U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office Southern Nevada District Office Red Rock/Sloan Field Office U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Intermountain Region Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

LA MADRE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

AND

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS

Final Wilderness Management Plan

and Environmental Assessment

FS

December 17, 2013

Cover photograph courtesy of Sendi Kalcic.

La Madre Mountain Wilderness

and

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

Final Wilderness Management Plan and

Environmental Assessment

Prepared By:

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Nevada State Office

Southern Nevada District Office

Red Rock/Sloan Field Office

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Intermountain Region

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

December 17, 2013

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Table of Contents

Wilderness Management Plan

Wilderness Management Plan......................................................................................................... 1 Scope of the Wilderness Management Plan.................................................................................... 1 Wilderness Overview ...................................................................................................................... 2 Wilderness Characteristics ............................................................................................................ 13

Wilderness Management Goals and Objectives ........................................................................... 13 Current Situation and Assumptions .............................................................................................. 15 Management Strategy ................................................................................................................... 18 Wilderness Management Actions ................................................................................................. 19

Management and Designation of Trails .................................................................................... 20 Management of Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads ................................... 27

Sign Plan ................................................................................................................................... 28 General Recreation Activity and Visitor Use Management ..................................................... 30 Management of Cultural and Paleontological Resources ......................................................... 38

Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbances .................................................................. 40 Management of Structures and Installations ............................................................................. 42

Management of Personal Property, Refuse, or Vandalism ....................................................... 43 Research .................................................................................................................................... 44 Environmental Education and Interpretation ............................................................................ 45

Management of Group and Commercial Services .................................................................... 45 Wildlife Management ............................................................................................................... 47

Management of Wild Horses and Burros ................................................................................. 50 Vegetation, Soil, and Water Management ................................................................................ 51

Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Species ................................................................... 53 Fire Management ...................................................................................................................... 55

Management of Aircraft ............................................................................................................ 59 Monitoring Program...................................................................................................................... 59 Plan Evaluation ............................................................................................................................. 60 Appendix A. BLM Wilderness Monitoring Program ................................................................... 62

Appendix B. Forest Service Wilderness Monitoring Program ..................................................... 65

Environmental Assessment

Purpose and Need for Action ........................................................................................................ 75

Proposed Action and Alternatives ................................................................................................ 82 Wilderness Management Actions ............................................................................................... 162

Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences ......................................................... 103 Mandatory Items Analyzed ......................................................................................................... 103

Cumulative Impacts .................................................................................................................... 139 Mitigation and Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 144 Individuals, Organizations, or Agencies Consulted .................................................................... 144 List of Preparers .......................................................................................................................... 146 Acronyms and Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 148 Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 150 References ................................................................................................................................... 152

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Appendix C. Public Comment and BLM/FS Response .............................................................. 154

Appendix D. Errata ..................................................................................................................... 162

List of Tables Table 1. Wilderness Management....................................................................................................3

Table 2. Resources/Concerns Considered for Analysis ...............................................................104

Table 3. Fire Management Units within the Wilderness areas ....................................................108

Table 4. Special Status and Sensitive Wildlife Species That Do or May Occur in the Planning

Area ..............................................................................................................................................114

Table 5. Special Status and Sensitive Plant Species That Do or May Occur in the Planning Area ..

................................................................................................................................................119

Table 6. Vegetation Communities Present within the Wilderness areas .....................................123

List of Maps Map 1. Wilderness Overview ..........................................................................................................7

Map 2. Current Condition of La Madre Mountain Wilderness .......................................................9

Map 3. Current Condition of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness .......................................................11

Map 4. La Madre Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails ..................................................25

Map 5. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails….. .............................................26

Map 6. Overview of Planning Area ...............................................................................................67

Map 7. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Alternative 3 Trails ........................................................ 85

Map 8. Fire Management Units and Fire History from 2000-2013 ............................................ 110

Map 9. Vegetation Communities in the Wilderness areas .......................................................... 125

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Wilderness Management Plan

Introduction In 1964 the United States Congress established the National Wilderness Preservation System

through the Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577; 16 U.S.C. 1131-1136). This law was created to

“…assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing

mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States.” Wilderness

designation is intended to preserve and protect certain lands in their natural state. Only Congress,

with Presidential approval, may designate lands as wilderness. The Wilderness Act of 1964

defines wilderness characteristics, the uses of wilderness, and the activities prohibited within its

boundaries.

Wilderness areas provide a contrast to lands where human activities dominate the landscape. No

buffer zones are created around wilderness to protect them from the influence of activities on

adjacent land. Wilderness areas are managed for the use and enjoyment of the American people

in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness, for their

protection, preservation of their wilderness character, and for the gathering and dissemination of

information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness.

Scope of the Wilderness Management Plan This Wilderness Management Plan (WMP) provides the primary management direction for the

La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. Given their proximity,

comparable natural resources, and similar broad management issues, it is appropriate to

incorporate the administration of both Wilderness areas into a single plan. This WMP addresses

appropriate actions within and immediately adjacent to the Wilderness areas, such as wilderness

access and information provided to the public.

This WMP is jointly prepared by the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of

Land Management (BLM) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service

(FS). Each agency has jurisdictional authority for separate portions of each Wilderness.

Wilderness characteristics are cumulatively identified by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as

untrammeled (i.e., unrestrained, unhindered) by man, natural, undeveloped, having outstanding

opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined types of recreation, and the inclusion of

supplementary values. This WMP preserves the areas’ characteristics by:

Identifying the conditions and opportunities for which the Wilderness areas would be

managed.

Creating specific directives and guidelines for managing resources and activities existing

in the Wilderness.

Identifying management needs outside of, and immediately adjacent to the Wilderness

areas, including signing, staging areas, and access points.

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The WMP is the first half of this document and contains comprehensive descriptions of the

Wilderness areas and proposed goals, objectives, desired future conditions, management actions,

directives, and guidelines that relate to the areas as a whole. The WMP also addresses specific

wilderness management actions. An Environmental Assessment (EA) follows the WMP, which

fully describes and analyzes the potential impacts relating to proposed management actions,

directives, guidelines, and alternatives considered.

This WMP conforms with and will supplement the BLM’s Red Rock Canyon National

Conservation Area (RRCNCA) Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision

(2005) and the FS’s Toiyabe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) and

the General Management Plan (GMP) for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

(SMNRA) – an Amendment to the LRMP for the Toiyabe National Forest (1996), to provide

more specific, updated, and consistent direction for management of the La Madre Mountain

Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.

The FS has specific requirements for WMP components that guide future project and activity

decision-making. Management of geographic areas must be identified. The FS has identified the

entirety of the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wildernesses as one management

area, based on geography and the proximity of both Wilderness areas; therefore, the plan

components described herein address the entirety of the two Wilderness areas as one

management area. The FS will amend the GMP to adopt and include this WMP. The La Madre

Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness will be designated as one designated

management area identified as Management Area 15. This amendment would not change forest-

wide direction (Forest Plan standards which apply to the entire Humbolt-Toiyabe National

Forest); therefore, management direction contained in the Toiyabe National Forest LRMP would

continue to remain relevant. Management direction contained in the Toiyabe LRMP is

incorporated by references made to the SMNRA GMP in this WMP.

A list of applicable planning documents, laws, policies, manuals, and executive orders are listed

in the EA associated with this WMP.

Wilderness Overview The La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness were added to the

National Wilderness Preservation System by the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and

Natural Resources Act (CCCPLNRA) of 2002 (Public Law 107-282; November 6, 2002). The

La Madre Mountain Wilderness encompasses a total of approximately 47,225 acres in two

parcels that are separated by a decommissioned dirt road (Map 1). Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness is approximately 24,899 acres (Map 1). Elevations in La Madre Mountain

Wilderness range from about 3,570 feet near its northeast corner to 9,422 feet along the ridge

south of Griffith Peak. Elevations in Rainbow Mountain Wilderness range from about 3,830 feet

at the base of the escarpment near Bonnie Springs to 7,493 feet in the Spring Mountains south of

Red Rock Summit. Both Wildernesses are managed in part between the BLM Southern Nevada

District Office (SNDO), Red Rock/Sloan Field Office and the FS Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, SMNRA (Table 1). While no private inholdings are present, several private parcels are

either adjacent to or in proximity to each of the Wildernesses.

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Table 1: Wilderness Management

Wilderness Name BLM Acres FS Acres

La Madre Mountain 28,114 19,111

Rainbow Mountain 20,225 4,674

The Wilderness areas are situated adjacent to one another in southern Nevada, approximately

three miles west of the Las Vegas Valley in Clark County and approximately 15 miles east of

Pahrump in Nye County, Nevada. Several small communities are located near the boundaries

including Mountain Springs, Blue Diamond, Calico Basin, and Trout Canyon. The paved Red

Rock Canyon Scenic Drive off of State Route 159 provides the majority of access to both areas.

State Routes 159, 160, 157 and the Lovell Canyon Road are other paved roads which provide

access. Several other short dirt roads lead to the boundaries off of these primary access routes. A

few cherry stem routes (a road that is excluded from the designated Wilderness by a non-

wilderness corridor having designated Wilderness on both sides) are associated with both

Wilderness areas.

Both Wilderness areas provide outstanding recreation opportunities for hiking, rock climbing,

scenic viewing, backpacking, wildlife viewing, photography, hunting, and exploration.

Horseback riding is limited due to the scarcity of water and rugged terrain throughout much of

these areas. Recreational use levels are high in the areas closest to the Red Rock Canyon Scenic

Drive, which receives close to one million visitors a year based upon counts of visitors passing

through the RRCNCA entrance station. Use levels are much lower about one-half mile inside the

wilderness boundaries and are generally low throughout most of the Wilderness areas. Most use

occurs during the cooler months of fall through spring.

Most visitations within La Madre Mountain Wilderness occur on the designated trails up to

Turtlehead Mountain, La Madre Spring, and around White Rock Hills. Other popular areas

include Kraft Mountain, Brownstone Basin, and the strenuous hike to La Madre Mountain.

Within Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, visitation is high in the eastern portions in the mouths of

canyons such as Lost Creek, Pine Creek, and Icebox Canyon, while the prominent peaks such as

Bridge Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, and Mount Wilson receive fewer visitations. These

Wilderness areas are nationally and internationally recognized as having technical rock climbing

areas. The potential for increased visitation is high considering the area’s scenic attractions, very

close proximity to Las Vegas which is expected to increase in population, and increasing visitor

participation in outdoor recreation activities.

The ecological systems of the two areas are mostly free from the effects of modern civilization.

The exceptions to naturalness include the introduction of non-native invasive plants, primarily

annual grasses, and non-native wildlife including chukar (Alectoris chukar) and elk (Cervus

canadensis). The non-native grasses can be extensive in some areas, especially lower elevations

and burned areas. These grasses can alter the natural fire regime of the ecosystem by increasing

the frequency of wildfires.

The undeveloped character of the two areas is generally free of human imprint except for the

following structures: (1) two small cemented rock dams and one associated cement trough in

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Brownstone Basin; (2) a developed spring (metal pipe to a cement lined catchment) and wooden

bench at White Rock Spring; (3) a small dam and an interpretive sign at La Madre Spring; (4)

three building foundations below and an old mine site (stone cabin and mine adits) above La

Madre Spring; (5) an exclosure at Rainbow Spring; (6) several former vehicle trails; (7) hiking

and equestrian trails; and (8) permanent fixed anchors (hardware requiring alteration of the rock

where it is installed) for rock climbing and canyoneering (Maps 2, 3). No modern wildlife water

developments exist within either wilderness.

Audible noise can be heard from nearby highway traffic and aircraft. The Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness is frequently overflown by passenger aircraft on approach to McCarran International

Airport. Low-level scenic helicopter overflights occasionally occur in the sandstone portions of

the wilderness. Search and rescue training events, which may involve the landing of a helicopter

on the sandstone bluffs in the Wilderness areas, have been permitted on BLM-managed portions

of the Wilderness areas (see BLM EA NV-058-07-386), and may occur several days over the

year. In addition to audible noise, there is extensive light pollution in all portions of the

Wilderness areas due to their proximity to the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

Both Wilderness areas offer a variety of scenic, educational, and ecological values, including the

Aztec sandstone formations, archeological and paleontological resources (e.g. rock art, dinosaur

tracks), and rare plants and animals.

The geology is predominantly a thrust fault of limestone over sandstone. Red, magenta, and tan

colored Aztec sandstone are exposed on the eastern escarpment of the Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness and the southeastern portion of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. The soil is

predominantly gravelly sandy loam. Yearly precipitation ranges between four to eight inches

with moderately rapid permeability and very high runoff. Numerous springs occur in both

Wilderness areas and water may also be found much of the year in tinajas which are natural

rainfall catchments or depressions formed in bedrock formations.

The areas’ varying climates and elevations provide important habitat for a wide spectrum of

wildlife. Yellow-backed spiny lizard (Sceloporus uniformis), western fence lizard (Sceloporus

occidentalis), long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii), rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.) and

red-spotted toad (Anaxyrus punctatus) occur at lower elevations. Higher in the mountains it is

possible to spot desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), deer (Odocoileus hemionus), elk, ringtail cat (Bassariscus astutus), bobcat (Lynx rufus baileyi), and mountain lion (Felis

concolor). An impressive suite of raptors including golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), peregrine

falcon (Falco peregrinus), and prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), along with a variety of other

bird species can also be seen.

The higher elevations of both areas are dominated by single-leaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla) and

Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma), with multiple species of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and

mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus spp.) also present. Groves of white fir (Abies concolor) are

present in the highest elevations of the northern facing slopes of La Madre Mountain. Bristlecone

pine (Pinus longaeva) may also be found at the higher elevations of La Madre Mountain

Wilderness. Shrub species common to the lower elevations include blackbrush (Coleogyne

ramosissima), creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis), Mojave

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yucca (Yucca schidigera), and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia). The canyons on the eastern side of

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness support unique ecosystems for this region, with occasionally lush

vegetation and perennial streams. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) groves are present at

unusually low elevations in the eastern portions of both La Madre Mountain Wilderness and

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. The Wilderness areas are home to several sensitive plant species

such as Jaeger ivesia (Ivesia jaegeri) and rough angelica (Angelica scabrida). Examples of non-

native invasive plant species include giant reed (Arundo donax) and salt cedar (Tamarix sp.),

which are designated Nevada noxious weeds, and red brome (Bromus rubens), an annual grass.

Fire has historically been an extremely infrequent natural occurrence in the scrub-dominated

desert and the lower elevation ecosystems are not fire adapted. The presence of introduced non-

native annual grasses, predominately red brome, has changed the natural fire cycle by yielding

abundant fine fuel. Fires can carry through this fuel to burn native vegetation, causing their long-

term loss. The upper elevations of both Wilderness areas do support a fire adapted ecosystem.

There have been multiple fires in the Wilderness areas since 2000 that have burned at least

10,404 acres within both wildernesses, including the Carpenter 1 fire in July 2013 which burned

approximately 8,727 acres within the La Madre Mountain Wilderness.

No active mining claims or mineral leases are present in either Wilderness. At the date of

Wilderness designation, no grazing was established, permitted, or authorized. The Spring

Mountain, Las Vegas Valley, and Kyle Canyon Grazing Allotments were closed in 1998 through

the BLM Las Vegas Field Office RMP. Abandoned livestock developments within the

Wilderness areas include two small concrete dam stock reservoirs in La Madre Mountain

Wilderness, and an exclosure built at Rainbow Spring in Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.

Fossils found in the limestone bedrock offer a glimpse into life hundreds of million years ago

when the area was at the bottom of a sea. Prehistoric cultural resources abound and include

petroglyphs, pictographs, agave roasting pits, lithic and ceramic scatters, rock shelters, grinding

stones, and prehistoric camp sites. More recent human occupation by early settlers is evidenced

by the presence of various historic resources such as range water developments, mines and

mining camps, and artifacts such as glass bottles, metal cans, barbed wire, and camp structures.

The minimal number of recorded archaeological and historic sites within the Wilderness areas is

largely due to very limited cultural resource inventories, in part due to the wilderness character.

Despite the lack of recorded cultural resource sites within its boundaries, the planning area is

considered by Southern Paiute and Chemehuevi tribes to be part of their traditional lands. As

such the areas likely contain areas and sites of traditional and cultural significance, sacred sites,

and cultural resource sites important to these tribes.

Human-caused disturbances in the form of vehicle routes existed within these areas at the time of

wilderness designation. These routes have been decommissioned (motorized vehicle use is no

longer allowed) and several of these on the SMNRA have received initial rehabilitation in an

effort to return decommissioned routes to natural state.

A more comprehensive description of the environment is incorporated into the Affected

Environment section in the EA following this plan.

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Map 1: Wilderness Overview

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Map 2: Current Condition of La Madre Mountain Wilderness

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Map 3: Current Condition of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

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Wilderness Characteristics

The Wilderness Act of 1964 defines wilderness and mandates that the primary management

direction is to preserve wilderness character. Although wilderness character is a complex idea

and was not explicitly defined in the Wilderness Act, wilderness characteristics are commonly

identified as:

Untrammeled—Area is unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation.

Natural—Area appears to have been primarily affected by the forces of nature.

Undeveloped—Area is essentially without permanent improvements or human occupation

and retains its primeval character.

Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of

recreation—Area provides outstanding opportunities for people to experience solitude or

primeval and unrestricted recreation including the values associated with physical and

mental inspiration and challenge.

Unique/Supplemental Value—May also contain ecological, geological, or other features

of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. Though not required of any

wilderness, where they are present they are part of that area’s wilderness character, and

must be protected as rigorously as any of the other four required qualities.

Wilderness Management Goals and Objectives

Management of Wilderness in the BLM is guided by four primary goals defined in the BLM

wilderness management planning manual (BLM Manual 8561).

1. Provide for the long-term protection and preservation of the areas’ wilderness character

under a principle of non-degradation. The area’s natural condition, opportunities for

solitude, opportunities for primitive and unconfined types of recreation, and any

ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value

present will be managed so that they will remain unimpaired.

2. Manage the Wilderness areas for the use and enjoyment of visitors in a manner that will

leave the areas unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. The wilderness

resource will be dominant in all management decisions where a choice must be made

between preservation of wilderness character and visitor use.

3. Manage the Wilderness areas using the minimum tool, equipment, or structure necessary

to successfully, safely, and economically accomplish the objective. The chosen tool,

equipment, or structure should be the one that least degrades wilderness values

temporarily or permanently. Management will seek to preserve spontaneity of use and as

much freedom from regulation as possible.

4. Manage nonconforming but accepted uses permitted by the Wilderness Act and

subsequent laws in a manner that will prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the

area’s wilderness character. Non-conforming uses are the exception rather than the rule;

therefore, emphasis is placed on maintaining wilderness character.

The FS manages wilderness with five primary objectives outlined in the Recreation, Wilderness,

and Related Resource Management planning manual (FSM 2320—Wilderness Management).

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1. Maintain and perpetuate the enduring resource of wilderness as one of the multiple uses

of National Forest System land.

2. Maintain wilderness in such a manner that ecosystems are unaffected by human

manipulation and influences so that plants and animals develop and respond to natural

forces.

3. Minimize the impact of those kinds of uses and activities generally prohibited by the

Wilderness Act, but specifically excepted by the Act or subsequent legislation.

4. Protect and perpetuate wilderness character and public values including, but not limited

to, opportunities for scientific study, education, solitude, physical and mental challenge

and stimulation, inspiration, and primitive recreation experiences.

5. Gather information and carry out research in a manner compatible with preserving the

wilderness environment to increase understanding of wilderness ecology, wilderness

uses, cultural resources, management opportunities, and visitor behavior.

Because a single WMP is being developed for both the BLM and FS portions of the Wilderness

areas, the agency specific goals and objectives have been combined and refined into management

objectives, taking into consideration related laws, regulations, and BLM and FS policies. These

management objectives are statements of desired conditions stemming from current situations

and assumptions about the future. Management action(s) are based on these objectives.

Management Objectives

Preserve the primeval character and influence of the wilderness by allowing fire as a

natural process of disturbance and succession where the ecosystem is fire-dependent;

manage fire where it threatens wilderness character and/or natural ecological conditions

or processes; prevent fire where it threatens human life or property.

Suppress fire in those portions of the wilderness where the ecosystem is not fire adapted,

and where fire effects result in unnatural conversion of native plant communities to

communities dominated by non-native species (i.e., annual grasses).

Manage wildlife habitat to support healthy, viable, and naturally distributed wildlife

populations in an effort to retain the areas’ natural and primeval character.

Maintain native plant distribution and abundance through the reduction of noxious and

non-native invasive species in an effort to retain the areas’ natural and primeval

character.

Protect and preserve the outstanding paleontological, archaeological, and historic cultural

resources of these areas while allowing for visitor enjoyment of those resources.

Maintain existing opportunities for solitude by monitoring visitor use patterns that trigger

need for management action.

Maintain or enhance the natural appearance of the Wilderness areas by removing

unnecessary facilities and minimizing or restoring human caused surface disturbances.

Remove paint, markings, graffiti, or similar vandalism quickly to prevent proliferation.

Provide for the use and enjoyment of the Wilderness areas while maintaining outstanding

opportunities for primitive recreation, including solitude, through minimal visitor use

regulations and minimal on-the-ground developments.

Utilize education and interpretation as a proactive approach in managing visitor activities

that may impact preservation of the wilderness character.

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Prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle travel through the management of vehicle access

points.

Implement Proposed Actions as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the

administration of the areas as wilderness and to have the least impact to wilderness

characteristics.

Allow for special provision land uses determined by the Wilderness Act or the

CCCPLNRA while minimizing developments, degradation to naturalness, and other

impacts to wilderness resources.

Assess potential commercial services of the Wilderness areas for their economic

importance and prevent negative impacts on wilderness characteristics.

Manage the BLM and FS portions of the Wilderness areas through a single management

plan to provide a maximum amount of management consistency in wilderness protection

across administrative boundaries.

Where possible, management, including any regulation of visitor uses, will appear

seamless to the public. Where differences in agency policy occur, and if allowable by

law, regulation, or policy, the plan will endeavor to apply the more strict policy to the

adjacent land of the other agency.

The BLM and FS will assist one another in wilderness management activities including

education and public outreach, emergency management, law enforcement, and

monitoring.

Ensure Native American access to traditional and cultural sites and resources.

Current Situation and Assumptions

Current local conditions and expectations were identified before developing management

actions. Inventory, monitoring, and research are important aspects to meet the objectives of this

plan.

Recreational Activity

Current Situation: La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness provide

outstanding recreation opportunities for hiking on and off trail, rock climbing, scenic viewing,

backpacking, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, hunting, and exploration. Visitor

use is high in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and drops off in the winter and

especially in the summer when temperatures are more extreme. The majority of visitor use is on

the southeast side of La Madre Mountain Wilderness and the east side of Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness.

Assumption: Recreational activities within the wilderness will continue to be principally

hiking and rock climbing but other activities such as canyoneering may increase in

popularity. Hunting will continue in the more remote areas in the western portion of

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and northern and western portion of La Madre Mountain

Wilderness. Horseback riding will continue to be concentrated in the Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness near Mountain Springs, and in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness in the

north end of Lovell Canyon and in Brownstone Basin. However, the majority of

horseback riding in the region will continue to be on nearby non-wilderness lands.

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Access

Current Situation: The Wilderness areas are on the edge of Las Vegas and paved road access is

available to many locations on the perimeter of these areas. Access from the Red Rock Canyon

Scenic Drive is the busiest, with high visitor concentration in the Turtlehead Peak, White Rock

Hills, Icebox Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, and Oak Creek Canyon areas. Paved road access is

also present around the town of Mountain Springs as well as in Lovell Canyon. These locations

have fewer visitations, and visitation tends to be more dispersed. However, near the town of

Mountain Springs, recreational activity is assumed to be increasing. Several cherry stem routes

provide access points into deeper portions of the wildernesses. Remote dirt roads provide access

points to other portions of the wilderness. Public access to some areas is restricted because it

would require crossing private property.

Assumption: Although the population of the Las Vegas Valley has leveled off in recent

years, it is expected to grow in the future. This growth would likely include the expansion

of the Summerlin development west towards the RRCNCA and additional housing

developments in the lower Kyle Canyon area. This growth would lead to increased

visitation to the Wilderness areas including increased use in the northeastern side of the

La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Wilderness designation by itself has the potential to

draw more attention to these areas and thereby increase visitation. Use would be expected

to increase in certain areas while use in the remainder of the Wilderness areas would be

light. Proactive management may be needed to preserve opportunities for solitude,

primitive unconfined recreation, and the future use and enjoyment of the areas as

wilderness. Some access across private property issues may be resolved in the future.

Wildlife

Current Situation: The Wilderness areas have a high diversity of wildlife species including

bighorn sheep, bobcat, mountain lion, ringtail cat, and numerous reptile and bird species.

Assumption: One aspect of preserving the Wilderness areas’ natural and primeval

character involves the maintenance of healthy, viable, and naturally distributed wildlife

populations. It may be necessary to implement or allow management activities to prevent

degradation or enhance wilderness characteristics. If monitoring indicates damage to

wilderness characteristics from wildlife activities, Federal or State agency assistance may

be sought to conduct wildlife damage assessments and assist in developing wildlife

damage management protocols that take into consideration the protection of special status

and game species.

Wild Horse and Burro

Current Situation: Three wild horse or burro herd management areas (HMA) overlap or are

adjacent to the two Wilderness areas. The three areas are the BLM managed Red Rock HMA and

Wheeler Pass HMA and the FS managed Spring Mountains Wild Horse and Burro Territory

(WHBT). Although the Wilderness areas include herd areas and incidental wild horses or burros

may enter the Wilderness areas, wild horse and burro use is managed for zero animals in these

portions of the HMAs and WHBT.

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Assumption: There is a possibility that wild horses or burros could move into the

wilderness. Periodic removal of animals may be needed and measures may be taken to

prevent wild horses or burros from entering some areas.

Noxious Weeds

Current Situation: Preservation of the natural character of these Wilderness areas is currently

affected by areas of invasive and noxious weeds. Giant reed occurs at La Madre Spring and salt

cedar occurs at several springs, but no other noxious weeds are known to occur in these

Wilderness areas. Red brome, an exotic invasive annual grass, is widespread in the lower

elevations.

Assumption: Current infestations of red brome would persist and may continue to spread.

Complete eradication is currently not possible although management actions may be

undertaken to help prevent it from becoming dominant in the ecosystem. Without

management actions, current weed infestations of giant reed and tamarisk would continue

to persist and may increase at the site or become established elsewhere. Visitors, other

animals, vehicles, and wind would continue to be vectors for the introduction and spread

of invasive and noxious weeds into the Wilderness areas. Early detection will be

important for new introductions of noxious weeds and management action may be

necessary to control and prevent widespread infestation. Further establishment of

invasive and noxious weeds could further impair ecological integrity throughout the

system and thus degrade wilderness character. Disruption of native vegetation could

further alter natural fire regimes, thus, management activities may be necessary.

Cultural Resources

Current Situation: The two Wilderness areas appear to contain a high frequency of important

prehistoric, historic, and Native American sites. Because few projects occur in the Wilderness

areas, there has been a reduced opportunity to inventory, record, monitor, and allocate cultural

resources to specific use categories (BLM Manual 8110.4 and FS Manual 2363.3).

Assumption: Without management actions including site monitoring and monitoring on

trails, trailheads, and dispersed camping areas there would be no means to identify

prehistoric, historic, and important Native American sites being affected by visitor and

outfitter and guide use. In addition, sites of outstanding significance have not all been

identified and therefore are not being managed for protection from erosion, natural decay,

wildland fire, and firefighting activities including affects from the application of fire

retardant.

Fire Management

Current Situation: The vegetation communities in the two Wilderness areas can be classified as

either non-fire adapted or fire adapted communities. The non-fire adapted communities are

characterized by species that do not recover or take a long time to recover (e.g., resprout from

roots, sprout from seeds) from a fire and include the Mojave Desert scrub communities of

blackbrush and creosote bush. These communities generally occur in the lower elevations of the

Wilderness areas. The fire adapted communities include species that recover more readily after a

fire, though fire return intervals may be long. These communities include singleleaf pinyon pine,

Utah juniper, Ponderosa pine, and oak (Quercus spp.) which occur in the higher elevations and

canyons of the Wilderness areas. The extensive canyons and rocky outcrops of the Wilderness

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areas help inhibit the spread of fire. Portions of the wilderness are adjacent to communities and

consequently there is concern that fire would pose a threat to human life or property.

Assumption: Fire occurrence in communities not adapted to fire may result in localized

conversion from native species dominance to dominance by non-native species.

Management activities before, during, or after fires may be required to protect human life

and property and to prevent conversion of native plant communities to communities

dominated by invasive annual grasses.

Off-Highway Vehicles

Current Situation: Numerous decommissioned vehicle routes exist in the two Wilderness areas.

These routes were decommissioned as a result of wilderness designation and several on the

SMNRA have undergone initial rehabilitation in an attempt to return them to a vegetative state.

There have been incidences of unauthorized vehicle incursions into the Wilderness areas.

Assumption: Off-highway vehicle use on non-wilderness lands on the east side of the

two Wilderness areas will continue to be prohibited under the existing RRCNCA RMP.

However, motorized vehicle incursions continue to be a problem in both Wilderness

areas where cherry stems and other vehicle routes outside of wilderness provide access to

the wilderness boundary. Unauthorized vehicle use may continue due to urban expansion

and proximity possibly leading to the degradation of wilderness characteristics.

Aircraft Overflights

Current Situation: In the southern portion of the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, overflights by

passenger aircraft are frequent. In the northern portion of the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and

in the whole of La Madre Mountain Wilderness, overflights are infrequent. Occasional low

flying helicopters occur in the canyons operated by scenic air tour companies.

Assumption: Overflights will continue to occur in the airspace above wilderness and may

result in the need for operations to handle both non-emergency incidents and emergency

situations. The FAA is the agency responsible for managing air space and currently

recommends a minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level for aircraft flying over

wilderness. The BLM and FS would encourage the FAA to restrict low-flying scenic tour

overflights.

Management Strategy

The management strategy is in response to wilderness management objectives and the current

situation and assumptions for the wilderness. Two distinct conditions are present which influence

how the strategy is carried out. First, portions of the Wilderness areas are very easily accessed

and close to the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Conversely, a majority of the La Madre Mountain

Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness are remote and access is difficult. The

management strategy for both Wilderness areas is to maintain or improve the natural conditions

present today while rehabilitating existing and future disturbances.

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Wilderness Management Actions

Wilderness management actions are based on national wilderness goals, wilderness management

objectives, current situations and assumptions, and wilderness-specific issues that were identified

through internal and external scoping. Site-specific actions identified in this plan are actions that

will occur only on the BLM portions of the Wilderness areas. Potential impacts due to these site-

specific actions are analyzed in the attached EA and thus no additional analysis under the

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will be needed for the BLM to implement these

actions. The FS policy requires that site-specific actions be analyzed under NEPA in stand-alone

documents; consequently, only general management actions and no site-specific actions are

proposed in this WMP for the FS portions of the Wilderness areas.

All actions are supplemental to and consistent with wilderness laws, regulations, and agency

policies. These policies will be further consulted in the event of any future unforeseen issues.

The WMP describes the desired future condition of the Wilderness areas and site-specific

actions.

Differences in Agency Planning Regulations – The BLM and FS recognize they have

jurisdiction by law over separate portions of both wildernesses and each agency’s land base is

administered by different planning regulations; however, these wildernesses must be managed as

total units with management direction coordinated across administrative boundaries. General

management direction in the body of this plan applies to both agencies, except where specifically

stated as being applicable to one agency or the other.

As the lead agency, the BLM has written its planning framework into the body of the document;

however, the FS is required by regulation to frame its plans to include the following plan

components: desired conditions, objectives, standards and guidelines, and suitability of lands (36

CFR 219.7). The desired conditions and suitability of land in wilderness are defined and

constrained by wilderness laws, regulations and policy and by the definition of wilderness

character. Desired conditions can be found within general management direction applicable to

both agencies. Uses and activities not suitable for Wilderness are outlined in this WMP. The FS

has set out its objectives, where necessary, to describe measureable or time-specific statements to

progress resource conditions and management objectives toward desired conditions. The FS has

also set out its management standards, which are mandatory constraints on projects, and

activities that must be followed, and its guidelines, which are preferred or advisable courses of

action with more operational flexibility. The FS standards and guidelines are identified

separately under each wilderness management action. Some of the FS standards and guidelines

are also BLM guidance, where noted.

Due to their proximity and similar management issues, general broad management actions are

virtually the same for La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness,

except for site-specific Proposed Actions that will be implemented by the BLM as outlined in

this plan. The FS will conduct project-specific NEPA analysis outside of this planning process

for site-specific actions proposed in either wilderness. Resource programs, such as Wild Horse

and Burro, Fire Management, and Noxious and Invasive Weed Management, individually

address the management goals and activity plans of their respective programs. This document

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considers all resources involved in these Wilderness areas as well as associated management

issues and concerns as they relate to the wilderness resource. Non-wilderness resource programs

have been evaluated to ensure conformity with wilderness management goals and objectives.

Management and Designation of Trails The agencies will provide a trail transportation system to ensure suitable access for trail users

and protection of resources, with trail systems designed for resource protection and not for hiker

convenience. Trails should be visible in the foreground at close range view and fade from view

into the natural landscape at middle-ground and background distances.

There are two types of trails within the Wilderness areas, designated trails and visitor-worn

hiking paths. Direction for management and maintenance of these trails is as follows:

Designated trails are those system trails that are displayed on agency wilderness and

recreation maps, and maintained for general public access.

Visitor-worn hiking paths, referred to as user-created trails by the FS, are those created

by visitors traveling off designated trails. Many of the existing paths were created by

climbers accessing rock climbing routes while others are paths frequented by hikers.

These paths may continue to be used by visitors but would not be displayed on agency

trail maps. As part of ongoing management activities, the agencies will evaluate existing

visitor-worn hiking paths for their potential to be improved for inclusion as designated

trails, or for closure and restoration.

Designated Trails – Designated trails are trails identified as BLM or FS system trails and are

displayed on agency Wilderness and recreation maps and maintained for general public access.

Each of the agencies may consider designating trails where necessary for preservation of

wilderness character (including cultural and biological resources) and the management objectives

of this plan. The agencies may consider including existing visitor-worn hiking paths or user-

created trails when considering future new trail designations. New trail construction and

modifications and improvements to existing designated trails may be necessary in some locations

in order to bring trails into compliance with agency trail standards or to prevent damage to

resources (e.g., to avoid cultural and paleontological resources) [See the following “Trail

Standards”].

For the BLM, trail construction or modification may occur within a 200 foot wide corridor along

existing trails after inventory for cultural and biological resources identify the trail is compatible

with protection of those resources. Necessary trail construction or modification outside of

inventoried corridors will require additional inventory and NEPA analysis. BLM designated

trails would receive a minimum amount of signs at designated trail junctions and reassurance

markers placed elsewhere along the trail, only where necessary (e.g., where the trail crosses

bedrock and the trail tread is not obvious). Signs will be made of native material (e.g., wood) and

will be constructed in accordance with sign policy.

The FS will meet the following Objectives for management of designated trails:

Conduct ongoing monitoring of designated trails using the established baseline inventory

data, in conjunction with site inventory monitoring, every five to ten years, but no longer

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than ten years, or when driven by other management actions, to ensure that trail

management objectives are consistent with area management objectives.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of designated trails:

Consider removing trails from the system (with appropriate public involvement) when

concerns are identified, such as limited or no use, catastrophic natural event,

unmitigatable resource impacts, changed from original need (i.e. unneeded mining

road/trail), or others. Evaluate the need for physical closure or allow natural recovery,

depending on expected resource impacts.

Emphasize trail relocation to minimize impacts on steep slopes and away from sensitive

areas, such as meadows, riparian environments, known TES populations or habitat,

heritage resources, and consider other limiting factors when mitigating resource impacts.

Maintain system trails to meet management objectives for visitor use and resource

protection.

When conducting routine trail condition surveys, identify and document resource impacts

and locations.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of designated trails:

Maintain only those routes that are designated as FS system trails within the areas

managed by the FS.

Maintain trails to the design specifications for each trail in accordance with the

appropriate agency policy.

Place route markers only on FS designated system trails. Signs to mitigate resource issues

may be placed in other areas, only where necessary. Signs will be constructed and placed

in accordance with sign guidelines in this Plan.

Many trails have sections outside the wilderness. For the existing designated trails described

below, trail mileage is only listed for trail sections within the Wildernesses.

Existing designated trails in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness:

White Rock Loop Trail – Approximately 2.5 miles for hiking and equestrian use

designated in the RRCNCA RMP.

Turtlehead Peak Trail – Approximately 1.0 mile for hiking designated in the RRCNCA

RMP. The middle section of the Turtlehead Peak Trail does not conform to trail standards

and as a result, excessive soil erosion is occurring. The middle portion of the trail will be

fully evaluated to correct the trail alignment.

Brownstone Basin Trail – 1.3 miles of trail for hiking and equestrian use designated in

the RRCNCA RMP.

Kraft Mountain Trail – Approximately 1.6 miles of trail for hiking and equestrian use that

makes a loop around Kraft Mountain through Gateway Canyon. This trail was designated

in BLM EA NV-050-03-09.

Lovell Canyon/Schaefer Spring Trails – Approximately 7 miles of hiking and equestrian

trails on FS land in the Lovell Canyon area.

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Existing designated trails in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness:

Icebox Canyon Trail – Approximately 0.3 miles of trail for hiking designated in the

RRCNCA RMP.

Lost Creek/Willow Springs Loop Trail – Approximately 300 feet of trail for hiking

designated in the RRCNCA RMP that leads to the base of Lost Creek Falls

Visitor-Worn Hiking Paths (FS identifies these as user-created trails) - Creation of new

visitor-worn hiking paths will be discouraged. Formally designated system trails are easier to

traverse than visitor-worn hiking paths that are typically brushy and rough, with erratic grades.

As new visitor-worn hiking paths are discovered, they will be evaluated for impacts to

wilderness character (including cultural and natural resources) and the management objectives of

this plan. When appropriate and where possible, new visitor-worn hiking paths may be closed

and rehabilitated. User-created trails are not part of the Forest Service Trail inventory, and do not

receive funding for maintenance.

Some visitor-worn hiking paths may lead to popular sites such as climbing routes and receive

regular use to the extent that rehabilitation may not be practical. Some of these paths are

described in books and websites about hiking in southern Nevada. For the BLM, if rehabilitation

is not practical but adverse impacts to natural or cultural resources are occurring (for example,

excessive erosion), the trail will be evaluated for its potential to be rerouted and reconstructed.

