Draft environmental assessment [for] Beckman wildlife management area proposed acquisition

Draft
J3. 13 environmental
[l 2t*ea*> assessment (fori
999 Beckraan wildlife

management area

proo9secf .
acquisition

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY

3 0864 0014 4505 8

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Wildlife Division

Draft Environmental Assessme^^

DOCUMENTS COLLECTION

BECKMAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA /\f i- « o .gg

PROPOSED ACQUISITION '^ '^^^

WONTANA STATE LIBRARY

1515 E. 6th AVE.
HELENA, MONTANA 59620

I. INTRODUCTION

Mr. LeRoy Byron Beckman's Last Will and Testament established the RBB Deer Lands
Trust Fund to acquire lands for deer and public hunting. Mr. Beckman's Will instructed
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) to assist in locating these lands, and that the
lands should be within Fergus, Judith Basin, Cascade, or Meagher Counties; mountain or
valley lands; that are partly timbered; that has a stream running through it; and that the
lands be comparable in cost to other lands in the area Mr. Beckman further instructed
that after the land was acquired that the title and management be transferred to MFWP.

Within the 4 identified counties, MFWP personnel have recently completed a thorough
examination of numerous properties that were known to be for sale, that might meet Mr.
Beckman's conditions. Of them, the Steiners' Trail's End Ranch was the best match. It
was MFWP's recommendation. The RBB Deer Lands Trust Fund purchased the property
June 7, 1999.

The state of Montana recognizes that 3 native plant communities are very important
wildlife habitat in need of conserving. Those plants communities are: ripanan, sagebrush-
grassland, and intermountain grassland. Since the Steiners' Trail's End Ranch includes
nparian and sagebrush plant communities, as well as meets the terms of Mr. Beckman's
Last Will and Testament, the MFWP Region 4 Supervisor recommends that the Fish,
Wildlife & Parks Commission accept fee title and management of the property from the
RBB Deer Lands Trust Fund, and that the property be named the Beckman Wildlife
Management Area.

II. AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION

MFWP is authorized by statute (87-1-201) to protect, enhance and regulate the use of
Montana's fish and wildlife resources for public benefit now and in the future. In 1987. the
Montana Legislature passed HB526 which regulates wildlife habitat leases, conservation
easements, and/or fee title acquisition (87-1-241 and 242). The Fish, Wildlife & Parks

•i-U.

Commission and the State Land Board must approve any acquisition of land proposed by
the agency. This Environmental Assessment is part of the decision making process.

III. LOCATION OF PROJECT and PHYSIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

The proposed property is 2,565 acres located in the Judith River breaks, Fergus County,
12 miles northeast of Denton, Montana (see map Appendix I). The Judith River flows from
the southwest to the northeast across 3.6 miles of the property. Along the river are almost
1000 acres of bottom lands. The remaining acres are classified as river breaks. They
consist of steep-sided coulees with ridges and benches that drain into the bottoms. There
are 12 coulees that run water intermittently, in which there are 7 perennial springs. The
property's east boundary is a bluff, 200 feet high, which overlooks the river.

Elevations range from 3,040 to 3,680 feet. Soils are generally deep well drained clay
loams. Annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches. The mean temperature is 44
degrees Fahrenheit. The average frost free period is 120 to 130 days.

Legal description of the proposed project property:

Countv: Fergus

Township 19 North, Range 16 East:

Section 27: SW1/4NE1/4, NW1/4SE1/4, SW1/4, part of SW1/4SE1/4 lying
westerly of a certain barrier known as a cutbank or rimrock

Section 28
Section 33
Section 34

S1/2SE1/4

N1/2SE1/4, Lot 2, NE1/4NE1/4, S1/2NE1/4

NW1/4, N1/2SW1/4, SW1/4NE1/4, part of NW1/4NE1/4 lying westeriy

of a certain barrier known as a cutbank or rimrock

Township 18 North, Range 16 East:

Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 9

Lot 4

Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, S1/2N1/2, SW1/4, NW1/4SE1/4
Lot 1, SE1/4NE1/4, SE1/4, E1/2SW1/4 ,

NW1/4NW1/4 (

Township 19 North, Range 16 East:

