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United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement-Zip Line Botany Report

Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, Lincoln County, New Mexico

June 2014

Prepared by:

Aurora Roemmich

Forest Botanist

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Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement-Zip Line: Botany Report

Introduction

Ski Apache is proposing to install 3 zip line segments totaling approximately 8,800 feet along a 14 to 17 percent grade, on Lincoln National Forest lands. The proposed project site would coincide with the existing Ski Apache chair lift system footprint; therefore, tree canopy removal would not be necessary unless additional clearance is required for engineering purposes. Ground disturbance would be limited to the footing for the towers that would be installed at either end of the ride. The ride would be usable year round during winter and summer operations. The Apache Arrow gondola and Capitan quad chair lift would provide access to the zip line.

This specialist report has been prepared to analyze the potential effects of the Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement-Zip Line project on botany resources that may be affected.

Area of Analysis

This project is located at Ski Apache within the Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest. The land within the assessment area was designated as Management Area 1-I in the Lincoln National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, or “Forest Plan” (USDA-FS 1986). The primary management emphasis in this area is on developed recreation managed at standard service levels.

The vegetation consists of mixed conifer forest, Arizona fescue, Thurber’s fescue, mountain muhly, and other grass and forb species. The chair lifts are found in open ski runs, which are separated by narrow stands of mixed conifer forest. The elevation ranges from 9,850 feet at the bottom to 11,400 feet at the top.

Background Information

In June 2012, the Little Bear fire burned a total of 44,330 acres of Lincoln National Forest, Mescalero Apache Reservation, and private lands in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Approximately 60 acres of the ski area watershed burned at high severity; however, several hundred more acres were affected by the Little Bear fire. Rehabilitation efforts and additional ground disturbing activities within the burned areas of Ski Apache that are either anticipated or have already occurred, include: chair lift replacements (USDA-FS 2012); hazardous tree removal, contour falling, log terracing, and slash pile burning (USDA-FS 2014); and bike trail construction (USDA-FS 2013b).

Proposed Action and Alternatives

Two alternatives exist for this project: (1) the no-action alternative, and (2) the proposed action alternative.

Alternative 1 – No Action

Under the No Action alternative, Ski Apache would not install 3 zip line segments on Lincoln National Forest lands. No tree canopy removal or ground disturbance would be implemented for the purpose of construction or maintenance of the zip line on the proposed project site; however this area would still experience some level of disturbance associated with chair lift use.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action alternative, Ski Apache would install 3 zip line segments totaling approximately 8,800 feet along a 14 to 17 percent grade, on Lincoln National Forest lands, that would correspond with the existing Ski Apache chair lift system footprint. The Apache Arrow gondola and Capitan quad chair lift would provide access to the zip line. According to the Geotechnical engineering report, site preparation for zip line construction would likely consist of vegetation removal, soil compaction, and soil scarification to a minimum depth of 10 inches. In addition, foundation pad preparation would likely require filling, grading, and back sloping to ensure proper drainage and site stability. The final dimension for the foundation pad is expected to be 20 feet by 20 feet; however, the final disturbance footprint is likely to extend 3 feet beyond that final dimension to incorporate heavy equipment use. Materials will be brought to the proposed project site via existing maintenance roads, which are allowed under the current terms and conditions of an existing Special Use Permit. An excavator will be used to construct the zip line foundation pads and will enter the proposed project area via established maintenance roads. Tree canopy removal would not be necessary unless additional clearance is required for engineering purposes.

Species Considered and Species Evaluated

Federally-listed Threatened, Endangered, and Proposed Species

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Lincoln National Forest comprises part of the potential range of four Federally Threatened (T) or Endangered (E) plant species, and one species Proposed for Federal Listing (P)(SEE Appendix A, Table A-1). Species which are not expected to occur near or within the proposed project area, due to the range of the species or lack of habitat, are assumed to be unaffected by the proposed action, and therefore, will not be carried forward in the analysis. At this time, suitable habitat does not exist within the proposed project area for any of these species.

Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS)

Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species (RFSS) were designated in 2013 by the Southwest Regional Office, with close input from biologists and botanists throughout the region (USDA-FS 2013a). Species designated as RFSS on the Lincoln National Forest were also determined through coordination with the USFWS, the New Mexico Energy, Mineral, and Natural Resources Department, and other taxonomic experts. Risk evaluations have been completed for any potentially occurring RFSS. This evaluation is to ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to loss of viability of any native or desired non-native plant species, or contribute to trends toward Federal listing of any species. Determinations are made with the best available science and relevant scientific information, and where appropriate, acknowledge incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty and risk. According to the 2013 RFSS list, there are 26 plants that occur on the Lincoln National Forest (USDA-FS 2013a). Suitable habitat may exist in the project area for 5 RFSS plant species, which include Goodding’s onion (Allium gooddingii), Sierra Blanca kittentails (Synthris oblongifolia), Wooton’s alumroot (Heuchera wootonii), Sierra Blanca cinquefoil (Potentilla sierrae-blancae), and New Mexican stonecrop (Sedum integrifolium ssp. neomexicana) (SEE Appendix B, Table B-1). None of the remaining species were considered in the evaluation, because either there is no suitable habitat for the species in the project area, or the species current distribution does not fall within the project area or surrounding counties.

Surveys and Documentation

According to the Forest Service corporate GIS data and the New Mexico Biotics database (NHNM 2014) there are no occurrences of federally-listed threatened or endangered plant species located within the proposed project area; however, these data indicate that occupied and/or potential habitat occurs for 5 Region Forester Sensitive plant species.

Goodding’s onion (Allium gooddingii)

Goodding’s onion, a member of the Lily family (Liliaceae), is a perennial herb arising from bulbs that terminate in thick scaly rhizomes (Martin and Hutchins 1980, NMRPTC 1999). Individuals produce terminal clusters of large, deep red-violet to pink flowers from June to August (NMRPTC 1999). Each cluster or umbel of flowers, consisting of about 20 bell-shaped individuals, is subtended by thin membranous bracts. Flower stalks are flattened and narrowly winged toward the summit and reach up to 45 cm. tall (Martin and Hutchins 1980, FNA 1993, NMRPTC 1999). The flower color and broad leaf width distinguish this species from all other onions within its range. The range of this species includes Arizona and New Mexico, where it is known from five sky-island habitats. It occurs in moist shaded canyon bottoms of climax-conifer forests, with north-trending drainages, at elevations of about 8,000 feet (NMRPTC 1999). Other species often co-located with this species may include ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, blue spruce, Gamble oak, aspen, New Mexico locust, Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, and subalpine aspen. At its eastern most extent, populations within the Lincoln National Forest proclamation boundaries include approximately forty-nine occurrences, from a single location (Sierra Blanca Peak), within Lincoln County. Threats to this species include logging, grazing, or any activity that could alter the vegetative climax condition (NMRPTC 1999); for example, road construction, skidding, slash burning, and possibly wild- and prescribed fire activities. Presumably, very hot fires or catastrophic fire events that destroy the protective tree canopy, sterilize the soils, or result in extensive soil erosion would adversely impact this species; however, actual impacts of wild- and prescribed fire would depend largely on the growth stage of the plants and their immediate proximity to heavy fuels. More research is needed to determine the effects of wild- and prescribed fire on Goodding’s onion. Additional threats to this species may include extended drought, and the loss of tree canopy from blowndown and disease, which can dry sites directly killing Goodding’s onion individuals or destroying their habitat. The presence of musk thistle and other non-native invasive species also presents a potential concern.

On the Lincoln National Forest, three sub-populations of were identified as 1) Ski Apache, 2) White Mountain Wilderness, and 3) Rio Bonito within the Gooding’s Onion Conservation Strategy for the Lincoln National Forest (USDI-FWS 1995). Development, operation, and maintenance of the ski area on Sierra Blanca Peak, since 1961 has splintered plant occurrences to the extent that the integrity of the original sub-population. No attempt has been made to count the total number of plants (USDI-FWS 1995); however, according to the Forest Service Corporate GIS data, about 89 acres are known to be occupied, on Sierra Blanca Peak, and an estimated 3,006 acres of potential habitat are thought to exist on Lincoln National Forest lands (NHNM 2014). Site specific concerns for Goodding’s onion include construction of new facilities, which could threaten substantial numbers of plants in not carefully designed (USDI-FWS 1995).

Wooton’s alumroot (Heuchera wootonii)

Wooton’s alumroot is a rhizomatous, perennial herb in the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae) that produces small white flowers June to September. This species is found at elevations of 7,000 to 12,000 feet, among

mountain slopes and protected, usually north-facing, rock outcrops of the White and Sacramento Mountains. It can also be found among Gamble oak thickets in piñon-juniper woodland and lower to upper montane coniferous forest. Wooton’s alumroot is the only white-flowered species in the White Mountians (NMRPTC 1999). Threats to this species are currently unknown.