Duplicate routes may be obscured and obstructed with native materials such as brush and rocks.

Additional planning and effects analysis will be conducted prior to any reroutes or reconstruction

of visitor-worn hiking paths.

The BLM will establish and maintain an inventory of visitor-worn hiking paths. Monitoring for

visitor-worn hiking path development will be focused near high-use areas, vehicle access points,

off of designated existing trails, and where attractive features may be present.

Future trail designations proposed to traverse across agency boundaries may necessitate the

identification and designation of new trail alignments to complement each agency’s proposed

trail alignments.

The FS will meet the following Objective for management of user-created trails:

The FS will conduct ongoing monitoring of user-created trails using the established

baseline inventory data, in conjunction with site inventory monitoring, every five to ten

years, but no longer than ten years.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of user-created trails:

Establish a baseline inventory of approximate locations of user-created trails based on

identification of trails located in high-use areas, areas where user-created trails leave FS

system trails, vehicle access points, and where attractive features may be present.

Actively restore and/or stabilize trails that have been abandoned (due to realignment or

closure) that will not heal naturally. Some examples include abandoned trails that alter

local hydrology, deeply compacted soils, and sites with continued inappropriate traffic,

increased entrenchment, gullying or widening.

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Evaluate existing user-created trails for their potential to be improved for inclusion in the

FS trails system, or for closure and restoration. Improve user-created trails only when

there is an overriding benefit to the recreating public and protection of the Wilderness

resource can be provided.

Trail Standards – The FS will maintain only the designated FS system trails. The BLM will

maintain or reroute both designated trails and, when determined appropriate, visitor-worn hiking

paths where they are causing or anticipated to cause damage to wilderness character.

For the BLM, examples of situations and potential actions that may be conducted as part of trail

maintenance include:

Slopes greater than 15 percent, beyond which potential for excessive soil erosion possibly

leading to trail deterioration is high. Very short, steep sections may be retained where

reinforcement with native rock would prevent soil erosion. If necessary, steps and/or

retaining walls may be repaired or constructed using native materials. Rolling dips or

rock-enforced water bars may be utilized to reduce water caused soil erosion. Cultural

resources will not be utilized or damaged in the trail maintenance.

Where trail braiding, duplicate routes, or cutting of switchbacks exist or are beginning to

occur, the most appropriate trail would be selected by improving its tread surface using

native materials. The alternate trail(s) would be obstructed and rehabilitated with rock

and/or native vegetation.

Maintenance would strive to limit trail widths to the design specifications for that trail,

typically up to 24 inches but not exceeding 36 inches, except for trail sections along

precipices (where it may be wider for safety and horse use) or in washes. Width standards

are applied to continuous segments longer than 50 feet.

Vegetation, including downed trees, may be removed from the trail.

Trails may be rerouted to avoid damage to natural or cultural resources.

Inside the wilderness, trails may be marked on the ground with agency identifiable

cairns in locations where the trail becomes obscure.

Site-Specific Actions

The BLM will designate a total of approximately 3.6 miles of trail in addition to the 13.4 miles

already designated within the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Within the Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness, the BLM will designate a total of approximately 2.3 miles of trail in addition to the

0.36 miles already designated. The newly designated trails are currently existing visitor-worn

hiking paths. No new trail construction, except for the potential for minor reroutes, would occur

due to designation of these trails. Minor reroutes would be done using hand tools only.

In addition to the existing designated trails, the following trails will be designated in the La

Madre Mountain Wilderness (Map 4):

Limestone Trail – Approximately 1.3 miles linking Sandstone Quarry with Brownstone

Basin Trail for hiking (existing user-created trail). In addition, approximately 1.1 miles of

existing user created trail outside the wilderness will be designated between the

wilderness boundary and Sandstone Quarry.

Rattlesnake Trail – Approximately 1.2 miles linking the Kraft Mountain Trail to the

Calico Tanks Trail, for hiking (existing user created trail). In addition, approximately 0.3

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miles of existing user created trail outside the wilderness will be designated between the

wilderness boundary and the Calico Tanks Trail.

Brownstone Basin Trail Extension – Approximately 1.1 miles of trail in the Brownstone

Basin area for hiking and equestrian use (existing user-created trail).

In addition to the existing designated trails, the following trail will be designated in the Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness (Map 5):

Bridge Mountain Trail – Approximately 2.3 miles between Red Rock Pass and the

sandstone bluffs near Bridge Mountain for hiking (existing trail). The designated portion

of the trail would end at the sandstone bluffs with an unmaintained path that continues

across the sandstone to the summit of Bridge Mountain. This path involves sections of

rock scrambling and cannot be maintained to trail standards. It is unclear whether this

trail was designated in the RRCNCA RMP or not. Therefore it will be designated in the

WMP to clear up any uncertainty as to its status.

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Map 4: La Madre Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails

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Map 5: Rainbow Mountain Wilderness New Designated Trails

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Management of Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads Trailheads provide access to designated trails within the wilderness. Eight developed trailheads

are located along the RRCNCA Scenic Drive and State Route 159. These trailheads are in the

area receiving the greatest amount of visitation and provide trail access into or up to the

boundary of the Wilderness areas. Another trailhead is located in upper Lovell Canyon and

provides hiking and equestrian access to the Lovell Canyon/Schaefer Springs Trails. Two

trailheads exist in Calico Basin and provide access to the Kraft Mountain Loop. Interpretive

information about wilderness will be included at all existing and proposed trailhead signs.

In addition to trailheads, vehicles may be parked outside of the Wilderness areas at existing

pullouts along or at the end of roads. These pullouts provide wilderness access on an informal

basis as they are not associated with designated trails and accommodate only a few vehicles.

Unobtrusive informational signs may be placed at these informal access points to insure the

people using these access points are aware that they are entering wilderness and are informed

about rules, regulations, and Leave No Trace principles.

Pullouts are located along the Lovell Canyon Road, the east-west road to Rainbow Spring

(Forest Road 537F and BLM extension), the cherry stem road off of Lovell Canyon Road (Forest

Road 540), Lovell Summit Road (Forest Road 536A), Rocky Gap Road (Forest Road 549 and

BLM extension), State Route 160, roads in Harris Spring Canyon, FS roads in the Mountains

Springs area, and roads in the Black Velvet Canyon area of RRCNCA. Pullouts are typically no

more than 0.1 acre and accommodate two to four vehicles.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of vehicle access points. The

following FS Guidelines are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Unobtrusive informational signs will be placed at informal access points. Signs should

encourage users to stay on trails.

Place vehicle barriers in locations where natural barriers are not adequate to keep

vehicles from being driven into the Wilderness areas, using the least intrusive method

appropriate for the location. Use one or a combination of the following methods:

• Wilderness signs

• Land restoration (i.e. revegetation or rock scatter) • Berms

• Large boulders

• Posts

• Fences and/or gates

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of vehicle access points. The

following FS Standards are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

All motorized/mechanized vehicle use will be permitted only up to Wilderness

boundaries and trailheads.

All road closures at the Wilderness boundary will be signed. Turnarounds and parking

areas will be added at appropriate locations.

Extension of existing roads across the Wilderness boundary by informal use is prohibited.

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Determine methods of removal, restoration and rehabilitation of roads within Wilderness

and use the minimum tool to accomplish the objective of either road removal or

incorporation into existing trails system.

Site-Specific Actions

Trailhead

The BLM will designate the Bridge Mountain Trailhead (see Map 5). The existing unofficial

trailhead at Red Rock Pass along Rocky Gap Road will be officially designated to provide access

to the Bridge Mountain Trail. The trailhead will be in the previously disturbed parking area

which is less than 0.1 acres and will not result in any new disturbance. A post and rail fence will

be installed on the perimeter of the parking area to help control vehicle incursions and expansion

of the disturbed area. This trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle for access or can be

reached by hiking along Rocky Gap Road.

Vehicle barriers

The BLM will create the following vehicle barriers in order to control vehicle incursions in the

Rainbow Spring area of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness:

Open Public Road to Rainbow Spring - The east-west road between Lovell Canyon Road

and Rainbow Spring is designated in the RRCNCA RMP as open to motor vehicles to

0.25 miles southwest of Rainbow Spring. A barrier will be placed across the road near the

end of the open route southwest of Rainbow Spring to keep vehicles from continuing on

the closed portion of the road and entering the Wilderness area. An opening in the barrier

will be provided to allow access for hikers and horseback riders. The barrier will be

constructed so as to not obstruct or alter the natural flow of the stream coming from

Rainbow Spring. This barrier will not result in any new disturbance in the area except for

the footprint of the individual posts if posts are used as part of the barrier.

Administrative Road to Rainbow Spring - The north-south road just outside of Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness between the community of Mountain Springs and Rainbow Spring

is closed to motor vehicles except for administrative access based on the RRCNCA RMP.

It is open to non-motorized use including hiking and horseback riding. No barrier

currently exists, though, to keep the public from using the road. As a result, multiple

vehicle incursions into the Wilderness area have occurred and continue to occur off of

this administrative road. A barrier with a gate will be installed across the road to restrict

public motor vehicle access. An opening in the barrier will be provided to allow access

for hikers and horseback riders. This barrier will not result in any new disturbance in the

area except for the footprint of the individual posts.

Wilderness access through private land

The BLM will seek to preserve public access to the Brownstone Basin are of La Madre Mountain

Wilderness through agreement or easement with the Howard Hughes Corporation. Such

agreement or easement will only be pursued if the Howard Hughes Corporation is a willing

partner.

Sign Plan The BLM and FS may install signs to protect natural and cultural resource values and preserve

wilderness character. The wilderness boundary will be identified by wilderness boundary signs

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(e.g. carsonite posts or aluminum signs) at key locations on the boundary. Signs will not be

placed to identify the boundary between the BLM and FS lands within the wildernesses.

Wilderness boundary signs at designated trail entry points and other points where visitors are

more likely to come into contact with the wilderness boundary may be larger, more formal signs

that state the wilderness name. Information signs, one to three-paneled signboards containing

wilderness and natural and cultural resources interpretive information and interagency

information may be placed at trailhead parking areas outside of wilderness.

Signs would rarely be placed by the BLM within the wildernesses. Signs would only be

considered for resource protection, with a minimum amount of directional signing only at

designated trail junctions, with reassurance markers placed elsewhere along the trail, as

necessary (e.g., where the trail crosses bedrock and the trail tread is not obvious). Signs will be

made of native material (e.g., wood) and will be constructed in accordance with sign policy. All

existing signs not in conformance with these standards will be removed or replaced.

For visitor-worn hiking paths which are not managed as part of designated system trails, the

BLM may place signs or cairns only to indicate preferred routes of travel to prevent resource

damage, and not as a convenience to the visitor.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of signs:

Identify Wilderness boundaries with more formal signs to state the name of the

Wilderness and information signs, one to three-paneled signboards containing Wilderness

and natural resources interpretive information and interagency information at trailhead

parking areas outside of Wilderness.

Place signs at key locations on the boundary and at designated trail entry points and other

access points (trails, trailheads, and roads) where visitors are more likely to come into

contact with the Wilderness.

Place a minimum amount of signs at designated trail junctions with reassurance markers

placed elsewhere along the trail as necessary (e.g., where the trail crosses bedrock and the

trail tread is not obvious).

Signs will be made of native material (e.g. wood, rock), a maximum of five feet high, and

will be constructed in accordance with sign policy. Remove or replace all existing signs

not in conformance with these standards and as necessary to protect resource values and

Wilderness character.

Site-Specific Actions

The BLM will place new information signs with agency, trail, and interpretive information at the

following trailheads. The signs will be placed in previously disturbed areas and thus will not

result in any new ground disturbance.

The Bridge Mountain trailhead along Rocky Gap Road.

The upper Kraft Mountain trailhead parking area at the end of Sandstone Drive in Calico

Basin.

The BLM will remove the following signs known to be in the wilderness using hand tools and

non-motorized equipment. If removal is not possible with hand tools alone, a minimum

requirements decision guide (MRDG) and separate NEPA analysis will be required.

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An interpretive sign in the Brownstone Basin area of La Madre Mountain Wilderness.

An interpretive sign next to La Madre Spring in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness.

Signs on the Bridge Mountain Trail within Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.

General Recreation Activity and Visitor Use Management The BLM and FS will provide for use and enjoyment of the Wilderness areas while maintaining

outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation, including solitude, through

minimal visitor use regulations and minimal on-the-ground developments. Wilderness will be

managed to allow for a range of use opportunities and solitude at levels that are ecologically

sustainable. The agencies will ensure that in areas of concentrated use that use does not expand

or enlarge spatially and the majority of the wildernesses remain at a low density of recreational

use insuring the highest quality of pristine wilderness.

Encounters with other visitors while traveling or camping would be very infrequent and the

environment would offer the highest degree of challenge, self-reliance, and risk. Management

will be focused on sustaining and enhancing the natural ecosystem. Management actions would

include direct, on-site actions and site-specific regulations for unusual cases where resources

require higher levels of protection. Indirect methods of accomplishing management objectives

would predominate, except for maintaining visitor use at low levels to ensure impacts are

contained and do not persist and do not become inconsistent with preservation of wilderness

character.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of recreation:

Identify limiting factors that may lead to site-specific restrictions, mitigations, or

reductions in use.

Maintain existing opportunities for solitude by monitoring visitor use patterns that trigger

need for management action.

In heavily impacted areas, identify durable campsites and encourage visitors to use these

sites.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of recreation:

Establish the recreation carrying capacity for the Wildernesses.

Limit recreational hiking groups to no more than 15 participants and implement measures

to ensure larger groups are not splitting into smaller groups to circumvent this restriction.

A limitation on the number of recreational hiking groups in a given area at any one time

will be considered because of the proximity of the Wilderness to urban areas.

If total use in any area increases by 50% or more, based on standard monitoring

protocols, assess impacts associated with the use and make determinations if further

management actions are needed to maintain desired wilderness character. Monitor total

use levels to determine the correlation between use levels, resource impacts and effects

on the opportunity for solitude.

Require refuse and inorganic waste be removed from wilderness; promote “Pack in, Pack

out, Leave No Trace” principles.

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Rock Climbing and Canyoneering – The agencies will continue to provide rock climbing

opportunities while protecting natural and cultural resources and wilderness character.

Trailheads accessing climbing areas will be signed to provide use restrictions. The BLM and FS

encourage coordination of efforts in management of climbing activities with climbing

organizations, commercial guides/schools, and local climbing organizations.

The BLM and the FS do not require Special Use Permits or Special Recreation Permits for non-

commercial rock climbing or canyoneering at this time. The BLM and FS may require other

permits for use of an area (e.g., overnight bivouac camping, late exit parking) where applicable.

On both BLM and FS managed portions of these Wilderness areas, alteration or removal of

vegetation at the base of or along the route is not allowed to prevent impacts to cliff-dwelling

plant species that occur in the wilderness. The creation of holds by installing artificial holds,

gluing, drilling, chipping, or similar activities is also not allowed. This includes the prying out of

rocks. Natural anchors (e.g., logjams, arches, slinging rocks) for canyoneering may be utilized.

Setting aside loose rocks which may fall and cause injury is allowed. Permanent fixed ropes,

slings, or cables are not allowed within these Wilderness areas.

Climbing areas may be closed (permanently or seasonally) to climbing or canyoneering when

needed to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural resources, Native American traditional-

cultural values, or recreational opportunities. The agencies are responsible for identifying

permanently or seasonally closed areas with the exception of rock art which is self-identifying.

Permanent Fixed Anchors

Permanent fixed anchors are defined as hardware that requires the alteration of the rock where

the placement is to occur. Permanent fixed anchors include bolts and pitons. The definition does

not include temporary devices, such as slings, nuts, camming devices, and other removable

anchors that do not alter rock surfaces.

The removal of existing fixed anchors may occur in areas permanently closed to climbing and

canyoneering so as to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural resources, or recreational

opportunities. The public will be notified prior to removing existing fixed anchors. Existing fixed

anchors may be replaced, using hand drills only, for safety purposes in cooperation with

climbing interest groups.

The BLM currently prohibits the installation of new permanent fixed anchors in the BLM portion

of the Wilderness areas, based on its 2005 RRCNCA RMP. Due to the level of public interest,

this issue is being reviewed and analyzed separately as a potential amendment to the RRCNCA

RMP. If this WMP is completed and approved prior to the decision on the RMP fixed anchor

amendment, the prohibition on the installation of new permanent fixed anchors in wilderness will

continue to be enforced by the BLM as directed in the 2005 RMP. If the RMP amendment is

approved, any new decisions regarding permanent fixed anchors that are in conformance with

wilderness management directives will be put into effect on the BLM portion of both Wilderness

areas. If the BLM alters its current policies and guidelines with an RMP fixed anchor

amendment, the FS will review the policies and may consider adopting them in the future.

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The FS will meet the following Objectives for management of rock climbing:

The FS will inventory climbing routes every five years or when five new routes occur

within a given area.

Climbing use inventories will be completed at 100 percent of Wilderness on a five to ten

year cycle (10-20 percent per year), or as necessary based on resource concerns.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of rock climbing:

Allow the installation of new permanent fixed anchors through a special use permit only

for the protection of human life and safety.

Allow the replacement of existing fixed anchors for safety purposes.

Place signs at trailheads accessing climbing areas to provide use restrictions.

Encourage coordination of efforts in management of climbing activities with climbing

organizations, commercial guides/schools, and local climbing organizations.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of rock climbing:

Assess and monitor routes to determine if they present resource concerns, and remove

inappropriate routes through administrative action, unless otherwise deemed necessary.

Approve routes to be retained and maintained.

Allow commercial outfitter guide services for rock climbing by use permit only, and use

must be deemed proper for realizing recreational or other Wilderness purposes.

No commercial services for canyoneering will be permitted.

Rock climbing within 300 feet of known active or recently active Peregrine falcon nests

will be allowed only from mid-July through the end of January. If active nests are

identified, the rock face on which any routes occur will be closed and signed as necessary

to inform visitors of seasonal closures.

No climbing or canyoneering will be allowed within 50 feet of rock art or other heritage

resource. Agency archaeologists will identify and keep record of locations of known rock

art and heritage resources.

No alteration of rock surfaces by gluing, chipping, chiseling, or prying out of rocks

during climbing activities will be allowed.

No alteration or removal of vegetation at the base of or along routes is allowed. The rock

climbing practice of “gardening” along climbing routes is prohibited to prevent impacts

to endemic cliff-dwelling plant species that occur in the Wilderness.

No permanent fixed ropes or cables will be left in place for climbing or belaying

purposes (not to include chain links used for belay/rappel/toprope anchors).

No new fixed anchor climbing routes, except as permitted for safety purposes.

Bolts can only be placed using non-motorized/mechanized equipment within the

Wilderness. Use of power drills is prohibited.

Camping – On the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas, the following camping regulations for

the RRCNCA will remain in effect:

Camping along Rocky Gap Road or on the escarpment of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

is authorized by permit only.

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From La Madre Mountain to the FS/BLM boundary, 3 miles south of State Route 160,

camping is managed as follows: 1) Camping northwest of the 6,500 foot elevation

contour on La Madre Mountain does not require a permit; 2) camping west of the Spring

Mountains escarpment does not require a permit; 3) within the Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness, camping between the escarpment crest and eastward to the canyon floor

(4,400 feet) requires a camping permit; 4) no other camping is allowed in this area unless

specifically agreed upon in writing by an authorized BLM representative.

Dispersed camping is allowed north of La Madre Mountain on existing disturbed areas.

If monitoring shows that additional impacts occur as a result, camping will be limited to

specific designated sites.

No camping is allowed within one-quarter mile of springs and riparian areas.

Camping at the base of the escarpment is not allowed. The intention of a bivouac is an

overnight stay on the rock wall, above the base, on a multi-day climb.

Camping will be monitored and if found to be causing impacts to sensitive natural and cultural

resources, camping permits or camping restrictions may be implemented to foster Leave No

Trace use ethics, or direct visitors to appropriate existing and durable sites. Campers are also

encouraged to use equipment that is earth tones in color and to avoid bright reds, oranges, blues

and yellows to help not draw the attention of other visitors to the campsite.

The FS will meet the following Objectives for the management of camping:

Campsite density will not exceed more than an average of three wilderness campsites per

1,000 acres.

Maintain all campsites so they do not exceed a 3.0 rating for condition class (3.0 is

considered to be a heavily impacted site). Maintain campsites so groundcover and

severely damaged trees do not exceed a rating of 2.0. Overall campsite rating is

determined by adding the ratings for condition class, number of severely damaged trees,

and square feet of impacted area, based on a standard protocol for monitoring. Campsite

ratings for condition class are defined in campsite inventory forms for the Wilderness and

were developed using national wilderness monitoring protocols for the FS.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of camping:

Encourage visitors to locate campsites away from and out of sight of trails, other

campsites, and other points of interest. Consider a camping prohibition and/or

removal/restoration of sites within 300’ (or in close proximity) of trails, paths, springs,

water sources, riparian areas, or known cultural resource sites if monitoring indicates

there are resource concerns or impacts to wilderness character.

Monitor campsites for density and condition class ratings.

Monitor and maintain data on success of campsite closures, rehabilitation, containment of

the site, and other management actions.

No permits required for overnight camping; however, a permit system may be

implemented if monitoring of resource impacts or adverse effects to Wilderness character

indicates the need.

Implement a range of actions to ensure protection of bristlecone pine, threatened,

endangered and proposed species, sensitive species and species of concern. For example,

relocation of trails may be necessary to protect bristlecone pine from cutting for fuel or

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when monitoring indicates visitor use and trampling are affecting the vigor and

reproductive capacity of sensitive plant species.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of camping:

Campsite occupancy is limited to 14 days.

All rock fire rings will be removed when discovered.

Manage all use in the alpine areas if monitoring, which includes but is not limited to site

and encounter inventories, determines that visitor use is having a negative impact on

vegetation in the alpine areas, from soil compaction, erosion, vegetation loss and

equestrian use that may be contributing to the introduction of non-native species.

Manage use levels to meet campsite density and campsite conditions class objectives and

apply appropriate management actions as needed.

Campfires of any kind are prohibited within the Wilderness; this includes wood burning

stoves, charcoal fires, packed in firewood, or fire pans. Camp stoves, such as portable

liquid or gas fueled stoves used for the purpose of cooking, are permitted within the

Wilderness.

Campfires – The BLM and the FS prohibit all ground campfires in the wildernesses, including

wood burning stoves, charcoal fires and stoves, packed in firewood, and fire pans. Camp stoves,

such as portable liquid or gas fueled stoves used for the purpose of cooking, are allowed. All

rock fire rings will be removed when discovered. Collection of dead and down fuel wood for any

fire related use will not be allowed on both BLM and FS managed lands in order to protect

wilderness resources, including live and dead bristlecone pines.

Hunting and Trapping - The Wilderness areas north of State Route 160, east of the Spring

Mountains escarpment, south of La Madre Mountain and west of the RRCNCA boundary which

are below the elevation of 5,000 feet are closed to hunting and trapping with one exception.

Bighorn sheep hunting is allowed in a portion of two sections within the area of RRCNCA

otherwise closed to hunting (R58E T20S N½ Section 36, R59E T20S NW¼ Section 31).

Trapping is further prohibited within one mile of any designated hiking or equestrian trail.

Where hunting and trapping are allowed, it is only allowed during set seasons as specified by

State regulations.

Hunting and/or trapping for commercial purposes is prohibited in designated Wilderness areas.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of hunting and trapping. The

following FS Standards are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Game may only be removed by means of non-mechanized methods such as packing out

on backpacks or horseback. No wheeled or mechanized game carts are allowed in

Wilderness.

The creation or construction of permanent hunting blinds is not allowed (43 CFR

6302.20(f)). However, portable or “pop-up” hunting blinds may be temporarily allowed

for a period of 14 days during the hunting season of use if they are packed or carried in

and out and do not require the disturbance or destruction of native soil, rock, or

vegetation. Portable and “pop-up” hunting blinds must be attended or occupied at least

some portion of a 10 day period within the 14 day period of use. If hunting blinds are not

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attended or occupied for 10 days, they will be considered unattended property and/or

permanent structures and will be subject to removal by the BLM or FS and subject to

disposition under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as

amended (40 U.S.C. 484(m)).

Portable or “pop-up” hunting blind carried into the Wilderness areas must have affixed to

the blind a name, address, phone number, the date the blind was placed, and the dates the

blind will be unattended or unoccupied.

Recreational Riding and Pack Stock Animals - In the portion of the Wilderness areas south of

La Madre Mountain and east of the Spring Mountains escarpment, recreational horseback riding

will be limited to trails specifically designated for equestrian use as specified in the RRCNCA

RMP. In the areas north of La Madre Mountain and west of the Spring Mountains escarpment,

recreational horseback riding and use of pack stock animals will be permitted on all trails and

cross country travel will also be permitted.

Riders and pack stock animals traveling cross country will be encouraged to utilize Leave No

Trace practices (e.g., not travel single file so as to not create new trails, travel in washes). This

includes tying or high-lining horses and pack animals out of sight of trails, streams, campsites

meadows, and other points of interest. The effects of cross country use will be monitored to

insure that this type of use is not causing degradation of off-trail areas.

Horse use will be managed to reduce impacts to endemic wildlife and vegetation. Species of

domestic pack stock animals known to carry catastrophic or chronic diseases will not be

permitted on BLM lands so as to prevent transfer of disease to native wildlife. Except for

incidental browsing, the grazing of recreational riding or pack stock animals will not be

permitted on BLM lands and feeding will be limited to packed-in and certified weed-free feed.

Pellets will be encouraged.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of recreational riding and pack

stock animals:

Monitor the effects of cross-country equestrian use occurring off designated trails to

determine if degradation of off-trail areas may necessitate trail closures or issuance of

permits for recreational equestrian use.

Prohibit, to the extent possible, species of domestic pack stock animals known to carry

catastrophic or chronic diseases in the Wilderness, to prevent transfer of disease to native

wildlife.

Prohibit, to the extent possible, the grazing of recreational pack stock animals.

Protect meadows from recreational stock grazing by requiring tethering away from

meadows.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of recreational riding and pack

stock animals:

Limit recreational horseback riding to trails specifically designated for equestrian use.

Do not permit recreational stock overnight camping use.

Do not allow marking of trails with materials, such as paint, blazes, clothespins and

flagging.

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Require the use of packed-in and certified weed-free feed, or pelleted feed (FS Order

Number 04-00-097) and in accordance with other FS policies and closure orders.

Discontinue equestrian use in the alpine if monitoring determines that equestrian use is

having a negative impact on vegetation.

Geocaching – For the BLM and the FS, traditional geocaching and letterboxing will not be

allowed. Traditional geocaching and letterboxing is prohibited by national BLM policy (BLM

Manual 6430).

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of geocaching. The following FS

Guidelines are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Outreach geocaching restrictions and allowances information to the geocaching

communities.

Direct visitors wishing to participate in traditional geocaching to locations outside of

Wilderness.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of geocaching. The following FS

Standards are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Traditional geocaching and letterboxing will not be allowed, however virtual geocaches

will be an accepted activity within Wilderness, to the extent the virtual geocache is not

creating resource impacts.

Remove traditional geocaches and letterboxes when encountered and request the

geocache sponsor to remove the site listing from the Internet. If a virtual geocache is

located in a sensitive area, request the geocache sponsor to remove the site listing from

the Internet.

Target Shooting - Target shooting is currently not allowed anywhere within the BLM’s

RRCNCA based on the 1993 Supplemental Rules for the NCA and 2005 RMP. Because FS

standards prohibit target shooting in wilderness, no target shooting will be allowed anywhere

within in either Wilderness area. This prohibition includes shooting from outside the wilderness

boundary (non-wilderness land) into the Wilderness areas.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of target shooting:

Target shooting is prohibited in Wilderness.

Collection of Natural Resources – For the BLM, collection of natural resources within

RRCNCA, including wildlife (except with a valid Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)

hunting license and tag), plants, rocks, or fossils is prohibited based on the 1993 Supplemental

Rules for the RRCNCA. However, the 2005 RRCNCA RMP calls for allow Native American

use of sensitive resources when involved with traditional ceremonial purposes. Collection of

designated fruits, nuts, seeds, and similar plant materials may be allowed through a permit

approved by the BLM SNDO District Manager. The FS will implement measures to protect

bristlecone pine from vandalism, firewood cutting, removal for other purposes, and collection of

dead “driftwood.”

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for collection of natural resources:

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Collection of natural resources within Wilderness is prohibited, exceptions include:

• Restrict mineral collecting to scientific purposes only and require a special use

permit.

• Scientific purposes. Collection of threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and

wildlife species for academic, scientific, or research purposes requires a permit from

the Regional Forester and a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 CFR

17.22), except for traditional use by Native Americans.

• Native American gathering or tending native plants or materials for personal use,

which may be done without obtaining a use permit.

• As authorized by FS permit. The authorities for permits for collection are outlined in

FSH 2409.18, Ch. 82.1 and 87.05; FSM 2404.28; and FSM 2462; and FSH 2609.25,

Ch. 4.03, and as outlined in other FS policies.

Restrict mineral collecting to scientific purposes only and require a special use permit.

Cave Resources - Cave resources are federally protected under the Federal Cave Resources

Protection Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 4301) and will be managed cooperatively by the agencies to

protect resources and unique species, provide for public safety, and provide recreational

opportunities as set forth in the Act. The BLM and the FS will allow recreational caving without

a permit at this time.

Possessing, destroying, defacing, or removing cave formations (or parts thereof) is also

prohibited. Disturbance to cultural resources as a result of caving is prohibited in accordance

with the Archeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470). Native

vegetation will be maintained around cave openings for a minimum distance of 100 yards.

In order to prevent the introduction of white-nose syndrome, a fungus linked to bat mortalities in

the eastern U.S., cavers are required to follow the National White-Nose Syndrome

Decontamination Protocol (available at whitenosesyndrome.org). If it is found that people are not

in compliance with the required protocol, restrictions on cave access can be implemented.

Additionally, if determined necessary, the agencies may implement a permit system for caving

activities to ensure that cavers are aware of the requirements. This would be analyzed under a

separate planning process if deemed necessary.

The FS will meet the following Objectives for management of caves:

The FS will conduct non-invasive bat roosting/hibernating inventories on known caves

within the Wilderness within 5 years, funding permitting. Survey results will aid in

establishing long-term seasonal restrictions.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of caves. The following FS

Guidelines are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Guidelines for accessing caves using rock climbing gear will be the same as those found

in the rock climbing section.

Caves may be closed (permanently or seasonally) to access when necessary for human

health and safety or to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural resources, or

recreational opportunities. Closure methods are subject to MRDG to maintain Wilderness

character.

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Work cooperatively with other agencies and interested groups (organizations, commercial

guides/schools, and local climbing organizations) to evaluate caves. The inventory

process should document all unique biological, hydrological, geological, mineralogical,

paleontological, educational, scientific, cultural, and/or recreational values.

Caving activities should not get to a level where the vegetation around the cave openings

is becoming denuded.

Disseminate information on National White-Nose Syndrome Decontamination Protocol

to the public through signage, informational pamphlets and brochures.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of caves:

Allow recreational caving without a permit. No commercial services for caving will be

permitted.

Tossing, throwing, or rolling rocks or other objects into caves are prohibited.

Allow access to all caves only from the beginning of April through the end of May; and

from the beginning of September through the end of October. These seasonal restrictions

will remain in place until bat roosting/hibernating inventories have been completed and

long-term seasonal restrictions are established.

In order to prevent the introduction of white-nose syndrome, a fungus linked to bat

mortalities in the eastern U.S., cavers are required to follow the National White-Nose

Syndrome Decontamination Protocol (available at whitenosesyndrome.org). If it is found

that people are not in compliance with the required protocol, restrictions on cave access

can be implemented.

All gates on caves and mines will be designed to provide for unrestricted access for bats.

Temporary (test) gates of PVC or other light, impermanent material will be constructed

first to determine bats' reaction to gate design, prior to final design and construction of

permanent gates. Permanent gates will be compatible with Wilderness characteristics.

Prohibit alteration of cave and mine entrances (except for gating to protect cave

resources) or their use as disposal sites for slash, spoils, or other refuse.

Consult with Indian Tribes and an agency archaeologist to implement measures to protect

caves that are of traditional and cultural significance.

Management of Cultural and Paleontological Resources Cultural resources are managed under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Guidelines for the management of cultural resources are found in BLM Manual 8110 and FS

Manual 2360. Guidelines for the BLM and FS are further laid out in the State Protocol with the

Nevada State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Paleontological resources in wilderness are

managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act, the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act

(PRPA), and BLM Manual 8270.

Every attempt would be made to protect cultural and paleontological resources in place. If

cultural and paleontological resources are discovered in designated trails, visitor-worn hiking

paths, dispersed camping areas or other areas of recreational use the trail may be re-routed or

alternate preservation or protection actions may be taken after consultation with the SHPO by

following the Nevada State Protocol.

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No ground disturbing actions would occur prior to completion of a cultural resources inventory

and completion of the Section 106 NHPA process. Within wilderness, the BLM and FS will

accommodate traditional or sacred uses identified by Native American tribes who traditionally

used the area.

Casual collection of vertebrate paleontological materials is prohibited by the PRPA anywhere on

lands administered by the BLM or FS. Regulated collection of any fossil material in a wilderness

may be allowed under permit. Conditions for such permits must meet the requirements of the

PRPA and the requirement to preserve wilderness character as determined by the manager

considering terms and conditions jointly proposed by staff wilderness specialists and

paleontologists.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of cultural resources:

Identify, monitor, and manage significant heritage resources.

Continue consultation with affected Indian Tribes.

When appropriate, coordinate heritage resource management activities with local Indian

Tribes and other interested parties.

Interpret heritage resources and cultural history outside of Wilderness. Signs may be

present within Wilderness in very rare cases, for resource protection only.

Allow scientific use consistent with the NHPA, Archaeological Resource Protection Act,

FSM 2323.8, and Forest Plan direction.

Facilitate traditional Native American use practices that are not in conflict with the

Wilderness Act.

Reference the Consultation Handbook for Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), the Spring

Mountains National Recreation Area, and the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex

to establish government-to-government protocols for the management of traditional

resources in Wilderness, when appropriate.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of cultural resources:

Allow Native American access to access plants and traditional-cultural and religious

sites.

Take measures to protect known traditional-cultural or sacred sites from fire retardant

drops to the extent possible, unless there is a threat to human safety or private property. If

opportunity allows, consult with local Indian Tribes and a FS archaeologist prior to

retardant drops to determine the most appropriate action based on site locations.

Protect to the extent possible known cultural sites from damage due to trail maintenance.

Confine maintenance of trails that cross cultural resource sites to existing trail treads.

Material from cultural resource sites will not be used as fill or construction material

during trail maintenance activities.

Require permits for any ground disturbing archaeological study under the Archaeological

Resources Protection Act. An MRDG analysis will be required to determine the

minimum tool for ground disturbance, and the resulting proposal is subject to NEPA

compliance.

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Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbances Disturbances fall into two categories with common characteristics: linear disturbances created by

motorized vehicle traffic that are largely denuded of vegetation; and small-site disturbances

including abandoned developments, previous mining activities, and dispersed campsites.

Restoration of large surface disturbances, such as those that may be caused by heavy machinery,

would only be conducted after site-specific NEPA analysis.

The FS will undertake project-specific NEPA analysis to determine methods of removal,

restoration and rehabilitation of roads within the Wilderness areas and use the minimum tool to

accomplish the objective of either road removal or incorporation into existing trails system. BLM

methods for restoring small-scale disturbances are discussed under the Site Specific Actions.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of small-scale surface

disturbances:

Determine the levels of reclamation activities involving mine closures that are necessary

to restore or rehabilitate surface disturbances caused by heavy machinery used in mining

operations.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of small-scale surface

disturbances:

Prohibit all hazardous materials.

Mine Adits

There are three known mine adits in the Wilderness areas, all on BLM land. Two are above La

Madre Spring in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and one is near Rainbow Spring in the

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. The BLM will close these adits pending site-specific NEPA

analysis which includes cultural resources surveys, bat surveys, and a MRDG analysis. Any

additional mine adits found in the future may also be closed pending site-specific NEPA analysis

by the BLM or FS.

Site-Specific Actions

Currently there are approximately 37 linear disturbances totaling approximately 10 miles on

BLM portions of the Wilderness areas, which comprises approximately 12 acres of surface

disturbance. Except for designated hiking and equestrian trails, the BLM will rehabilitate (restore

to a vegetative state) all decommissioned routes, including future disturbances, over time as staff

and funding is available. Based on monitoring results, repeat treatments may occur. Rehabilitated

routes would include 7 miles in La Madre Mountain Wilderness and 3 miles in Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness. These routes are displayed on Maps 2 and 3.

The BLM will complete restoration activities using staff, contractors, and volunteers. All

vehicles would be limited to existing designated roads outside of wilderness. All actions in

wilderness will be conducted with non-motorized equipment and non-mechanized transport.

Disturbances that cannot be rehabilitated through the use of non-motorized and non-mechanized

equipment will require a MRDG and separate site-specific NEPA analysis to permit the use of

motorized and/or mechanized means. Active rehabilitation efforts would be focused on areas

visible from key observation points. Other areas would be left to rehabilitate naturally. Repeat

treatments would occur on a case-by-case basis.

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The BLM will conduct its reclamation actions, as necessary, using the following methods in the

order specified below. Methods of reclamation would be limited to pitting, vertical mulching,

seeding, and desert varnish colorant in areas of desert tortoise habitat in order to prevent impacts

to individual tortoises and their burrows.

1. Decompaction: Working the top few inches of the entire disturbed surface to relieve soil

compaction. This action would be completed with the use of non-motorized hand tools

(soil spades, spading forks, McLeod rakes, pulaskis, shovels, horse-drawn implements,

etc.).

2. Scarifying/pitting: Loosening and texturizing the impacted, disturbed surface in random

locations to better capture water, organic debris, and wind-blown seeds, thereby

stimulating natural re-vegetation. This would be done with non-motorized hand tools.

3. Recontouring: Reconfiguring/shaping the route to blend it with the adjacent, relatively

undisturbed desert. This would involve the creation of small hummocks and banks, where

appropriate, to mimic the surrounding landscape. Berms would be pulled in and the soil

distributed across the disturbed surface. Vehicle tracks in sandy washes would be raked.

This would lessen visual contrasts and provide a surface for natural re-vegetation. This

action would be completed with non-motorized hand tools.

