Appendix E 2015 Botany Survey and Biological Evaluation Protocols

USDA =-

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Dakota Prairie Grasslands 2000 Miriam Circle Bismarck, ND 58501

(701) 989-7300

File Code: 2670 Date: 03-25-15

To: Environmental Consultants for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands

This letter is being sent to inform environmental consultants on requirements for biology surveys and respective Biological Evaluations (BE) for new project proposals on the USDA Forest Service Medora and McKenzie Ranger Districts of the Little Missouri National Grassland during 2015. Please contact Dakota Prairie Grasslands for procedures on Sheyenne and Grand/Cedar River Ranger Districts.

Attached are the Botany Survey and Biological Evaluation (BE) Protocols, as well as the Dakota Skipper Survey and Specialist Report Guidelines for the 2015 field season. Surveys and reports that do not comply with these requirements may be rejected or returned for edits.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should be contacted for the most current list of federally endangered, threatened, and proposed species and critical habitat locations. The 2011 Regional Forester's Sensitive Species list for plants, and the Federally Listed and Sensitive Animal Species of the Little Missouri NG for wildlife, are the most current sensitive species lists and all 2015 surveys and BE's should address these species. The lists are enclosed. Please note that the only sensitive fish species that occurs on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands is the northern red- bellied dace (Phoxinus eos).

The Botany Survey/BE Protocols apply to Little Missouri National Grasslands as a whole. Please keep in mind that the United States Forest Service is transitioning from using habitat types to Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs). Ecological Site Descriptions will be required for the 2016 field season. Updated GIS shapefiles of known sensitive plant locations will also be sent electronically to known botanical consultants. Ifyou do not receive an email with the electronic information by early May, please contact Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

The 2015 sensitive plant survey season for the Little Missouri National Grassland will commence on May 15 and extent through September 15, weather and growth conditions permitting. Plant surveys should be conducted at the appropriate periods( s) to identify sensitive and watch plant species with potential to occur in the survey area, and to accurately describe the vegetation community. Biological evaluations are needed for new projects or additions and are not needed for existing developments and infrastructure. Sensitive plant surveys may also be exempted from proposed projects that have been covered by previous surveys within the last 3-5 years, projects proposed in areas with a low potential for the occurrence of any sensitive plant species, or projects that would result in a low degree of disturbance or potential to appreciably affect current conditions. Any waivers of plant surveys must be approved in writing by the appropriate District Biology staff Botany surveyors are required to report new sensitive plant locations and potential impacts to sensitive plant populations from a proposed project to the Forest Service District Biology staff In an effort to expedite project planning and mitigation efforts, additional surveys should be conducted in alternative project locations or portions thereof to avoid adverse effects to sensitive plant populations or high quality sensitive plant habitat. Consultants should coordinate with company representatives and Forest Service personnel for acceptable alternate project locations. Dakota Prairie Grasslands just recently received a draft Dakota skipper survey method from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Please read and apply the information in the attached Dakota skipper document if working on projects in the McKenzie Ranger District. We appreciate your efforts to preserve biological resources occurring on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Please contact Dakota Prairie Grasslands at (701) 989-7300 if you have questions.

Sincerely,

DENNIS D. NEITZKE Grasslands Supervisor Enclosures

Sensitive Species Aquatics 2011

Table 2. 2011 USFS Region 1 Sensitive Species List update" Fish.

Species

"Pacific Lamprey(Lampetratridentata)^NorthernRedbelly Dace(Phoxinus eos)*Yel!owstoneCutthroat(Oncorhynchusdark! bouvieri)*Arctic GrayiEng(Thymatfusarcticusmontanus),U^erMissouri RiverDistinctPopulationSegment(DPS)*WestslopeCutthroat(Oncorhynchusclarki lewisi)

interior Redband(Oncorhynchusmykiss gairdnen)*Snake RiverSPR/SUMChinook(Onccorhynchus

s^ss

iS

is:

States Where Sensitive(a»

MT

S2

St

S2

S1

ID

tls

S1

32

S3

S4

St

ND

S2

SD

32

9SM.

'^SSs-

vs-.

1?^^

•ilml

Sl

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

B/D

K

K

BRT

s

K

CLw

K

K

s

K

cus

%

s

K

DPG

K

FLAT

K

GAL

K

K

HEL

K

IPNF

^

K

K

KOOT

K

K

L&c

K

LOL0

K

NEz

K

K

K

K

illit

asIllSlMj^^

:^si^iS^^

'$&.WSs

i&?m.

'SiU

Comments

Iffluviaf populationsare established byFWP efforts inhistoric range (e.g.,Ruby River or SunRiver) these wouidbecome part of theDPS.

Some stocks arefederally listedspecies, naturaiizedpopuiations aresensitive

Table 2. 2011 USFS Region 1 Sensitive Species List update- Fish.

Species

^ISg,tshawtscha)

*Burbot (Lotalota)

IIVlGilOS^

SpeciesRemoved 2010

*Sturgeon C hub(Macrhybopsisgefida) ,

States Where Sensitive(a)

MT ID

S1

ND 3D

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

B/D BRT CLw

cus

DPG

FLAT

GAL

HEL

1PNF

K

KOOT

L&c

S2/S3 32 S2

LOL0

NEz

Comments

Northern Idaho oniy

Downgrade ofstatus in Montanaand none found onNFS tands.

* indicates this species was on the 2004 USFS R1 Sensitive Species List

(a) Species are listed as Sensitive by State. The State where a species is listed as Sensitive is indicated by an "X" in the State/species column. A species identified as Sensitive within a State,will be considered as Sensitive on all Units within the State where it occurs, unless described otherwise.

(b) National Forest (Grasslands) where a species is known or suspected to occur, within States where a species is listed as Sensitive, are identified by shading and either a known "K" orsuspected "S" in the Forest/species column

USDA Forest Service, Region 1 Sensitive Species - PlantsNorth Dakota and South Dakota

20111 of 2

iGrand River National Grsissiands sensHtive species

Genus

Astragalus

Chenbpodjum ::Eriogbnum " \ I

Apios

Botrychium

Botrychium

CampanuiaCarex

Carex

CarexCollinsia

Cryptantha

Cyperus

Cypripedium

CypripediumEquisetum

Equisetum

Eriogohum |ErEophorumEsc6Bariai:i;\';'/:"-:: "-1

EuonymusGalium

Gentiana

Gymnocarpium

Helianthemum

Hudsonia

LecheaLeucocrinum

Lipans

Mentzelia

Menyanthes

Mertensia

Onoclea

Ophioglossum

Phlox

speciesbarn i

subgiabrum

visheri

americana

muitifidum

simpiexaparinoides

alopecoideaform osa

ie pta lea

par/iflora

torreyanabipartituscandidum

reginae

palustre

pratensecernuum

gracile

Irnjs^Ouriensis

atropurpureus

labradoricum

affinis

dryopterisbicknelliitomentosa

stricta

montanum

loeseiii

pumila

trifoliata

diiatasensibilis

pusiiium

alyssifolia

var. or ssp. TYPE*

2

^'^:^-.

33333333333333

•'.. :'.y: '-'.••'•'

3

333333333333333

G RANKG3

<;^35^^;:'Q^'-

G5G5G5G5G5G4G5G5G5G5G4G4G5G5

r^'f^:^

G5^:?^-

G5G5G5G5G5G5G4?G5G5G4G5G5G5G5G5

ND SRANK

^:'/§-1^

^Si3-'::t

SHS1su

S2S3S2S1

S2S3S231

S1S2S2S3S2S3

8232

<^w!^S1

^^R:.^32S3

81S-l

S181S2S2S1S3

S2S3S2

S1S2

SDSRANK

S3::vsu^-

-•-^3^:

32

81

** Field Units

LMNG

^i?^l:

KK

:^^

, ^^^

K

K

K

CRNG

~:^^'

SNG

KKKKKKK

KKKKK

K

KK

KKKK

K

K

KK

GRNG

:^x^-,.^^-

~:'^^

^^^:

3RDs

'yiK-!^:

K

K

USDA Forest Service, Region 1 Sensitive Species - PlantsNorth Dakota and South Dakota

20112 of 2

Genus

Pinus

Populus

RibesSalix

SolEdago

SporoboiusTalinum

Townsendia

Townsendia

Triplasis

species

flexilisx acuminata

cynosbati

pediceliaris

fiexicaulis

airoides

parviflorum

exscapa

hookeri

purpurea

var. or ssp. TYPE*

3333333333

G RANKG5

HYBG5G5G5G5G5G5G5

G4G5

ND SRANK

81S2S3S3

S1S232S2

SNRS1St

SDSRANK

** Field Units

LMNGKK

K

KK

CRNG

K

SNG

KKK

K

GRNG SRD

* TYPE (USFS R1 Species at Risk category):2 - Rangewide Imperilment

3 - Regional/State Imperilment

** FIELD UNITS:

LMNG - Little Missouri NatEona! Grassland

CRNG - Cedar River National Grassland

SNG - Sheyenne National Grassiand

GRNG " Grand River National Grassiand3RD - Sioux Ranger District

2015 USDA Forest Service Little Missouri National Grassland (LMNG)Dakota Skipper Survey and Specialist Report Guidelines

Dakota Skipper was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as "Threatened" m October, 2014.Dakota skipper has been historically sighted on the McKenzie Ranger District. Please refer to thefollowing for infonnation on Consultation Requirements for Dakota Skipper:

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/dask/pd£/DakotaSkipperS7GuidanceMarch2014^1df

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind in regards to the document above and project action areas:

Find out if area has been previously associated with Dakota Skipper sightmgs. Please contact the USFSand refer the Dakota Skipper US Fish and Wildlife Service Dakota Skipper geodatabase for any surveydata for the action area. If the action area overlaps with axi area that is classified as "present" or

"unknown" for Dakota skipper with the USFWS, or if it is within one kilometer of an occupied area, thenthe species may be present in the action area and consultation is necessary with the USFWS.

