Narrative Summary of the Proposed Action or Project including the Benefits and Purpose of the Proposed Action Sample Clauses

Narrative Summary of the Proposed Action or Project including the Benefits and Purpose of the Proposed Action. The proposed action is to enter into a share-crop agreement with the Xxxxxx Ranch (Xxx Xxxxxx) which would allow annual late-season haying of a 15-acre pasture within a unit of the Blackfoot Clearwater WMA in exchange for maintenance and habitat restoration services (primarily noxious weed treatment) on this pasture and nearby BCWMA land. The primary objective of the BCWMA is to maintain productive plant communities that provide the best possible habitat and forage for native wildlife. Before FWP acquired the property (Figure 2), the subject pasture was tilled, irrigated, and planted to small grains and non-native tame grasses. The pasture has not been farmed or irrigated in recent decades and is now heavily infested with noxious weeds (primarily spotted knapweed). Without treatment, the pasture has matured to become rank, minimally productive vegetation that is generally unpalatable for native ungulates. Late-season haying would remove cured decadent vegetation and stimulate succulent spring and fall re- growth favored by elk and deer. Haying would also facilitate effective noxious weed herbicide application. FWP proposes to allow the lessee to annually hay the pasture during late summer (after August 15) which would allow grass seeds to ripen and shatter. Late haying also retains functional cover for ground nesting birds and spring/summer ungulate forage. Initially we estimate that the field would produce 6-10 tons of marginal-quality hay. Hay quality and quantity are expected to rapidly increase following initial weed treatments and invigorated regrowth. The lessee would use his equipment to cut, bale, and transport hay. He would document and provide an accounting of the tonnage of hay produced each year. In exchange for use of the hay, the lessee would deliver in-kind services, primarily noxious weed treatment and herbicide, equivalent to ½ the local market value for the hay produced the previous year—the initial obligation would be $500. FWP’s representative and the lessee would meet during on or around May 1 each year to specifically plan work to be done the following summer. The lessee may contract weed treatment and produce an invoice as proof of service or conduct prescribed treatments himself. FWP would credit the lessee at a rate of $40/hour (time and equipment) and for actual value of herbicide and adjuvants used. Lessee is responsible for producing annual treatment maps and completing required weed treatment forms. This lease would extend for ...