EFFECTS ANALYSIS: Grazing Management Sample Clauses

EFFECTS ANALYSIS: Grazing Management. Action: Renewing and issuing term permits for grazing, including the associated conservation measures. Direct and Indirect Effects Direct impacts to sage-grouse include the physical disturbance associated with livestock. Livestock may trample grouse nests and can cause birds to flush from nests or broods; either of these impacts has been documented to cause temporary or permanent abandonment of nests and/or chicks (Xxxxxxxxx and Xxxxxx 1938, p. 863; Xxxxxxxxx 1952, p. 111; Xxxx and Xxxxx 1985, p. 17; Holloran and Xxxxxxxx 2003, p. 309; Xxxxxx 2007, p. 28). Sage-grouse have been documented to abandon nests following partial nest depredation by cows (Xxxxxx 2007, p. 28). Within the Gunnison Basin, the NPS monitored sage-grouse nests from 2000 to 2010 (n= 96 nests with known fates). The only abandoned nest in the sample was discovered under a dead sagebrush with all residual grass cover recently grazed (n=1 abandoned per 96 per 10 years). If we estimate approximately one magnitude larger, i.e. approx. 1000 nests as the annual number of nests across the Gunnison Basin, and a 20-year period for the life of the BA and associated conference opinion, we estimate that approximately 1 nest per year, or 20 in total over the lifetime of the BA will be abandoned as a direct result of livestock grazing. This number has been measured within the Basin, the effect has been documented in the literature, and is therefore not insignificant. Although grazing is likely to affect individual nests and is therefore not discountable, there is no noticeable effect on nest success or recruitment at the population level as a result of nest trampling, depredation, or abandonment. By the definitions of the ESA, there are adverse effects associated with direct livestock impacts to nesting habitat, although these impacts will be minimal. With respect to habitat quality, indirect impacts of livestock grazing include a temporary reduction of herbaceous understory, which could limit food availability and hiding cover. Without sufficient hiding cover, nest success may be compromised. Sage-grouse exhibit high nest site fidelity, with hens often returning to nest in the same general location each year. They may continue this pattern even in areas experiencing habitat degradation. With significant reductions in herbaceous cover, nest sites lose concealment and may be more susceptible to predation. In addition, reductions in herbaceous cover may also influence how birds choose to move across and ...