If survey data is unavailable or inconclusive for the area, determine if all or part of the action area was

previously plowed up, if so, it is unlikely to support Dakota skipper habitat. Otherwise, if feat-ires ofDakota skipper habitat are predominant in at least part of the area, and the habitat with Dakota skipperfeatures cannot be avoided by 1 km, a survey is recommended by a qualified individual according to thedraft USFWS skipper survey methods listed below. Keq) in mind the USFWS is in the process ofpermitting people to handle Dakota skipper and is finalizing a Dakota skipper survey methodology. Ifyou are unable to locate a Dakota skipper surveyor that meets the guidelines below, please contact DakotaPrairie Grasslands Bismarck Office (701) 989-7300 or McKenzie Office (701) 842-2393; the USFS iscontinually updating a list of individuals that may be able to do Dakota skipper surveys.

1. Contractor Oualifications

Dakota skipper may not be readily identified in the field without specialized training and experience.Individuals, therefore, who do field work for this species, must have a demonstrated ability to identifyDakota skipper.

a. B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. in zoology, entomology, biology, ecology, or related field.

b. Five or more field seasons experience as principle investigator on a lepidopteran monitormg project.

c. Ability to identify requisite habitat flora for Dakota skipper.

d. Two letters or email messages of recommendation from agency or academic staff pertaining directly

to Dakota skipper identification ability and/or 10(a)(l)(A) permit from the USFWS for Dakotaskipper.

e. Ability to prepare technical reports and apply Forest Service procedures and directives in thepreparation ofBEs.

f. If the qualified Dakota skipper surveyor has field support for this project, the assistant skippersurveyors must have the following characteristics and must be accompanied by the qualified

s3dpper surveyor within line of sight at all times while conducting lepidopteran surveys. Fieldsupport will have to have at least two years of college coursework in zoology, entomology,

biology, ecology, or related field and/or four years of butterfly siu-vey field experience.

g. Additionally, Dakota skipper surveys require GIS products to indicate area surveyed (both with andwithout Dakota skipper) and Dakota skipper points. The qualified butterfly surveyor (or supportingstaff) must have experience doing GIS work (digitize, make simple GIS databases, deal withprojections, make maps).

2. Siu-vey Protocol

Dakota skipper surveys must be conducted in a manner that provides a high probability of locatingthe organism if it is present. The skipper surveyor must obtain an accurate map of the site and

proposed areas of disturbance from the permit applicant, and the field site must be accurately

marked or flagged prior to the survey. All habitat with the requisite Dakota skipper soils and floralikely to be disturbed by the proposed project must be systematically surveyed.

There is a GIS Tool for locating potential Dakota skipper habitat on McKenzie district. Pleasecontact district representatives for more infonnation on this GIS tool before starting skipper

surveys. Please contact the McKenzie or Bismarck Forest Service offices for GIS tool information.

Dakota skippers have been sighted during in the recent past between 23 June to 20 July. In 2014, flightbegan on 01 July and numbers peaked between 08 and 14 July near Minot, ND. Dakota skipper surveysmust be done sometime within late June to mid-July timeframe to be considered valid. The Dakota

skipper surveyor will be responsible for monitoring reports of Dakota skipper emergence and die-offinthe region, and plan their skipper surveys accordingly, considering the local climatic and vegetationphenology at their survey site.

The McKenzie District Wildlife Biologist contact (now Jamie Kienzle, jamielkienzle@fs.fed.us) and theDPG biology program manager (Meghan Dinkins, meshanfdinkins@fs.fed.us) will be contacted if Dakotaskipper are located within one working day of the sighting.

Developments such as roadways, pipelines, and utility lines must be surveyed a minimum distance of 125

ft. on each side of the centerline of disturbance. Survey widths, however, can be decreased to 50 ft. on

either side of electric lines, fiber optic cables, or other utilities that are plowed into place wife low degreesofdistjrbaace, if the entire route is accurately and clearly flagged. If the route is not field marked thesurvey corridor remains at 250 ft. A minimum often acres must be surveyed around well sites where one

bore hole is anticipated, but the survey area should be increased for sites where multiple bore holes and

larger well pads are expected. The total area of survey is referenced as the project area.

If a Dakota skipper discovery is made within an area that would be directly disturbed by the project, thereis a high potential that it will be redesigned to alleviate adverse effects to the species. In such cases, itmay be appropriate for the contract Dakota skipper surveyor to survey potential alternate routes or site

locations. It is the contractor's responsibility, however, to coordinate project location adjustments with

Forest Service personnel and company representatives requesting the survey to ensure that alternate

project locations will be acceptable.

The Contractor will assess and map favorable habitat at each site. There is requisite habitat flora for

Dakota skipper. The Contractor shall provide a qualitative percentage estimate offorbs, native grasses and

native grasses of requisite habitat flora. Additionally, weeds seen m these habitats as well as objectivecomments about other habitat condition (such as grazing and habitat disturbances) seen in the survey areashould be listed.

Dakota skipper search methodology will be the "checklist method", as described in: Royer, Ronald A.,Jane E. Austin, and Wesley E. Newton. 1998. Checklist aad "Pollard Walk" butterfly survey methods on

public lands. The American Midland Naturalist 140(2). Northern Prairie Wildlife Research CenterHome Page. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/insects/butsurY/

The process amounts to habitat-centered Pollard-style random walks. That is, Dakota skipper is searched

for in patches of presumed habitat at each site. Searches are conducted according to fhe followingparameters:

• The sampling day generally begins after 9:00 am and ends no later than 5:00 pm local time;

• Survey walking pace is kept steady and regular at approximately 35 meters/minute;

• Only individual Dakota skippers identified within an estimated 5.0 meters on either side of thesurveyor, within 5.0 meters of the ground, or 5.0 meters to the front are considered to be an"encounter;" and,

• Only confident identification (e.g., net and release, close-up [perched] examination, confirmedphotograph) is considered a valid encounter. Only individuals with a 10(a)(l)(A) permit will beallowed to net and handle the skipper specimens per the conditions of their permit.

Methods may change, however, as more information comes in from the USFWS office on acceptablesurvey protocols for Dakota skipper.

Individuals with a 10(a)(l)(A) permit for Dakota Sldpper will be able to take individuals per thespecifications of their permit, otherwise, without take specifications or a 10(a)l (A) permit, the surveyorswill have to attempt to use photography (see protocol section) and close-up [perched] examination toverify identification . Though the Royer et al. method mentioned above mentions, nettmg, please

keep in mind that only people with the appropriate 10(a)(l) (A) permit and take statement forDakota skipper/Poweshiek skippering may handle the species. People who do not have apermit/take statement will have to take photos and/or examine the species close-up in a perched

position instead of netting and handling the butterfly. Individuals who net and/or touch the listedspecies without a permit and/or appropriate take statement will run the risk of being dismissed

from working on the DPG.

Suggestions for responsible photography of listed lepidopterans (based off of guidelines for another listedESA butterfly species [Quino checkerspot] and modified slightly for Dakota skipper):

• Surveyors will use a camera with close focus telephoto or macro lens.

• Swvey careftdly to avoid trampling or otherwise banning Dakota skipper lar^ae and adults.

• Care should be taken to avoid stepping on all host plants, whether occurring singly, in smallpatches, or in dense stands.

• Walk slowly and stop periodically within areas that have an especially high potential for Dakotaskipper, such as patches of host plants or nectar sources.

• Stop occasionally to look around-surveyors standing still are more likely to see a movingbutterfly. Use binoculars to scan the area ahead and around you, and to help identify butterflies

from a distance.

• Approaching a Listed Insect

When approaching a skipper, move slowly and keep the movement of your hands, arms, legs, and

body to a minimum. If the skipper is first seen in flight, follow it discreetly, keeping at least 5-6feet away from it until it alights (lands). Do not make sudden movements.

If the skipper is circling, stand still and wait for it to alight-ifit perceives your movement, it is lesslikely to stop. Observe the flight pattern. Dakota skipper has a characteristic rapid, skipping flight.

Once the skipper has alighted, or if it is first seen when alighted, approach it slowly from an anglewhere it is not likely to perceive your shadow-from the side may give you the best view of the

skipper/skippering's body. Take a photograph of the skipper when approximately 5-6 feet away(or at a greater distance if your camera has adequate telephoto capabilities), taking care not to

allow your shadow to fall on the butterfly.

Slowly move toward the skipper, taking photographs periodically. When your shadow is withinabout 1 meter of the skipper, circle slowly around it if necessary to approach it more closelywithout casting a shadow on it. As you get closer you should move more and more slowly, insectsthat are engaged in some activity such as courtship or feeding on flowers are easier to approach

than those that are basking.