4. Vertical mulching: Dead and down vegetation is "planted" to obscure the visible

portions of the disturbance. Additional dead vegetation, rock material and other organic

matter may be distributed over the worked surface to decrease visual contrasts, create

sheltered sites to aid in natural re-vegetation, and add organic debris. Dead and down

vegetation and other materials would be gathered by hand from areas near the

disturbances.

5. Erosion control: Creating light terracing/berms to reduce erosion and create barriers to

vehicles on steep slopes. This is especially effective on hill climbs. Where native

materials are not adequate for erosion control actions, sterile weed-free straw bales may

be used. The straw bales break down over time and provide additional organic debris to

the reclamation site. Bales would be brought in by hand or horseback to the worksite.

6. Desert varnish colorant: Spraying disturbed rock surfaces to simulate the coloration of

the surrounding desert varnish. Desert varnish colorants are chemical compounds

comprised of manganese, salts, and other ingredients used to simulate the natural desert

varnish that occurs on rock surfaces in arid environments. This substance would be

applied sparingly, with the use of a backpack sprayer, and only on disturbed rock surfaces

that contrast sharply with the surrounding landscape.

7. Revegetation: This would involve planting, transplanting and/or seeding necessary to

help stabilize soil, speed overall vegetative recovery and camouflage evidence of

disturbances. This action would be completed with non-motorized hand tools. All seed

would be locally collected when possible and scattered on reclaimed surfaces to

accelerate natural re-vegetation. If locally collected seed is not available, seed from

native species that was collected elsewhere could be used. If appropriate, biological soil

crusts could also be reapplied to disturbed areas where soil crusts were present prior to

disturbance.

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Management of Structures and Installations Structures and installations will be removed if they are not historically significant, or are not the

minimum necessary for administration of the area as wilderness. All known existing structures in

the Wilderness areas are located on BLM land.

If structures are needed to be built in the future for the protection of resource values, they will be

analyzed through a separate planning process but the agencies will try to site them in areas that

minimize visual impact. Proposed temporary structures, such as corrals, hitch rails, or toilets

must be necessary for the protection of wilderness resources and not for the convenience of

users. Structures, if approved, should be built of native or natural appearing materials and

harmonize with the environment.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of structures and installations:

Maintain sites and structures for administration of the Wilderness only for the protection

of resources, where temporary or other management actions are not providing adequate

protection (FSM 2323.13).

Encourage the placement of automated snow measurement sites (sensors) outside of

Wilderness.

Evaluate all structures with the following criteria for decisions on retention and use as an

administrative site.

• Is this a historically significant structure?

• Does the structure conflict with stated Wilderness goals, objectives, and desired

condition of legislations, policy and management plans?

• Are there less intrusive methods of achieving the purpose of the structure?

• Can the activity associated with the site or structure be accomplished outside

Wilderness and still achieve its objectives?

• Is the activity associated with a site or structure tied to a valid existing right such

as a mining claim or right-of-way easement?

• Is there a special provision in legislation that allows this activity?

• How does the site or structure or associated activities benefit the Wilderness as a

whole as opposed to maximizing one resource?

• Does the structure ensure that human presence is kept to a minimum and the area

is affected primarily by forces of nature rather than being manipulated by

humans?

• Determine if the structure is the minimum tool necessary to accomplish the

activity considering, where relevant, the use of mechanized transport as an

alternative.

Trees may be cut for administrative use in the construction and maintenance of

authorized structures located within the Wilderness; visual quality objective of

preservation must be met (FSM 2323.53(a)).

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of structures and installations:

Flood control devices will not be constructed in the Wilderness.

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On the BLM portion of Wilderness areas, the concrete dam at La Madre Spring is planned for

removal as part of restoration work at La Madre Spring that was analyzed under a separate

planning process (BLM EA NV-S010-2013-0044).

The following may be removed by the BLM pending a review through a subsequent EA and/or

consultation with appropriate state and federal agencies:

Three building foundations (2 large, 1 small) next to the La Madre Spring Trail.

An exclosure at Rainbow Spring.

The following structures and installations would not be removed by the BLM. These structures

will be allowed to deteriorate naturally over time unless maintenance or repair is found to be

warranted after additional NEPA analysis. The reason for not removing the structure or

installation is provided.

The spring development (iron pipe and cement-lined catchment) at White Rock Spring –

This spring development was built in 1941 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

The spring is piped from an underground source and the catchment provides an additional

benefit as an important wildlife water source.

The two concrete dams and associated trough in Brownstone Basin – These dams and the

trough were built by the CCC. One dam was built in 1941 while the date for the

construction of the other dam is unknown. Both dams are historically significant and can

retain small pools of water after rainfall and thus provide an additional benefit as an

important wildlife water source.

The miner’s stone cabin above La Madre Spring – The cabin is historically significant.

Site-Specific Actions

The following will be removed by the BLM. Method of removal will include hand tools only.

Any surface disturbance as the result of removal will be filled in and smoothed out with the use

of hand tools.

A wooden bench at White Rock Spring.

Management of Personal Property, Refuse, or Vandalism Recreation visitors will not be permitted to cache or store equipment, personal property, or

supplies in wilderness. For the BLM, abandoning property and/or leaving property unattended

for more than 24 hours in a day use area or for more than 72 hours in other areas is prohibited

based on the 1993 Supplemental Rules for the RRCNCA. Unattended personal property not

associated with an active camp or at the base of an active climb, including rock climbing gear,

will be removed by BLM or FS personnel upon being encountered and will be held at the

appropriate office. If possible, the owner of the personal property will be contacted to retrieve it.

No new summit registers will be permitted. Existing summit registers on the tops of peaks will

be evaluated for their impact and removed if their presence or visitor use patterns related to their

presence are found to be impacting wilderness character. Summit registers left in place may

provide some information regarding visitor use patterns. Summit registers left in place will be

recorded for archival purposes by photograph or other appropriate technique at a minimum of

every three years.

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Graffiti or the marking of any rocks or permitted structures (e.g. paint, chalk, or etching) within

either Wilderness area is prohibited and a serious degradation of the resource. The BLM will

remove graffiti, markings, and/or other forms of vandalism when feasible. The process of

removal will vary according to the types of paint or marks and the type of rock affected and will

be determined on a case-by-case basis. The least intrusive method appropriate for the location

will be chosen. All equipment and personnel would be transported into the wilderness by foot or

pack animal. If graffiti or other type of vandalism occurs on a cultural site, a BLM archeologist

will be contacted to coordinate with the SHPO and Native American tribes.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of for management of personal

property, refuse or vandalism:

Items that are not historically or culturally significant, as determined by an agency

archaeologist, will be considered unattended personal property or refuse.

Unattended personal property not associated with an active camp or at the base of an

active climb, including geocaches and rock climbing gear, will be removed by FS

personnel and held at the appropriate office. If possible, the owner of the personal

property will be contacted to retrieve it.

Remove paint or marks on rock from graffiti, paintballs, or other forms of vandalism

quickly to prevent proliferation, using least intrusive methods with materials and

personnel transported into the Wilderness by foot or pack animal.

Examine graffiti sites to assure that cultural resources are not present on the affected site.

Removal of graffiti within ten feet of rock art will require separate, site-specific analysis

under consultation with an archaeologist and Native American representative.

If an illegal dump, marijuana grow or other subversive act is discovered inside the

Wilderness boundaries, management will conduct the necessary reclamation activities,

including an MRDG analysis and NEPA compliance, if necessary.

Research The Wilderness areas are available for conducting basic and specific inventory, monitoring,

research, and education.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of research. The following FS

Guidelines are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

If research proposals will not contribute to improved management of the area as

Wilderness, the activity will be referred to lands outside the Wilderness.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of research. The following FS

Standards are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Permits will be required for researchers and educators interested in conducting activities

in Wilderness and all activities will be conducted in a manner consistent with section 4(c)

of the Wilderness Act. Researchers will be required to provide a copy of findings to the

FS and the BLM.

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Environmental Education and Interpretation This plan will incorporate wilderness education principles developed through a comprehensive

county-wide plan. Basic interpretive information about the Wilderness areas (e.g., safety,

wilderness character, wilderness ethics, wilderness values, Leave No Trace principles, sensitive

natural and cultural resources, noxious weeds, or location information) will be provided in

brochures, on the BLM and FS websites, on agency maps, at visitor centers, or on other

educational materials as appropriate. A wilderness specific visitor map may be produced to

include trails, descriptions, and interpretive information.

Although not within the control of agency management, information may be made available by

private sources, such as printed guide books or websites. When possible, BLM and FS will

provide information to authors in an effort to assure privately provided information is compatible

with the objectives of this plan.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of environmental education and

interpretation. The following FS Guidelines are applicable on both FS and BLM managed lands:

Interpretive information may be included on trailhead information signs, but will not be

located on signs in the Wilderness.

No interpretive trails will be designated.

Coordinate with the US Geological Survey (USGS) to remove from future USGS map

products, vehicle routes depicted within Wilderness boundaries.

The primary purpose of educational activities conducted in the Wilderness should be

focused on Wilderness, environmental, or other site-specific education, and group size

should not exceed 15.

If use levels related to group educational activities increase so that visitor encounter

standards are exceeded, educational groups will be limited to no more than two per

month within the Wilderness.

Management of Group and Commercial Services Group Activities – The BLM may require special recreation permits (SRPs) for non-

commercial, non-competitive organized groups or events, and recreation use in special areas,

regardless of group size (43 CFR Subpart 2932). Organized groups include, but are not limited

to, recreational hiking groups that advertise and/or organize hikes online (i.e. Meetup groups)

and recreation clubs with paid dues.

Individuals organizing events or organized group activities should contact the BLM to determine

if a SRP is required. Signage will notify the public regarding SRP requirements and that the

recommended group size is 15 people or less to help preserve solitude and reduce impacts to

soils and vegetation. Additionally, the BLM can issue up to four non-commercial rock climbing

group permits for up to 12 people per group per year within the BLM portion of the wilderness

as determined in separate BLM EAs (NV-S020–2010–0014, NV-S020-2010-0016).

Agency Led Interpretive Hikes – Agency-led (including organizations that partner with the

agencies) interpretive hikes may be provided to interpret the area and educate visitors with

regard to the wilderness resource. Agency-led interpretive hikes will be limited to a group size of

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15. Agency-led hikes will primarily travel over washes, rock, and trails in order to limit impact

to soils and vegetation. If use levels increase so that visitor encounter standards are exceeded,

agency-led hikes will be limited to no more than two per month within the wilderness.

Commercial Guides and Outfitters – The BLM will authorize permits consistent with the

decisions in the RRCNCA RMP. The numbers of permits in the categories below apply to the

entire RRCNCA:

Commercial guiding would be permitted on the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas for:

1) hiking guides; 2) climbing guides; 3) organizations whose service is primarily for the

support of people with disabilities; 4) big game hunting (within the area open to hunting);

and equestrian use. A report of visitor-use days within wilderness will be required of

permittees for each calendar year. Commercial guide permit regulations and guidelines

for the BLM portion of the wilderness were analyzed and determined under separate

BLM EAs (NV-S020–2010–0014, NV-S020-2010-0016).

Five, renewable ongoing hiking guide permits will be issued annually for BLM managed

potions, with renewals granted up to five years pending the successful completion of

annual compliance inspections. Hiking guide permits are valid for the Wilderness areas

as well as other areas within the RRCNCA. Guided hikes are limited to 2 guided tours

per day with a group size limit per tour of 12, including the guide. Guides will be

restricted to designated trails, visitor-worn hiking paths approved by the agency, washes,

and bedrock/slickrock. Permitted guide services may be restricted from some visitor-

worn hiking paths where higher use levels are occurring and stability of the path is

diminishing such as with erosion and trail braiding problems.

Five, renewable ongoing climbing guide permits will be issued annually for BLM

managed potions, with renewals granted up to five years pending the successful

completion of annual compliance inspections. Additionally, 12 temporary (guest)

climbing guide permits will be issued for the BLM portion each year. Climbing permits

are valid for the Wilderness areas as well as other areas within the RRCNCA. Temporary

permits are valid for only one year and issued through a lottery. Temporary permits are

valid for 1 trip up to 10 consecutive days, or 2 trips up to 5 consecutive days. In all cases,

guided climbs are limited to one per area/crag with a limit of 12 people including the

guide.

Three renewable year-long equestrian guide permits will be issued for the entire

RRCNCA. Each permit has a defined non-overlapping area where it can operate, one of

which is in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. For the permit issued that includes the

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, up to 2 tours are allowed per day with a maximum of 12

horses per tour including the guide.

Permits may also be available for big game hunting guides limited by the availability of

hunting tags issued by NDOW. The number of annual guided big game hunt permits has

not been defined but is limited to one tour per day and only during hunting season in

areas where hunting is allowed.

Permits may be issued for organizations whose primary purpose supports people with

disabilities. If use levels increase so that visitor encounter standards are exceeded, these

permits will be limited to no more than two per month within the wilderness.

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Commercial guides that operate on both the BLM and FS portions of the wilderness will be

required to obtain authorization from each agency. Commercial use permits that are allowed

within wilderness must be shown to meet an identified public need, be assessed for their

economic importance, meet the agencies’ objectives, and provide benefits to the wilderness

resource. All guides will be directed in their permit to model appropriate wilderness practices

and incorporate awareness for wilderness values in their interaction with clients and others.

Outfitter/guide permits will be managed at appropriate use levels and in appropriate areas.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of group and commercial

services:

Use permits may allow outfitter guide services for hiking, equestrian, climbing, as well as

other activities. Permits will only be issued following a needs assessment or capacity

analysis to determine if outfitter guide services are feasible for the Wilderness.

Manage outfitter guides to ensure they are not exceeding a threshold that will have a

negative impact on Wilderness character, which may include limiting the number of days

that outfitter guides are permitted and may include limitations on the group size. The

threshold for such limitations will be determined through monitoring outfitter guide use

(encounters or changes in site conditions) and impacts therefrom.

Identify areas and destinations of operations in all commercial use permits.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of group and commercial

services:

Require use permits for outfitter guides and commercial horseback operators. Use permits

may authorize overnight camping for commercial guide services in the Wilderness.

Wilderness permits are currently not required for overnight use; however, if in the future

Wilderness permits are required for such use, guides will be required to obtain permits.

Include restrictions in outfitter guide and organized trail ride use permits for the

protection of vegetation and to maintain solitude character.

Use permits will be required for pack or saddle stock group use for organized trail rides

in the Wilderness. Groups will be limited to a combination of people and stock not to

exceed 25, with no more than 15 stock animals in any one group. Limitations will be

placed on pack or saddle stock if monitoring (encounters or changes in site conditions)

determines the need for such limitations.

Require the use of weed-free feed or pellets for stock animals (FS Order Number 04-00-

097) and in accordance with other FS policies and closure orders.

Require permits for publicized and/or organized events with 15 or more participants if

any portion of the activity takes place within the Wilderness.

Do not permit competitive events, training events, and contests (FSM 2323.13h).

Do not permit filming for commercial purposes, guidebooks, television, or film, as

instructed by Forest Service national direction.

Wildlife Management Over the life of this plan, it may be necessary to implement wildlife management activities to

prevent degradation to or to enhance wilderness characteristics by promoting healthy, viable, and

more naturally distributed wildlife populations and/or their habitats. For both agencies, wildlife

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management activities within these designated Wilderness areas would be guided by the

Wilderness Act and Federal and State laws, with the goal of protecting indigenous wildlife from

human caused conditions that could lead to Federal and/or regional listing and to enhance

healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations and their habitats.

For the BLM, wildlife management activities would also be guided by the CCCPLNRA, and be

conducted in conformance with the current (Supplement No. 9, 2012) and any subsequent BLM-

NDOW Memorandum of Understanding. For the FS, management activities would be also be

guided by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest LRMP, the SMNRA GMP, and would be in

conformance with FS Memorandums of Understanding with NDOW and the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. Wildlife management activities may include, on a case-by-case basis, the

occasional and temporary use of motorized vehicles or tools.

Wildlife Water Developments – Currently there are no NDOW water developments in either

Wilderness areas. Though limited, natural water is available in these two Wilderness areas.

Water may be found in springs and tinajas throughout the Wilderness areas. It is not expected

that these natural sources would be diminished or impacted in ways that would reduce the

availability of water to maintain healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife

populations. Should impacts be identified, wildlife water developments may be considered.

The CCCPLNRA permits existing and future structures and facilities, including inspections and

maintenance, for wildlife water development projects in wilderness when considered essential to

preserve, enhance, or prevent degradation of wilderness character. Wildlife water developments

will be authorized if the structures and facilities will enhance wilderness values by promoting

healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations and the visual impacts can

reasonably be minimized.

Proposals would be considered for construction of new developments, which may allow

motorized and/or mechanized equipment if deemed necessary by the MRDG and site-specific

NEPA analysis.

The FS will adhere to the following Standard relating to wildlife water developments:

Give first priority to locating habitat improvement projects outside wilderness for the

benefit of wildlife that spend only part of the year in wilderness (FSM 2323.35a). Only

allow water source developments in wilderness to improve desert bighorn sheep habitat.

These developments must protect wilderness character.

Wildlife Relocation - Wildlife transplants (i.e. removal, augmentation, or reintroduction of

wildlife species) may be permitted if judged necessary to perpetuate or recover a threatened or

endangered species or to restore populations of native (including sensitive) species eliminated or

reduced by human influence or natural causes such as disease outbreaks. This includes potential

translocation of Mojave Desert tortoises as analyzed under a separate BLM EA (NV-S010-2012-

0097). Locations outside of wilderness boundaries would be utilized first, and if not available,

would be implemented in a manner compatible with preserving the wilderness characteristics of

the areas. Transplant projects, including monitoring, require advance written approval from the

BLM and FS if the action involves ground-disturbing activities, motorized methods, and/or

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temporary holding and handling facilities. The BLM and FS would provide review to NDOW on

all releases near these Wilderness areas. A MRDG and NEPA analysis would occur for site-

specific actions.

If motorized or mechanized means are authorized, staging would occur outside the wilderness

boundary. When feasible, the specific project implementation would occur during periods when

visitor use is low (for example, weekdays). In order to inform visitors of impending activity,

relocation dates would be posted on the BLM and FS website two weeks in advance.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards relating to relocation of wildlife:

Entry into wilderness using motorized or mechanized means for wildlife management

activities, including wildlife relocation or capture, or wildlife research, will be allowed

only if deemed necessary by an MRDG. Approval must be made by the Region 4

Regional Forester (FSM 2326.04b).

Wildlife hunting, collection, movement or removal will be managed in accordance with

state statutes, specifically, "It is unlawful to collect or remove wildlife without written

consent of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NRS 503.597). Further, Nevada

Administrative Code 503-093 requires the necessary permit or written authorization from

the Department to hunt, take or possess wildlife, which are classified as protected.”

Collar Retrieval - From time to time NDOW may submit requests for use of a helicopter in the

Wilderness areas in order to retrieve data from Very High Frequency (VHF)/Global Positioning

System (GPS) telemetry collars which have dropped off study animals or from animals which

have died. In locating remotely situated study animals or dropped collars, opportunities to

retrieve telemetry collars are usually discovered while performing aerial surveys using helicopter

where direct line of site detection of signals from transmitters are optimal. Once a collar’s

location is determined, its retrieval by aircraft assistance is usually unnecessary. However, in rare

instances, NDOW may need to land a helicopter in remote wilderness locations as there is a

narrow window of time to retrieve the collar before its location signal ceases and significant data

stored in the collar is effectively lost. Furthermore, if animal mortality is involved, speedy access

to the animal to perform a necropsy would provide additional information on the species.

NDOW would notify the BLM or FS Wilderness Specialist any time they are requesting a

helicopter for collar retrieval. The Wilderness Specialist would then evaluate the location and the

use of a helicopter if any of the following criteria apply:

Collar retrieval is requested between the months of May-September or the day time high

will be over 100°F as extreme heat would limit the distance that could be covered on foot

safely.

Collar is located more than five miles from a vehicle access point or helicopter landing

zone outside of wilderness.

Extreme elevation gain and loss to access the collar location.

Collar is located on a cliff and technical rock climbing gear or rappelling is needed to

retrieve the collar.

The FS will adhere to the following Standard relating to wildlife necropsy and collar retrieval:

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Entry into wilderness using motorized or mechanized means for necropsy or retrieval of

VHF/GPS telemetry collars or other types of tracking devices that have dropped off study

animals or deceased animals, which do not allow time for an MRDG analysis, will be

allowed if approval is made by the Regional Forester (FSM 2326.04b).

Wildlife Damage Management - To maintain the area’s natural character, wildlife damage

management may be necessary to protect federally listed threatened or endangered species,

candidate species, declining species, and reintroduced native wildlife species and to prevent

transmission of diseases or parasites affecting wildlife and humans.

Activities would use the minimum amount of control necessary to resolve wildlife damage

problems. Acceptable control measures include lethal and non-lethal methods, however,

toxicants including M-44 (sodium cyanide) are prohibited. Activities would be conducted on foot

and may include the use of stock. Use of motorized vehicles, motorized equipment, and/or

mechanical transport must be approved by the BLM or FS on a case-by-case basis and would

require a MRDG analysis. Activities occurring in wilderness would be approved by the BLM

and conducted by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in

conformance with the BLM-APHIS (2012) MOU.

The FS will consider the following Guideline for wildlife damage management:

Activities involving wildlife damage management will be approved by the FS and

conducted by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in

accordance with and FS-APHIS (2004) MOUs.

Management of Wild Horses and Burros Periodic gathers may occur to achieve Appropriate Management Level (AML) within BLM

HMAs or FS WHBT. In particular, the Brownstone Basin and Rainbow Spring areas will be

monitored for horses and burros from the Red Rock HMA and if detected, a gather may be

initiated. Each gather would require a project specific MRDG and NEPA analysis.

The BLM or FS my institute gathers, as determined necessary, to ensure wild horses and burros

are not found in Wilderness. If gathers are needed, on-the-ground activities within wilderness

would be accomplished on foot or by the use of pack stock. If the MRDG and NEPA analysis

results in motorized means for horse gathers, aircraft, including helicopters, may be used to

survey, herd, capture, and monitor wild horses or burros. However, aircraft may not land inside

wilderness boundaries except in cases of emergency or by approval from the BLM SNDO

District Manager or the FS Region 4 Regional Forester.

The agencies will control wild horse and burro access into the wildernesses and favor control

measures outside of wilderness where prudent and feasible. In cases where impacts to springs

and riparian systems result from wild horses or burros, mitigation measures may be employed to

prevent further degradation or to restore wilderness character.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of wild horses and burros:

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Control wild horse and burro access into the Wilderness; favor control measures outside

of Wilderness where prudent and feasible.

In cases where impacts to springs and riparian systems result from wild horses or burros,

mitigation measures may be employed to prevent further degradation or to restore

Wilderness character.

The FS will adhere to the following Standard for management of wild horses and burros:

Implement measures to ensure wild horses and burros are not found in Wilderness. If

gathers are necessary, on-the-ground activities within Wilderness will be accomplished

on foot or by horseback. If a MRDG and NEPA analysis warrants, the use of motorized

means (aircraft and helicopters) for horse gathers and to survey, capture, and monitor

wild horses or burros in the Wilderness may be permitted with approval of the FS

Regional Forester.

Vegetation, Soil, and Water Management The management goal in the Wilderness areas will be to maintain the desired condition of the

vegetation mosaic through natural disturbances such as fire, flood, and avalanches. The

Wilderness areas should evidence very little vegetation loss or alteration of duff and litter layers

from human use, where camping occurs and along travel routes. The areas surrounding

campsites will be closely monitored for the presence of a near natural component of dead,

deteriorating woody debris, and any damage to standing or live trees. Areas lacking this

component may be closed to camping until the area recovers.

No special management actions will be taken to try to mitigate or repair the visual damage from

natural events and processes such as rock slides, avalanches, or tree mortality from insect and

disease unless there is a threat to public safety. Indigenous insect and plant diseases will be

allowed to play, as nearly as possible, their natural ecological role within wilderness. Natural

ecological processes will determine the composition and distribution of plant communities. This

is part of the naturalness of the area and will help protect the scientific value of observing the

effects of insects and plant diseases on the ecosystem. Insect and plant disease epidemics that

threaten wilderness resources beyond a natural scope, or exotic pests that threaten wilderness

resources will be controlled if possible. If control measures are necessary, they will be analyzed

under a separate planning process and will be carried out to minimize impacts to wilderness

resources.

On BLM land, tree cutting is prohibited in Wilderness (43 CFR 6302.20(g)), except as necessary

in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons, as provided for in the Wilderness Act.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of vegetation:

Management tools, such as mechanical treatment or prescribed burning, will be used to

achieve the desired conditions for the vegetation mosaic only if natural processes are not

achieving goals and objectives.

No special management actions will be taken to try to mitigate or repair the visual

damage from natural events and processes such as rock slides, avalanches, or tree

mortality from insect and disease.

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Allow indigenous insect and plant diseases to play, as nearly as possible, their natural

ecological role within Wilderness to protect the scientific value of observing effects on

the ecosystem.

Control insect and plant epidemics and exotic pests that threaten Wilderness resources

beyond a natural scope, as deemed appropriate by a MRDG and NEPA compliance, if

necessary.

Allow natural ecological processes to determine the composition and distribution of plant

communities.

Monitor Threatened, Endangered, Proposed or Sensitive (TEPS) species to ensure

protection of these species and their habitat and develop management actions consistent

with Wilderness values, where appropriate to help ensure their protection.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of vegetation:

Where monitoring indicates visitor use and trampling impacts to sensitive plants are

occurring and may be affecting the vigor or reproductive capacity of the populations,

relocate or modify trails or campsites as needed to prevent a loss of viability or trend to

federal listing of any sensitive plant species.

On FS land, tree cutting is prohibited in Wilderness (36 CFR 293.6), except for

administrative purposes as stated in this plan and emergencies.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of soil and water:

Take actions to limit soil displacement, runoff and erosion that results from human

activity and authorized uses to a rate similar to natural erosion

Maintain large woody material and forest duff and litter to provide for nutrient cycling

and soil organisms.

Limit areas of soil disturbance that could adversely impact vegetation, infiltration,

subsurface flow, or the water table.

Refine threshold values for organic matter, erosion, and porosity to fit ecological

communities and site-specific conditions as needed and as information becomes

available.

Emphasize the protection of alpine and subalpine ecosystems, considering the slow

recovery and sensitivity of soils and vegetation.

Protect habitat of riparian-dependent species (including herpto-fauna, macro

invertebrates, fish, and endemic plants) from human-caused conditions that could lead to

a federal threatened or endangered species listing.

Any effects on water quality from management or recreation activities should be

negligible so that water quality returns on an annual basis to its previous level once the

activity ceases.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of soil and water:

Apply Forest Service Region 4 Soil and Water Conservation Practices Handbook (FSH

2509.22, Ch. 10, 5/1988).

Management of soil and water in Wilderness is generally the same as for all National

Forest watersheds (FSM 2502). However, in Wilderness natural processes shall

dominate; measures that modify plant cover and treat soil mantles or other activities

designed to supplement natural water yield are inappropriate (FSM 2323.42).

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Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Species The management ideal is to sustain only native species in the Wilderness areas. If not managed,

areas, especially disturbed areas, can become colonized by non-native invasive species including

noxious weeds. Invasive species are species that do not naturally occur in an area and whose

presence has the potential to cause environmental or economic harm. A noxious weed is an

invasive plant species that has been specifically designated as injurious to public health,

agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. Noxious weeds are given priority for response and

treatment. Noxious weeds in Nevada are designated by the Nevada Department of Agriculture

(under Nevada Revised Statute 555) and by the USDA-APHIS (under the Plant Protection Act of

2000).

Current noxious and invasive weed infestations include, but are not limited to: red brome

(invasive), giant reed (noxious), and salt cedar (noxious). The giant reed infestation at La Madre

Spring is planned for removal as analyzed under BLM EA NV-S010-2013-0044. The potential

exists for further infestations of these species, and others, coming from surrounding areas.

Different management techniques may be required for each non-native invasive species based on

effectiveness as determined by plant biology, MRDG analysis, and impact to the wilderness

resource.

Activities that facilitate the introduction or spread of non-native species will be scrutinized to

determine if the activity should be disallowed, or if special stipulations will be satisfactory to

mitigate the activity. Management practices that may be employed include avoiding weed

infested areas, including seasonal closures, or weed free forage requirements.

When noxious and invasive weeds are found, emphasis would be placed on controlling small

infestations with the potential to spread and displace native plants. Treatments for large

infestations (defined by the BLM and FS Weeds Coordinators) would be considered separately.

Seeding and transplant projects will follow guidelines presented in the Emergency Stabilization

and Rehabilitation section. BLM and FS weed management protocols would guide the use of

herbicide treatments.

Treatment activities will utilize the current knowledge of effective treatment methods and

treatment strategies appropriate for the target plants and compatible with the wilderness setting.

The level of treatment intensity and the minimum tools necessary will be determined prior to

site-specific weed treatment activities. Treatments could include the following methods with

priority given to the method using the minimum tool, though it is likely that treatment

combinations would be necessary in some situations:

Manual removal with hand tools if weeds could be controlled or eradicated without

causing re-sprouting, without soil disturbance leading to expansion of noxious or non-

native invasive species, and where infestations are of a size manageable by hand crews.

Herbicides applied by backpack and/or pack stock spraying equipment where manual

removal is not effective.

Herbicides applied with and/or in conjunction with motorized equipment, used in

accordance with a site-specific Pesticide Use Proposal, where the infestation is of such

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size that treatment intensity levels 1 and 2 are impractical, and secondary impacts from

the control activity are minor and easily rehabilitated. This treatment intensity level may

include cutting plants down prior to treatment.

Biological control agents approved by APHIS where infestations are of such size that

eradication by manual removal or herbicides is not feasible.

Herbicides applied aerially or with motorized equipment where impacts could be

controlled and quickly rehabilitated and where the infestation is of such size that

herbicide could not be effectively applied without motorized equipment.

Reseeding/re-vegetation and application of biological soil crusts to treated areas

preferably with native species of local genetic stock following restoration/rehabilitation

program policies as well as the decisions outlined under the Emergency Stabilization and

Rehabilitation heading.

Alternative treatments would be considered.

The FS will meet the following Objectives for management of noxious weeds and non-native

invasive species:

Within five years of approval of this plan, a Weed Management Plan will be developed

and approved that includes specific weed prevention and control strategies, funding

permitting.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of noxious weeds and non-native

invasive species:

Treat areas for noxious and non-native species as monitoring and visitor use mandates in

accordance with a Weed Management Plan and an MRDG analysis.

Scrutinize activities that facilitate the introduction or spread of noxious and non-native

species to determine if the activity should be disallowed, or if special stipulations will be

satisfactory to mitigate the activity.

Monitor increase of noxious and non-native plant populations in the alpine to identify the

need for any trail closures and restrictions on access.

Place emphasis on controlling small weed infestations with the potential to spread and

displace native plants. Place emphasis on prevention, by frequent monitoring of new

invaders. Treat these populations while they are small and before they become

established.

Only use herbicides or pesticides when no other options are practical and then use the

least persistent chemical or biological treatment that is able to control the infestation in

accordance with management objectives. Avoid use in habitat for species of concern

whenever possible.

Give preference to the use of manual weed removal using hand tools. Allow for

flexibility in management decisions, recognizing removal using hand tools may be

ineffective on some species, may result in greater ground disturbance and visual impacts,

and be detrimental to sensitive plant species near or adjacent to the weeds.

Reseeding/revegetation will be accomplished with native species of local genetic stock.

Seed used for restoration actions must be weed-free.

The FS will adhere to the following Standard for management of noxious weeds and non-native

invasive species:

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Pesticide and herbicide use will require a MRDG analysis and a Pesticide Use Proposal

(FS-2100-2) approved by the Regional Forester. Application techniques should employ

the most primitive methods where possible, in accordance with an approved MRDG

analysis.

Fire Management Fire Suppression - Fire management objectives in the wilderness would be structured in

accordance with the 2004 Las Vegas Field Office Fire Management Plan (FMP) and 2013

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest FMP for the BLM and FS portions of each wilderness,

respectively. If the BLM FMP is updated over the life of this WMP, the new policies will be

followed. The FS will review, revise and approve its FMP annually and updated policies will be

followed.

The BLM will consider the natural role of fire within the ecosystem in fire management

decisions. A full range of fire management responses may be utilized based on ecosystem

factors, safety, and prescription criteria. Fire management actions will be developed on the BLM

portion of the wildernesses following the initial report for wildland fires in the planning area and

would include a range of specific actions including monitoring, confinement, initial attack and

suppression and/or extinguishment, or wildfire suppression with multiple strategies which may

include use of mechanized equipment and retardant.

The BLM will determine actions for each wildland fire based on site factors, including fuel

loading and fire behavior, protection of natural and cultural resources, and the circumstances

under which a fire occurs, while ensuring the safety of firefighter, the public, and protection of

private property. Wildfire management priorities include maintaining native vegetation diversity

by managing fire size to minimize the spread and density of noxious or invasive weeds, such as

red brome.

The FS will also consider the natural role of fire within these Wilderness areas in making fire

management decisions, taking into consideration that fire should be allowed to play its natural

role, where consistent with the protection of firefighter/public safety, private property and

developed facilities, and wilderness resources in surrounding areas. Actions will be based on site

factors, including fuel loading and fire behavior, protection of natural and cultural resources and

the circumstances under which a fire occurs. Lightning caused fires that do not pose a direct

threat, as stated herein, may be allowed to assume their natural role in the environment. Wildland

fires that do not pose a direct threat to public safety or developed areas will be managed under

less than a full suppression strategy, taking into consideration the role of wildland fire as an

essential ecological process and natural change agent. Fires may be managed using any of the

following suppression strategies or a combination thereof: confinement, containment, control.

Any wildland fire will be managed using the concept of risk management. A wildland fire

decision will be completed on all fires using the Wildland Fire Decision Support System

(WFDSS), and a risk analysis will determine the management response to each incident.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for fire management:

56

Determine actions for each wildland fire that are consistent with the protection of

Wilderness resources and ensure the safety of firefighters, the public, and protection of

private property and developed facilities in surrounding areas. Actions will be based on

site factors, including fuel loading and fire behavior, protection of natural and cultural

resources, and the circumstances under which a fire occurs. Lightning caused fires that do

not pose a direct threat, as stated herein, may be allowed to assume their natural role in

the environment.

Fires may be managed using any of the following suppression strategies or a combination

thereof: confinement, containment, control.

“Leave No Trace” principles will be employed in the Wilderness. All evidence of human

activity will be removed or rehabilitated to the maximum extent possible.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for fire management:

Prior approval from the Forest Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest must

be sought to use motorized equipment or mechanized transport in Wilderness in

emergency situations (FSM 2326.04c and 2326.1).

Use Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) and assign Resource Advisors, as

warranted, to wilderness fires to minimize impacts to wilderness character. Implement

direction in the FS Fire Plan.

Allow water to be dropped from aircraft or buckets (considered to be a landing), if

authorized by the Forest Supervisor.

Prior approval from the FS Forest Supervisor must be sought to use retardant in

Wilderness areas. The use of fire retardant may require a post-fire assessment per the

protocols outlined in the 2011 Nationwide Aerial Application of Fire Retardant on

National Forest System Land.

Planned ignitions may be used as a tool to restore natural ecosystems as necessary in the

Wilderness. The use of planned ignitions to restore natural ecosystems will require site-

specific NEPA and MRDG analyses, in conformance with the minimum requirements

provision of the Wilderness Act, with documented, pre-planned and specified burn

conditions.

Fire Suppression Guidelines

The BLM and the FS will follow MIST in an effort to minimize impacts to wilderness character.

Minimum cost and consistency with resource objectives would be considered. The following

points would guide suppression by both agencies:

A Wilderness Resource Advisor would be dispatched, if warranted, to all fires occurring

in or threatening the wilderness.

Use of any motor vehicles and motorized equipment, including heavy machinery such as

bulldozers, would be considered for approval by the BLM SNDO District Manager or

Forest Supervisor in cases where the fire is threatening human life, property, or

wilderness characteristics.

Helibases and helispots would be located outside of wilderness boundaries. When this is

not feasible, the BLM SNDO District Manager or Forest Supervisor may approve

temporary sites within wilderness that require minimal clearing of natural vegetation.

These temporary helispots and helibases will be reclaimed after fire suppression activity

has ceased.

57

Staging areas and fire camps requiring motorized access would be located outside of

wilderness unless authorized by the BLM SNDO District Manager or Forest Supervisor.

Staging areas and fire camps that only require non-motorized access may be located in

Wilderness areas if recommended by the Wilderness advisor and authorized by the BLM

SNDO District Manager or Forest Supervisor.

Loading and unloading of personnel from a helicopter within wilderness must be

approved by the BLM SNDO District Manager or Forest Supervisor.

Sling loading materials into or out of wilderness using a helicopter must be approved by

the BLM District Manager or Forest Supervisor.

Helicopters or other aircraft may be used for aerial reconnaissance work.

The noxious weeds and invasive species transport control procedures from the FMPs, as

updated, which identify best management practices for prevention of the spread of

noxious weeds, would be utilized. Suppression equipment would be inspected and

washed to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. Wash-down sites would be recorded

using a GPS unit, if possible, and reported to the Agency Weeds Coordinator. Camps and

other assembly points would not be located in noxious weed infestation areas.

Use of retardant must be approved by the BLM SNDO District Manager or Forest

Supervisor; if retardant is not approved, water may be dropped from aircraft or bucket as

ordered by the Incident Commander without additional authorization.

All fire suppression activities in wilderness would use MIST unless a higher degree or

level of fire suppression is required.

Leave No Trace principles would be used in wilderness. All evidence of human activity

would be removed or rehabilitated to the maximum extent possible.

Fire Rehabilitation - Active rehabilitation work will occur only in situations necessary to

stabilize soil to prevent damage to downstream human life or property, to onsite cultural or

biological resources, or to prevent the site from becoming dominated by an exotic species (see

the previous Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbance section). Otherwise, rehabilitation

will be limited to natural rehabilitation.

Repair of fire suppression activity damage will generally be planned and implemented by the

suppression incident organization, prior to demobilization. Active rehabilitation with hand tools

will occur to obscure fire lines with rock or brush, especially in those areas where they may be

visible and mistaken for hiking trails. If motorized earth-moving equipment was used to

construct fire lines, then the same type of equipment may be needed for rehabilitation and

recontouring before the equipment is released from the fire.

Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Activities

For the BLM, the following site-specific assessments and planning, emergency stabilization and

rehabilitation (ESR) activities may be undertaken in accordance with current DOI policy (620

DM 3 Wildland Fire Management Burned Area Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation) and

BLM policy (H-1742-1 Burned Areas Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook).