Section 32
Section 33
Section 34

Lots 1 and 2, N1/2S1/2, S1/2N1/2

Lots 1, 2 and 4, N1/2SW1/4, S1/2NW1/4, NE1/4NW1/4, NW1/4NE1/4

Lot 4

Total Deeded = 2.565 acres

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The accompanying map (Appendix I) displays the lands affected by the proposal. The
project's exterior boundary is irregularly shaped and is 12 miles in length. Eight different
private landowners own 10 parcels of land that border the project. One neighbor has an
easement across one mile of the property which is used for accessing one parcel of their
land. One county road runs into the center of the property about 2 miles where it dead
ends at the headquarter buildings. There are no state or federal lands associated with, or
connected to, this property.

IV. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROJECT

The proposed property is river breaks habitat, consisting of 3 major vegetative types. A
ponderosa pine / Douglas fir-juniper type occurs on the more moist ridges and coulees; a
sagebrush-grassland type occurs on the drier benches, sidehills, and terraces; and a
Cottonwood / willow riparian type occurs on the flood plain. Some of the grassland
terraces on the river bottom have been cultivated into alfalfa or tame grass hay fields.

Because the proposed property has steep terrain with diverse aspects these vegetative
types produce a diversity of plant species that are high quality deer forage through all
seasons on most years. Consequently, the property is year-round habitat for as many as
80 mule deer and 40 white-tailed deer (and almost twice that number during early spring
and late summers when deer are drawn to the irrigated hay fields from adjacent
properties.) Ring-necked pheasants are also common in the river bottom. Though less
common, sharp-tailed grouse, Merriam's turkey, antelope, mountain lion, bobcat, coyote,
fox, badger, and skunk use the property, as do a diverse group of small mammals and
birds. A list of wildlife species potentially using this area is contained in Appendix II.

Every year, all across central and eastern Montana, finding places to hunt becomes more
difficult. A poor agricultural economy induces some landowners to charge fees, outfit, or
lease the hunting rights to others. Many ranches are being purchased by people from out
of the area who are less receptive to public hunting. And many ranches, with similar
wildlife resources and scenery, are being subdivided.

In the immediate area around Denton, Montana, there is little public land available to the
public for recreation. Excluding the occasional tract of Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation land that's located on a public road, the closest legally
accessible public land for deer hunting is at least 40 miles away. Public lands available
for upland bird hunting, or other recreational activities, are also very scarce. The proposal
property does have good public access via a county road that dead ends in the center of
the property. And even though deer and upland bird populations are currently below the
long-term average, acquiring this property would immediately and significantly improve
recreational opportunities in central Montana.

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Since the proposal property contains riparian and sagebrush-grassland habitat relative to
the Habitat Montana classification of important and/or threatened habitats in Montana,
and since the property is very good "WINTER-SUMMER range lands PRIMARILY FOR
DEER", the property is most worthy of Mr. Beckman's vision that the land be "used for
Wildlife Conservation purposes and as a Public Hunting Ground", and that it "shall be
held for PERPETUITY".

V. SCOPE FOR THE PROJECT

Conserve and enhance land, water, and wildlife:

(1) The proposal area contains 2,565 acres. It will be managed in perpetuity to enhance
soils, water, vegetation, and wildlife species' habitats for the benefit of the general public.

(2) The current condition of the habitat is fair to good. Areas near water sources have
been heavily utilized by livestock and are in fair condition. Due to pasture configuration
and past ranch management some pastures have received disproportionately higher
levels of grazing and are only in fair condition. Vegetation condition is better (good) in
more remote, steep areas and farther from watering sources. About 40 percent of the
property is in good condition.

(3) Wildlife species of major interest are: mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pheasants.
Species that are seasonally on the property and/or are not abundant, are pronghorn
antelope, sharp-tailed grouse, Merriam's turkey, Hungarian partridge, mountain lion,
bobcat, coyote, fox, badger, skunk, various waterfowl species, and a variety of non-game
birds and mammals.

