgh this trarlsplan would lie sublot ttt change thrciugh a mvltunsdietrisnal adaptrv�managerrrent and n nnTin€ing rttgram Untrt the twarls ts#an rsFf nallzedr the terms of th4f,iktterimrbfningrca)ealtaation#Iled WrtYtthe I!S Fish and Wrldl fe Serorne on farctary 1, D01,a_nd as amended�on FgbruarYS,Y2DQ1_ip reflect tiesignatir9R of cntroafhabdat„X✓puld appfys Bighorn Sheep Recovery BrphoFn Sheen Iecbuery n Bighorn Sheep Recovery Bighorn Sheen Recovery Strata (coat.) hxSattatepY;�(gnnt ,+ r� 1- �Fe fs 1 �t i, Strategy(coat.) 1']trafe (cont.) Approach recovery by _rbad}i lbdtierylby ;r Approach recovery by Continuation of current ern hasizin restoration of natural rpasl yrag redUetrbn m nvafal) t emphasizing natural processes management in accordance with P 9 resources that support the fins ti#distticbarlce4drskfnbufed with very limited management the CDCA Plan (1980, as sheep's basic physical and a eqt itatiCs Qossrb{ abjossl intervention, except to provide amended). biological needs. Make public E {Iland useS'aYtl to}stin j- a more water. Continue efforts to control lands available for testing other rriasteso address I�vels ©f` A Concentrate efforts to provide tamarisk. Artificial waters may y 41� W� 1 F I. �l Y IMIk measures if they are proposed by :,martaht trdxvgrhehf I�ppula�fott, ; additional water sources on be considered on a case-by- the USFWS or CDFG. 'wtilse� ;irdrtiginore esuubges5tp : public lands through installation case basis * 1 - Fence construction may be Maintain existing water sourcessp titeksfieeps�tfa >ca i 4;, of artificial waters. Y and provide additional water C w kd�breal'tes'Shl ' Construct fences across public considered on a case-by-case sources using methods that lands to exclude bighorn sheep basis. restore natural sources (e.g atttlp oa r a al from urban area when public Research and monitoring tamarisk removal). Installation4b{cIhCls� 4� 4' ;; lands are a small but proposals maybe considered of artificial waters would not be t lai�k{lrng iva* K°w Wu7dT ^ necessary part of completing a on a c lands -case basis. F C YA F considered until restoration r� �( t3l " r s'b`�SYce" � �`� ,�_ fence across other ownerships. � Public lands may be �\ efforts are substantially epp~ OD ` �#i h+& `. ' Research and monitoring considered for reintroduction, complete. " ai' j(if dQ activities would be allowed. augmentation, or predator Construct fences to exclude artr�ic{ t a Review and analysis would be control after analysis and bighorn sheep from areas orrrS � iJcaY[lysdl e on a case-by case basis, public comment. Executive Summary Page ES-20 7dandae � Sn�' �r "`-.emswhich mays urban )off!lions btwebnl +g U2 , 4 :., contingent on the following sources of fater. parameters: (a) Nomorethan Permit reseities that * Got{sfe by er eesRWt bkdlud X 15 sheep would be captured on require helic andb+ �iomYseep frpm; f�WOb� ,�rt9T: the BLM lands; (b) No captures direct handling or contact with PE�2kh ite-t hetg#s lbar ey+d rfr a =,; would be allowed in designated sheep, in consultation with �txftetaz ar?d neieaddr ,a x Wilderness Areas on BLM land. USFWS and CDFG. (1) @C,T-er )RUt#f s7aeeP l iCo s (c) No Iambs would be helicopter use would be e�elQp��r6an areae,�r�t, captured during the lambing allowed during lambing season N 1"noe 0e ju water" g ** season on BLM land to reduce and in BLM wilderness areas, jo uRt3eF disturbance to ewes and Iambs (2) helicopters would be $ p�opo during the lambing season. (d) routinely used to retrieve dead 'BfM wseefe to red4Ge F t +M " ' No more than 5 dead sheep sheep and Iambs during and �r p tske�sul iolfrp�fafl�an would be retrieved by outside the lambing seasonxss+n41 clttYlhg tra+rtrse; k f helicopter from the BLM lands instead of relying primarily on during the lambing season ground searches, and (3) Nfuse pt titycorndoi$ (January 1 -June 30). theoretical/academic research ` c rnmuatrbn sites! y�iarieYy a Consider permitting predator e ic would be allowed, including ;�°� casua�uses and:fesearc�� control on public lands only manipulative methods that " te afoanenYionedrirai� with substantial evidence tying included intensional Nil O'dill fan irtplUtles pv r` significant bighorn sheep disturbances. ; morerletailed strategyto+ a ,; m predation losses to an Prepare an annual report i we ur nde individual animal. ffiP describin the results of ° $h , dasue 4i5c(�`w Y Make public lands available for bighorn sheep monitoring and }�er� jdra�Fuses N Th[s reintroduction and research activities on public aICt� R pin,arendirient t* s augmentation activities. Work land to support adaptive Onz veth ( in consultation with USFWS management, enhance S k AccdA rich inclut)e I s and CDFG. understanding of human/sheep of snotonaetl ehrcle�rse interactions, understand habitat rr ifrAI fidin '[os d'pt;ti'rn+tedi , relationships, understand iccessafgfFCertain rautesF z ,; predator.relationships, and PR muttgd'usas Would he clarity factors affectingasObfect)ta`er#u+ronrrisntel population trends. fijdwitlSbnftYl rhane5ei1}V� \ . Make public lands available for =�e hablfatapseat+o �M r4 4 predator control if proposed byw ctitf;PeYab)rSftetl USFWS and CDFG. Make public lands available for wWell esdangered'spY - Executive Summary Page ES-21 m a Je Sum a. a me e *; Ef.V 'L` IDfJ t �rnaYiveA, � tern ae�� e ' 3h ., reintroduction and pon�dltattoiT under th ,r augmentation activities, in rg'ndangete�i Species Act tf the consultation with USFWS and t se wcu[d,li-ely result to a ttsay CDFG. aiteot deYeYtn Battond btghd�tt yS��iy��dpyyy,�or��i�icalh//yyabttat Nc3 �� ^iT,`�Df}y��lU(1rC'c}t16T1�51te5`rJra�lrlg"x{,x.', w xall(itr�silts 'ofutility�c ir.r! << z sp4 p�opasedrth'roligh3 e "aru�e �e�ra'�tin�i �xalB�nbt Mtttii9hti � t�tr k VAS w�ry ed �.en ��, an. �E r morto� sPt�pcsals a` dO atttt alrepdrCcescribtn tb�� . r - a rrp yra'�atx is ry w� '#, '"r�`TM*��,#"a Yt�cSr'thg��a'Gd��esea�ah' srrr; qk 18T1t1r O � k`'- �14 r"�,�p�drC�rYfte�rectov�d�r"o#thg� �� the 't`�eriis�md+pr+3�,os��sr��la �f�o Y�sear��o*f�,publ��land�rrta��„ 1 s�'�^�:I ��ttole,ot �I�tunta)n�kan�pra'daftbrs=; , i Executive Summary Page ES-22 r ;'il� ad -dii r s r �i 4�4i s il;i:. #nr4tertYrtrrrtighRDltir { d,}+{*rar'n�es,�f�hrgftorn�streepr a�f31 dMelQp3appro�rja#e is ;_�I�rl�gern,�en�d�l3roR�,�atw8�rY�.._' H }��rr �ar4 and P1r Caayonh rk�vtr a i SIB& bFG3`#�' dvloAlon =tasa#DIY lost"' rytC e(fti �nessfic�f 1Fk IGiitldlUGill��n}l AZ j ry'yJ a �� y �� ,�s,�t�rryl�ra�isao�t`7r1;4e�grr' '' so �fa#r`I ,I `durn +: - ',t;'-, = y �ilmrBr i ues#nan Taris; � " € ,h " i$ F5 f G Hiking Biking &Equestrian Trails tr Vkt '" � Non-motorized uses of the public an { e�rnents acrovb[idk7ne�aaldrnaan wt#t«r �p�zer ftFtF31icTpcalurrsccts, t o t Fedar,44 genc�ea�r de P aaY aF c ut d sa d€� bt1 ! d rie fe � ra lands and development of new erconneete i=t afl i X e o c t jl all } a'ri � o id�r i[t r©� *Rl�irt rasa zstf€ trails would be allowed, in a � I fair# accordance with Federal law and i 1h(1C dands;C4tt th n nl� h u y m �fd rt ee�id to, rotesny#^ s RrFtrtf� I t omen rr2 �ala ee� regulation. au Per yv a,i{rr a l�r + �{E ' "� 'IiMe ' ' - i• �� rver s �e elopadrh coor kb r n ! -- -� �h •� 1. gab �� d . YI V Page ES-23 Executive Summary tML�- 7 Table_ 'ES.-Z:� sdinrna'ry 6f Trolls,Mana gerneni Play Alternatives , Alternative.A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D:No Action Trail Use Trail Use Trail Use Trail Use Individuals would be requested Trail use within Seasonal Trail Major trails in essential sheep All trails would be open year- to voluntarily not use selected Areas would be prohibited from habitat would be closed Jan. 1 to round for non-motorized activities. trails within essential habitat Jan. 15 to June 30, except for June 30. Trails near sheep from Feb.15 to Sept. 30. the Art Smith and Boo Hoff watering sources would also be Other trails within essential Trails which would be available closed from July 1 to Sept. 30. sheep habitat would be 2 days per week from Jan. 15 available year-round.Trails to Feb. 16 and May I to June outside sheep habitat would be 0 30. Such use of Art Smith open year-round would discontinue upon Trail use would be monitored completion of the Palm Desert to La Quinta connector trail. Trails near sheep watering sources will be closed from July I to Sept. 30. Use of self-issue free permits at major trail heads would be required from Oct. I to Jan.14 Trails outside sheep habitat would be open year-round. The Seasonal Trail Area closures would be phased in, as new perimeter trails are constructed, and not to exceed nine years. Sheep ambassadors would continue to provide trail monitoring and outreach to trail users. The trails management plan would be reviewed annually and adjusted by mutual consent of the Trails Management Executive Summary Page ES-24 atives 701A "Summary6f an' a n Alternative A Alternative B Alternativo C Alternative D:No Action Cross-Country Travel Cross-Country Travel Cross-Country Travel Cross-Country Travel Individuals would be requested to Cross-country travel would be Cross-country travel would be Cross-country travel would be voluntarily refrain from cross- prohibited in essential sheep prohibited year-round in essential allowed year-round. country travel in essential sheep habitat from Jan.15 to Sept. 30, sheep habitat. habitat from Feb.15 to Sept.30. Camping camping Camping Camping Individuals would be requested to Camping would be prohibited in Camping would be prohibited Camping would be allowed year- voluntarily refrain from camping in essential sheep habitat from Jan. year-round in essential bighorn round. essential sheep habitat from Feb. 15 to Sept.30. Campers would sheep habitat. 15 to Sept. 30, except along trails be required to obtain a free-use not subject to the voluntary trail permit from Oct. 1 to Jan. 14. avoidance program. No camping Camping would be prohibited within 1/4 mile of water sources. within 1/4 mile of water sources. Doqs Dogs Dogs Dogs Same as Alternative A In essential sheep habitat, dogs Same as Alternative A. Dogs would be allowed, subject allowed only in designated areas to existing regulations. and must be kept under restraint. Designated areas include: 1) area west of Cathedral City Cove, 2) Homme-Adams Park and adjacent lands in Palm Desert, 3) an area south of La Quinta Cove. The following are exempt from the prohibition: 1) seeing-eye dogs, 2) dogs assisting law enforcement or search & rescue operations, and 3) dogs kept in vehicles. Executive Summary Page ES-25 Tidble,ES-21- Sum;;ry�ojf Trolls Management Plan Alternatives Alternative Alternative B, Alternative C Alternative D:No Action New Trail Development New Trail Development New Trail Development New Trail Development Proposals for new trails would be New trails developed within New trails within identified Same as Alternative A. considered on a case-by-case perimeter corridors would be perimeter corridors may be basis. Trail construction in available year-round. considered. Trail construction essential sheep habitat may only Other new trails would be may only occur Oct. 1 to Dec.31 occur Oct.1 to Feb.14. assessed on a case-by-case basis. Trail construction may only occur July I to Jan. 14. A new trail linking Palm Desert to La Quinta would be built, subject to seasonal closure. Trail Rerouting Trail Rerouting Trail Rerouting Trail Rerouting Trails within essential sheep Trails would be rerouted to Trails would be rerouted to Proposals for trail reroutes would habitat would be assessed on a pr6tect.sensitive resource values protect sensitive resource values be considered on a case-by-case case-by-case basis, with Trail re-routing in essential sheep Trail re-routing in essential sheep basis. application of specified criteria to habitat may only occur between habitat may only occur between protect resource values. Trail re- Oct. I to-Jan. 14. Outside sheep Oct. I to Dec.31 routing in essential sheep habitat habitat, proposed trail re-routes may only occur Oct.1 to Feb.14. would be assessed on a case-by- case basis. Trail Decommission and Removal Trail Decommission and Removal Trail Decommission and Removal Trail Decommission and Removal Proposals to decommission and Redundant trails in the Murray Hill Redundant trails in the Murray Hill Same as Alternative A. remove trails would be complex and other areas would complex and other areas would considered on a case-by-case be identified, based on certain be identified, based on certain basis. Trail removal in essential criteria, and removed. Trail criteria, and removed. Trail sheep habitat may only occur removal would only occur removal would only occur Oct.1 to Feb.14. between Oct.1 to Jan. 14. between Oct. I to Dec.31. Murray Hill Facilities Murray Hill Facilities Murray Hill Facilities Murray Hill Facilities Picnic tables and equestrian Picnic tables and equestrian Picnic tables and equestrian Same as Alternative A. hitching posts at the summit of hitching posts at the summit of hitching posts at the summit of Murray Hill would remain in place. Murray Hill would be relocated Murray Hill would be removed outside the Seasonal Trail Area. and not relocated within essential Relo dation,would occur only from bighorn sheep habitat. 'Oct:,l to Jari.1 4. Executive Summary Page ES-26 'Kim `Tdbk�ES-2.:Summary of tii Mahi&riie"nit Mah.Ali4iiiatives Alternative Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D:No Action Noncommercial, Noncompetitive Noncommercial, Noncompetitive Noncommercial. Noncompetitive Noncommercial, Noncompetitive Organized Group Activities Organized Group Activities Organized Group Activities Organized Group Activities Noncommercial, Noncommercial, Noncommercial, Noncommercial, noncompetitive noncompetitive organized noncompetitive organized noncompetitive organized organized groups would be groups would be subject to the groups would be subject to the groups would be subject to the allowed, though a special same voluntary Seasonal Trail Seasonal Trail Area restrictions Seasonal Trail closures recreation permit may be required Areas avoidance outlined outlined above. outlined above. for use of BLM-managed lands. above. Groups of 10 to 24 individuals Groups of 10 to 24 individuals Groups of 10 to 24 individuals would be required to obtain a would be required to obtain a would be requested to obtain a free permit for activities in free permit for activities in free permit for activities in essential sheep habitat year- essential sheep habitat year- essential sheep habitat Jan.1 round. round. to Dec.31. Groups of 25 or more require a Groups of 25 or more require a Groups of 25 or more require a Special Recreation Permit. Special Recreation Permit. Special Recreation Permit, and Group size in the Santa Rosa Group size in the Santa Rosa may not use voluntary Wilderness would be 15 Wilderness would be 15 avoidance areas. individuals or less with half mile individuals or less with two-mile Group size in the Santa Rosa separation between groups. separation between groups. Wilderness would be requested to be 15 individuals or less, with 1/2mile separation between groups. Non-motorized Commercial Non-motorized Commercial Non-motorized Commercial Non-motorized Commercial Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Commercial recreation requires Non-motorized commercial Non-motorized commercial Non-motorized commercial issuance of a special recreation recreation activities may be recreation may be permitted, recreation activities may be permit, and may not use voluntary permitted, subject to the same subject to the same Seasonal allowed. A special recreation trail avoidance areas. Seasonal Trail Area restrictions Trail Area closures outlined permit issued through existing outlined above and outside above. regulatory processes would be voluntary trail avoidance areas. , required for such activities on BILM-managed lands, except when exemptions apply. Executive Summary Page ES- 27 Table ES Summary olrTrails Management Plan Alternatives Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D:No Action Motorized Commercial Motorized Commercial Motorized Commercial Motorized Commercial Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Recreation Activities Motorized commercial recreation Motorized commercial recreation Motorized commercial recreation Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited activities would be prohibited activities would be prohibited activities may be allowed. A year-round in essential bighorn year-round in essential bighorn year-round in essential bighorn special recreation permit issued sheep habitat except on Dunn sheep habitat except on selected sheep habitat. through existing regulatory Road where permits may be portions of Dunn Road where processes would be required for issued Oct. I to Feb.14, subject permits may be issued Oct. 1 to such activities on BILM-managed to private landowner permission. Jan.14, subject to private lands, except when exemptions landowner permission. apply. Competitive Recreation Events Competitive Recreation Events Competitive Recreation Events Competitive Recreation Events Competitive recreation events Competitive recreation events Same as Alternative B. Competitive recreation events may be permitted in essential would be prohibited year-round in may be permitted, through bighorn sheep habitat where the essential bighorn sheep habitat. existing regulatory processes, voluntary trail avoidance program except when exemptions apply. does not apply. Motorized-Vehicle Use of Trails Motorized-Vehicle Use of Trails Motorized-Vehicle Use of Trails Motorized-Vehicle Use of Trails Motorized vehicles would be Same as Alternative A except that Motorized vehicles would be Motorized-vehicle use of trails for prohibited on all trails in essential approval for use of motorized prohibited on all trails in essential trail construction and bighorn sheep habitat except vehicles for trail construction and bighorn sheep habitat. maintenance projects would be when specifically approved for maintenance projects may be addressed on a case-by-case trail construction and given only when and where basis. maintenance projects. Approval Seasonal Trail Area closures and for use of motorized vehicles for the voluntary trail avoidance such projects would be program are not in effect. addressed on a case-by-case basis, and may be given only when and where the voluntary trail avoidance program is not in effect. I SU Executive Summary Page ES-28 Management i- Alternatives TableES-2: SummafYoii Trails After'native,A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D:No Action Public Outreach Public Outreach Public Outreach Public Outreach An information and education An information and education Same as Alternative B. Existing information and program addressing all program addressing all education programs pertaining to management prescriptions management prescriptions the use of traits and areas would described under this alternative described under this alternative, be continued. would be implemented. would be implemented. Guided hikes would be provided during the fall season. Viewing areas would be established to afford the public opportunities to see bighorn sheep and other wildlife from a distance. Interpretation of some cultural artifacts would also be provided. Executive Summary Page ES-29 Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D ACECs No new ACECs would be 7,292 acres would be 23,631 acres would be No new ACECs would be designated. designated as new ACECs designated as new ACECs designated. Wilderness Management of all activities in Management of all activities in Management of all activities in Management of all activities accordance with regional land accordance with regional land accordance with regional land in accordance with National health standards would help health standards and habitat health standards and habitat Fallback Standards adopted maintain wilderness character conservation objectives,would conservation objectives, as regional land health on 160,551 acres of BLM- help maintain wilderness would help maintain wilderness standards would help managed wilderness, or character on 160,551 acres of character on 160,551 acres of maintain wilderness possibly enhance such BLM-managed wilderness or BLM-managed wilderness or character on 160,551 acres character where improvements possibly enhance such possibly enhance such of BLM-managed to resource conditions occur. character where improvements character where improvements wilderness where to resource conditions occur. to resource conditions occur improvements to resource conditions are accrued. Wild &Scenic Management of all activities in Management of all activities in Management of all activities in Management of all activities Rivers accordance with regional land accordance with regional land accordance with regional land in accordance with National health standards and health standards and habitat health standards and habitat Fallback Standards adopted continued suspension of conservation objectives for conservation objectives for as regional land health grazing within the Whitewater riparian communities would riparian communities, and standards would help allotment would help maintain allow for continued recovery of elimination of the Whitewater maintain and could enhance and could enhance the riparian areas, thereby grazing allotment in its entirety the resource conditions of outstandingly remarkable maintaining and potentially would allow for continued BLM-managed river values of BLM-managed river enhancing the outstandingly recovery of riparian areas, segments located in segments located within remarkable values of BLM- thereby maintaining and Whitewater Canyon, Whitewater Canyon and managed river segments located potentially enhancing the Mission Creek, and Palm Mission Creek. These - within Whitewater Canyon and outstandingly remarkable Canyon, totaling 20.3 miles segments totaling 19.1 miles in Mission Creek. These segments values of BLM-managed river in length. Eligibility length are eligible for wild and totaling 19.1 miles in length are segments located within determinations regarding scenic river designation. Such eligible for wild and scenic river Whitewater Canyon and possible designation of management would also help designation. Elimination of the Mission Creek. These these segments as wild and maintain and could enhance Whitewater grazing allotment segments totaling 19.1 miles in scenic rivers would not be outstandingly remarkable north of the county line, affecting length are eligible for made at this time. I values of a BLM-managed 5.8 miles of BLM-managed river designation as wild and scenic river segment in Palm Canyon. segments in Whitewater Canyon rivers. Such management This segment totaling 1.2 miles I and Mission Creek, would would also help maintain and 93 Executive Summary Page ES-30 � � v Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D in length is eligible for wild and additionally promote continued could enhance outstandingly scenic river designation. recovery of riparian areas at this remarkable values of a BLM- location,thereby maintaining managed river segment in Palm and potentially enhancing the Canyon. This segment totaling Wild &Scenic outstandingly remarkable values 1.2 miles in length is also Rivers of the river segments. The Palm eligible for wild and scenic river (continued) Canyon land exchange with the designation. Agua Caliente Tribe would transfer responsibility for coordinating a wild and scenic river suitability study of Palm Canyon to the USFS, pursuant to its land use plan decisions. Livestock 38,936 acres of a federal Approximately 9,700 acres of 38,936 acres of federal grazing No impact to grazing nor Grazing and grazing allotment(990 animal federal grazing allotment would allotment would be retired,thus farmlands. Grazing on Farmlands unit months per year) would be retired,thus eliminating 248 eliminating 990 animal unit 38,936 acres of BLM- continue to be unavailable for animal unit months per year. months (119 head of cattle) per managed lands would up to 10 years while suitability/ The grazing regime may be year. No impact to farmlands continue to be available for compatibility assessments adjusted to meet regional land as no BLM lands are under grazing, providing 990 were conducted. If found not health standards and habitat lease for agricultural production. animal unit months. suitable/compatible, impacts conservation objectives. No would be the same as under impact to farmlands as no BLM Alternative C. If found to be lands are under lease for suitable/compatible, impacts agricultural production. would be the same as Alternative D. No impact to farmlands as no BLM lands are under lease for agricultural production. �/� Transportation No impact. BLM may grant Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. C( rights-of-ways for needed road access across public lands. N Executive Summary Page ES-31 "Mineral, Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D y, Valid existing rights would be Valid existing rights would be Valid existing rights would be Valid existing rights would unaffected. BLM-managed unaffected. Up to 3,783 acres of unaffected. 1,551 acres of be unaffected. New utility Energy public lands outside existing State designated sand and State designated sand and projects would be required Resources ACECs, Monuments and gravel resource areas would be gravel resource areas would be to be in compliance with the wilderness would continue to available for mining which is available for mining. 2,232 standard suite of be available for sand and anticipated to meet the needs of acres of State designated sand environmental laws, gravel mining. New mining the developing community for at and gravel resource areas including the Endangered and wind energy facilities least the next 20 years, and would be unavailable for mining. Species Act. Mining on within CVMSHCP conservation probably longer. The best New and renewals of windparks currently permitted mining areas would be subject to available mining sites are in would be restricted, and would operations on 555 acres of conformance with the habitat production (556 acres) and are not likely meet future demand BLM-lands would continue. . conservation objectives. An included in the resource areas. for wind power generation. additional 200-300 acres of An additional 200-300 acres of New utility lines would be wind energy development wind energy development would subject to conformance with the would occur north of Highway occur north of Highway 111, habitat conservation 111, most likely in areas most likely in areas historically objectives. Additional historically used for wind used for wind energy generation. mitigation measures may be energy generation. Additional New mining areas, wind energy required to meet those mitigation measures may be facilities, and utility lines within objectives, resulting in required to meet those conservation areas (up to 2,232 potentially increased project objectives, resulting in acres affected)would be subject costs. potentially increased project to conformance with the habitat costs. conservation objectives. Additional mitigation measures may be required to meet those objectives, resulting in potentially increased costs. If the habitat conservation objectives in an area could not be met, mining would foregone. Recreation Designation of Indio Hills, Drop Designation of Drop 31 as an Closure of Windy Point south of Restricting motorized- 31, Windy Point, and Iron Door "open area"for motorized- Highway 111, and limiting vehicle access to � R as "open areas"for motorized- vehicle access would enhance motorized-vehicle access to designated routes of travel V vehicle access would opportunities for vehicular free- designated routes at Indio Hills, in the Windy Point area enhance opportunities for play activities on 1,440 acres of Iron Door, and Drop 31 would south of Highway 11, as N 5. `Executive Summary Page ES 32 ec o iM�. ftmwl Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D vehicular free-play activities on public land in the eastern portion diminish opportunities for OHV required by the Santa Rosa 3,800 acres of public land of the Coachella Valley. Closure free-play activities that have and San Jacinto Mountains throughout the Coachella of Windy Point south of Highway historically been available and National Monument Act of Valley. Designation of Windy 111 would diminish opportunities frequently enjoyed at these 2000, would eliminate Point south of Highway 111 as for OHV activities in an area sites,thereby displacing up to vehicular free-play activities an open area, however, would where OHV use has become 500 OHV users per week during on the sand dunes and be inconsistent with the Santa informally established,thereby the cooler months. Prohibiting adjacent lands that have Rosa and San Jacinto displacing 100-150 people on vehicle camping on public historically occurred. Mountains National Monument busy weekends. This closure lands within conservation areas Act of 2000. Restricting use of would largely eliminate dune- would diminish opportunities in hiking, biking, and based OHV opportunities on those areas, primarily on the equestrian trails would public lands in the Coachella developed valley floor. Closure diminish opportunities for non- Valley. Limiting vehicle use to of 46 miles of routes currently motorized recreation activities designated routes at Indio Hills available for use to meet to the degree that limitations and Iron Door would displace up habitat conservation Recreation are imposed through the to about 150 OHV users where objectives and further improve (continued) activity level planning process. OHV free-play areas have been air quality relative to informally established. Closure Alternative B would diminish of 26 miles of routes currently opportunities for vehicle touring available for use to meet habitat by about 34%. Restricting use conservation objectives and of hiking, biking,and air quality standards would equestrian trails would diminish opportunities for vehicle diminish opportunities for non- touring by about 19 percent. motorized recreation activities Restricting use of hiking, to the degree that limitations are biking, and equestrian trails imposed through the activity would diminish opportunities for level planning process. non-motorized recreation activities to the degree that limitations are imposed through the activity level planning I�1I process. Executive Summary Page ES-33 airec Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Motorized- Motorized-vehicle access Motorized-vehicle access would Motorized-vehicle would be Motorized-vehicle access Vehicle Access would not change since routes be reduced by about 19% on reduced by about 34%on public would not change since use outside existing closed areas public lands with the closure of lands with the closure of 46 of existing routes outside would be designated"open." 26 miles of routes currently miles of routes currently closed areas would be Seventy-one miles of routes available for use. Where use of available for use. Where use of continued, except where (52% of the total mileage on a route closed to casual use is a route closed to casual use is routes are temporarily BLM lands)would remain deemed necessary in deemed necessary in closed through available for use. Vehicle conjunction with an authorized conjunction with an authorized supplemental rules. Where access to the Dunn Road area activity(e.g., activities approved activity(e.g., activities approved use of a route closed to would continue to be controlled through a right-of-way grant) or through a right-of-way grant) or casual use is deemed by locked gates. Permitted to gain access to private lands, to gain access to private lands, necessary in conjunction commercial jeep tours could motorized access may be motorized access may be with an authorized activity occur during the fall months allowed. Vehicle access to the allowed. Vehicle access to the (e.g., activities approved with access through Pinyon Dunn Road area would continue Dunn Road area would continue through a right-of-way Flats, subject to private to be controlled by locked gates. to be controlled by locked grant) or to gain access to landowner permission where Permitted commercial jeep tours gates. Permitted commercial private lands, motorized applicable, and terms and could occur during the fall jeep tours would not be access may be allowed. conditions of a biological months with access through permitted. At least 10,000 Uses of Dunn Road would opinion. At least 7,000 visitors Pinyon Flats, subject to private visitors annually would be be the same as under annually would continue to be landowner permission where displaced,though denial of Alternative A, except that no displaced by these limitations applicable, and terms and permission to cross private limitations as to when in conjunction with denial of conditions of a biological lands on the lower portion of the commercial jeep tours may permission to cross private opinion. At least 7,000 visitors road currently displaces most of occur would be imposed. lands on the lower portion of annually would continue to be this use. Over time, portions of Instead, applications for the road. Permitted use of displaced by these limitations in Dunn Road would become permits would be addressed Dunn Road would result in little conjunction with denial of impassible due to erosion. on a case-by-case basis, impact for flood control, law permission to cross private lands Continued access for flood subject to permission of enforcement, search and on the lower portion of the road. control, law enforcement, and private landowners where rescue, fire control, and Permitted use of Dunn Road fire control would be limited by applicable, and terms and research activities. Legal would result in little impact for road condition, except in the conditions of a biological access to landowners and flood control, law enforcement, case of an ongoing fire or opinion. agencies provided through a search and rescue, and fire emergency(in which case the right-of-way grant would likely control activities. Legal access road surface may be (� continue at low use levels. to landowners and agencies reestablished). Legal access to v I provided through a right-of-way landowners and agencies N Executive Summary Page ES-34 Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Motorized- grant would likely continue at Ith ovided through aright-of-way Vehicle Access low use levels. Re-evaluation of Of would be continued, but a (continued) route designation in the Dunn rough road is unlikely to Road area upon bighorn sheep persist. recovery may allow for increased public recreation by vehicle. Floodplains No impacts. BLM must consult Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A and Hydrology with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers prior to authorizing on public lands any activities which may affect waters of the U.S. and related Floodplains. Water Quality No impact. The land health Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A No impact. BLM activities standards incorporate best which may affect water management practices for quality are subject to State protecting water quality which Water Quality Control Board apply to activities on BLM land. permitting procedures and/or pollution control measures. Biological Habitat Conservation Established Habitat Habitat Conservation Habitat Conservation Objectives, Land Health Conservation Objectives Objectives, Land Health Objectives, Land Health Standards, Fire Management benefit biological species by Standards, Fire Management Standards, Fire Categories, Exchange, Sale providing criteria upon which to Categories, Exchange, Sale Management Categories, and Acquisition Criteria, and base future actions on BLM and Acquisition Criteria, and Exchange, Sale and Management of Acquired land,thereby providing for Management of Acquired Acquisition Criteria, and Lands: Management of landscape level conservation of Lands: Impacts would be the Management of Acquired biological resources would be sensitive biological species. same as Alternative B. Lands: Impacts would be consistent with Federal law the same as Alternative A. and regulation, absent a Implementation of Land Health Management of all activities in landscape approach to multi- Standards, Fire Management accordance with regional land Management of all activities species habitat conservation. Categories, Exchange,Sale health standards and habitat in accordance with National u and Acquisition Criteria and I conservation objectives, and Fallback Standards adopted Page ES-35 Executive Summary Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Suspension of grazing within Management of Acquired elimination of the Whitewater as regional land health the Whitewater allotment would Lands, would provide a grazing allotment in its entirety standards would improve improve biological resources landscape approach to multi- would would improve biological biological resources where where improvements to species habitat conservation. resources where improvements improvements to resource resource conditions are to resource conditions are conditions are accrued. accrued. Management of all activities in accrued. accordance with regional land Motorized Vehicles: Same Motorized vehicles can health standards and habitat Motorized Vehicles: Closure as Alternative A. negatively impact biological conservation objectives, and of roads can decrease visitation resources by increasing visitor elimination of the Whitewater and therefore decrease Motorized Vehicle Area traffic to sensitive biological grazing allotment north of the potential negative effects to Designations: Same as areas. Motorized vehicles can county line would improve biological resources. Alternative A. increase erosion thereby biological resources where impacting soil microorganisms. improvements to resource Motorized Vehicle Area Bighorn Sheep Recovery conditions are accrued. Designations: Not designating Strategy benefits bighorn Motorized Vehicle Area areas as"Open" can decrease sheep by removing tamarisk Designations of"Open" Motorized Vehicles: Same as visitation and therefore and considerend recovery negatively impact sensitive Alternative A and C. decrease potential negative strategies such as biological resources by not effects to biological resources. constructing fences limiting vehicle access to Motorized Vehicle Area reviewing research and managed routes,thereby Designations: Same as Bighorn Sheep Recovery monitoring proposals on a increasing sand compaction Alternative A and C. Strategy: Similar to Alternative case-by-case basis. and erosion and potentially B with additional measures to decreasing plant populations. Bighorn Sheep Recovery further reduce impacts. Hiking, along,a d Negative Strategy: Similar to Alternative q g Bighorn Sheep Recovery A with additional measures to Hiking, Biking,and impact to sensitive Strategy benefits bighorn further reduce impacts. Equestrian Trails: Same as biological resources may sheep and other species by Alternative B. result without abililty to limit controlling tamarisk, managing Use of Hiking, Biking, and use. water sources, constructing Equestrian Trails may be fences, reviewing research, limited, including area closures, limiting helicopter overflights, providing a benefit to sensitive thereby limiting disturbance to biological resources sheep, etc. �J Executive Summary Page ES-36 7C. Closure -- .