The following points would guide the BLM’s ESR management in wilderness:

Natural recovery by native plant species is preferable to planting or seeding. The

potential for recovery of existing vegetation and the potential establishment of invasive

58

species should be evaluated prior to recommending seeding or planting. Seeding or

planting will only be used when objectives cannot be accomplished without seeding or

planting and there is a threat to wilderness values if no action is taken. When seeding or

planting is recommended, the use of native material, preferably of local genetic stock,

will be required. When material of local genetic stock is not available, timely,

economically feasible, or will not accomplish objectives, then other options may be

evaluated.

The following activities occurring in wilderness may be approved on a case-by-case basis

and would follow guidelines presented in the Fire Suppression Guidelines section:

• The use of overland motorized equipment.

• The location of helibases and helispots.

• Sling loading materials into or out of wilderness using a helicopter.

• Loading and unloading of personnel from a helicopter within wilderness.

• Helicopters or other aircraft for aerial seeding.

Erosion control techniques such as the installation of anchored logs, bales, wattles, the

application of mulch, or the use of other techniques to slow water flow may be approved

when their presence would contribute to the long-term enhancement of wilderness

character or are necessary to meet ESR or land use plan objectives.

Minor improvement and facilities (e.g., kiosks, interpretive or boundary signs, water

control structures, guzzlers, trails, etc.) burned or damaged by wildfire could be repaired

or replaced to pre-fire specifications when this repair or replacement would contribute to

the long-term enhancement of wilderness character or is necessary to meet ESR or land

use plan objectives.

Non-motorized and non-mechanized visual inspections for hazardous conditions or

materials may be conducted.

Burned or seeded areas may be temporarily closed to the public if unacceptable resource

damage would occur, if danger to the public is present due to fire damage or ESR

activities, or until safety assessment can be completed.

Efforts to stabilize and prevent post-fire related degradation to cultural resources

including archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, traditional cultural properties, and

historic structures may be approved.

Techniques described under the Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbances

section may be approved for use in ESR.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for fire rehabilitation:

An interdisciplinary analysis will be conducted for all fires larger than 500 acres to

determine rehabilitation needs. Passive rehabilitation will be used to repair and

rehabilitate effects from fire. Active rehabilitation work will occur only to rehabilitate the

effects of fire suppression activities and to stabilize soil to minimize risk to downstream

human life or property or to onsite cultural or biological resources, and to prevent the site

from becoming dominated by exotic species. The line officer will determine if

interdisciplinary analysis is required for fire less than 500 acres.

Emergency stabilization will be completed when it is necessary to prevent loss of soil and

onsite productivity, loss of water control and deterioration of water quality, or when

onsite life or property are threatened.

59

Activities will take place in accordance with the current Watershed Protection and

Management, Emergency Stabilization – Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)

policies (FSM 2523) and in accordance with other FS policies.

No cleanup or reforestation following wildfires will be authorized.

Management of Aircraft The BLM and FS will manage wilderness to maintain opportunities for solitude as a wilderness

characteristic and to maintain a sense of remoteness and isolation, by monitoring and limiting, to

the extent possible, aircraft over flights. Aircraft are prohibited from landing with wilderness

except in cases of emergency.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the agency responsible for managing air space

and currently recommends a minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level for aircraft flying over

wilderness. The BLM and FS will cooperate with the FAA, the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration, military authorities, and with local pilots to promote compliance

with the 2,000 foot limit, to keep aeronautical charts current, and to reduce low level flights

except in emergencies, any situation necessary for the safety of flight, or for essential military

missions.

The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of aircraft:

Aircraft may not land inside wilderness boundaries except in cases of emergency.

The places, circumstances, and suitability of the use of aircraft for protection and

administration of wilderness and its resources will be determined by the Line Officer

authorized to approve such use (FSM 2326.1)

The use of aircraft will be scheduled to minimize impacts on wilderness visitors.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of aircraft:

In emergency situations involving an inescapable urgency and temporary need for speed

beyond that available by primitive means, the use of aircraft will be authorized by the

Forest Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (see FSM 2326.04(c) and

2326.1, as revised, for further information).

In non-emergency situations, the use of aircraft, including non-emergency transport and

supply and air drops, will be authorized by the Regional Forester for the Intermountain

Region of the FS, and will require a MRDG analysis to determine if aircraft, including

helicopters, will be the minimum tool necessary (see FSM 2326.04(b) and 2326.1, as

revised, for further information).

Monitoring Program

Both BLM and FS managers are directed to “preserve wilderness character.” Though never

explicitly defined, wilderness character is circumscribed in the Act by four qualities required of

Wilderness areas, and a fifth quality which includes values the Act says “may” be present. The

qualities of wilderness character are: untrammeled, natural, undeveloped, outstanding

60

opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation, and

unique/supplemental values.

Monitoring is associated with specific wilderness characteristics and tracks the outcome of

proposed activities on the quality of wilderness character. The impacts of a single activity may

affect multiple qualities of wilderness character. Monitoring can improve understanding of an

activity’s effects whether intentional or unintentional. Unauthorized activities will also be captured

under the monitoring system.

If monitoring of on-site conditions indicates that wilderness resource values are being degraded,

management actions may be implemented to reverse the declining trend. Recreational visitor

activities may be regulated, reduced, or excluded from specific sites or areas. If it becomes

necessary to establish priorities for wilderness visitation, highest priority would be given to uses

which least alter the wilderness environment and are activities dependent upon the wilderness

environment to be fully realized. Other uses would be encouraged to occur outside wilderness.

Descriptions of BLM and FS specific monitoring programs can be found in Appendix A and B

respectively.

Plan Evaluation

This management plan will be revised when the management actions prescribed no longer meet

the wilderness management objectives or when a change in the existing situation warrants

revised management. The need for revision would be reviewed every five years and if the

decision is made to revise the plan, then it will be accomplished with public participation. Minor

revisions such as typographical or cartographical errors may be made by inserting an errata

sheet.

Plan Implementation Sequence

Management of the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness areas will be carried

out in accordance with this plan under the direction of BLM or FS staff depending on what land

is being affected. Four types of management activities may occur: 1) ongoing activities carried

out through the life of the plan; 2) site specific actions proposed by BLM that will be

implemented as special projects at the beginning of the plan; 3) management activities triggered

by changes in conditions as detected through monitoring; and, 4) activities that may be proposed

in the future for which general guidance exists in the plan, or that may not be addressed in the

plan. The following list shows the actions needed for accomplishing management activities of

the plan. The actual implementation could be altered based on funding and staff availability

outside the control of this plan.

Ongoing activities

Maintaining boundary signs.

Monitoring visitor uses, natural resources, cultural resources, trail conditions, and

wilderness character.

Monitoring the effectiveness of signs and possible removal or repair.

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Monitoring staging areas for use and maintenance.

Dissemination of visitor information.

Issuing and monitoring permit activities such as commercial tours, educational/school

visits, and geological study/sampling.

Removing graffiti and repair of vandalism.

Inspecting climbing bolts for wear and possible replacement.

Posting temporary signs, for example fire prevention, safety and conservation messages.

Enforcement of regulations.

Monitoring wild horse and burro populations.

Controlling non-native plants.

Management of social conditions.

Special projects (in order of priority)

Archeological, botanical, and threatened and endangered species clearances to support

plan implementation.

Write and publish supplemental rules for all visitor use standards established in the plan.

Rehabilitation of former vehicle routes

Situate trailheads and other vehicle access points

Trail designation

• Trail preparation (improvement of sections not currently within standards)

• Trail marking (directional markers)

Signing

• Trailhead and vehicle access point signs

Removal of unnecessary structures and installations

Anticipated Concerns

Rehabilitation

• New visitor impacts

• Fire rehabilitation

Trail maintenance and stabilization

Management of social conditions

• Visitor use requirements

• Group size

Fire suppression

Non-native plant control

Potential future proposals

Wildlife and cultural resources projects

Research on natural resources

Actions that require a use prohibited in Section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act and are not fully

described and analyzed in the plan, or other actions that are not adequately described and

analyzed require separate environmental analysis and public involvement, pursuant to NEPA.

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Appendix A. BLM Wilderness Monitoring Program

The BLM Implementation Guide to Monitoring Attributes of Wilderness Character (2010) and

future iterations prescribes a monitoring effort based on the statutory requirements of The

Wilderness Act of 1964. The following outline describes the measures the BLM will use to

assess changes in each indicator. These indicators will be used to answer questions in order to

determine the trends in each quality of wilderness character. The outline follows this structure:

Untrammeled

What are the trends in actions that control or manipulate the earth and its community of life

inside wilderness?

Actions authorized by the Federal land manager that manipulate the biophysical environment.

Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants,

animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

Percent of natural fire starts that are manipulated within the boundaries of the wilderness.

Actions not authorized by the Federal land manager that manipulate the biophysical environment.

Number of unauthorized actions.

Natural

What are the trends in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric natural resources inside wilderness?

Plant and animal species and communities.

Status of native biological communities.

Abundance and distribution of non-indigenous species.

Amount of livestock use inside wilderness.

Physical resources.

Visible air quality, based on average visibility index (e.g. deciview) and sum of

anthropogenic fine nitrate and sulfate.

Ozone air pollution based on concentration of N100 (episodic) and W126 (chronic) ozone

exposure affecting sensitive plants.

Acid deposition, based on concentration of sulfur and nitrogen in wet deposition.

What are the trends in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric natural processes inside wilderness?

Biophysical processes.

Departure from natural fire regimes, averaged over the wilderness.

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Undeveloped

What are the trends in non-recreational development inside wilderness?

Non-recreational structures, installations, and developments.

Index of physical development for authorized or pre-designation structures and

developments.

Inholdings.

Area and existing or potential impact of inholdings.

What are the trends in mechanization inside wilderness?

Use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport.

Type and amount of administrative use (but not law enforcement or emergency use) of

motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and mechanical transport.

Proportional use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and mechanical transport in

law enforcement or emergency responses.

Type and amount of use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport

not authorized by the federal land manager.

Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

What are the trends in outstanding opportunities for solitude inside wilderness?

Remoteness from sights and sounds of people inside the wilderness.

Amount of visitor use levels on trails to assess if overall use is more than 30% from

current levels and to assess the need for the Wilderness permitting system.

Area of wilderness affected, and severity of effect, from travel routes inside the

wilderness.

Remoteness from occupied and modified areas outside the wilderness.

Area of wilderness affected, and severity of effect, from developments that are near the

wilderness.

What are the trends in outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation inside

wilderness?

Facilities that decrease self-reliant recreation.

Type and number of agency-provided recreation facilities.

Type and number of user-created recreation facilities.

Management restrictions on visitor behavior.

Type and extent of management restrictions.

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Unique / Supplemental Values

What are the trends in cultural resources inside wilderness?

Loss of cultural resources.

Severity of disturbances to cultural resources.

What are the trends in species of concern inside wilderness?

Status of plant and animal species of concern.

Index of the status of indigenous species that are listed, or are candidates for listing, as

threatened or endangered.

Level that visitor and equestrian overnight camping recreational impacts are affecting

species of concern or reducing species of concern populations by an unacceptable level.

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Appendix B. Forest Service Wilderness Monitoring Program

Monitoring Goals and Objectives

1) Monitor key variables to understand the conditions, risks and the threats to the

Wilderness resource. Establish benchmark or reference monitoring. Develop reporting

and documentation techniques and protocols. Conduct monitoring procedures in a

manner compatible with the preservation of Wilderness values.

2) Monitor for change in conditions over time. Identify unacceptable adverse impacts.

Determine when, where, and why changes are occurring.

3) Conduct inventory and monitoring with an integrated resource approach, to the best

extent possible.

4) Provide information to improve management decisions, policies, actions, and evaluate for

effectiveness. Inform decisions that have an effect on the Wilderness resources.

5) Monitor management strategies and actions, and assess the benefits and costs, in time,

money, and effectiveness and to the Wilderness character.

6) Engage in collaboration amongst managers, scientists, public, and academic institutions.

Communicate with local, regional, and national agencies and all interested publics.

Describe, communicate, and demonstrate the effects of management and use on the

Wilderness resource.

The FS has established Wilderness at the Primitive end of a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.

The Primitive recreation opportunity provides a very high degree of naturalness and very high

opportunities to experience solitude, closeness to nature and self-reliance, which result in unique

and highly favored recreational experiences; however, recreational use of Wilderness must be

closely managed and monitored to assure that degradation of resource values does not occur.

Monitoring is associated with specific Wilderness characteristics and tracks the outcome of

proposed activities on the quality of Wilderness character. The impacts of a single activity may

affect multiple qualities of Wilderness character. Monitoring can improve understanding of an

activity’s effects whether intentional or unintentional. Unauthorized activities will also be

addressed in the monitoring system.

For the FS, the Wilderness component of the forest plan shall include monitoring requirements

for determining whether prescriptions, standards, and guidelines are met (FSM 2322.03).

Monitoring will determine how well objectives have been met and how closely management

standards and guidelines have been applied. The plan monitoring program sets out plan

monitoring questions and associated indicators that are designed to inform management of

resource conditions in Wilderness, including relevant assumptions and changes, and measuring

the effectiveness and program toward maintaining the Wilderness plan’s desired future

conditions and objectives (36 CFR 219.12 (a)(2)).

The FS will monitor the elements in the tables below, funding permitting, for baseline

information or changes in baseline. If areas of degradation are detected, appropriate measures

will be taken, commensurate to the potential severity of the impact and needs of the area.

Appropriate measures may range from education, to maintenance, to closure. Closures may be

66

invoked but are not necessarily the first choice. As per the authority of the Organic Act of 1897,

the Forest Supervisor may invoke special orders at any time for the protection of the resource.

The following monitoring strategies will respond to maintaining five qualities of Wilderness

Character.

Untrammeled Wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation.

Monitoring Plan for Campsites

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured;

monitoring technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

What are the

density and

condition class

ratings?

Density of sites, density

of vegetation, total area

of campsite, bare

mineral soil, camp

development, social

trails, mutilations of

vegetation, and distance

to water.

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews

10% of the

Wilderness

per year

over a ten-

year

reporting

period.

Percent of total

campsites

inventoried and

proximity of sites;

campsite condition

class should not

exceed a 3.0 rating;

groundcover and

severely damaged

trees should not

exceed a rating of

2.0; campsite density

not to exceed more

than 3 Wilderness

campsites per 1,000

acres.

Establish destination

quotas or reduce use

when campsite

condition or

campsite density

standards are

exceeded; close and

rehabilitate

campsites when not

in compliance;

require Wilderness

permits.

How successful

are campsite

closures,

rehabilitation,

containment of

the site, and

other

management

actions?

Campsite closures

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews

10% of the

Wilderness

per year

over a ten

year

reporting

period.

Percent of total

campsites re-

established and

proximity of sites.

Remove and

rehabilitate

campsites as

necessary.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

Monitoring for Visitor Use

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

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technique

Is visitor use

impacting

untrammeled

character of

wilderness?

Use levels on trails to

assess need for the

Wilderness permitting

system.

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews

Annually. Increase in overall

use of more than

30% from current

levels; increase in

site density; impacts

to resource

conditions at

campsites.

Institute Wilderness

permit system or

other appropriate

management actions.

Natural Area appears to have been primarily affected by the forces of nature.

Monitoring Plan for Noxious Weeds and Non-native Invasive Species

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Are noxious

weeds, non-

native plant

populations, or

exotic pests

present in the

Wilderness?

Non-native plants;

exotic pests

Monitoring Technique

Visual observations;

field surveys

10% of the

Wilderness

per year

over a ten

year

reporting

period.

Percent of non-

native plant

populations,

invasive species, or

exotic pests

observed.

Humboldt-Toiyabe

Weed Management

Plan; Pesticide Use

Proposal.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

Undeveloped Area is essentially without permanent improvements or human occupation and retains its primeval

character.

Monitoring Plan for Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Are vehicle

incursions

occurring in

Wilderness?

Vehicle and/or OHV

tracks

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews of road

closures, turn-arounds

10% of the

Wilderness

per year

Vehicle incursions

occurring at

Wilderness

boundaries.

Employ appropriate

management

actions, block

access; place

signage; close

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and parking areas at

Wilderness boundaries,

using established

baseline inventory data

parking areas.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

Monitoring Plan for System Trails and User-created Trails

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Are trails

adequately

maintained?

System trails; percentage

of change of trail depth

and width at transect

points, boggy areas,

resource damage, safety

concerns.

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews

10% of the

Wilderness

per years

over ten

year

reporting

period.

The percent of

system trails

identified by

condition surveys to

have resource

problems (i.e.,

excessive erosion,

etc.). 20%: No

more than 20 percent

of the system trail

miles would have

identified resource

problems.

Institute trail

maintenance,

closures, or

Wilderness permits.

Are user-created

trails increasing

in frequency?

User-created trails;

resource damage, safety

concerns.

Monitoring Technique

Field reviews using

baseline inventory of

user-created trails.

10% of the

Wilderness

per year

over ten

year

reporting

period.

Percent of increase

in user-created trails.

20%: No more than

20 percent increase

in user-created trails.

Assess user-created

routes and consider

adding to system if

appropriate;

otherwise, closure

and rehabilitation, or

other appropriate

options may be

necessary.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

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Monitoring for Rock Climbing Routes and Use

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Have climbing

routes and

climbing use

increased?

Routes: number of rock

climbing routes; route

density.

Use: number of rock

climbers; resource

impacts; bolt

proliferation.

Monitoring Technique

Routes: site visitation

and review using

baseline inventory of

climbing routes.

Use: site visitation, user

counts, vehicle counts,

bolt counts, resource

monitoring.

Routes:

every five

years.

Use: 100%

of

Wilderness

on a 5-10

year cycle

(10-20%

per year),

or as

resource

concerns

dictate.

Routes: when five

new routes occur

within a given area;

increase in route

density, based on

existing route

inventory; impacts

to species of concern

and other resources;

bolt proliferation.

Use: rock climber

numbers and

distribution of users.

Require site surveys

and possible route

closures, or

authorize other

appropriate options.

Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of

recreation Area provides outstanding opportunities for people to experience solitude or primeval and

unrestricted recreation including the values associated with physical and mental inspiration and

challenge.

Monitoring for Visitor Encounters, Group and Commercial Services

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Are group size

and visitor

encounters

affecting

solitude

character?

Solitude and primeval

Wilderness values

Monitoring Technique

Field observations;

contacts with use

permittees; citations

issued for exceeding

group size or stay limits;

use levels to determine

correlation between use

levels, resource impacts

Annually Increase of 50% or

more in the

following:

recreational riding –

combination of

people and stock not

to exceed 24, with no

more than 15 stock

animals in any one

group;

Outfitter guide

Place limitation on

group size or pack or

saddle stock.

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and opportunity for

solitude.

restrictions –

numbers determined

by condition by site-

specific needs and

objectives; 14 days

camping; groups of

any kind – 15

participants.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

Unique and Supplemental Values Wilderness areas may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific,

educational, scenic, or historical value.

Monitoring for Sensitive and Alpine Areas

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured; monitoring

technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Is visitor use

having a

negative impact

on vegetation in

sensitive or

alpine areas?

Alpine and springs

vegetation

Monitoring

Technique

Field reviews of soil

compaction, erosion,

vegetation loss and

equestrian use that may

be contributing to the

introduction of non-

native species; springs

vegetation.

Every five

to ten

years.

Alpine species

composition and

abundance; springs,

water sources,

riparian areas

vegetation and soil

impacts.

Establish destination

quotas to alpine or

sensitive areas;

require use permits

to alpine areas or

sensitive springs.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

Monitoring Plan for Heritage Resources

Monitoring

question

Activity,

practice, or

effect to be

measured;

monitoring technique

Measuring

frequency

Indicator* Protocol to meet

plan standards

Are existing

heritage or

cultural

resources

damaged or lost

by visitor use or

Heritage and cultural

resources

Monitoring

Technique

Field reviews

Annually The percent of

previously recorded

cultural resource sites

receiving annual site

inventory and evaluation

and evidence of damage

or loss to existing and

Employ appropriate

management practices

to eliminate or reduce

adverse effects to

historic and

prehistoric sites and

places.

71

management

activities?

known cultural or

heritage resources.

*Indicator to initiate further evaluation and/or a change in management direction

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73

La Madre Mountain Wilderness and

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

Environmental Assessment

DOI-BLM-NV-S020-2012-0004-EA

FS Project No. 38545

Prepared By:

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Nevada State Office

Southern Nevada District Office

Red Rock/Sloan Field Office

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Intermountain Region

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

December 17, 2013

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75

Purpose and Need for Action

The BLM Southern Nevada District Office (SNDO) and the FS Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA) propose to write a Wilderness

Management Plan (WMP) for the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness. These areas are located approximately three to seven miles west of the Las Vegas

Valley, Nevada (Map 6) and were designated by the Clark County Conservation of Public Land

and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-282; November 6, 2002).

The United States Congress established the National Wilderness Preservation System to assure

that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization,

does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States. Wilderness designation is

intended to preserve and protect certain lands in their natural state. Only Congress, with

Presidential approval, may designate public lands as Wilderness. The Wilderness Act of 1964

identifies wilderness uses and prohibited activities. Although wilderness character is a complex

idea and is not explicitly defined in the Wilderness Act, wilderness characteristics are commonly

described as:

Untrammeled—Area is unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation.

Natural—Area appears to have been primarily affected by the forces of nature.

Undeveloped—Area is essentially without permanent improvements or human occupation

and retains its primeval character.

Outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of

recreation—Area provides outstanding opportunities for people to experience solitude or

primeval and unrestricted recreation including the values associated with physical and

mental inspiration and challenge.

Unique/Supplemental Value—May also contain ecological, geological, or other features

of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. Though not required of any

wilderness, where they are present they are part of that area’s wilderness character, and

must be protected as rigorously as any of the other four required qualities.

The purpose of a WMP is to preserve wilderness characteristics by identifying the conditions and

opportunities that will be managed for within wilderness, creating specific guidelines for

managing wilderness resources and activities, and identifying management need outside of, and

immediately adjacent to these areas over an approximately ten-year span. It identifies actions that

will be implemented upon adoption of the WMP, and those that may be implemented in the

future if changes in resource conditions occur.

The need for the Proposed Action stems from the Wilderness Act, which mandates that the

primary management direction is to preserve wilderness character. Direction for wilderness

management planning is provided in BLM Manual 8561 – Wilderness Management Plans, which

states “Wilderness management plans…will be written as soon as is practicable after

designation. Where a number of Wilderness areas are in close proximity and have similar

wilderness character and issues, they may be addressed in a single plan.” Furthermore, FS

Manual 2300 Chapter 2322 –Wilderness Management, states, “Wilderness management

76

direction is prepared as a part of the forest planning process.” The Proposed Action would create

specific guidance to achieve these mandates.

Relationship to Planning This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been analyzed within the scope of the BLM Red Rock

Canyon National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan [RMP] (2005) and the FS

General Management Plan (GMP) for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area – an

Amendment to the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Toiyabe National Forest (1996).

This EA has been found to be in conformance with the goals, objectives, and decisions of the

aforementioned planning documents.

This WMP is in conformance with and tiered to the following documents and decisions therefor:

Final Supplementary Rules for Certain Public Lands Managed by the Bureau of Land

Management Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

District, Nevada (NV-050-03-4333-04)

Search and Rescue Training in the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness areas (NV-058-07-386)

Calico Basin Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (NV-050-03-09)

Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Integrated Weed Management on Bureau

of Land Management Lands (NV-052-01-0191)

Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact

for Noxious Weed Management And Control Program for the Humboldt-Toiyabe

National Forest, including the Austin, Bridgeport, Carson, And Tonopah Ranger Districts

and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (2001)

Environmental Assessment for Special Recreation Permits in the Core Area of Red Rock

Canyon National Conservation Area (NV-S020–2010–0014)

Environmental Assessment Special Recreation Permits for the Cottonwood Valley Trail

System (NV-S020-2010-016)

Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Restoration in Wilderness (NV-S010-2012-

0062)

Desert Tortoise Translocation Environmental Assessment (NV-S010-2012-0097)

Restoration of La Madre, Rainbow, and Kiup Springs (NV-S010-2013-044)

BLM (43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1610.3.2[a]) and FS (36 CFR Part 219) planning

regulations require that BLM and FS resource management plans be consistent with officially

approved plans of other federal, state, local, and tribal governments to the extent those plans are

consistent with federal laws and regulations applicable to public lands. Although this regulation

does not apply to other official plans created after the land use plan is implemented, the BLM

and FS strive for management decisions to be consistent with other official plans.

Consistency with Other Appropriate Land Use Plans

The WMP is consistent with the goals, objectives, and decisions of the following Land Use

Plans:

Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (2000)

Conservation Agreement for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Clark and

Nye Counties, Nevada (1998)

77

Map 6. Overview of Planning Area

78

Compliance with Executive Orders, Laws, Regulations, State Statute, and Agency Policy

The Proposed Action and alternatives are in compliance with the following:

The Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1131-1136, September 3, 1964, as amended

1978)

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1782,

October 21, 1976, as amended 1978, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990-1992, 1994 and 1996)

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (Public Law

101-621, November 16, 1990, as amended 2002)

Final Supplementary Rules for Certain Public Lands Managed by the Bureau of Land

Management Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

District, Nevada (NV-050-03-4333-04, 58 Federal Register 97 (May 21, 1993) pp.

29,625-29,633)

National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1600-1614, August 17, 1974, as

amended 1976, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1988, and 1990)

Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. §§ 528-531, June 12, 1960, as

amended 1996)

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347, January 1,

1970, as amended 1975 and 1994)

Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998, "As Amended," (SNPLMA)

(Public Law 105 263)

Fiscal Year 2004 Appropriations Act amending the Southern Nevada Public Land

Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-263 H.R. 2691

Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public

Law 107-282 H.R. 5200)

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Act (16 U.S.C. §460hhh; Public Law 103-

63, Aug. 4, 1993, 107 Stat. 297)

Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 7401-7602, December 31, 1970, as amended 1977, 1990,

2004)

Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq., 1972)

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. §§ 1531-1544, December 28, 1973, as

amended 1976-1982, 1984, and 1988)

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d, June 8, 1940, as amended

1959, 1962, 1972, and 1978)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 703-712, July 3, 1918, as amended 1936, 1960,

1968, 1969, 1974, 1978, 1986 and 1989)

Executive Order 13186 ─ Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory

Birds (2001)

Noxious Weed Act, as amended (7 USC. 2801, et seq.)

Management of Designated Wilderness areas (43 CFR Part 6300)

Recreation Management Restrictions: Occupancy Stay Limitation (43 CFR 8365.1-2(a)

and Federal Register Notice NV-930-4333-02)

Unlawful Manner of Camping Near Water Hole (Nevada Revised Statute 503.660)

Executive Order 13112: Invasive Species (1999)

Executive Order 13443: Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation

(2007).

79

National Historic Preservation Act (Public Law 89-665; 16 U.S.C. 470 as amended

through 2000) and its parallel authority, Protection of Historic Properties (36 CFR 800)

Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice (Feb. 11, 1994, 59 Fed. Reg. 7629)

Executive Order 13007, Protection and Accommodation of Access to “Indian Sacred

Sites”, (May 24, 1996).

Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. as amended

through P.L. 106–580, Dec. 29, 2000)

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended (Public Law 96-95; 1

U.S.C. 470aa-mm)

Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195)

National Forest System Land Management Planning, New Plan Development or Revision

(36 CFR 219.7)

Wilderness – Primitive Areas (36 CFR 293)

Prohibitions on Wilderness (36 CFR 261)

Minerals Management in Wilderness (36 CFR 228)

The specific laws designating Wilderness areas in the National Forest System

Relationship to Policies and Guidelines

The Proposed Action and alternative action are in conformance with the following guidelines,

manuals, and handbooks:

Management of Designated Wilderness areas (BLM Manual 6340)

Wilderness Management Plans (BLM Manual 8561)

Recreation, Wilderness, and Related Resource Management - Wilderness Management

(Forest Service Manual 2300, Chapter 2320)

Wildlife Management Guidelines (House Report No. 101-405, Appendix B)

BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook (1742-1)

Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks for Affected Resources (FSM 2360)

Resource Opportunities in Recreation Planning (FSM 2311)

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (FSM 2311.11)

Scoping, Public Involvement, and Issues Issues to be addressed in this WMP were identified through internal and public scoping. Internal

scoping was done with meetings and written communications with BLM and FS resource

specialists. Public scoping was conducted in the form of workshops, meetings, written letters,

email, and by BLM and FS staff. Public scoping workshops were held at Mountain Springs, Blue

Diamond, and Las Vegas on May 18, 23, and 30, 2006 respectively, and additional public

comment was received through the mail or e-mail during a following 30-day input period. A

public comment period for the WMP Preliminary Proposed Action was initiated May 2007. The

project was reinitiated in 2012 and a draft of the revised WMP and EA were made available for a

45 day public comment period on July 8, 2013.

All issues and concerns identified during the 2006-2007 scoping and comment periods and the

2012-2013 scoping were considered during the development of the Proposed Action and range of

80

alternatives described in the EA. Relevant issues that were identified through public scoping

relate to wilderness characteristics and are as follows:

Opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation:

Access to Brownstone Basin and Little Red Rock.

Use of permit system to access the backcountry.

OHV routes at the wilderness boundary as dead-ends or loops to take the vehicles away

from the wilderness.

Camping regulations in different portions of the wilderness.

Camping restriction near springs and tinajas.

Use of campfires.

Establishment, maintenance, signing, and management of designated or visitor-developed

trails.

Establishment, designation, and management of equestrian trails and allowance of cross

country equestrian travel.

Target shooting restrictions.

Group use level regulations.

Allowance of commercial guides in the Wilderness areas.

Protecting and enhancing the undeveloped and natural appearance of the Wilderness

areas.

Minimal use of signs within and adjacent to wilderness.

Closure of vehicle routes that result in vehicle trespass at topographical barriers before

they reach the wilderness boundary.

Preserving naturalness and primeval character and influence of the Wilderness areas.

Posting of fire restriction signs.

Management of fire including suppression levels.

Management of wild horses and burros.

Protection of sensitive species.

Inventory, monitoring, and research of flora, fauna, paleontological and archeological

resources.

Recreation use impacts on bighorn sheep.

Protection of springs and water sources.

Management of caves.

Managing supplemental values of the wilderness.

Using monitoring to adjust management actions.

Use of kiosks, signs, maps, pamphlets, ranger-led interpretive hikes, volunteer

opportunities, websites, TV commercials, billboards, and educational programs to

provide information to the public.

Continued allowance for educational and research opportunities within the Wilderness

areas.

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Wilderness Management.

Use of active and proactive management due to the urban proximity of the Wilderness

areas.

Sufficient resources to enforce wilderness regulations.

Issues Considered but not Further Analyzed

Issues Beyond the Scope of the Plan

Managing airspace above wilderness. Airspace is managed by the FAA and the BLM and

FS do not have authority to restrict the airspace above the Wilderness areas.

Light pollution within the Wilderness areas. Light pollution within the Wilderness areas

is mainly due to their proximity to the Las Vegas valley and several small communities

and methods to ameliorate the light pollution are outside the scope of this management

plan.

Issues regarding agency management and policies for areas outside of the Wilderness

areas such as traffic on State Route 159 and the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive,

equestrian limits, campgrounds, water use, and the gypsum mine on Blue Diamond Hill.

These issues are outside the scope of this management plan.

Issues Addressed Through Other Administrative or Policy Actions

Status of the road between Mountain Springs and Rainbow Spring and the cherry stem

road between the east and west portions La Madre Mountain Wilderness for public

vehicle access. These roads were closed to public vehicle access in the RRCNCA RMP.

Status of Rocky Gap Road for 4WD access to the Bridge Mountain trailhead. Rocky Gap

Road was designated as an open route for challenging 4WD use in the RRCNCA RMP

and SMNRA GMP and receives only minimal maintenance.

Maintenance of Lovell Canyon Road to improve wilderness access. The FS has made

improvements to Lovell Canyon Road, completed under a separate planning process;

however, the purpose of the project was to improve the road surface for safe driving

conditions and reduce maintenance with improved drainage crossings.

Use of the Wilderness areas for search and rescue training. The use of the BLM portion

of the Wilderness areas for search and rescue training has been analyzed and

subsequently allowed under environmental assessment NV-058-07-386.

Requiring a permit for camping throughout the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas. The

RRCNCA RMP currently allows camping without a permit in the northern portion of La

Madre Mountain Wilderness and the western portion of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.

Changing this policy would require an amendment to the RMP which would have to be

done through a separate NEPA process including publishing a notice in the Federal

Register.

All resources considered or analyzed in this EA are displayed in Table 2 of this EA. All issues

and concerns received through internal and external scoping that relate to wilderness resource

conditions were considered during the development of the reasonable range of alternatives.

Certain issues and concerns were judged to be out of the scope of this analysis as described

above.

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Proposed Action and Alternatives

Alternative 1 – No Action The No Action alternative briefly describes differences within each category if a wilderness

management plan was not adopted. For instance, new trails or trailheads would not be designated

unless project-specific NEPA was undertaken for such purposes. This alternative provides a

baseline for comparison. In general however, the management plan identifies wilderness related

constraints for non-wilderness resource programs that may operate within wilderness. Most of

these constraints would still occur without adopting the WMP.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action The WMP in the beginning of this document is proposed for implementation and is the Proposed

Action. The Proposed Action consists of Wilderness Management Categories contained in the

plan that relate to either specific resources or resource programs administered by the BLM and

FS. These categories are briefly described in the EA with a reference to the detailed description

contained within the WMP. Some of the Wilderness Management Categories contain and

authorize site-specific Proposed Actions on BLM land. Site-specific actions on the FS portion

are not proposed and would be handled under a separate project-specific NEPA analysis. The

remainder outlines general guidelines for each non-wilderness resource program operating within

wilderness. Although the WMP would not administer these resource programs, resource activity

plans have been evaluated to ensure conformity with laws, management goals, and objectives for

these Wilderness areas.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions Alternative 3 provides alternative or additional actions for each management category that were

identified as potential options during the scoping process but were not included in the proposed

WMP. These include the designation of additional trails (and thus additional trailheads and

signs) on the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas, requiring permits for caving and large

organized groups, and limiting equestrian use to only designated trails throughout the Wilderness

areas. These alternatives are analyzed in the EA to compare their potential impacts with those of

the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives. Alternative site-specific actions cover actions

only on the BLM portions of the Wilderness areas. No alternative site-specific actions are

proposed for the FS portions of the Wilderness areas.

Wilderness Management Actions

Management and Designation of Trails Alternative 1 – No Action

The existing 13 miles of designated trails in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and 0.35 miles

of designated trails in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness would remain designated trails. No

new trails would be designated and all former vehicle routes and existing undesignated trails

would be treated as visitor-worn/user-created hiking paths and be reclaimed according to existing

83

BLM and FS policy. Those paths would not be displayed or described on agency maps or

brochures and would be monitored according to existing BLM and FS policy.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The Proposed Action identifies specific designated trails and how designated and visitor-

worn/user-created hiking paths would be managed. The WMP provides a detailed description,

including trail guidelines, on how the agencies will manage trails within the Wilderness areas. In

summary, 3.6 and 2.3 miles of trails would be newly designated by the BLM in the La Madre

Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, respectively.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions In addition to the designated trails proposed in the WMP, the BLM would designate the

following additional trails (Map 7):

North Peak Trail – An approximately 1.4 mile trail from Rocky Gap Road to North Peak

following an existing visitor-worn hiking path. This trail may require rerouting the

existing path and construction of new trail segments in order for it to be able to meet trail

standards.

Spring Mountains Crest Trail – An approximately 22 mile trail along the crest of the

Spring Mountains from south of the community of Mountain Springs to the Bridge

Mountain Trail in the north. This trail would follow existing foot worn paths where

present but would also require some new trail construction.

Sandstone Bluffs Trail - Approximately 1.2 miles between Rainbow Spring and the crest

of the Spring Mountains overlooking Sandstone Canyon for hiking (existing visitor-worn

hiking path and washes). At its terminus, the trail would connect to the Spring Mountains

Crest Trail. In addition, approximately 0.5 miles of the existing old road outside of the

Wilderness area would be designated as part of the trail from the wilderness boundary to

the proposed trailhead.

Management of Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads Alternative 1 – No Action

Under the No Action alternative, the only trailheads would be those already in existence and no

new trailheads for access into the Wilderness areas would be designated. Vehicle pullouts

without trailheads that provide access to non-designated trails leading into the Wilderness areas

would not receive any additional management actions such as informational signs or barriers.

There would be no guidance on pursuing public access to Brownstone Basin through private

land.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The WMP provides a detailed description of proposed trailhead and visitor parking guidelines

and site specific actions proposed by the BLM. In summary, an additional trailhead would be

established in conjunction with the Bridge Mountain Trail identified in this plan. Interpretive

information about the wilderness will be included at all existing and proposed trailhead

information boards. Vehicle barriers may be placed in locations where natural barriers are not

adequate to keep vehicles from being driven into the Wilderness areas. This includes barriers at

the end of the open east-west road and along the north-south administrative access road to

84

Rainbow Spring. To assure continued public access to Brownstone Basin, BLM would seek to

preserve public access through agreement or easement with the Howard Hughes Corporation.

Such agreement or easement would only be pursued if the Howard Hughes Corporation is a

willing partner.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

Guidelines for trailheads and visitor parking would be the same as those described in Alternative

2. In addition to the new trailhead for the Bridge Mountain Trail in Alternative 2, the BLM

would create additional trailheads for trails designated under Alternative 3 (see Map 6). This

includes the following:

North Peak Trail trailhead on Rocky Gap Road. This trailhead would be in an existing

disturbed area that can accommodate approximately 2 to 3 vehicles. Hikers can also hike

to the trailhead from the existing parking area at Willow Springs or other parking spots

along Rocky Gap Road.

Sandstone Bluffs Trail trailhead in existing disturbed parking area on road to Rainbow

Springs. This area can accommodate approximately 2 vehicles with additional parking

options in existing disturbed areas along the road before reaching the trailhead.

Sign Plan Alternative 1 – No Action

The RRCNCA RMP does not provide general or specific guidelines for the management of signs

within the Wilderness areas. The GMP for the SMNRA provides direction to allow for signs in

wilderness only at a minimum level necessary for public safety (directional) and resource

protection. Current wilderness boundary markers and existing trail signs would be maintained.