(4) Population objectives for the major wildlife species are: 120 mule deer and 60 white-
tailed deer during fall, before hunting season. Current populations are estimated to be
about 50% of objective for both species. Spring pheasant numbers are not known. The
objective is to increase next springs pheasant count by 5X in succeeding years. Other
wildlife species that are adapted to more residual and woody vegetative cover, as well as
to agricultural crops such as alfalfa, will likely increase.

Contribute to hunting opportunity: '

(1) The proposal property is accessible to the general public via a county road into the
center of the property, via foot travel from adjacent private lands with landowner
permission, and via boat travel on the Judith River. Additional foot access may be
pursued through enrollment of neighboring properties into MFWPs Block Management
Program, or possibly through conservation easement or acquisition of adjacent properties.

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(2) During the past decade the most mule deer harvested on the property during one
hunting season was approximately 20 males and 2 females. For white-tailed deer during
one season it was approximately 2 males and 2 females. The most pheasants that were
harvested on the property during a fall was about 20 roosters.

The harvest objective for mule deer will start at 15 males and 10 females, and for white-
tailed deer the objective will start at 5 males and 5 females. The objective for pheasants
is to increase harvest by 4X in 5 years. These species' populations, and their harvest, will
be surveyed and monitored annually. Harvest objectives may be changed accordingly.

Over time, as game populations respond to increased forage quantity and quality, hunting
recreation should at least quadruple, primarily because of the expected increase in the
number of pheasants and pheasant hunters. Hunting recreation for deer and pheasants
alone is anticipated to reach 600 hunter days per year.

Contribute to non-hunting recreation:

(1) Hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping, bird watching, wildlife observing, horseback
riding, and antler and flower picking will be available to the general public from April 1
through December 15.

(2) The number of non-hunting recreation days provided is anticipated to be 200 days
annually.

Protect open space and scenic areas:

(1) These vegetation and topographic features provide diverse and unique examples of
native habitats greatly threatened by recreation homesite development. The breaks and
riparian vegetative types are excellent wildlife habitat that is attractive to wealthy hunters
who want to own a private hunting ranch, or to outfitters wishing to increase their client
base or client success/satisfaction. Such interests have been expressed or intended.

Maintain local tax base, while demonstrating productive wildlife habitat Is
compatible with agriculture and other land uses:

(1) Since the historic land use has been limited to a single family livestock operation, the
change in tax dollars remitted to Fergus County when the property becomes a Wildlife
Management Area, if different, will be minor. An annual "in lieu of taxes" payment will be
made by MFWP to Fergus County equal to land rates for other landowners in the County.

(2) The primary goal for the property is to improve the condition and productivity of all
vegetative plant communities. This will increase the carrying capacity for deer and cattle.

Since cattle grazing will be used as a tool to enhance the vegetation for wildlife, the

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actual reduction in the number of cattle grazed in the County may not be consequential.
Also, it is likely that there will be an increase in the number of acres that are farmed
and/or hayed, actually increasing the property's agricultural output and tax base.

Other Management Implications:

(1) The subject property has been managed as a year-round 150 pair cow/calf operation.
Hay production usually did not exceed what was annually needed on the ranch. MFWP
intends to increase alfalfa hay production as well as raise small grain crops on additional
acres. To improve range condition on the property MFWP will likely implement a grazing
system that incorporates new pastures with more rest and rotation. All of these practices
will supplement the local agricultural economy.

(2) Several species of noxious weeds are on the subject property. MFWP will endeavor to
stop the spread, and reduce the occurrence, of noxious weeds on the property.
Biological, chemical, and mechanical treatments will be used.

(3) No significant increase in MFWP manpower is expected relative to the acquisition and
management of the proposed property. The Department will make physical improvements
only as time and manpower allow. Other physical improvements may be accomplished in
conjunction with haying and grazing leases with private agricultural producers.

(4) A proposed travel plan calls for a seasonal closure of the property from December 16
through March 31 . Fergus County will be asked to grant a seasonal road closure on the
county road where it enters the property. This will reduce road maintenance, and snow
removal, during the winter.

VI. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CHECKLIST

POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

ITEM:

MAJOR

MOD.

MINOR

NONE

UNK.