^e:tafp'ted Alternative A Alternative BAlternative C Alternative D Cultural/Native Motorized vehicles provide Same as Alternative A and of roads would Same as Alternative A. for public enjoyment and may ase visitation and generate appreciation to therefore risk of vandalism to cultural resources. However cultural resources. Closure of access can also increase roads could also limit Native visitation and therefore risk of American access to ceremonial vandalism to cultural sites and traditional plant resources. Motorized vehicles collecting areas. Closure of can increase erosion where roads would limit public roads pass near or through enjoyment of cultural sites. archaeological sites. Roads also provide Native American access to ceremonial sites and traditional plant collecting areas. Air Quality The land health standards The land health standards The land health standards Management of BLM incorporate best management incorporate best management incorporate best management activities which may exceed practices for protecting air practices for protecting air practices for protecting air NAAQ standards would quality which apply to activities quality which apply to activities quality which apply to activities comply with the Clean Air on BLM land. The Windy on BLM land on BLM land. The motorized- Act and would be affected Point, Indio Hills and Iron Door Establishing an OHV open area vehicle area closures and by consultation with the open areas would contribute downwind of most Coachella limiting routes to paved and South Coast Air Quality to the non-attainment of PM-10 Valley residents, and limiting maintained dirt roads would Management District. standards documented at the motorized vehicle access to minimize PM-10 emissions However management of Indio air quality monitoring designated routes in other originating from the public activities on BLM-managed station. Open routes upwiind areas,would reduce PM-10 lands. public lands would not of the Indio station would also emissions originating from the significantly contribute to contribute to the PM-10 non- public lands. To the extent resolving PM-10 non- attainment. To the extent management of public land attainment problems in the public land activities contribute activities contributes to reducing Coachella Valley. -� to PM-10 levels, other non- PM-10 levels, other non-federal federal land uses may be land uses may be less constrained in order to meet air constrained in order to meet air quality standards for the quality standards for the benefit benefit of valley residents. of valley residents. P Executive Summary Page ES-37 f r K Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Noise Motorized vehicles and wind Motorized vehicles and wind Motorized vehicles and wind Same as Alternative A. turbines would generate the turbines would generate the turbines would generate the most noise from the public most noise from the public most noise from the public lands. Recent wind turbine lands. Recent wind turbine lands. Recent wind turbine technology has reduced noise technology has reduced noise technology has reduced noise generated and wind turbines generated and wind turbines generated and wind turbines must meet County standards must meet County standards for must meet County standards for for noise levels generated. Off noise levels generated. Off noise levels generated. Off highway vehicles would highway vehicles would highway vehicles would not generate noise affecting generate noise affecting nearby generate noise affecting nearby nearby residential areas residential areas in North Shore. residential areas at Snow including Snow Creek, Sky This impact is low to residents Creek, Sky Valley and North Valley and North Shore. This outside the immediate area due Shore. This overall impact is impact is low to residents to the remoteness of public low due to the remoteness of outside the immediate area lands and relatively low traffic public lands and relatively low due to the remoteness of volume passing the areas. With traffic volume passing the public lands and relatively low a single area of focus, noise areas. Same as Alternative A. traffic volume passing the impacts would be partly areas. mitigated through law enforcement. Hazardous No impact. All activities on Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative A Materials and BLM lands must comply with Waste Federal, State and local law related to the proper disposal of hazardous and solid wastes. Visual Within the 91,327 acres of Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Interim VRM objectives Resource BLM-managed lands would be established for Management designated as VRM Class 1, affected lands on a case- very limited management by-case basis when project activities would be allowed. proposals are submitted to Substantial protection of visual the BLM. VRM objectives !r. resources is also afforded to would not be known prior to V 94,637 acres of BLM-managed the time actions are lands designated as VRM proposed. Contrast Ratings F� 4 • Executive Summary Page ES-38 y - Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Class 2—activities on these that measure the degree of lands must remain subordinate contrast between a to the existing landscape, proposed activity and the thereby limiting the degree of existing landscape would be landscape modification prepared relative to the allowed. The greatest flexibility interim objectives. for landscape modifications Decisions to redesign, would be found on the 13,727 abandon or reject, or acres of BLM-managed lands proceed would be based on designated as VRM Class 4 the Contrast Rating. where management activities may be a dominant element of the landscape. Within the 128,350-acre NECO overlap area, no VRM classes are assigned. Impacts in this area are the same as Alternative D. Utilities Valid existing rights would be Same as Alternative A. In Valid existing rights would be Valid existing rights would unaffected. New utilities within addition, designated wind park unaffected. Restriction of new be unaffected. Requiring conservation areas would be areas, communication sites windparks &communication new utility projects to be in subject to mitigation and and utility corridors are sites, as well as renewals, compliance with the alignment in conformance with anticipated to meet the needs of would constrain the public land standard suite of the habitat conservation the developing community for at contribution wind power environmental laws, objectives. Additional least the next 20 years. The generation and communication including the Endangered mitigation measures may be best available wind park and site needs which support Species Act would have no required to meet those communication sites are already communities locally and in additional impact. objectives, would result in in production and are included in Southern California. New utility potentially increased project the designations. lines would be subject to costs. conformance with the habitat conservation objectives. Additional mitigation measures may be required to meet those objectives, resulting in potentially increased project t costs. O Executive Summary Page ES-39 Al 'z ITS ect e m Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Socio- Opportunities for future This alternative provides for This alternative would Same as Alterative A.. Economic economic development on the future economic development of substantially restrict public lands would remain the BLM-managed lands and opportunities for future substantially unchanged from makes available resources economic development of the those currently available. needed for development for at BLM-managed lands least the next 20 years. Support to community Support to community infrastructure from public lands Support to community infrastructure from public lands would continue at current infrastructure from public lands would continue at current levels, levels,with slight increases in would continue at current levels, in the short term. However, wind power generation, with slight increases in wind long term supplies for sand and communication site capacity power generation, gravel from local public land and sand and gravel supplies communication site capacity and sources would be constrained, over time in response to sand and gravel supplies, over Should adequate local supplies demand. time, in response to demand. from non-federal lands become inadequate, construction and With multiple designated open With one designated open area, road maintenance cost would areas, public lands would public lands would absorb a rise to pay the cost of importing absorb more of the off highway portion of the off highway vehicle material. Energy generation vehicle use, reducing vehicle use. Because most non-federal would also be constrained as use pressure on non-federal land OHV use is in the form of local contributions to energy lands. free play, an opportunity not supply were reduced. rteadily available at Drop 31, However, changes in local Generation of noise and dust little change in vehicle use supply are unlikely to by off highway vehicles would pressure on non-federal lands significantly affect costs to affect nearby residential areas would occur. consumers relative to other including Snow Creek, Sky factors. Communications site Valley and North Shore. Dust Off highway vehicles would availability would also diminish generation may also contribute generate noise and dust overtime. This may create to declines in air quality, in turn affecting nearby residential Problems in servicing growing affecting other land uses in the areas in North Shore. The dust demand if technology change Coachella Valley. impact would be reduced does resolve the issues. relative to other areas,given the course soils in the traveled With no designated open area, Vr washes. The Impact is low to public lands would not absorb n� �J r' Executive Summary Page ES-40 r7 to �N ' Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D residents outside the immediate any portion of the off highway area due to the remoteness of vehicle use, other than that the public lands and the which occurred in trespass. relatively low traffic volume With enforcement on the federal passing the area. With a single lands, OHV use,pressure would area of focus, noise and dust be displaced to non-federal impacts would be partly lands. mitigated through law enforcement. Off highway vehicles would generate noise and dust affecting nearby residential areas in areas removed from public lands. It is difficult to determine which areas and residents in the Coachella Valley would be affected. Enforcement actions by various jurisdictions could move the impact around. Environmental The public lands are remote Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Justice enough such that activities on the public lands result in few to no impacts to nearby residences. Any major construction project proposed on the public lands is subject to further review in order to minimize health risks to children and to promote environmental justice. Executive Summary Page ES-41 - I e �t , Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D ACEGs No impact as no ACECs Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. have been designated within the area affected by the trails management plan. Wilderness Voluntarily avoiding trail use Prohibiting trail use of Prohibiting trail use of To the degree that recovery of certain wilderness trails certain wilderness trails certain wilderness trails of the endangered bighorn during specified periods, during specified periods, during specified periods, sheep population is thereby promoting recovery thereby promoting recovery thereby promoting recovery adversely affected by of the endangered bighorn of the endangered bighorn of the endangered bighorn unrestricted trail use, sheep population, would sheep population, would sheep population, would wilderness resources would benefit wilderness resources benefit wilderness benefit wilderness be compromised upon a through preservation of resources through resources through decline in wildlife values. wildlife values. Requesting preservation of wildlife preservation of wildlife Allowing cross-country noncommercial, values. Requiring values. Requiring travel year-round would noncompetitive organized noncommercial, noncommercial, help disperse individuals, groups to break into groups noncompetitive organized noncompetitive organized thereby enhancing of no more than 15 groups to break into groups groups to break into groups opportunities for solitude. individuals each and of no more than 15 of no more than 15 maintain separation between individuals each and individuals each and groups would enhance maintain separation maintain separation opportunities for solitude. between groups would between groups would Requesting individuals to enhance opportunities for enhance opportunities for refrain from cross-country solitude. Prohibiting cross- solitude. Prohibiting cross- travel in essential bighorn country travel in essential country travel in essential sheep habitat during bighorn sheep habitat bighorn sheep habitat year- specified periods would during specified periods round would channel all use channel all use in the would channel all use in in wilderness to certain wilderness to specified trails, wilderness to certain trails, trails, thereby diminishing thereby diminishing thereby diminishing opportunities for solitude. opportunities for solitude. opportunities for solitude. New trail development Opportunities for primitive New trail development linking Lake Cahuilla with recreation would be reduced linking Lake Cahuilla to Martinez Canyon could on Boo Hoff and Guadalupe I Martinez Canyon could increase use in the canyon, n� XJ '�7 Executive Summary Page ES-42 a risen . . •ie 4 ,e Tan Alternative A Alternative 8 Alternative C Alternative D trails during seasonal increase use in the canyon, thereby diminishing closures. thereby diminishing opportunities for solitude. opportunities for solitude. Opportunities for primitive Opportunities for primitive recreation would be recreation would be reduced on Boo Hoff and reduced on Boo Hoff and Guadalupe trails during Guadalupe trails during seasonal closures. seasonal closures. Wild & Scenic Rivers No impact as outstandingly Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. remarkable values of BLM- managed river segments determined eligible for possible designation as wild and scenic rivers would be maintained. Livestock Grazing and No impact to livestock Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Farmlands grazing or farmlands as actions proposed in this trails management plan would not affect activities on the grazing allotment under USFS jurisdiction or any lands under lease for agricultural production. Transportation No impact as actions Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. proposed in this trails management plan would not affect issuance of rights-of- way for motorized-vehicle access where needed. J Executive Summary Page ES-43 al�Ee eit S ffec o r I , Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Soil, Geology, Mineral, No impact to mineral and No impact to mineral and Same as Alternative B. Same as Alternative A. Energy Resources energy resources as actions energy resources as actions proposed in this trails proposed in this trails management plan would not management plan would not affect valid existing rights or affect valid existing rights or impose limitations on impose limitations on development of energy development of energy resources. Effects of trail resources. Effects of trail use on soils would be minor use, trail rerouting, trail given low rainfall in the removal, and new trail region and water diversion development on soils facilities on existing trails would be minor given low (e.g., water bars). rainfall in the region, water diversion facilities on existing trails and installation of such facilities on new trails (e.g.,water bars), and mitigation measures likely imposed upon approval to removal specific trails. Recreation Restricting trail use of Prohibiting trail use in Prohibiting trail use of Unrestricted trail use in the certain trails in essential Seasonal Trail Areas during additional trails relative to Santa Rosa and San bighorn sheep habitat (chiefly specified periods would Alternative B would diminish Jacinto Mountains would in the Santa Rosa diminish opportunities for opportunities for certain maximize opportunities for Mountains) on a voluntary certain non-motorized non-motorized recreational certain non-motorized basis during specified recreational activities (e.g., activities (e.g.,-hiking, recreational activities. To periods would diminish hiking, horseback riding, horseback riding, mountain the degree that recovery of opportunities for certain non- mountain biking) in the biking) in the Santa Rosa the endangered bighorn motorized recreational Santa Rosa and San and San Jacinto Mountains sheep population would be activities (e.g., hiking, Jacinto Mountains,though to a greater degree than adversely affected by horseback riding, mountain new trail development other alternatives herein unrestricted trail use, �� biking)for individuals and I (perimeter trails and a trail addressed,though new however, opportunities for Executive Summary Page ES-44 Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D noncommercial, connecting the cities of trail development wildlife viewing and noncompetitive organized Palm Desert and La (perimeter trails) would photography would be Recreation (cont.) groups willing to comply with Quinta), as well as use of somewhat mitigate these diminished. the trail avoidance program, the Art Smith Trail two days impacts. This prohibition especially those individuals per week until the Palm would affect both individuals Allowing cross-country and groups accustomed to Desert to La Quinta trail is and noncommercial, travel and camping accessing trails via trailheads completed, would noncompetitive organized throughout the year would located in the mid-Coachella somewhat mitigate these groups. Opportunities for maximize opportunities for Valley(Palm Desert and La impacts. This prohibition non-motorized recreational these activities. Allowing Quinta in particular). would affect both individuals activities in the Palm dogs in the Santa Rosa Opportunities for such and noncommercial, Springs area would also be and San Jacinto Mountains, activities would be least noncompetitive organized diminished to a greater subject to existing affected in the Palm Springs groups. Opportunities for degree than under other regulations, would afford area since many trails there non-motorized recreational alternatives since many additional opportunities to would not be subject to the activities would be least trails in the perimeter trail exercise these pets in a voluntary trail avoidance affected in the Palm Springs areas described for natural mountainous setting program. Individuals and area since many trails there Alternative B, where use and may provide for a noncommercial, occur within a perimeter would be allowed year- heightened level of security noncompetitive organized trails area that would not be round, would be seasonally desired by certain groups not willing to comply subject to the Seasonal closed with no new trails individuals traveling in the with the trail avoidance Trail Area closure. Phasing being developed nearby. backcountry. program would not be in of the Seasonal Trail Immediate seasonal closure affected. Area closures coincident of trails upon plan approval Impacts to recreation from with completion of adjacent with no phasing in of requiring that special Restricting cross-country new trails preceded by an closures coincident with recreation permits be travel and camping in interim voluntary trail completion of new perimeter obtained for use of BLM essential bighorn sheep avoidance program would trails would further diminish lands by motorized and habitat on a voluntary basis affect opportunities for opportunities for non- non-motorized during specified periods recreation in a manner motorized recreational commercial recreation would diminish opportunities similar to that discussed activities, especially in Palm providers, and sponsors of for these activities for under Alternative A where Desert and La Quinta, competitive recreation individuals willing to comply. the trail use prohibition has though such impacts would events cannot be Individuals not willing to not yet,been implemented. be temporary until new trail determined as the decision comply would not be development is completed. regarding issuance of such Executive Summary Page ES-45 r erit f Eftes 1 all a Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D affected. Prohibiting dogs in Prohibiting cross-country Prohibiting cross-country permits in accordance with essential bighorn sheep travel and camping in travel and camping in existing regulatory Recreation (cont.) habitat, except in designated essential bighorn sheep essential bighorn sheep processes is unknown. areas, would diminish habitat during specified habitat throughout the year Determinations regarding opportunities for exercising periods would diminish would diminish opportunities the need for these pets in a natural opportunities for these for these activities to a noncommercial, mountainous setting. For activities. Prohibiting dogs greater degree than under noncompetitive organized individuals who hike with in essential bighorn sheep other alternatives herein groups to obtain a special dogs for personal protection, habitat, except in addressed. Prohibiting recreation permit for use of this prohibition could instill a designated areas, would dogs in essential bighorn BLM lands would be made sense of insecurity while result in the same impacts sheep habitat, except in on a case-by-case basis, using trails or force these as described under designated areas, would hence impacts to recreation individuals to hike elsewhere Alternative A. Trail result in the same impacts cannot be determined. where dogs are permitted. decommission and as described under removal of redundant trails Alternative A. Trail Impacts to recreation from in the Murray Hill complex, decommission and requiring that special as well as removal of other removal in the Murray Hill recreation permits be trails in accordance with complex, as well as removal obtained for use of BLM specified criteria,would of other trails in accordance lands by noncommercial, concentrate use on fewer with specified criteria, would noncompetitive organized trails thereby increasing the result in the same impacts groups of 25 or more potential for occurrences of as described under individuals, motorized and trail use conflicts. Alternative B. Relocation of non-motorized commercial Relocation of Murray Hill Murray Hitt facilities would recreation providers, and facilities would have a result in the same impacts sponsors of competitive minor effect on the use and to the use and enjoyment of recreation events cannot be enjoyment of the Clara the Clara Burgess Trail as determined as the decision Burgess Trail since such described under Alternative regarding issuance of such facilities are not considered B. Future use of these permits in accordance with integral to the overall facilities if installed at a existing regulatory processes experience for most users. location outside essential is unknown. As the Clara Burgess Trail bighorn sheep habitat would be closed from cannot be predicted absent t^ January 15 to June 30, identification of a new site. Vf Executive Summary Page ES-46 alEte�iri"eYn' ti;E� "_ RM peaf�c�l�a�fiele e 9 s ed o rc� v s� m a; r,�. Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D installation of these facilities Impacts to recreation from Recreation (cont.) at a new location (within requiring that special essential bighorn sheep recreation permits be habitat)that could be obtained for use of BLM accessed throughout the lands by noncommercial, year would likely provide noncompetitive organized opportunities for greater groups of 25 or more utilization of them. individuals and non- motorized commercial Impacts to recreation from recreation providers cannot requiring that special be determined as the recreation permits be decision regarding issuance obtained for use of BLM of such permits in lands by noncommercial, accordance with existing noncompetitive organized regulatory processes is groups of 25 or more unknown. Prohibiting individuals, and motorized motorized commercial and non-motorized recreation activities and commercial recreation competitive recreation providers cannot be events in essential bighorn determined as the decision sheep habitat would regarding issuance of such eliminate opportunities for permits in accordance with jeep touring on Dunn Road existing regulatory and such events as processes is unknown. orienteering meets, Prohibiting competitive respectively. recreation events in essential bighorn sheep habitat would chiefly diminish opportunities for orienteering meets. 1 Executive Summary Page ES-47 P cif s Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Motorized-Vehicle No impact as motorized- Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Access vehicle access is addressed by the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendments. Motorized-vehicle use of trails as addressed by this plan pertains to trail maintenance only, not general access. Floodplains and No impact as actions Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Hydrology proposed in this trails management plan would not affect waters of the United States and related floodplains. Water Quality No impact as actions Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. proposed in this trails management plan would not affect water quality. Biological Pertains to all Alternatives: Prohibiting trail use of Prohibiting trail use of To the degree that recovery Human disturbance can alter certain trails during certain trails during of the endangered bighorn habitat use and activity specified periods would specified periods would sheep population is patterns of bighorn sheep. benefit bighorn sheep by benefit bighorn sheep by adversely affected by Population declines, shifts in promoting recovery of the promoting recovery of the unrestricted trail use, habitat use, and interruption population resources population resources biological resources would of seasonal migration routes through preservation of through preservation of be compromised upon a have been linked to human wildlife values. Human wildlife values. Human decline in wildlife values. disturbance. Voluntarily disturbance can alter disturbance can alter Allowing cross-country avoiding trail use of certain habitat use and activity habitat use and activity travel year-round would trails during specified periods patterns of bighorn sheep. patterns of bighorn sheep. increase the chance for would benefit bighorn sheep Population declines, shifts Population declines, shifts human disturbance to '^ by limiting human in habitat use, and in habitat use, and bighorn sheep, potentially W d Executive Summary Page ES-48 � O=E r ectf c tar ell .t r s - e c gl�fit• vers a"�t�' re a r pate ' 9 5,.-.. 's`��ax�' - oupmes :�� -•?e. _max a ,w *�.a � .er. ... ,,J�x:�m.�'s. �e -�..�� ..,s .zzzs Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D disturbance. The degree to interruption of seasonal interruption of seasonal limiting the recovery of the Biological (cont.) which voluntary avoidance is migration routes have been migration routes have been population. Continuing to practiced would affect the linked to human linked to human allow camping year-round degree to which bighorn disturbance. Self-issued disturbance. Trail area increases the chance of sheep are disturbed. free permits would benefit closures would benefit human disturbance to Voluntarily refraining from bighorn sheep and other bighorn sheep by reducing bighorn sheep during cross-country travel in species by providing a potentially harmful human lambing season, hot bighorn habitat from method to monitor use on disturbance. Prohibiting summer months, and February 15 - September 30 trails. Seasonal trail area cross-country travel in throughout the year. would benefit bighorn sheep closures implemented in bighorn habitat throughout Allowing dogs within by reducing the amount of phases would benefit the year would benefit bighorn habitat increases human disturbance. The bighorn sheep by reducing bighorn sheep by reducing harm to bighorn sheep by degree to which voluntary. potentially harmful human the amount of human providing more avoidance of cross country disturbance. Perimeter trails disturbance to the sheep opportunities for travel is practiced would would benefit bighorn sheep during lambing season disturbance to the sheep. affect the degree to which by providing alternative during hot summer months, Trail rerouting would bighorn sheep are disturbed. recreation options outside and throughout the rest of benefit sheep if trails are Voluntarily refraining from and on the edge of bighorn the year. Prohibiting rerouted to outside bighorn camping in bighorn sheep critical habitat, thereby camping year round would sheep habitat.Trails habitat from February 15 - providing additional decrease the impact of reroutes would harm sheep September 30 would opportunities for recreation human disturbance to if reroutes occur within decrease disturbance to users. Prohibiting cross- sheep throughout the year. bighorn sheep habitat and sheep during lambing season country travel in bighorn resource values are not and hot summer months. habitat from January 15- Dogs-Same as A. protected.construction The degree to which September 30 would benefit Perimeter trails-Same as would harm bighorn sheep voluntary avoidance is bighorn sheep by reducing B. by providing increased practiced would affect the the amount of human Trail Construction -Same disturbance. Disturbance degree to which bighorn disturbance to the sheep as B. due to construction would sheep are disturbed by during lambing season and Trail Rerouting-Same as be minimized by prohibiting humans. Prohibiting camping during hot summer months. B. development during lambing within 1/4 mile of all water Prohibiting camping from Trail Decommissioning- season and during hot sources benefits water January 15- September 30 Same as B. summer months.Trail quality, bighorn sheep and would decrease the impact Noncommercial, reroute construction would other species. Requiring of human disturbance to I Noncompetitive I harm bighorn sheep by Q Executive Summary Page ES-49 14 ent � Wit = �E a e Pa _ ] lee ,!f Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Biological (cont.) dogs to be restrained in sheep during those months. Organized Group providing increased bighorn sheep habitat would A free use permit system Activities-Same as B. disturbance. Disturbance benefit bighorn sheep by would benefit bighorn sheep Non-motorized due to construction would reducing disturbance caused by providing a method to Commercial Recreation be minimized by prohibiting by dogs. Providing specified track potential human Activities -Same as A. development during lambing areas for dogs benefits disturbance to sheep. Motorized Commercial season and during hot bighorn sheep by providing Prohibiting camping within Recreation Activities summer months. alternate locations outside of 1/4 mile of all water sources would not disturb bighorn Trail Decommissioning- bighorn sheep habitat for benefits water quality, sheep during the entire Same as A. dogs to be taken.Trail bighorn sheep and other year. Noncompetitive, rerouting would benefit species. Motorized-Vehicle Use of Organized Group bighorn sheep if trails within Dogs-Same as A. Trails would not harm Activities- Potential harm bighorn habitat were rerouted Perimeter trails would bighorn sheep. Motorized to bighorn sheep if group to outside of bighorn habitat. benefit bighorn sheep by Vehicle Use may harm activities provide high levels Applying criteria to protect providing recreation resources and habitat of disturbance to bighorn resource values would opportunities on the edge of where vehicles approved for sheep. benefit bighorn sheep and bighorn habitat,thus use. Non-motorized would benefit other impacted reducing human Public Outreach-Same Commercial Recreation biological resources. disturbance caused by as A. Activities -Same as A. Noncommercial, recreation on existing trails Motorized Commercial Noncompetitive Organized that cross large areas of Recreation Activities Group Activities would bighorn habitat.Trail allowed during lambing benefit sheep if these construction would harm season and the hot summer activities were voluntarily bighorn sheep by providing months would disturb avoided during lambing increased disturbance. bighorn sheep during the season and during hot Disturbance due to most vulnerable times of the summer months.The benefit construction would be year. disturb bighorn sheep to bighorn sheep would minimized by prohibiting during the most vulnerable increase with increased development during lambing times of the year. participation of voluntary season and during hot Competitive recreation program. Permits would summer months.Trail events allowed during benefit bighorn sheep by rerouting would benefit lambing season and the hot providing information about bighorn sheep if trails within summer months would / trail use. Breaking up large bighorn habitat were I disturb bighorn sheep r1� W Executive Summary Page ES-50 _ bit _ _a r o al Element i bfe ESfeC a _ , DTE, `er specIfic�planeTe a o, r . .'sse• a a; c st z.' v..e..:srm�a+e"tT.tsi-_.ana: Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D groups and separating them rerouted to outside of during the most vulnerable by specified distances would bighorn habitat. Applying times of the year. winter Biological (cont.) benefit the sheep by limiting criteria to protect resource months. disturbance intensity to values and wildlife Motorized Vehicle Use sheep water sources would benefit may harm resources and Non-motorized bighorn sheep. Trail habitat where vehicles Commercial Recreation rerouting of Guadalupe Trail approved for use-to be Activities impact to bighorn would benefit desert slender decided on a case by case sheep need to be considered salamander populations if basis. on a case by case basis. disturbance by humans is Public Outreach -Same Motorized Commercial currently occurring and as A. Recreation Activities would were to be limited by a trail disturb bighorn sheep reroute. Trail throughout the length of Decommission and Dunn Road, but would not Removal would benefit cause any disturbance bighorn sheep by reducing during lambing season and human disturbance from hot summer months. trail use. Decommissioning Competitive recreation trails would cause a one- events would cause time harmful impact to disturbance to bighorn sheep sheep by increasing only during non-lambing and disturbance, but would winter months. Motorized- provide a longer term Vehicle Use of Trails would benefit to bighorn by disturb sheep and may decreasing the amount of disturb them during the future human disturbance vulnerable lambing season caused by additional trails. and hot summer months. Prohibiting the Public Outreach - Increased decommissioning of trails public outreach would benefit during lambing season and (� bighorn sheep in providing hot summer months 1 more educated and decreases the harm to respectful recreation users. bighorn sheep. `r Noncommercial, Executive Summary Page ES-51 t eleni - .,..v. Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Noncompetitive Biological (cont.) Organized Group Activities- Same as A, but benefit to bighorn sheep is not based on voluntarily refraining from using trails - the benefit is based on closure of seasonal trail areas to groups.This would benefit bighorn sheep by limiting human disturbance. Non-motorized Commercial Recreation Activities -Same as A. Motorized Commercial Recreation Activities would disturb bighorn sheep throughout the upper portion of Dunn Road, but would not cause any disturbance during lambing season and hot summer months. Motorized-Vehicle Use of Trails -Same as A. Public Outreach -Same as A. t� V/ W Executive Summary Page ES-52 � ement� ;� a• e yS 4` Effi�-e- s er p . .. °t:,.., r p?r� `� z Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Cultural/Native Trail Use Trail Use Trail Use Trail Use Some trails within the Same as Alternative A. Same as alternative A. Some trails within the planning area lead to or pass planning area lead to or through archaeological sites. pass through archaeological Use of trails may negatively sites. Use of trails may impact cultural resources by have a negative impact on increasing visitor traffic to cultural resources by sensitive cultural areas. In increasing visitor traffic to some locations, trail users sensitive cultural areas. in have constructed cairns or some locations current trail used paint to guide others to users have constructed cultural resources. Mountain cairns or used spray paint bikes and horse traffic may to guide others to cultural increase erosion where trails resources. Mountain bikes pass through archaeological and horse traffic may sites. increase erosion where trails pass through Closure of trails for portions archaeological sites. of the year would decrease visitation to those areas, decreasing both the potential for negative effects to cultural resources and the ability of the public to view and learn to appreciate the sites. However, use & impacts may increase on trails remaining open. if Closures of trails could'also limit Native American access to ceremonial sites or traditional plant collecting V' areas. p, Executive Summary Page ES-53 t r e al ement e a , �fife�e nt� a e eIN z s 71Q Te sp cltp> a'ne a e�rt r en a i Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Air Quality Trail use and other activities Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. allowed under this alternative would not substantially contribute to the non- attainment of l0 standards documented at the Indio air quality monitoring station. Noise No impact as trail use and Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. other activities allowed under this alternative would generate little noise in remote areas. Haz Mat/Waste No impact as trail use and Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. other activities allowed under this alternative would not likely generate hazardous waste or solid wastes in quantities subject to Federal, State and local laws. �r �N ta, Executive Summary Page ES-54 o rnena ement a SEOPSMON, oE s i tro ' T-r r�r y i ,.e.a Ere Sp2 '�an�Qie ..-� 7..C�tunsca�s4..'. P- w: _e Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Visual Resource Conformance with Visual New trail development is Same as Alternative B. Same as Alternative A. Management Resource Management class anticipated to conform with 2 objectives proposed Visual Resource through the Coachella Valley Management class 2 CDCA Plan Amendments is objectives proposed not determined until project through the Coachella proposals are submitted to Valley CDCA Plan the BLM and a Contrast Amendments. Rating that measures the degree of contrast between a proposed activity and the existing landscape is prepared. Utilities No impacts as actions Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. proposed in this trails management plan would not affect existing or proposed utilities. —P Executive Summary Page ES-55 as , : p = W fL a elem n c r o r a erne m �. s Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Alternative D Socio-Economic Opportunities for non- Same as Alternative A Same as Alternative B Opportunities for non- motorized and motorized except opportunities for except that opportunities for motorized and motorized commercial recreation non-motorized and non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be subject motorized commercial commercial recreation activities would be subject to existing regulatory recreation activities would activities would be fewer to existing regulatory permitting requirements. be fewer. and motorized permitting requirements. Such opportunities would be commercial recreation The degreeto which diminished under this activities would be opportunities would be alternative given imposed prohibited in essential available is unknown as the limitations (e.g., restrictions bighorn sheep habitat. decision regarding issuance regarding when and where of permits in accordance such activities may be with existing regulatory allowed). However,the processes is unknown. degree to which opportunities would be diminished is unknown as the decision regarding issuance of permits in accordance with existing regulatory processes is unknown. Environmental Justice The actions proposed under Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. Same as Alternative A. this alternative would result in few to no impacts to nearby residences. Any major construction project proposed on the public lands is subject to further review in order to minimize health risks to children and to promote environmental justice. U California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for BLM-managed Public Lands in the Coachella Valley, California 1.0 INTRODUCTION The California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) is a region encompassing over ten million acres of public land in four southern California counties: Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and lnyo Counties. These CDCA public lands are managed by the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM is a federal agency responsible for managing the public lands in accordance with federal law, regulation and policy in order to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), BLM's organic act, directs the BLM to prepare land use plans which provide guidance,with public input, on how the public lands are to be managed. All subsequent activities on the BLM-managed public,lands must be 1 in conformance with the approved land use plan. The California Desert Conservation Area Plan (CDCA Plan, 1980, as amended) provides land use plan guidance for the entire California ± Desert Conservation Area. The CDCA Plan has undergone numerous minor amendments over l the past 20 years, and is currently undergoing major amendments, divided into five eco- regions/planning areas (Figure 1-1): 1) the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert planning ) 1 area, 2) the Northern and Eastern Mojave Desert planning area, 3) the West Mojave Desert t J planning area, 4) the Coachella Valley planning area and 5) the Imperial Sand Dunes planning area. Refer to BLM's web site at www.ca.blm.gov for more information about these other plans. 1.1 Description of the Coachella Valley Planning Area 1I' The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages approximately 28 percent (330,516 acres) of the total federal and non-federal land base in the Coachella Valley planning area (1,195,057 acres). The Coachella Valley planning area (Figure 1-2) is located approximately 100 miles east of Los Angeles in central Riverside County, California, plus a small portion in San Bernardino County. The Coachella Valley planning area does not include public lands within BLM's South Coast planning area and excludes in its entirety the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range. Management of this military installation shall be addressed through BLM's Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert Plan in collaboration with the United States Marine Corps, i The Coachella Valley itself is a broad, low elevation valley which runs northwest to southeast along the westernmost limits of the Colorado Desert portion of the Sonoran Desert. It is bounded by the San Bernardino Mountains to the northwest, the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast, the Salton Sea to the southeast, and the Santa Rosa and San ! Jacinto Mountains National Monument to the southwest. The Coachella Valley is within the i.l jurisdiction of the BLM's Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office. I ) Page 1-1 �S � Chapter 1 -Introduction Once a vast blowsand ecosystem covering more than 100 square miles, the Coachella Valley today is home to series of fast growing communities stretching from Palm Springs at its western end to the city of Indio and outlying communities of Coachella, Thermal, Mecca and North Shore in the southeast. The'Coachella Valley is an area of particular interest due to its rapid growth and urbanization and the impact of this growth on the surrounding landscape. Between 1990 and 2000, the Coachella Valley population grew by 38 percent. Over the next 20 years, the Valley's population is projected to grow from its current population of 318,000 residents to a total of nearly 600,000 residents. The BLM managed public lands are becoming increasingly important to the public as a source of recreational opportunities, open space, community infrastructure support, and habitat for threatened and endangered species. Since 1980, when the CDCA Plan was initially completed, nine Coachella Valley species have been listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, four species are proposed for listing and numerous others have been identified as candidate species. Many of the BLM-managed public lands within the planning boundary have existing land use designations for the protection of natural and cultural values, including five Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, all or portions of four wilderness areas, and a congressionally- designated national monument A description of these existing lands use designations is provided in Chapter III "Affected Environment." 1.2 Purpose and Need. The BLM in the Coachella Valley planning area has a need: 1) to provide for multiple use and sustainable development of the public lands while making progress towards healthy, properly functioning ecosystems; 2) to provide for the recovery of federal and state listed species; 3) to avoid future listings of sensitive species; 4) to provide recreational opportunities on the public lands; 5) to make available mineral and energy resources on the public lands; 6) to work collaboratively with the local jurisdictions to facilitate land management consistency, management effectiveness and cost-efficiency across jurisdictional boundaries. The purpose of this plan amendment is to develop a general plan of action (in accordance with Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1610) for the BLM-managed public lands that will meet the aforementioned needs while at the same time: 1) Shall minimize resource use conflicts; 2) Shall not unduly burden Bureau resources and funding capability, including maintenance activities; 3) Shall include actions which are manageable and implementable relative to the urbanAvildland interface and the public/private interface; 4) Shall be conducted in coordination with the members of the public, local jurisdictions, State and other Federal agencies to garner the public support needed to effectively implement the plan, Page 1-2 11 a' Chapter I -Introduction The BLM has a need in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains to 1) provide for the recovery of federal and state listed species, 2) to avoid future listings of sensitive species, 3) to provide recreational opportunities on the public lands, and 4) to work collaboratively with the local jurisdictions to facilitate land management consistency, management effectiveness and cost- efficiency across jurisdictional boundaries. The purpose of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains trails management plan is to develop a management strategy which provides year- round hiking, biking and equestrian use opportunities on the public lands while promoting recovery of the Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep; and not to consider the effects of other types of land uses that may include habitat conversion. This strategy must also meet the aforementioned purpose statements identified for the Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment. 1.3 Issues Addressed The following planning issues have been identified for examination in the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan. These issues were developed with input from BLM staff and management, members of the public through public scoping, and close coordination with the local jurisdictions, State and other Federal agencies. 1.3.1 Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment t ► What indicators may be used to measure and monitor progress towards healthy, properly functioning ecosystems on the BLM-managed public lands? ► Which rivers in the Coachella Valley are eligible and suitable to recommend for Wild and Scenic River designation? ► What land uses and recreational opportunities in Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep habitat are compatible with promoting recovery of bighorn sheep? ► What opportunities for motorized-vehicle access, mineral extraction and energy projects are available while avoiding future listings of sensitive species, and minimizing l impacts to cultural resources and Native American values? i { ► How should the branded horses in the Indian Canyons which cross both Tribal and Bureau jurisdictional boundaries.be most effectively and efficiently managed? l ► Are the Wild Horse and Burro Herd Management Area designations in the Coachella i 1 Valley appropriate in light of the current herd levels, potential habitat use conflicts with bighorn sheep, and the checkerboard public land ownership pattern? ► Is grazing in Whitewater Canyon an appropriate use in light of the checkerboard public land ownership pattern and available legal access across private land? ► How can the interface between the Mecca Hills and Orocopia Mountains Wilderness Areas and off-highway vehicle areas be managed to provide recreation opportunity and i- minimize intrusions into Wilderness? ► What BLM land use allocations/designations are needed to facilitate consistency with the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan and to identify compatible r. uses within the reserve system? �.l t Page 1-3 � � �� Chapter i -Introduction 1.3.2 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan What opportunities exist or can be created to provide hiking, biking and equestrian use in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains while promoting recovery of the Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep? 1.4 Alternatives Considered and Not Analyzed in Detail Implement the Center for Biological Diversity lawsuit settlement stipulations. Parts of the stipulations are similar to proposed actions already being considered through the various multi jurisdictional planning efforts, including some incorporated into this CDCA Plan , Amendment. On the whole, the lawsuit stipulations as an alternative would fail to meet the Bureau's purpose and need as described above. The stipulations are not comprehensive in the sense that they do not address all parts of the planning area nor all components of a land management program necessary to: 1) address the issues covered by the plan amendment and 2) resolve conflicts where possible. The ability to resolve conflicts is of particular concern as these stipulations require unilateral action by BLM setting aside collaborative management of the public lands in a planning area with complex ownerships and jurisdictions. Because the stipulations were developed as part of a lawsuit settlement, public participation was curtailed, resulting in limited public support for the stipulations and their implementation. In complying with these stipulations, the Bureau had very little flexibility to assign funds and resources efficiently, leading to situations where 1) the actions were unduly costly relative to their intended benefit and 2) resources and staff were diverted from more productive programs and projects. The stipulations also had unintended consequences such as diverting vehicle use into previously undisturbed areas or creating trespass on private lands. Close all motorized vehicle routes/areas within the Coachella Valley. This proposal would fail to meet the purpose and need for this plan as it would severely restrict public access for the non-hiking public and would significantly reduce recreational opportunities on the public lands. The cost of hiring enough law enforcement rangers to effectively enforce these closures would be prohibitively expensive. Close all hikin ikingLquestrian trails within bighorn sheep critical habitat from January 1st throughptember 30`s of each year. This proposal would fail to meet the purpose and need of this plan by severely restricting recreational opportunities within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains in order to avoid most potential human interactions with bighorn sheep. There are studies or articles that describe stress effects to sheep due to recreation or suggest the possibility of contribution to population level effects (MacArthur et al. (1979 and 1982, Miller and Smith 1985, Papouchis et al. 2000, King and Workman (1986), Hansen 1970, Geist 1971, Horesji 1976). Krausman et al. (2000). However, not all research supports the conclusion that recreation has a detrimental effect on bighorn sheep (Hamilton et al, 1982, Hicks and Elder 1979. Population level effects, remain largely uncertain and unknown. Given the local tendency for sheep to enter into urban interface areas, there is evidence that local sheep can and do habituate to human activity. There is also widespread community interest to utilize the trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, especially in the winter and spring months. Public support, particularly by trail users and local governments, for such a Page 1-4 1 Chapter i -Introduction broad scale closure was not in evidence in public scoping. Without the necessary public } support, the cost of hiring enough law enforcement rangers to effectively enforce these closures would be prohibitively expensive. t Open year-round all trails within bighorn sheep critical habitat to hiking biking equestrian and dog use. This proposal would fail to meet the purpose and need of this plan by not promoting recovery of the federally-listed, endangered Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep. [ While the population level effects of stress-inducing disturbance on sheep during the lambing c. season are unknown, there is evidence that human encounters can result in adverse effects to both ewes and Iambs (Geist 1971, Light and Weaver 1973, King and Workman 1986, Wagner 1 and Peek 1999, Wehausen 1980). Exactly how much and what kind of disturbance is not well- documented at this time. We do know that dogs can create severe and persistent stress to bighorn sheep, probably because they are seen as predators (Geist 1971, MacAruthur et al. 1979, MacArthur et al. 1982, Purdy and Shaw 1981, Goodson et al. 1999). Some level of i management is necessary to limit the potential for adverse impacts to bighorn sheep in the j , portion of the Peninsular Ranges within the planning area. i 1 1.5 Relationship to Other Plans BLM planning regulations at 43 CFR 1610.3-2 require BLM planning documents to be consistent with officially approved resource related plans, policies and programs of other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and Indian Tribes, so long as these plans are i } consistent with the purposes, policies and programs of Federal laws and regulations applicable to public lands. The Coachella Valley California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment is } being developed in concert with several planning efforts of relevance to the Coachella Valley. These plans and their relationship to this plan amendment are described below. The Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). In 1996, the BLM signed a Memorandum of Understanding along with nine Coachella Valley cities, Riverside County, State and other Federal agencies, to initiate preparation of the CVMSHCP. The purpose of the CVMSHCP is to utilize a landscape- based approach to provide for the long-term conservation of multiple sensitive species and their habitats,while streamlining "take" permitting processes. While the CVMSHCP process is ' } primarily geared towards resolving private and city-county planning issues, federal participation is often necessary to achieve landscape-level species protection for some of the planning area. ` } Through the Coachella Valley CDCA Plan Amendment process, the BLM would determine how best to participate with the CVMSHCP, in the context of BLM's land management mission as a federal agency. i_ I The CVMSHCP planning boundary encompasses 1,205,780 acres located in the central portion of Riverside County, California. The CVMSHCP planning boundary generally is defined by the ridge[ines of the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa and Little San Bernardino Mountains. It extends from the Imperial and San Diego County lines on the south, including portions of the Salton Sea, 1 and to the Cabazon/San Gorgonio Pass area in the northwest. On the east, it extends along /} � � Page 1-5 � Z� / 7 Chapter 1 - Introduction Interstate 10 to include the Crocopia Mountains and the Chiraco Summit area. Approximately 24 percent of the planning area consists of BLM-managed public lands, while private lands total about 43 percent. The remaining 33 percent includes Native American, State and other public and quasi-public lands. The CDCA Plan Amendment planning boundary extends beyond the CVMSHCP planning boundary, incorporating BLM-managed public lands within the Santa Rosa Wilderness, public lands surrounding Coyote Canyon in Riverside County, and those portions of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Big Morongo Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)within San Bernardino County. The CVMSHCP is based upon two processes designed to accommodate community growth and development without compromising species protection. In 1982, Congress amended the Endangered Species Act to allow for the creation of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP). The intent of the HCP process is to provide a community-based method for reducing conflicts between threatened and endangered species and economic development. Seldom used in its first decade, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries System took steps in the early 1990s to streamline and strengthen the HCP process. Since 1992, more than 241 HCPs have been developed, covering 6.2 million acres. The BLM was one of the first federal agencies to become involved in Habitat Conservation Planning. In 1985, the Bureau participated in the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan, the second Habitat Conservation Plan ever prepared in the United States. This plan created three preserves to protect habitat for the endangered fringe-toed lizard. A 1994 study prepared for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) recommended that a Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan be prepared for the Coachella Valley in order to meet threatened and endangered species conservation needs while still allowing for continuing economic growth and community development. In 1991, the State of California built upon the HCP framework through its adoption of the Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) program. This program authorizes the creation of regional conservation and development plans meant to protect entire communities of native plants and animals while streamlining the process for compatible economic development in other areas. The CVMSHCP meets the criteria of both the federal Habitat Conservation Plan and the state Natural Communities Conservation Planning processes. The CVMSHCP will include a combined Environmental Impact Review (EIR), as required by the California Environmental Quality Act, and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Upon completion of the CVMSHCP, the BLM proposes to adopt management measures in support of this plan as an activity (implementation) level plan for public lands within the planning area. The activity plan would be tiered to BLM's California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley. This plan amendment was developed in tandem with the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan in order to provide the fi-amework for those implementation actions which will support the landscape-level approach to conservation and providing for community needs. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is an element of and would be incorporated into the CVMSHCP. Page 1-6 Chapter 1 -Introduction J Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Management Plan, In October of i 2000 Congress passed, and the President signed, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains i National Monument Act of 2000, creating a 272,000 acre national monument on BLM and Forest Service managed land. The Act requires that a National Monument Management Plan 1 be cooperatively developed by BLM and USFS for the by the Fall of 2003. 1 J This National Monument is entirely within the Coachella Valley planning boundary. The i T National Monument includes Forest Service land within the San Jacinto District of the San J Bernardino National Forest and BLM land within the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA). Both the San Bernardino National Forest and the CDCA are currently undergoing l planning amendments/revisions. CDCA Plan Amendment decisions affecting the National ! J Monument would be brought forward into the National Monument plan, as will US Forest Service plan revision decisions affecting the National Monument. r7 i 1 Multi jurisdictional decisions resulting from the CVMSHCP would also be incorporated into the National Monument Plan. This includes the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails l Management Plan, which would propose trail management decisions applying to the many ( jurisdictions that trails cross. + �1 The legislation establishing the National Monument also requires specific items to be a part of the National Monument Plan. The CDCA Plan Amendment would be consistent with the T specific actions called out in the Monument Legislation, including: J ► Provisions to continue to authorize the recreational use of the Monument. ► Except for administrative and emergency purposes, motorized vehicle use is permitted on designated routes only. ► Allowing for hunting, trapping and fishing within the Monument. In consultation with CDFG, identify zones and time periods where such uses may be disallowed to protect public safety, administration, public use and enjoyment. ► Plan shall provide adequate access to state and private lands. ► Plan shall address need for public utility rights-of-way. i ► Plan shall address the maintenance of roadways,jeep trails, and paths. ► Administer grazing leases/permits in accordance with existing law and regulations. Shall not affect Wellman Family grazing permit. ( ► Shall not restrict military, commercial and general aviation overflights. ► Commercial air tours (sightseeing) over the Monument is prohibited, unless such operation was conducted prior to February 16, 2000. ► Federal lands withdrawn from land entry, mining entry, mineral/geothermal. ► Lands or easements may only be acquired by willing donor/seller. ► Without further authorization by law, BLM and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians may exchange lands. ► Nothing is this Act alters management of designated Wilderness areas, which remain subject to the Wilderness Act(Clarifying Amendments, Public Law 106-434; Nov. 6, 2000). ( 1 Page 1-7 1 �� Chapter 1 - Introduction The Recovery Plan for the Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep. When Congress passed the Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.) in 1973, it set public policy that the people of the United States were to act to prevent the destruction of nature's resource diversity, The Act further declared that the policy of Congress is for federal agencies to seek to conserve endangered and threatened species and that they shall use their own authorities in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Endangered Species Act, as amended includes the requirement to develop and implement recovery plans (Section 4(f)), Recovery, or the arrest or reversal of the decline of an endangered or threatened species, is the cornerstone and ultimate purpose of the endangered species program. The Secretary of the Interior has delegated responsibility for endangered and threatened species recovery to the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Recovery plans identify actions which frequently require coordination among Federal, State, and local agencies, academic researchers, conservation organizations, private individuals, and major land users in order to be successful. However, the development and approval phases of recovery plans are excluded from National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requirements because they are advisory in nature. The Peninsular Ranges population of bighorn sheep (PRBS; Ovis canadensis nelsoni)was listed as endangered in 1998. In October of 2000, the USFWS completed the Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep Recovery Plan which recommends actions to recover and protect this listed species. In February 2001, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat for the PRBS. Bureau of Land Management employees were consulted during preparation of the recovery plan. The recovery plan makes the following recommendations which are directly applicable to the plan amendment(page citations are from the Recovery Plan): 1. Protect essential habitat, consisting of physical and biological resources needed for (1) normal behavior and protection from disturbance, and (2) individual population growth and movement, including dispersal to support a future population (pp. 69-70). 2. Acquire, or exchange to acquire, bighorn sheep habitat from willing landowners (p.75), 3. Remove exotic vegetation and prevent further invasion by exotic plants, especially tamarisk (p.77). 4. Reduce or eliminate wild horse populations from bighorn sheep habitat. 5, Implement a fire management plan in fire adapted habitats to help maintain bighorn sheep habitat(p.78). 6. Maintain existing water sources and consider providing additional water sources on public lands (p. 79). 7. Maintain or re-establish connectivity through out all habitat (p.79). 8. Construct fences to exclude bighorn sheep from urban area where they have begun or may begin using urban sources of food and water (p.80). 9, Manage road use and aircraft activities to reduce or eliminate habitat fragmentation or interference with bighorn sheep resource use patterns (p. 89), ^ Page 1 8 15A 33�z- i Chapter 1 -Introduction 10. Conduct or approve monitoring and research activities on public land to support I adaptive management, enhance understanding of human/sheep interactions, understand habitat relationships, understand predator relationships, and clarify factors affecting population trends. (pp.89, 96-101). 11. Consider approval of predator removal activities on public lands (p.93). 12. Consider approval of reintroduction and augmentation activities on public lands (p. 94). 