Wooton’s alumroot is a newly listed Regional Forester’s Sensitive species; therefore information regarding occupied and potential habitat is limited. According to the Natural Heritage New Mexico database, potential habitat on the Smokey Bear District is thought consist of 57,964 acres, while the Sacramento District of the Lincoln National Forest is thought to contain 104,301 acres of potential habitat (NHNM 2014).

Sierra Blanca kittentails (Synthris oblongifolia)

Sierra Blanca kittentails is a perennial, scapose herb in the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) that produces small, white, pubescent flowers June to September (Martin and Hutchins 1980, NMRPTC 1999). Restricted to the higher elevations (11,000 to 12,000 feet) of Sierra Blanca peak (Martin and Hutchins 1980), this species can be found in alpine meadows within Lincoln and Otero counties. Threats to this species have not been identified.

According to the Lincoln National Forest Corporate GIS data, about 47 acres are known to be occupied, on Sierra Blanca Peak, and an estimated 2,174 acres of potential habitat are thought to exist on Lincoln National Forest lands (NHNM 2014).

Sierra Blanca cinquefoil (Potentilla sierra-blancae)

Sierra Blanca cinquefoil is a low-growing perennial forb in the Rose family (Rosaceae). The stems and rootstock are short and numerous, giving this plant a matted appearance. Solitary, yellow flowers are produced in June and July, on villous peduncles. Sierra Blanca cinquefoil is found at elevations of 11,000 to 12,000 feet, in open windswept crests of ridges and mountain tops on igneous rock substrate with thin soils. This species can also be found on igneous cliffs and outcrops in canyons at 8,000 feet elevation. Current land uses are not deemed to pose a significant threat to Sierra Blanca cinquefoil (NMRPTC 1999).

According to the Lincoln National Forest Corporate GIS data, about 1 acre of occupied habitat is known to occur on Sierra Blanca Peak of the Smokey Bear District.

New Mexico stonecrop (Sedum integrifolium ssp. neomexicana)

New Mexico stonecrop is a succulent perennial herb of the Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) that produces yellow-reddish to red flowers in late July through August. It ascends from thick, fleshy rootstock among igneous soils in alpine tundra, scree slopes and rocky openings in subalpine forest at elevations of 9,900 to 11,800 feet. Currently, this species is only known to occur in the While Mountains in Lincoln and Otero counties. In the White Mountains, this species can be found within ski runs and along the highway leading up to Ski Apache; consequently, recreational skiing and summer hiking may pose a threat to some New Mexico stonecrop populations. However, additional populations are known to occur along ridges that are inaccessible by the public.

According to the Lincoln National Forest Corporate GIS data, about 21 acres of occupied habitat are known to occur on Sierra Blanca Peak of the Smokey Bear District. This survey information was collected in 2005. Subsequent surveys are need to accurately assess the currently occupied and potential habitat of New Mexico stonecrop.

Direct, Indirect and Cumulative Impacts

Proposed Action (Alternative 2)

Direct Impacts

Although Goodding’s onion, Sierra Blanca kittentails, Wooton’s alumroot, Sierra Blanca cinquefoil, and New Mexican stonecrop typically occupy habitats (e.g. rocky outcrops) that are not conducive to recreation activities associated with Ski Apache, should unknown or dormant individuals exist within the proposed project area, direct impacts to individuals may include removal from soil disturbing activities associated with site preparation and foundation pad construction. In addition, soil disturbance or compaction associated with movement of soil excavation equipment could directly impact roots of individuals that happened to be located adjacent to disturbed areas, which may prevent them from receiving sufficient water and/or nutrients to perpetuate growth.

Indirect and Cumulative Impacts

Soil disturbance associated with the current proposed action (i.e., vegetation removal, soil compaction, soil scarification, and grading) could result in changes to the soil structure, organic content, and soil moisture, which would further reduce the quality of suitable habitat for all threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) plant species at this location. Should there be a need to remove trees from the proposed project site, the removal of even a few trees could indirectly impact all adjacent RFSS by changing light conditions and soil moisture of the microsite, which may lead to subsequent changes to the understory vegetation composition.