GIS data:Contractors must submit shapefiles of all survey areas (both positive and negative surveys) for each

survey. The Dakota skipper requisite flora data and Dakota skipper GPS points will be associated withGIS polygon data (in ArcGIS fonnat) in NAD83 datjm. To facilitate annual updating of the ForestService listed lepidopteran GIS shapefiles and Dakota skipper data points, please ensure that Dakotaskipper requisite flora area and skipper siting data is described in the specialist report in a format that canbe easily matched to its location on associated maps and shapeflles. Use the "Population ED" field on the

sensitive plant form to provide a unique ID for each population in the survey (for example, DASK A,

DASK B, etc.), and use the same H) on maps and shapefiles. Data should be submitted by e-mail to theMcKenzie District Wildlife Biologist contact (now Jamie Kienzle [Jamielkienzle@fs.fed.us]), and theDPG Biology Program Manager at meghan.f. diukins@fs.fed.us.

Skipper surveys shall be summarized in specialist reports which will be put in the appendices ofBAs.Reports shall be submitted m both hard copy and electronic format (Microsoft word and/orsearchable .pdf, electronic format on CDs). The specialist reports for Dakota skipper surveys shall have

the following format:

• A table of contents

• Page numbers

• An mtroduction summarizmg the purpose of this project• A description of the survey areas, methods, and techniques used

• Summary of the season's survey findings

• An appendix containiag a copy of field notes

• Also in the appendix, resume and 10(a)(l)(A) permit of surveyors (please exclude detailedpersonal information from resumes and permits for security purposes)

• THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL BE PRESENTED BY SITE-Date of each survey

-The contractor will provide list ofLepidopterans observed per survey area with estimated numbers

per non-sensitive species, and exact numbers for listed species

- Qualitative percentage estimates of forbs, native grasses and native grasses preferred by Dakotaskipper, as well as weeds seen in these habitats

-Encounter frequency (number of listed species per hour for Dakota skipper)-Site survey history (past reports will be provided if available to contractor)-Brief qualitative notes about usage and/or disturbance written in an objective matter (grazed)-Geographic data (electronic GIS files and maps)

o Location of survey area (access directions, legal designation, GPS coordinates, site name[which will be usually associated with the allotment name]) with appropriate maps

o Outline of site boundaries(polygon files with associated information must be provided to theUSFS)

o Location (in both Latitude/Longitude and legal description) of each Dakota skipper found.-The Contractor will provide list of Lepidopterans observed per survey area with estimated numbers

per non-sensitive species incidentally seen, and more exact numbers for Dakota skipper-Description of Dakota skipper flight condition-Weather conditions during survey

o Temperatireo Wind Direction and Beaufort Velocityo Sunlight level as percentage of survey time without any solar obstruction

-Images: Ground level view of habitat during surveys. Photographs of Dakota sldpper. Photographfiles must be sent to the USFS at the highest resolution.

2015 USDA Forest Service Little Missouri National Grassland(LMNG) Botany Survey, and Biological Evaluation (BE) Protocols

1. Contractor Qualifications

a. A degree m Botany or Plant Ecology, or thoroughly demonstrated botanical experience and

knowledge to accurately inventory and document plant species and vegetation conditions.

b. Demonstrated skill in plant identification, use of plant taxonomic keys, and rare plant surveys.

Knowledge of flora and plant habitat of the northern Great Plains.

c. Ability to analyze the effects of a proposed project on botanical resources through knowledgeof ecological theory and plant community dynamics in response to disturbance.

d. Ability to prepare technical reports and apply Forest Service procedures and directives in thepreparation ofBEs.

e. Ability to apply Standards and Guidelines identified in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Landand Resource M;anagement Plan (2001) to proposed projects.

2. Survey Protocol

Sensitive plant swveys must be conducted in a manner that provides a high probability oflocating any sensitive or watch plant species that may be present. The swvey botanist must

obtain an accurate map of the site and proposed areas ofdist-irbance from the permit

applicant, and the field site must be accurately marked or flagged prior to the survey. Allhabitat likely to be disturbed by the proposed project must be systematically surveyed.

The following guidelines must be followed when conducting plant surveys.

a. Plant surveys must be conducted when sensitive species are most identifiable, such as during

periods of flowering or phenological stages that facilitate their discovery. Compromisesinevitably occur because there are fourteen sensitive plant species with different periods ofgrowth and flowering. However, survey periods of May 15 through September 15 span aperiod of active growth or identifiable litter for most sensitive plant species on the LMNG.These dates encompass the acceptable survey season unless otherwise specified by the ForestService. Sensitive plant surveys must be delayed or discontinued during adverse weather

conditions such as delayed spring growth, drought, or plant-killing frost, and reasonable effortmust be given to revisiting sites at a more appropriate time when these situations occur. If in

doubt, the Forest Service botanist should be contacted.

If potential occurrences of a sensitive species are noted but cannot be ascertained due to the

growth stage, it may be necessary for the contractor to revisit the site during another time of

year or following year to identify the species. Exceptions may occur if the proposeddevelopment was relocated to avoid the suspected population, but the Forest Service must benotified of the suspected occurrence and any avoidance actions.

Page ] 1

b. Watch species have fhe potential to occur on the LMNG but there are no currently

documented and substantiated occurrences; if so, they would be moved to the sensitive list.Suryey botanists must be familiar with characteristics of the twenty-four watch species listed

for the LMNG and document any occurrences in the same manner as sensitive plant species.

A determination of effects for watch plant species is not required within a BE unless one ofthe species is discovered.

c. Developments such as roadways, pipelines, and utility lines must be surveyed a minimumdistance of 125 ft on each side of the centerline of disturbance. However, survey widths can

be decreased to 50 ft on either side of electric lines, fiber optic cables, or other utilities that are

plowed into place with low degrees of distirbance, if the entire route is accurately and clearly

flagged. If the route is not field marked the survey corridor remains at 250 ft. A mimmum often acres must be surveyed around well sites where one bore hole is anticipated, but the survey

area should be increased for sites where multiple bore holes and larger well pads are expected.

The total area of sm-vey is referenced as the project area.

d. If a sensitive or watch plant species is discovered within an area that would be adversely

affected by the project, the surveyor must contact the Forest Service within seven days. If theoccurrence is not reported within seven days it could result in delaying concurrence of the

survey and BE until the next year's survey season.

If a sensitive/watch plant discovery is made within an area that would be directly disturbed bythe project, there is a high potential that it will be redesigned to alleviate adverse effects to thespecies. In such cases, it may be appropriate for the contract botanist to survey potential

alternate routes or site locations. However, it is the contractor's responsibility to coordinate

project location adjustments with Forest Service personnel and company representatives

requesting the survey to ensure that alternate project locations will be acceptable.

e. The contractor must complete a Sensitive/Watch Plant Population Survey Form whenever a

sensitive or watch plant species is discovered. Copies of the completed form must be

submitted to the Forest Service Botanist within seven days. Copies should also be submitted

to the North Dakota Natural Heritage Program. Include a topographic map or aerialphotograph that delineates the plant population. ArcMap GIS shape files m NAD83 dat-im ofall sensitive or watch species locations should be emailed to the appropriate Forest Service

Botanist. Photographs and any additional notes on the occurrence should be included.

It is not necessary to GPS each sensitive plant m a small area and record the lat/Iong for each.

Field GPS units are not adequate to consistently relocate or differentiate a specific plant froman adjacent plant located 10 or even 30 ft away. If we decide to monitor any of the

populations, it would be by delineating the extent of the population polygon and counting allindividuals. It is therefore more useful to GPS a polygon around the population after its extenthas been identified with flags etc., and report the number of individuals within the polygorL

However, new polygons or individual plants appreciably distant from other plants orsubpopulations should be GPS'd. The decision to GPS additional sites should considerwhether it makes sense to extend the polygon to those sites without including large areas

without any plants. Is there excessive distance, crossmg of prominent landforms, or changes

in aspect, slope, or topographic position between subpopulations that would limit the potential

Page \ 2

for cross-pollmation or dispersal of seed between the sites? If so, than a new polygon or point

should be established.

To facilitate annual updating of the Forest Service sensitive plant GIS shapefiles, pleaseensure that each sensitive plant population described on a sensitive plant form can be easily

matched to its location on associated maps and shapefiles. Use the "Population ID" field onthe sensitive plant form to provide a unique ID for each population in the survey (for example,TOHO A, TOHO B, etc), and use the same ID on maps and shapefiles.

f. The following are a few other plant species that we want to track for potential inclusion on the

sensitive list. Please treat any discovered occurrences of these species as a sensitive specieswith completion of the Sensitive Plant Surrey Form, etc.

Oxytropis spp. - We have not been able to positively verify or differentiate white to cream-colored Oxytropis between campestris and sericea. Moderately intense collections including

seed pods sent to the University of Wyoming Herbarium have remained inconclusive. We

will continue to track occurrences of all Oxytropis other than lambertii with the potential ofsericea and/or campestris being added to the sensitive list in the future.

Orobanche spp. - Confusion was created in 2012 regarding 0. ludoviciana versus 0,

multtfora and which species belongs on the watch list. We are primarily interested in thepotential occurrence of 0. multiflora, which the NRCS plants database recently updated as 0.

ludoviciana ssp. multiflora. This nomenclatare will be followed.

Sitings of 0. ludoviciana ssp. multiflora have been reported but not verified. We are also

interested in tracking any occuirences of 0. uniflora and 0. fasciculata. 0. ludoviciana

remains of interest but is not currently considered for potential listing.