13. Develop and implement education and public awareness programs (pp. 104-107). i � Through the CVMSHCP, Trails Management Plan and CDCA Plan amendment, the BLM is considering a range of alternatives, each composed of a suite of actions and guided by the ? Recovery Plan recommendations listed above. The alternatives include habitat improvements (tamarisk control, water sources, etc.), land exchanges, land acquisitions, trails management, and limits to other activities. Altogether, the decisions regarding these actions will compose 1 the strategy to be implemented on BLM-managed public lands in order to contribute to ' bighorn sheep population recovery. By means of these planning efforts, the alternative strategies for public lands are analyzed by an interdisciplinary team and with the benefit of 1public input and comment under NEPA, as well as plan-level consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service. On a more specific level, the recovery plan identified trails and areas with potential conflicts that should be addressed in an interagency trails management plan. The Recovery Plan also makes the following recommendations which are directly applicable to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan (activity plan): 1. Develop and implement a trails management program with affected land management agencies, scientific organizations, and user groups (p. 86-89). a) Prepare a public education and outreach program for trail users. b) Confine dogs to designated areas and prohibit dogs in bighorn sheep habitat c) Apply seasonal restrictions on selected trails in lambing habitat between January 1 and June 30. d) Seasonal restrictions may be appropriate for selected trails that lead to water sources. 1 e) Address possible seasonal restrictions, trail re-locations or permanent trail closures 1 where restrictions cannot be enforced and relocations are not possible f) Use trails as a tool to focus use away from more sensitive areas. g) Avoid constructing new trails, except on the edge of urban areas to relieve pressure on other sensitive trails and to discourage sheep use of urban areas. Where new trails are used impacts should be minimized. h) Maintain a uniformed agency presence during peak use period to educate the ' public, monitor compliance with trails rules, and enforce rules against violations. 2, Manage trail use to reduce or eliminate habitat fragmentation or interference with bighorn sheep resource use patterns (p. 89) 1 Page 1-9 ` Chapter 1 - Introduction Through the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan (an activity plan), the BLM is considering a range of alternatives which represent different approaches to provide the trails management component recommended in the Recovery Plan. Similar to the broader Resource Management Plan decisions discussed above, an environmental impact analysis of the various approaches is provided. Trails management decisions, however, are more easily adapted over time because they do not require a plan amendment to modify. The recovery plan also makes recommendations which may be the subject of future activity planning, project planning, or environmental analysis prior to implementation. This is generally because the specific projects are not known, or additional more detailed planning is necessary to develop and analyze specific proposals or alternatives. New actions outside the scope of the analysis completed for this plan would be subject to additional project-level consultation with US. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1. Prohibit use of goats as a pack animal on trails (p.91). 2. Prohibit fences in which sheep may become entangled or strangled, or that block sheep movement in bighorn sheep habitat(p. 91). 3. Acquire, or exchange to acquire, bighorn sheep habitat from willing landowners (p.75). 4. Remove exotic vegetation and prevent further invasion by exotic plants, especially tamarisk(p.77). 5. Implement a fire management plan in fire adapted habitats to help maintain bighorn sheep habitat(p.78). 6. Maintain existing water sources and consider providing additional water sources on public lands (p. 79). 7. Construct fences to exclude bighorn sheep from urban area where they have begun or may begin using urban sources of food and water (p.80). 8. Manage road use and aircraft activities to reduce or eliminate habitat fragmentation or interference with bighorn sheep resource use patterns (p. 89). 9. Conduct monitoring and research to support adaptive management and to enhance understanding of human/sheep interactions (p.89). 10. Consider approval of predator removal activities on public lands (p. 93). 11. Consider approval of reintroduction and augmentation activities on public lands (p. 94). Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Land Management Plan. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is developing a Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan for the Agua Callent:e Indian Reservation. The purposes of this plan are to balance environmental protection and economic development objectives for the Reservation and to simplify compliance with the Endangered Species Act. The Agua Caliente Indian Reservation encompasses over 31,400 acres of land in the Coachella Valley. The reservation includes Tribal trust land, allotted trust land, and both Tribal and non-Indian fee land, which is interspersed in a checkerboard pattern among public and private lands. The Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan and the Reservation have the same boundary, and the plan is intended to govern all development activities taking place within the Reservation. BLM-managed public lands adjoin Tribal lands in a number of locations throughout the Valley. BLM's CDCA plan amendment was developed in coordination with the Tribal Habitat Conservation Plan in order to facilitate consistency in land uses and habitat protection across the Coachella Valley. Furthermore, the Tribe and the BLM operate under a �� .c Page 1-10 e� Chapter 1 -Introduction i � Cooperative Management Agreement and actively seek to find ways to engage in activities that 1 improve land management compatibility, effectiveness and efficiency. i Santa Rosa Mountains Wildlife Habitat Management Plan: A Sikes Act Project (Sikes Act Plan): This plan was jointly prepared and approved by BLM and the State of California Resources Agency, Department of Fish and Game in 1980. It described shared wildlife and habitat management objectives, as well as actions to implement those objectives. The plan includes information that is no longer current, decisions that have already been implemented, decisions which no longer fit current conditions, and decisions which are still relevant. The CVMSHCP and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan (an activity plan) would 1 update and amend the Sikes Act Plan. The following is a summary of how decisions in the 1 Sikes Act Plan relate to the current planning efforts. All of the Sikes Plan objectives and the following decisions in the plan would be carried forward without modification: i 1. Coordination of public access with California Department of Fish and Game lands and Anza Borrrego State Park lands will continue. 2. Coordination of public education with California Department of Fish and Game, local ' government agencies, University of California and others will continue. 3. Where appropriate, the BLM will secure reciprocal rights of way for public access when granting rights of way across BLM land. 4. Inventory and maintenance of water sources for bighorn sheep will continue. 1 r 5. An interpretive sign will be designed for placement at Vista Point on Highway 74. l6. Trespasses will continue to be addressed under existing regulations. 7. Survey and monitoring for Desert Slender Salamander, Magic Gecko and raptors will l continue. 1 The following items in the Sikes Act Plan are updated: i i 1. Establishment of the Dead Indian Creek Natural Area withdrawal from mineral entry, agricultural entry and public sale would be modified consistent with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000. 2. Wilderness Study Area language has been modified by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 which established the Santa Rosa Wilderness. 3. There no longer is a Sheffer Grazing Allotment on public lands in the Santa Rosa Mountains. 4. The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is closed to location of mining claims. 5. Flood control projects at Magnesia, Carrizo, Dead Indian and Bear Creek drainages are I completed. 6. Off road vehicle controls are in place for Dead Indian Canyon, Carrizo Canyon, and i Martinez Canyon. The Martinez Canyon proposal has been modified by the cherrystem designation for Santa Rosa Mountains Wilderness in the Califorina Desert Protection Act of 1994. The project design for Guadalupe Canyon is completed and scheduled for implementation in 2002. Lj / �a 1 Page 1-11 ` rT 76/ Chapter 1 - Introduction The following items would be modified by the current planning efforts: 1. Vehicle use designations referenced in the Sikes Act Plan for BLM-managed public lands will be superseded by plan amendment decisions. 2. The land exchange and acquisition program has been modified by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 and may be affected by decisions in this plan amendment. 3. Research and monitoring protocols are being redesigned based on Endangered Species Act listing of the bighorn sheep of the Peninsular Ranges and the subsequent Recovery Plan. They will also be affected by decisions in this plan amendment relative to research uses on BLM-managed public lands. 4. The location and design for water development proposals for sheep will be re- evaluated at the project level (case-by-case) based on management direction set in the CDCA plan amendment. 5. The conclusion that no protective measures for water sources are necessary beyond the seasonal restrictions in place at Carrizo Canyon and Magnesia Springs Ecological Reserves (State lands) may be modified by decisions in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan 6. Bighorn sheep transplant decisions require updating based on the ESA listing and the subsequent Recovery Plan. Decisions in this plan amendment may also affect transplants onto BLM-managed public lands. 7. Management guidelines set by the Sikes Act Plan regarding recreation 'public access, trails, roads, fences, grazing, exotic plants and animals, science, education, and mining will be updated and modified by decisions in this plan amendment and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan. Draft 2002 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has reviewed the draft 2002 Coachella Valley PM10 State Implementation Plan (2002 CVSIP) and prepared a draft Negative Declaration for 30 days public review and comment period ending May 29, 2002. In the Coachella Valley, PM10 sources include construction activities, vehicular activity on paved and unpaved roads, and windblown emissions from disturbed surfaces. AQMD staff will also provide a review of high-wind natural events that will be excluded from the PM10 attainment determination, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(U.S, EPA) Natural Events Policy. Due to exceedance of the 24-hour and annual average PM10 standards, U.S. EPA classified Coachella Valley as a serious PM70 non-attainment area on February 8, 1993. Under the federal Clean Air Act (CAA), areas that are classified as serious PM10 non-attainment are required to'attain the PM10 standards by December 31, 2001. CAA Section 188(e) further states that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allowed to extend the attainment date for up to five years if attainment by 2001 is not practicable. After several years of demonstrating attainment of the PM10 standards, the Coachella Valley was not in attainment by December 31, 2001, based on PM10 air quality data from 1999-2001. -, Page 1-12 l �i 1 l Chapter 1 -Introduction The purpose of the 2002 CVSIP is to develop an enhanced PM10 reduction program that r demonstrates attainment with the PM10 standards by the earliest practicable date and to provide the necessary supporting documentation to formally request an extension of the PM10 attainment date. r � Coachella Valley PM10 reduction efforts began in the early 1990s with adoption of dust control ordinances by local jurisdictions, development of a clean streets management program, and + AQMD rules to reduce emissions from man-made PM10 sources. As a result, the Coachella Valley experienced three years (1993 - 1995)without a PM10 exceedance and the AQMD prepared and adopted the 1996 Coachella Valley PM10 Attainment Redesignation Request and ! Maintenance Plan. Despite previous efforts, the Coachella Valley exceeded the annual average PM70 standard of 1 50 mg/m' during the years 1999 - 2001, As mentioned, the CAA allows an extension of the + 1 attainment date for up to five years provided that: 1) all previous SIP commitments have been implemented, 2) a demonstration that attainment by 2001 is not practicable, 3) documentation t that all feasible Most Stringent Measures (MSM) are being implemented, and 4) a demonstration that the expected attainment date is the most expeditious date practicable. j In conjunction with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, local jurisdictions, government agencies (including BLM), developersibuilders, farmers, other stakeholders and the public,AQMD staff prepared the 2002 CVSIP that includes: • A summary of previous dust control plans and regulations • Latest PM10 air quality i Revised emissions inventory and emissions budget for transportation conformity • The required most stringent measures (MSM) analysis • Control strategy and attainment demonstration • Natural Events Action Plan update • Official request for extension of the PM10 attainment deadline l The control strategy is based on enhancements to the current federally-approved dust control J ordinances and AQMD rules. Control measures will incrementally improve dust control and compliance for construction and other earth moving projects, farming operations, paved and unpaved roadways, open vacant lands, and unpaved parking lots. New measures include increased construction signage, construction dust monitors, stricter track-out control measures, agricultural best management practices, ensuring limited access or control of vacant lands, stabilizing or paving of unpaved shoulders, medians, and unpaved roads, and additional control of unpaved parking lots. New test methods and requirements for notification and record keeping are also proposed. The 2002 CVSIP relates plan amendment decisions regarding designation of the vehicle route network on public lands, designation of off-highway vehicle use areas, closure of areas to j vehicle use to reduce dust emissions, and mitigation requirements for authorized activities on public lands within the planning area. „I Page 1-13 Chapter 1 -Introduction For more information on the draft 2002 Coachella Valley PM70 State Implementation Plan, contact Ms. Martha Lucero, Public Advisor' s Office, 21865 East Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765, (909) 39672039, or Michael Laybourn, South Coast AQMD, Planning and Rules, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765, 909-396-3066 or by E-mail at mlaybourn@agmd.gov. General Plans and Management Plans prepared b Local ocal Jurisdictions, Native American Tribes, and State Agencies. The BLM shall coordinate with the local jurisdictions, Native American Tribes and State Agencies to facilitate consistency with plans prepared by these entities, to the legal extent feasible under Federal law, regulation and policy. The Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert (NECO) Plan. BLM's Draft NECO Plan provides alternative scenarios for a comprehensive framework for managing species and habitats, including recovery of the desert tortoise, on Federal lands managed by the BLM, National Park Service Qoshua Tree National Park), and the U.S. Marine Corps (Chocolate Mountains Aerial Gunnery Range) in eastern San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. The draft plan and Environmental Impact Statement was released for public review on February 26, 2001. The public comment period ended June 25, 2001. It is anticipated that the final plan will be released the summer of 2002. The western edge of the NECO plan overlaps the CVMSHCP planning area by about 55,000 acres, all in Riverside County. It is anticipated that the NECO Plan will be completed first. The CVMSHCP will serve as a habitat conservation plan, so decisions will apply to Federal, State and private lands. Even though the respective planning leads have been coordinating to facilitate consistency in the overlap area, some NECO Plan decisions may require amending in order to complete the CVMSHCP. The West Mojave Desert Plan. The West Mojave Desert Plan encompasses 9.4 million-acres throughout most of California's western Mojave Desert. It extends from Olancha in Inyo County on the north, to the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains on the south, and from the Antelope Valley on the west, to the Mojave National Preserve on the east. About one third of the planning area is private land, another third is within military bases, and the final third consists of public lands managed by BLM. Approximately two square miles of the West Mojave planning boundary overlaps with the Coachella Valley planning boundary, all within San Bernardino County. The West Mojave Plan is being jointly prepared by local jurisdictions, the Department of Defense and BLM. The completed plan would serve as a habitat conservation plan and would enable the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) to issue programmatic biological opinions, incidental take permits and "no surprises" assurances to each of the participating agencies, thereby streamlining issuance of"take" permits for private development interests and military operations. The draft plan is currently under preparation and scheduled for public release late in 2002. The BLM planning team leads for the West Mojave and Coachella Valley plan are working together to ensure consistency between the two plans in the overlap area. Page 1-14 Chapter 1 -Introduction 1.6 Planning Criteria � 4 Planning criteria are parameters (or "sideboards") which guide development of the plan amendment, to ensure the planning process is tailored to the issues and to avoid unnecessary r data collection and analyses. Planning criteria are generally based on standards prescribed by applicable Federal laws, regulations, Executive Orders, BLM Manual and policy, and the result of coordination with the public, Tribes, and other Federal, state and local government: : agencies. 1.6.1 Criteria Specific to the CDCA Plan Amendment � 1In addition to the standard suite of laws, regulations, Executive Orders, BLM Manual and policy criteria which guide all BLM planning and environmental review documents, the following criteria were specifically established to guide development of the California Desert i Conservation Area (CDCA) Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley: ► This CDCA Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley shall be completed by December I 31, 2002. As this Coachella Valley planning effort is an amendment to and not a revision of the j CDCA Plan (1980, as amended), any CDCA plan elements not addressed nor specifically changed in this plan amendment shall remain extant and in effect. ► The planning boundary for the Northern and Eastern Colorado Desert(NECO) Plan J overlaps the eastern portion of the Coachella Valley planning boundary. BLM staff working on the Coachella Valley plan amendment have coordinated with staff working on the NECO Plan to ensure consistency between the two plans. ► The planning boundary for the West Mojave Plan overlaps the northwest portion of the Coachella Valley planning boundary. BLM staff working on the Coachella Valley plan amendment are coordinating with staff working on the West Mojave Plan to ensure consistency between the two plans. ► Any proposals promulgated through this Coachella Valley planning effort shall be in ` 1 compliance with the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000. 1 1.6.2 Laws Regulations and Policies There are a broad range of federal laws, regulations and policies guiding development of this I Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment, including but not limited to: ► Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ► Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (Regulations related to public lands) ' ► BLM Manual 1601 and 43 CFR 1610 (BLM's planning guidance and regulations) ► National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Title 40 CFR Part 1500. ► Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended ► California Desert Protection Act of 1994 and the Wilderness Act of 1964 ► Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ► Wild Horse and Burro Act Page 1-15 Chapter 1 - Introduction ► Taylor Grazing Act of 1929 and the Rangeland Improvement Act ► Clean Water and Clean Air Acts ► Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Act of 2000 ► The President's National Energy Policy(Executive Order 13212) ► Native American Consultation per Executive Orders 12866, 13084, et al ► Protocol Agreement (1998) with the State Historic Preservation Office Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLMPMA). FLPMA establishes the authority and provides guidance for how the public lands are to be managed by the Bureau. The following is a highlight of FLPMA sections that are especially pertinent to this planning process. Multiple Use. In accordance with FLPMA, BLM is directed to manage the public lands on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield unless otherwise specified by law. FLPMA also requires that the public lands are to be managed in a manner which will protect the quality of scientific, scenic, historical, ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric,water resource and archeological values. Multiple use does not imply that all uses are available on all parcels of public land. In order to minimize land use conflicts, public lands containing sensitive values and dedicated for conservation may have additional restrictions. Some lands outside more sensitive areas may be used more intensively for a variety of social or economic purposes. In the CDCA plan, public lands are assigned a multiple use classification (MUC) according to the allowable level of multiple use. Class C (Controlled Use) designation is the most restrictive, and is assigned to wilderness and wilderness study areas with minimal levels of multiple use. Class L(Limited Use) lands are managed to provide lower-intensity, carefully controlled multiple use of resources while ensuring that sensitive values are not significantly diminished. Class M (Moderate Use) lands are managed to provide for a wider variety of uses such as mining, livestock grazing, recreation, utilities and energy development,while conserving desert resources and mitigating damages permitted uses may cause. Class I (Intensive Use) provides for concentrated uses of lands and resources to meet human needs. Mitigation of impacts and rehabilitation of impacted areas would be implemented to the reasonable extent possible. Scattered and isolated parcels of public land in the CDCA that have not been assigned an MUC are unclassified. Through the CDCA plan amendment process, BLM may consider whether any lands should receive a different MUC in order to better meet BLM's goals and objectives. Valid Existing Rights, This proposed plan amendment applies only to BLM-managed Federal lands, and does not apply to private nor other government agency lands except to the extent a management agreement exists between BLM and the landowner. Nothing in this proposed plan amendment shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued right-of-way, or customary operation, maintenance, repair and replacement activities in such right- of-ways issued in accordance with Section 509(a) and 701(a) of FLPMA. Page 1-16 ��r" v r }. S , Chapter 1 -Introduction Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. FLPMA (202(c)(3)( also authorizes BLM to designate Areas of Critical Environmental Concern that are areas requiring special 1 management attention to protect important historic, cultural or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, natural systems and processes, or to protect life and safety from r natural hazards. ACECs are designated through the BLM planning process in accordance with 43 CFR 1610,7-2, Unlike Congressionally designated wilderness, ACEC designation does not automatically define a specific set of management actions, such + ) as closing an area to motorized vehicles, Proposed ACECs and expansions must meet the criteria for relevance and importance ! l established in 43, CFR 1610.7-2(a) prior to designation. Relevance means that"there 1 shall be present a significant historic, cultural, or scenic value; a fish or wildlife resource or other natural system or process; or natural hazard. Importance means that 1 "the above described value, resource system, process or hazard shall have substantial 1 significance and values. This generally requires qualities of more than local significance..." In addition, the BLM must determine whether the resources or values that meet the criteria require special attention and therefore, warrant designation as an i ACEC. A discussion of the relevance and importance of the resources contained within the proposed ACECs and proposed ACEC expansion areas are included in the "Affected Environment" section of this document. Decisions and actions are then designed to manage an ACEC in a manner consistent with the relevant and important values for which it was designated. Endangered Species Act. Development projects on private and public lands are subject to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA). The ESA directs proponents to consult with the USFWS in order to ensure the continued existence of threatened and endangered species and avoid adverse modification of designated critical habitat. l Consultation results in the issuance of a Biological Opinion and a Section 10(a) (for non-federal } actions) or a Section 7 (for Federal actions) permit by the USFWS. 1 Area and Route Designation Criteria. As required by 43 CFR §8342.1, the designation of public lands as either open, limited or closed to off-road vehicles, and the designation of routes, shall be based on the protection of the resources of the public lands, the promotion of the safety of all the users of the public lands, the minimization of conflicts among various uses of the public lands; and in accordance with the following criteria: ► Areas and routes shall be located to minimize damage to soil, watershed, vegetation, 1 air, or other resources of the public lands, and to prevent impairment of wilderness suitability. Areas and routes shall be located to minimize harassment of wildlife or significant disruption of wildlife habitats. Special attention will be given to protect endangered or f threatened species and their habitats. 1 ► Areas and routes shall be located to minimize conflicts between off-road vehicle use and other existing or proposed recreational uses of the same or neighboring public t lands, and to ensure the compatibility of such uses with existing conditions in populated areas, taking into account noise and other factors. Page 1-17 ` Chapter i -Introduction ► Areas and routes shall not be located in officially designated wilderness areas or primitive areas. Areas shall be located in natural areas only if the authorized officer determines that off road vehicle use in such locations will not adversely affect their natural, esthetic, scenic, or other values for which such areas are established. President's National Energy Policy. As outlined in Executive Order 13212 of May 18, 2001, agencies shall take appropriate actions, to the extent consistent with applicable law, to expedite projects that will increase the production, transmission, or conservation of energy Agencies are required to identify in their land use plans areas with high potential for energy development, high mineral value, and areas necessary for energy-related infrastructure, In accordance with Washington D.C. Office Instruction Memorandum No. 2002-053, agencies must take into consideration the impacts of proposed actions on energy development, production, supply and/or distribution. Guidance on general habitat management. In addition to the nine formally listed endangered species in the Coachella Valley, there are an additional 20 species that have special status under State and Federal regulation. BLM proposes to address habitat conservation at the landscape level in cooperation with other jurisdictions in the Coachella Valley. This multiple jurisdiction approach focuses on establishing core reserves, providing corridors linking reserves, and maintaining ecological processes important to endemic species in the Coachella Valley in accordance with the following general principles of conservation biology: ► Conservation areas that encompass a species' native range will be more successful in preventing extinction than areas confined to small portions of a species' range. ► Large blocks of habitat containing large populations of the species are superior to small blocks of habitat containing small populations. ► Blocks of habitat that are close together are better than blocks far apart. ► Habitat that occurs in less fragmented, contiguous blocks is preferable to habitat that is fragmented. ► Habitat patches that minimize edge-to-area ratios are superior to those that do not. ► Interconnected blocks of habitat are more effective than isolated blocks, and corridors or linkages function better when the habitat serves the needs of the target species. ► Heterogeneous terrain and vegetation should be included in the conservation areas. ► Some geographically isolated populations should be included in the conservation areas to reduce the potential for catastrophic effects. Land Health. BLM's grazing regulations in Part 43 CFR 4180 require that State Directors, in consultation with Resource Advisory Councils, develop Standards of Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management. The grazing regulations require that Standards be in conformance with the "Fundamentals of Rangeland Health" (BLM policy developed in 1993) and that the Standards and Guidelines address each of the "guiding principles" as defined in the regulations. Soon after rangeland health standards and guidelines were developed in the 1990's, the Bureau issued policy requiring BLM land use plans to incorporate land health standards for all activities occurring on public lands. The goal is to improve ecological conditions on the public lands, based upon attainment and maintenance of basic fundamentals for healthy systems. Page 1-18 S-A I l 3 GL l i Chapter 1 - Introduction Cultural Resources. The BLM is responsible for consideration of the effects of its actions on historic properties, regardless of land ownership. These responsibilities are defined under the Antiquities Act of 1906, and the Historic Sites Act of 1935, the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the Native American Graves and { Repatriation Act. The 36 CFR 800 procedures relative to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended) will be followed pursuant to the State Protocol Agreement (1998) between the California State Director of the Bureau of Land Management and the California State Historic Preservation Officer. 