COMMENTS ON
ATTACHED PAGES

TERRESTRIAL & AQUATIC
LIFE & HABITATS

X

X

WATER QUALITY,
QUANTITY, & DISTRIBUTION

X

X

GEOLOGY & SOIL QUALITY,
STABILITY, & MOISTURE

X

X

VEGETATION COVER,
QUALITY, & QUANTITY

X

X

AESTHETICS

X

X

AIR QUALITY

X

DEMANDS ON
ENVIRONMENTAL

X

RESOURCES OF U\ND
WATER, AIR, & ENERGY

X

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VII. EXPLANATION OF IMPACTS TO THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC LIFE AND HABITATS

Positive and major impacts to mule deer, wtiite-tailed deer, upland game birds,
native species' habitats, and aquatic habitats will occur as a result of management
emphasis directed to improve vegetation communities for the benefit of both
species of deer and pheasants.

WATER QUALITY. QUANTITY, AND DISTRIBUTION

Water quality and quantity will greatly improve with controlled livestock grazing that
leaves more residual cover in the uplands and riparian areas. The total amount of
water used for irrigation should not differ significantly over past usage.

GEOLOGY AND SOIL QUALITY. STABILITY. AND MOISTURE

Major and positive impacts to soil conditions will occur due to reduced livestock
trampling in riparian areas and increased forage remaining following grazing
treatments. Increased amounts of residual vegetation over the entire area will
improve soil fertility, quality, stability, and moisture retention.

VEGETATION COVER, QUALITY, AND QUANTITY

Reduction in winter and early spring livestock grazing, with increased pasture rest
and rotation, will be a major improvement to plant species composition, coverage,
and production. Because deer select/consume more browse and forbs than cattle,
increased carrying capacity for deer as a consequence of changed livestock
grazing will not nullify the improved vegetative condition.

AESTHETICS

Significant improvement of the visual quality of the area will occur as a result of
improved vegetative composition, quantity, and quality.

VIII. HUMAN ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

ITEM:

MAJOR

MOD

MINOR

NONE

UNK

COMMENTS ON
ATTACHED PAGES

SOCIAL STRUCTURES
& MORES

X

CULTURAL

UNIQUENESS & DIVERSITY

X

LOCAL & STATE TAX
BASE & TAX REVENUE

X

X

AGRICULTURAL OR
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION

X

X

HUMAN HEALTH

X

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POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT (Continued)

ITEM:

MAJOR

MOD

MINOR

NONE

UNK.

COMMENTS ON
ATTACHED PAGES

ACCESS TO & QUALITY
OF RECREATIONAL &
WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES

X

X

QUANTITY & DISTRIBUTION
OF EMPLOYMENT

X

X

DISTRIBUTION & DENSITY
OF POPULATION & HOUSING

X

X

DEMANDS
FOR ENERGY

X

LOCALLY ADAPTED
ENVIRONMENTAL PUVNS/GOALS

X

TRANSPORTATION
NETWORKS & TRAFFIC FLOWS

IX. EXPLANATION OF IMPACTS TO THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

LOCAL AND STATE TAX BASE AND TAX REVENUE

MFWP will make annual tax payments to Fergus County in an amount equal to the
normal level assessed for land in the area. A slight reduction in the number of
cattle grazed in the county may occur, though private agricultural operators who
lease grazing on the property may actually increase their livestock numbers. An
increase in the production of hay and small grains is expected. Having the project
property open to public recreation will increase income to local merchants and
businesses. Cumulatively, this will be a minor positive effect on tax revenues.

AGRICULTURAL OR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION

Even with a planned increase in hay/grain production, and the anticipated improve-
ment in range condition and production, there will be a minor reduction in animal
unit months in the short term.

ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL AND WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES

Improved recreational opportunities will occur as a result of public ownership of the
project area. Compared to past recreational opportunities, the impact will be a
major improvement.

QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT

The project property will no longer be a single family ranch. Other than specialized
services, past management seldom employed additional people. It's unlikely that
public ownership will result in increased employees, even though specialized,
contracted services will increase. MFWP employees may be stationed on the
propeny seasonally. Local agricultural operators that lease the property's grazing
or haying may increase their work force. The total impacts will be minor.