The need for additional signs would be addressed on a case-by-case basis as needed.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The Proposed Action outlines general guidelines for future sign placement and BLM site-specific

proposals for information sign placement and sign removal. Site specific actions proposed by the

BLM include placement of informational signs at the Bridge Mountain Trail and upper Kraft

Mountain Trail trailheads, and removal of interpretive signs in Brownstone Basin and La Madre

Springs and signs on the Bridge Mountain Trail. A detailed description of how the agencies

would manage signs in the Wilderness areas is found in the WMP.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

In addition to the items in the Proposed Action, additional information signs would be installed

by the BLM at the North Peak Trail and Sandstone Bluffs Trail trailheads. Because the

Sandstone Bluffs Trail would pass within one-quarter mile of Rainbow Spring, the information

sign at this trailhead would also provide interpretive information about Rainbow Spring itself in

conformance with the requirements of the RRCNCA RMP for trails within one-quarter mile of

springs. These signs would be placed in existing disturbed areas and would not result in any new

disturbance.

85

Map 7. Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Alternative 3 Trails

86

General Recreation Activity and Visitor Use Management Rock Climbing and Canyoneering

Alternative 1 – No Action

The current management direction for rock climbing as identified within the RRCNCA RMP and

GMP for the SMNRA would be followed. While canyoneering is not called out specifically in

either plan, it is assumed that rock climbing regulations also apply to canyoneering. Within both

areas, rock climbing and canyoneering do not require a separate permit (for example, to use

removable or existing fixed protection); however both agencies require a special use permit for

outfitter guide services for climbing activities. Areas within 50 feet of rock art are closed to

climbing. Areas may also be closed (permanently or seasonally) to climbing by the BLM and/or

FS when needed to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural resources, or recreational

opportunities. The agencies are responsible for identifying permanently or seasonally closed

areas with the exception of rock art which is self-identifying. The creation of holds by installing

artificial holds, gluing, drilling, chipping, or similar activities is not allowed. This includes the

prying out of rocks. Setting aside loose rocks which may fall and cause injury is allowed.

The RRCNCA RMP also prohibits alteration or removal of vegetation at the base of or along the

climbing route. Within RRCNCA, the removal of existing fixed anchors may occur in areas

permanently closed to climbing so as to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural

resources, or recreational opportunities. These proposals would be subject to additional analysis

and public comment. Existing fixed anchors on routes may be replaced, using a hand drill only,

for safety purposes in cooperation with climbing interest groups.

The RRCNCA RMP was written while the two Wilderness areas were still wilderness study

areas. Because of this, installation of new permanent fixed anchors was prohibited. A separate

NEPA process is currently under way which is examining the permanent fixed anchor

regulations in the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas and a potential amendment to the

RRCNCA RMP. The prohibition on the installation of new permanent fixed anchors in

wilderness will continue to be implemented as directed in the 2005 RRCNCA RMP. If an

amendment to the RMP is approved, guidance regarding climbing and fixed anchors in

wilderness will be revised to reflect any new guidance identified in the amendment.

The SMNRA GMP does allow for the installation of new permanent fixed anchor routes in the

Wilderness areas under a voluntary route registration system. After development of more than

five routes, climbing areas require a site survey before additional routes will be allowed.

Permanent fixed anchors can only be installed using non-motorized equipment (i.e., a hand drill).

With the exception of the allowance of new permanent fixed anchor routes, the SMNRA GMP

aligns with the direction in the RRCNCA RMP.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action, rock climbing regulations for the BLM portion of the Wilderness

areas will be the same as those under the No Action alternative. The FS would adopt the

management standards found in the WMP which include the prohibition on the installation of

new permanent fixed anchors, except as permitted for safety purposes. If the WMP is completed

and approved prior to the decision on a BLM RMP permanent fixed anchor amendment,

permanent fixed anchor regulations in the BLM portions of the Wilderness areas will remain the

87

same as those currently in place in the 2005 RMP. If an amendment to the RMP is approved, any

changes or more detailed guidance to the climbing policy in the Wilderness areas will go into

effect on the BLM portions of the Wilderness areas. The FS may adopt BLM’s new wilderness

climbing policies as set out in the BLM’s amendment to the RMP.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Camping

Alternative 1 – No Action

The current management direction for camping as identified within the RRCNCA RMP and

GMP for the SMNRA would be followed. For those portions of the Wilderness areas

administered by the BLM, the following management directions apply:

All camping, including dispersed, is limited to a 14 day stay limit.

Expand the public education program of Leave No Trace recreation ethics and land

stewardship.

Camping along Rocky Gap Road or on the escarpment of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

is authorized by permit only.

From La Madre Mountain to the FS/BLM boundary, 3 miles south of State Route 160,

camping is managed as follows: 1) Camping northwest of the 6,500 foot elevation

contour on La Madre Mountain does not require a permit; 2) camping west of the Spring

Mountains escarpment does not require a permit; 3) within the Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness, camping between the escarpment crest and eastward to the canyon floor

(4,400 feet) requires a camping permit; 4) no other camping is allowed in this area unless

specifically agreed upon in writing by an authorized BLM representative.

Dispersed camping is allowed north of La Madre Mountain on existing disturbed areas.

If monitoring shows that additional impacts occur as a result, camping will be limited to

specific designated sites.

No camping is allowed within one-quarter mile of springs and riparian areas.

Camping at the base of the escarpment is not allowed. The intention of a bivouac is an

overnight stay on the rock wall, above the base, on a multi-day climb.

For those portions of the Wilderness areas administered by the FS, the following management

Standards apply:

No camping within 300 feet of water sources.

Prohibit camping within riparian areas.

Prohibit camping in sensitive areas, as determined through monitoring.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Primitive camping on the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas would be the same as those in the

No Action Alternative.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of camping:

Campsite occupancy is limited to 14 days.

All rock fire rings will be removed when discovered.

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Manage all use in the alpine areas if monitoring, which includes but is not limited to site

and encounter inventories, determines that visitor use is having a negative impact on

vegetation in the alpine areas, from soil compaction, erosion, vegetation loss and

equestrian use that may be contributing to the introduction of non-native species.

Manage use levels to meet campsite density and campsite conditions class objectives and

apply appropriate management actions as needed.

Campfires of any kind are prohibited within the Wilderness; this includes wood burning

stoves, charcoal fires, packed in firewood, or fire pans. Camp stoves, such as portable

liquid or gas fueled stoves used for the purpose of cooking, are permitted within the

Wilderness.

Camping will be monitored and if found to be causing impacts to sensitive natural and cultural

resources, camping permits or camping restrictions may be implemented to foster Leave No

Trace use ethics, or direct visitors to appropriate existing and durable sites. Occupying a

campsite is not allowed for more than 14 days. Visitors would be encouraged to locate campsites

away from and out of sight of trails, streams, other campsites, and other points of interest. The

FS would consider a camping prohibition and/or removal/restoration of sites within 300’ (or “in

close proximity”) of trails, paths, springs, water sources, riparian areas, or known cultural

resource sites if monitoring indicates there are resource concerns or impacts to wilderness

character. Campers would also be encouraged to use equipment that is earth tones in color and to

avoid bright reds, oranges, blues and yellows to help not draw the attention of other visitors to

the campsite.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Campfires

Alternative 1 – No Action

The current management direction for campfires as identified within the RRCNCA RMP and

GMP for the SMNRA would be followed. While the RRCNCA RMP does not provide any

management direction on campfires, the 1993 supplemental rules for the RRCNCA outlawed

campfires but allowed camp stoves and this rule is still in place. The SMNRA GMP prohibits

campfires of any kind; however, campstoves are not restricted within Wilderness. The SMNRA

GMP also provides direction to remove fire rings from within wilderness.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action Campfires, including wood burning stoves, charcoal fires, packed in firewood or fire pans, will

not be allowed in either Wilderness area. Camp stoves, such as portable liquid or gas fuel stoves

used for the purpose of cooking will be permitted. All rock fire rings will be removed when

discovered. Collection of dead and down fuel wood for any fire related use will not be allowed

on both BLM and FS managed lands in order to protect resources, including live and dead

bristlecone pines.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

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Hunting and Trapping

Alternative 1 – No Action

The current management direction for hunting and trapping as identified within the RRCNCA

RMP and GMP for the SMNRA would be followed. The use of wheeled vehicles (e.g. game

cart) for the removal of game is prohibited by the Wilderness Act. No guidance is provided in the

RMP or GMP on the use of hunting blinds. The SMNRA GMP allows for hunting and trapping

in the Wilderness areas with no area restrictions.

For those portions of the Wilderness areas administered by the BLM, the following management

directions apply:

The areas north of State Route 160, east of the Spring Mountains escarpment, south of La

Madre and west of the RRCNCA boundary which are below the elevation of 5,000 feet

are closed to hunting and trapping with the exception that bighorn sheep hunting is

allowed in a portion of two sections within the area otherwise closed to hunting (R58E

T20S N½ Section 36, R59E T20S NW¼ Section 31). In all other areas of RRCNCA, the

BLM will manage hunting and trapping in accordance with the State of Nevada.

Trapping is not allowed within one mile of designated hiking or equestrian trails.

Hunting and trapping are allowed during set seasons as specified by State regulations.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Hunting and trapping regulations in the wilderness under the Proposed Action would be the same

as those under the No Action alternative except that regulations on the use of hunting blinds

would be provided. The creation or construction of permanent hunting blinds in Wilderness areas

would not be allowed. However, portable or “pop-up” hunting blinds would be temporarily

allowed for a period of 14 days during the hunting season of use if they are packed or carried in

and out by non-mechanized means and do not require the disturbance or destruction of native

soil, rock, or vegetation. Portable and “pop-up” hunting blinds must be attended or occupied at

least some portion of a 10 day period within the 14 day period of use. If hunting blinds are not

attended or occupied for 10 days, they would be considered unattended property and/or

permanent structures and will be subject to removal by the BLM or FS.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Recreational Riding and Pack Stock Animals

Alternative 1 – No Action

Based on the RRCNCA RMP, the portion of the Wilderness areas south of La Madre Mountain

and east of the Spring Mountains escarpment is closed to recreational horseback riding except on

trails designated for equestrian use. The areas north of La Madre Mountain and west of the

Spring Mountains escarpment would remain open to recreational riding and pack stock animals

on any trail as well as cross country travel. There would be no guidance on the use of stock

animals with catastrophic diseases. The use of weed-free feed is encouraged. The FS would

continue to monitor increases of exotic non-native plant populations in the alpine to identify the

need for any trail closures and restrictions for pack stock use. Both the BLM and the FS require

special use permits for commercial guides and outfitters that use horses or pack stock. The

SMNRA GMP allows only equestrian commercial uses that minimize impacts to resources and

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the wilderness experience. The FS also requires a special use permit for non-commercial

publicized or organized events that use 15 or more horses.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action A detailed description of how the agencies would manage recreational riding and pack stock

animal use in the Wilderness areas can be found in the WMP. In summary, recreational riding

restrictions for the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas would be the same as those under the

No Action Alternative. Cross-country travel would be permitted on the FS portion of the

Wilderness areas.

Species of domestic pack stock animals known to carry catastrophic or chronic diseases would

not be permitted so as to prevent transfer of disease to native wildlife. Except for incidental

browsing, the grazing of recreational riding or pack stock animals will not be permitted. Feeding

will be limited to packed-in and certified weed-free feed; pellets will be encouraged.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of recreational riding and pack

stock animals:

Limit recreational horseback riding to trails specifically designated for equestrian use.

Do not permit recreational stock overnight camping use.

Do not allow marking of trails with materials, such as paint, blazes, clothespins and

flagging.

Require the use of packed-in and certified weed-free feed, or pelleted feed (FS Order

Number 04-00-097) and in accordance with other FS policies and closure orders.

Discontinue equestrian use in the alpine if monitoring determines that equestrian use is

having a negative impact on vegetation.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

Recreational horseback riding would still be limited to trails designated for equestrian use in that

portion of the Wilderness areas south of La Madre Mountain and east of the Spring Mountains

escarpment. In those portions of the Wilderness areas north of La Madre Mountain and west of

the Spring Mountains escarpment, recreational horseback riding and pack stock animals would

be limited to trails designated for equestrian use or washes. Cross country travel would be

prohibited except for members of a hunting party in possession of a valid hunting license and tag

in pursuit of big game. The effects of cross country stock use will be monitored to insure that this

type of use is not causing degradation of off-trail areas. Use of pack stock animals known to

carry catastrophic disease will not be permitted so as to prevent transfer of disease to native

wildlife. Except for incidental browsing, the grazing of recreational riding or pack stock animals

will not be permitted. Feeding will be limited to packed-in and certified weed-free feed; pellets

will be encouraged.

Geocaching

Alternative 1 – No Action Traditional geocaching and letterboxing is currently prohibited in BLM managed Wilderness

according to national policy (BLM Manual 6430) and will be removed when encountered. The

SMNRA GMP does not provide guidance on geocaching within wilderness. Geocached items on

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FS lands would still be treated like unattended personal property and dealt with on a case-by-

case basis.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action Traditional geocaching and letterboxing would not be allowed, however virtual geocaches would

be an accepted activity within wilderness. Traditional geocaches and letterboxes would be

removed when encountered, and visitors wishing to participate in traditional geocaching would

be directed to locations outside of wilderness. If a virtual geocache identifies a sensitive area, the

geocache sponsor will be asked to remove the site.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Target Shooting

Alternative 1 – No Action

Target shooting is currently not allowed within either the RRCNCA or the FS portions of the

Wilderness areas. These policies would remain in effect even without a comprehensive WMP.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action Target shooting would not be allowed in either the BLM or FS portions of both Wilderness

areas.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Collection of Natural Resources

Alternative 1 – No Action Collection of natural resources within RRCNCA, including wildlife (except with a valid NDOW

hunting license and tag), plants, rocks, or fossils would still be prohibited based on the 1993

Supplemental Rules. Collection of designated fruits, nuts, seeds, and similar plant materials may

be allowed through a permit approved by the BLM SNDO District Manager.

The SMNRA GMP provides restrictions on the collection of listed and sensitive species.

Collection of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species requires a permit from the Regional

Forester, except for traditional use by Native Americans. Native Americans may gather or tend

traditional native plants or materials for personal use without obtaining a special use permit.

Butterflies are protected by prohibiting collection without a permit.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action For those portions of the wildernesses managed by the BLM, collection of any natural resources

without prior authorization will be prohibited throughout the Wilderness areas.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for collection of natural resources:

Collection of natural resources within Wilderness is prohibited, exceptions include:

• Restrict mineral collecting to scientific purposes only and require a special use

permit.

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• Scientific purposes. Collection of threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and

wildlife species for academic, scientific, or research purposes requires a permit from

the Regional Forester and a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 CFR

17.22), except for traditional use by Native Americans.

• Native American gathering or tending native plants or materials for personal use,

which may be done without obtaining a use permit.

• As authorized by FS permit. The authorities for permits for collection are outlined in

FSH 2409.18, Ch. 82.1 and 87.05; FSM 2404.28; and FSM 2462; and FSH 2609.25,

Ch. 4.03, and as outlined in other FS policies.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Cave Resources

Alternative 1 – No Action The current management direction for cave resources as identified within the RRCNCA RMP

and SMNRA GMP would be followed. Cave resources are also federally protected under the

Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C. 4301). The SMNRA GMP directs

that cave resources be managed to protect resources, provide for public safety, and provide

recreational opportunities as set forth in the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act. The GMP

also provides guidance to maintain native vegetation around cave openings for a minimum

distance of 100 yards.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action Cave resources would be managed to protect resources and unique species, provide for public

safety, provide for public safety, and provide recreational opportunities as set forth in the Federal

Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988. The BLM and FS would allow recreational caving

without a permit at this time. Guidelines for accessing caves using rock climbing gear would be

the same as those found in the rock climbing section. Tossing, throwing, or rolling rocks or other

objects into caves would be prohibited. Possessing, destroying, defacing, or removing cave

formations (or parts thereof) would also be prohibited. Native vegetation would be maintained

around cave openings for a minimum distance of 100 yards. Disturbance to cultural resources as

a result of caving would be prohibited in accordance with the Archeological Resources

Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470). Caves may be closed (permanently or seasonally) to

access when needed to prevent degradation to wildlife, plants, cultural resources, or recreational

opportunities.

In order to prevent the introduction of white-nose syndrome, a fungus linked to bat mortalities in

the eastern U.S., cavers would be required to follow the National White-Nose Syndrome

Decontamination Protocol (available at whitenosesyndrome.org).

For those portions of the wildernesses on FS land, the FS will adhere to the following Standards

for management of caves:

Allow recreational caving without a permit. No commercial services for caving will be

permitted.

Tossing, throwing, or rolling rocks or other objects into caves are prohibited.

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Allow access to all caves only from the beginning of April through the end of May; and

from the beginning of September through the end of October. These seasonal restrictions

will remain in place until bat roosting/hibernating inventories have been completed and

long-term seasonal restrictions are established.

In order to prevent the introduction of white-nose syndrome, a fungus linked to bat

mortalities in the eastern U.S., cavers are required to follow the National White-Nose

Syndrome Decontamination Protocol (available at whitenosesyndrome.org). If it is found

that people are not in compliance with the required protocol, restrictions on cave access

can be implemented.

All gates on caves and mines will be designed to provide for unrestricted access for bats.

Temporary (test) gates of PVC or other light, impermanent material will be constructed

first to determine bats' reaction to gate design, prior to final design and construction of

permanent gates. Permanent gates will be compatible with Wilderness characteristics.

Prohibit alteration of cave and mine entrances (except for gating to protect cave

resources) or their use as disposal sites for slash, spoils, or other refuse.

Consult with Indian Tribes and an agency archaeologist to implement measures to protect

caves that are of traditional and cultural significance.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

Policies for cave resources would be the same as in the Proposed Action except that a permit

would be required for recreational caving.

Management of Cultural Resources Alternative 1 – No Action Cultural resources would be managed under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Guidelines for the management of cultural resources are found in BLM Manual 8110 and FS

Manual 2360. Guidelines for the BLM and FS are further laid out in the State Protocol with the

Nevada State Historic Preservation Office.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action Cultural resources would still be managed under the NHPA. Guidelines for the management of

cultural resources are found in BLM Manual 8110 and FS Manual 2360. Guidelines for the BLM

and FS are further laid out in the State Protocol with the Nevada State Historic Preservation

Office.

Every attempt would be made to protect cultural resources in place. If cultural resources are

discovered in designated trails, visitor-worn hiking paths, dispersed camping areas or other areas

of recreational use the trail may be re-routed or alternate preservation or protection actions may

be taken after consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office or with the BLM by

following the Nevada State Protocol. No ground disturbing actions would occur prior to

completion of a cultural resources inventory and completion of the Section 106 NHPA process.

Within Wilderness, the BLM and FS accommodates traditional or sacred uses identified by

Native American tribes who traditionally used the area.

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The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of cultural resources:

Allow Native American access to access plants and traditional-cultural and religious

sites.

Take measures to protect known traditional-cultural or sacred sites from fire retardant

drops to the extent possible, unless there is a threat to human safety or private property. If

opportunity allows, consult with local Indian Tribes and a FS archaeologist prior to

retardant drops to determine the most appropriate action based on site locations.

Protect to the extent possible known cultural sites from damage due to trail maintenance.

Confine maintenance of trails that cross cultural resource sites to existing trail treads.

Material from cultural resource sites will not be used as fill or construction material

during trail maintenance activities.

Require permits for any ground disturbing archaeological study under the Archaeological

Resources Protection Act. An MRDG analysis will be required to determine the

minimum tool for ground disturbance, and the resulting proposal is subject to NEPA

compliance.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Management of Small-Scale Surface Disturbances Alternative 1 – No Action

Rehabilitation of surface disturbances, if attempted, would occur on a case-by-case basis and

only after each individual project proposal has gone through the NEPA process.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

A detailed description of the actions that the BLM may take to rehabilitate surface disturbances

on the BLM portions of the wildernesses can be found in the WMP. In summary, as staff and

funding are available, approximately 10 miles of former vehicle routes in and adjacent to La

Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, those not designated as a trail

or retained as a visitor-worn hiking path, will be rehabilitated by the BLM (See Maps 2, 3).

Three mine adits will be closed pending bat surveys and a MRDG. If non-conforming methods,

such as gates, are needed to close the adits, a site-specific EA will be required.

The FS will undertake project-specific NEPA analysis in order to decommission user-created or

visitor-worn hiking routes or to take any actions to restore or rehabilitate surface disturbances

caused by heavy machinery used in mining operations, or for reclamation activities involving

mine closures in wilderness.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of small-scale surface

disturbances:

Prohibit all hazardous materials.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

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Management of Structures and Installations Alternative 1 – No Action

Structures and installations within the Wilderness areas would be dealt with on a case-by-case by

and only after each individual project proposal has gone through the NEPA process. The dam at

La Madre Spring would still be removed as analyzed under BLM EA NV-S010-2013-0044.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

A detailed description of how the agencies would manage structures and installations in the

Wilderness areas can be found in the WMP. Structures and installations would be removed if

they are not historically significant, or are not the minimum necessary for the administration of

the area as wilderness. If structures are needed to be built in the future for the protection of

resource values, they will be analyzed through a separate planning process but the agencies will

try to site them in areas that minimize visual impact. Proposed temporary structures, such as

corrals, hitch rails, or toilets must be necessary for the protection of wilderness resources and not

for the convenience of users. Structures, if approved, should be built of native or natural

appearing materials and harmonize with the environment. The FS prohibits the construction of

flood control devices in wilderness.

The following structures and installations within the La Madre Mountain Wilderness would not

be removed by the BLM:

The spring development (iron pipe and cement-lined catchment) at White Rock Spring.

Two concrete dams and one concrete trough in Brownstone Basin.

The miner’s stone cabin above La Madre Spring.

The following would be removed by the BLM within the La Madre Mountain Wilderness

pending further evaluation:

Concrete pads adjacent to the La Madre Spring Trail.

The following would be removed by the BLM within the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

pending further evaluation:

A corral at Rainbow Spring.

Site-Specific Proposed Action

The following will be removed by the BLM in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness:

A wooden bench at White Rock Spring.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Management of Personal Property, Refuse, or Vandalism Alternative 1 – No Action

A comprehensive WMP would not guide how to deal with unattended personal property, refuse,

or vandalism within the Wilderness areas.

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Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Details about how personal property, refuse, and vandalism will be dealt with by the agencies

can be found in the WMP. In summary, all unattended personal property less than 50 years old

will be removed. Vandalism to the surface of rocks in the form of paint or marks will be

removed using the least intrusive method needed to remove the vandalism. If cultural resources

are present at the affected site, a separate, site specific analysis under consultation with a

certified rock art conservator and Native American representative will be performed.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Research Alternative 1 – No Action

Research would still be able to be conducted without a comprehensive WMP in place.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The Wilderness areas would be available for conducting basic and specific inventory,

monitoring, research, and education. When these can be accomplished outside of wilderness or

the research proposal would not contribute to improved management of the area as wilderness,

the activity would be referred to lands outside of the wilderness. The agencies would require

permits for researchers and educators interested in conducting activities in wilderness.

Researchers would be required to provide a copy of finding to the BLM and the FS. All activities

would be conducted in a manner consistent with section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Environmental Education and Interpretation Alternative 1 – No Action

Currently there is no public education plan or interpretive plan for the Wilderness areas in the

RRCNCA RMP or the GMP for SMNRA.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The primary purpose of education activities must be wilderness or environmental education and

group size may not exceed 15. If use levels increase so that visitor encounter standards are

exceeded, educational activities will be limited to no more than two per month within the

wilderness.

On and off site general interpretive information regarding natural and cultural resource and

recreation opportunities in wilderness would be located on informational signs outside of

wilderness, in brochures, on agency recreation maps, and on agency websites. Detailed

guidelines for general interpretive information regarding natural and cultural resources and

recreation opportunities in wilderness are found in the WMP.

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Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Management of Group and Commercial Services Alternative 1 – No Action

For those portions of the Wilderness areas administered by the BLM, the management directions

as identified within the RRCNCA RMP and BLM EAs NV-S020–2010–0014 and 0016 would

apply. The total number of commercial permits allowed for the entire NCA include: 5 annual and

8 temporary climbing guide permits, 5 annual hiking guide permits, and 3 equestrian guide

permits (each covers a separate area, one of which includes Rainbow Mountain Wilderness).

Each group is limited to a maximum of 12 people or horses per tour including the guide. No

guidance is given on the number of hunting guide permits per year but they will be limited to one

tour per day.

The BLM may require special recreation permits (SRPs) for commercial use, competitive events,

non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups or events, and recreation use in special areas

(43 CFR Subpart 2932). Individuals organizing events or organized group activities should

contact the BLM to determine if a SRP is required. Signage will notify the public regarding SRP

requirements. Additionally, the BLM can issue up to 4 non-commercial rock climbing group

permits for up to 12 people per group per year within the BLM portion of the wilderness as

determined in separate BLM EAs (NV-S020–2010–0014, NV-S020-2010-0016).

For those portions of the Wilderness areas administered by the FS, the management directions as

identified within the SMNRA GMP would apply. Special use permits would be required for

commercial guides and outfitters but no guidance is provided on the maximum number of annual

permits or limits to the size of the guided tours. Non-commercial publicized or organized events

with 15 or more people or 15 or more horses would require a special use permit.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Detailed guidelines for group and commercial services can be found in the WMP. Guidelines for

commercial guide limits in the BLM portion of the Wilderness areas are the same as those under

the No Action alternative and as outlined and analyzed under BLM EAs NV-S020–2010–0014

and 0016.

The BLM may require SRPs for non-commercial, non-competitive organized groups or events,

and recreation use in special areas (43 CFR Subpart 2932). Individuals organizing events or

organized group activities should contact the BLM to determine if a SRP is required. Signage

will notify the public regarding SRP requirements and that the recommended group size is 15

people or less to help preserve solitude and reduce impacts to soils and vegetation. Additionally,

the BLM can issue up to 4 non-commercial rock climbing group permits for up to 12 people per

group per year within the BLM portion of the wilderness as determined in separate BLM EAs

(NV-S020–2010–0014, NV-S020-2010-0016). Ranger-led interpretive hikes would be kept to 15

or fewer people including the ranger.

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Non-commercial publicized or organized group events on the FS portion of the Wilderness areas

with 15 or more people will be required to obtain a special use permit from the FS. Management

of group and commercial services on the FS portion of the wilderness would be regulated by the

following Standards:

Require use permits for outfitter guides and commercial horseback operators. Use permits

may authorize overnight camping for commercial guide services in the Wilderness.

Wilderness permits are currently not required for overnight use; however, if in the future

Wilderness permits are required for such use, guides will be required to obtain permits.

Include restrictions in outfitter guide and organized trail ride use permits for the

protection of vegetation and to maintain solitude character.

Use permits will be required for pack or saddle stock group use for organized trail rides

in the Wilderness. Groups will be limited to a combination of people and stock not to

exceed 25, with no more than 15 stock animals in any one group. Limitations will be

placed on pack or saddle stock if monitoring (encounters or changes in site conditions)

determines the need for such limitations.

Require the use of weed-free feed or pellets for stock animals (FS Order Number 04-00-

097) and in accordance with other FS policies and closure orders.

Require permits for publicized and/or organized events with 15 or more participants if

any portion of the activity takes place within the Wilderness.

Do not permit competitive events, training events, and contests (FSM 2323.13h).

Do not permit filming for commercial purposes, guidebooks, television, or film, as

instructed by Forest Service national direction.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Wildlife Management Alternative 1 – No Action

Under the No Action Alternative, a comprehensive WMP would not guide wildlife related

management categories. Wildlife water developments in the Wilderness areas would continue to

be considered by each agency in accordance with the CCCPLNRA and in the BLM portions, the

MOU with NDOW. The FS would continue to adhere to management direction in accordance

with the SMNRA GMP and other FS policies relevant to wildlife water developments.

Wildlife relocation activities could still be conducted in conformance with the current or

subsequent BLM–NDOW MOU and guided by the CCCPLNRA, as well as the BLM–APHIS

MOU (2012) and BLM Manual 6340 (Management of Designated Wilderness areas). The

translocation of Mojave Desert tortoises as analyzed under BLM EA NV-S010-2012-0097 could

still occur without a WMP in place.

Wildlife damage management could still be carried out in conformance with the BLM-APHIS

(2012) and FS-APHIS (2004) MOUs.

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Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Detailed wildlife management guidelines can be found in the WMP. A MRDG and site-specific

NEPA analysis would occur for site-specific actions. Wilderness would be managed by the both

agencies in accordance with the Wilderness Act, Federal and State laws, and the CCCPLNRA,

which permits existing and future structure and facilities, including inspections and maintenance,

for wildlife water development projects in wilderness when considered essential to preserve,

enhance, or prevent degradation of wilderness character. Wildlife transplants (i.e. removal,

augmentation, or reintroduction of wildlife species) may be permitted if judged necessary to

perpetuate or recover a threatened or endangered species or to restore populations of indigenous

(including sensitive) species eliminated or reduced by human disturbance. Wildlife damage

management activities occurring in wilderness would be approved by the BLM or FS and

conducted by the USDA APHIS in conformance with the BLM-APHIS (2012) and FS-APHIS

(2004) MOUs.

The FS would be guided by the following Standards for the management of wildlife:

Give first priority to locating habitat improvement projects outside wilderness for the

benefit of wildlife that spend only part of the year in wilderness (FSM 2323.35a). Only

allow water source developments in wilderness to improve desert bighorn sheep habitat.

These developments must protect wilderness character.

Entry into wilderness using motorized or mechanized means for wildlife management

activities, including wildlife relocation or capture, or wildlife research, will be allowed

only if deemed necessary by an MRDG. Approval must be made by the Region 4

Regional Forester (FSM 2326.04b).

Wildlife hunting, collection, movement or removal will be managed in accordance with

state statutes, specifically, "It is unlawful to collect or remove wildlife without written

consent of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NRS 503.597). Further, Nevada

Administrative Code 503-093 requires the necessary permit or written authorization from

the Department to hunt, take or possess wildlife, which are classified as protected.”

Entry into wilderness using motorized or mechanized means for necropsy or retrieval of

VHF/GPS telemetry collars or other types of tracking devices that have dropped off study

animals or deceased animals, which do not allow time for an MRDG analysis, will be

allowed if approval is made by the Regional Forester (FSM 2326.04b).

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Management of Wild Horses and Burros Alternative 1 – No Action

The BLM and FS wild horse and burro programs’ activity plans guide the management of wild

horses and burros. Herd Management Areas (HMAs) or Wild Horse and Burro Territories

(WHBT) that exist in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness

seek to conform to an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of zero within the Wilderness

areas. However, periodic gathers may still occur in wilderness. On-the-ground management

activities would be accomplished on foot or by the use of pack stock.

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Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Periodic gathers may occur to achieve AML within BLM HMAs or FS WHBT. In particular, the

Brownstone Basin and Rainbow Spring areas will be monitored for horses and burros from the

Red Rock HMA and if detected, a gather may be initiated. Each gather would require a project

specific MRDG and NEPA analysis.

If gathers are needed, on-the-ground activities within wilderness would be accomplished on foot

or by the use of pack stock. If the MRDG and NEPA analysis results in motorized means for

horse gathers, aircraft, including helicopters, may be used to survey, herd, capture, and monitor

wild horses or burros. However, aircraft may not land inside wilderness boundaries except in

cases of emergency or by approval from the BLM SNDO District Manager or the FS Region 4

Regional Forester.

The agencies will control wild horse and burro access into wilderness and favor control measures

outside of wilderness where prudent and feasible. In cases where impacts to springs and riparian

systems result from wild horses or burros, mitigation measures may be employed to prevent

further degradation or to restore wilderness character.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Vegetation, Soil, and Water Management Alternative 1 – No Action

Vegetation management would not be guided by a comprehensive WMP but could still occur, if

needed, on a case-by-case basis.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

A detailed description of how the agencies would manage vegetation in the Wilderness areas can

be found in the WMP. The management goal in the Wilderness areas would be to maintain the

desired condition of the vegetation mosaic through natural disturbances such as fire, flood, and

avalanches. Management tools, such as mechanical treatment or prescribed burning, would be

used to achieve the desired conditions for the vegetation mosaic only if other alternatives are not

available. No special management actions will be taken to try to mitigate or repair the visual

damage from natural events and processes such as rock slides, avalanches, or tree mortality from

insect and disease unless there is a threat to public safety.

The FS would monitor threatened, endangered, and protected species to ensure protection of

these species and their habitats, and develop management actions consistent with wilderness

values, where appropriate, to help ensure their protection.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of vegetation:

Where monitoring indicates visitor use and trampling impacts to sensitive plants are

occurring and may be affecting the vigor or reproductive capacity of the populations,

relocate or modify trails or campsites as needed to prevent a loss of viability or trend to

federal listing of any sensitive plant species.

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On FS land, tree cutting is prohibited in Wilderness (36 CFR 293.6), except for

administrative purposes as stated in this plan and emergencies.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of soil and water:

Apply Forest Service Region 4 Soil and Water Conservation Practices Handbook (FSH

2509.22, Ch. 10, 5/1988).

Management of soil and water in Wilderness is generally the same as for all National

Forest watersheds (FSM 2502). However, in Wilderness natural processes shall

dominate; measures that modify plant cover and treat soil mantles or other activities

designed to supplement natural water yield are inappropriate (FSM 2323.42).

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Noxious Weeds and Non-Native Invasive Species Alternative 1 – No Action

Noxious weeds and invasive species would be treated on a case-by-case basis as per the BLM

Southern Nevada District Office Noxious Weed Plan. The BLM’s noxious weed classification

system (which is described in the BLM Manual 9015 Integrated Pest Management) would be

consulted in setting priorities for weed control. There is currently no existing management plan

with which to treat invasive grasses such as red brome (not a noxious weed) in wilderness. The

BLM could still remove the giant reed infestation around La Madre Spring as analyzed under

BLM EA NV-S010-2013-0044.

The FS would treat noxious weeds and non-native invasive species on a case-by-case basis.

Treatment methods would be employed in accordance with the Noxious Weed Management and

Control Program for the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, including the Austin, Bridgeport,

Carson, and Tonopah Ranger Districts, and the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Detailed guidelines for control of noxious and non-native invasive species in the Wilderness

areas can be found in the WMP. When noxious and invasive weeds are found, emphasis would

be placed on controlling small infestations with the potential to spread and displace native plants.

Treatments for large infestations (defined by the BLM and FS Weeds Coordinators) would be

considered separately.

The BLM would employ potential treatment methods that include hand pulling, herbicides, and

biological control. The FS would continue to monitor wilderness and alpine areas to reduce the

impacts of exotic, non-native plant populations and assess the need for any trail closures and

restrictions for equestrian or other visitor use. The FS would conduct NEPA analysis for site-

specific actions proposed in either wilderness. Noxious and invasive weeds would be treated in

accordance with the Noxious Weed Management and Control Program for the Humboldt-Toiyabe

National Forest, including the Austin, Bridgeport, Carson, and Tonopah Ranger Districts and the

Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.

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The FS will adhere to the following Standard for management of noxious weeds and non-native

invasive species:

Pesticide and herbicide use will require a MRDG analysis and a Pesticide Use Proposal

(FS-2100-2) approved by the Regional Forester. Application techniques should employ

the most primitive methods where possible, in accordance with an approved MRDG

analysis.

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Fire Management Alternative 1 – No Action

Fire management activities would occur without the guidance of a comprehensive WMP but the

BLM and FS would continue to adhere to fire management direction found in their respective

fire management plans.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Detailed fire management guidelines, including FS Standards, are found in the WMP. Fire

management objectives in these Wilderness areas would be structured in accordance with the

2004 Las Vegas Field Office Fire Management Plan (FMP) and Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest FMP. If either FMP is updated over the life of this WMP, the new policies would be

followed. Following fire, the BLM will conduct ESR activities may be undertaken in accordance

with current DOI policy (620 DM 3 Wildland Fire Management Burned Area Emergency

Stabilization and Rehabilitation) and BLM policy (H-1742-1 Burned Areas Emergency

Stabilization and Rehabilitation Handbook). The FS would continue to follow direction on

emergency stabilization and rehabilitation activities which will take place in accordance with the

agency’s current Watershed Protection and Management, Emergency Stabilization – Burned

Area Emergency Response (BAER) policies (FSM 2523).

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Management of Aircraft Alternative 1 – No Action

The FAA would still be the agency responsible for managing air space over the Wilderness

areas. The FAA currently recommends a minimum of 2,000 feet above ground level for aircraft

flying over wilderness.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

The BLM and FS will cooperate with the FAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, military authorities, and with local pilots to promote compliance with the 2,000

foot limit, to keep aeronautical charts current, and to reduce low level flights except in

emergencies, any situation necessary for the safety of flight, or for essential military missions.

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The FS will consider the following Guidelines for management of aircraft:

Aircraft may not land inside wilderness boundaries except in cases of emergency.

The places, circumstances, and suitability of the use of aircraft for protection and

administration of wilderness and its resources will be determined by the Line Officer

authorized to approve such use (FSM 2326.1)

The use of aircraft will be scheduled to minimize impacts on wilderness visitors.

The FS will adhere to the following Standards for management of aircraft:

In emergency situations involving an inescapable urgency and temporary need for speed

beyond that available by primitive means, the use of aircraft will be authorized by the

Forest Supervisor of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (see FSM 2326.04(c) and

2326.1, as revised, for further information).

In non-emergency situations, the use of aircraft, including non-emergency transport and

supply and air drops, will be authorized by the Regional Forester for the Intermountain

Region of the FS, and will require a MRDG analysis to determine if aircraft, including

helicopters, will be the minimum tool necessary (see FSM 2326.04(b) and 2326.1, as

revised, for further information).

Alternative 3 – Alternative Actions

There is no difference from the Proposed Action.

Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

Introduction The scope of this EA analysis comprises the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness located in Clark County in the Mojave Basin and Range ecoregion. The

BLM’s NEPA Handbook (H-1790-1) and FS Manual 1950 and FS NEPA Handbook 1909.15,

and its implementing procedures codified at 36 CFR part 220, require that all environmental

documents address specific resources or concerns of the human environment. The list of

elements contained in the BLM handbook has been expanded by BLM Instruction Memoranda

and Executive Orders. The resources/concerns identified for this analysis, along with the

rationale for including or not including them in this analysis, are listed in Table 2. Resources not

adversely affected will not be considered further in this document.

