Expected Impacts on Covered Species. The management activities prescribed for the low-elevation area (prescribed grazing, inter-seeding diversity into old crested wheatgrass stands, potential reintroduction of strains of native forbs and grasses, and small-acreage thinning of low-producing Wyoming sagebrush) should result in little habitat loss for GSG. Take of GSG adults, broods or nests by the equipment used for vegetation projects is not expected given that these projects will occur during a time when GSG are not expected to be in the area (i.e., after nesting and brood rearing activities have concluded). If GSG are present in the area at the time of these activities, we expect birds will be flushed. DLL does not expect this response to lead to injury or mortality. These cumulative actions, aimed at maintaining or increasing suitable habitat, should have an overall beneficial effect on the Covered Species.
Expected Impacts on Covered Species. Mechanical treatments are done during late summer and fall to avoid GSG nesting and brood- rearing activities, minimizing impacts on GSG adults, broods, or nests.
Expected Impacts on Covered Species. Since the mountain habitat is primarily used by GSG as late brood-rearing habitat, continuing the vegetation treatments outlined in the Agreement for the mountain is expected to successfully maintain or improve the vegetation condition of this part of the Ranch with little, if any, adverse effect on the Covered Species.5 Continuation of the management strategies outlined as conservation measures in the Agreement for multi-species management strategy on the mountain, coupled with implementation of the conservation measures defined for the low and mid-elevation areas are expected to modestly improve GSG populations into the future.
Expected Impacts on Covered Species. Native riparian and meadow areas are not extensive on the Ranch, but in some areas (particularly where found in proximity to lekking and brood rearing areas for GSG) provide important habitat to meet seasonal life cycle requirements for the Covered Species. Not all riparian and meadow areas are used by the Covered Species. However, through the rest rotation grazing program in combination with the limited vegetation treatment, it is expected that the vegetation/habitat needs of the Covered Species will be maintained in good condition in the areas that are important to the Covered Species.
Expected Impacts on Covered Species. Small portions of the irrigated land are important to GSG for lekking and brood rearing. However, past history of GSG lekking and brood rearing activity over the long term indicates that adverse impacts to the Covered Species has not been evident or at least has been so minimal that it has not diminished the population. It is expected that continuing to raise and harvest hay from these irrigated lands will not adversely affect GSG populations in any significant way.