4 Native American Consultation. The BLM must take into consideration how its actions may ( � affect Tribal cultural resources and religious values. Executive Orders 12866 of September 30, 1993, 13084 of May 14, 1998, and Executive Memorandum of April 29, 1994 direct Federal agencies to establish formal consultation protocols with Indian tribes to ensure that the rights ' 1 of sovereign tribal governments are fully respected. The BLM has drafted a formal agreement i ) that establishes this protocol. A signed protocol is in effect between the BLM and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Consultation protocols have been submitted for review and 1 discussion with the Augustine Band of Mission Indians, Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, 1 Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Mission Indians, and the Torres-Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Per Departmental Manual 3030 DM 2, the BLM is required to make a determination on whether public land activities could impact trust assets. If a potential impact exists, consultation with the tribe must be initiated to mitigate impacts. As the planning area adjoins tribal lands in several locations, an analysis and consultation will be conducted through the planning process. f Clean Water Act. Growing public awareness and concern for controlling water pollution led to enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. This law became commonly known as the Clean Water Act.The Act established the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. It gave Environmental Protection Agency the authority to implement pollution control programs such as setting wastewater standards for industry and continued requirements to set water quality standards ll for all contaminants in surface waters. The Act made it unlawful for any person to discharge I any pollutant from a point source into navigable waters, unless a permit was obtained under its provisions. It recognized the need for planning to address the critical problems posed by l non-point source pollution. Through the Act, a grant program was established called the State 1 Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund, to address water quality needs by building on Environmental Protection Agency and State partnerships. California's Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act is the principal law governing water quality in the state. This statute established the State Water Resources Control Board and nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Together these bodies oversee water policy for i. all surface waters, wetlands, ground water and for point and non-point pollution sources. The Coachella Valley is part of the Colorado River Basin Region and is under the jurisdiction of the Region 7 Water Quality Control Board. In 1994, this Board issued a Water Quality Control 1 Plan, which identified existing and potential beneficial uses of waters and established water quality objectives to protect these areas. The plan also contains an implementation surveillance and monitoring plan. In 1998 a federal Clean Water Action Plan was initiated to u(� Page 1-19 ,c 1�/ / ! ! l Chapter 1 - Introduction help states and tribes restore and sustain the health of aquatic systems on a watershed basis. This plan requested that states and Tribes develop a Unified Watershed Assessment (UWA) to guide allocation of new federal resources for watershed protection, The final California Watershed Assessment identified 66 Priority Category I watersheds throughout the state. These watersheds are def ned by the Clean Water Action Plan as candidates for increased restoration due to impaired water quality or other impaired natural resource goals. The Coachella Valley is located within the 7,200 square mile Salton Sea Category I watershed. Clean Air Act. The Coachella Valley is in non-attainment with national air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter. All BLM management decisions within non-attainment areas require a conformity analysis to determine whether the proposed activities could impede state efforts to achieve attainment with national ambient air quality standards. A conformity analysis will be conducted for all relevant alternatives considered in the plan amendment. Any reductions to air quality impacts on the BLM-managed lands may serve as credit for increased air quality impacts elsewhere on the BLM-managed lands. The San Gorgonio and San Jacinto wilderness areas, and the wilderness portions of Joshua Tree National Park are designated Class I air quality areas. (The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a Class 11 airshed.) Class I areas exceed national standards for air quality and are assigned the most stringent air quality standards in order to protect this status.' This plan amendment considers the potential impacts of proposed actions to these Class 1 airsheds, 1.6.3 Relationship to the Center for Biological Diversity, et al. Lawsuit Settlement Two closely related lawsuit stipulations with December 31, 2002 as the operative date affect the planning schedule for this CDCA Plan Amendment, one directly and the other indirectly. Both are amendments to previous lawsuit settlement stipulations (Case No. C-00-0927 WHA. U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division). Paragraph 5 of Stipulation and Proposed Order to Amend Prior Stipulations, approved by U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, San Francisco Division on January 31, 2002, amends the All Further Injunctive Relief Stipulation to require that"BLM will issue a Record of Decision regarding route designation in NECO, NEMO desert tortoise Desert Wildlife Management Areas [DWMAsl, and the Coachella Valley by December 31, 2002." Paragraph 15 amends the Bighorn Sheep Stipulation. This provision reads in part; "If the BLM Record of Decision for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan Amendment (CVMSHCP) is not signed by December 31, 2002, BLM will close to vehicles and effectively block by January 1, 2003 all known routes providing unauthorized vehicle access onto the Dunn Road. In the interim, until a BLM Record of Decision for the plan is signed, BLM will, by April 1, 2002, install and maintain signs on all known roads providing access to the Dunn Road that indicate that access to the Dunn Road is prohibited." The first stipulation amendment requires all route designations to be completed by December 31, 2002. The second stipulation amendment requires implementation of specific route Q t._, Page 1-20 5 d i 1�I Chapter 1 - Introduction designations (closures) for Dunn Road and tributary routes, if BLM's plan amendment is not complete by December 31, 2002. In order to allow meaningful public participation, the route designation process must proceed'with the plan amendment, and both must be completed by December 31, 2002. Route designation has always been part of the larger BLM plan f amendment process, based on the public notice of June 28,2000, public scoping meetings in July of 2000, and the April 12, 2002 notice addendum describing proposals, alternatives and issues being addressed, To treat route designation separately would require re-initiation of r I public scoping and the public process relative to the routes. The relationship of route j designation to landscape level land management would be lost if the full plan amendment was not completed. For these reasons, route designation remains part of the larger BLM plan amendment process. The Dunn Road is subject to an existing temporary closure that has been in effect since October 1, 2000 (65 FR 52126-52127), The Dunn Road and tributary routes are also monitored by BLM employees and do not receive general public access now, either because there are no public easements across non-federal land or because they have historically been behind locked 1 gates. Except for temporary closures issued under 43 CFR§8341.2 and §8364.1, route designations are conducted through the land use planning process with public input in accordance with the ' regulations at 43 CFR§1610 and §8342.2(a) and 40 CFR§1500. This CDCA Plan Amendment is being prepared in accordance with the regulations at 43 CFR§1610 and §8342.2(a) and 40 CFR §1500, and includes route designation for the Coachella Valley. Route designation in the Dunn Road area is part of a suite of options designed cumulatively to support recovery of bighorn fsheep populations while allowing for appropriate public land uses. In reading the two I stipulations together, it is necessary to complete this plan amendment by December 31, 2002 in order to accomplish the following: } 1. Consideration of a range of alternatives relative to route designation in the Dunn Road vicinity; j2. Integration of route designation into the overall land management program for BLM- managed public lands in the Coachella Valley; 3. Integration of route designation decisions with other components of the overall recovery strategy on public lands within the planning area.for bighorn sheep of the { Peninsular Ranges; �t 1 4. Full public disclosure and participation in the decision making processes described in the three items above; and ,t 4 5. Compliance with BLM national policy and both lawsuit stipulations, as well as consistency with an already established public planning process. Absent the lawsuit requirements, the schedule for public review and decision making might have been delayed slightly in order to track very closely with the timing of the non-federal Page 1-21 Chapter 1 -Introduction portion of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). The BLM has been working closely with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the local jurisdictions since 1996 to develop this Draft CDCA Plan Amendment in tandem with the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, including coordination of alternatives in areas with intermingled or adjacent jurisdictions. The Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment provides the framework to support the landscape-level approach to conservation and providing for community needs. Upon completion of the CVMSHCP, the BLM proposes to adopt the CVMSHCP as an activity(implementation) level plan, tiered to BLM's Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment. 1.6.4 Trails Management Plan Guidance The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan is being prepared under separate regulatory authority than the CDCA Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley.This trails management plan is an element of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Area Plan (CVMSHCP), and is an activity level (also known as implementation level) plan prepared in accordance with BLM Manual 8322 and is not subject to the 43 CFR 1610 planning regulations. A Record of Decision for the trails management plan will not be issued until completion of the CVMSHCP. At such time, the BLM portion of the approved trails management plan may be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals in accordance with the regulations at 43 CFR 4.4. The trails management plan must be in conformance with and is tiered to the Coachella Valley CDCA plan amendment under Chapter 2, the section addressing "Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails." In an effort to 'benchmark' the progress made to date through negotiations with the local jurisdictions and wildlife agencies, the BLM is including the trails management plan in this draft environmental impact statement. The purpose and scope of the environmental impact analysis for the trails management plan is to analyze the effect of alternative management strategies for trail use in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, rather than to consider the effects of other types of land uses that may include habitat conversion. Only a summary of impacts is provided at this time. Habitat conversion and land use issues on non-federal lands would be analyzed through the appropriate California Environmental Quality Act process, led by the appropriate jurisdiction and subject to Endangered Species Act compliance. �� 1 Page 1-22 a Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives I T Alternative B l 2.2.2 Proposed Preferred Alternative B j Use of private lands for various purposes (e.g., hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, new trail development, trail rerouting, trail removal, commercial activities, and competitive events) would be at the discretion of the landowner. Where needed, acquisition of land from willing sellers and/or easements from willing grantors would be pursued, dependent on available funding. Activities on State land would be subject to California Code of I Regulations. Activities on tribal lands would be subject to approval of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Trails on tribal lands would not be subject to the management prescriptions herein identified, but have been considered relative to trail connectivity and network viability. 1 Not all trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains have been mapped. Thus, in order to encompass trails not mapped but where use may result in impacts to bighorn sheep, 1 ) Seasonal Trail Areas were delineated. These Seasonal Trails Areas were derived using the � ) bighorn sheep location database from the USFWS (updated October 2000). Using a geographic information system (GIS), these points were plotted on a map of the Santa Rosa T and San Jacinto Mountains. Next, the critical habitat line was added with the known trails network and the planning area boundary. We examined the pattern of bighorn sheep data ' points and drew a line, inside critical habitat, encompassing the majority of bighorn locations. Areas excluded from the analysis include lands under Tribal ownership, peripheral trails along I the urban interface, and trails above 4500 feet, the upper elevation provided by the USFWS i f habitat model for bighorn sheep. The Seasonal Trail Areas encompass a total of 135,617 acres within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Although, designated critical habitat was initially used as the boundary of the Seasonal Trail Areas, which was changed to essential habitat. Critical habitat and essential habitat are both based on biological needs of a particular species or population but differs from a regulatory perspective. Essential habitat is an informative designation intended to provide scientific guidance to cooperating agencies and the public, whereas critical habitat is statutorily defined with implementing regulations that govern Federal agency activity. The two lines are very similar. I Some trails within the Seasonal Trail Areas would be designated open on a limited basis and included in the monitoring plan to study the impacts of trail use on bighorn sheep. The Trails Management Plan would be subject to annual evaluation and review by the Trails Management i Committee. This committee would consist of agency, city, county, and local user group representatives.. Information to be considered yearly would include spatial analysis of bighorn sheep habitat use patterns, total trail use, annual bighorn sheep survey results, and basic demographic information including annual recruitment, survival, sex ratios etc. i i a � l I } Trails - Page 2-8 • • • 1 1 • •' 1 1 1 1 1 1 • 1 1 1 • • '1 1WIFFOWNIM Fell • Sys g T E • a b _ i'1 • -��r. : �ma �' .1,m��a ma4 a rm .� ® c • ° .E u �.r %s4 e " Fz� ¢„d �op�U7 1 g, f ti i'I •'�y' e F ' `� i� `y fJ�� Fa" Via. � } 4k ��,.. �• w k_$' 'Pe�'-.. i7 yYm ° w tY` •,� .�.' ^ Kt'e� a'd" ;ry!g. ..�-r.`-',�y �.. �, r:'4; °' a ="a?: « t �.• vda'L •a l}` lLt �N a m erra'h oJ` i i ] �e= a4 '�r S1T9Ffril�Wdia��i€k`^� {„s i �F wa s � "' *'•' 2- - '' r a b+G r~� vN'�' ,w✓ +{� 4 ar�J 5f, ,j��ldK' UYX,.j_tU east f � A'ra 6f !� I{� Y °�yllt[d�aa5• "€'i e m R ..3�1�,rs.�,� .r /ad;.� _ - � � *r+fuY '� �/;�� ` w 7�9j p "e�.1■ .q •a ° .^e m ® o - ^a f o •- -.a—u �. � e , f^a �: f�(fi��/.l��k�'�..sfl�� Gy y � �,1Y�i '�e-.X��.1 �'•r�r�[��'.A° frtA�°�dr r3i a h � 7�[6 t 4/0,.4'�7#�S7A7'?�fvo wJf S�t�M1,l��y1c�7 X'�� y�,•r�II7�71A' k�m*ells .�k'Fyr�. "d`,"°Jr�d r „ d i•�.,�'c`-r� � tm'*'v s-.,¢^ "` •a x ,rz. .mac=fit WIN � �ev ..S. 1. .�� 4' 4 �• >' ,a s^`*.- 1! ,1 e9 • n e � 1 • mm .Cm � a a o Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B ILI K ------------ ------- Modifications to Seasonal Trail Area boundaries may occur where new perimeter trails are proposed and topographic limitations and/or configuration of private lands constrain trail development outside of the Seasonal Trail Areas (see NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENT). dl iI Trails -Page 2- 10 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B ........... T 1111N�PTI .jis A T! g flp, RUN Z I I V9 VP Zy f-WN-_;j-!-Tel ir- 7 .......... MP VIPP W 4 e, V 11,P jLj m I Trails - Page 2- 11 li 1 Yj Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan l Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B Individuals would be requested to venture no more than 50 feet from center-line of trails on i either side for purposes of resting, nature study, or other similar activities from January 15 to June 30 in bighorn sheep habitat. Holders of permits issued for research and extended study } (subject to NEPA and ESA review) would be exempt from this requirement. 1 Individuals would be required to obtain a free permit for use of the following trails from October 1 through January 14: , Bear Creek Canyon and Oasis Trails„ Cathedral Canyon, Skyline 1.� Trail, and North Lykken Trail. The self-issue permit and trailhead registers would be used to monitor trail use and adapt the trails management plan when necessary to ensure best l management for recreation users, Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The f same permit system would be used to track cross-country recreational activities. Use of the Art Smith Trail (including Dead Indian Canyon) and Boo Hoff Trail would require a free permit year-round. All trail use would be subject to monitoring to assess the impacts of trail use on bighorn sheep. a �� Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, trails would be open year-round for non-motorized use subject to existing regulations. IMPLEMENTATION—TRAIL USE Implementation of Seasonal Trail Area closures would be phased in as new perimeter trails are constructed in identified corridors. Prior to completing any phase of new trail construction, the I voluntary trail avoidance program as currently implemented for the adjacent Seasonal Trail Area would be continued (see CURRENT MANAGEMENT. VOLUNTARY TRAIL AVOIDANCE PROGRAM below). Priorities for new trail construction and the phase-in strategy for Seasonal 1 Trail Area closures are described below.- Phase One + I Closures in Seasonal Trail Areas numbered above as 1, 2, 3, and 6 would be implemented 1 annually from January 15 to June 30 upon approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/ Natural Communities Conservation Plan and prior to completion of any new perimeter trail j ■ The Skyline Trail would be the only trail affected by this closure. There would be no primary trails affected in Seasonal Trail Areas 1, 2, or 6. The voluntary trail J avoidance program in Seasonal Trail Areas 4 and 5 would continue as currently implemented. Perimeter trail alignments — Phase One ■ Connector trail from northern terminus of North Lykken trail to the Pacific Crest Trail i at Snow Creek. ■ Connector trail from northern terminus of North Lykken trail to the dike along Tramway Road and continuing up the alluvial fan bisected by Tramway Road. This trail is being developed cooperatively between the City of Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Alignment of this trail has been determined by the project coordinators. I Trails - Page 2- 12 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B Phase Two • The voluntary trail avoidance program in Seasonal Trail Areas 4 and 5 would continue as currently implemented pending completion of proposed perimeter trails. • Closures in Seasonal Trail Area 4 would be implemented annually from January 15 through June 30 upon completion of the proposed perimeter trails listed below. • Hot season closures - Bear Creek Canyon Trail, Bear Creek Oasis Trail, and various un- named posted trails closed during July 1 —September 30 upon completion of proposed perimeter trails listed below. Perimeter trail alignments—Phase Two ■ Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center to the west ridge of Deep Canyon—trail would be constructed to avoid disturbance to captive population of bighorn sheep at the Bighorn Institute. ■ Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center loop trail. ■ Homme-Adams Park loop trail and connector to the Mirage Trail Phase Three • Closure for Seasonal Trail Area 5 would be implemented annually from January 15 to June 30 upon completion of the proposed perimeter trails listed below. Perimeter trail aligmnents—Phase Three ■ West side of La Quinta Cove connecting existing bike path to north end of Cove. ■ Western flank of the Coral Reef Mountains from flood control access gate. ■ Avenue 58 south along perimeter of the Santa Rosa Mountains to Avenue 65 (Coral Mountain Regional Park is currently under development by the Coachella Valley Recreation and Parks District). Phase Four Perimeter trail alignments— Phase Four ■ Rimrock shopping center to and around Cathedral City Cove From the northern terminus of the Goat Trails connector to Cathedral City Cove, generally flanking the flood control levee on both sides. The two existing legs of the Cathedral Canyon trail immediately adjacent to the Cove would be utilized. ■ Cathedral City Cove to Rancho Mirage - Along bighorn sheep fence alignment on the southeast side of Cathedral City Cove, not extending uphill of the flood control channel, except where the proposed trail would occur north of the bighorn exclusion fence. - East side of the Santa Rosa Wilderness Area from the southern terminus of the Coral Mountain Regional Park Trail to the mouth of Martinez Canyon. Trails - Page 2- 13 i � r t Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan 1 Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B 1l Additional Guidelines for Development of Perimeter Trails • Seasonal Trail Area closures would be implemented as new trails are constructed. 1 • Phase I and II would be concurrent. • Phase III and IV would occur sequentially and each would have a three-year window for 11 construction of new perimeter trails. J • Each phase of implementation would occur within three years • The Trails Management Committee would reassess development of specific perimeter trails j 1 if they have not been built at the end of three years. J • Implementation would be subject to review by the Trails Management Committee. • Total phasing would not exceed nine years. All Seasonal Trail Area closures would be f implemented no later than nine years after the plan is approved. t A multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency Sheep Ambassador/monitoring and outreach team would continue to provide outreach and education to trail users, and to request and monitor l compliance with the voluntary avoidance program during implementation. The monitoring t plan would be developed more fully in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Communities Conservation Plan. • Effectiveness of the trails management program would be reviewed annually by,the Trails Management Committee, which would be made up of representatives for all signatories of 1 I the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/ Natural.Communities j Conservation Plan. Modifications to the program and/or implementation strategy would be undertaken upon mutual agreement of the Trails Management Committee. ia�yy,�•,FyURyY-4, '� g - � ��M+ �� r �"f �'�r�it�'r '.'h � �r�+;i�� I �i�S `��i��'r •q ��x r'� IMP 'A1�'�kr N I .� IeYvrL}� i�`rwf rz n� a I, r. 7� �. i i s,•sW I sue," �fi li"nli r -c ti ! �x it 1 Trails - Page 2- 14 ': l Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B II. CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL • Cross-country travel would be prohibited in essential bighorn sheep habitat from January 15 to September 30, and allowed from October 1 to January 14. • Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, cross- country travel would be allowed year-round subject to existing regulations. • Individuals would be required to obtain a free permit for use of the following trails from October 1 through January 14: Art Smith Trail (including Dead Indian Canyon), Bear Creek Canyon and Oasis Trails, Boo Hoff Trail (including the connector from Lake Cahuilla to La Quinta Cove—a.k.a. Morrow Trail), Cathedral Canyon, Skyline Trail, and North Lykken Trail from October 1 through January 14. The self-issue permit and trailhead registers would be used to monitor trail use and adapt the trails management plan when necessary to ensure best management for recreation users, Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The same permit system would be used to track cross-country recreational activities. III. CAMPING • Camping would be prohibited in bighorn sheep habitat from January 15 to September 30, and allowed from October 1 to January 14. • Campers would be required to obtain a free use permit at the Palm Springs BLM office, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, or other locations from October 1 through January 14. Information,gathered through the permit system would aid in assessing numbers of campers per year in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. • Camping would be prohibited within 1/4 mile of water sources to prevent disturbance to wildlife at these critical locations. • Camping would be allowed outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains subject to existing regulations. s`h e:0 d Trails - Page 2 15 J �I f f Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B jIV. DOGS • Dogs would be allowed in designated areas only (see below). tDogs would be kept under restraint to ensure they do not roam freely. Leash restrictions would be enforced by city, state, and federal agencies. 1 �t The following areas in bighorn sheep habitat would be approved for entry with dogs on leashes: i ■ West of Cathedral City Cove ■ Homme-Adams Park and adjacent lands in Palm Desert. ■ South of La Quinta Cove, outside of designated critical habitat but within essential t habitat. • Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Southern Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, dogs would be subject to existing regulations. "i'AaS, k _ e , . r y.. .. 1 �c�fonsl is bk _._`Yoinft"d a y tm Q . 11 a 01 V. NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENT New trails listed below would be developed within perimeter corridors (see "Implementation"under fj "Trail Use") approved in this plan. Additional new trail development would be assessed on a case-by- case basis. Guidelines for development of new perimeter trails ■ New perimeter trails would generally run parallel to and rise not more than 200 feet above the toe of slope. ■ New perimeter trails would not be constructed within 1/4 mile of water. + ■ New perimeter trails would incorporate topographic variability where possible. ■ New perimeter trails would be available for year-round use. ■ The proposed new perimeter trail network is described in Section II—Implementation. ■ Construction of approved new perimeter trails would be allowed only between July 1 and January 14. i • Additional proposals for new perimeter trail development in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be considered on a case-by-case basis using the criteria laid out in this plan. r� A new trail linking Deep Canyon and the west side of La Quinta Cove, connecting the cities of Palm Desert and La Quinta. Art Smith Trail in Palm Desert would be closed seasonally upon completion of this connector trail. • Three alignments would be considered for the connector trail between La Quinta and Palm Desert. The preferred route will be identified via the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat LJ Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Trails- Page 2- 16 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter -Alternatives Alternative B 1. North of Eisenhower Mountain-trail would be open year round. 2. Between Eisenhower Mountain and Indio Mountain-trail would be open seasonally. 3. South of Indio Mountain between Indio Mountain and Coyote Canyon -trail would be closed from January 15 through September 30. VI. TRAIL REROUTING • Trails would be rerouted to protect sensitive resource values (e.g., cultural resources, wildlife habitat, soils). • Identification of trails to be rerouted would be based on habitat use patterns, home range and distribution of bighorn sheep. Until sufficient data are available to identify meaningful and feasible trail reroutes, proposals regarding specific reroutes would be considered on a case-by-case basis. • Trails would be re-routed around existing wildlife water sources, where feasible, to 1 prevent disturbance to wildlife during the hot season. • Construction of trail re-routes would occur only between October 1 -January 14 within 1 bighorn sheep habitat • Rerouting of the Guadalupe Trail to avoid desert slender salamander habitat would be proposed upon locating salamander populations and determining level of trail use. • Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, proposals for trail reroutes would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. VII. TRAIL DECOMMISSION AND REMOVAL • Redundant trails in the Murray Hill Complex would be identified and removed. Redundant trails are identified as those serving the same or similar purpose as other trails (e.g., connecting the same two points) and providing the same or similar recreation experience. Secondary or tertiary braided trails and trail shortcuts would generally be considered redundant. • Additional redundant trails would be identified using aerial photography and other methods. • Redundant trails would be identified for permanent closure using the following criteria: ■ Relocation would not be meaningful and feasible ■ Seasonal restrictions could not be effectively monitored and enforced ■ Recurring violations of trail closures have occurred. Trails- Page 2- 17 9 ! o'f`l 2 ,11 r t Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter -Alternatives Alternative 6 Trail removal would occur only between October 1 and January 14. • Consideration would be given to using redundant trails to separate potentially conflicting trail use (e.g. horseback riding and mountain biking). • Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, ( proposals to decommission and remove trails would be addressed on a case-by-case j ) basis. 1 ) VII. MURRAY HILL FACILITIES J Picnic tables and equestrian hitching posts at the summit of Murray Hill would be relocated outside the Seasonal Trail Area, but could be sited within bighorn sheep habitat. t A new site for the facilities would be determined through coordination with affected interest groups and jurisdictions subsequent to approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple ' Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Relocation would be subject to the NEPA process and consultation with the USFWS. • Relocation of picnic tables and equestrian hitching posts would be undertaken only during October 1 —January 14. IX. NONCOMMERCIAL.NONCOMPETITIVE ORGANIZED GROUP ACTIVITIES • Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups would be prohibited in Seasonal Trail Areas from January 15 through June 30, and on certain trails under hot season closures } July 1 through September 30. 1 Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups of 10 to 24 individuals would be required to obtain a free use permit for activities in bighorn sheep habitat throughout the entire year. 1 Permits would be available at the Palm Springs BLM office, the Santa Rosa and San 1 Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, and other locations. • All non-commercial, non-competitive groups of more than 25 individuals using BLM- managed lands would be required to obtain a Special Recreation Permit except for when exemptions apply(see glossary). • When entering the Santa Rosa Wilderness, noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups of 16 to 24 individuals would be required to break into groups with no more than 15 individuals in any one group, and attempt to maintain at least 1/2-mile separation between groups. • Special Recreation Permits would be issued through existing BLM regulatory processes, including compliance with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with 1 stipulations developed by the BLM and in consultation with USFWS would be mandatory. t� 1 / n Trails - Page 2- 16 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B • All permits would be issued only for use of trails and areas where and when the Seasonal Trail Area closure, the seasonal cross-country prohibition, or the voluntary trail avoidance program are not in effect. • Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups using State lands would be subject to the California Code of Regulations. • Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, noncommercial, noncompetitive organized group activities could be allowed, subject to permission of private landowners, and approval through state or federal regulatory permitting processes, where applicable. X. NON-MOTORIZED COMMERCIAL RECREATION ACTIVITIES • Non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited in Seasonal Trail Areas from January 15 to June 30 and on certain trails under hot season closures from July 1 through September 30. • Non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be permitted in the remainder of bighorn sheep habitat where and when the voluntary trail avoidance program does not apply, subject to permission of private landowners and approval through regulatory permitting processes. • A Special Recreation Permit would be required, except in circumstances when exemptions apply (see glossary), for non-motorized commercial recreation activities on BLM-managed lands, including vending associated with recreational use. • Special Recreation Permits for use of BLM-managed lands would be issued through existing BLM regulatory processes (including compliance with NEPA and ESA). XI. MOTORIZED COMMERCIAL RECREATION ACTIVITIES • Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year-round in bighorn sheep habitat, except on a portion of Dunn Road, subject to permission from private landowners. Dunn Road ■ Motorized commercial recreation activities between Pinyon Flats and the common boundary of Sections 32 and 3, T5S, R5E, would be considered on a case-by-case basis and allowed only from October 1 to January 14. ■ Motorized commercial recreation activities would be subject to approval through regulatory permitting processes (including compliance with NEPA and ESA), including issuance of a special recreation permit by BLM for use of BLM-managed portions of Dunn Road. ■ Motorized commercial recreation activities on the portion of Dunn Road from Cathedral City Cove to the common boundary of Sections 32 and 33 would be prohibited year-round. 4: Trails - Page 2- 19 tj i t Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan J j Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative B Martinez Canyon Cherry Stem Road ■ Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year round. j XII. COMPETITIVE RECREATION EVENTS I Competitive recreation events would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep I habitat on BLM-managed public lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. • A special recreation permit would be required for competitive recreation use of BLM- ; managed public lands outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and i San Jacinto Mountains. i 1 XIII. PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION • An information and education program addressing all management prescriptions r herein described, upon approval, would be implemented. 1 • Guided hikes during the fall season would be undertaken by BLM in partnership with local jurisdictions and user groups to provide outreach and education. • The lower portion of Dead Indian Canyon contains a prehistoric archaeological site that would lend Itself well to interpretation and public education. The site lies approximately 0.75 miles west of the levee and consists of several grinding "slicks" and a bedrock mortar. A dense stand of mesquite lies directly across the wash from the site. This, and the diversity of other plants in the area, provides I the opportunity for a discussion of Cahuilla subsistence practices and use of native plants. Outreach and education would not be limited to bighorn sheep ecology but would • include desert ecology in general. Viewing areas would be established so that the public can view bighorn sheep and other wildlife from a distance. These areas would be located to prevent disturbance to the animals. i r � it Trails- Page 2-20 �v r Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter -Alternatives Alternative C 2.2.3 Alternative C Use of private lands for various purposes (e.g., hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, new trail development, trail rerouting, trail removal, commercial activities, and competitive events) is at the discretion of the landowner. Where needed, acquisition of land from willing sellers and/or easements from willing grantors will be pursued, dependent on available funding. Activities on State lands would be subject to the California Code of Regulations. Activities on tribal lands are subject to approval of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Trails on tribal lands are not subject to the management prescriptions herein identified, but are considered relative to trail connectivity and network viability. Where Federal permits (including Special Recreation Permits)are required, they will be issued through BLM's regulatory process and will comply with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. I. TRAIL USE • Non-motorized activities would be prohibited from January 1 to September 30 on the trails listed below: U . �' • �g °' 'itr ,+',"€ vN h,' - r3 "f 1 � . I t t 3 z x f4 YPY S ng ids ' t k r6 �� . Jj x Y " d rs rx I �a" ti. �+ � -'' 1 'gur•,rkt x. �s ffs°4a� 3ry,� i Iyex ',, A Trails - Page 2-21 1 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative C Non-motorized activities would be prohibited January 1 to June 30 on other trails in designated critical bighorn sheep habitat. These trails are identified below. a a 1� 4l lrs al�1 �{� sUM+ �ua r I.II u�4 M h vku k� 41 lul % Y 11 4N I I L �us +lai�411 arl � ik I I�rli t�l k`III°i 1�41�j4 r i ^ I�Ils rllr°�ary !w], V I; „1;11h�; it{f I!�.,^tj'� rR��4 ; I�� Ix �t �rS�II IIN� rri l�,:ql I7xll +r illsi'4f1�F�� r7 II I `"� ill Illl r�lrv� '5114^' Ir I hF_� rl l 1 I o �Slo dplth Ly{�Ier�l �phlot�� 1� 111� et 1 �ryxr y�l� rJ 15q9p,1y4� 4 � �hsl 1� 17�14rr �11 1Ih� rlJl! Il� ll ♦:Nit Id' �� { �7ii'�"TIC�rW19�Q�I fn Fl rl ri��, f I I it Ir� �1 IJI 6 . � lydRts� clth��larprb � a(e rigr ' !r KAd.��`.n 11.rl^clr�r'fXlds`{v,a 1 '. s Y `yYi Wig, +M1 ,r 1 e[ [tA o a ��f� s. -^ y,� ��'f�� p��j�• r ' I +•M� i V.