Heavy equipment used to implement the proposed action could lead to the introduction of non-native invasive species (NNIS) that would put competitive pressure on rare species and alter habitat conditions. NNIS compete with native species for space and resources, such as light, nutrients, and water. Since exotic species, by definition, have been transplanted outside their original range, they often lack natural controls (e.g., disease, predators, parasites, or climate), which allow them to out compete and eventually replace more sensitive native species. Once NNIS become established, they are extremely difficult to eradicate, and the resulting change in community plant composition can alter ecosystem dynamics and functions over time. With any management activity that requires the use of heavy equipment brought in from off-site, or that disturbs the soil and increases sunlight exposure to the ground, there is a high risk of transporting and spreading NNIS into the project area. If these NNIS were allowed to establish, they could easily compromise habitat quality, and thus jeopardize any existing or future populations of rare species in the project area.

As previously mentioned, the Little Bear fire burned through several thousand acres in and around Ski Apache. Rehabilitation efforts and additional ground disturbing activities within the burned areas of Ski Apache that have occurred, include: chair lift replacements (USDA-FS 2012); hazardous tree removal, contour falling, log terracing, and slash pile burning (USDA-FS 2014); and bike trail construction (USDA-

FS 2013b) (SEE Appendix C, Table C-1). As a result, cumulative impacts to Goodding’s onion, Sierra Blanca kittentails, Wooton’s alumroot, Sierra Blanca cinquefoil, and New Mexican stonecrop individuals may include soil sterilization, reduction of soil seed bank, and removal of vegetation and litter resulting from slash pile construction and burning; and modification of rare plant habitat due to increased light exposure from the Little Bear fire and subsequent hazardous tree removal. Compositional changes in vegetation may have occurred from intentional re-seeding efforts and unintentional introductions of NNIS. Lastly, soil erosion and compaction, sedimentation, and run-off may have resulted from repeated use of heavy equipment and continued recreational use. In addition, the Smokey Bear Ranger District has received a proposal from Ski Apache to install an additional bike trail and open an additional ski run within the footprint of the Little Bear fire scar. These actions would likely require additional tree removal and involve the use of heavy equipment for site preparation. Furthermore, these actions would result in the continued recreational use of some areas that had little or no previous disturbance. Installation and use of the bike trail and ski run would further contribute to the modification of rare plant habitat and compositional changes in vegetation due to increased light exposure, removal of vegetation, soil erosion and compaction, sedimentation, and run-off.

Determination

For the purpose of this biological evaluation, the following framework was used to estimate the relative probability of acres affected by the no action and proposed action alternatives resulting in a loss of species viability or creating significant trends toward Federal listing:

- Likely to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability- nearly certain occurrence (>90%)

- Likely to impact individuals and may cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability - likely occurrence (>50% to < 90%)

- May impact individuals but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability- possible occurrence (>10% to <50%)

- Not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing or a loss of viability- unlikely occurrence (<10%)

Table 1. Summary of potential habitat affected by the no action and proposed action alternatives.

Regional Forester’s Sensitive species

Potential Habitat Affected Acres (^District)

Relative Probability of Acres Affected by Cumulative Effects to Overall Potential Habitat (Alternative 1 – No action)

Relative Probability of Acres Affected by Cumulative Effects to Overall Potential Habitat (Alternative 2 – Proposed action)

Goodding’s onion

3,006 acres (SBD) approx. 30 % of habitat affected approx. 30 % of habitat affected

Wooton’s alumroot

57,964 acres (SBD) 104,301 acres (SD)

approx. 1 % of habitat affected (SBD)

Sierra Blanca kittentails

2,174 acres (SBD) approx. 42 % of habitat affected approx. 42 % of habitat affected

Sierra Blanca cinquefoil

1 acre (SBD) No habitat will likely be affected because this species occurs in areas that are essentially inaccessible by the public.

No habitat will likely be affected because this species occurs in areas that are essentially inaccessible by the public.

New Mexico stonecrop

21 acres (SBD) approx. 100 % of habitat affected approx. 100 % of habitat affected