Resources/Concerns Considered for Analysis The following items have been evaluated for the potential for impacts to occur, either directly,

indirectly, or cumulatively, due to implementation of the Proposed Action. Consideration of

some of these items is to ensure compliance with laws, statutes, or Executive Orders that impose

certain requirements upon all Federal actions. Other items are relevant to the management of

public lands in general, and to the BLM SNDO and FS Humboldt-Toiyabe SMNRA in

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particular. Following the table, each analyzed resource/concern is organized into two parts,

Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences.

Table 2: Resources/Concerns Considered for Analysis

Resource/Concern

Issue(s)

Analyzed?

(Y/N)

Rationale for Dismissal from Analysis or Issue(s) Requiring

Detailed Analysis

Air Quality N

There are no mechanical or soil disturbing activities planned in the

Wilderness. Ensure plan is in accordance with Clean Air Act for the

duration of the plan.

Areas of Critical

Environmental Concern N There are no ACEC’s present in the area.

BLM Natural Areas Y

The North Fork Pine Creek Canyon Natural Area (NFPCCNA) is

located within the planning area. Site-specific actions are not

proposed within the NFPCCNA and therefore direct impacts are not

anticipated. The general management guidelines may result in

indirect impacts to the NPCNA (e.g., fire management) and

therefore impacts need to be analyzed in the EA.

Cultural Resources Y Cultural resources are located in the project area and thus there may

be potential impacts due to the Proposed Actions.

Environmental Justice N

The development of management activities in the WMP is not

expected to impose disproportionately high or adverse human health

or environmental effects that would fall disproportionately on low-

income, minority populations, Native American tribes, women, or

affect the civil rights of any United States citizen.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions N

Currently there are no emission limits for suspected Greenhouse

Gas (GHG) emissions, and no technically defensible methodology

for predicting potential climate changes from GHG emissions.

However, there are, and will continue to be, several efforts to

address GHG emissions from federal activities, including BLM and

FS authorized uses.

Farmlands (Prime or

Unique) N There are no prime or unique farmland designations in the area.

Fish and Wildlife Excluding

Federally Listed Species Y

Some of the BLM Proposed Actions have the potential to impact

wildlife species found in the project area. Management activities set

out in the WMP that have the potential to affect fish and wildlife

should be analyzed in the EA.

Floodplains N

Management activities in the WMP would not involve the

occupancy or modification of floodplains within the wildernesses.

Floodplains should be maintained to mimic historic

condition/operation.

Fuels/Fire Management Y The WMP addresses fire management and thus should be analyzed

in the EA

Geology/Mineral

Resources/Energy

Production

N There are no mining claims or mining operations in the La Madre

Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness.

Hydrologic Conditions N Any action outlined in the WMP that might affect hydrologic

conditions will be analyzed in separate EAs.

Invasive Non-native Plant

Species (includes noxious

weeds)

Y The WMP describes actions to control noxious weeds and thus

should be analyzed in the EA.

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Resource/Concern

Issue(s)

Analyzed?

(Y/N)

Rationale for Dismissal from Analysis or Issue(s) Requiring

Detailed Analysis

Land/Access N There are no private inholdings, thus access is not an issue. There is

minimum disturbance in a Wilderness area, thus there are no issues.

Livestock Grazing N The Proposed Action is not located in any authorized grazing

allotments.

Migratory Birds Y Several of the management actions have the potential to impact

migratory birds.

Native American Religious

Concerns Y

Sites of Native American concern are assumed to be present and

impacts should be analyzed in the EA. Analyzed under Cultural

Resources section.

Night Sky N

No Actions are proposed that would impact levels of light pollution.

Potential light pollution from projects outside the Wilderness areas

would be analyzed under their separate planning processes.

Paleontological Resources N

There are no Proposed Actions in areas with known paleontological

resources. Wilderness designation and the prohibition on collection

of natural resources will have a positive impact.

Rangeland Health Standards N

Negative impacts to rangeland health are not expected. Adverse

impacts to surface hydrology which could also negatively affect

rangeland health will be addressed under the hydrology section.

Recreation Uses Y The WMP addresses multiple recreation activities and thus should

be analyzed in the EA.

Socio-Economics N

This is an implementation plan under the RRCNCA RMP and

SMNRA GMP. Potential socio-economic impacts were analyzed as

part of the RMP and GMP and this WMP is in conformance with

those documents.

Soils N

The Proposed Action includes minimal surface disturbance (i.e.

walking and camping), there should be no impacts local soils.

General protective measures for soils are set out in the WMP.

Special Status Animal

Species (Federally protected,

Nevada State protected,

BLM/FS Sensitive rated)

Y

Multiple sensitive and protected animal species, including the

federally Threatened desert tortoise, are present within the

Wilderness areas and have the potential to be impacted

Special Status Plant Species

(Federally protected, Nevada

State protected, BLM/FS

sensitive rated)

Y

While no federally protected plant species are present, there are

several FS or BLM sensitive plant species present with the potential

to be impacted. Larval host plants for special status butterfly

species are present in the area and have the potential to be impacted.

Vegetative Resources Y Several of the actions in the WMP have the potential to impact

vegetation and thus should be analyzed in the EA

Visual Resources N

The planning area encompasses designated Wilderness and adjacent

non-wilderness within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation

Area, which are managed as VRM Class I and II, respectively. The

actions meet the objectives for both VRM classes. Actions will

preserve the existing character of the landscape and any change

would be very low. On the FS portions of the wildernesses, a visual

quality objective of preservation will be met. The visual quality

objective of preservation allows ecological changes only.

Management activities, except for very low visual-impact recreation

facilities, are prohibited.

Wastes, Hazardous or Solid N No wastes are anticipated to be produced by actions described in the

WMP

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Resource/Concern

Issue(s)

Analyzed?

(Y/N)

Rationale for Dismissal from Analysis or Issue(s) Requiring

Detailed Analysis

Water Quality,

Drinking/Ground N

Management activities in the WMP may affect water quality and

instream flows that provide habitat for native aquatic invertebrate

populations, endemic flora, and for healthy riparian vegetation.

Project-specific NEPA analysis would be conducted for site-specific

activities with the potential to degrade water quality.

Water Resources (Water

Rights) N The WMP does not impact federal water rights.

Wetlands/Riparian Zones N

Riparian/wetland vegetation health may be impacted by

management activities set out in the plan; however, site-specific

activities affecting soils would be analyzed in project-specific

NEPA analysis.

Wild and Scenic Rivers N No wild and scenic rivers are located in the area.

Wild Horse and Burro Y The proposed project is located in or adjacent to portions of the Red

Rock HMA, Wheeler Pass HMA, and Spring Mountains WHBT.

Wilderness Y The plan addresses management actions in the Wilderness areas.

Mandatory Items Analyzed

BLM Natural Areas Affected Environment Located within the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, the North Fork Pine Creek Canyon Natural

Area was designated in 1965 (Public Land Order 3530). It is a 150 acre research natural area

located in the north fork of Pine Creek Canyon. It was designated due to the high number of rare

plants, including many fern species, found in the canyon. There are no designated trails through

the Natural Area but there are several visitor-worn hiking paths leading to popular climbing

areas.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

Impacts to the Natural Area due to actions described in the Proposed Action should be minimal

compared to those currently occurring without a management plan in place. The Proposed Action

will provide guidance on obscuring and rehabilitating visitor-worn hiking paths if they are found

to be causing resource damage.

Impacts of No Action

Impacts currently occurring in the Natural Area will continue to occur. There will be no specific

guidance on closing and rehabilitating visitor-worn hiking paths if they are causing resource

damage.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts to the North Fork Pine Creek Canyon Natural Area under Alternative 3 would be

the same as those under the Proposed Action.

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Cultural Resources Affected Environment

Cultural resources are defined as any physical evidence of former human presence that is older

than 50 years. Cultural resources include prehistoric and historic period sites, features, and

artifacts which may range in complexity from a single stone tool or bottle fragment to a large

prehistoric village or historic-period town site.

Section 106 of the NHPA of 1966 requires Federal agencies to take into account the effects of

their undertakings on “historic properties:” those cultural resources listed in or eligible for listing

in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

The La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness areas are known to contain

numerous prehistoric and historic cultural resource sites. Prehistoric sites include rock shelters,

roasting pits, petroglyphs, pictographs, campsites, and lithic material. Historic sites include dams

and spring developments built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, homestead sites, mining

cabins and sites, fences, and bottles and cans.

Archaeological or traditional sites that represent the activities of Native Americans are the most

sensitive properties to manage. The locations of these sites have often been lost to the people whose

ancestors made them or used them. Many archaeological sites are sacred to the Native Americans.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

Potential impacts to cultural sites in the Wilderness areas include direct and indirect damage

from pedestrian traffic, vandalism, removal of artifacts, and unauthorized excavations. Site

stewardship efforts and increased patrol by law enforcement officers and other BLM and FS staff

would help reduce impacts to cultural sites. General interpretive information on wilderness

resources, including cultural resources, would also help reduce impacts through increased public

education. Periodic monitoring of visitor use would trigger mitigation efforts if impacts to

cultural resources are detected. Guidance is provided in the Proposed Actions to reroute trails if

they are found to be causing impacts to cultural resources. All areas with site-specific actions

proposed by the BLM will be surveyed for cultural resources before being implemented.

Impacts of No Action

The No Action alternative would not provide any management guidance to direct visitation away

from cultural resource areas or provide other guidance on how to reduce potential impacts to

cultural resources.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of these trails. If

these additional trails pass through areas containing cultural resources, the additional visitors

may result in impacts to the cultural resources. The BLM requirement for groups with 15 or

more people to obtain a permit could help reduce impacts to cultural resources by directing the

groups to areas not known to contain sensitive cultural resources.

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Fire Management Affected Environment

The FS and BLM’s objective regarding fire management is to manage wildland and prescribed

fire as one of the tools in the treatment of vegetation communities and watersheds to achieve the

desired range of conditions for resource programs. Both areas have had fires since 2000 that

burned approximately 9,835 acres of La Madre Mountain Wilderness and 569 acres of Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness. Map 8 depicts the extent of fires in the Wilderness areas beginning in

2000. There have also been multiple fires in both Wilderness areas that occurred prior to 2000

but the extent of these fires has not been mapped.

The fire management units (FMUs) that overlap these Wilderness areas are displayed in Map 7

and described in Table 3. The fire management type displayed in Table 3 is a designation that

defines a FMU’s primary resource management objective and fire protection values.

Table 3: Fire Management Units within the Wilderness areas

FMU Name FMU Type La Madre

Mountain (acres)

Rainbow

Mountain

(acres)

Red Rock NCA (HE) –

High Elevation

Special Management Area 16,542 19,528

Red Rock NCA (LE) – Low

Elevation

Special Management Area 11,572 697

SMNRA Wilderness Wilderness NRA 19,400 4,800

The Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) is a numerical rating representing the degree of

departure from the historical fire regime and vegetation conditions in terms of fire frequency and

severity. The majority of each Wilderness area is characterized as FRCC 2 with substantial

portions rated as FRCC 3. The following are the associated FRCC definitions (there are no

FRCC 1 rated areas within these wildernesses):

• Fire Regime Condition Class 2 (CC2): Fire regimes on these lands have been moderately

altered from their historical range by either increased or decreased fire frequency. A

moderate risk of losing key ecosystem components has been identified in these lands. To

restore their historical fire regimes, these lands may require some level of restoration as

through prescribed fire, mechanical or chemical treatments, and the subsequent

reintroduction of native plants.

• Fire Regime Condition Class 3 (CC3): These lands have been significantly altered from

their historical range. Because fire regimes have been extensively altered, risk of losing

key ecosystem components from fire is high. Consequently, these lands verge on the

greatest risk of ecological collapse. To restore their historical fire regimes before

prescribed fire can be utilized to manage fuel or obtain other desired benefits these lands

may require multiple mechanical or chemical restoration treatments, or reseeding.

While the pinyon-juniper and other higher elevation ecosystems are fire adapted, the low

elevation desert ecosystems are not fire adapted. Fires in these desert scrub ecosystems may now

be fueled by the presence of non-native annual grasses, primarily red brome, which increases fire

intensity, rate of spread, and fire frequency. Non-native invasive annual grasses tend to return in

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higher densities after fire leading to an unnatural fire regime and less diverse vegetation

community. Non-native annual grasses burn more frequently and at larger scale than the native

vegetation. Fire management will continue to be an important challenge unless native vegetation

communities can be restored to these areas.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

Impacts from fire management activities include visual impact from retardant, but the use of

retardant reduces surface disturbance from line construction. Localized impacts to vegetation

may occur if motorized access is granted for a specific fire. However, MIST guidelines would be

followed in an effort to minimize impacts to wilderness character. Actions deemed necessary by

line officers or the Incident Commanders for public and firefighter safety could cause short-term

impacts to resources such as vegetation, wildlife, and weeds. On the BLM portions of the

wildernesses, suppression tactics used to limit impacts and prevent spread of non-native grasses

may have short-term impacts to wilderness character, but would enhance the natural

characteristics of wilderness in the long-term.

Post-fire ESR seeding or planting treatments, if successful, would benefit wilderness by restoring

natural vegetation communities or establishing a less fire-prone community even if non-native

species are approved. Fire management strategy may be altered in order to protect cultural

resources.

The differences between agency fire management strategies may have long- and short-term

impacts to vegetation, visual and wilderness character.

Impacts of No Action

The No Action would not alter fire management program activities, therefore impacts would be

the same as the Proposed Action.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts due to Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action.

Wildlife Affected Environment

The Wilderness areas support a rich community of nearly 300 wildlife species including species

characteristic of the north-eastern Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. Wildlife species in the

general area include mammals, birds, and reptiles. No fish species exist within the wilderness

boundaries. Biological diversity varies according to topography, plant community, and proximity

to water, soil type, and season. Many of these species have adapted complex life strategies for

survival in the desert environment.

Several common species of reptiles are present in the surrounding habitat types. These species

include the western whip-tail (Aspidoscelis tigris), desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), side-

blotched lizard (Uta stansburniana), zebra-tail lizard (Callisaurus draconoides), Mojave Desert

tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), western shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipitalis) and garter

snake (Thamnophis sp.).

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Common bird species that are present include the rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus), black-

throated sparrow (Amphispiza quinquestriata), turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), common raven

(Corvus corax), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), and

western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea).

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Map 8: Fire Management Units and Fire History From 2000-2013

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Common mammal species include the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and the desert

cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). There are several rodent species present including cactus mice

(Peromyscus eremicus), Merriam kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami) and species associated

with rocky habitats including the wood rat (Neotoma lepida). Other mammal species present in

the areas include kit fox (Vulpes macrotis), ringtails (Bassariscus astutus), bobcat (Lynx rufus

baileyi), mountain lion (Puma concolor), and coyote (Canis latrans).

Hunting and trapping are permitted in wilderness subject to applicable State and Federal laws

and regulations. Non-commercial collection of shed antlers is also allowed. La Madre Mountain

Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness are both located within hunt unit 262. Big game

species that occupy these areas largely consist of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), rocky

mountain elk (Cervus canadensis), and desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni).

Big Game

Mule deer generally browse on forbs, grasses, and shrubs depending on the time of year. For

instance, forbs and grasses are most important in spring and summer while shrubs are most

utilized during winter and the dry summer months. According to NDOW habitat models, the

majority of both Wilderness areas provide potential habitat for mule deer except the eastern end

of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Only 175 acres, though, in the northwestern portion of

the La Madre Wilderness is considered crucial summer habitat for mule deer.

Elk browse mainly on grasses and forbs but will also eat shrubs and bark. They can occur

throughout the wooded areas of the Spring Mountains but migrate to higher elevation alpine

areas in the summer. In the Wilderness areas, they are most likely to occur in the wooded

portions west of the Spring Mountain escarpment.

While hunting is allowed for bighorn sheep in the area, they are also a BLM and FS sensitive

species and thus are discussed further under the sensitive species section.

Upland Game

Upland game species primarily consist of Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii) and Chukar

Partridge (Alectoris chukar).

Gambel’s quail is native to the Mojave Desert and the southern portion of the Great Basin. Their

primary diet consists of leaves, grasses, and seeds. Insects may be utilized during nesting season.

Water is a limiting factor and population abundance fluctuates during drought years, however,

small game wildlife water developments help stabilize population numbers (Brown et al. 1998).

Chukar partridge are from the pheasant family and were originally introduced from Pakistan as

an upland game bird. They are found on rocky hillsides or open and flat desert with sparse grassy

vegetation. They primarily eat seeds but will forage on some insects (Christensen 1996).

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

The biggest challenges to wildlife in the Wilderness areas may be invasive grasses and the

potential for climate change. Although climate change predictions are arguable, the BLM

adheres to DOI Secretarial order No. 3226, Amendment No. 1, which suggests that potential

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climate change issues be addressed in long-term planning documents. The FS also addresses

climate change considerations in long-term planning with guidance outlined in “Climate Change

Considerations in Land Management Plan Revisions, January 20, 2010.” If predicted climate

change should occur, the habitat that wildlife species depend upon could be impacted through

decreased plant species diversity, increased fire frequency, and lack of water resources. At higher

elevations or near springs, densities and competition among wildlife may increase.

While fires themselves could have long-term impacts, the ground-disturbing methods relating to

fire management activities, emergency stabilization and rehabilitation, route restoration,

installation of signs, removal of structures, and trail maintenance could have localized, short-

term impacts on behavior and movement of individuals. Rehabilitation and restoration activities

would have the long-term benefit of improving wildlife habitat and provide a less fragmented

vegetative landscape. Road restoration and installation of vehicle barriers will help reduce

vehicle incursions into the wilderness thus reducing impacts to species habitat and the direct

impacts of killing or maiming individuals that are hit by the vehicles.

The following Best Management Practices would minimize impacts to migratory or resident

birds stemming from ground disturbing activities:

1. To prevent undue harm, habitat-altering projects or portions of projects should be

scheduled outside bird breeding season. In upland desert habitats and ephemeral washes

containing upland species, the season generally occurs between March 1st and August

31st.

2. If a project that may alter any breeding habitat has to occur during the breeding season,

then a qualified biologist must survey the area for nests prior to commencement of

construction activities. This shall include burrowing and ground nesting species in

addition to those nesting in vegetation. If any active nests (containing eggs or young) are

found, or birds are identified as displaying territorial behavior, an appropriately-sized

buffer area, determined by a qualified biologist, must be avoided until the young birds

fledge.

According to the Record of Decision for the Vegetation Treatments Using Herbicides on BLM

lands in 17 Western States Programmatic EIS (2007), the herbicides that would be used for salt

cedar and giant reed treatments “are not likely to impact” wildlife when applied at typical

application rates.

During wild horse and burro gathers, short-term, localized impacts may occur. However, in the

long-term wildlife would benefit from fewer impacts to springs and less competition for forage

from wild horses and/or burros.

Impacts of No Action

In general, the impacts would be the same as the Proposed Action because fire management,

emergency stabilization and rehabilitation, and wild horse and burro management are guided by

their own resource programs and may still occur in wilderness. Wildlife disturbance due to route

restoration, installation of signs, parking areas, weed management, and trail maintenance may

still occur if these actions are implemented on a case-by-case basis with their own NEPA

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analysis. Unless implemented on a case-by-case basis, the benefits of rehabilitation and

restoration of disturbed areas and the installation of vehicle barriers would not occur.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of these trails. This

could lead to increased disturbance to species that are secretive and avoid areas where people are

present. The requirement by BLM for non-commercial groups of over 15 people to get a permit

may help reduce these types of impacts by helping control group sizes and thus the number of

people on a trail at one time.

Special Status Animal Species Affected Environment

Federally Listed Species

The only federally listed species known to occur in either Wilderness area is the Mojave Desert

tortoise. The Mojave Desert tortoise was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as

threatened in 1990. This long-lived species inhabits Mojave Desert scrub vegetation types on

flats and bajadas in the eastern Mojave Desert where they forage primarily on perennial grasses

and forbs. The primary threats include habitat loss, mortality due to vehicles, raven predation,

and disease. Based on habitat models, La Madre Mountain Wilderness contains approximately

73 acres of desert tortoise habitat in the northeast corner of the Wilderness area.

Two springsnails (Pyrgulopsis deaconi, P. turbatrix) and one butterfly (Euphilotes ancilla

cryptica) that have the potential to occur in the Wilderness areas have been petitioned to be listed

under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). All were found to possibly warrant listing under a 90-

day finding by the USFWS and are currently undergoing a status review (USFWS 2011, 2012).

The freshwater springsnails are endemic to springs located on BLM land and in RRCNCA. The

populations have been moderately impacted by recreational activities and one known population

(Rainbow Spring) is now extinct, possibly due to overgrowth of vegetation. Spring Mountains

springsnail (P. deaconi) occurs or used to occur at Willow Springs and Rainbow Spring.

Southeast Nevada springsnail (P. turbatrix) occurs at La Madre Spring and Willow Springs. The

Spring Mountains dark blue butterfly (E. ancilla cryptica) is also endemic to the Spring

Mountains. It uses the sulphur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum var. subaridum) as its

larval host plant. Its populations have been impacted mostly by loss of habitat, specifically loss

or damage to its larval host plant.

BLM Special Status, FS Sensitive, and State Protected Species

In addition to species federally protected under the ESA, BLM and FS designate additional

species of concern as Special Status or Sensitive Species. This includes wildlife that is classified

as protected under Nevada Revised Statute 501.110, species that are not federally or State

protected, and species identified by the BLM or Region 4 Regional Forester as sensitive. It is

BLM policy to provide the same level of protection for sensitive species as a federal candidate

species (BLM Manual 6840.06). The manual states, “BLM shall implement management plans

that conserve candidate species and their habitat and ensure that actions authorized, funded, or

carried out do not contribute to the need for the species to become listed.” The FS offers similar

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direction for the protection of sensitive species by managing habitats to maintain viable

populations of all existing native and desired non-native species (FSM 2670.12) and avoiding

actions that would result in the loss of species viability or create significant trends toward federal

listing (FSM 2670.32).

Table 4 lists the BLM and FS special status and sensitive wildlife species that may occur in the

planning area. However, this may not represent actual species present because extensive surveys

within the wilderness have not been conducted. It is likely that various other BLM and FS

special status and sensitive species may be discovered in the future within the boundaries of

wilderness.

The table also lists whether the species is State protected or listed under the Clark County

Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The MSHCP was written as a means to

address the conservation needs of the biological resources within Clark County in the face of

rapid urban expansion and in support of an application for a Take Permit pursuant to the

provisions of Section 10(a) of the ESA. These Wilderness areas are in Clark County and the

BLM and FS seek to be consistent with officially approved plans of other federal, state, local,

and tribal governments to the extent those plans are consistent with federal laws and regulations

applicable to public lands.

Table 4: Special Status and Sensitive Wildlife Species That Do or May Occur in the

Planning Area

Common

Name Scientific Name

BLM

Special

Status/

Sensitive

FS

Sensitive

State of

Nevada

status

Clark County

MSHCP

status

Birds Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos Y Protected Watch

Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus Y Y Endangered Covered

Northern

goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Y Sensitive Watch

Ferruginous

hawk Buteo regalis

Y Protected Watch

Swainson’s

hawk Buteo swainsoni

Y Protected

Flammulated

owl Otus flammeolus

Y Protected Watch

Pinyon jay Gymnorhinus

cyanocephalus

Y Protected

LeConte’s

thrasher Toxostoma lecontei

Y Protected Evaluation

Loggerhead

shrike Lanius ludovicianus

Y Sensitive Evaluation

Mammals

Western

pipistrelle bat Pipistrellus hesperus

Y

Pallid bat Antrozous pallidus Y Protected

Big Brown bat Eptesicus fuscus Y

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Common

Name Scientific Name

BLM

Special

Status/

Sensitive

FS

Sensitive

State of

Nevada

status

Clark County

MSHCP

status

Spotted bat Euderma maculatum Y Threatened Watch

Allen’s big-

eared bat Idionycteris phyllotis

Y Protected Watch

Western red bat Lasiurus blossevilli Y Sensitive

Hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus Y

California

myotis Myotis californicus

Y

Small-footed

myotis Myotis ciliolabrum

Y Evaluation

Long-eared

myotis Myotis evotis

Y Covered

Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes Y Protected Evaluation

Long-legged

myotis Myotis volans

Y Covered

Yuma myotis Myotis yumanensis Y Watch

Townsend’s

big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii

Y Y Sensitive Evaluation

Big free-tailed

bat Nyctinomops macrotis

Y Watch

Brazilian free-

tailed bat Tadarida brasiliensis

Y Protected

Desert bighorn

sheep Ovis canadensis nelsoni

Y Y

Reptiles

Gila monster Heloderma suspectum Y Protected Evaluation

Chuckwalla Sauromalus ater Y

Desert glossy

snake Arizona elegans eburnata

Y Covered

Mojave Desert

sidewinder Crotalus cerastes cerastes

Y Covered

Mojave Desert

tortoise Gopherus agassazii

Y Y Threatened Covered

Invertebrates

Spring Mtns

acastus

checkerspot

Chlosyne acastus robusta

Y

Covered

Spring Mtns

dark blue

butterfly

Euphilotes ancilla cryptica

Y

Covered

Morand’s

checkerspot

butterfly

Euphydryas anicia

morandi

Y

Covered

Spring Mtns

springsnail Pyrgulopsis deaconi

Y Covered

Southeast NV

springsnail Pyrgulopsis turbatrix

Y Covered

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Birds

Generally the golden eagle can be found in open country, open wooded country, and barren

areas, especially in hilly or mountainous regions. Nesting typically occurs on rock ledges, cliffs

or in large trees. Peregrine falcons are also cliff nesters and prey on other birds. Northern

goshawks and flammulated owls are found in aspen stands and mixed conifer forest. Swainson’s

hawks nest in large trees, especially riparian trees, or on cliff ledges and forage in open

shrublands and grasslands including agricultural fields. Ferruginous hawks occur in open pinyon-

juniper woodlands where they can forage in nearby shrublands.

Pinyon jays occur in open pinyon-juniper woodlands near sagebrush shrublands. LeConte’s

thrashers are found in mixed desert scrub and mesquite habitats. The loggerhead shrike prefers

open country with scattered trees and shrubs for nesting. Perches are an important habitat

component used for hunting. If natural perches are unavailable they will perch on poles, wires or

fence posts.

Bats

There are several sensitive species of bats found within the wildernesses. They can be found in a

wide range of habitats from low desert scrub to high elevation coniferous forests. They use rock

crevices, mines, caves, trees and buildings for day and night roost sites and are very sensitive to

roost disturbance

The majority of the information available about bats in the wildernesses is about bats found

around springs. Springs provide water as well as hunting grounds for many of the insect species

that form the prey base of most local bats. Bats require certain minimum surface-areas of water

to be able to skim their drinking intake while in full flight. Bats are not limited to foraging

around water sources, though, and will forage anywhere there are flying insects.

Desert Bighorn Sheep

The desert bighorn sheep is found mainly along desert mountain ranges in Nevada and California

to west Texas and south into Mexico. Bighorn sheep are gregarious, sometimes forming herds of

over 100 individuals, but small groups of 8-10 are more common. Mature males usually stay

apart from females and young for most of the year in separate bachelor herds. They usually

migrate seasonally, using larger upland areas in the summer and concentrating in sheltered

valleys during the winter. The project traverses both crucial and winter desert bighorn sheep

ranges.

Reptiles

The desert glossy snake is a burrowing, nocturnal snake that occurs in a variety of habitat

throughout the Mojave Desert including light shrubby to barren desert, grasslands and

woodlands. The desert glossy snake generally prefers open areas where the ground is sandy to

loamy.

The Mojave Desert sidewinder is a nocturnal snake hiding in the day in animal burrows or coiled

camouflaged in a shallow self-made pit at the base of a shrub. This species is most common

where there are sand hummocks topped with creosote bushes, mesquite or other desert plants but

may also occur on flats, barren dunes, hardpan and rocky hillsides.

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The Gila monster's range includes extreme southwestern Utah, southern Nevada, and adjacent

southeastern California south through southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and much of

Sonora to Sinaloa, Mexico. Its habitat includes Mojave and Sonoran desert scrub, desert

grassland, thorn scrub, and occasionally pine-oak woodland.

The western chuckwalla is found throughout the deserts of the southwestern United States and

northern Mexico. Chuckwallas inhabit rocky outcrops where cover is available between boulders

or in rock crevices, typically on slopes and open flats below 5,000 feet. Typical habitat includes

rocky hillsides and talus slopes, boulder piles, lava bed, or other clusters of rock, usually in

association Mojave Desert Shrub vegetation. This species requires shady, well-drained soils for

nests.

Butterflies

In addition to the Spring Mountains dark blue butterfly which is described under the Federally

Listed Species section, the other two sensitive butterflies are also endemic to the Spring

Mountains and occur mostly at elevations between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. Similar to the Spring

Mountains dark blue butterfly, their populations can be impacted by loss of or damage to their

larval host plants and nectar plants.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

The general impacts to sensitive species would be the same as those analyzed under Wildlife.

Rehabilitation and restoration activities would help improve sensitive species habitat and reduce

habitat fragmentation. Road restoration and installation of vehicle barriers will help reduce

vehicle incursions into the wilderness thus reducing impacts to species habitat and the direct

impacts of killing or maiming individuals that are hit by the vehicles.

Prohibiting camping within one-quarter mile of water sources with the BLM portions of the

wildernesses, and within 300 feet of water sources in the FS portions of the wildernesses, will

help reduce disturbance to sensitive species that depend on these water sources such as bighorn

sheep, bats, and springsnails. Increased visitation and use of trails may impact bighorn sheep

which prefer solitude. Use of mechanized or motorized equipment during wildlife management

activities (e.g. wildlife relocations, collar retrieval) may cause temporary disruption of wildlife

populations but the actions are performed with the intent of improving the long-term status of the

species. The use of white-nose syndrome decontamination protocols for caving activities will

help reduce the chances for the introduction of the disease to the local bat populations.

Mojave Desert Tortoise

No site specific actions are proposed by the BLM in tortoise habitat; therefore, impacts are

expected to be minimal. If any ground disturbing actions do take place within tortoise habitat,

consultation with the FWS may be required. At a minimum, BLM will implement the following

stipulations, and the FS will incorporate the following as design features in project-specific

NEPA analysis:

A speed limit of 25 miles per hour shall be required for all vehicles travelling on the

existing access roads leading to the wilderness boundary.

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Should a tortoise enter the area of activity, all activity shall cease until such time as the

animal has left the area of its own accord.

Workers will be instructed to check underneath all vehicles before moving them as

tortoises often take cover underneath parked vehicles.

Workers will be provided educational information on the Mojave Desert tortoise with

includes the legal protection and consequences for the violation of the Endangered

Species Act.

Springsnails and Butterflies

Springsnails are found in La Madre Springs. If herbicide should enter the springs, the

springsnails and other aquatic life could be killed. These potential impacts will be analyzed as

part of the separate restoration plan for La Madre Spring. BLM is also proposing to reintroduce

springsnails into Rainbow Spring which will be analyzed under a separate planning process. The

installation of vehicle barriers to limit vehicle incursions through Rainbow Spring, as identified

in the Proposed Action, will be an essential component of any reintroduction plans.

Use of herbicides to treat non-native plant species, fuels control, and vegetation management

projects have the potential to impact butterfly larval host plants and nectar plants. Except for spot

treatments of small populations of non-native plants by the BLM, these types of projects would

require analysis under a separate planning process where there potential impacts could be

specifically analyzed. Treatments of small populations of non-native plants would help control

their spread which would help reduce potential future impacts to butterfly habitat. Rehabilitation

and restoration activities may help improve butterfly habitat by increasing the density of their

larval host and nectar plants. Monitoring activities would help identify impacts to butterfly

habitat from visitor activities.

Impacts of No Action

In general, the impacts would be the same as the Proposed Action because fire management,

emergency stabilization and rehabilitation, and wild horse and burro management are guided by

their own resource programs and may still occur in wilderness. Wildlife disturbance due to route

restoration, installation of signs, parking areas, and trail maintenance may still occur if these

actions are implemented on a case-by-case basis with their own NEPA analysis. The benefits to

species habitat from restoration and installation of vehicle barriers would not occur if these

projects are not implemented. There would be no guidance on the use of decontamination

protocols during caving activities.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of these trails. This

could lead to increased disturbance to species that are secretive and avoid areas where people are

present. The requirement by BLM for non-commercial groups of 15 or more people to get a

permit may help reduce these types of impacts by helping control group sizes and thus the

number of people on a trail at one time. The requirement of a permit for recreational caving

would help reduce impacts to sensitive bat species by controlling group sizes and timing of

activities as well as providing a way for the agencies to disseminate information on white-nose

syndrome decontamination protocols.

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Special Status Plant Species Affected Environment

Nevada BLM Special Status Species include plants that are federally listed, proposed, or

candidate species under the ESA, or plant species declared by the State Forester Firewarden to be

threatened with extinction pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes (N.R.S.) 527.260-300.

According to N.R.S. 527.270, “…no member of its kind may be removed or destroyed at any

time by any means except under special permit issued by the state forester firewarden.”

The FS Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species List includes plant species that are federally listed,

proposed, or candidate species under the Endangered Species Act, or those plant species

identified by a Regional Forester for which population viability is a concern due to significant

current or predicted downward trends in population numbers, density, or in habitat capability that

reduce a species’ existing distribution.

Table 5 lists the BLM and FS special status plant species that may occur in the planning area.

However, this may not represent actual species present because extensive surveys within the

wilderness have not been conducted. It is likely that various other BLM and FS special status and

sensitive species may be discovered in the future within the boundaries of wilderness. The table

also lists whether the species is State protected or listed under the Clark County MSHCP.

Table 5: Special Status and Sensitive Plant Species That Do or May Occur in the Planning

Area

Common Name Scientific Name

BLM

Special

Status/

Sensitive

FS

Sensitive

State of

Nevada

status

Clark County

MSHCP

status

Rough angelica Angelica scabrida Y Y Covered

King’s rosy

sandwort Arenaria kingii ssp. rosea

Y Covered

Clokey milkvetch Astragalus aequalis Y Covered

Curve-podded

milkvetch Astragalus mohavensis

Y Evaluation

Spring Mountains

milkvetch Astragalus remotus

Y Y Covered

Nevada

willowherb Epilobium nevadensis

Y Y Evaluation

Charleston

Mountian

goldenbush

Ericameria compacta

Y

Inch high fleabane Erigeron uncialis ssp.

conjugans

Covered

Clokey’s

greasebush Glossopetalon clokeyi

Y Covered

Smooth dwarf

greasebush

Glossopetalon pungens

var. glabrum

Y Y Covered

Red Rock Canyon Ionactis caelestis Y Covered

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Common Name Scientific Name

BLM

Special

Status/

Sensitive

FS

Sensitive

State of

Nevada

status

Clark County

MSHCP

status

aster

Jaeger ivesia Ivesia jaegeri Y Y Covered

Charleston

lousewort

Pedicularis semibarbata

ssp. charlestonensis

Covered

Yellow twotone

beardtongue

Penstemon bicolor ssp.

bicolor

Y Evaluation

Charleston

beardtongue

Penstemon leiophyllus ssp.

keckii

Y Covered

Jaeger

beardtongue

Penstemon thompsoniae

ssp. jaegeri

Y Y Covered

Clokey mountain

sage Salvia dorrii ssp. clokeyi

Covered

Charleston

grounddaisy

Townsendia jonesii var.

tumulosa

Y Covered

Charleston violet Viola purpurea var.

charlestonensis

Y Covered

Some of the sensitive plant species are endemic to the Spring Mountains including rough

angelica, Clokey milkvetch, Spring Mountains milkvetch, Clokey’s greasebush, Red Rock

Canyon aster, and Charleston beardtongue. Several other sensitive plant species are endemic to

southern Nevada including Charleston Mountain goldenbush, inch high fleabane, Charleston

lousewort, yellow twotone beardtongue, Jaeger beardtongue, and Clokey mountain sage.

Many of the species are found in rocky limestone slopes, ridges, and outcrops including King’s

rosy sandwort, curve-podded milkvetch, Nevada willowherb, inch high fleabane, Clokey’s

greasebush, smooth dwarf greasebush, Jaeger ivesia, and Charleston grounddaisy. Red Rock

Canyon aster is only found along the sandstone escarpment in the Bridge Mountain area.

Several of the species occur on wooded slopes in the Wilderness areas. These include Charleston

Mountain goldenbush, Charleston lousewort, Charleston violet, Jaeger beardtongue, and Clokey

mountain sage. Charleston beardtongue is found on gravelly slopes at or near timberline. Rough

angelica is found in moist habitats and washes.

Clokey milkvetch occurs on dry mountain slopes while Spring Mountains milkvetch occurs on

gravelly slopes along the base of the Spring Mountains. Yellow twotone beardtongue occurs at

lower elevations in rocky washes and along gravelly roadsides.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

Similar to wildlife, the biggest long-term threats to sensitive plant species are invasive species

and the potential for climate change. Invasive species can out-compete and displace sensitive

species, and also increase the probability of fires, further reducing sensitive species populations.

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Along with illegal vehicle incursions, the ground-disturbing methods relating to fire management

activities, emergency stabilization and rehabilitation, route restoration, installation of signs,

removal of structures, and trail maintenance also have the potential to impact sensitive plant

species. Except for fire management and ESR activities, the other activities will not be

performed or the sensitive plant species will be avoided during site-specific activities proposed

in the WMP by the BLM, if there are sensitive species present in the project area as determined

by a rare plant survey completed prior to beginning work.

The FS would conduct project-specific NEPA analysis to rehabilitate illegal vehicle incursions or

conduct route restoration, removal of structures, and trail maintenance that might have the

potential to impact sensitive plant species. The FS would require an interdisciplinary analysis be

conducted to determine fire suppression rehabilitation needs for all fires larger than 500 acres,

with the exception of emergency rehabilitation measures to prevent loss of soil/water and onsite

productivity for sensitive plant species.

Rehabilitation and restoration activities along with the installation of vehicle barriers may help

improve rare plant habitat by reducing vehicle incursions and helping limit the spread of invasive

species. In addition, seeds or individuals of sensitive species could be used during rehabilitation

and restoration activities to help increase populations of sensitive species.

Impacts of No Action

In general, the impacts would be the same as the Proposed Action due to fire management and

ESR because these activities guided by their own resource programs and may still occur in

wilderness. Impacts due to invasive species would continue and may increase without invasive

species monitoring and management direction described under the Proposed Action. Impacts due

to route restoration, installation of signs, parking areas, and trail maintenance may still occur if

these actions are implemented on a case-by-case basis with their own NEPA analysis. Impacts

resulting from unmanaged and unmitigated dispersed uses, especially in areas where those uses

are expected to increase, will further degrade suitable and occupied sensitive plant species

habitats. The benefits to sensitive species from restoration and installation of vehicle barriers

would not occur if these projects are not implemented.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of these trails. If

sensitive plant species grow near these trails, there may be increased disturbance to these

populations. The limitation of horseback riding to only designated trails or washes throughout

both Wilderness areas could help reduce impacts to sensitive plant species due to cross country

travel.