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DISTRIBUTION AND DENSITY OF POPULATION AND HOUSING

Under public ownership no one will permanently reside on the property, though
employees may be stationed on the property seasonally. Local agricultural
operators that lease the property's grazing and/or haying may increase the number
of their employees and their housing. The cumulative impacts will be minor.

TRANSPORTATION NETWORK AND TRAFFIC FLOWS

During the fall hunting season there will a noticeable increase in vehicular traffic to
the property During the winter there will be noticeably less vehicular traffic to the
property. During the spring/summer period vehicular traffic will probably be
unchanged compared to past traffic flows. All in all the impact will be minor.

X. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES

1. No Action Alternative:

The "No Action" alternative would not preserve or enhance the diversity of wildlife
habitats on the property for perpetuity. The "No Action" alternative would not
preserve or enhance the general public's recreational opportunities for perpetuity.

2. Fee Title Acquisition Alternative: (Preferred Alternative)

To comply with Mr. Beckman's Last Will and Testament, the RBB Deer Lands Trust
Fund desires to transfer fee title and management of the property to MFWP. The
"Preferred" alternative would grant this transfer, and the property would become
the Beckman Wildlife Management Area. It would be managed primarily for deer
and deer hunting. This alternative also meets important habitat objectives of
MFWP.

XI. EVALUATION OF NEED FOR AN EIS

Based on the environmental assessment (EA), there will not be any significant negative
impacts from the proposed action. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not
required and an EA is the appropriate level of review. The overall impact from the
successful completion of the proposed action would provide substantial long term benefits
to both the physical and human environment.

XII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

A public hearing was conducted on June 29, 1999.

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Duration of comment period for the Draft Environmental Assessment is/was 31 days.

The public comment period is June 29 through July 29, 1999.

As of June 29, 1999, the proposed project has been discussed with most of the adjacent
landowners and the Fergus County Commission.

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PRELIMINARY MANAGEMENT PLAN

for the

BECKMAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

INTRODUCTION

LeRoy Byron Beckman's Last Will and Testament established the RBB Deer Lands Trust
Fund to acquire "WINTER-SUMMER range lands PRIMARILY FOR DEER, as a Public
Hunting Ground". Mr. Beckman's Will then instructs the RBB Deer Lands Trust Fund to
transfer the title and management of the land to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife
and Parks (MFWP).

Because of the 1987 Wildlife Habitat Acquisition Act (House Bill 526) the Montana Fish,
Wildlife and Parks Commission adopted rules which specify that a Preliminary Manage-
ment Plan be written before any final action shall be taken on newly acquired lands. This
Preliminary Management Plan is intended to give an immediate general analysis and to
provide the basis for public comment.

The Preliminary Management Plan identifies MFWP's management goals for the property.
More specific work activities will be formulated for the final Management Plan after proper
inventories have been made, compliance requirements met, and after public comments
have been reviewed. The final Management Plan will be available for public review prior
to being approved by the Commission. Once the final Management Plan is in place, it will
be reviewed periodically and necessary adjustments incorporated.

After the Steiners' Trail's End Ranch is purchased and given to MFWP it will become the
Beckman Wildlife Management Area (BWMA). The BWMA will be managed by MFWP.
primanly, for mule and white-tailed deer and upland game birds. Agricultural practices,
such as producing hay and grazing livestock, will be used as necessary to meet habitat
objectives for the primary wildlife species, and for other wildlife species when appropriate.

AREA DESCRIPTION

Location and Physiographic Characteristics:

The Steiners' ranch is 2,565 acres located in the Judith River breaks, Fergus County, 12
miles northeast of Denton. Montana (see map Appendix 1 ). The Judith River flows from
the southwest to the northeast across 3.6 miles of the property. Along the river are almost
1000 acres of bottom lands The remaining acres are classified as river breaks. They
consist of steep-sided coulees with ridges and benches that drain into the bottoms. There
are 12 coulees that run water intermittently, in which there are 7 perennial springs. The

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property's east boundary is a bluff, 200 feet high, which overlooks the river.

Elevations range from 3,040 to 3,680 feet. Soils are generally deep well drained clay
loams. Annual precipitation ranges from 12 to 16 inches. The mean temperature is 44
degrees Fahrenheit. The average frost free period is 120 to 130 days.