Alternative 1 – No Action

None of the actions associated with the proposed zip line would be implemented under this alternative; therefore, there would be no additional impacts to Goodding’s onion, Wooton’s alumroot, Sierra Blanca kittentails, Sierra Blanca cinquefoil, and New Mexico stonecrop individuals or their habitat. Current projections of potential habitat affected by direct, indirect, and cumulative effects from projects coinciding within the same location on Sierra Blanca Peak and with corresponding timeframes (SEE Appendix C, Table C-1) reveal that approximately 30% of Goodding’s onion habitat will be affected by these project activities, which means that these activities may impact Goodding’s onion individuals but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability. Approximately 1% of Wooton’s alumroot habitat is will be affected by project activities; therefore these activities are not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing or a loss of viability for Wooton’s alumroot. Approximately 42% of Sierra Blanca kittentails habitat will be affected by cumulative project activities; therefore, these activities may impact Sierra Blanca kittentails individuals but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability. Sierra Blanca cinquefoil habitat is not likely to be affected by any project activities listed in Table C-1 of Appendix C because this species occurs in area that are inaccessible by the general public; therefore, no impacts are anticipated for Sierra Blanca cinquefoil . Finally, approximately 100% of New Mexico stonecrop habitat may be affected by project activities, which means that any future projects have the potential to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability. Baseline data is limited for New Mexico stonecrop because surveys have not been conducted since 2005. Subsequent surveys may reveal an increase in occupied and/or potential habitat. As a design feature for future projects, it is recommended that a complete survey be conducted for New Mexico stonecrop or presence must be assumed.

Alternative 2 – Proposed Action

Occupied and/or potential habitat for Goodding’s onion, Wooton’s alumroot, Sierra Blanca kittentails, Sierra Blanca cinquefoil, and New Mexico stonecrop is known to occur within the proposed project area. Current projections of potential habitat affected by direct, indirect, and cumulative effects from projects coinciding within the same location on Sierra Blanca Peak and with corresponding timeframes (SEE Appendix C, Table C-1) reveal that approximately 30% of Goodding’s onion habitat will be affected by these project activities, which means that these activities may impact Goodding’s onion individuals but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability. Approximately 1% of Wooton’s alumroot habitat is will be affected by project activities; therefore these activities are not likely to cause a trend toward federal listing or a loss of viability for Wooton’s alumroot. Approximately 42% of Sierra Blanca kittentails habitat will be affected by cumulative project activities; therefore, these activities may impact Sierra Blanca kittentails individuals but is not likely to cause a trend towards Federal listing or a loss of viability. Sierra Blanca cinquefoil habitat is not likely to be affected by any project activities listed in Table C-1 of Appendix C because this species occurs in area that are inaccessible by the general public; therefore, no impacts are anticipated for Sierra Blanca cinquefoil . Finally, approximately 100% of New Mexico stonecrop habitat may be affected by project activities, which means that any future projects have the potential to result in a trend to federal listing or a loss of viability. Baseline data is limited for New Mexico stonecrop because surveys have not been conducted since 2005. Subsequent surveys may reveal an increase in occupied and/or potential habitat. As a design feature for future projects, it is recommended that a complete survey be conducted for New Mexico stonecrop or presence must be

^ SBD = Smokey Bear, SD = Sacramento District, and GD = Guadalupe District

assumed. As a project design feature for the this project, the zip line tower base locations will be surveyed by the Forest Botanist, within the appropriate growing season, prior to implementation, so that occupied sites can be flagged for avoidance.

If any Federally-listed or additional RFSS individuals are found within the project area, during project implementation, cease activities in the local vicinity and contact the Forest Botanist immediately to determine impacts to the individuals. Additionally, if the scope of this project changes from the date of this evaluation, contact the Forest Botanist to determine impacts of said changes.

Resource Protection Measures

Non-native Invasive Species (NNIS)

Non-native invasive species pose a threat to plant and animal community health and diversity. Since exotic species, by definition, have been transplanted outside their original range, they often lack natural controls (e.g., disease, predators, parasites, or climate), which allow them to out compete and eventually replace more sensitive native species. Once NNIS become established, they are extremely difficult to eradicate, and the resulting change in community plant composition can alter ecosystem dynamics and functions over time. With any management activity that requires the use of heavy equipment brought in from off-site, or that disturbs the soil and increases sunlight exposure to the ground, there is a high risk of transporting and spreading NNIS into the project area. If these NNIS were allowed to establish, they could easily compromise habitat quality, and thus jeopardize any existing or future populations of rare species in the project area.

Under Executive Order 13112, Federal agencies whose action may affect the status of invasive species shall not authorize, fund, or carry out action that are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species in the United States or elsewhere unless the agency had determined and made public its determination that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm caused by invasive species.

Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures

All equipment used to implement this project shall be thoroughly cleaned (devoid of all soil and plant material, including seeds, roots, and vegetative components) before entering onto federal property to prevent the introduction of any additional non-native invasive species (NNIS) to the area. NNIS have the potential to completely alter habitat, and could have long-lasting impacts to the area. The Special-Use permit administrator for the Forest Service will ensure that all equipment is clean before construction occurs. Equipment can be cleaned at any high pressure wash facility, with a high pressure hose or with a brush/broom.

Limit heavy equipment use to existing trails and roads, and only within the proposed area of disturbance.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended that areas of disturbance be seeded with native grasses in order to minimize any colonization by non-native species (SEE Appendix D, Table D-1).

References

Martin, W. C. and C. R. Hutchins. A flora of New Mexico. 2 Vol. Vaduz, Germany: J. Cramer, 1981. Print.

Natural Heritage New Mexico (NHNM). 2014. NMBiotics Database: NHNM Species Information. Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Online: http://nhnm.unm.edu. Accessed on May 15, 2014 .

New Mexico Rare Plant Technical Council (NMRPTC). 1999. New Mexico rare plants. Albuquerque, NM. 30, Mar. 2012. Web. 6, Jan. 2014. < http://nmrareplants.unm.edu/index.html>

USDA Forest Service (USDA-FS). 2012. Post-fire Replacement of Ski Apache Chair Lifts: Decision Memo. Ruidoso, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District.

USDA Forest Service (USDA-FS). 2013a. Region 3 Regional Forester’s Sensitive Plant List, [online]. Albuquerque, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest. 6, May. 2014 <http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsbdev3_021246.pdf>

USDA Forest Service (USDA-FS). 2013b. Ski Apache Bike Trail Construction: Decision Memo. Ruidoso, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District.

USDA Forest Service (USDA-FS). 2014. Ski Apache Postfire Rehabilitation: Decision Memo. Ruidoso, NM: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District.

USDI Fish and Wildlife Service (USDI-FWS ). 1995. Gooddings onion (Allium gooddingii) Conservation Assessment and Strategy. Albuquerque, NM.

Appendix A - Federally Listed Plant Species Table A-1. Federally Endangered, Threatened and Proposed Plant Species for the Lincoln National Forest.

Species Status Required Habitat Suitable Habitat

Present?

Known or Potential

Occurrence Likely?

Determination (Action

Alternative)

Kuenzler’s Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri)

Limestone ledges and hills of coniferous and mixed woodlands at 5,200 to 6,900 feet elevation. No No No Effect

Sacramento Prickly Poppy (Argemone pleiacantha ssp. pinnatisecta)

Canyon bottoms and slopes of Chihuahuan desert scrub, and coniferous and mixed woodlands at 4,800 to 7,000 feet, in the Sacramento Mts.

No No No Effect

Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum)

Travertine deposits and outflows of natural springs within montane coniferous forest habitats and riparian areas at 7,400 to 9,000 feet, in the Sacramento Mountains

No No No Effect

Todsen’s Pennyroyal (Hedeoma todsenii) E

Endemic to the loose, gypseous-limestone soils associated with the Permian Yeso Formation found in the San Andres and Sacramento Mountains. Found on north-facing slopes at elevations of 6,200 to 7,400 feet.

No No No Effect

Wright’s Marsh Thistle (Cirsium wrightii)

Wet, alkaline soils in spring seeps and marshy edges of streams and ponds at elevations of 3,450 to 8,500 feet.

No No No Impact

* Species is proposed for federal listing, and will be removed from the Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species list and added to the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species list if/once the final rule is published implementing the Federal protections provided by the ESA. Until such time, this species will be analyzed as a Regional Forester’s Sensitive Species.

Appendix B – Regional Forester Sensitive Species

Table B-1. 2013 Regional Forester Sensitive Species list for the Lincoln National Forest (LNF).

Species Required Habitat Suitable Habitat Present?

Determination (Action Alternative)

Goodding’s onion Allium gooddingii

Occurring in moist shaded canyons at 8,000 to 9,500 feet throughout its range (Arizona and New Mexico) but is found on north-facing, partially-shaded slopes among the montane and subalpine coniferous forest habitats (9,300 to 11,250 feet) of the Smokey Bear District, LNF.

Yes May impact individuals or their habitat but is not likely to cause a trend towards federal-listing.

Chapline’s columbine Aquilegia chaplinei

Endemic to the limestone canyon seeps and springs in the Chihuahuan desert scrub of the Guadalupe Mountains.

No No Impacts – No suitable habitat present. Currently, this species is only known to occur in the Guadalupe Mountains and the western escarpment of the Sacramento Mountains.