Penstemon grandiflorus - The species is reportedly widespread in the central and eastern

portions of the state but only two widely spaced locations have been recently reported on theLMNG and there are no previous reports.

g. Any collections of sensitive or watch plant species must be approved in a Forest Service

permit. 36CFR261.9(d) prohibits "removing any plant that is classified as a threatened,endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species", with a fine in ND of $ 100. Details of

collection will be outlined in the pemiit that can be obtained at a local Forest Service office.However, it is important to evaluate the effect of collecting on potentially rare or small plantpopulations. If in doubt, collect the smallest quantities possible and/or only portions ofindividual plants. If there is a question about the possible identification of a sensitive species,the surveyor should contact the local Forest Service Botaaist.

The collection of any plant species for personal use (not for resale) and not covered under

36CFR261.9(d) also requires a Forest Service permit,. A Forest Products Free Use Permit to

collect plant specimens for personal use or species identification can be obtained at no chargefrom a local Forest Service office.

Page \ 3

h. A Site and Setting Field Form and Plant Surrey Form must be completed for every proposed

project for which a field survey is conducted. Latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, and

seconds, m NAD83 datum, must be recorded for each site.

Contractors must submit shapefiles of all survey areas either for each survey, or compile asingle comprehensive shapefile of all areas surveyed during the field season. These shapefiles

need to be submitted by the end of the year. Similarly, shapefiles for sensitive plantpopulations discovered during the year must also be submitted. Shapefiles must be in NAD83datum. Sensitive plant locations may be submitted as points or polygons depending on thesize of plant populations. Botany sxuvey areas should be polygons. Data should be submittedby e-mail to the appropriate District Botanist and the DPG Biology Program Manager,meghan. f. din]cins@fs .fed.us.

Prominent plant coimnurdties across the survey site must be verbally (written description) orgraphically identified with respect to their location of occurrence within the area of theproposed action. Habitat locations with the potential to support sensitive plant populations

must be verbally or graphically identified.

The occurrence of any invasive plant communities wifhin the project area must also beaccurately identified. A native-dominated plant community with consistent occurrences of

invasive species inclusions should be described as such, while the extent and location ofmvasive-dominated communities should be accurately described and delineated on site maps.

This type ofinfonnation is used to determine final project layout and mitigation requirements,such as site relocations or invasive species treatments. Accurate descriptions of dominant

plant community locations are therefore critical, as inaccurate descriptions can lead to

unnecessary or poor mitigation plaxming.

Invasive species are defined as non-native species that have the capacity to displace ordominate native plant conmumities. On the LMNG, invasive species include those on the

North Dakota noxious weed list such as leafy spurge and Canada thistle, as well as palatablespecies such as sweet clover, crested wheatgrass, Kenticky and Canada bluegrass, and smoothbrome. See the attached list of invasive plant species that must be identified if occurring on aproject site.

L An assessment must be conducted for cumulative effects to vegetation resources that include

sensitive/watch plant species as well as native plant communities. It is suggested that a 0.5

mile radius extending from all areas of likely disturbance associated with the project be usedas the analysis area for cumulative effects. However, other areas or distances could be used if

they logically represent past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future effects surrounding

the project area.

An intensive ground survey of the analysis area is not expected, but the amount and type ofactive and reclaimed roads, well sites, utility lines, and other developments must be estimated

within the analysis area. These estimates are derived from a combination of field observationsduring survey work, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and GIS layers provided by tfaeForest Service that dqpict existing well sites, pipelines, water tanks and other developments,and vegetation characteristics such as broken land likely planted to crested wheatgrass. It is

Page|4

important to discuss the extent and type of plant communities observed on and around these

sites, particularly with increasing proximity to the sruvey site.

j. All activities on National Forest System lands are required to conform to the Federal Code ofRegulations and applicable laws. It is the responsibility of surveyors to be aware of anyspecial orders for the Dakota Prairie Grasslands or individual Ranger Districts in effect.Contact the local Ranger District for information on special orders or to obtain any required

permits.

Off-road permits and collection pemiits must be retained at all times while on National Forest

System lands.

3. Biolosical Evaluation / Report Protocol

The following information must be included in the BE and/or any forms specified forcompletion.

a. The BE must have a date and contain the name, address, and contact information of the

company submitting the report. The project name should be identified on the cover page andthe begmrdng of the BE/report. If the BE/report is acting on the behalf of another companyfor a lease or permit application with the Forest Service, the applicants name and contactinformation must be included.

b. The proposed action must be identified, i.e. construction of a well pad and 1 . 1 miles of access

road, or upgrading of an existing two-track road to serve as the access road, etc. This includes

the manner of action, ie. a trackhoe will be used to dig a 3 ft wide trench, a utility line will beplowed into place, or dozers will blade 5 acres to remove the A soil horizon and level the site.A description of the action is required for adequate effects analysis. Without this descriptionit may be assumed there is no knowledge of the proposed action and the effects analysis isincomplete.

c. State exactly where the staked road, pipeline, or other development is in relation to previously

disturbed corridors and affected plant composition. What is the vegetation within thepreviously disturbed area, and is the proposed development witfain or outside of this area? Ifoutside, how far outside? If the route is not staked then it caimot be confidently stated that theproject will be placed within the previously disturbed corridor. However, if there appears tobe sufficient space to place the project within the disturbed corridor, that can be stated as asuggested mitigation measure.

A legal description by Section, Quarter Section, Township, and Range, of the proposed projectlocation must be included. Include legible topographic/aerial photographs of the project areathat depict current developments.

d. The date of the field survey and name of the botamst(s) must be identified, along with the typeof survey methodology utilized. The Site and Setting Survey Form must be included in theBE/report or attached as an appendix.

Page \ 5

e. The current list ofLMNG Sensitive and Watch plant species and a brief description of thepreferred habitat for each sensitive species must be included m the BE/report or appendix.

However, do not include watch plant species in the effects analysis and determination unless

they are found during the survey.

f. A site-spedfic narrative description of the existing plant communities found within the survey

area must be included. The description must be logical and cohesive, such that the reader isprovided with an accurate picture of vegetation composition and conditions within and around

the project area. Dominant and co-dommant species by life form within distinct community

types must be identified. The potential climax vegetation as identified through habitat typesor ecological sites should be discussed (note: Dakota Prairie Grasslands is moving towards

transitionmg to Ecological Site Description [BSD] analysis). Aspects, topographic positions,and dominant soil textores should be included m these descriptions.

Site photographs are important but don't overdo it. A broad view of the well pad with at leastsome comers or center stake highlighted in some way may be as useful as several photos m

each cardinal direction. Consider including photographs with the text of site descriptions forgreatest usefuhiess and interpretation, rather than placing all the photographs at the end of the

document. Landscape level photographs of sensitive population sites are equally or more

important than plant close-ups. Flagged plant locations are helpful in the photographs.

g. A complete floristic list of all plant species identified during the field survey must beprovided. A field checklist is acceptable. Nomenclatire should follow that of the USDANahiral Resource Conservation Service PLANTS Database, available online at

http://plants.usda.gov. In addition to includmg the species list in the report, we request that

contractors also provide an end of year comprehensive spreadsheet of all species recorded by

survey site. This infonnation is helpful to the Forest Service m trackmg general species

occurrences over time and space.

h. A completed copy of the Sensitive/Watch Plant Population Survey Form is required in the

report if any new populations are discovered. Unoccupied but apparently suitable habitat for

sensitive plant species must be identified in Biological Evaluations (BEs) with respect to itslocation within the project area.

i The occurrence and extent of invasive species within the project area must be discussed. It is

particularly important to identify areas where project disturbances are likely to intersect withinvasive plant comimmities. Maps showing the extent of high invasive species occurrencesacross the project area are critical. See 2h above. Tlie analysis should discuss the project's

potential impacts on invasive species' occurrence and cUstribution, and should relate this to

potential impacts to sensitive plants and habitats, as well as the maintenance of native plant

communities.

j. Detemunation of Effects: Effects to sensitive plant species fall into the following categories.Contractors must utilize these categorical statements rather than paraphrase. A summary table

ofdetermmations for each species must be included in the BE/report

1. No Impact:

Page \ 6

A determination of'TSTo Impact" for sensitive species occurs when a project or activity

will have no environmental effects on habitat, individuals, a population or a species. Ifany effects are listed for a sensitive species, then a "No Impact" conclusion is not

appropriate.

2. May Impact Individuals Or Habitat, But Will Not Likely Contribute ToATrendTowards Federal Listing Or Cause a Loss of Viability To the Population or Species:

Impacts to individuals or habitat of sensitive species should be given carefulconsideration. The loss of populations or metapopulations is often the basis forevential species extinction. Rationale should be provided regarding why the effectswould not contribute to federal listing or cause a loss of viability to the population orspecies.

3. Will impact Individuals Or Habitat Wifh A Consequence That The Action WillCont-ibute To A Trend Towards Federal_Listing Or Cause a Loss of Viability To thePopulation or Species:

Loss of individuals or habitat can be considered significant when the potential effectmay contribute to a trend toward federal listing. The loss of individuals is significantwhen there are few populations and/or few individuals within populations. For these

situations, any effects to the species may lead to a loss of viability and contributetowards federal listing.

Projects or activities that adversely affect many individuals of a species with limitedpopulation numbers, or even a few individuals with a limited number of smallpopulations should probably receive this conclusion.

4. Beneficial Impact: Projects or activities that are desigaed or happen to benefit sensitivespecies should receive this conclusion.