Legal description of the proposed project property:

County: Fergus

Township 19 North. Range 16 East:

Section 27: SW1/4NE1/4, NW1/4SE1/4, SW1/4, part of SW1/4SE1/4 lying
westerly of a certain barrier known as a cutbank or rimrock

Section 28: S1/2SE1/4

Section 33: N1/2SE1/4, Lot 2, NE1/4NE1/4, S1/2NE1/4

Section 34: NW1/4, N1/2SW1/4, SW1/4NE1/4, part of NW1/4NE1/4 lying
westerly of a certain barrier known as a cutbank or rimrock

Township 18 North. Range 16 East:

Section 3
Section 4
Section 5
Section 9

Lot 4

Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, S1/2N1/2, SW1/4, NW1/4SE1/4

Lot 1, SE1/4NE1/4, SE1/4, E1/2SW1/4

NW1/4NW1/4

Township 19 North, Range 16 East:

Section 32: Lots 1 and 2, N1/2S1/2, S1/2N1/2

Section 33: Lots 1 , 2 and 4, N1/2SW1/4, S1/2NW1/4, NE1/4NW1/4,

NW1/4NE1/4
Section 34: Lot 4

Total Deeded = 2.565 acres

The accompanying map (Appendix 1) displays the lands affected by the proposal. The
project's exterior boundary is irregularly shaped and is 12 miles in length. Eight different
private landowners own 10 parcels of land that border the project. One neighbor has an
easement across one mile of the property which is used for accessing one of their parcels
of land. One county road runs into the center of the property about 2 miles where it dead
ends at the headquarter buildings. There are no state or federal lands associated with, or
connected to, this property.

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Vegetation

Present

The proposed Beckman WMA (Steiners' ranch) is identified as nver breaks habitat,
consisting of 3 major vegetative types. The ponderosa pine / Douglas fir-juniper type
occurs on the more moist aspects of ridges and coulees. A grassland type occupies the
drier benches and sidehills and is dominated by western wheatgrass, needleandthread
and blue grama. Most of the river bottom riparian type consists of cottonwood / willow
stands (about 250 acres) and grassland terraces (about 400 acres). The cottonwood /
willow stands also have understory vegetation comprised of western snowberry, Wood's
rose, chokecherry, silver buffaloberry, and redosier dogwood. Most of the riparian grass-
land terraces have been cultivated into alfalfa and tame grass hay fields.

These vegetative types, combined with the topographic features, make the property year-
round habitat for mule and white-tailed deer. To a lesser extent, sharp-tailed grouse and
Merriam's turkeys are also found in the uplands. Ring-necked pheasants make extensive
use of the riparian vegetation on the river bottom. All of the vegetative types are utilized
by a diverse group of small mammals and birds.

This property is currently managed as a cow/calf operation. Between 150 and 200 cows
are grazed yearlong or season-long in 7 large pastures. During most years 120 aces of
irrigated alfalfa were cut and harvested for hay, though almost 500 acres could have been
hayed (100 to 200 acres of dryland hay, 150 to 190 acres of flood irrigated tame grass
hay, and 120 acres of pump-irrigated alfalfa hay). Cattle were usually pastured on the
hay fields from late summer through winter. The range condition is fair on most of the
property.

Future

Because the native upland and riparian vegetation need some improvement relative to
plant vigor and species composition, the property will be rested from livestock grazing for
one complete growing season. Range condition, cattle stocking rates, and pasture config-
uration will then be reevaluated. Riparian areas will be fenced so cattle grazing/utilization
can be deferred and/or more precisely managed. A grazing system will be designed and
implemented to improve the condition and occurrence of desired woody and herbaceous
plant species in all vegetative types. Such a grazing system will probably incorporate
pasture rotation and rest and the development of stock watering facilities that are located
outside of riparian areas. Cattle grazing of the riparian areas is expected to be much
lighter than in the past.

To rectify a weed problem on one upland bench, at least 19 acres will probably be farmed
to a small grain crop for 2 years and then reseeded to a grass or grass/legume mixture.

