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".""0 :' J'; J .1 .... . readiness would result in an improvement in plant vigor which would lead to healing and building of streambanks while down-cut or incised stream channels would stabilize. The elimination of livestock grazing, on about 2,700 suitable acres in riparian zones, including fall use in some areas, and the elimination of some season-long grazing would directly result in improved plant vigor, diversity and composition, and an increase in above-ground biomass; streambanks would further stabilize, groundwater recharge would increase, and water tables would rise. Implementing these actions would help achieve an improved condition in riparian zones. The allocation of new or additional forage from vegetation treatments to meet watershed needs first would also improve riparian areas. Impacts from Recreation Management. The construction of recreation facilities and subsequent use in, or adjacent to, riparian areas would cause less than 50 acres of loss or deterioration of vegetation. Closing 71 miles of riparian zone to OHV use and limiting OHV use yearlong on 'J2,'J27 acres to designated routes would prevent rutting and destruction of vegetation and streambanks. Impacts from Transportation and Access. The acquisition of proposed easements would facilitate access for riparian management in 12 areas. Impacts from Acquisition of Non.Federal lands. Acquisition of non-federal lands containing riparian zones would enhance riparian management on public land and would prevent development of these areas. Impacts from Rights-of-Way Manogemenl. Excluding rights-of-way on 51,406 acres would protect riparian zones on these lands from rutting, compaction, streambank deterinration and channelization. Rights-of-way construction seasonal stipulations and required rehabilitation would help reduce vegetation and soil damage and removal. Designating 85,387 acres as avoidance areas would also help reduce disturbance from rights-of-way construction. Implementing required mitigation PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE(E) IMPACTS from surfacing-disturbing rights-of-way in the remainder of the Planning Area would also m.nim'7.e disturbance and vegetation removal. Impacts from Water Power and Storage Reservoir Sites. Construction of reseIVoirs on inventoried and potential sites would result in the loss of riparian vegetation. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ON RIPARIAN AREAS Current and proposed withdrawals, vegetation treatments and management strategies to reduce soil erosion, intensive riparian management, total forage utilization limits, fall livestock use limits, and restrictions on logging procedures would act synergistically, resulting in stabilization and improvement in the majority of the 14,933 acres of riparian systems in the Planning Area. IMPACTS ON SPECIAL STATUS PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES AND HABITAT IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS Impacts from Special Status Plant and Animal Species and Habitat Management. Designation and special management of the 4,565 acre South Beaver Creek ACEC would help to protect the existing populations and potential habitat of skiff milkvetch from accidental destruction and would encourage research and special studies designed to increase our knowledge about this species. Designation and special management of the 5,947 Redcloud Peak ACEC would help to protect the existing population and potential habitat of the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly from accidental destruction and would encourage research and special studies designed to increase our knowledge about this species. Restricting surface-disturbing activities in these ACECs would further prevent accidental loss of species and habitat. 4-59