Vegetation Affected Environment

The La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness are located in the

Mojave Basin and Range ecoregion (Mojave Desert). The Southwest Regional Gap Analysis

Project (SWReGAP) was initiated in 1999 and mapped landscape features for a five-state region

123

(AZ, CO, NV, NM, and UT), including ecological systems that are grouped into vegetation

patterns (Lowry et al. 2005). Map 9 displays the vegetation communities and Table 6 displays

the acreage of each within these Wilderness areas based on SWReGAP information. The general

plant species associated with each community are described below (USGS National Gap

Analysis Program, 2005).

Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland

This community typically occurs on the dry mountain ranges of the Central Basin and Range

ecoregion and the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, typically at lower elevations ranging

from 5,200─8,500 feet. These woodlands tend to be dominated by a mix of singleleaf pinyon

(Pinus monophylla) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma). Shrubs include multiple species

of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius), and grasses, such

as squirrel tail (Elymus elymoides).

Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland

This ecological system occurs in the Central Basin and Range ecoregion on dry flats and plains,

alluvial fans, rolling hills, rocky hill slopes, saddles, and ridges at elevations between

3,300─8,500 feet. Sites tend to be dry and exposed to drying winds, generally with shallow,

rocky, non-saline soils. Shrublands are dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) and may

have co-dominant species such as big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) or rabbitbrush

(Chrysothamnus spp.). Other associated shrubs may include shadscale saltbush (Atriplex

confertifolia) or bud sagebrush (Picrothamnus desertorum).

Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush Shrubland

This vegetation type typically occurs in broad basins between mountain ranges, plains, and

foothills in soils which are typically deep, well-drained, and non-saline. These shrublands are

dominated by big sagebrush, however, scattered Utah juniper and saltbush (Atriplex spp.) may be

present in some stands. Rabbitbrush and mountain mahogany may be co-dominating species in

disturbed areas. Several grass species such as Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) or

wild rye (Leymus cinereus) may be common.

Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe

This vegetation type occurs at montane and subalpine elevations on deep-soiled stony flats,

ridges, and nearly flat ridgetops, and mountain slopes. It includes sagebrush communities

occurring composed primarily of big sagebrush and related species, and antelope bitterbrush

(Purshia tridentata). Most stands have a perennial herbaceous layer >25%, common grasses

include sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) and squirrel tail. In many areas, frequent wildfires maintain

an open herbaceous-rich steppe condition, however, at most sites shrub cover can be >40%.

Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub Steppe

This ecological system occurs at lower elevations on alluvial fans and flats with moderate to

deep soils. This semi-arid shrub steppe is typically dominated by grass species (>25% cover)

with an open shrub layer. Characteristic grasses include Indian ricegrass, big galleta (Pleuraphis

rigida), and needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata). Woody species include four-wing

saltbrush (Atriplex canescens), rabbitbrush, winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), and broom

snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae).

124

Table 6: Vegetation Communities Present within the Wilderness areas

Ecological System La Madre Mountain

Wilderness (acres)

Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness (acres) Great Basin Pinyon-Juniper Woodland 22,005 8,381

Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush

Shrubland 4 –

Inter-Mountain Basins Big Sagebrush

Shrubland 17 9

Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush

Steppe 14 –

Inter-Mountain Basins Semi-Desert Shrub

Steppe 133 4

Inter-Mountain Basins Subalpine Limber-

Bristlecone Pine Woodland 179 –

Invasive Annual and Biennial Forbland 27 –

Mojave Mid-Elevation Mixed Desert Scrub 12,753 10,350

North American Warm Desert Bedrock

Cliff and Outcrop 2,517 5,873

North American Warm Desert Lower

Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrubland 164 7

Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet

Meadow 22 –

Rocky Mountain Montane Dry-Mesic

Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland 1,908 1

Rocky Mountain Montane Mesic Mixed

Conifer Forest and Woodland 1,168 1

Sonora-Mojave-Baja Semi-Desert Chaparral 6,272 233

Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush-White

Bursage Desert Scrub 37 40

Sonora-Mojave Mixed Salt Desert Scrub 5 –

Inter-Mountain Basins Subalpine Limber-Bristlecone Pine Woodland

This ecological system occurs in the Mojave Desert as open woodlands on high-elevation ridges

(between 8,300-12,000 feet) and rocky slopes above subalpine forests and woodlands. Stands

are dominated by limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and/or Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus

longaeva), while singleleaf pinyon may be present in lower-elevation stands. If present, shrub

herbaceous layers are generally sparse and composed of shrubs, grasses, and cushion plants.

Associated species may include common juniper (Juniperus communis), squirrel tail, and

mountain gooseberry (Ribes montigenum).

Invasive Annual and Biennial Forbland

Areas that are dominated by introduced annual and/or biennial forb species such as red brome

(Bromus rubens) and Russian thistle (Salsola spp.).

Mojave Mid-Elevation Mixed Desert Scrub

This ecological system is generally found in the eastern and central Mojave Desert and on lower

piedmont slopes in the transition zone into the southern Central Basin and Range ecoregion. The

vegetation in this ecological system is diverse. Characteristic species include blackbrush

125

(Coleogyne ramosissima), eastern Mojave buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), Nevada jointfir

(Ephedra nevadensis), Mojave yucca (Yucca schidigera), and Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia).

Grass species may include Indian ricegrass, or big galleta.

North American Warm Desert Bedrock Cliff and Outcrop

This vegetation pattern is found from subalpine to foothill elevations and includes barren and

sparsely covered terrain (generally <10% plant cover) consisting of steep cliff faces with scree

and talus slopes, narrow canyons, and smaller rock outcrops. There is a diverse suite of species

including golden bush (Ericameria cuneata), Utah agave (Agave utahensis), rock spirea

(Petrophytum caespitosum), various cactus species, and lichens.

North American Warm Desert Lower Montane Riparian Woodland and Shrub

This ecological stystem occurs in mountain canyons and valleys consisting of mid- to low-

elevation (3,600-5,900 feet) riparian corridors along perennial and seasonally intermittent

streams. The vegetation is a mix of riparian woodlands and shrublands. Dominant trees include

cottonwood (Populus fremontii), ash (Fraxinus spp.), and others. Dominant shrubs types include

willow (Salix spp.), desert almond (Prunus fasciculata), and mule-fat (Baccharis salicifolia).

Vegetation is dependent upon annual or periodic flooding and associated sediment scour and/or

annual rise in the water table for growth and reproduction.

Rocky Mountain Alpine-Montane Wet Meadow These are high-elevation communities (3,200-

11,800 feet) occurring as large meadows in montane or subalpine valleys, found on flat areas to

gentle slopes. It is dominated by herbaceous species found on wetter sites. This system occurs as

a mosaic of several plant associations, often dominated by grasses, including Letterman needle

grass (Achnatherum lettermanii), Jaeger whitlow cress (Draba jaegeri), rock columbine

(Aquilegia scopulorum), sedge (Carex spp.), and sheep fescue. Often alpine dwarf-shrublands,

especially those dominated by willow (Salix spp.), are immediately adjacent to the wet meadows,

strongly associated with snowmelt.

Rocky Mountain Montane Dry-Mesic Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland

This highly variable system of the montane zone is composed of mixed-conifer forests occurring

on all aspects from 3,900-10,800 feet. Rainfall averages less than 30 inches per year with

summer monsoons contributing considerable moisture. White fir (Abies concolor) and ponderosa

pine (Pinus ponderosa) are the dominant species. Limber pine is common. Numerous cold-

deciduous shrub and grass species are common, including mountain mahogany, creeping

barberry (Mahonia repens), and mountain snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus). This system

was a mixed severity fire regime in its “natural condition,” having a high degree of variability in

mortality and return interval.

Rocky Mountain Montane Mesic Mixed Conifer Forest and Woodland

This mixed conifer forest system occurs mainly in cool ravines and on north-facing slopes at

elevations from 3,900 to 10,900 feet. Fires occur at variable intervals and are mostly light,

erratic, and infrequent. White fir usually dominates, but ponderosa pine may be present.

Numerous cold-deciduous species can occur, including Rocky Mountain maple (Acer glabrum).

Herbaceous species include brome (Bromus spp.), sedge (Carex spp.), fleabane (Erigeron spp.),

sweetcicely (Osmorhiza depauperata), and Fendler meadow-rue (Thalictrum fendleri).

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Map 9: Vegetation Communities in the Wilderness areas

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Sonora-Mojave-Baja Semi-Desert Chaparral

This ecological system is found in the western Mojave and Sonoran deserts where evergreen

shrublands on sideslopes transition from low-elevation desert landscapes up into woodlands.

Associated species include oak (Quercus spp.), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), desert

ceanothus (Ceanothus greggi), and ashy silktassel (Garrya flavescens)

Sonora-Mojave Creosotebush-White Bursage Desert Scrub

This desert scrub system is characteristic of the broad valleys, bajadas, plains, and low hills in

the Mojave and lower Sonoran deserts. Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and white bursage

(Ambrosia dumosa) are typically the dominant species, but many shrubs may co-dominate or

form sparse understories in any given area. Associated species include four-wing saltbrush,

brittlebrush (Encelia farinosa), Nevada jointfir, boxthorn (Lycium andersonii) and beavertail

cactus (Opuntia basilaris). The understory is typically sparse but may be seasonally abundant

with short-lived wildflowers. Herbaceous species such as sandmat (Chamaesyce spp.), fluffgrass

(Dasyochloa pulchella), and desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum) are common.

Sonora-Mojave Mixed Salt Desert Scrub

This system is found in the Mojave Desert and includes extensive open-canopied shrublands of

typically saline basins, often around playas. Vegetation is composed of one or more saltbush

species (Atriplex spp.) such as four-wing saltbush or cattle saltbush (Atriplex polycarpa). Species

of allenrolfea (Allenrolfea spp.), pickleweed (Salicornia spp.), seepweed (Suaeda spp.), or other

salt tolerant plants are often present to codominant. Grass species may include alkali sacaton

(Sporobolus airoides) or saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) at varying densities.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

The one new trailhead (Bridge Mountain Trail trailhead) proposed for construction by BLM

would be located outside the wilderness boundary in an area that is already relatively disturbed.

The newly designated trails are all currently existing visitor-worn hiking paths and thus are also

already relatively disturbed. Thus, there would be only nominal further impacts to surrounding

vegetation communities due to these actions proposed by the BLM.

Approximately 10 miles of decommissioned routes would be rehabilitated by BLM. Reclaiming

decommissioned routes would reduce or eliminate further unauthorized incursions and allow for

new plant growth which would enhance the vegetation communities in proximity to these former

routes. In addition to rehabilitation, vehicle barriers outside of wilderness, including those

proposed on routes leading to the Rainbow Spring area, would prevent vehicles from

unauthorized travel inside wilderness, thus limiting impacts to vegetation.

Very small amounts of vegetation may be temporarily impacted from authorized motorized

access that may occur through future emergency stabilization and rehabilitation, wildlife

management, or fire management actions. The Proposed Action does allow for the use of seeding

or planting of native vegetation as part of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation actions after

fires.

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Approved research on native plant communities, vegetation restoration projects, and monitoring

could improve vegetation communities within wilderness. The prohibition of geocaching would

prevent disturbance to vegetation that could occur through object burial and the development of

social trails relating to geocaching.

Impacts of No Action

Without the guidance of a management plan and subsequent monitoring, altered vegetation

communities may persist or further degrade impacting wildlife habitat and increasing fire

frequency and severity. Unmonitored recreational use of the Wilderness areas could result in

impacts to vegetation on foot-worn paths and at campsites. Not installing signs, rehabilitating

decommissioned routes, or installing barriers outside of wilderness could lead to degradation of

vegetation communities through an increase in motorized trespass and poor wilderness ethics

from recreational users.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails by the BLM under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of

these trails. These additional trails are currently existing visitor-worn hiking paths and thus there

would be only nominal further impacts to surrounding vegetation communities. The limitation of

equestrian use to only designated trails or washes would help reduce impacts to vegetation due to

cross country equestrian travel.

Invasive Non-Native Plant Species (Including Noxious Weeds) Affected Environment

Noxious and non-native invasive weeds are frequent obstacles to managing wilderness character

in the Mojave Desert ecoregion. Non-native invasive species are defined by Executive Order

13112 as “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or

environmental harm or harm to human health.” Alien refers to a species that did not evolve in the

environment in which it is found. Noxious weeds are any plant designated by a Federal, State, or

County government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or property

(Sheley, Petroff, and Borman 1999).

Noxious weeds in Nevada are classified by the Nevada Department of Agriculture and the Plant

Protection Act (2000) administered by USDA APHIS. Category A weeds are weeds that are

generally not found or are limited in distribution throughout the State. Such weeds are subject to

active exclusion from the State, active eradication wherever found, and active eradication from

the premises of a dealer of nursery stock. Category B weeds are generally established in scattered

populations in some counties of the State. Such weeds are subject to active exclusion where

possible and active eradication from the premises of a dealer of nursery stock. Category C weeds

are generally established and generally widespread in many counties of the State. Such weeds are

subject to active eradication from the premises of a dealer of nursery stock.

Weed management is challenged by extensive fires that occurred throughout these Wilderness

areas in recent years, in part because of invasive annual grasses. Very wet winters and springs

can produce high densities of red brome. This species tends to return in higher densities after

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fire, which maintains an unnatural fire regime and a less diverse vegetation community. Another

challenge stems from the fact the Wilderness areas are bordered by several major paved roads

including State Routes 157, 159, and 160 along with the Red Rock Scenic Drive and Lovell

Canyon Road. Vehicles using these roads can act as vectors to bring new invasive species close

to the boundary of the Wilderness areas which can then quickly spread into the Wilderness areas

themselves.

Current noxious and invasive weed infestations include, but are not limited to: red brome

(invasive), giant reed (noxious), and salt cedar (noxious). The potential exists for further

infestations of these species, and others, coming from surrounding areas.

Giant Reed (Arundo donax) is classified in Nevada as a Category A Noxious weed and has been

documented in the La Madre Spring area of the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. It is a tall

perennial grass similar in appearance to bamboo. It can reach heights of 8 meters and in the

Mojave Desert is normally found in riparian areas. It does not reproduce through seed but instead

spreads asexually through underground rhizomes. It can grow and spread very rapidly, out-

competing and displacing native vegetation. Control is difficult due to the ability of the

underground root system to resprout after cutting or fire. Thus effective control involves either

the use of herbicides to kill the root system or mechanical removal of the entire root system

(Dudley 2000).

Tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) is classified in Nevada as a Category C noxious weed. There are

several documented small infestations at Rainbow Spring and Pine Creek Canyon in the

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. Tamarisk is fire adapted, each plant can produce up to 500,000

wind-blown seeds, the leaves and flowers contain few nutrients for wildlife, and it tends to grow

in riparian areas or where water is near the surface. Native aquatic systems are disrupted because

of long tap roots that are capable of intercepting deep water tables and increased salinity of the

surrounding soil after leaves drop. In turn, native species such as willow and mesquite are

displaced leaving poor habitat and forage for wildlife. After burning or cutting, tamarisk can

easily resprout making it difficult to eliminate (Muzika and Swearingen 2006).

Red brome (Bromus rubens) is an invasive, annual grass present in large areas at various

densities throughout both Wilderness areas and can be found in blackbrush, creosote bush, and

creosote bush-saltbush-blackbrush vegetation communities. Red brome flourishes in areas with

weak competition from native plants and can grow on all types of topography. It is considered

poor forage for cattle and wildlife due to its very short growing season. Red brome dominated

landscapes generally have increased fire frequency and intensity compared to areas with native

vegetation because red brome leaves behind abundant and persistent fine fuels that promote hot,

fast fires. Whereas dead native annual species may only persist on the landscape up to one year,

dead red brome stems and blades can last up to two years. Fires generated from red brome are

usually not hot enough to burn large shrubs such as creosote bush, but can burn small shrubs

such as white bursage (Simonin 2001).

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Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

In general, the management actions outlined in this plan apply best management practices and

standard operating procedures that are focused on preventing the spread of weeds by vectors

such as vehicles or equipment. The ability to detect noxious and invasive weeds would be

enhanced over the No Action alternative through a greater emphasis on regular wilderness

monitoring. Weed treatment procedures within these areas would be generally defined and

compatible with limiting or eliminating noxious and invasive weeds.

High-use parking areas and designated trails could be infested by weeds through vehicle or

human transport. The continued presence and anticipated increase of recreational activities,

including hiking, camping, and horse packing, may contribute to the spread of noxious and

invasive species as a result of trampling of native species and the possibility of spreading

noxious and invasive seeds into wilderness. Pack stock animals used for recreational horseback

riding and routine livestock maintenance would be fed with packed-in, certified, weed-free feed,

decreasing their contribution to weed infestation problems and the impact of incidental

recreational horse browsing on vegetation.

Authorized motorized access could occur through fire management, ESR, or wildlife

management. Such access may introduce or cause disturbances that encourage noxious and

invasive weed establishment within wilderness. Emergency stabilization and rehabilitation

activities would be designed to help limit the spread or introduction of invasive species after

fires. If these post-fire activities should fail, then noxious and invasive weeds may increase in

burned areas. However, if efforts are successful, then post-fire weed establishment or expansion

would be minimized or stopped. This may enhance the ability of the BLM and FS to control,

contain, or eliminate certain invasive grasses within these areas and prevent an annual grass fire

cycle which could further harm the native vegetation in the area.

Rehabilitation of small-scale disturbances would include methods such as decompaction,

scarifying, and pitting soil that may stimulate the growth of noxious and invasive weeds. Future

approved vegetation restoration projects may cause small, local disturbances that could increase

local noxious and invasive weed populations. Best management practices are described in the

Proposed Action to help limit the spread of invasive species during restoration activities. The

application of biological soil crusts as part of restoration activities may also help limit the spread

of invasive species.

Impacts of No Action Weed introduction from individuals hiking and from vehicles along cherry stem routes and

wilderness boundary roads may occur. Compared to the Proposed Action, weed treatment would

be sporadic and would not occur in a timely manner. Additionally, when weeds are found, site-

specific NEPA analysis would need to be performed and would not be guided by the treatment

options and priorities outlined in the Proposed Action, further slowing down the ability to treat

weeds in a timely manner. Treatment of the giant reed infestation around La Madre Spring could

still be done as analyzed under BLM EA NV-S010-2013-0044.

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Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts from Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the Proposed Action. The

designation of more trails under this alternative may lead to more visitor use of these trails. The

increased visitation could increase the chances for the introduction and spread of invasive

species into these areas. The limitation of equestrian use to designated trails and washes under

this alternative would help reduce the possibility for the introduction of invasive species during

cross country equestrian travel.

Recreation Affected Environment These Wilderness areas are generally within a half hour drive from Las Vegas, Nevada. Year

round visitation to the Wilderness areas is possible, although visitation may be limited during

winter when snow is possible, and summer when temperatures surpass 100°F. Although the

amount of annual visitation is unknown, it is presumed to be high in the eastern canyons of the

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and the south-eastern portions of the La Madre Mountain

Wilderness that are accessible from the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive. Visitation to the other

portions of the Wilderness areas is presumed to be low.

Recreational activities include hiking, climbing, canyoneering, enjoying scenery, photography,

nature study, and hunting. Scarcity of water may limit some activities, such as horseback riding

and backpacking, as finding springs can be challenging. The Wilderness areas range in elevation

from 3,570 feet to the 9,422 foot ridgeline south of Griffith Peak, within La Madre Mountain

Wilderness. The rugged peaks, cliffs, and remote canyons offer destinations for hikers and

climbers. There are numerous popular hiking destinations within both Wilderness areas, many of

which are listed on websites and outdoors publications. These destinations include both currently

designated trails and undesignated visitor-worn hiking paths. There are currently five and two

designated trails in the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness areas

respectively. There are also numerous popular rock climbing areas within both Wilderness areas,

many of which are accessed by undesignated visitor-worn hiking paths.

Hunting occurs for desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, elk, and upland game birds including chukar

partridge and Gamble’s quail. Cave resources are known to exist, however, they are relatively

inaccessible, and their level of use is unknown. Target shooting is currently prohibited within the

RRCNCA and the FS portions of the Wilderness areas.

The BLM currently does not currently require a permit for non-commercial organized groups or

events to visit the Wilderness areas, but reserves the authority to require permits for non-

commercial organized groups or events, and recreation use of special areas under 43 CFR

Subpart 2932. The FS requires a permit for publicized and/or organized events with 15 or more

participants if any portion of the activity takes place within wilderness. Camping is currently not

allowed by the BLM east of the Spring Mountain escarpment and south of the 6,500 foot

elevation contour of La Madre Mountain. For the BLM portion of the wildernesses, the only

camping restrictions in other areas of the Wilderness areas are the 14-day stay limit and no

camping with one-quarter mile of water sources. The FS places restrictions on campsite density.

The FS also places 14-day stay limits on overnight camping and prohibits camping within 300

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feet of water sources or riparian areas. Campfires are currently not allowed within either the

RRCNCA or the SMNRA. Commercial operation of guided hikes, climbs, and equestrian use do

require a permit within the wildernesses and guidelines for the number of permits and size limits

have been established by each agency for the land managed under its respective authority.

The majority of these Wilderness areas provide the opportunity to experience a sense of

remoteness and isolation. There are numerous draws, ravines, rocky outcrops, ridges, and

canyons that create secluded locales. These locales, the wilderness’ large area, and low visitation

throughout most of the Wilderness areas combine to provide outstanding opportunities for

solitude. However, sparse vegetation and periodic sights and sounds of vehicles in adjacent lands

and aircraft flying overhead may decrease experiences of solitude. Opportunities for solitude are

present but not outstanding in the portions of the Wilderness areas close to the Red Rock Scenic

Drive due heavy visitor use.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action The Proposed Action includes designation by the BLM of four additional trails, three in the La

Madre Mountain Wilderness and one in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, totaling

approximately 5.9 miles. The BLM would also create one new trailhead and install informational

signs. No new trails are proposed for the FS portion of the wildernesses. The Proposed Action

would provide hiking opportunities and protection of resources by concentrating impacts in those

areas over No Action. Recreational use may create temporary localized impacts to wildlife

through displacement of individual animals; however, the recreational experience may also be

improved through increased opportunities to observe wildlife.

Off-trail travel would not be impacted. The experience of visitors seeking a more primitive and

unconfined form of recreation would be enhanced, and opportunities for solitude would remain

extensive. Signs may increase protection of the wilderness resource and enhance visitors’

experiences by providing recreationists with information and education. A monitoring system

would be established to prevent or respond to degradation of trails, campsites, solitude,

additional foot-worn hiking paths, and recreational impacts to other resources.

Non-commercial organized groups or event and recreation use of special areas (i.e., Wilderness),

regardless of group size, will be subject to permitting by the BLM under this alternative (43 CFR

Subpart 2932). While this policy won’t prohibit these group activities, it would put an additional

requirement on those visitors wishing to participate in group activities. The requirement for

permits for non-commercial organized group activities would provide the BLM a way to help

control the intensity and location of these activities to help limit impacts to natural and cultural

resources.

Recreational activities may be impacted by temporary closures of areas as a result of fire

suppression activities, ESR, and herbicide use in non-native invasive and noxious weed

treatments.

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Impacts of No Action No new trails would be designated. The lack of the additional designated trails may increase

opportunities for recreationists seeking a primitive and unconfined type of recreation and

increased opportunities for solitude. However, the absence of designated trails may result in

numerous foot-worn hiking paths, which may increase disturbance to vegetation and soils.

The lack of signs may attract fewer recreationists to the wilderness, thereby potentially

enhancing the wilderness resource; though, lack of information and education may also reduce

visitors’ experience and protection of the wilderness resource. The consequences of visitor

impacts may detract from the wilderness setting if there is no monitoring system and strategy in

place to deal with those impacts.

Impacts of other resources to recreation, including fire suppression activities, emergency

stabilization and rehabilitation, and herbicide treatments of non-native invasive and noxious

weed treatments would be the same as the Proposed Action.

Impacts of Alternative 3

In addition to the trails and trailheads that would be designated by the BLM under the Proposed

Action, under Alternative 3, BLM would designate three additional trails totaling approximately

24.6 miles. The BLM would also construct three new trailheads under this alternative.

In addition to permit requirements for non-commercial organized groups and events under the

Proposed and No Action alternatives, recreational caving would require a permit under this

alternative. While this policy won’t prohibit this activity, it would put an additional requirement

on those visitors wishing to participate in caving. The requirement for permits for these activities

would provide the agencies a way to help control the intensity and location of these activities to

help limit impacts to natural and cultural resources. Cross country equestrian use would also be

prohibited under this alternative, which would be an additional restriction to recreation compared

to the Proposed Action.

Wild Horse and Burro Affected Environment

Wild horses and burros are protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971

(Public Law 92-195). Three wild horse or burro areas overlap or are adjacent to the two

Wilderness areas. The three areas are the BLM managed Red Rock HMA and Wheeler Pass

HMA and the FS managed Spring Mountains WHBT. Although the Wilderness areas include

herd areas, wild horse and burro use is managed for zero animals in the wilderness portions of

the herd areas. Periodic gathers may occur to achieve this management level when wild horses or

burros are found to have expanded into the Wilderness areas from nearby locations.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action In general, no long-term impacts from periodic wild horse or burro gathers would occur. Horses

or burros that may accumulate in the Wilderness areas in between gathers may be impacted due

to recreational use of the Wilderness areas.

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Impacts of No Action Under the No Action alternative wild horse and burro management would still occur and thus the

potential impacts would be the same.

Impacts of Alternative 3

The impacts to wild horses and burros from the actions in Alternative 3 would be the same as

those under the Proposed Action.

Wilderness Affected Environment

Wilderness is an area designated by Congress and defined by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as a

place that (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature with the

imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude

or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation; (3) has at least five thousand acres of land or is

of sufficient size as to make practicable is preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and

(4) may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or

historical value. The WMP addresses management of La Madre Mountain Wilderness and

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. Wilderness characteristics are described as: untrammeled,

natural, undeveloped, having outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined

recreation, and unique/supplemental value.

Untrammeled

Trammeling activities that have occurred in the Wilderness areas include the control of wildfires

removal of vegetation along trails and at the base of climbing routes, and the reintroduction of

native species. Trammels in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness also include recent restoration

activities at Willow Spring along with three concreted dams and a spring development which

existed prior to wilderness designation and impound water. Historic trammels in the areas

include grazing and the fence at Rainbow Spring. Grazing of livestock no longer occurs and the

fence at Rainbow Spring no longer functions in excluding wildlife from the spring.

Natural

The natural character of the Wilderness areas is mostly preserved, however some changes in

vegetation have occurred, most notably the introduction of non-native invasive plants and

alterations in native vegetation species distribution and composition due to fires, old vehicle

routes, and vehicle incursions.

Undeveloped

The two Wilderness areas are mostly undeveloped. There are currently 13 miles and 0.35 miles

of designated trails in the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness areas

respectively. There is a fence and an old mine adit in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. La

Madre Mountain Wilderness has the aforementioned dams and spring development, a concrete

trough and an interpretive sign in Brownstone Basin, a wooden bench at White Rock Spring, two

mine adits and an associated rock structure above La Madre Spring, and three concrete building

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pads near La Madre Spring. Several of the peaks have summit registers and there are numerous

geocache locations within both Wilderness areas.

Currently, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is authorized to conduct Search and

Rescue training for its pilots and crew, utilizing a helicopter and subject to specific restrictions.

Use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and/or mechanical transport have been used in the

Wilderness areas in response to emergencies involving the health and safety of individuals (e.g.,

rock climbing accidents). Additionally, helicopter tours and commercial airlines use the airspace

above the Wilderness areas; while these types of aircraft may be seen and heard from within the

Wilderness areas, the FAA manages airspace.

Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation

Though formal research of visitor use has not been conducted within the wildernesses, informal

monitoring reveals that visitor use in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness is higher in the eastern

portions of the major canyons nearer the Scenic Drive and in La Madre Mountain Wilderness it

is higher in the portions of the wilderness nearest the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, Calico

Basin, and less so in Brownstone Basin. Casual horseback riding is limited due to the extremely

steep and rocky terrain and limited water availability. There is currently one commercial guided

horse ride operation occurring within the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness; the current permit

allows for two tours per day with a maximum of 12 horses per guided tour. No guided horse

rides are currently operating in the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. There are no current permits

for commercial guided hikes in the Wilderness areas but the Red Rock Canyon Interpretive

Association does occasionally lead hikes that go into the Wilderness areas.

The quality of technical rock climbing available in the wilderness is considered to be

outstanding. The Wilderness areas are world renowned climbing destinations, with climbing

opportunities to meet a wide range of skill levels. The area is particularly known for its

numerous classic multi-pitch moderate routes. Commercial climbing is allowed and provides

visitors the opportunity to enlist professional climbing instruction/guiding. The number of

commercial (outfitter and guide) rock climbing permits, authorizing full time year-round use for

the wildernesses is limited to no more than five at any one time while “guest permits” allow

limited visitation within a calendar year. Furthermore only one group with a maximum of 12

individuals is allowed per area in the RRCNCA.

The only agency provided facilities include portions of two designated trails totaling 0.36 miles

in Rainbow Mountain Wilderness and five designated trails totaling approximately 13.4 miles in

La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Current data shows there are numerous miles of unauthorized

user-created trails due in part to climber access trails for specific climbing routes and numerous

books and websites identifying hiking opportunities and destinations within both Wilderness

areas. Other user-created recreation facilities include dispersed campsites.

Opportunities for solitude are outstanding throughout the majority of both Wilderness areas. This

is due in part to the topographic variability of steep escarpments bisected in numerous places by

major canyons, as well as the diversity of vegetation which enhances the visual screening. Due to

the proximity of Las Vegas and McCarran International Airport, there can be substantial noise

and light pollution in some portions of the Wilderness areas. Visitor use levels are higher during

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the cooler months of the year, generally September through May. The Wilderness areas also

provide opportunities for a variety of primitive and unconfined types of recreation including

hiking, hunting, exploration, photography, rock climbing, canyoneering, viewing scenery and

wildlife. Horseback riding, both casual and commercial guided horse ride operations, is limited

due to the extremely steep and rocky terrain.

While there is currently no final WMP, the BLM, through its RRCNCA RMP identifies the

following restrictions on recreation: all camping is limited to a 14 day maximum stay; camping

on the escarpment is by authorized permit only; within the wilderness, camping between the

escarpment crest and eastward to the canyon floor (4,400 ft. contour) requires a camping permit;

no camping is allowed within 1/4 mile of springs and riparian areas; camping at the base of the

escarpment is not allowed; campfires are not allowed, only camp stoves; collection of natural

resources is not allowed; and target shooting is not allowed..

The following restrictions on climbing activities are also in place through the current RRCNCA

RMP: alteration of the rock surfaces by gluing chipping or chiseling is not allowed; no climbing

allowed within 50 feet of rock art; areas may be closed to climbing due to the presence of nesting

raptors; no permanent fixed ropes or cables for climbing or belaying purposes are allowed;

placement of new bolts is not allowed; and replacement of existing climbing bolts and hangers is

only allowed after concurrence with the CLC and using hand drill only.

The Humboldt-Toiyabe GMP currently has the following restrictions on recreation: camping is

prohibited within 300 feet of water sources and riparian areas; campfires and target shooting are

prohibited; non-commercial publicized and organized events with 15 or more people require a

permit; rock climbing is not allowed with 50 feet of rock art or 100 feet of peregrine falcon nests;

alteration of the rock surfaces by gluing chipping or chiseling is not allowed; permanent fixed

ropes or cables for climbing or belaying purposes are prohibited; and collection of listed and

sensitive species requires a permit.

Unique/Supplemental Value

Several special features supplement the wilderness values of the areas. The sandstone

escarpment and red and buff colored formations in the White Rock Hills and Brownstone Basin

are of geological, ecological, and scenic interest. The cross-bedding of ancient sand dunes and

the Keystone Thrust of older limestone over the younger sandstone is dramatically evident and is

of geologic, paleontological, and scientific interest. This particular site is internationally regarded

as the single finest example of a thrust fault. Weathering of the sandstone layers has created

natural bridges, arches, and sloughs through which seasonal runoff cascades as waterfalls.

Canyons below the escarpments create micro-climates that sustain botanical resources

dramatically different from those of the surrounding Mojave Desert such as endemic plant

species and relic stands of ponderosa pine, which occur at unusually low elevations. Natural

water impoundments in the sandstone provide reliable water sources that sustain a variety of

wildlife. A sizeable population of solitude-dependent bighorn sheep find crucial habitat within

the areas, while both Wilderness areas support a small herd of elk. The presence of kit fox,

bobcat, mountain lion, and a variety of raptors also offers excellent opportunities for scientific

observation and nature study.

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A wide range of cultural resources are of special value in the reconstruction of regional history.

Prehistoric sites in the Wilderness areas include rock art, lithic scatters, rock shelters, campsites,

milling stations, and agave roasting pits. Brownstone Basin has been listed on the National

Register of Historic Places because of the concentration and diversity of cultural site types

including the occurrence of rare polychrome pictographs.

Environmental Consequences

Impacts of Proposed Action

Untrammeled

Trammeling due to fire control activities, the dams in Brownstone Basin, and the White Rock

Spring development would continue under the Proposed Action. Control of invasive species and

rehabilitation activities of small surface disturbances, decommissioned routes, and after fires

would all be actions causing short term trammeling. The re-introduction or translocation of

native species would also be short term trammels. These actions would all have the benefit of

improving the long-term naturalness of the areas though.

Natural

As mentioned above, the control of invasive species and rehabilitation of disturbed areas would

help improve the natural character of the Wilderness areas. Increased visitor use of newly

designated trails may lead to additional impacts to surrounding vegetation and the increased

chance for the introduction of invasive species.

Undeveloped

A fence would be removed and the old mine adit would be closed by the BLM in the Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness. In the La Madre Mountain Wilderness, the interpretive signs at La Madre

Spring and Brownstone Basin, wooden bench at White Rock Spring, and three concrete building

pads near La Madre Spring would all be removed under the Proposed Action. In addition, the

two mine adits above La Madre Spring would be closed. These actions would help improve the

undeveloped character of the areas.

The designation of 3.6 and 2.3 miles of new trails in the La Madre Mountain and Rainbow

Mountain Wilderness areas respectively would be a negative impact to the undeveloped

character of the Wilderness areas. The creation of trailheads outside of wilderness, though,

would help prevent vehicle incursions and thereby improve the undeveloped character.

The dams and trough in Brownstone Basin, the White Rock Spring development, and the rock

structure above La Madre Spring would not be removed under the Proposed Action and would

continue to impact the undeveloped character of the Wilderness area. The use of helicopters

during Search and Rescue training would also continue under the Proposed Action, under the

authority of each agency’s delegating official

Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude and Primitive, Unconfined Recreation

The designation of additional trails by BLM as proposed in the plan may impact opportunities

for solitude due to increased use of the trails. The new trails may also impact a visitor’s sense of

primitive recreation and minimally decreases the sense for self-reliance and discovery.

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Opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation would still be available throughout the

Wilderness areas even with the designation of the new trails due to the ruggedness of the areas.

Many of the limits to recreation under the Proposed Action are already existing agency policies

and/or laws and thus the impacts to unconfined recreation would be the same as those under the

No Action alternative. The prohibition of traditional geocaching, where items are placed in the

wilderness, would also impact the unconfined recreation character but would help limit impacts

to the natural and undeveloped character from this activity. Virtual geocaching would still be

allowed in the areas.

Unique/Supplemental Value

Impacts to the supplemental values of the areas would be reduced under the Proposed Action by

providing guidance to reroute trails if they are impacting cultural or natural resources. Structures

that are historically significant would be left in place for visitors to experience and enjoy.

Guidance on education, wildlife management, and research along with the prohibition of the

collection of natural and cultural resources would help limit impacts to supplemental values of

the areas.

Impacts of No Action Untrammeled

Impacts to the untrammeled character under the No Action Alternative would be similar to those

under the Proposed Action. Trammeling due to fire control activities and restoration of small site

disturbances could still occur due to existing policies. The management of wildlife, including re-

introduction or translocation of native species could still occur without a WMP in place.

Natural

Control of invasive species and rehabilitation of disturbance could still occur on a case-by-case

basis under the No Action Alternative but would not be guided by an overarching WMP.

Undeveloped

The existing structures and mine adits in the Wilderness areas would still exist under the No

Action Alternative unless they are removed after individual site specific NEPA analysis. Search

and Rescue activities would still occur under the No Action Alternative. No new trails would be

designated under the No Action Alternative but visitors would continue to use existing visitor-

worn hiking paths.

Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude and Primitive, Unconfined Recreation

No new trails would be designated under the No Action Alternative and thus would not impact

opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation beyond already existing impacts. The limits to

recreation based on current BLM and FS policies would remain in effect. Thus there would be no

impact to the unconfined recreation character in these portions of the Wilderness areas but it

could lead to confusion for visitors due to different policies in different portions of the

Wilderness areas.

Unique/Supplemental Value

The protection of the supplemental values of the Wilderness areas would not be guided by a

WMP. There would be no guidance on the rerouting of trails, education, wildlife management,

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and research that may help reduce impacts to supplemental values. The collection of natural

resources would still be allowed on the FS portion of the Wilderness areas.

Impacts of Alternative 3 Untrammeled

Impacts to the untrammeled character of the Wilderness areas under Alternative 3 would be the

same as those under the Proposed Action.

Natural

Impacts to the natural character of the Wilderness areas under Alternative 3 would be similar to

those under the Proposed Action. The additional trails designated by BLM under this alternative

may lead to more areas potentially receiving impacts to vegetation and invasive species

introduction due to increased visitor use. The prohibition of cross country equestrian use would

help reduce impacts to vegetation and introduction of invasive species in these areas.

Undeveloped

Impacts to the undeveloped character due to removal of some of the existing structures under

Alternative 3 would be the same as those under the Proposed Action. The designation of 24.6

miles of additional trails in the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness compared the Proposed Action

would be an additional negative impact to the undeveloped character of the area.

Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude and Primitive, Unconfined Recreation

Under Alternative 3, there would be more new trails designated by BLM in addition to those

designated under the Proposed Action. This would result in additional impacts to the

opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation compared to the Proposed Action. In addition,

the requirement of a permit for caving and the prohibition on cross-county equestrian travel

would impact the unconfined recreation character of the areas.