� 4 ah jy � r l ir,'rl JII 1 f,y +y aTr �n r�� h � r` ��41� a�,ltJyE:{c' pr�C{m'dfGn s. ,'r rti�a+' �''P' 7 � EH l erim n• .h. at ;. ' 1 �m i IMPLEMENTATION -TRAIL USE • All trail closures would be effective upon approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/ Natural Communities Conservation Plan. 1� I Trails -Paoe 2-22 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative C II. CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL • Cross-country travel would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat. • Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, cross-country travel would be allowed year-round subject to existing regulations. III. CAMPING 1 • Camping would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat. • Outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, camping is allowed subject to existing regulations. IV. DOGS • Dogs would be prohibited in essential bighorn habitat except in designated areas. • Dogs would be allowed outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains subject to existing regulations. • The following areas in bighorn sheep habitat would be approved for entry with dogs on leashes: ■ West of Cathedral City Cove ■ Homme-Adams Park and adjacent lands in Palm Desert An area south of La Quinta Cove outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat would be open to entry with dogs. V. NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENT • New trails along the mountain perimeter would be developed in identified corridors where feasible. Guidelines for development of new perimeter trails ■ These trails would generally run parallel to an dries not more than 200 feel above the toe of slope. ■ New perimeter trails would not be constructed within '/a mile of water sources used by bighorn sheep. ■ New perimeter trails would incorporate topographic variability where possible. ■ Construction of approved perimeter trails would be allowed only from October 1 to December 31. Perimeter Tralls East of Palm Canyon • Northern terminus of the North Lykken Trail connecting to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail at Snow Creek. • Northern terminus of the North Lykken Trail along the western flank of the flood control levee at Tachevah Canyon to Desert Riders Park. Perimeter Trails South Palm Springs • No new perimeter trail construction is proposed. Perimeter trail alignments in Cathedral City! Rancho Mirage • The Rimrock shopping center to Cathedral City Cove: from northern terminus, around the Cathedral City Cove, then around the Cove generally flanking the Trails - Page 2-23 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives I Alternative C + : flood control levees on both sides, The two legs of the Cathedral Canyon Trail immediately adjacent to Cathedral City Cove would be utilized. l On the southeast side of Cathedral City Cove, the new trail would not extend uphill of the flood control channel except where the trail occurs north of the new bighorn sheep fence under construction in association with the Mirada project. • No new perimeter trail construction is proposed from the Rancho Mirage City Hall area to.Magnesia Spring Canyon. ` Perimeter trail alignments in Palm Desert i0 Santa Rosa Mountains National Monument Visitor Center to the west ridge of Deep Canyon. . • Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center loop { trail. • Homme-Adams Park loop trail and connector to the Mirage Trail, i ! Perimeter trail alignments in La Quinta 70 A new perimeter trail to the west of La Quinta Cove linking with existing trails immediately south of the Cove is proposed. A new perimeter trail southeast of La Quinta Cove on the western flank of the s � Coral Reef Mountains is proposed. t i Perimeter trail alignments In the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains J A new perimeter trail linking the existing Boo Hoff Trail at the eastern boundary of the Santa Rosa Wilderness with the Martinez Canyon Trail is proposed. • Proposals for new trail development outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be addressed on a case-by- case basis. VI. TRAIL REROUTING • Trails would be rerouted to protect sensitive wildlife habitat or other resource values (e.g., cultural resources, soils). • Trail re-routing in essential bighorn sheep habitat may only occur October t to l December 31. I.1 • Identification of trails to be rerouted for protection of wildlife habitat would be based on the best publicly available data. i • A reroute of a portion of the Guadalupe Trail to avoid habitat for the desert slender salamander would be considered upon locating the salamander's habitat 31 i J Trail reroutes would be addressed on a case-by-case basis outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. } VII. TRAIL DECOMMISSION AND REMOVAL • Redundant trails in the Murray Hill complex would be identified and removed. • Trail removal in essential bighorn sheep habitat may only occur October 1 to December 31. Trails -Page 2-24 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative C • Additional redundant trails would be identified using aerial photography and other methods. • Trails would be identified for permanent closure using the following criteria: ■ Where relocation is not meaningful and feasible (see glossary) ■ Seasonal restrictions cannot be effectively monitored and enforced ■ Decisions regarding permanent closure and removal of trails will be based, in part, on reports citing recurring violations of trail closures ■ Where two or more trails have the same or similar purpose (e.g. connects the same two points, or provides the same recreation experience. Secondary and tertiary braided trails and trail shortcuts would generally be considered redundant. • Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, proposals to decommission and remove trails would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. VII. MURRAY HILL FACILITIES • Picnic tables and equestrian hitching posts at the summit of Murray Hill shall be removed and not relocated within designated critical bighorn sheep habitat. IX. NONCOMMERCIAL4 NONCOMPETITIVE ORGANIZED GROUP ACTIVITIES • Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups are prohibited on certain trails in designated critical bighorn sheep habitat when such trails are closed to non- motorized activities (see TRAIL USE). • Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups of 10-24 would be required to obtain a free permit for activities on BLM-managed lands in essential bighorn sheep habitat January 1 —December 31. • Groups of 25 or more using BLM-managed lands must obtain a special recreation permit prior to use except where exemptions apply. • Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups of 16 to 24 individuals entering the Santa Rosa Wilderness, would be required to break into groups with no more than 15 individuals in any one group, and attempt to maintain at least two-mile separation between groups. • Permits may be issued (1) for use of trails not subject to seasonal closure, and (2) for use of trails that are subject to seasonal closure, but only when the closure is not in effect. • Non-commercial, non-competitive organized group activities may be allowed outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains: X. NON-MOTORIZED COMMERCIAL RECREATION ACTIVITIES • Non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited on certain trails in essential bighorn sheep habitat when such trails are closed to non-motorized activities (see TRAIL USE). Trails - gage 2-25 I 1 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative C �t i • Non-motorized commercial recreation activities may be permitted on the trails identified above (subject to seasonal closure) from October 1 to December 31, and year-round on all other trails in designated critical bighorn sheep habitat, r • A special recreation permit would be required for non-motorized commercial I f recreation activities on BLM-managed lands in essential bighorn sheep habitat, except where exemptions apply. • A special recreation permit may be required for non-motorized, commercial 1 recreation activities on BLM-managed land outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, except where exemptions apply. XI. MOTORIZED COMMERCIAL RECREATION ACTIVITIES • Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year-round on BLM- managed public land in essential bighorn sheep habitat. • A special recreation permit for motorized commercial recreation activities on BLM- f managed land outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be, except where exemptions apply. XII. COMPETITIVE RECREATION EVENTS • Competitive recreation events would be prohibited year-round on BLM-managed land in essential bighorn sheep habitat. • A special recreation permit would be required for competitive recreation use on BLM-managed land outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and l San Jacinto Mountains, except where exemptions apply. f XIV. MOTORIZED-VEHICLE USE OF TRAILS • Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails in designated critical bighorn sheep habitat, except those which can accommodate full-size four-wheel vehicles. All- terrain vehicles are not considered as full-size four-wheel vehicles. BLM-managed portions of trails that can accommodate full-size four-wheel vehicles are subject to the route designation process (see California Desert Conservation Area Plan amendment, motorized-vehicle access element). XII. PUBLIC OUTREACH • An information and education program addressing all management prescriptions herein described, upon approval, would be implemented. 4 Guided hikes during the fall season would be undertaken by BLM in partnership with local jurisdictions and user groups to provide outreach and education. ].� Outreach and education would not be limited to bighorn sheep ecology but would include desert ecology in general. i ] 1 j Viewing areas would be established so that the public can view bighorn sheep and other wildlife from a distance designed to prevent disturbance to the animals. i �1 / _ I Trails -Page 2 -26 `/ �� Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 2-Alternatives Alternative D 2.2.4 No Action Alternative (D) Use of private lands for various purposes (e.g., hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, new trail development, trail rerouting, trail removal, commercial activities, and competitive events) is at the discretion of the landowner. Activities on tribal lands are subject to approval of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Trails on tribal lands are not subject to the management prescriptions herein identified. [Note: Prior to development of alternatives for the Trails Plan and selection of a preferred alternative, the Bureau of Land Management implemented a voluntary trails avoidance program and a prohibition of dogs on certain BLM-managed lands, actions similar to those proposed under Trails Plan Alternative A.These actions are temporary pending long-term decisions made through the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. For purposes of analysis in the Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report, the No Action Alternative (Trails Plan Alternative D) does not include the voluntary trails avoidance program or dog prohibition as currently implemented.] I. TRAIL USE • All trails would be open year-round for non-motorized activities inside and outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, subject to existing regulations. 11. CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL • Cross-country travel would be allowed year-round inside and outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, subject to existing regulations. III. CAMPING • Camping would be allowed year-round inside and outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, subject to existing regulations. IV. DOGS • Dogs would be allowed inside and outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, subject to existing regulations. V. NEW TRAIL DEVELOPMENT • Proposals for new trail development inside and outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. VI. TRAIL REROUTING • Proposals for trail reroutes inside and outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be considered on a case-by-case basis. II. TRAIL DECOMMISSION AND REMOVAL • Proposals to decommission and remove trails inside and outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. JSy�} S� � Trails -Page 2-27 r Chapter 4 -Environmental Consequences 4.2 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan 4.2.1 Background 6 This trails management plan is being proposed to provide an endangered population of bighorn sheep protection during the critical times of the year, lambing and rearing season and the hot season. Adaptive in nature, the effectiveness of this plan will be monitored and changes made as research and monitoring efforts provide more detailed information about home range size, distribution, and ultimately, effects of trail use on bighorn sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The Recovery Plan for Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep (USFWS 2000) cites habitat loss (approximately 18,500 ac between the cities of Palm Springs and La Quinta), { habitat fragmentation caused by roads (Rubin et al. 1998), disease (DeForge and Scott 1982, Wehausen et al. 1987, DeForge et al. 1995) which for many years in the Santa L Rosa Mountains suppressed recruitment and contributed to a population decline, and predation which is apparently a limiting factor for some ewe groups between Highway 74 and the Mexican border (R. Botta, California Department of Fish and Game, 2002, ( personal communication). t . The available peer-reviewed literature and publicly available data indicate that, to one (� extent or another, bighorn sheep are effected by recreational use of wildlands (e.g. I ; Geist 1971, Wagner and Peek 1999, Leslie and Douglas 1980, MacArthur et al. 1982, Miller and Smith 1985, Bleich et al. 1994). Several research studies have illustrated that when bighorn.sheep are disturbed their heart rates increase (MacArthur et al. 1978 and 1982, Hayes et al. 2000) and that metabolic changes can result in compromised immune function. However, what has not been clearly established is the relationship f: between disturbance and population dynamics. In addition, gender, group size, and L time attributes are poorly documented in the publicly available spacial data. These are all identified as key variables in the peer reviewed literature. Both the lack of these data and the limitations of existing data in the public record, limit the ability to precisely tailor I management actions. Analysis of impacts to Peninsular Ranges bighorn sheep and other biological resources i resulting from trails management has been broken into 4 categories: 1) documented conclusions from peer reviewed scientific studies; 2) gray literature and hypotheses; 3) f G unknowns and 4) facts and evidence related to potential disturbance effects on bighorn i sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, or in directly analogous situations. This is done to clearly separate fact from hypothesis, to acknowledge the unknowns, and to present the information directly related to or analogous to bighorn sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. I Synthesis of peer-reviewed literature relevant to impact of human disturbance on bighorn sheep. Bighorn sheep are most sensitive to disturbance during the lambing and rearing season (Geist 1971, Light and Weaver 1973, King and Workman 1986, Wagner and Peek 1999, Wehausen 1980) and in lambing areas that are close to Trails-Page 4- 1 / � r I Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan , Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences dependable water sources ( Leslie and Douglas 1980, McCarty and Bailey 1994, BLM 1980, Blong and Pollard 1968). Ewes exhibit a heightened response to disturbance about a month prior to having their Iambs (Geist 1871, Hansen and Deming 1980, Wagner and Peek 1999). The onset of lambing is correlated with seasonal precipitation and forage availability (Goodson 1999, Wagner and Peek 1999, Rubin et al. 2000). In the deserts of the southwestern United States, bighorn ewes may have their Iambs during any month of the year (Guy Wagner, personal communication), but in general, ewes in the Peninsular Ranges have their lambs January through June (DeForge 1982, Rubin et al. 2000, Bighorn Institute unpublished data) with the peak March 1 - April 30 (Figure 1). Lambing habitat is characterized by rugged canyons and steep, open slopes which provide escape cover from predators (Geist 1971, Wakelyn 1987, Risenhoover and Bailey 1985) and reduces impact from human disturbance as well (Risenhoover et al. 1988). DeForge (1982) observed ewes in the northern Santa Rosa I Mountains giving birth in rugged canyons adjacent to the urban interface. Another critical constituent of lambing habitat is water and nutritious forage. Postpartum nutrition exerts the greatest influence on total milk yeild and is more critical to the ewe than prepartum nutrition, based on the amount of weight lost by ewes fed different pre- and postpartum diets (Wehausen 1980). Ewes with Iambs are typically found within 2 miles of water and will go to water every day if it is available (Monson and Sumner 1980). Inadequate water could contribute to low Iamb survival in some areas and productivity and herd survivorship is reduced (Monson and Summer 1980). In the Peninsular Ranges, outside of drought years, water is not considered a factor I limiting recovery of bighorn sheep (USFWS 2000). However, some bighorn sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains have supplemented natural water with water found in the urban areas of the Coachella Valley since the 1970's (Monson and Sumner 1980). This situation is being remedied by the construction of a fence to keep bighorn sheep out of the urban interface. With the construction of the fence, bighorn sheep in the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains will be forced to find water outside of the urban areas. There are currently some plans to provide additional water for sheep to mitigate for the loss of access to forage and water within the urban environment. The j effectiveness of supplying water artificially is the subject of much debate in the western United States (e.g. Broyles 1995, Broyles and Cutler 1999, Krausman and Etchberger 1993, Lee 1993). What is clear, however, is that bighorn sheep modify their behavior to avoid predictable human interactions around waterholes, timing visits to coincide with periods when humans are not present (Campbell and Remington 1981, Hamilton et al. 1982). Human activities around water holes can alter access to water (Blong 1967, DeForge 1972, Cunningham 1982, Miller and Smith 1985, Leslie and Douglas 1980, t Jorgensen 1974) and may cause them to abandon the source altogether (Blong 1967). Unlike bighorn sheep in the northern latitudes, bighorn in the southern latitudes lose body fat during the hot season, when nutritional requirements are high and forage opportunities slim (Wagner and Peek 1999). Thus, if bighorn are prevented from accessing forage and water during the hot season, recruitment may be affected and the fall rut as well. t i Trails-Page 4-2 j . Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences Response by bighorn sheep to disturbance varies depending on group size (Risenhoover and Bailey 1985), distance to escape terrain (Wakelyn 1987), visibility (Fairbanks et al. 1987, Risenhoover et al. 1988, Risenhoover and Bailey 1985), season (Leslie and Douglas 1980, McCarty and Bailey 1994, BLM 1980, Blong and Pollard r 1968), and the history of human disturbance to the local population of bighorn (King and Workman 1986, Geist 1971, Hansen 1970, Horesji 1976). General changes in habitat use, activity patterns, and seasonal migration routes have been linked to human encounters or disturbances (Van Dyke et al. 1983, Miller and Smith 1985, King and Workman 1986, Etchberger et al. 1989, Papouchis et al. 2000, Harris 1992, Ough and r r deVos 1984). Bighorn sheep have been documented to exhibit elevated heart rates or demonstrate adverse reactions such as flight, in response to direct approaches by people (generally researchers) in controlled studies and especially when approached with a dog or from over a ridge (MacArthur et al. 1979, MacArthur et al. 1982, Miller and Smith 1985, Papouchis et al. 2000, Hicks and Elder 1979). Direct studies of hiking recreation, as opposed to researcher-induced responses, found that sheep avoided contact with humans when they were present but were not permanently displaced and { that no differences in levels of sheep disturbance were evident when comparing heavy- use and light-use recreation areas (Hamilton et al. 1982, Hicks and Elder 1979). Bighorn sheep populations that have been exposed to high levels of human activity may exhibit stronger responses to disturbance (King and Workman 1982) but may also become habituated to predictable human activity (Campbell and Remington 1981, Hamilton et al. 1982, Papouchis et al. 2000). � t Flight and cardiac response seems to be stimulated at a distance of 50-100 meters when directly approached by people on foot (Holl and Bleich 1983, MacArthur et al. 1982, Miller and Smith 1985). Response to helicopters is stimulated at about 400- meters above the ground (Bleich et al. 1994) and may cause temporary shift in habitat use patterns (Bleich et al. 1990, Bleich et al. 1994). Helicopter surveys may { , significantly alter the movement, habitat use, and foraging efficiency of sheep so that survivorship or reproduction is reduced (Bleich et al. 1990, Bleich et al. 1994). Unlike other forms of human disturbance such as hiking, bighorn sheep do not become habituated or densensitized to repeated helicopter flights (Stockwell 1991 in Bleich et i al. 1994, Bleich et al. 1994, Bleich et al. 1990, Harris 1992, Miller and Smith 1985). 1 i Bighorn sheep evolved with canine predators (Geist 1971) and thus react very strongly to domestic dogs. Disturbance of bighorn sheep by dogs causes heart rate increases { E and flight response (MacArthur et al. 1979, MacArthur et al. 1982, Purdy and Shaw 1981), with nervousness and alertness persisting for up to 30 minutes following an encounter and exhibiting response to subtle stimuli which otherwise evoked no response (MacArthur et al. 1982). �i I< < ii � r Trails-Page 4-3 ', FJ Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences Hypotheses relevant to the impact of human disturbance on bighorn sheep. here are several factors which have been suggested as contributors to the decline of bighorn sheep populations in the desert southwestern United States. These include the presence of roads and ensuing habitat fragmentation (Ough and deVos 1984), fire suppression and resulting visual obscurity (Etchberger et al. 1989), trails and housing developments (Krausman et al. 2000, Kelly and Krausman 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). Goodson et al. (1999) suggested that the elimination of camping and dogs in critical bighorn sheep habitat would result in a reduction in the effects of human disturbance to bighorn sheep. Unknowns. There remain some outstanding questions relevant to the question of human disturbance to bighorn sheep. These include, but are not limited to, the following: i 1. Is there a cause-effect relationship between different types of human disturbance I and the population level effects on bighorn sheep? f 2. What is the relationship between population-level effects, known levels of human l use, or historic factors which influence response of bighorn sheep to disturbances? 1 3. What were the relative numbers of predators concentrating on sheep populations now and at the time of highest sheep numbers? , j 4. Gender, group size, and time attributes are poorly documented in the publicly available spacial data. Both the lack of these data and the limitations of existing data in the public record limit the ability to more precisely tailor management actions. ! 1 Facts and Evidence Related to Potential Disturbance Effects on Bighorn Sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains or Directly Analogous Situations. f Ewes in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains are constrained by the amount of available habitat which is limited by the urban interface along the toe of slope and by the chaparral zone at about 1, 400 meters. At that elevation, vegetation changes and ' habitat attributes such as visibility and escape cover, become poor. As a result, ewes near birthing or with young Iambs may be challenged to find undisturbed areas to have their Iambs. 1 Bighorn sheep modify their behavior to avoid predictable human interactions around water holes, timing visits to coincide with periods when humans are not present (Campbell and Remington 1981, Hamilton et al. 1982). I Rubin et al (2000) found a strong correlation between seasonal precipitation, forage availability and the onset of lambing. Trails-Page 4-4 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences DeForge (1982) observed ewes in the northern Santa Rosa Mountains giving birth in rugged canyons adjacent to the urban interface. Population levels of bighorn sheep in the peninsular ranges are now at approximately ' 400 adults. Population estimates are approximately 1200 during the 1970s. Disease and predation are generally acknowledged as the primary contributors to the decline. L The primary human activities or land uses potentially affecting bighorn sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains are: habitat loss or conversion, construction r r (housing, fencing, landscaping, golf facilities, etc.), general urban interface, hiking, l horseback riding, mountain biking, vehicle use, and research. In the past, the majority of mortality was attributable to natural causes such as predation and disease. During the past 4 years, no mountain lion kills have been recorded in the northern Santa Rosa or San Jacinto Mountains and the effects of urbanization continues to take a toll. During 1990-1999, 13 adult and 2 Iamb mortalities were directly attributable to urbanization; 8 died in automobile collisions, 5 from toxic plant ingestion, 1 fence strangulation, and 1 drowned in a swimming pool (J.DeForge, 1 personal communication 2002). Some groups of bighorn sheep enter the urban interface, even in areas of intense human activity such as developed sites or along Highway 111, in search of forage or water. i * Known lambing areas include the Bear Creek Canyon/Coyote Canyon region, Cathedral Canyon, and Bradley Canyon. Others likely exist but are unknown to BLM at this time. I , Sheep population levels around Little Morongo Canyon are healthy on either side of a backcountry road with use levels similar to, or higher than, current use on Dunn Road. Use of the road is not controlled by a gate and the road communicates with the urban interface. � r i It l � I i i ' LS Trails-Page 4-5 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan { Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences 4.2.2 Analysis of the Alternatives i 4.2.2.1 Alternative A. I. Trail Use - Voluntary trail avoidance program would be in effect. Individuals would be requested to voluntarily refrain from using trails in essential bighorn habitat from February 15 - September 30 each year. Voluntary Trail Avoidance Program: During 2001 and 2002, BLM Sheep Ambassadors monitored compliance with voluntary closures on trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Overall, compliance with requests to refrain from using the trails during the lambing season and hot season was 60%. A total of 4, 421 people were observed using trails during 2001 and 2002; of these, 3,440 were contacted directly by sheep ambassadors at the trail heads. This number is somewhat misleading because of the inability to count users who were contacted the first time and continued to comply throughout the year. Trail users who chose not to refrain from using trails were counted each time they encountered a sheep ambassador, thus biasing the count data toward non-compliance. In 2000, a trail use survey was mailed to 700 registered voters in Palm Desert to assess attitudes about trail use and knowledge about the status of bighorn sheep (Carrie McNeil, UC Davis 2000). Of the 700 surveys mailed in August 2000, 296 (42%) had been returned by mid-October and 11% of those . respondents were trail users. Of the 79 people who responded to queries about using trails under a voluntary closure, 92% said they would not use a trail under a voluntary avoidance program. The organizer of the study recommended that voluntary closures be continued during lambing and hot season. As illustrated by BLM's data collected by the Sheep Ambassadors during 2001 and 2002, it is difficult to accurately assess the percentage of people who comply with voluntary programs, thus making it difficult to assess the efficacy of such a program. In addition, there is little incentive for people to comply, other than the knowledge that they are contributing to conservation of an 1 endangered species. Likewise, there are no consequences for those who do not choose to participate in the voluntary trail avoidance program. Because of the endangered status of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, it may be necessary to f adopt more stringent measures to facilitate and promote recovery of the population. February 15 - September 30: The 7 '/2 month closure of certain trails would provide increased protection for bighorn sheep during the lambing season and hot season. Trail Specific Measures: Trail by trail management only targets specific trails. ? Although this list of trails is inclusive of known lambing areas, many other trails t penetrate into lambing areas, effectively reducing the benefit of the voluntary program. - Individuals would be requested to venture no more than 100 feet from trails for purposes of resting, nature study, or other similar activities. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable uses, including use of trails. Off-trail activities have been shown Trails-Page 4-6 r ,� , 5/�- s�'� l Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan f ' Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences to elicit stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). In addition, the 100-foot limit will reduce crushing of native vegetation and minimize the creation of new, spur trails. - The Santa Rosa Wilderness Area is closed to mechanized forms of transport, including mountain bikes and hang gliders, in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. No Impacts. l ' All trail use within essential bighorn sheep habitat would be subject to monitoring to assess impacts of trail use on bighorn sheep. This activity level management plan is intended to be adaptive in nature. Monitoring trail use and bighorn sheep population parameters will allow management agencies to assess impacts to sheep and the efficacy of the trails management plan. - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, trails would be open year-round for non-motorized use subject to existing regulations. The purpose of this trails management plan is to reduce human ` disturbance to bighorn sheep. Essential habitat is that habitat which is critical to the persistence of the population. Trail use outside essential habitat would have no impact [ on bighorn sheep. - Implementation of the voluntary trail avoidance program would be undertaken upon approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Until a decision is made through the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan, trails on BLM-managed public lands will continue to be managed under the interim management measures proposed by BLM in the Biological Evaluation on Effects of CDCA Plan on Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep (BLM 2001). Continuation of the interim management measures would continue to reduce disturbance to sheep during the lambing and hot seasons; reduce disturbance from dogs and contribute to habitat improvement and maintenance via water inventory and maintenance, tamarisk eradication, fire management, and land acquisition. ll. Cross-country travel I ` - Individuals would be requested to voluntarily refrain from traveling cross- country in essential bighorn habitat from February 15 - September 30. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable uses, including use of trails. Off-trail activities have been shown to elicit stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, { Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto ( I Mountains, cross-country travel would be allowed year-round subject to existing I. k regulations. The purpose of this trails management plan is to reduce human disturbance to bighorn sheep. Essential habitat is that habitat which is critical to the II i Trails-Page 4- 7 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter4-Environmental Consequences persistence of the population. Cross-country travel outside of essential habitat would have no impact on bighorn sheep. III. Camping -Individuals would be requested to voluntarily refrain from camping in essential bighorn sheep habitat from February 15- September 30, except along trails not subject to the voluntary trail avoidance program. This trails management plan is intended to reduce impacts caused by humans in bighorn sheep habitat. There are no designated campsites within the trails plan area at this time and as such, bighorn sheep are not habituated to such activities. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable uses, I including use of trails. Camping would likely have the same effect as cross-country activities, eliciting stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). i - from February 15 - September 30 in esential bighorn sheep habitat, individuals would be requested to camp no more than 100 feet from trails that are NOT subject to the voluntary trail avoidance program. Bighorn sheep may habituate to certain, predictable uses (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). By remaining within 100 feet of established trails, impacts to sheep may be reduced by the l predictability of the location. -Individuals would be required to camp at least 114 mile from water sources i throughout the year. This measure would reduce competition and disturbance at water sources and conforms with California Department of Game and Fish Code. Bighorn r sheep have been observed waiting for humans to leave before coming to water j (Hamilton et al. 1982) and have abandoned water sources altogether in the face of heavy human use (Blong 1967). - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, camping would be allowed subject to existing regulations. The purpose of this trails management plan is to reduce human disturbance to bighorn sheep. Essential habitat is that habitat which is critical to the persistence of the population. Camping outside of essential habitat would have no impact on bighorn sheep. I IV. Dogs r - In essential bighorn sheep habitat, dogs would be allowed only in designated areas. Bighorn sheep react very strongly to domestic dogs. Disturbance of bighorn sheep by dogs causes heart rate increases and flight response (MacArthur et al. 1979, t't MacArthur et al. 1982, Purdy and Shaw 1981), with nervousness and alertness l persisting for up to 30 minutes following an encounter and exhibiting response to subtle stimuli which otherwise evoked no response (MacArthur et al. 1982). r i Trails-Page 4-8 f�`14 (ab d Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences I - Dog owners would be required to keep dogs under restraint to ensure they do not freely roam. Requiring that owners keep dogs leashed in designated areas would reduce the likelihood of dogs chasing wildlife, including bighorn sheep. r - Leash restrictions would be enforced by city, state, and federal agencies. Enforcement of leash restrictions would increase compliance with leash restrictions and help reduce any impacts to bighorn sheep. I The following areas in essential bighorn sheep habitat would be approved for entry with dogs on leashes: I - west of Cathedral City Cove -this area is within critical habitat but located adjacent to a road, flood control levee, and in the bottom of a I , wash. There are some records of sheep using the area above the wash l but no records of sheep coming down into the wash. Visibility to the wash from above is good, there is adequate escape terrain nearby such that f , disturbance to sheep would be minimal. l l - Homme-Adams Park and adjacent lands in Palm Desert-this proposed dog use area is located between the Cahuilla Hills subdivision near Highway 74 and Ramon Creek. There is a well-documented lambing area nearby. Located deep in the canyons, this lambing area is not within sight of the proposed dog park and as such, bighorn sheep would not be 1 effected by this designation. - South of La Quinta Cove, outside of essential habitat- this proposed dog use area is between the flood control dike and the main road around the south end of the Cove. Although outside essential habitat, bighorn sheep use the area adjacent to the Cove in Bear Creek Canyon, crossing over between the mountains to the south and the Coral Reef Mountain which rise above La Cahuilla to the north. The adjacent habitat places sheep generally above the proposed dog use area and near escape terrain, both which reduces the impact of the disturbance. - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, dogs would be allowed subject to existing regulations. No impact to bighorn sheep. IF V. New Trail Development - Proposals for new trail development inside and outside essential bighorn sheep l i habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be addressed on a case- by-case basis. Impacts to bighorn sheep would depend on location of trail, season of use, types of use, and other factors. All projects would comply with NEPA, ESA, and t terms and conditions developed through Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. . l Trails-Page 4-9 l �j I Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences VI. Trail Re-Routing a - Proposals for trail reroutes in essential bighorn sheep habitat would be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the following criteria applied: - benefits to bighorn sheep or other sensitive wildlife occur -protection of other resource values (e.g., cultural resources, soils) would be considered. - Habitat use and bighorn sheep distribution data support decisions. Impacts to bighorn sheep from trail reroute projects would depend on location of reroute, season of construction or destruction, types of use allowed, and other factors. All projects would comply with NEPA, ESA, and terms and conditions developed I through Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. VII. Trail decommission and removal i -Proposals to decommission and remove trails inside and outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Impacts to bighorn sheep from trail reroute projects would depend on location of reroute, season of construction or destruction, types of use allowed, and other factors. All projects would comply with NEPA, ESA, t . and terms and conditions developed through Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. VIII. Murray Hill Facilities I - Picnic tables and equestrian hitching posts at the summit of Murray Hill would be relocated and could remain inside essential habitat. The impact of disturbance by 1 equestrians has not been studied. Additionally, data from the USFWS (2000) show few observations made of bighorn sheep in the Murray Hill area. During 2001 and 2002, I BLM sheep ambassadors observed 6 equestrians using the Clara Burgess Trail which i leads to the facilities on top of Murray Hill. Given the level of reported use of Murray Hill area by bighorn sheep, the impacts from people using these facilities would likely be minimal. IX. Non-Commercial, Non-Competitive Organized Group Activities I i - Non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups would be requested to voluntarily refrain from using trails in essential bighorn sheep habitat from February 15- September 30, except for trails that are not subject to the voluntary trail avoidance { program. See impact analysis under "Voluntary Trail Avoidance Program" above. -Non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups of 10 to 24 individuals would be required to obtain a free use permit for activities in essential bighorn sheep habitat throughout the entire year. Group size may play a role in level of response by bighorn sheep (Miller and Smith 1985). Miller and Smith (1985) evaluated responses i by bighorn sheep to researcher-induced disturbances and determined that sheep reacted more strongly to the presence of 2 people than 1. However, data relevant to Trails-Page 4- 10 _ i , I , Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences human group size is scarce and it is difficult to draw conclusions from a single published study. What is clear, however, is that people in bighorn habitat can cause disturbance during critical times of the year. The intent of this trails management plan is to reduce the overall level of disturbance to bighorn sheep. Non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups of 16-24 individuals would be requested to break into groups with no more than 15 individuals in any one group, 1 ` and attempt to maintain at least% mile separation between groups when entering designated wilderness areas. Group size may play a role in level of response by bighorn sheep (Miller and Smith 1985). Miller and Smith (1985) evaluated responses Iby bighorn sheep to researcher-induced disturbances and determined that sheep reacted more strongly to the presence of 2 people than 1. Light and Weaver (1973) recommended that there be no more than 10 people in a group of hikers. However, fdata relevant to human group size is scarce and it is difficult to draw conclusions from a single published study. What is clear, however, is that people in bighorn habitat can cause disturbance during critical times of the year. By requiring that large groups be broken into smaller groups, bighorn sheep would be impacted several times over the course of a day instead of all at once. This "pulse" effect could prevent bighorn sheep from accessing water during passage of groups. However, use levels in the wilderness { area are likely not high enough for this to be a serious problem for bighorn sheep. r r - Non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups of more than 25 individuals [ would be required to obtain a special recreation permit from BLM when recreating on BLM-managed lands in bighorn sheep habitat, except when exemptions apply. Special I ' recreation permits are subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Thus, impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. -All permits would be issued for use of trails and areas where and when the l voluntary trail and cross-country avoidance programs are not in effect. Same as impact analysis for voluntary trail and cross-country trail avoidance programs. 1 r - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, non-commercial and non-competitive organized group activities would be f ! allowed on BLM-managed land, subject to existing regulations. No impact. t X. Non-motorized commercial recreation activities non-motorized commercial recreation activities may be permitted in essential bighorn sheep habitat where and when the voluntary trail avoidance program does not apply. Commercial recreation events require a Special Recreation Permit and thus, would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. II, l Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A special recreation permit would be required for non-motorized commercial recreation activities on BLM-managed lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains except when exemptions apply. Same as above. : 4 Trails-Page 4- 11 / S 1 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan t Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences - Special Recreation Permits would be issued through existing BLM regualtaoty processes, including compliance with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with stipulations developed by the BLM and in consultation with USFWS would be mandatory. Same as above. XI. Motorized Commercial Recreation Activities - Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat except on Dunn Road. - Motorized commercial recreation activities may be permitted October 1 to 1 February 14 only on BLM-managed portions of the Dunn Road. Dunn Road is a winding dirt road through rugged terrain that begins at the edge of the urban interface of the Coachella Valley at an elevation of 800 feet and rises to above 4000 feet, where it j connects with Highway 74 to the south. There are historic and current sheep sightings along the Dunn Road. Bighorn sheep movements between the San Jacinto Mountains and the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains occurs by sheep crossing Dunn Road j (USFWS 1999). Both ewes and rams have been observed near the lower elevations of the Dunn Road. Below the Dunn Road are three lambing areas: Cathedral Canyon, r Bradley Peak, and Magnesia Canyon (USFWS 1999). The Cathedral Canyon lambing and rearing area is adjacent to and partly overlapping with Dunn Road. Several studies have identified that vehicle use will modify the behavior of nearby bighorn sheep (Jorgensen 1974, Leslie and Douglas 1980, Campbell and Remington 1981, Miller and Smith 1985). Miller and Smith (1985) documented that 25% of bighorn sheep (45 our of 180 observations) immediately reacted to a parked jeep or truck by either walking or trotting away and returning to their original activity within 10 minutes, or by running away and not returning to their original activity. Jorgensen (1974), Leslie and Douglas (1980), and Campbell and Remington (1981) demonstrated behavioral reactions or change in use patterns due to vehicle use and other human activity at water sources. i The intensity of motorized commercial recreation use along Dunn Road would likely diminish the seclusion of the Cathedral Canyon lambing and rearing area, thus reducing the quality of this lambing area. -A special recreation permit would be required for motorized commercial ? recreation activities on BLM-managed lands, including vending associated with i recreational use, except when exemptions apply. Each application would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. - Special Recreation Permits would be issued through existing BLM regualtaoty i processes, including compliance with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. i Compliance with stipulations developed by the BLM and in consultation with USFWS would be mandatory. Same as above. 1 Trails-Page 4- 12 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences XII. Competitive Recreation Events Competitive recreation events may be permitted in bighorn sheep habitat where and when the voluntary trail avoidance program does not apply. Each application would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. -A special recreation permit would be required for all competitive recreation use of BLM-managed public lands, except when exemptions apply. Each application would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to [ bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. - Special Recreation Permits would be issued through existing BLM regualtaory I , processes, including compliance with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with stipulations developed by the BLM and in consultation with USFWS would be mandatory. Same as above. ( XIII. Motorized-vehicle use of trails 1 , -motorized vehicles would be prohibited on all trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains except for motorized vehicles specifically approved for trail maintenance and construction projects. I � - approval for use of motorized vehicles for trail maintenance projects in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Moutnains would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Each project would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. - Motorized-vehicle use of trails may be authorized only where and when the voluntary trail avoidance program is not in effect. See impact analysis for voluntary trail avoidance program. 1 . XIV. Public Outreach ' -An information and education program addressing all management prescriptions herein described, upon approval, would be implemented. Education and outreach would benefit bighorn sheep by informing the public about trail closures, reasons for management prescriptions, and the role that bighorn sheep play in the ecosystem. r f ' 1 Trails-Page 4- 13 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan I Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences 4.2.2.2 Proposed Preferred Alternative B. 1. Trail Use - Non-motorized activities would be prohibited in Seasonal Trail Areas from January 15- June 30, except for the following; Art Smith Trail- open Tuesday and Sunday each week January 15 - r February 15 and May 1 -June 30. 1 Boo Hoff Trail- open Tuesday and Saturday each week January 15 - February 15 and May 1 - June 30. 1 In addition, certain trails would be posted as "closed"from July 1 - September 30 to ensure access to water by bighorn sheep and other wildlife during the hot season. 1 Non-voluntary: As illustrated by BLM's data collected by the Sheep Ambassadors during 2001 and 2002, it is difficult to accurately assess the percentage of people who r comply with voluntary programs, thus making it difficult to assess the efficacy of such a l program. In addition, there is little incentive for people to comply, other than the knowledge that they are contributing to conservation of an endangered species. Likewise, there are no consequences for those who do not choose to participate in the 1 voluntary trail avoidance program. Because of the endangered status of bighorn sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, it may be necessary to adopt more stringent measures to r facilitate and promote recovery of the population. (See also discussion under t Alternative A). r January 15 - September 30: Bighorn sheep are most sensitive to disturbance during the lambing and rearing season (Geist 1971, Light and Weaver 1973, King and Workman 1986, Wagner and Peek 1999, Wehausen 1980) and in lambing areas that l are close to dependable water sources (Leslie and Douglas 1980, McCarty and Bailey l 1994, BLM 1980, Blong and Pollard 1968). Ewes exhibit a heightened response to disturbance about a month prior to having their Iambs (Geist 1871, Hansen and Deming 1980, Wagner and Peek 1999) and the onset of lambing is correlated with seasonal t precipitation and forage availability (Goodson 1999, Wagner and Peek 1999, Rubin et al. 2000). In the deserts of the southwestern United States, bighorn ewes may have their Iambs during any month of the year(Guy Wagner, personal communication), but in general, ewes in the Peninsular Ranges have their Iambs January through June (DeForge 1982, Rubin et al. 2000, Bighorn Institute unpublished data) with the peak 1 February 15 -April 30 (Figure 1). Rubin et al. (2000) determined that 87% of the Iambs born in the Peninsular Ranges were born during February - April. Thus, by implementing hard closures on trails in sensitive bighorn sheep habitat January 15 instead of February 15, ewes near parturition will benefit from the extra month of limited disturbance. Seasonal Trail Area Measures: Trail-by-trail management only targets specific trails. 1 The Seasonal Trail Area concept allows managers to target sensitive areas where there may be numerous un-named or un-mapped trails. This provides large blocks of habitat Trails-Page 4- 14 r Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan J Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences for bighorn sheep that is protected from disturbance during the lambing season. (See also discussion under Alternative A). - Modifications of Seasonal Trail Area boundaries may occur where new jperimeter trails are proposed and topographic limitations and/or configuration of private lands constrain trail development outside the Seasonal Trail Areas. The Seasonal Trail Area boundaries were drawn using bighorn sheep locaiton data and the essential habitat line. Any modifications of the Seasonal Trail Area boundaries would be assessed on a case-by-case basis and would comply with NEPA, ESA, and terms and conditions developed through Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. - Some trails on the perimeter of the mountains would be posted open to provide hiking opportunities year-round. All trail use within bighorn sheep habitat would be subject to monitoring to assess the impacts of trail use on bighorn sheep. Because ewes seek out rugged, isolated areas to birth and rear their Iambs (Wagner and Peek 1999, DeForge and Scott 1982, Geist 1971), open trails on the perimeter of the iwildland-urban interface is not expected to have a significant impact on bighorn sheep. Use of perimeter trails may create a barrier between the wildland and urban systems, thus discouraging bighorn from using water and forage in the urban environment i (USFWS 2000). - Individuals would be requested to venture no more than 50 feet from center-line j of trails on either side for purposes of resting, nature study, or other similar activities from January 15-June 20 in bighorn sheep habitat Holders of permits issued for research and extended study(subject to NEPA and ESA review) would be exempt from I , this requirement. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable uses, including use of trails. Off-trail activities have been shown to elicit stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). In addition, the 50- foot limit will reduce crushing of native vegetation and minimize the creation of new, f spur trails. 1 - Individuals would be required to obtain a free permit for use of the following trails from October 1 through January 14: Bear Creek Canyon and Bear Creek Oasis Trails, Cathedral Canyon Trail, Skyline Trail, North Lykken Trail. The Boo Hoff Trail and w Art Smith Trail (including Dead Indian Canyon), would require that individuals obtain a free use permit year round. The self-issue permit system would be used to monitor trail use and adapt the trails management plan when necessary to ensure the best management for recreation users, Peninsular bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. The same permit system would be used to track cross-country recreation activities. The data collected through these permits will provide a snapshot of trail use and will be combined with bighorn distribution data to determine how well the trails management plan is working. T Trails-Page 4- 15 I Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences -All trail use would be subject to monitoring to assess the impacts of trail use on bighorn sheep. No Impact to bighorn sheep (see discussion above on permit system). -Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, trails would be open year-round for non-motorized use, subject to existing regulations. 1 No impact to bighorn sheep. I -Implementation - Trail Use - Implementation of Seasonal Trail Area closures would be phased in as new perimeter trails are constructed in identified corridors. Prior to completing any I phase of new trail construction, the voluntary trail avoidance program as currently implemented for the adjacent Seasonal Trail Area, would be continued. Priorities for new trail construction and the phase-in strategy for the Seasonal Trail Area closures are described in the full text of the preferred alternative. Phasing in the closures as new perimeter trails are developed will require relying on the continued goodwill from trail users voluntarily refraining from using trails in the Seasonal Trail Areas. Impacts to I bighorn sheep could result from decreased compliance with voluntary program. However, at the end of each calendar year, the Trails Management Committee will review the trail use data, progress made in trail development, and bighorn sheep I population numbers to, determine the effectiveness of the the phasing in, and to evaluate possible impacts to bighorn sheep. Continued monitoring by a multiple jurisdiction/mulitple agency Sheep Ambassador team would continue to provide outreach and education to trail users, and to request and monitor compliance with the t voluntary trail avoidance program during implementation. Each specific trail construction project will comply with NEPA and ESA. II Cross-country travel r - Cross-country travel would be prohibited in essential bighorn sheep habitat from January 15 to September 30, and allowed from October 1 to January14. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable uses, including use of trails. Off-trail activities have been shown to elicit stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). Cross-country travel disturbs sheep because it is impossible to predict where a person might show up. - Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, ' cross-country travel would be allowed, subject to existing regulations. No impact to bighorn sheep. III. Camping - Camping would be prohibited in bighorn sheep habitat from January 15 - September 30 and allowed from October 1-January 14. This trails management plan is intended to reduce impacts caused by humans in bighorn sheep habitat. There are no designated campsites within the trails plan area at this time and as such, bighorn sheep are not habituated to such activities. Bighorn sheep may adapt to certain, predictable Trails-Page 4- 16 i Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan [ Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences uses, including use of trails. Camping would likely have the same effect as cross- country activities, eliciting stronger responses from bighorn sheep (Papouchis et al 2000, Schoenecker and Krausman 2002). - Campers would be required to obtain a free use permit at the Palm Springs BLM office, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, or other locations from October 1 -January 14. Information gathered through fthis permit system would be used to assess numbers of campers per year in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. Same as above but impacts would be reduced because use would occur outside of the sensitive seasons (i.e. lambing, rearing, and hot season). - Camping would be prohibited within 114 mile of water sources to prevent disturbance to wildlife at these locations. Same as Alternative A. - Camping would be allowed outside of bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, subject to existing regulations. Same as Alternative A. IV. Dogs 1 . -Dogs would be allowed in designated areas only. Same as Alternative A. -Dogs would be kept under restraint to ensure that they do not freely roam. 't Leash restrictions would be enforced by city, state, and federal agencies. Same as Alternative A. ( ` - The following areas in bighorn sheep habitat would be approved for entry with i dogs on leashes: - west of Cathedral City Cove -Homme Adams Park and adjacent lands in Palm Desert i - South of La Quinta Cove, outside of essential habitat. f Same as Alternative A. l - Outside of bighorn sheep habitat in the Southern Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, dogs would be allowed subject to existing regulations. No Impacts to ( ' bighorn sheep. i V. New Trail Development r - New trails would be developed within perimeter trail corridors (see implementation under trail use) approved in this plan. Additional new trail development would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The Recovery Plan for Peninsular Ranges Bighorn Sheep (USFWS 2000) suggests that perimeter trails may create a barrier between the wildland and urban systems, thus discouraging bighorn from using water and forage in the urban environment (USFWS 2000). The proposal to develop new perimeter trails to replace hiking opportunities lost during the hot season and lambing season would likely benefit bighorn sheep by reducing access to the urban s environment. Conversely, bighorn sheep may be impacted by loss of access to food Trails-Page 4- 17 / /�_ Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences and water in the urban areas adjacent to the mountains, resulting in reduced fitness overall for bighorn sheep living near the urban interface. It is critical to minimize these impacts by providing water sources away from the urban environment prior to construction of any perimeter trails. r - Guidelines for development of new perimeter trails - l - new perimeter trails would generally run parallel to and not rise more than 200 feet above the toe of slope [ -new perimeter trails would not be constructed within 114 mile of water. -new perimeter trails would incorporate topographic variability where possible. - new perimeter trails would be available for year-round use. - Construction of approved perimeter trails would be allowed only between I July 1 and January 14. l Application of these guidelines would ensure that construction of new perimeter trails would remain on the perimeter of the mountains and not penetrate into bighorn sheep habitat. -Additional proposals for new perimeter trail development in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains would be considered on a case-by-case basis using the criteria laid out above and subject to NEPA and ESA review. f -A new trail linking Deep Canyon and the west side of La Quinta Cove, [ , connecting the cities of Palm Desert and La Quinta would be constructed. Three alignments would be considered for the connectortrail. The preferred route will be identified in the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. - North of Eisenhower Mountain - trail would be open year-round. - Between Eisenhower Mountain and Indio Mountain - trail would be closed January 15-June 30. - South of Indio Mountain between Indio Mountain and Coyote Canyon - 1 Trail would be closed from January 15-September 30. i t t i t i Trails-Page 4- 18 { Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences Criteria Matrix for Alignments of La Quinta Cove to Palm Desert Trail Biolo irai impacts Land ownership Buildability Cultural Impacts Alignment A—North of Few bighom sheep observations,no Primarily private land,perhaps City of Indian Wells has May present conflict with Eisenhower Mtn evidence of lambing here. Farthest one small piece of public land. expressed opposition to this cultural resources. Foothills away from bighorn lambing area in Would require easements or alignment because the trail and areas conducive to travel coyote canyon and bear creek area. cooperative agreements with would look down on homes. over mountains have the city of Indian Wells,which owns Terrain is extremely rugged- potential to contain cultural the Eisenhower Mt parcel and construction would be costly. resources. Adjacent areas leases access to Living Desert have a high density of recorded for trait and other land owners, sites. Alignment B—between Sheep observations present. BLM,private,UCR State Land. May pose topographic May present conflict with Eisenhower and Indio 2 drainages nw of coyote creek water UCR has indicated a willingness challenges. Terrain is rugged cultural resources where the Mountains hole and bear creek parturition areas. to accommodate proposed trail. and construction would be trail dips into and crosses Deep Private landowners unknown. costly. Canyon. Foothills and areas conducive to travel over mountains have the potential to contain cultural resources. Adjacent areas have a high densfitv of recorded sites. Alignment C—south of Indio Lots of sheep observations around BLM,UCR State Land —no Traverses east side of Deep May present conflict with Mtn.(original alignment coyote creek and associated private land Involved Canyon via wash. Trail is cultural resources. Foothills proposal) drainages. Area used by bighorn already somewhat and areas conducive to travel ewes during spring for lambing and established and is hiked over mountains have the rearing. Excellent forage in canyon several times a year by potential to contain cultural bottoms. Strong ephemeral water various people. Wash bottom resources. Adjacent areas source in drainage south of would be fairly easy to build have a high density of recorded alignment that is used extensively by trail in. Relatively straight sites. bighorn sheep. shot to Deep Canyon. t �� Trails-Page 4- 19 l Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Traits Management Plan Chapter 4- Environmental Consequences 1 The proposed trail would connect La Quinta and Palm Desert by linking the two cities. The challenge is to find an alignment that avoids sensitive cultural resources, creates the least potential disturbance to bighorn sheep, while providing an enjoyable hiking opportunity for the people of and visitors to the Coachella Valley. Under any of the three alignment options, the trail would originating at the west side of La Quinta Cove, this trail would run west toward Deep Canyon, cross the canyon at Section 4 and 5 through the Deep Canyon Research Station, up the west side of the canyon and connecting with a proposed trail loop on Palm Desert city land adjacent to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The three alignments were chosen for analysis based on the above decision matrix. Alignment A— North of Eisenhower Mountain (T5S, R6E, sections 1, Z 3, 35, T5S, R5E, sections 4,5). This alignment would present the least impact to bighorn sheep. j Starting north of the western side of La Quinta Cove, this proposed trail would follow a i drainage northeast toward Eisenhower Mountain. Data collected during the past 30 years indicates that bighorn sheep use the area north of Eisenhower Mountain occasionally but not with any regularity. It is probable that rams occasionally wander into this area. Lack of permanent water and abundant forage may limit use of this area by bighorn sheep. t - The majority of this alignment falls into privately owned parcels of land with one exception on the east side of Deep Canyon. The City of Indian Wells owns section 35 and Lary Grafton, chief city planner, has stated that the City would oppose this I . alignment. Alignment B — Between Eisenhower and Indio Mountains (T5S, R6E, sections 11, i 10, T5S, R5E, sections 4, 5). This alignment presents some potential impact to bighorn sheep. There have been a few observations in this area during the past 30 years but 1 nothing that indicates extensive use by sheep. This alignment would be entirely on BLM-managed public land east of Deep Canyon and on State of California land crossing Deep Canyon. This would simplify the process. During a ground reconnaissance of this route, BLM staff observed numerous sheep pellets on the east 1 side of Indio Mountain. No sign of water was found and the tinajas in the canyons were small and had sandy bottoms, indicating that ephemeral water likely does not last long. i Alignment C —west of La Quinta Cove (T5S, R6E, sections 14, 10; T5S, R5E, sections 4, 5) This alignment is adjacent to some of the best bighorn sheep habitat in the Palm Springs Field Office. All sex and age classes of bighorn sheep have been observed in this area. Ewes and Iambs occupy the Bear Creek, Coyote Creek and Sheep Creek drainages and adjacent tributaries, foraging on the abundance of shrubs in the washes and visiting the numerous ephemeral water sources in the canyons. There are several water sources that during years of normal rainfall hold water through { the summer months. In addition to providing habitat for ewes and Iambs, ram groups also use the area, foraging farther from the ewes and Iambs between Martinez Canyon and the valley floor to the north. Trails-Page 4-20 i41Lee- Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan ( Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences VI. Trail Re-Routing ' - Trails would be re-routed to protect sensitive resource values (e.g. cultural resources, wildlife habitat, soils). ' - Identification of trails to be re-routed would be based on habitat use patterns, home range, and distribution of bighorn sheep. Until sufficient data are avallable to identify meaningful and feasible trail re-routes, proposals regarding specific re-routes would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Impacts to bighorn sheep from trail reroute projects would depend on location of reroute, season of construction or ( destruction, types of use allowed, and other factors. All projects would comply with NEPA, ESA, and terms and conditions developed through Section 7 consultation with ( the USFWS. 1 . - Trails would be re-routed around existing wildlife water sources, where feasible, 1 to prevent disturbance to wildlife during the hot season. Same as above i , - Construction of trail re-routes would occur only between October 1 -January 14 ( within bighorn sheep habitat See impact analysis for dates of closures. 