The BE must provide a logical context for the determination of effects, considering ecologicalprinciples of habitat jfragmentation, population dynamics, number of known species

populations, and apparent species viability. The absence of sensitive plant species in theproject area does not necessarily equate to no impact. If suitable but unoccupied habitat exists

for a particular sensitive plant species that is likely to be disturbed by the project, thedetermination will usually fall under Category 2 due to decreased habitat for dispersal.However, rationale for Category 2 should also include reasons why the project would notcontribute to federal listing. For example, there may be documented populations m other

areas of the LMNG that would not be affected, habitat within the project area is marginal,suitable habitat that would not be dist-irbed is extensive immediately adjacent to the projectarea, etc.

Be careful of exaggerating the number of species with Detemiination #2 - may impact

individuals or habitat etc. This should not be used as a shotgun approach to cover all thebases. It should be increasingly obvious that the text books, floras, and other references do

not provide a very accurate description of habitat for several of the listed species. Your ownjudgment ajad experience of past population sites, as well as shapefiles of currently

Page [ 7

documented sites and surrounding habitat is likely to be a more accurate assessment ofpotential habitat compared to existing sources for most species.

Detenninations must consider direct and indirect effects of the proposed project as well ascumulative effects of the proposed project when considered with other effects. Effects on

native plant communities and habitats must also be addressed m the BE, as these ultimatelyaffect sensitive plant habitat. Examples of these effects include direct disturbance, habitatfragmentation, invasive plant expansion, decreased plant diversity, and loss of unique habitatdifficult to reclaim to pre-dist.irbance conditions.

k. A cumulative effects analysis is used to determine the extent to which the proposed project'sdirecVindirect effects contribute to other effects on the species in question. If there are nodirect or indirect effects to the species or habitat, then there would be no contribution to

cumulative effects and an analysis is not necessary. However, an analysis of the cumulative

effects must be addressed wifh respect to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable futureeffects whenever there are any direct/indirect effects to sensitive plant species or native plant

resources. A one-halfmile radius around fhe project site should be used as an analysis area

unless a more logical and defendable area can be Identified.

Once the analysis area is defined, confine effects discussions within this area. There is no

need to discuss the number of wells within an oil field unless that is your analysis area. If an

oil field is the chosen analysis area, then be prepared to discuss the acreage of pipelines, watertanks, and all other influential factors within the field. Increasing agricult.iral production,

industialization, and urban development across North Dakota are outside the influence of a

typical analysis area on the LMNG - are these activities really increasing witfain the analysisarea? Past homesteading, agriculture (broken land), intermmgled private land, livestockgrazing, and recent and future expansion of oil and gas development continue to influence theLMNG, but many of the other activities that have been discussed in past reports are not

applicable to a reasonably sized analysis area surrounding projects that are being analyzed.

Recorded field observations from the Site and Setting Form will include the presence andvegetative characteristics of lands influenced by the above uses, and should include the extent,location, and general amount of invasive species occurrences. GIS layers will be helpful in

quantifying fee land area that has been influenced by these activities, as well as the potentialcontribution of the proposed project and its effects. Contractors may not have completeknowledge of conditions across the entire analysis area, but they should carry the analysis as

far as possible from field observations and data sets to which they have access. At a

mirumum, recorded observations should include vegetation composition on at least a portionof existing or reclaimed developments adjacent to the project site and within the analysis area.

Linear disturbances such as roads and pipelines have a width, and therefore an acreage that

can be estimated. In many cases the zone of past disturbance can be measured from air

photos.

There may be no known sensitive plant populations withia the defined analysis area, buthabitat conditions for several sensitive species are likely to have been affected by pastdisturbances to which the proposed development would contribute. Obseryations and

reporting of plant communities on areas of past distirbance are therefore critical. Besides

Page \ 8

stating the number of acres that these developments comprise, discuss the effects in terms of

current plant composition.

There have been about 25 instances of direct disturbances to existing sensitive plantpopulations across the LMNG in recent years of increased development. Adverse effects

primarily involved populations oiEscobaria missouriensis and To-wnsendia spp., and two

populations oiEriogonum visheri. In the vast majority of cases, these disturbances affected

only a portion of a given population and mitigation involving site relocations wasimplemented to decrease the level of adverse effect. The level of adverse effects was not

sufficient to threaten the continued viability of any of the four species on the LMNG due tothe relatively high number of population occurrences aad/or high number of individuals withina population.

In regards to the maintenance of native plant coimnunities, there is ample evidence of

previous roads, well sites, and other developments contributing to the establishment and

spread of invasive species. If there is a high potential for the project to result in an increase ofinvasive species, then it would contribute to the cumulative effects across the landscape in the

analysis area. It is therefore incorrect to conclude that the individual project would not resultin cumulative effects due to its small size of a few acres, or fhat when viewed on its own the

project would have negligible impacts on the landscape. The point of cumulative effects is fhecomprehensive effect on the landscape, not the significance of each project analyzed

separately.

Miles of woody draw drainages or wetland acres are not applicable to cumulative effects.

These are more of a description of existing plant communities or habitat types (Ecological SiteDescriptions [ESDs]). Why not also list the acreage of all other habitat types (Ecological SiteDescriptions [ESDs]? Exceptions might include the acreage of man-made dugouts, or brokenland etc., but the effect on native plant communities should be identified or described.

1. Design Criteria: The report should include suggested design criteria, or mitigation, toalleviate adverse effects and avoid unnecessary disturbances to sensitive plant species and

native plant communities. Examples include reconunendations for avoiding impacts to certain

plant commumties or species, or incorporating the control of invasive species within the scope

of project development and design. Be as specific as possible with design criteria. Identifyingadverse effects in tfae analysis but concluding that no mitigation measures are necessary is

illogical. If herbicide treatments or infested soil containment are warranted, specify where

they should be conducted. Rational for invasive species treatments decreases when areas

surrounding the project area are increasingly dominated by invasive species. For instance, itwould not be very effective to pre-treat a well site for crested wheatgrass iftfae surroundmg

area is overwhelmingly dominated by the same species with a certainty ofre-invading the site.

Mention if the original project location has already been adjusted or relocated to avoid ormitigate for adverse effects based on initial field surveys.

m. Bibliography of literature or references cited. Include only those cited in the text of the report.

Page \ 9

SITE AND SETTING FORIVI

Site and Setting Form for Inventory Information

SITE/PROJECT NAME:

DATE(MMDDYYYYJ

LAST Name FIRST Name

Ownership

Region 01 National Forest/Grassland 18 District

State North Dakota County Name

Township

Q SEC/ Range / Section

QQ

Location

SEC

Information

QQQ SEC

Geodetic Datum NAD83linear sunreyed area)

Lat dms: Degrees

Long dms:

Lat dms:

Long dms:

Degrees

Degrees

Degrees

is required

Nw

N

.w

(Generally at center of survey area, Use start and end points for long

Minutes _ _ Seconds _ _._

Minutes

Minutes

Minutes

Seconds __ _._

Seconds _ _._

Seconds

Existing Vegetation InformationPlease enter major dominance types found on the project area.

Dominant Life Form ®

Dominance Type

Dominance Type

Dominance Type

Dominance Type

Potential Vegetation Information

Habitat Type Name

Habitat Type Name

Habitat Type Name

Habitat Type Name

Habitat Type Name

Habitat Type Name

Description of past & current land use practices including reclaimed or active oil wells,roads, utility corridors, misc. developments, and apparent livestock grazing patterns.Include observations of species composition in regards to native versus non-native(invasive).

Estimate current acreage or mileage of active and reclaimed access roads, utility corridors,or other developments within % mile radius of project area. Document source of data asobserved or compiled from GIS software and/or aerial photographs.

ACTIVE

RECLAIMED

Other Comments

Plant Survey Form

Area Surveyed (acres) Survey Type

Invasive Plants and Noxious Weeds

Species:

Description & Location:

Species:

Description & Location:

Species:

Description & Location:

Species:

Description & Location:

Species:

Description & Location:

Species:

Description & Location:

Extent (area):

Extent:

Extent:

Extent:

Extent:

Extent:

Plant Species List (use additional format if needed)

Plant Name Comments

Habitat Type Code and Habitat Type Name

LMNG Habitat Type Names

Agrppyron smifhii-Stipa viridula

Agropyron smi&ii-Stipa viridula-BouteIoua gracilis

A^^E^^--?^li^l-l-:-?^P.?.c;P]t'Il?ta

•Andropogon scoparius-Carex filifolia

Anclrppogon gerardii

Calamqvilfa longifoUa-Carex

Distichlis spicata

PuccineUianuttalliana--Distichlis spicata

Stipa comata-Carex filifolia

Artemisia arbuscuIa-Bouteloua gracilis

Artemisia cana-Agropyron smithii

Artemisia tndentata wyonungensis-Agropyron smithii

Artemisia tddentata wyomingensis-Agropyron spicatum

|Atnplex confertifoUa-Artemisia tridentate wyomingensis

Jumperus horizontalis-Andropogon scoparius

IPotentiUafrutic&sa-Andropogon scoparius

jRhus aromatica-Agropyron spicatum

:Rhus aromatica-Muhlenbergia cuspidate

[Sarcobatus veimiculahjs-Agropyron smithii

.Sarcobatus vermiculatus-Agropyron spicatum

:Shepherdia argentea

:Symphoncarpos pccidentalis

_Quercus macrocarpa/CoiyIus sp.

Quercus macrocaipa/Prunus virginiana

Populus tremuIoides/Prunus virginiana

jFraxinuspennsylvaaica/Prunus virguuana

Fraxmus pennsylvanica/Ulmus amencana/Prunus virgimafla

Fraxmus pennsylvanica/Symphoncarpps occidentalis

Junipems scqpuloriim/Oryzopsis micranfha

Jumpems scopulorum/Agropyron spicatimi

PinusflexiIis/Agropyron spicatum

'Pinus ponderpsa/Prunus virginiana

Pinus ponderosa/Junipems communis

IPmusponderpsa/Agropyron spicahun

Pjums^gonderosa/CarexheliophiUa

^

~

zz

Survey Type Enter the type of survey that was conducted. Enter one or more of the following. You may enter

up to three sur/ey types.