Tall milkvetch Astragalus altus

Endemic species found in limestone soils on steep slopes, openings and road cuts in lower montane coniferous forest habitats (6,500 to 8,200 feet) of the Sacramento Mountains.

No No Impacts – No suitable habitat present.

Kerr’s milkvetch Astragalus kerrii

Sandy soils within drainages and along roadsides at about 5,420 to 7,520 feet elevation.

Sierra Blanca kittentails Synthris oblongifolia

Endemic to the alpine meadows of the Sacramento Mountains (11,000 to 12,000 feet)

Wright’s marsh thistle Cirsium wrightii

Wet, alkaline soils in spring seeps and marshy edges of streams and ponds at elevations of 3,450 to 8,500 feet

Wooton’s hawthorn Crategus wootoniana

Canyon bottoms and forest understory at elevations of 6,500 to 8,000 feet

Yellow lady’s-slipper Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens

Full sun to partial-shade in bogs, meadows, stream banks, drainages, seepages, and damp woods or higher elevations (8,000 to 11,000 feet).

Guadalupe rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa var. texensis

Crevices of limestone cliffs and huge boulders in canyon woodland, and open gravel alluvium of stream beds in piñon-juniper woodlands and Chihuahuan desert scrub of the Guadalupe Mountains (4,900 to 7,000 feet).

Villard’s pincushion cactus Escobaria villardii

Loamy soils of desert grassland on broad limestone benches in the western slopes of the Sacramento Mountains (4,500 to 6,500 feet).

Shootingstar geranium

Andesitic boulders and outcrops near the edge of canyon-bottom riparian

Geranium dodecatheoides

forest at elevations of 7,550 to 9,900 feet

Capitan Peak alumroot Heuchera woodsiaphila

Moist soil pockets in stable granitic talus on north and northeastern slopes in montane coniferous forest at elevations of 8,370 to 9,510 feet

Wooton’s alumroot Heuchera wootonii

Mountain slopes and, typically, north-facing rock outcrops, or Gamble oak thickets in piñon-juniper woodland and montane coniferous forest in the White and Sacramento Mountains (7,000 to 12,000 feet).

Chisos Mountain crested coralroot Hexalectris revoluta

Under canopy of trees and shrubs at the edge of canyon bottoms and in heavy leaf litter under oaks or in thin humus soils among rock outcrops at elevations of 4,100 to 8,000 feet (6,400 in Eddy County).

Arizona coralroot Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica

Oak woodlands, wooded side canyons, and canyon bottoms of lower elevation range (5,400 feet). Hidden along the drip-line of oaks, pine, and companion shrubs at higher elevation range (6,500 feet).

Sierra Blanca cliff daisy Ionactis elegans

Igneous rock faces/cliffs in montane coniferous forest habitat at 7,600 to 9,500 feet. Endemic to Sierra Blanca.

Wood lily Lilium philadelphicum

Wetlands and wet meadows associated with open, mature coniferous forests at 7,000 to 10,000 feet elevation.

Ladies’-tresses Microthelys rubrocallosa

General habitat includes moist gravelly soils in light-to-moderately wooded south facing pine, fir, or oak forests at 6,000 to 9,800 feet elevation.

Alamo penstemon Penstemon alamosensis

Rocky, limestone bottoms and cool aspect slopes of canyons along the western slopes of the Sacramento Mountains (4,500 to 6,300 feet).

Guadalupe penstemon Penstemon cardinalis ssp. regalis

Limestone slopes and canyon bottoms in montane scrub, piñon-juniper woodland, and lower montane coniferous forest of the Guadalupe Mountains (4,500 to 6,000 feet).

Cloudcroft scorpionweed Phacelia cloudcroftensis

Disturbed sites arroyo channels or along roads, in mixed conifer forest down to upper piñon-juniper woodlands in the Sacramento Mountains (6,500 to 7,700 feet).

Sierra Blanca cinquefoil Potentilla sierrae-blancae

Found on windswept areas with thin soil or rocky outcrops in subalpine-montane grassland habitats of the

Sacramento Mountains (8,100 to 11,975 feet).

New Mexican stonecrop Sedum integrifolium ssp. neomexicana

Igneous soils in alpine tundra, scree-slopes and rocky openings in sub-alpine forest of Sierra Blanca (9,900 to 11,800 feet).

Guadalupe Mountains goldenrod Soligado wrightii var. guadalupensis

Limestone outcrops and substrate, most commonly associated with acacia-juniperus-dasylirion-lechuguilla, oak, oak-maple, and yellow pine-maple-hophornbeam-madrone habitats at elevations of 4,300 to 7,100 feet.

Guadalupe mescal bean Sophora gypsophila var. guadalupensis

Outcrops of pink, limy, fine-grained sandstone that is 1 to 2 percent gypsum in Chihuahuan desert scrub and juniper savanna of the Guadalupe Mountains (5,000 to 6,650 feet).

Guadalupe jewelflower Streptanthus sparsiflorus

Endemic to the limestone gravel and boulders, found in the canyon bottoms and montane scrub of the Guadalupe Mountains (4,000 to 5,000 feet).

Appendix C - Cumulative Effects

Table C-1. Past, Present, and Foreseeable project activities likely to contribute to the overall cumulative effects for the Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement - Zip Line project on the Smokey Bear District, Lincoln National Forest.

Project Activities Acres Affected Cumulative Effects

Little Bear Fire Approx. 568 acres Soil erosion, vegetation removal, potential habitat alteration, introduction of non-native invasive species, soil sterilization, and volatilization of soil minerals.

Post-fire Replacement of Ski Apache Chair Lifts

Approx.0.14 acres (61 platforms, 10 x10 ft.)

Soil compaction and erosion; vegetation removal, and introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species all resulting from site preparation and construction activities; permanent loss of potential habitat due to chair lift platform occupancy.

Ski Apache Bike Trail Construction

Approx. 2.67 acres (5.5 miles long x 4 ft. wide)

Soil compaction and erosion, understory and over-story vegetation removal, introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species, and permanent loss of potential habitat all due to site preparation, trail construction and continued recreational use.

Ski Apache Hazardous tree removal

60 acres Alteration of existing habitat from changes in canopy cover.

Ski Apache Postfire Rehabilitation: Slash pile burning

60 acres Soil sterilization, soil erosion, and volatilization of soil minerals; soil compaction and introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species resulting from use of heavy equipment.

Ski Apache Postfire Rehabilitation: Contour falling and Log terracing

150 acres Alteration of existing habitat from changes in canopy cover, soil compaction and introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species resulting from use of heavy equipment.

Ski Apache Postfire Rehabilitation: Standing dead tree removal

45 acres Alteration of existing habitat from changes in canopy cover.

Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement: Zip Line construction

Approx.0.01 acres (3 platforms, 20 x20 ft.)

Soil compaction and erosion; vegetation removal, and introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species all resulting from site preparation and construction activities; permanent loss of potential habitat due to chair lift platform occupancy. Degradation of potential habitat and potential decreases in plant populations due to increased recreational use during the active growing season, in the summer months.

Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement: Ski Trail construction

Approx. 0.36 acres (1,132ft. x 14 ft.)

Potential loss of individuals, as this trail is proposed to occur in a currently occupied site. Soil compaction and erosion, understory and over-story vegetation removal, introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species, and permanent loss of potential habitat all due to site preparation, trail construction and continued recreational use.

Project Activities Acres Affected Cumulative Effects

Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement: Bike Trail construction

Approx. 0.3 acres (3,300 ft. x 4 ft.) and Approx. 1.56 acres (17,000 ft. x 4 ft.)

Soil compaction and erosion, understory and over-story vegetation removal, introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species, and permanent loss of potential habitat all due to site preparation, trail construction and continued recreational use. Degradation of potential habitat and potential decreases in plant populations due to increased recreational use during the active growing season, in the summer months.

Ski Apache Recreation Enhancement: Ski Run

37 acres Soil compaction and erosion, understory and over-story vegetation removal, introduction and/or spread of non-native invasive species, and permanent loss of potential habitat all due to site preparation, trail construction and continued recreational use.

Appendix D - Seeding Guidelines

Table D-1. Ski Apache Seed Mix. The seeding rate of the mix is 2 pounds of Pure Live Seed (PLS) per 1,000 square feet.

Percent of Seed Mix Scientific Name Common Name

26 Bromus ciliatus Fringed Brome

26 Elymus trachycaulus Slender Wheatgrass

20 Poa alpine Alpine Bluegrass

10 Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hairgrass

8 Elymus glaucus Blue Wildrye

4 Festuca saximontana Rocky Mountain Fescue

4 Trisetum spicatum Spike Trisetum

2 Festuca thurberi Thurber’s Fescue

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