1 . -Re-routing the Guadeloupe Trail to avoid desert slender salamander habitat (( would be proposed upon locating salamander populations and determining level of trail ( I use. Same as above 1 ' - Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, proposals for trail re-routes would be addressed on a case-by-case basis. No impact to bighorn sheep. VII. Trail Decommission and Removal -Redundant trails in the Murray Hill Complex would be identified and removed. I, = Redundant trails are defined as those serving the same or similar purpose as other trails (e.g. connecting the same two points) and providing the same or similar recreation ( ` experience. Secondary or tertiary braided trails and trail shortcuts would generally be l considered redundant. In the peer-reviewed literature available for this analysis, there are no studies which examined the density of trails relative to impacts on bighorn sheep. However, predictability may be compromised if there are numerous braided trails crossing through bighorn habitat. -Additional redundant trails would be identified using aerail photography and l othermethods. r t ft i y Trails-Page 4-_21 / [L Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences -Redundant trails would be identified for permeant closure using the following criteria: - Relocation would not be meaningful or feasible - Seasonal restrictions could not be effectively monitored and enforced. - Recurring violations of trail closures have occurred. [ - Trail removal would occur only between October 1 and Janaury 14. - Consideration would be given to using redundant trails to separate potentially l conflicting trail uses (e.g. horseback riding and mountain biking). Impacts to sheep would be determined on a case-by-case basis and II projects would comply with NEPA, ESA, and terms and conditions developed through Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. -Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, proposals to decommission and remove trails would be addressed on a r case-by-case basis. No Impacts to bighorn sheep. l Vill Murray Hill Facilities -picnic tables and equestrian hitching posts at the summit of Murray Hill would remain in place. [ The impact of disturbance by equestrians has not been studied. Additionally, data from the USFWS (2000) show few observations made of bighorn sheep in the Murray Hill area. During 2001 and 2002, BLM sheep ambassadors observed 6 equestrians using { the Clara Burgess Trail which leads to the facilities on top of Murray Hill. Given the level of reported use of Murray Hill area by bighorn sheep, the impacts from people using these facilities would likely be minimal. IX Non-commercial, non-competitive organized group activities -non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups would be prohibited in Seasonal Trail Areas from January 15 - June 30, and on certain trails under hot season closure, July 1 - September 30. See Seasonal Trail Area Measures. - non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups of 10-24 individuals would be required to obtain a free use permit for activities in bighorn sheep habitat throughout the entire year. Permits would be available at the Palm Springs BLM office, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, and other locations. No impact to bighorn sheep. -All non-commercial, non-competitive groups of more than 25 individuals using BLM-managed lands would be required to obtain a Special Recreation Permit except for when exemptions apply. Same as Alternative A. r Trails-Page 4-22 l l r Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences -When entering the Santa Rosa Wilderness, noncommercial, noncompetitive ' organized groups of 16-24 individuals would be required to break into groups of no more than 15 individuals in any group, and attempt to maintain at least a 2-mile separation between the groups, Same as Alternative A. - Special recreation permits would be issued through existing BLM regulatory processes, including compliance with NEPA and the Endangered Species Act. Compliance with stipulations developed by BLM and in consultation with the USFWS would be mandatory. Same as Alternative A. -All permits would be issued only for use of trails and areas where and when the Seasonal Trail Area closures, the seasonal cross-country prohibition, or the voluntary trail avoidance program are not in effect. See impact analysis for Seasonal Trail Area, 1 cross-country prohibition, and voluntary trail avoidance programs. - Noncommercial, noncompetitive organized groups using State lands would be subject to the California Code of Regulations. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Endangered Species Act. - Outside bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, noncommercial, non competitive organized group activities could be allowed, subject to permission of private landowners and approval through state or federal regulatory permitting processes, where applicable. No impact to bighorn sheep. f ' X. Non-Motorized Commercial Recreation - Non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited in Seasonal Trail Areas from January 15-June 30 and on certain trails under hot season closures from July 1 through September 30. Commercial recreation events require a Special ( Recreation Permit and thus, would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 ` . consultation under the ESA. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case- by-case basis through this process. I , - Non-motorized commercial recreation activities would be permitted in the remainder of bighorn sheep habitat where and when the voluntary trail avoidance program does not apply, subject to permission of private landowners and approval through regulatory permitting processes. Commercial recreation events require a Special Recreation Permit and thus, would be subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case- by-case basis. l ` -A special recreation permit would be required, except in circumstances when l exemptions apply for non-motorized commercial recreation activities on BLM-managed lands, including vending associated with recreational use. Special Recreation Permits are subject to the NEPA process and section 7 consultation under the ESA. Impacts to i ,) Trails-Page 4-23 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences i bighorn sheep would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. -Special Recreation Permits for use of BLM-managed lands would be issued through existing BLM regulatory processes, including compliance with NEPA and ESA. Same as above. Xi. Motorized Commercial Recreation Activities r - Motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year-round in i bighorn sheep habitat, except a portion of the Dunn road, subject to permission from private landowners. Same as Alternative A. Dunn Road. - Motorized commercial recreation activities between Pinyon Flats and the ; common boundary of Sections 32 and 3, T5S, R5E, would be considered on a case-by- case basis and allowed only from October 1 -January 14. This part of the Dunn Road r is above the area used by ewes and Iambs and in general, has poor habitat l characteristics. The USFWS (1999) determined that use of the Dunn Road on the lower end posed significant threats to bighorn sheep in the Northern Santa Rosa Mountains and as such, recommended that vehicles remain in a caravan and that people be required to remain inside the vehicles. However, once reaching Section 33, the caravan requirement was no longer necessary and people could get out and walk around. Impacts to bighorn sheep may still occur on the upper end of Dunn Road but t the terrain is relatively flat and habitat poor for bighorn sheep. Impacts to bighorn sheep from motorized commercial recreation on the upper end of Dunn Road would t likely be minimal. - Motorized commercial recreation activities would be subject to approval through regulatory permitting processes (including compliance with NEPA and the ESA), l including issuance of a special recreation permit by BLM for use of BLM-managed portions of the Dunn Road. - Motorized commercial recreation activities on the portion of Dunn Road from Cathedral City Cove to the common boundary of Sections 32 and 33 would be prohibited year round. Same as Alternative A. Martinez Canyon Cherry Stem Road -motorized commercial recreation activities would be prohibited year round. Prohibiting motorized commercial recreation on the Martinez Canyon cherry stem road would protect bighorn sheep during most seasons of the year. Martinez Canyon provides lambing and rearing habitat for bighorn sheep, water during the summer months, forage, and escape terrain. i i Trails-Page 4-24 l5/7 �Cc. r r Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4 -Environmental Consequences XII. Competitive Recreation Events Competitive recreation events would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat on BLM-managed public lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. No impacts to bighorn sheep. -A special recreation permit would be required for competitive recreation use of { BLM-managed public lands outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. No impact to bighorn sheep. F XIII. Public Outreach and Environmental Education -An information and education program addressing all management prescriptions herein described, upon approval, would be implemented. - Guided hikes during the fall season would be undertaken by BLM in partnership with local jurisdictions and user groups to provide outreach and education. - The lower portion of Dead Indian Canyon (about 0.75 miles up canyon) contains a prehistoric archaeological site that would be used for interpretation and education. Outreach and general education would not be limited to bighorn sheep ecology but would include desert ecology in general. r Viewing areas would be established so that the public can view bighorn sheep and other wildlife from a distance. These areas would be located to prevent disturbance to the animals under observation. l : Outreach and education are essential in endangered species management. Bighorn f sheep in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains have a far better chance at recovery if the local populace is involved and committed to recovery. 4 Trails-Page 4- 25 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan Chapter 4-Environmental Consequences 4.2.2.3 Alternative C. I I. Trail Use - Non-motorized activities would be prohibited from January 1 - September 30 on the trails listed. Same as A. f - Non-motorized activities would be prohibited January 1 -June 30 on other trails 1 in designated essential bighorn sheep habitat. These trails would be available for use during the summer months because there are no bighorn sheep water holes in these areas. Impacts to bighorn sheep would be minimal because sheep would likely be elsewhere looking for water. (See also discussion on water in preface to alternatives). { - Implementation - Trail Use -All trail closures would be effective upon approval of the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan. Would provide immediate benefit to bighorn sheep by eliminating trail use during sensitive seasons. II. Cross-country travel t - Cross-country travel would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat. Same as Alternative A. - Outside essential bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, cross-country travel would be allowed year-round subject to existing regulations. Same as Alternative A. III. Camping - Camping would be prohibited year-round in essential bighorn sheep habitat. Same as Alternative A and B. - Outside designated critical bighorn sheep habitat in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, camping is allowed subject to existing regulations. Same as Alternative A. 1 i i i a i Trails-Page 4-26 /� FillPAP Ord EVENlontimm I MIS opleaArl POOR FIN ,%s"N Rip ►�€>�.-r�,�..a..�, �� 1,� ►tea�7 /./. � 11�. \ \ �: � __IM .___, IN mmON rvi'i`►�«�a�ai'� - ■ram■fur =--Ell � EXHIBIT A CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE CALIFORNIA DESERT CONSERVATION AREA (CDCA) PLAN AMENDMENTS FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY AND DRAFT SANTA ROSA AND SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS TRAILS MANAGEMENT PLAN. The City Council, at its September 04, 2002 meeting, adopted the following comments and recommendations to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). MOTORIZED VEHICLE AREA DESIGNATIONS: The City Council supports BLM Alternative B relative to motorized vehicle area designations within the City of Palm Springs. Closure of Windy Point and the Whitewater Preserve is supported. Additionally, the City supports BLM and State Department of Parks and Recreation efforts to develop an off-road vehicle area as an outlet for this form of recreation in a suitable and appropriate fashion. DUNN ROAD: The City Council recommends that the BLM work with governmental agencies and private land owners to ensure that Dunn Road is available for governmental purposes such as law enforcement, fire protection, and code enforcement activities. The CDCA Amendment text should consider the development of a master right-of-way grant to all governmental agencies with legal authority as a means to expedite continued governmental services in this area. The City's General Plan calls for the improvement of Dunn Road to provide access to private properties which may be developed in the future. BLM should consider this in its planning efforts. Additionally, the BLM should further consider limited commercial jeep tours from the valley floor as a means to provide access to the National Monument. Tours could be limited to certain days of the week. BIGHORN SHEEP RECOVERY: The City Council supports the BLM Alternative B provisions for continued and,more importantly, public review of Bighorn research, including capture and augmentation programs. The City has previously objected to the science used in preparation of the Recovery Plan and does not feel that sufficient information is available to support the Recovery Plan. Additionally, the City Council is concerned that capture/release and augmentation programs in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains have not been fully evaluated and publicly reviewed. Release of captured or pen-raised Bighorn sheep in the San Jacinto Mountains may have an adverse impact upon the existing herd. Specifically, the City Council is concerned that capture and release of Bighorn sheep from the northern Santa Rosa Mountains or pen-raised sheep from the Bighorn Institute could have an adverse impact. These Bighorn sheep have exhibited behaviors such as using urban landscapes for forage and water and seem to have adjusted to more human contact and acceptance than the existing Bighorn sheep in the San Jacinto Mountains area. The existing San Jacinto ewe group avoids urban landscapes, avoids human contact, and seems to stay at higher elevations. Adding Bighorn sheep with different behavior patterns may jeopardize the existing ewe group. These impacts have not been adequately addressed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement CDCA Plan Amendments, and Recovery Plan. 09/04/2002 09:10 kA,. ,, - a SPRING'S DEPNA H 2004/012 00/30/2002 17.14 19492199900 CENTFR .DAY COOP PAGE 02/10 August 30,2002 James G.Kenna Field Manager Bureau ofl.and Mangement,Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office United'States Depaftient of the Interior 690 West 0arnet Avenue I.O.Box 581260 North Palm Springs, California 92258-1260 Rv I610P 6%21_D� Bnvixonmental urrnp t Statement Corumer5rs Deat Manager lira: On behalf of the Desert Riders approximately 120 person membership and the;Desert Riders Trails Fund,Inc.,l make the following comments regarding-the Draft Fuviroamental Impact Statement for the Draft California Desert Conservation.Area Plan, Amendment for the Coachella Valley and the Draft Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Mtrnageuneut Plan, dated June 2002. ][Desert Riders Desert Riders is a horse trail riding club that was organized in Palm Springs b•L 1930, Palm Springs thetr had a population of 1,040 and residents simply referred to it as "the village". By 1932 Desert Riders began.to construct,maintain and improve trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Tens of thousands of volunteer hours from Desert Rider members and htmdreds of thousands of dollars of Desert Riders funds have been used to construct,improve and maintain the trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains duce 1932. This ye+tr, a number ofthe major trails are in disrepair and suffering ftour erosion h=twe BLM has not allowed Desert Riders access to perform their annual maintenance, El aistug Lana use Desert Rider regular use of the trails in the Santa Rosa and Sit Jacinto Mountains,as well as the construction,improvements and maintenance to trails preceded the Taylor Siring feet of 1934, Those regular activities also preceded formatiion of the BLM in 1946. For ovLi 70 years, thousands of tourists,boy and girl scoots,hikers and riders have safely enjoyed theft public lands on trails financed,constructed, and maintained by desert Riders. Forest Service pe,:gounal have used the trails for fire control and the County Sheriff for rescues and patrol, Desert 1;4ders have earned consideration for their regular contributions to the public good. Simply becacsoBMq Iran rot required Desert Riders to have a permit 1n the past,does not mean that Desert kWar annual rides of over twenty-five people and establishment of public right-of—ways does has not become a graudfathered right. l --------------ry------- ---------------------------- 09/04/2002 09:10 FAY 700 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DEYNA H ta005/012 W30f2002 17:14 1949219990a CEwEC BAY CORP PIAE; 09I10 ,tames fir,Kcnna August 30,20022 Page 2 Affected Epvironment-3.9 Cultural Resources Pursuant to Section 110 of the National Ristorie Preservation Act,T31.M is required to identify and preserve historic properties, Yfistorle Properties are those cultural to? JF which are found to be eligible for lining on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic properties include;trails. you have received testimony perpetuated by court order to this affect 4ind Desert Riders is willing and able to provide documentation of historical use of this resource. The trails constructed,improved and malntained by Desert Riders are culturallly significant to the settlement of the desert,to the Native American Cahuilla,end to the era in which Palm Springs was a mecca for cowboys and movie stars. A substantial number of trails ou BLIA managed lands carry the names of Desert Ptider members(Le.Art Smith,Boo Hoff i.ykken, Shannon,etc.), A number of published books recount the value of the Desert Rider tiails- At least one book, "Favorite"Trails of Desert Riders', approximately 240 pages in lengtls, describes the trail locations,the history,the value of the trails to desert history, and cultural val uc to the Native American Cahuilla cvlttue. Historical districts have been designated on less. Desert Riders contends that the trails are eligible for listing on the National historic Register:and should be preserved according to federal law. Affected Environment-Desert Riders"Grails hand,Inc.Property off of Munn Road Desert Riders Trails Fund,Inc, owns property in the Santa Rosa Mountains kxated off of the Dunn Road- The property has been designated Critical Habitat for Bighorn Skecp. Desert Riders,like many other stakeholders,were adversely affected by RLM's settlement of the Center for Biological Diversity where BLM willingly closed Dunn.Road and fostered the way for ser+rient casement holders on Dunri Road to deny access to privately held casements. BJLIwi r otther consulted with stakeholders nor with property owners. BJ-M's secret settlement severely limited Desert hiders ability to access its props*freely- RLM should diligently pursue reopening Dunn Road both for property owners and for limited use by visitors to the Santa RosafSan Sacinto Mountain National Monument. The Chairman of the Trails and Across Committee Cor the Monument supports paving the Dunn Road for visitor access to the Monument. Desert Riders supports that proposal. Planting Criteria-Revised Statute 2477 (R.S.247 )43 U.S.C. Section 932: On April 2,2002 the Riverside Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 20,02-118 stating that the County and the public have acquired right-of ways pursuant to R S. 2477 In those certain ways provided by California State and t ederal law. Although repealed by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 CTLPMA"), existing rights of way are exempt,from repeal. Many of the trails proposed for closure are public right-of ways established by Desi:rt Xiders --------------------------------------------------------h OD/u4/2002 00:11 FAX 760 023 8207 ---------------CITY OF PALM SPRINGS UEY:NA H ----�-1006;012------- 136A3012002 17:14 19402190900 CENTER I3AY COPP MEE 0d11@ JaxAc: Cr,Kenns, Ault 30,2002 Naga 3 existed oa federal public land'°rrot reserved for public uses"prior to 1976, .All trails iva the attached list except the Victor Trail,Hahn Trail Bud Furer Trail and.Clara Burgess Trail, were constructed or improved and maintained prior to enaerrnent of the ESA. these trails tbs 'She Collaborative Planning Process 13LM has lauded it's inclusion of stakeholders in the public process. However„to assure real public participation,33LM most look at the process implemented by the USPWS Recovery Plan for Bighorn Sheep in the Peninsular Ranges,California because it j.s that recovery plan and designation of"Critical Habitat!'for sheep that is the justification for trail closures and limiting access to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Contrary to USFWS policy for adopting recovery plans (Federal Register,'Vol=e 59,page 34272,July 1, 1994)Desert Rides was not identified as a stakeholder and consulted during the sheep recovery plan process. Dwert Pdders both owned property in the area designated"Critical Habitat"and since 1932,consorted, improved and maintauzad the majority of sigftiiicant trail right-of--ways in the Santa Rosa and Sari Jacinto Mo=taim This 70 year history of consistent construction,f"manoing, and use of trails in the Peninsular Raugm makes Desert Hiders substantial stakeholder iA the public planning process. In addition,Desert Riders,beoause of their regular use of the back-eoun`ny or,dls has valuable infotxmtion about the historic prevalence and behavior of shave that predate Dick Weaver. The failure to idcutify Desert Faders as a stakeholder and include them in consultati= left the bighorn sheep Re-covery Plaza that is deficient. Collaborative Pmcess 5.5 Trails Ilan Alternatives PLM's primary justification for closing trails sttms from the sheep recovery plan. The TTOM Plan"Alternative B"merely adopts the recovery plan zecaFxrmendat ous. As here,Desert Riders is not truly a participant iu the process,we are simply allowed to make comtraents to which BLM's only duty is to respond. The"Alternatives"for the Trails Plan posited by BLM,are less alternatives than.degrees of restrictiveness applied to the same pmpositiou, There are no creative alternatives,41rait would acbieve the same goals- One,such alternative would be to confine foot slid equestrhm travel to grails with no trail use between sunrise and sumot. This alternative allows trail use,:end periods of non-use permits full use of the habitat by sheep,which according to tlae Recovery Plan and published scientific literature are diurnal. sheep Can pzecuot when there will people present and Where they will bo present in the S44,997 acres curre,vtly,designated as Critical Rabhat. That and other altematives were Aavcr considarcd. To cmure thciz compliance with the National EnAronmcrital Policy Act of 1969,BLM should take a critical look at its narrow development of "Alterratives"whioh offer no real options. ---------------------------------- -------------ry------------------------------------------ 4/__ 09/02002 00:12 PAX 760 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS 3 DEYNA H 10607/012 08/3e/2002 17.14 1949219"00 CENTER $A, CORP PAGE 05l10 James 0.Inez u August 30, 2002 Page 4 It is.BL W s duty as a multi-resource manager to review The integrity of the scie=e set forth by USFWS for litnitir multiple uses. 73LM has made strides towards overseeing USFWS advocacies by hiring their own Bighorn Sheep Biologist,R.achelle Lorton-Iiuddlcston. She bas made monumental efforts to bring science objectivity into the sheep recovery_ She can be commended for acknowledging evidence that local sheep can and do habituate to human activity. There are any number of biologists representing the state and;Federal govermnents that not aclmowledge that ewes bringing their lambs down in desert neighborhoods(with do;!:)to reap, drink and eat foreign vegetation is behavior indicating that sheep habituate to humans. Mast importantly,Rachelle does not discount the potential effects of her oven research actiNities,which am forms at human disturbances, on sheep. Rachelle's intellectual honesty is in stark contrast to other biologists findings h the sheep R.ecovcry Flan that states that collaring,breeding in captivity,sulking,puzsuiag,and,capturing sheep do not have a negative impact,USPWS Recovery flan,page 40, The published literature has clearly rcveal►d the deleterious effects of helicopter surveys in two way; First, experimentally,131eich etal.(1994) showed abandorrarem of areas during helicopter surrey,,and that"mountain sheep"did not habituate or become sensitized to repeated helicopter flight. 5 ccond,Martucci et.al.(1992) demonstrated"severe metabolic aoidous due to helico$iter supported capture and manual restraint during blood sampling". Sheep Ambassadors should turn their efforts towards specific ewe groups(ewes remain in one tanizory and have favo ante watering places),learning to know each as individuals,and tracking the ewes. helicopter surveys over BLM land should be banned until sheep are no longer endangered. Trails]}Lan Alternatives-Interpretation of Science There ate fundamental problems with the science supporting BLM actions, EQLM continues to misconstrue studies by, among others,MacArthur et-al. (1979 and 1982),Fapouchis eLal. (2000)and Is m smart etal_ (2000) cited for propositions regarding hum,art interactions with sheep. For example,MacArthur et.al. (1979)found using experimental disturbance t` °in rr�ast trials with or without a leashed dog,heart rate responses were not detected TAa:til a person rM wi hbn S meter of Of." Yet this citation is used in support of a generalised stategament about biahom sheop exhibiting elevated beaxt rates and demonstrating adverse reactions to humans. Although the BIS acknowledges cardiac responses at a distance of 50-100 meters, the perception the EIS perpetuates is that any hurnaa activity in sheep habitat will have a deleterious effeet on sheep no matter what the distance. Desert Riders has employed bighorn sheep specialist Rob Roy Ramey to prepare an analysis of human disturbance literature which will be provided to you and CVAG prior to adoption of the tails plan. ------------------- ---------------------4---------------------------------- 00/04/2002 09:13 FAX 760 323 9207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS BEYNA H a UO3io12 09/30/2002 17:14 19452IS9908 CENTER BAY CORP PAGE 0G/10 3arstes�.I�.sr+u�a Fugmt 30,2443 Page S pine;it appears that all alleged scientific information receives the same weigh',and credibility. It reference to the above-mentioned research,it is impottaut to distingurisu opinion and correlative sturdier from experimental studies&M have been,conduetod to patentiailly disprove a hyp❑thesis, Few of the studies fit into is latter catagory of strong scientific inference, Kraa=Ws approach is prim&ily correlative,yet correlation is not equal to causality- Indeed populations of desert bighorn sheep have disappeared siruultancously tadth population growth. Importantly,there arc also populations ofdesert bighorn sheep that disappeared where no urbanization has occurred. Second,when aresearc$ex purposefully creates a"stressful"situation to cause a reaction, the outcome trust be coasidered in the context of the artificial nature of the situation. This has important implications to the meaning of MacArthur'and Papouchis sheep studies. P oth researchers intentionally tried to obtain a reaction froze sheep and slid by directly approaching sheep. Papouchis did find that sheep grazed away:From regclarly used roads, but not Ghat it cmatod no stress out sheep.As sheep have demonstrated in ltanoha Ivliiage, shcep vill co-mingle with people and clogs to obtain food and waiter. Persomal Communications iu Lieu of Science Although not directly acknowledged in the Draft,personal commtutieadons supplied a significant amount of wientifle juWfication for the,steep recovery plan,designation of Critical Habitat and trail closures. 'These alleged sclearifrc have not implic-gUons been Nvinnowed out of the Pds, Researcher Activities are Human Disturbsnee The Draft states that cataitz recreational human,interactions are stmssfni to sheep sufficient to",,.suggest the possibility of contribution to population level effects.",P,!kge 1-4 Malt ElS. The wording itself desotibes the tenuousness of the link between recreational iwdvities and cffwt on sheep. Both USFWS and BLM are stretching to find even a scintilla of evidcnce to link on-trail recreational use and eiGhcr sheep demise or sheep xecovery. The peer-zevicrved expet'hnental literature demonstrates only a uatxow corridor of potential physiologic or behavioral effeet if people leave trails to approach nearby bighorn sheep. Them is no evidence to date,either direct or indirect to support sheep populatiou Ievel effects by on-trail use. Such an rssert iota is pseudoscientific and as in the realm of"belief'without experimental esndence. If iudaed the BLM chooses to adept the USFWS's selective revimv ofsoicatific literawc and "huma>a disturbance"bias,BLM must look at researcher activity auewv and rmak f,a dctcrminafion a5 to w hather that researcher, activity is similar to another typo of htmuan activity belxrg restricted or prohibited. One classic example is that"foot surveys are not typically ---------- 09/na/2o92 09:13 FAX 700 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ; DEYNA H Z 009/012 08/9012U2 17:14 19492199968 CENTER FAY CARP PACE 07/12 James C7.Kerna Auks 30,002 Page 6 considered a risky research activity...,' espeoiaUy if researchers remain lower than the sheep,do not surprise the sheep by appearing suddenly,and water sources afar avoided,l.1SFWS Recovery Plan Appendix D,page 197. This res arch Off'-trail activity is precisely the activity Papouchis et. al_ (2000)studied that is cited as causi g stress to sheep. Nmnorous u,&r highly stressful, acti�yYties associated with pursuit and pture axe#bought to have"no negative im.pact�",USFWS Recovery Plan,page 40. In order to r bilitate public confidence in the pxoposed actions,BLM deeds to devote a section of the EIS to researcher activities,gather the scientific studies,and activity by activity and evaluate whether it"suggest(s)the possibility at conixibution"to population levels of sheep. Then BLM should limit the activity accordingly. �Couciu9lara The trails in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains have significant eultmal value to the Native American Cahuilla culture and to the history of the Desert Cities,particultarly Palm, Springs, The use and development of trails by Desert Eiders predates BLM. Public xights-of-way wm established pursuant to R.S. 2477 should be recognized in accordance with fedecral law. Futhermore,when USFWS representative and recovery team member,Pete'Sorensen.,was asked by a National Monument Committee member in public meeting what harm horseback riders riding on trails had on sheep,Sorensen's reply was that there was likely,none-Desert Rido-s requests that BLM modify its EIS and Drai7t Trails Plan accordingly to permit monitored trail through out the year and ro matte provision for trail rides with numbers greater than twenty-five which have been a tradition for Desert Riders prior to the existence of BLA Thank you for the opportunity to comment on tht Draft EIS. Sincerely, Wanci 5, 'Stacey l xecutivo Director Desert Riders Trails Fund,Inc. and Rob Roy Ramey 11 ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- 09/04/2002 W 14 FAX 760 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ➢EYNA H 12010/012 EB/30/2902 17:14 19492199903 CENTER HAY COPP PAGE 06/10 A.ugltst 310,2002 Page 7 NASS/as one. cc: ]7,:�n Abel,Prezidtnt,]:Desert Riders Gary Klein,Presidwn Desert hiders Ty41S Fund ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 09/U4/2002 09:14 FAX 760 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS , DEYNA H Q30111012 02/30/2002 17:14 19492199908 CENTER BAY COPP PAGE 09/10 .Ia$C1e��a.l�enY!H, August SO,2O02 l'aSa$ Santo Rosa and Sane Jacinto TraiB Cranstmoted, Improved,Used and Maintained by DMIt RidQM Ulwuilla"Trails Improved and Maintained 1_ Dripping Springs"Trail 2. STandeve-nc'-Tzroil 3. palm canyon Trail 4_ Ivlutray Canyon Tr€U 5. .A.ndrem Canyom Trail €. West FoziJPrltQa Trail. 7. pat Sink Tail S. 130o Hoff Trail 9, Eagle Canyon Trail 1i1. Pored Tram Trails Improved since the 1920's, 193t1's and 1940's 1. I yl&en DAUS:uant 7trail 2, Maynard Maxine Trait 3. Wildho*lc Trail 4. Araby -rrael Trails C'onstrneted by Desert fader;Prior eo 1973 1, Alexander Trail- 1963 2, Gmtip Trail. 1963 3, Shannon Trail- 1964 4. H=durson Trail - 1969 T'.dffmaI`t Trail- 1968 6. Berm Trail.- 1971 7. L,ykkea.Trail North- 1972 Trails Ccaasttueted by Desert Pdders Prior to 1976 1, Victor Trail- 1974 other TraiN Commyned.by Desert Tideas 1. Rahn Ta'41 --- -------------------------------------------------------------------- 09/04/2002 09:15 FAX 760 323 8207 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS UEYNA H IZO12/012 O8120/2302 17:14 19492190900 CENTER 8AY CORP ME 10/10 Ja1C9 G. Tkala August 30, 2002 Page 9 2. Bud Puree Rail 3. Van Berjuss Page 2 of 2 Exhibit A September 04, 2002 City Council Comments and Recommendations on the California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendments for the Coachella Valley and Draft Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan. TRAIL USE: The City Council expresses concern regarding the proposed Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan in that there is insufficient information to support the proposed restrictions and seasonal trail closures over such a wide area. As proposed, trails providing access to 75% of Bighorn Sheep Critical Habitat are to be seasonally closed from January 15—June 30. The City Council recommends that, prior to BLM approval of the Trails Plan, additional information relative to the need to seasonally close trails be provided for agency and public review. The City Council supports the year-round trail use listed in Alternative B provided the Skyline Trail is added to the list. This trail provides the only access to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Mountain Station, is not heavily used, and may not have a potential negative effect on Bighorn sheep. At a minimum, this trail needs to be studied further and open several days per week in a manner similar to the Art Smith Trail. Additionally, the City Council supports the approval of construction of new perimeter trails described in Alternative B. These trails would connect the North Lykken Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail at Snow Creek. This perimeter trail connection would be consistent with the City's General Plan and complete a perimeter trail program in the San Jacinto Mountains. The City Council also supports the proposed perimeter trail alignment from Rimrock Shopping Center to and around Cathedral Canyon Cove provided it is not used as a reason to restrict access to existing trails in the future. Based upon the need for additional information, the City Council reserves the right to provide additional comments regarding the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan during the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan review process. In summary,the City Council commends the BLM in developing a range of trail alternatives. However, the City Council expresses concerns about the trail closures that are proposed and recommends that more specific environmental analysis be provided as part of the Coachella Valley Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan review process prior to BLM final approval of the Trails Plan. NOISE (WIND ENERGY): The City Council recommends that the BLM utilize the City of Palm Springs'wind energy noise standards for wind energy projects developed within the City of Palm Springs. The subject documents need to be revised accordingly. ��e MINUTE ORDER NO. APPROVING CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REGARDING THE DRAFT CALIFORNIA DESERT CONSERVATION AREA PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE COACHELLA VALLEY AND THE DRAFT SANTA ROSA AND SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS TRAILS MANAGEMENT PLAN. I HEREBY CERTIFY that this Minute Order, Approving City Council comments and recommendations to the United States Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management regarding the Draft California Desert Conservation Area Plan Amendment for the Coachella Valley and the Draft Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Trails Management Plan,was adopted by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, in a meeting thereof held on the 4th of September, 2002. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk