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"0 \H.:.5.8 9 CHAPTER 4 Livestock Grazing Management Forage production would potentially increase by an estimated 10,000 animal unit months (AUMs) on the allotted lands based on expected grazing management improvements during the 2o-year life of the plan. The use of these potential new A UMs would be based on needs identified for wildlife and livestock forage as they become available. The net effect would likely be beneficial to livestock grazing management within the resource area. During the life of the plan, there could also be an estimated 30,000 more acres (of the 42,400 acres of unallotted lands) that very likely would become suitable production acres. This increase would potentially provide an approximate additional 1,500 AUMs that could be made available to livestock grazing use as needed. This would be done after complete and regular forage monitoring and appropriate NEP A documentation (probably an envirllnmental assessment). Implementation of the Ford Creek Riparian Demonstration Area would result in a temporary loss (4 to 5 ye81S) of 150 AUMs in the Poison Gulch Allotment. Some forage increases would occur on 4,612 acres (Blanca WHA) as a result of continued wetland wildlife management on 2,257 acres and implementation of riparian wildlife management on an additional 2,355 acres (Emperius and Snook lands). No significant impacts would occur to livestock grazing from the allocation of other forage increases (above the authorized 32,400 AUMs). These increases would be determined by management actions outlined in the various CRMAPs, AMPs, etc. Seasonal limitations to OHV use on 80,612 acres (15 percent) and c105ures on 5,060 acres (I percent) would reduce forage damage and management problems created by use in the spring. The overall net effect to livestock grazing management in tbe resource area could be to potential1y increase available forage by about 11,500 AUMs over the span of this land use plan. Wildlife and Fish Habitat Management Habitat quality increases would occur on 7,550 acres of water bird nesting habitat as a result of intensive wetland management on 1,600 wetland acres and the restoration of 1,175 acres of historical wetlands. Numbers of water birds produced on public lands would increase significantly. Wetlands management would produce an additional 1,000 riparian acres benefiting a multitude of riparian-dependent species including several considered to be sensitive. Emphasis on acquisition of state and private lands with riparian/ wetland values would decelerate the decline of the habitat types because of conversion to other uses. Minimizing disturbance through restrictive use stipulations on big game crucial winter range and birthing areas, bald eagle roosting habitat, and water bird nesting areas would decrease stress, thereby reducing mortality and birthing losses and improve the condition and health of these populations overall on 248,596 acres. Allocation offorage (48,000 AUMs) would maintain existing populations. Allocation of forage increases above 48,000 AUMs to big game species would reduce any potential conflict between livestock and wintering big game. Acquisition of state and private lands adjacent to or within crucia1 wildlife areas would further reduce the potential conflict. No surface occupancy restrictions on 6,410 acres of bighorn sheep lambing areas and bald eagle nesting sites would maintain the characteristics of the site-specific acres necessary for successful reproduction of these species. Human activity and construction operations tend to repel big game species, creating disturbance and forage over-utilization problems on undisturbed acres. This stress would reduce weights of big game species and increase their susceptibility to disease. Placing seasonal restrictions on big game crucial winter range, antelope yearlong range and birthing range, and waterfowl nesting areas (248,5% acres) would reduce stress and mortality and fetal losses. Numbers of waterfowl would remain stable as a result of seasonal limitations on 7,750 acres of crucial waterfowl habitat. The withdrawal in the Blanca Wildlife Habitat Management Area would protect 5,550 acres of wetlands from mineral location and entry. This withdrawal does not include additional acreage in Blanca (i.e., the Emperius tract). Discretionary mitigation measures would be incorporated into any material sales that occur on designated wildlife habitat. Riparian management would maintain present condition on riparian wildlife habitat. Forage conditions on 460,000 acres of big game winter range would generally improve with continued development of grazing systems and improved management practices. Conflicts would also be reduced between livestock and wildlife on 333,480 acres of crucial big game winter ranges. Winter timber harvest c105ures (December I through March I) on 4,315 acres would maintain present winter use by big game. Small firewood sales in pinon-juniper stands would improve wildlife habitat by creating openings in the overstory , r L ~ ! ~ I: 4-10