CodeAquatic

Cursory

Features

Field Check

General

Focused(Intuitive Coutrolled)

Random

Riparian

Stratified Random

Systematic

DescriptionAquatic surveys are confined to surveys within water bodies such as streams, lakes, pondsand irrigated canals. Vegetation can be classified as emergent, floating, hydrophytic, orsubmergent. For surveys that include fhe transition zone to -uplands and areas of seasonal orperiodic flooding also record riparian surveys.

The cursory survey is appropriately used to confirm the presence of objects of interestidentified m previous surveys and the prefield analysis step. By its nature, the cursory visitis rapid, but does not provide in-depth environmental information. The entire area istraversed at least once. For example, stand condition as seen in aerial photography can beverified by a cursory visit to a location. Also, a cursory visit can be used to determine if apopulation that had been previously cataloged at a site remains present or intact

The surveyed focused on area in and adjacent to developed features such as road, trails,campgrounds, parking lots and boat launches.

Field Check is where fhe area is given a. quick "once over" but do not walk completelythrough die project area. The entire area is not examined.

The srsa is given a closer look by walking through the area and perimeter or by walkingmore than once through the area. Most of the area is examined

The intuitive controlled survey is the most commonly used and most efficient method ofsurveying. During pre-field analysis, potential suitable habitat is idendfied for each speciesof interest and fee survey effort is focused in those areas. This method requires adequateknowledge of suitable habitat in order to accurately select the areas of focused search.When conducting intuitive controlled surveys, an area somewhat larger than the identifiedsuitable habitat should be searched to validate current suitable habitat definitions.

Random surveys employ an undirected traverse through a project area. They are employedeither when there is inadequate natural history information about a species to discern itssuitable habitat and the surveyor is simply searching for occurrences, or when a targetspecies is very abundant within a search area and the surveyor is attempting to makeestimates of population parameters such as intra-patch variations in density or theoccurrence ofpredation or herbivory. However, a stratified random survey may be moreefficacious in these cases.

These are surveys that follow tiie shoreline of water bodies such as lakes, streams and rivers.

Riparian areas are defined as those areas that form the transition between permanentiysaturated wetlands and upland areas. For plants or areas that are obligatory in standing or

movmg water use aquatic survey.

The stratified random survey is most often used within known population areas of targetspecies or when an area of unknown suitability to be surveyed is relatively large. Stratifiedrandom surveys employ a series of randomly selected plots of equal size within a projectarea that are each flioroughly searched for target species. When conducting a stratifiedrandom survey, it is important to search an adequate number of sites that are of sufficient

size to represent an adequate sample.

The systematic survey is typically used m limited areas where the likelihood ofoccunrenceof a target species is evenly distributed throughout the survey area- Systematic surveys areoften employed either within focused search areas (e.g., stratified random and intuitivecontrolled methods), or when a proposed project is likely to produce significant habitat

altCTations for species tiiat^^^^^^

INVASIVE / NOXIOUS PLANT SPECIESTO BE REPORTED WHEN OCCURRING ON A

PROJECT SURVEY SITE ON THE LITTLE MISSOURI NATIONAL GRASSLAND(Report species jfrom any site where they are found, regardless of where they are listed as noxious.)

Scientific Name

FORBSAcroptilon repens

Arctium minus

Artemisia absinthium

Astragalus deer

Cardaria draba

Carduus acanthoides

Carduus nutans

Centaurea dijfusa

Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos

Centaurea solstitialis

Cirsium arvense

Convolvulus arvensis

Cynoglossum officinale

Euphorbia esula

Halogeton glomeratus

Gypsophila paniculataHyoscyamus niger

Linaria genistifoliaLinaria vulgaris

Lythrum salicaria

M.elilotus officinalis.

Sonchus spp.

Tamarix spp.

Verbascum thapsus

GRASSESAgropyron cristatum

Bromus ar^ensis

Bromus inermis

Bromus tectorum

Elymus repens

Poa pratensis

Poa compressa

Thinopyrum intermedium

Thinopyrum ponticum

Common Name

Russian KnapweedCommon BurdockAbsinfh WormwoodCicer milkvetchHoary Cress

Plumeless ThistleNodding Plumeless Thistleor Musk ThistleDiffuse KnapweedSpotted KnapweedYellow Star-thistleCanada ThistleField BindweedHoundstongue

Leafy SpurgeHalogetonBaby's Breath

Black Henbane

Dalmatian ToadflaxYellow ToadfiaxPurple LoosestrifeYellow or WhiteSweetclover

SowthistleSaltcedarCommon Mullein

Crested Wheatgrass

Field Brome (Japanese)Smooth BromeDowny Brome / Cheatgrass

Quackgrass

Kentucky bluegrass

Canada bluegrass

Intermediate Wheatgrass

Tall Wheatgrass

State/County where Noxiousor other Status

ND StateBillings, Golden Valley, McKenzieND StateNon-native invasive

Billings, Golden ValleyNon-native invasive

ND State

ND StateND StateNon-native invasive

ND StateBillings CountyBillings, Golden Valley, McKenzie,SlopeND StateMcKenzie

McKenzieBillings, Golden Valley, McKenzie,SlopeND StateND StateND StateNon-native invasive

Non-native invasive

ND State

Golden Valley

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

Non-native invasive

SENSITmVWATCH PLANT POPULATION SURVEY FORM

SPECIES: POPULATION ID:(Scientific Name) (Ex: TOHO A, TOHO B, etc; to differentiate populations at site)

DATE OF SURVEY: _OBSERVERS):(Name, title, company

LOCATION (**ATTACH COPY OF TOPOGRAPHIC MAP WITH POPULATION LOCATONS. COLLECT GPS DATA USINGNAD83 DATUM AND SUBMIT A SHAPEFILE.):

TOWNSHIP: _ RANGE: _ SEC.(S): _.__,,__ 1/4 SEC.:

LATITUDE: LONGITUDE:(degrees, miautes, seconds, withNAD83 Datum)

OR UTM at Zone 13 Northing _ EastmgGPS MODEL

NATIONAL FOREST: LMNG RANGER DISTRICT:

LAND OWNERSfflP/MANAGEMENT (IF NOT FS):_

PROJECT/SITE NAME (usually well name or adjacent lan^mar^)-

HABITAT:

ASPECT (S, SE, NNW, etc.): _ % SLOPE:.

LIGHT EXPOSURE (full sun, partial shade, full shade.):

SLOPE POSITION (backslope, fbotslope,slioulder, summit, toeslope.):

TYPICAL SOIL MOISTURE CONDITIONS (dry, moist, wet. Do not reflect current precipitation conditions.)

SOIL TEXTURE (see attatchment):

VEGETATION STTRUCTURJE WTTmN POPULATION AREA:

TOTAL TREE COVER (%) _TOTAL SHRUB COVER (%)„TOTAL FORB COVER (%) _TOTAL GRAMINOED COVER (%)TOTAL MOSS/LICHEN COVER (%) _TOTAL BARE GROUND (%).

ASSOCIATED PLANT COMMUNITY (dominant species):_

FNVASIVE SPECLES IN VICINITY:

HABITAT TYPE (if known):

POPULATION SIZE:

ESTIMATED # OF ESTDFVTDUALS (or exact count, if feasible; if plants are spreading vegetatively, indicate number of aerialstems):

# OF SUBPOPULATIONS (ifappUcable):

SIZE OF POPULATION AREA (acres): .

BIOLOGY:

PHENOLOGY (% flower, fi-uit, dispersed fi-uit, vegetative):

ANY SYMBIOTIC ORPARASITIC RELATIONSHIPS?:

EVTDENCE OF DISEASE, PREDATION OR INJURY?:

EVTOENCE OF SEED DISPERSAL AND ESTABLISHMENT:

DOCUMENTATION:

PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN? (if so, indicate photographer and repository):

SPECLMGEN TAKEN? (if so, list collector, collection^ and repository):

IDENTIFICATION (list name of person making determination, and/or name of flora or book used):

EVIDENCE OF DISTURBANCE:

MEASURES FOR PROTECTION:

OTHER COMMENTS/SKETCHES/ETC:

Codes for Sensitive/Watch Plant Population Sm-vey Form

CodeSUN

PSH

FSH

Slope PositionCodeBSFSSHsuTS

Soil MoistureCodeD

Mw

Soil TextureCodec

CLL

s

SI

SIL

SL

Name

Full Sun

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Name

Backslope

Footslope

Shoulder

Summit

Toeslope

Name

Dry

Moist

Wet

Name

clay

clay loam

loam

sand

silt

silt loam

sandy loam

Description

Full Sun characterizes tfae predominant light exposure condition across theEO.

Partial Shade characterizes the predominant light exposure condition acrosstheEO.

FuU Shade characterizes the predominant light exposure condition acrosstheEO.

Description

The steepest portion of the slope where material is generally m transit

The lower portion of the slope where material is generally re-deposited.

The upper slope where material generally moves fhrough creep processes.

The uppermost slope.

The lowemiost slope position where material moves generally throughalluvial processes.

Meaning

No moisture observed, at the wilting point (>15 bars of tension, realizingthat various perennials, shrubs, trees and other native vegetation havewilting pomts up to 66 bars of tension).