Unique/Supplemental Value

The impacts to supplemental values under Alternative 3 would be similar to those under the

Proposed Action.

Cumulative Impacts

The purpose of the cumulative impacts analysis for the Proposed Action is to evaluate the

combined, incremental effects of human activity within the scope of the project. The Council on

Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations define scope and state that connected actions,

cumulative actions, and similar actions should be included in the impact analysis (40 CFR

1508.25). The planning area is within a limited geographic range consisting of La Madre

Mountain Wilderness, Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, and lands immediately adjacent to the

wilderness through which access occurs. The CEQ formally defines cumulative impacts as

follows:

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...the impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action

when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of

what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative

impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place

over a period of time (40 CFR 1508.7).

In addition, according to the 1997 CEQ Handbook Guidelines for Assessing and Documenting

Cumulative Impacts, the analysis can be focused on those issues and resource values identified

during scoping that are of major importance. The relevant issues identified during scoping for the

Proposed Action relate to the following: BLM Natural Areas, cultural resources, fire

management, fish and wildlife, non-native invasive weeds, recreation uses, special status animal

and plant species, vegetation, and impacts to wilderness character.

Past Actions

Prehistoric rock art and habitation sites indicate a human presence here before settlers arrived in

the local area. Europeans first entered the area in the early to mid-1800’s traveling along the Old

Spanish Trail which passes by the eastern and southern portions of the Wilderness areas.

Homesteads were established at the edge of the wildernesses including at what is now Spring

Mountain Ranch State Park in 1876 and at the mouth of Pine Creek Canyon in 1922 just outside

of Rainbow Mountain Wilderness. Historic mining occurred in the area as evidenced by the mine

adits above La Madre Spring. The Civilian Conservation Corps built several dams and spring

impoundments in the early 1940’s including the dams in Brownstone Basin and the White Rock

Spring development.

In 1967, the BLM designated 62,000 acres in the area as a High Density Recreation Area called

the Red Rock Canyon Recreation Lands, including the majority of what are now the BLM

portions of the Wilderness areas. In 1990, this area plus additional areas were designated as a

National Conservation Area under the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Act. The

FS portions of the Wilderness areas are part of the SMNRA which was designated in August,

1993. Both the RRCNCA and SMNRA have management plans already in place which provide

management directions which have an impact on the wildernesses and how they are managed.

These include but are not limited to designation of trails, designation of open vehicle routes, and

rules on camping, target shooting, rock climbing, group activities, and collection of natural

resources. These management directions and how they impact the wildernesses are described in

the WMP and EA already.

Throughout the area surrounding the Wilderness areas numerous rights-of-ways have been

authorized and allowed establishment of water facilities, material sites, transmission lines,

substations, monitoring wells, electrical monitoring sites, water pipelines, communication sites,

NDOT roads, fences and material sites, access roads, RS2477 roads, kiosk signs, microwave

towers, telephone lines, Recreation and Public Purposes leases, meteorological sites, powerlines,

and radio repeater sites. It is assumed that the right-of-ways for these actions will persist.

Present Actions

The analysis area encompasses many land uses occurring on public and private land neighboring

the Wilderness areas. Recreation use includes rock climbing, hiking, equestrian use, and OHV

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use of backcountry roads. There are several communities that border the Wilderness areas such

as Mountain Springs, Trout Canyon, and Calico Basin. There are also several active commercial

operations that border the Wilderness areas including Torino Ranch in Lovell Canyon and

Bonnie Springs-Old Nevada. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park also borders Rainbow Mountain

Wilderness. Visitors to these areas can easily access the Wilderness areas and thus management

decisions by these businesses and state park can impact the Wilderness area. Search and Rescue

training and actual search and rescue operations are conducted in the Wilderness areas each year

and are expected to continue.

Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

The BLM has completed a restoration plan for Rainbow Spring and La Madre Spring. The

restoration at Rainbow Spring would include the reintroduction of springsnails. The restoration

at La Madre Spring would include the removal of giant cane and the removal of the dam. The

BLM is currently analyzing the installation of permanent fixed anchors in wilderness for rock

climbing in a separate planning process. The BLM also has plans to develop a climbing plan for

all of the NCA. BLM is currently conducting a transportation study of the Scenic Drive which

could lead to future alterations of the drive including expanded parking capabilities in the future.

The FS and BLM are currently developing a WMP for the Mt. Charleston Wilderness which

borders the La Madre Mountain Wilderness. Other reasonably forseeable future actions by the

BLM or FS include: translocation of desert tortoises throughout the species range, suppression of

wildland fires, and proactive fuels reduction projects.

Analysis of Potential Cumulative Impacts

BLM Natural Areas

Except for continued casual recreation use, none of the present or future actions take place in the

North Fork Pine Creek Natural Area and No Actions are proposed for this area in the WMP.

Thus no cumulative impacts to the Natural Areas are predicted.

Cultural Resources

Any site specific action proposed in the WMP or done through a separate planning process must

analyze any potential impacts to cultural resources due to the project. None of the actions

proposed in the WMP are predicted to negatively impact cultural resources. Measures are

proposed in the WMP to help reduce potential impacts to cultural resources such as requiring

cultural clearances before implementing projects and siting trails to help direct visitors away

from cultural resources. There is always the chance that visitors to the wildernesses will

accidentally or intentionally damage or remove cultural resources. Projects, both by the agencies

and by private entities, that result in an increase in visitation to the wilderness may lead to an

increase in this accidental or intentional impact.

Fire Management

During the construction phase of any future actions, the potential for human-caused fires would

increase; however, the BLM and FS objectives regarding fire management is to manage wildland

and prescribed fires as a tool in treating vegetation communities and watersheds. The primary

goal of the fire management units in the area of analysis is to use an appropriate management

response to each incident using concepts such as risk management. Additional outreach efforts

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and education of user groups regarding fire prevention may occur, which could lead to less

human-caused fires.

Fuels projects will seek to reduce non-native fuel loads to minimize wildland fire risk and protect

resources such as important cultural resources, neighboring communities, or desert tortoise

habitat. Post-fire projects would seek to maintain native plant species and wildlife habitat

reducing the spread of fire-prone plant species including invasive grasses.

Fish and Wildlife

Implementation of the Proposed Action is part of a long-term plan to protect, preserve, and

improve the wilderness character of the area. Specifically, treatment of non-native invasive weed

species, restoration, fire management, and ESR actions are designed to improve the natural

character of the wilderness, contributing to other efforts to restore, enhance, or create habitat

which are utilized by diverse wildlife species throughout their life cycles. Wildlife management

activities, designated trails, trailheads, vehicle barriers, and environmental education and

interpretation would indirectly contribute to other efforts to minimize habitat loss and

disturbance to individual animals. The Proposed Action and other habitat restoration and species

reintroduction projects within the analysis area would result in cumulatively beneficial impacts

to wildlife, maintaining and improving habitat in which these species can flourish and resulting

in greater habitat complexity, diversity, and productivity. These projects would result in an

overall increase in the availability, and ultimately the quality of habitats.

Special Status Animal and Plant Species

Special status species may be affected by future actions but the impacts would be offset by

improvements in population protection and management under the Proposed Action. Individual

wildlife may be affected negatively by the displacement or disruption of normal behavior

patterns due to construction, project operations and maintenance, and site rehabilitation

stemming from future actions. In addition, some of these projects and actions could increase

vehicle traffic, human and wildlife conflicts, and competition among any displaced individuals

for habitat.

Some actions may decrease forage quality, quantity, and composition. The Proposed Action

would involve restoration of former vehicle routes by the BLM which would improve habitat.

Overall, the Proposed Action would disturb a very small area separate from other future project

areas. Following the reasonable and prudent measures and associated terms and conditions for

the desert tortoise would minimize or negate affects to individual tortoises from any future

actions. Overall, the cumulative impact to special status species within analysis area would be

minimal.

Invasive Non-Native Plant Species

Weeds have the potential to increase in distribution and abundance from any future actions

during construction phases. Increases in flammable or combustible species such as red brome or

tamarisk may increase the risk of fires. Best management practices and vegetation treatments

seek to reduce the spread of fire-prone plant species including invasive grasses. The Proposed

Action would disturb a very small area compared to other proposed projects. A robust weed

management program would decrease the potential for weed populations to exist within the

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planning area. In addition, best management practices and standard operating procedures would

be followed that focus on preventing the spread of weeds by vectors such as vehicles or

equipment; thereby contributing negligible effects to the overall cumulative impact of the

potential spread of noxious and non-native invasive weeds.

Recreation Uses

Recreation use in the general area is varied and includes rock climbing, hiking, equestrian use,

hunting, target shooting, and OHV use of backcountry roads. Within wilderness boundaries,

however, motorized recreation and target shooting are prohibited. Pedestrian access is not

limited. Equestrian use is not limited except around the RRCNCA Scenic Drive where it is

limited to trails designated for equestrian use. The RRCNCA Visitor Center offers various

interpretive and educational events throughout the year. Implementing the Proposed Action

would construct vehicle barriers and install signs near high use access areas. The Proposed

Action would also designate four trails and clarify standards for other activities in order to

enhance the visitor experience while maintaining opportunities for solitude and primitive forms

of recreation in other areas. Depending upon a visitor’s point of view, the Proposed Action

could either enhance or detract from the overall recreation experience. Overall, the Proposed

Action enhances or maintains recreational opportunities in wilderness, therefore, it would not

incrementally add to the cumulative effects on recreation.

Wilderness Character

Implementation of the Proposed Action is part of a long-term plan to protect, preserve, and

improve the wilderness character of the area. By law, no buffer zones are created to protect

wilderness from the influence of activities on lands outside of wilderness boundaries.

Wilderness character may be diminished by future actions occurring on lands surrounding the

Wilderness areas, but the Proposed Action has no administrative authority to prevent these

impacts. Non-native invasive weed treatments and restoration activities may increase the number

of trammels; however, the goals are to restore natural vegetation communities and processes that

support wilderness character. Education and interpretation efforts and sign planning are designed

to reduce instances of trammeling activities by the general public. Restoration and rehabilitation

of disturbances, management, and establishment of vehicle barriers, trailheads, and designated

hiking trails would direct visitors in ways that would prevent degradation to natural resources.

Trail designations may impact the undeveloped character of wilderness, but would enhance

opportunities for solitude in other portions of the wilderness; therefore, the long-term cumulative

effects to overall wilderness character would not occur or would be negligible.

Conclusion The overall direction of wilderness management is to preserve wilderness characteristics. In

combination with past and present actions, and those that are reasonably foreseeable in the

future, the Proposed Action does not add substantially to cumulative impacts.

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Mitigation and Monitoring

Monitoring of wilderness is a component of the BLM and FS Wilderness Programs. Monitoring

tracks the outcome of proposed activities on all wilderness characteristics, not just the one

specific character that the activity was primarily intended to address. The WMP contains a

detailed monitoring section.

Mitigation measures to help reduce potential impacts to migratory bird and desert tortoise were

identified in the EA. The measures include the following:

Within desert tortoise habitat, a speed limit of 25 miles per hour shall be required for all

vehicles travelling on the existing access roads leading to the wilderness boundary.

Should a tortoise enter the area of activity, all activity shall cease until such time as the

animal has left the area of its own accord.

Workers will be instructed to check underneath all vehicles before moving them as

tortoises often take cover underneath parked vehicles.

Workers will be provided educational information on the Mojave Desert tortoise with

includes the legal protection and consequences for the violation of the Endangered

Species Act.

To prevent undue harm to migratory birds, habitat-altering projects or portions of projects

should be scheduled outside bird breeding season. In upland desert habitats and

ephemeral washes containing upland species, the season generally occurs between March

1st and August 31st.

If a project that may alter any breeding habitat for migratory birds has to occur during the

breeding season, then a qualified biologist must survey the area for nests prior to

commencement of construction activities. This shall include burrowing and ground

nesting species in addition to those nesting in vegetation. If any active nests (containing

eggs or young) are found, or birds are identified as displaying territorial behavior, an

appropriately-sized buffer area, determined by a qualified biologist, must be avoided until

the young birds fledge.

Individuals, Organizations, or Agencies Consulted

A public notification will be posted on the BLM SNDO and FS SMNRA websites when this EA

is completed, the Decision Record /Finding of No Significant Impact is signed and a 30-day

appeal period initiated.

Internal scoping was done via meetings and written communications with BLM and FS resource

specialists. Public scoping was conducted in the form of workshops, meetings, written letters,

email, and by BLM and FS staff. Initial public scoping workshops were held at Mountain

Springs, Blue Diamond, and Las Vegas on May 18, 23, and 30, 2006 respectively, and additional

public comment was received through the mail or e-mail during a following 30-day input period.

A public comment period for the WMP Preliminary Proposed Action was initiated May 2007.

145

Another public comment period for the final Draft WMP and EA was initiated in July 2013. The

notification list for the 2013 comment period included Native American tribes, state and local

governmental agencies, climbing and other recreation based organization, wilderness and

environmental organizations, and members of the general public including those that commented

during the 2006 and 2007 scoping and comment periods.

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List of Preparers Wilderness Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Mathew Hamilton, BLM Project Manager

Jane Schumacher, FS NEPA Planner

Sendi Kalcic, BLM Wilderness Specialist

Randy Kyes, BLM Wilderness Planner (Great Basin Institute)

James Sippel, former BLM Wilderness Specialist (2007)

Diane Bedell, former FS Wilderness Planner (2007)

BLM and FS Employees who formed the Interdisciplinary Team preparing and reviewing

this Plan

Susan Farkas, BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator

Boris Poff, BLM Hydrologist

Nicholas Walendziak, BLM RRCNCA Outdoor Recreation Planner/Climbing Lead

Mark Boatwright, BLM RRCNCA Archeologist

Lucas Rhea, BLM Fuels Technician

Amelia Savage, BLM Wildlife Biologist

Fred Edwards, BLM Botanist

Krystal Johnson, BLM Wild Horse and Burro Specialist

Billy Williams, former BLM Natural Resource Specialist/Weeds (Great Basin Institute)

Jed Botsford, former BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner (2007)

Marc Maynard, former BLM Wildlife Biologist (2007)

Tim Rash, former BLM Fire Ecologist (2007)

Michael Johnson, former BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator (2007)

Jennifer Brickey, FS Botanist

Mike Rowan, FS Recreation and Wilderness Program Manager

Kim O’Connor, FS Botanist

Jenny Ramirez, FS Wildlife Biologist

Lori Headrick, FS Project Manager

Jim Hurja, FS Soils Scientist

Judy Suing, FS Tribal Liaison

Demetrius Purdie-Williams, FS GIS Analyst

Fred Frampton, FS Archaeologist

Kelly Turner, FS Archeologist

Jim Winfrey, FS Planning Staff Officer

Connie Moen, former FS Outdoor Recreation Planner (2007)

Annice Ellis, former FS Landscape Architect (2007)

Mark Blankensop, former FS Fire Ecologist (2007)

Bruce Lund, former FS Botanist (2007)

Karen Harville, former FS Wildlife Biologist (2007)

BLM and FS Employees who provided Periodic Contributions or Expertise Mark Spencer, BLM RRCNCA Field Manager

Lorri Dee Dukes, BLM Geologist

147

Katharine August, BLM RRCNCA Outdoor Recreation Planner

James Kirk, BLM RRCNCA Outdoor Recreation Planner

Katherine Kleinick, BLM Natural Resource Specialist (Great Basin Institute)

Dave Mermejo, BLM Wilderness Coordinator, Nevada State Office

Lisa Christianson, BLM Air Quality Specialist

Markian Rekshynskyj, former BLM RRCNCA Manager (2007)

Christina Lund, former BLM Botanist (2007)

Dave Fanning, former BLM Geologist (2007)

Kevin Oliver, former BLM Fire Management Officer (2007)

Ryan Peacock, FS Fire Management Officer

Rachel Mazur, FS Wildlife Biologist

Dexter Dong, FS Fire Ecologist

Tom Frolli, FS Wild Horse and Burro Program Coordinator

Suzanne Shelp, FS Trails Program Manager

Dewey Warner, former FS Fire Management Officer (2007)

148

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern

AML Appropriate Management Level

APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

BLM Bureau of Land Management

CCCPLNRA Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DOI Department of the Interior

EA Environmental Assessment

ESR Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation

FAA Federal Aviation Administration

FMP Fire Management Plan

FMU Fire Management Unit

FS Forest Service

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GMP General Management Plan

GPS Global Positioning System

HMA Herd Management Area

LNT Leave No Trace

LVCLC Las Vegas Climbers’ Liaison Council

MIST Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics

MRDG Minimum Requirements Decision Guide

NDOW Nevada Department of Wildlife

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NFLRMP National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

OHV Off Highway Vehicle

RMP Resource Management Plan

RRCNCA Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

SMNRA Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

SNDO Southern Nevada District Office

USC United States Code

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USGS United States Geological Survey

USFS United States Forest Service

VHF Very High Frequency

WFDSS Wildland Fire Decision Support System

WHBT Wild Horse and Burro Territory

WMP Wilderness Management Plan

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Glossary

Annual. Completing the life cycle in one growing season or single year.

Archeological Resource. Any material remains of past human life or activities of archaeological

interest that are more than 50 years old.

Archeological Site. The locations of past human activity, occupation or use, identifiable through

inventory, historical documentation or oral history

Bajada. Spanish word for descent or slope (canyons and washes). In the southwest United States

it is used to describe a conjunction of alluvial fans from several drainages where they make a

larger fan.

BLM Natural Area. Areas designated in the Federal Register by the BLM for the protection of

natural resources for future research and enjoyment. These areas were designated before FLPMA

was enacted in 1976 which brought BLM under the Wilderness Preservation System. This term

is not meant to include areas identified through current planning processes as having wilderness

characteristics which in some BLM offices are referred to as “Natural Areas”.

Catastrophic Event. An event causing notable ecosystem or societal damage.

Cherry Stem. A dead-end road or feature that forms a portion of a wilderness boundary and that

remains outside the Wilderness.

Decommissioned Route. Vehicle tracks closed to travel in previous travel management plan

public process, no longer used by vehicles, awaiting restoration/rehabilitation/revegetation.

Designated Route. Designated Routes are those open to motorized travel. Public lands are

classified as either open, limited, or closed to off-road vehicles. Designations are based on the

protection of the resources of the public lands, the promotion of the safety of all the users of the

public lands, and the minimization of conflicts among various uses of the public lands through a

public process creating a Travel Management Plan.

Endemic. A species native to only the specific location under consideration.

Fire Regime. The characteristics of fire in a given ecosystem, such as the frequency,

predictability, intensity, and seasonality of fire.

Former Vehicle Route. A road used by motorized vehicles prior to wilderness designation that

was closed to motorized or mechanical use by the designation of the area as wilderness.

Indigenous. A plant or animal native to the location being considered.

Invasive. Describes a species, which takes over a new habitat where it was not previously found,

often to the detriment of species that were there before.

151

Minimum Tool Requirement. The concept of minimum requirement comes from Section 4 (c)

of the Wilderness Act of 1964. “Except as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to

existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no permanent road within any

Wilderness area designated by this Act and except as necessary to meet minimum requirements

for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act…”

Noxious Weed. Any plant designated by a federal, state, or county government as injurious to

public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or property.

Perennial. Active throughout the year, or living for many years.

Primeval. At or from the ancient original stages in the development of something.

Solitude. A quality of quiet remoteness or seclusion in places from which human activity is

generally absent.

Untrammeled. Not limited or restricted, unrestrained by man. Not hobbled.

Weed. A plant that is out of place in a particular environment or habitat.

152

References

BLM. 1993. Final Supplementary Rules for Certain Public Lands Managed by the Bureau of

Land Management Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

District, Nevada. Federal Register. Vol. 58, No. 97, May 21, 1993. Pp. 29625-26633.

BLM. 2005. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Resource Management Plan.

Brown, D. E., J. C. Hagelin, M. Taylor, and J. Galloway. 1998. Gambel's Quail (Callipepla

gambelii). In: The Birds of North America, No. 321 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The

Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Christensen, G.C. 1996. Chukar (Alectoris chukar). In: The Birds of North America, No. 258 (A.

Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Dudley, T. L. 2000. Noxious wildland weeds of California: Arundo donax. In: Invasive plants of

California's Wildlands (C. Bossard, J. Randall, & M. Hoshovsky, eds.). University of

California Press.

Lowry, J. H., Jr., R. D. Ramsey, K. Boykin, D. Bradford, P. Comer, S. Falzarano, W. Kepner, J.

Kirby, L. Langs, J. Prior-Magee, G. Manis, L. O’Brien, T. Sajwaj, K. A. Thomas, W.

Rieth, S. Schrader, D. Schrupp, K. Schulz, B. Thompson, C. Velasquez, C. Wallace, E.

Waller and B. Wolk. 2005. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project: Final Report on

Land Cover Mapping Methods, RS/GIS Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, Utah.

Muzika, Rose-Marie and Jil M. Swearingen. 2006. Salt Cedar. Plant Conservation Alliance

website: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

Nevada Natural Heritage Program. 2001. Nevada Rare Plant Atlas. Nevada Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources, Carson City, NV. Accessed at:

http://heritage.nv.gov/atlas/atlastxt.pdf.

Sheley, R., J. Petroff, and M. Borman. 1999. Introduction to Biology and Management of

Noxious Rangeland Weeds. Corvallis, OR.

Simonin, Kevin A. 2001. Bromus rubens, Bromus madritensis. Simonin, Kevin A. 2001. Bromus

rubens, Bromus madritensis. In: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky

Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory (Producer). Accessed at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. PLANTS Database. Accessed at:

http://plants.usda.gov/index.html.

USFS. 1996. General Management Plan for the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area –

An Amendment to the Land and Resource Management Plan, Toiyabe National Forest.

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USFWS, 2011. 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 42 Great Basin and Mojave Desert

Springsnails as Threatened or Endangered With Critical Habitat. Federal Register. Vol

76, No. 177. September 13, 2011. Pp. 56608-56630.

USFWS, 2012. 90-Day Finding on Petitions To List the Two Spring Mountains Dark Blue

Butterflies and Morand’s Checkerspot Butterfly as Endangered or Threatened. Federal

Register. Vol 77, No. 152. August 7, 2012. Pp. 47003-47011.

USGS National Gap Analysis Program. 2005. Southwest Regional GAP Analysis Project–Land

Cover Descriptions. RS/Laboratory, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University.

Accessed at:

http://earth.gis.usu.edu/swgap/legenddataquery.php.

Wildlife Action Plan Team. 2006. Nevada Wildlife Action Plan. Nevada Department of Wildlife,

Reno, NV.

154

Appendix C. Public Comment and BLM/FS Response

Number Comment Response

Edits

ED1

One private citizen commented that the fence

around Rainbow Spring is an exclosure, not a

corral as indicated in the draft.

Revisions have been made to the text.

ED2

One private citizen commented that FS Road

540, which is located within a cherrystem, is

shown as continuing onto BLM land even though

the road has been barricaded at the BLM/FS

boundary.

Revisions have been made to the maps

and text to show that FS Road 540 ends at

the BLM/FS boundary.

ED3

One private citizen suggested replacing the

words “strict policy” with “conservation oriented

policy”.

Thank you for your comment.

ED4

One private citizen commented that in the Collar

Retrieval section under Wildlife Management the

wording is awkward with the word ‘helicopter’

repeated unnecessarily.

Revisions have been made to the text.

Management and Designation of Trails

TR1

One private citizen supported designation of the

Limestone, Rattlesnake, and Bridge Mountain

hiking trails.

Thank you for your comment.

TR2

Two private citizens expressed opposition to the

limited number of equestrian trails in the

Wilderness areas. Three private citizens stated

that horses have low-impacts on the environment

and trails and therefore should be allowed on

more trails. One private citizen commented that

BLM should designate more equestrian trails.

Thank you for your comments. The

RRCNCA RMP limits equestrian use in

certain areas. Where equestrian use is

allowed to occur, the BLM has developed

a range of alternative for equestrian use,

that includes designated trails, cross-

country, and in washes.

TR3 One private citizen commented that managers be

more proactive in managing “use-trails”. Thank you for your comment.

Management of Vehicle Access Points and Designation of Trailheads

VA1

One private citizen expressed concern with

illegal use by off road vehicles on the west side

of the escarpment. They stated that there is not

enough signage and requested more law

enforcement presence in the area.

The Proposed Action addresses measures

that the BLM and FS may implement to

discourage illegal use by off road

vehicles. Additional management

measures will be implemented as

necessary based upon monitoring.

VA2

Two private citizens expressed support for the

installation of a gate on the administrative route

leading from Mountain Springs to Rainbow

Spring. It was also requested to limit access from

Lovell Canyon to Rainbow Spring.

The Proposed Action addresses the

placement of a barrier, southwest of

Rainbow Spring, along the open public

road that leads to Rainbow Spring from

Lovell Canyon Road.

VA3

One private citizen requested more detail on the

proposed location of the administrative gate and

suggested the gate should be placed near the state

highway department facility, on FS land, to

restrict vehicle use in the meadow area and to

The administrative route on which the

gate is proposed is on BLM managed

land. The suggested location is located on

FS managed land and would require

additional site-specific NEPA analysis by

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Number Comment Response

restrict motor vehicles from bypassing the gate. the FS, separate from this planning

process.

VA4

One private citizen commented that the ‘trail’

leading up to “Copper Mountain” (the Mountain

Springs tower site), has split and is leading to

high-use access into and through the wilderness.

Thank you for your comment. The

Proposed Action and No Action allow for

wilderness boundary signage and

monitoring, and restoration of surface

disturbances (BLM land only), if

necessary.

Sign Plan

SP1

One private citizen, two national and one local

climbing organization requested that small signs

be installed in wilderness to direct rock climbers

to certain climbing destinations and limit growth

of user-worn trails.

Thank you for your comments. The WMP

contains management prescriptions to

limit user-worn trails, which were

determined to be the minimum needed to

reduce impacts. BLM policy (Manual

6340) does not allow for installation of

signs within wilderness in these cases.

General Recreation Management

RM1

One private citizen supported the prohibition on

target shooting; however, asked how it was going

to be enforced. Another private citizen

commented that the no target shooting rule

should be clarified to include that shooting from

outside the boundary into wilderness is also

prohibited.

Revisions to the text were made to clarify

that target shooting into the Wilderness

areas from outside the boundary is also

prohibited. BLM and FS law enforcement

are responsible for enforcing rules and

regulations.

RM2

One state government official commented that

critical time periods for bat reproduction and

hibernation in caves are from May through

August and November through February,

respectively. They requested that public and non-

emergency access be limited to periods between

March through April and September through

October.

Thank you for your comment. The FS

agrees to make the suggested changes to

the closure time period for caves. The

BLM will continue to manage access as

necessary to protect resources.

RM3

Two national and one local climbing

organization commented on the inspection of

climbing bolts. They believed the local climbing

community and the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison

Council should be responsible for this.

The BLM will continue to coordinate with

the climbing community for requests

regarding bolt replacement. The BLM is

the authorizing authority for bolt

replacement through a Letter of

Agreement and is responsible for

monitoring permitted actions.

RM4

Two national and one local climbing

organization requested the inclusion of the so-

called “Straight Shooter Trail” and user-worn

trails leading to climbing areas in the Mescalito

area (e.g. Cat in the Hat), as designated trails.

Climbing specific trails, such as those

requested that are utilized primarily for

accessing climbing destinations will be

considered under a future Climbing and

Transportation management planning

process for RRCNCA.

RM5

One private citizen commented on the

proliferation of fixed climbing anchors within

wilderness and suggested more active

management and enforcement.

The BLM is currently engaged in a

separate planning process that would

amend the 2005 RRCNCA RMP to

address the management of permanent

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Number Comment Response

fixed anchors in both Wilderness areas

within the NCA.

RM6

One private citizen commented that camping

rules with regard to distance from springs should

be consistent between BLM and FS lands.

While the BLM and FS strive to maintain

consistency across administrative

boundaries, differing agency policies and

regulations prevent some management

rules from being consistent across these

boundaries.

RM7

One private citizen asked if the FS rule

prohibiting camping within 300 feet of cultural

sites applies only to identified sites. Since sites

are generally not publicly identified, they believe

the rule to be unenforceable.

FS rule applies to cultural sites that are

well-known and/or easily identifiable as a

cultural site by wilderness users.

RM8

One private citizen commented that wording

regarding camping is inconsistent between the

WMP and EA with regard to distances between

campsites and trails/springs/etc.

Thank you for your comment. Correction

were made where necessary; however,

while the BLM and FS strive to maintain

consistency across administrative

boundaries, differing agency policies and

regulations prevent some management

rules from being consistent across these

boundaries.

RM9

One private citizen commented that due to

sensitive cultural, biological, and water

resources, horses and horseback riding should be

limited to designated trails only to protect

wilderness character and wildlife.

Thank you for your comment. It will be

taken into consideration when the BLM

and FS make their decision regarding this

Proposed Action.

Management of Small-scale Disturbances

SD1

One private citizen commented that given the

many miles of decommissioned roads within the

two Wilderness areas that a “one time use” of

motorized equipment to decompact these former

road surfaces to aid in restoration should be

considered.

Thank you for your comment. The

Proposed Action seeks to implement the

minimum tool necessary to manage small-

scale disturbances. If use of prohibited

equipment (e.g. motorized vehicles) is

deemed necessary in the future to

accomplish restoration goals, impacts will

be analyzed under site-specific NEPA and

MRDG.

Management of Structures and Installations

SI1

One private citizen asked if the FS prohibition on

flood structures within Wilderness included

wattles and straw bales for post-fire rehab.

FS policy provides for the placement of

structures or improvements where it is

necessary to reduce risk to life and

property. Emergency post-fire measures to

stabilize denuded slopes and preclude

erosion include mulch drops over parts of

the Mt. Charleston Wilderness, but none

are proposed for the La Madre

Wilderness.

Management of Group and Commercial Services

CS1 One professional climbing guide commented that

the draft document stated that renewable guiding

Revisions have been made to the text to

maintain consistency with BLM EA NV-

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Number Comment Response

permits were valid for one year which is

inconsistent with the five-year renewable permit

his company currently holds.

S020–2010–0014 and -0016 which

regulate commercial guiding services in

RRCNCA.

CS2

One professional climbing guide requested that

the draft be revised to allow up to two guided

groups at an area (e.g. crag) at any given time.

Revisions have been made to the text to

maintain consistency with BLM EA NV-

S020–2010–0014 and -0016 which

regulate commercial guiding services in

RRCNCA.

CS3

Two national and one local climbing

organization gave their support for continuing to

allow professional, credentialed guiding services.

Thank you for your comment.

CS4

One private citizen recommended officially

limiting group sizes to 15 persons instead of

having 15 as a recommended group size.

Thank you for your comment. They will

be taken into consideration when the

BLM and FS make their decision

regarding this Proposed Action.

CS5

One private citizen commented that they

appreciate the need to keep equestrian group

sizes to 15 or less, but requested that hikers be

held to the same standards.

Thank you for your comment. FS

standards require casual group sizes to

remain below a size of 15 without

requiring a permit, regardless of user type.

The BLM currently does not regulate

casual, non-commercial group size for

hiker or equestrian groups. However, non-

commercial groups over 15 users and any

commercial groups, regardless of size, are

required to obtain permits and adhere to

group and stock size limits.

Wildlife Management

WM1

One state government official noted that the

Allen’s big-eared bat is a State of Nevada

protected species.

Revisions have been made to the text.

WM2

One state government official supported the

inclusion of the BLM-NDOW MOU and

requesting an opportunity for coordination and

consultation with BLM and the FS regarding

wildlife management across jurisdictional

boundaries and consistency with the BLM-

NDOW MOU

The BLM and/or FS will contact NDOW

to arrange a meeting at a later date.

WM3

One private citizen stated that climbing activities

within 300 feet of peregrine falcon nests during

the early part of the nesting season is too close

and suggested a 1/4-mile buffer.

Thank you for your comment. The 300

feet climbing prohibition is a FS standard.

Vegetation Management

VM1

One private citizen commented that since

campfires are prohibited in both Wilderness

areas, a reference to closing camping areas if

natural woody debris is missing due to campfires

should be deleted from the document.

Revisions were made to the text to clarify

that tree damage or lack of woody debris

due to any cause could cause temporary or

permanent closures to areas for camping.

Monitoring

MO1 One private citizen suggested that monitoring of Thank you for your comment. The

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Number Comment Response

high use areas such as trails, springs, and

viewpoints should be performed annually, with

lesser used areas monitored every decade; instead

of the stated 10% of each Wilderness area

annually.

measuring frequency is a FS monitoring

requirement. The FS will consider

priorities during implementation.

Outside the Scope

OS1

One private citizen commented that the use of

power drills should be allowed to replace old

climbing bolts.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. The use of motorized equipment

is prohibited under Section 4(c) of the

Wilderness Act and is prohibited by

National BLM policy.

OS2

One private citizen commented that they prefer

to have no commercial tour flights disturbing the

peace and quiet in these Wilderness areas.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. The BLM and FS do not have

the regulatory authority to manage

airspace. The FAA is responsible for

airspace management.

OS3

One private citizen, two national and one local

climbing organization commented that they

supported the RMP bolting amendment. The two

national and one local climbing organization also

stated their support for allowing a minimal

number of fixed anchors for climbing in

wilderness.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. The BLM is currently engaged in

a separate planning process that would

amend the 2005 RRCNCA RMP to

address the use and management of

permanent fixed anchors in both

Wilderness areas within the NCA.

OS4

One commercial guide commented that some of

the eight temporary guiding permits, allowed for

educational purposes, should be reserved for

university use only and that universities should

not have to compete with professional guide

services to obtain these temporary permits.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Limits and types of commercial

guiding permits within RRCNCA were

established by a separate planning

process.

OS5

One private citizen requested that information

regarding hunting seasons be made more visible

to wilderness users on the west side of the

escarpment.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Hunting seasons are determined

by the Nevada Department of Wildlife on

a year to year basis.

OS6 One private citizen expressed concern regarding

the removal of the dam at La Madre Spring.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. The decision to remove the dam

at La Madre Spring as part of a spring

restoration project was analyzed under a

separate EA process.

OS7

Three private citizens expressed that they

disagreed with the old road to La Madre Spring

(La Madre Trail) being closed to use by horses.

They requested an amendment to the RRCNCA

RMP to allow horses on the La Madre Trail.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Requests for amendments to the

RMP must be formally submitted in

writing to the Red Rock/Sloan Field

Office Field Manager and/or the Southern

Nevada District Manager.

OS8

One state government official commented that

alternative treatments for noxious/non-native

weeds must never include use of domestic sheep,

goats, or llamas to avoid transmission risks to

wildlife.

Thank you for your comment. Subsequent

site-specific proposalsfor weed treatments

would undergo additional NEPA and

MRDG analysis, during which time

alternative treatments would be addressed.

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Number Comment Response

OS9

One state government official commented on the

recent Carpenter 1 fire and requested

coordination with FS and the BLM with regard

to restoration goals and priorities regarding

wildlife habitat restoration.

The BLM and FS will continue to

coordinate with subject-matter experts as

appropriate regarding post-fire restoration.

OS10

One private citizen requested that BLM provide

additional staging areas specific to equine use

with adequate room for trailers and to allow for

separation between horse users and other user

groups.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Existing staging areas on BLM

managed lands at RRCNCA were

designated by the 2005 RMP.

OS11

Two private citizens commented on

inconsistencies between the RRCNCA RMP and

the Red Rock Canyon Trails map sold at the

visitor center. They commented that it shows that

portions of the White Rock Loop are not open to

horse use and that the entire Cottonwood Trail

system is closed to horses, when the RMP states

that both are open to horse use.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. The BLM is not responsible for

maps created and/or sold by third-party

vendors and cannot guarantee the

accuracy of the information depicted. The

2005 RRCNCA RMP is the primary

document that should be referenced with

regard to trail access and use. The White

Rock Loop was designated for hiking and

equestrian use by the 2005 RMP.

OS12

One private citizen stated that they did not

support an AML of zero horses/burros in the

Wilderness areas and stated that this decision

denies horses access to forage, water, and shade

in the summer months. They also requested

clarification regarding a suitability assessment

with regard to wild horse and burro management.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. AMLs are determined by the

BLM and FS wild horse and burro

programs. The BLM and FS management

objectives for the Spring Mountains Wild

Horse & Burro Complex is to manage for

zero wild horses and/or burros in

wilderness to protect vegetation, riparian

areas, and wilderness character.

OS13

One private citizen expressed concerns as to why

wildlife water guzzlers may be permitted but are

not allowed for wild horses and burros; and why

motorized vehicles may be permitted for wildlife

management but not for wild horse and burro

management.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Wildlife water developments are

considered to be developments and

installations and are prohibited by Section

4(c) of the Wilderness Act. However,

Section 208(d) of the enabling legislation

(CCCPLNRA 2002) directs the agencies

to consider permitting wildlife water

developments when necessary to maintain

wilderness characteristics by promoting

healthy, viable and more naturally

distributed wildlife populations. Because

wild horses and burros are non-native

species, wildlife water developments are

not permitted under this exception in the

enabling legislation. Motorized vehicles

may be used in the course of wild horse &

burro management when necessary to

meet the minimum requirement necessary

to administer the Wilderness areas, and

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Number Comment Response

subject to site-specific NEPA and MRDG

analysis.

OS14

One private citizen stated that other Wilderness

areas in Nevada provide for management of wild

horses and burros. They mentioned the Black

Rock RMP as a decision supportive of horse

management.

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis. Wild horses and burros are

managed by the BLM and FS wild horse

and burro programs.

OS15

One private citizen commented on the significant

amount of shooting and trash outside of

wilderness and for more strict regulation of target

shooting in Lovell Canyon

Comment is not within the scope of this

analysis.

OS16

One private citizen commented that it would be

prudent if the local FS “person in charge” could

authorize the use of mechanized transport in

emergency situations instead of the Forest

Supervisor, located in Sparks, as indicated in the

draft.

For the FS, the following policies are

cited in the Rainbow Mtn. and La Madre

Mtn. WMP, which states that in

emergency situations involving

inescapable urgency and need for speed

beyond that available by primitive means,

the use of aircraft will be authorized by

the Forest Supervisor of the Humboldt-

Toiyabe National Forest” and in non-

emergency situations authorization must

be sought from the Regional Forester of

the Intermountain Region of the Forest

Service. These higher levels of authority

are necessary because the Wilderness Act

of 1964 prohibits motorized equipment

and mechanical transport, among other

prohibitions, in Wilderness.

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162

Appendix D. Errata

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