Moisture state is between the wilting point and field capacity.

The moisture state is at field capacity or wetter.

Description

A term used in the U.S. and by fhe International Society of Soil Science fora rock or mineral particle m the soil, havmg a diameter less than 0.002 mm

(2 microns)A soil containing 27-40% clay, 20-45% sand, and the remainder silt.

A rich, permeable soil composed of a fnable mixture of relatively equal andmoderate proportions of clay, silt, and sand particles, and usuallycontaming organic matter

A term used in the U.S. for a rock or mineral particle in the soil, having adiameter in the range of 0.05-2 mm.

A rock or mineral particle m the soil, having a diameter in the range of0.002-0.05 mm.

A soil coiLtaining 50-88% silt, 0-27% clay, and 0-50% sand; e.g. one withat least 50% silt and 12-27% clay, or one with 50-88% silt and less tfaan12% clay.

A soil containing 43-85% sand, 0-50% silt, and 0-20% clay, or containingat least 52% sand and no more than 20% clay and having the percentage ofsilt plus twice the percentage of clay exceeding 30, or contaming 43-52%sand, less than 50% silt, and less than 7% clay.

GR gravel Rock fragments between. 2 and 75 mm m diameter.

Sensitive Plant Species of the Little Missouri National GrasslandFrom February 25,2011 USDA Forest Service Northern Region Sensitive Plant Species list

NRCSCode

CHSU2

COPA3

CRT04

ERCE2

ERVI14

ESMI3

LEM04

MEPU3

PHAL3

PIFL2

POAC5

SPAI

TOHO

TOEX2

ScientificName

Ckenopodiumsubglabrum

CoUinsia.parviflora

Cryptanthatorreyana

Eriogonumcemuum

Eriogonumvisheri

Escobariamissounensis

Leucocrinum

montanum

Mentzeliapumila

Phloxalyssifolia

Pinusflexillis

Populus xacuminata

Sporobolusairoides

Townsendiahookeri

Townsendiaexscapa

CommonName

smooth

goosefoot

blue Ups

Torrey's

cryptantiia

noddingbuckwheat

Dakotabuckwheat

Missourifoxtailcactus

sand Uly

dwarfmentzelia

alyssum-

leaved phlox

limber pine

lanceleafcottonwood

alkali sacaton

Hooker's

Townsendia

Easter daisy

Conserv.

Ranking

G2G4/S1

G5/S2

G5/S1

G5/S1

G3/S2S3

G5/SNR

G5/S2

G4/S1

G5/S1S2

G5/S1

HYB/S2

G5/S2

G5/S1

G5/SNR

Documented Habitat on the LMNG

Sandbars, terraces, and dune complexes along rivers and creeks.

Exposed sandy substrates in uplands, blowouts, outcrops,colluvium, etc.

Woody understories, includmg green ash/elm draws. RockyMountain jumper, mesic shrub communities, and occasional

xeric shrub communities.

Two population sites discovered during 2013 were located alongscoria ridgelines. Also reported from dry plains, rock outcrops,escarpments, pine slopes.

Exposed sand substrates with. low plant cover m grasslands,hillsides, sandstone outcrops.

Relatively exposed clay/silt substrates with low plant cover suchas outwash zones around eroding buttes, saddles, steep convex

slopes, erosional breaks on prairie slopes. Occasionalpopulations among dense saltgrass conmnmities.

Prairie slopes and plains, stony to loamy to clayey short-grass tomixed-grass prairies. Also reported in woodlands ofponderosapine or Quercus spp.

Generally shortgrass communities with fine textured substratesbut also found in crested wheatgrass communities. Reportedfrom open coniferous woodlands and hillsides, sagebrush scrub,and sandy flats, but common name seems to be a misnomer.

Scoria exposures and colluvium with. low plant cover. Alsoreported on slopes and sandy plains; occasionally on hard claysand rocky soils.

Sandy or graveUy soil on and around Bullion Butte. Alsoreported on clay banks and limestone ridges of open prairie.

Semi-arid exposed rocky ridges and foothills in the LimberPines RNA, likely ofnative-American origin.

M^esic woody draws, often with springs/seeps, occasional nearsprings on open hillsides. Floodplains and stream banks.

Secondary succession on clay outwash where tolerant of salineconditions, also on dry to moist sandy or gravelly soil.

Low to moderate plant cover on dry plains, hillsides, gravellybenches and weathered scoria, but often clay matrix subsoil.

Dry plains and hillsides, often with loamy or increased soildevelopment and increased plant cover relative to T. hookeri.

Watch Plant Species of the Little Missouri National Grassland

NRCS Code

AGEX

ASAU4

ASDR3

ASVE5

EPPY4

BRCA5

CASI12

CASCS8

CLCOT

ERDI4

ERRA2

FRFU2

MYAPM

OELA

ORLUM

OXSE

PHPA29

PODI

PODI2

POJA2

SITR3

RACA4

ROCA

SMEC

Scientific Name

Agrostis exarata

Astragalus australis(Astragalus aboriginum)

Astragalus drummondii

Astragalus vexilliflexus

Epilobium pygmaeum(Boisduvalia glabella)}

Bromus carinatus

Carex siccata {Carexfeonea)

Carex scirpoidea {Carex scirpiformi)

Clematis columbiana var. tenuiloba(Clematis tenuiloba)

Erigeron divergens

Erigeron radicatus

Fritillaria pudica

Myosurus apetalus var. montanus

Oenothera laciniata

Orobanche. ludoyiciana, ssp. multiflora,

Oxytropis sericea

Phem eranthus par^iflorus(Talinum parviflorum)

Potamogeton diversifolius

Potentilla diversifolia

Populus xjackii

Sibbaldiopsis tridentata(Potentilla tridentata)

Ranunculus cardiophyllus

Rorippa calycina

Smilax ecirrhata

Common Name

spike bentgrass

Indian milkvetch

Drummond's milkvetch

bentQower milkvetch

smooth spike-primrose

mountain brome

dry spike sedge

buh-ush sedge

rock clematis

spreading fleabane

taproot fl.eaba.ae

yellow fritiUary

bristly mousetail

cutleaf evening primrose

manyflowered broomrape

white locoweed

prairie fameflower

Pondweed

varileaf potentilla

Bahn-of-Gilead

shrubby fivefuagers .

heartleaf buttercup

persistent sepal yellowcress

upright camonflower

Conservation

Ranking

G5/S1

G5/S2S3

G5/S1

G4/S3

G5/S1S2

G5/S1

G5/SNR

G5/S1S2

G5?T4?/S1

G5/S1

G3G4/S1

G5/SH

G5T3T5/S1

G5/SA?

G5/S1

G5/S1

G5/S2

G5/S2S3

G5/S1

GNA/SNR

G5/S1

G4S1

G3/SH

G?/S1S2

SENSITIVE SPECIES LISTForest Service, Region 1

Februrary2011

American peregrine falcon(Fa/co peregrinus anatum)

Baird's sparrow{Ammodramus bairdii)

Bald eagle(Haliaeetus teucocephalus}

Black-backed woodpecker(Picoides arcticus}

Black swift(Cypseloides niger)

Blue-gray gnatcatcher[Polioptila caemlea)

Burrowing owl(Athens cuniculan'a)

Common loan(Gavia immer)

Flammutated owl

(Otus flammeolus)

Greater prairie chicken(Tympanuchus cupido)

^

'8

i

sl

's,

I

n

I

S-.

I

Slate Ranking

MT

•S3

S3B

S3

S3

S1B

S2B

S3B

S3B

S3B

sx

iD

iiHI

S2B

S3BS4N

S3

S1B

S2B

S1BS2N

S3B

ND^^i^

^^^

S1

su

St

su

S4

32

3D

f^^M

sx

S2Eszr

S1ES2F1

S3

81 Eszr

S3S4Eszr

S1ES3

31 ESZf1

S4

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

3/D

K

K

K

K

BRT

WS9S&

^^^N

K

K

K

K

CLW

K

K

K

cus

mnsiIjB^I^^^^^^^^s^

K

K

K

K

K

K

DPG

K

K

K

K

FLAT

'SSSSiS.i^??^^^

yamss.

K

K

K

K

K

GAL

K

K

K

s

HEL

K

K

K

K

IPNF

isas''sms.

K

K

K

K

K

K

KOOT

i^i^^Ni^j'lS:SiSsS9f

K

K

K

K

K

L&C

vtS^s:Sf

11811

K

K

K

s

s

LOLO

K

K

K

K

K

NE

9tiill

K

K

K

s

s

K

Comments

SWi8SSS^^?s&SSSSMW§9SSS??SSi^S9s&:'^^^SS^SSSSWMS^S'M^M^^sS^s^^SS^S^MS^.

aderally delisted on August 25, 1999.SFWS monitoring of status for 5-yeartervais after delisting. Species ofoncern in MT, State Endangered in SD.D CWCS Level 3 spp.

IT CFWCS as a PriorHy 2 spp. ListedSD CWCS, and as a Level 1 speciesND CWCS.

sderally delisted on June 28, 2007.SFWS monitoring for 5-year Intervalster dellsting. State Threatened in SD.D CWCS Level 1 spp.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MTFWCS as a Priority 2 spp. Listed inD CWCS, and as a Level 1 species inD CWCS.

olonial nester with few known nestingtes. iPNF has known nesting sites.

pecies of Concern En MT, and in MTFWCS as a Priority 2 spp. South endPriors Mtns. in MT.

pecles of Concern in MT, and in MTR/VCS as a Priority 1 spp. Listed inD CWCS, and as a Leve! 2 species inD CWCS.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MTFWCS as a Priority 1 spp. ID CWCS)p.

oecies of Concern in MT, and in MTFWCS as a Priority 1 spp. ID CWCS)p.

sted in SD CWCS. and as a NDWCS Level 2 spp.

SENSITIVE SPECIES LISTForest Service, Region 1

Februrary 2011

Greater sage-grouse(Centroceivus urophasianus)

Harlequin duck(Histrionicus histnonicus)

Loggerheacf shrike(Lanlus ludovicianus)

Long-billed curlew(Numenlus americanus)

Mountain quail

(Oreortyx pictus)

Pygmy nuthatch(Sttta pygma^a)

Sprague's pipit(Anthus spragueii)

Trumpeter swan(Cygnus buccinator)

White-headed woodpecker(Picoides albolawatus)

^i^;^^^^^^^^^<^^^?^.^^^1.?W^^^^.^S;^'^^;^^^^^^^'f^SSi^y^f^^l^^^kl ''^?^^^^^

Black-tailed prairie dog

(Cynomys ludovicianus)

Bighorn sheep(Ovis canadensis)

State Ranking

MT

32

32B

33B

33B

S4

33B

S3

iNA

imi^ii^^^f

S3

S4

ID

•

32

S1B

S2B

31

32

S1BS2N

S2

•

S1

ND

su

su

S2

S3

sx

Isu

32

SE

-SaS

ss

S£

S3fS2i

S2S£

S2iSZi

ss

'tSfM^

'^f.-^:

'M^^

S4

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

3/D

K

K

K

K

BR1

•

^9.

K

CLV\

IS

K

K

N

cus

M

s

K

K

K

^^^M^^^%K

K

K

DPG

K

K

K

K

•K

K

FLAT

^??K?^;$X>^

K

K

GAL

81

K

K

•

K

HEL

'^^s^^.

s

^J^^^Es^^^

K

IPNF

•

K

K

^i^s^t

K001

g

K

K

L&C

s

K

•

K

LOLC

•

K

•

K

NE;

Ill

K

s

K

K

K

w^^^

K

Comments

•pecies of Concern !n MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 1 spp. Listed inD CWCS, and as a Level 2 species inID CWCS. No breeding sites on BDNF.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;R/VCS as a Priority 1 spp. ID CWCSpp.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;FWCSasaPrlority2spp. ND CWCSBve! 2 spp,jjeuicsi ui I./UIKJUIII in ivi i, aiiu ill ivi i

FWCS as a Priority 1 spp. SD CWCSMn i o»ni -t r*iA;rla onn

D CWCS spp.

IT CFWCS Priority 2 spp. ID CWCSop.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MTFWCSasaPriority2spp. Listed inD CWCS, and as a Level 1 species !nD CWCS.[juuiuy ui LiUiiumn in ivi i, anu in ivi i

R/VCS as a Priority 2 spp. Listed inn r'WfC Ping !^nm.tr> r>no+ oi+n nn

D CWCS spp.

•pOk/ICO Ut V/UI H*Gi H II I IVI I , 01 iU H I IV! I

FWCS as a Priority 1 spp. ND CWCS

4T CFWCS as a Priority 3 spp.

SENSITIVE SPECIES LISTForest Service, Region 1

Februrary2011

Fisher(Martes pennanii)

Fringed myotis(Myotis thysanodes)

Great Basin pocket mouse(Perognathus parvus)

Long-eared myotis(Myotis evotis)

Long-legged myotis(Myotis volans)

North American wolverine(Gulo gulo Susws)

Northern bog lemming(Synapfomys boreatis)

Pallid bat(Anfrozous pallidus)

Pygmy rabbit(Brachylagus idahoensis)

Spotted bat(Euderma macufatum)

Towsend's big-eared bat(Corynorhinus townsendif)

Whife-tailed prairie dog

(Cynomys Seucurus)

State Ranking

MT

S3

S3

32S3

S4

S4

S3

S2

S2

S3

S2

S2

31

ID

M

81

S2

32

S1

S1

S2

S3

S3

ND

^g

S2

su

su

3D

32

S1

S5

S2S3

^

s

^

i

s

^

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

B/D

•

K

K

s

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

BRT

K

K

K

K

K

K

CLW

K

K

K

K

K

K

cus

Iffi^t^l

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

DPG

'Si^SS

K

K

K

K

FLAT

assa8s

K

K

K

K

K

K

GAL

ignn

SSSSii

K

K

K

K

HEL

8

K

K

K

K

K

s

K

IPNF

a

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

KOCH

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

L&C

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

LOLC

W-SSS?}.

K

K

K

K

K

K

NE;

8

K

K

K

K

K

K

Comments

S?S9ff3S?K^S!K£^SS?SKsVS8SSVSSSs:'&SS^XSfSSSS&SS^SSfS&SSSS:'SSS&SSS^.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 2 spp. IDCWCSpp.

iub Species of Concern does not occurn FS in 3D.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 1 spp. Aterlphery of range on BDNF.

ST CFWCS Priority 3 spp. ND CWCSevel 3 spp. Limited distribution, butoes occur on NFS lands based onjrvey results.11 ^/rvw^/o niumy o spp. i\u <-ivv^/o

eve! 3 spp. Limited distribution, butoes occur on NFS lands based on

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 2 spp. ID CWCSpp.

pecies of Concern !n MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 1 spp.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;FWCS as a Priority 1 spp.

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MT;R/VCS as a Priority 1 spp.

pecies of Concern in MT, and !n MTFWCS as a Priority 1 spp.jjyuiuy ui L>UI lufcif 11 m ivi i, ai lu 111 ivi l

FWCS as a Priority 1 spp. SD CWCS3p. ID CWCS spp. Occurs on Nezar^Q MCO fan^lD haDa^ -in rn^nnt

pecies of Concern in MT, and in MTFWCS as a Priority 1 spp.

SENSITIVE SPECIES LISTForest Service, Region 1

Februrary2011

Coeur d'AIene salamander(Pfethodon idahoensis)

Great Plains toad

(Bufo cognatus)

Northern leopard frog(Rana pipiens)

Plains spadefoot(Spea bombifrons}

Western toad(Bufo boreas)

Greater short-horned lizard{Phrynosoma hemandes!)

Milk snake(Lampropeltis trtangulum)

Ringneck snake(Dladophis Punctatus)

Western hognose snake(Heterodon nasicus)

Arogos skipper(Atrytone arogos iowa)Broad-winged skipper(Poanes viator)

State Ranking

MT

•S2

S2

31-w

34-e

S3

S2

a

S3

S2

32

•3NR

ID

S2

S2

S4

32

ND

M

su

su

su

^^

su

su

su

S2

SD

S5

S5

S5

S2

S4

S2

35

MS2

S2

^

^II

I

^

^

's

iisi

'^^

I

^

i?

^

IiI

i5s

=s

as-

§

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

B/D

IN

K

^•^B;^

BRT

K

s

K

•

CLW

Sl

K

K

K

M

cus

K

K

s

K

K

K

K

•

DPG

w.

K

K

FLAT

as,

s

K

91.

GAL

K

K

HEL

K

K

K

•

IPNF

IB

K

K

•

KOOT

K

K

K

%1

L&C

'iS

K

K

^

s

•

LOLO

K

s

K

NE2

K

K

s

^

^

j

^

Comments

Species of Concern in MT, and In MTCFWCS as a Priority 1 spp. !D CWCSSPP.

MT CFWCS Priority 2 spp. Probablereduction in occurance/range.

Species of Concern in MT, and in MTCFWCS as a Priority 1 spp.

MT CFWCS Priority 2 spp. ND CWCSLevel 1 spp. Probable reduction insccurance/range.Species of Concern in MT, and in MTCFWCS as a Priority 1 spp. Loss ofbreeding sites is ongoing.

aSpecies of Concern In MT, and in MTCFWCS as a Priority 2 spp. ND CWCSLevel 2 spp.

Species of Concern in MT, and in MTCFWCS as a Priority 1 spp.

IDCWCSspp. Uncontirmed occuranceon NFS lands on Nez Perce NF.L3pC!t/lt3E> Ul V/UI H/01 II IU IV) I , ctl IU I! I IU) I

CFWCS as a Priority 1 spp. ND CWCS

SENSITIVE SPECIES LISTForest Service, Region 1

Februrary 2011

Dakota skipper[Hesperia dacotae)

DIon skipper(Euphyes cflon)Mulberry wing({wanes massasoit)Ottoe skipper(Hesperia ottoe)Powesheik skipper(Oarisma powesheik)Regal fritillary(Speyena idafia)Tawny crescent(Phyoiodes batessi)

State Ranking

MT

S2"w

S3-e

S2-w

S3-e

ID ND

i

82

S1

S2

su

su

S2

S3

SD

81

S2

31

32

S2

S3

S2

V!S.

Forests Where Species is Known (K) or Suspected (S) to Occur

B/D BRT CLW cus

§1

DPG

a

K

K

K

K

K

K

K

FLAT

%

GAL

B

HEL IPNF KOOT L&C LOLO NE2Comments

ipecies of Concern in MT. SD CWCS

pp.

i0 CWCS spp.

;D owes spp.

CWCS = Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation StrategyCFWCS = Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation StrategySD bird species may have two state ranks, one for breeding (S#B) and one for nonbreeding seasons (S#N)