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Between 20 and 30 acres of the irrigated alfalfa hay fields will also be farmed in small
grains each year, for 2-year periods. This will maintain vigorous stands of alfalfa, while
increasing forage diversity for wildlife, particularly deer and upland birds. To further
enhance deer and upland bird habitat on the river bottom terraces, native plant species
(primarily chokecherry, buffaloberry and juniper) will be planted in shelterbelts. Acreages
that are farmed and/or irrigated may be increased.

The most productive irrigable alfalfa hay land (about 120 acres) will be irrigated, and
possibly fertilized, each year by a lessee. To insure maximum production and yield, and
regrowth available for wildlife, there will be 2 cuttings of hay that will be irrigated before,
between and after. The harvested hay will be removed from the property when haying is
completed.

The above described grazing and haying schedule will attract and hold deer on the
property throughout the majority of most years. The improved vegetative condition, the
early green-up of the range and hay fields, the regrowth of alfalfa after haying, and the
increased amount of forage provided by palatable shrubs in the coulees and on the river
bottoms will help alleviate deer use on adjacent landowners' crop and pasture lands.

Travel Plan

Present

Motor vehicle access is by means of one graveled county road that enters the property on
the western border and continues into the center of the property about 2 miles, ending at
the headquarter buildings on the river bottom. There is another vehicular trail that leaves
this county road about half way into the property. It angles northeast across a bench and
down a Coulee to the river bottom and another set of old buildings that are located 1 .25
miles north of the headquarters. Off of this trail, on the bench, another trail enters a
neighbor's property. This route to the neighbor's property is their legal access/easement.
There are other unimproved dirt roads on the property that lead to almost every field or
pasture.

Future

Motorize vehicles will be allowed on 2 designated roads/trails from April 1 through
December 15. These roads/trails will lead to 3 designated parking areas, 1 of which will
be located on the bench, the other 2 will be located on the river bottom at the ends of the
roads (Map 1 ). Fergus County will be asked to grant a seasonal road closure from
December 16 through March 31 for the one designated road that is the county road that
goes to the headquarters.

Motorized vehicles will not be allowed off of the designated roads/trails (except for

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authorized MFWP personnel and/or the current agricultural lessees or contractors). An
exception to the seasonal road closure will be the neighbor's easement to their property to
the north.

Camping will be allowed on the Beckman WMA in any of the designated parking areas.
Camping will comply with MFWP Administrative Rule 12-8-205, which limits camping in
designated camping areas to 14 days and prohibits camps from being left unattended for
more than 48 hours. Primitive over night camping will be allowed outside of designated
parking/camping areas (e.g., along the river). Primitive camps will be for a duration of 1
night and must be packed in by foot or boat.

Physical Developments

Present

The existing physical developments include external boundary fences (fair condition),
internal pasture fences (poor to good condition), 2 older homes (1 is fair to good, the other
is poor), 2 older barns (1 dilapidated, 1 fair), 2 corrals (1 dilapidated, 1 fair), 10 sheds or
granaries (all dilapidated or poor), 3 wells located at the 2 residences/corrals, and 1
developed spring (fair condition). There are also 3 electric pump irrigation systems (gated
pipe, wheel line and hand line), and 1 flood irrigation system, that are in good condition.

Future

Fences will be replaced and/or repaired as needed. Internal pasture fences may be
removed and/or constructed to accommodate a redesigned livestock grazing system.
Additional water developments will be required to accommodate improved distribution of
cattle in the upland and riparian areas. The home, most recently used as a residence, will
be maintained as the BMA headquarters for administrative purposes. The bam and corral
located at the headquarters will also be maintained for administrative purposes. All other
buildings/sheds/granaries will be destroyed or removed.

Improvements to the flood and electric pump irrigation systems would improve efficiency
and operation and will be considered. They include squaring the fields, changing the
layout of the main and lateral water lines, and construction of pump houses.

Wildlife

Present

Current wildlife use of the property includes the following animals (and/or groups of
animals) and their present levels of use:

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The primary species are mule and white-tailed deer. Mule deer occupy the upland
coulees and ridges yearlong, but often make daily use of the alfalfa fields on the river
bottom during periods when upland vegetation is desiccated. Mule deer numbers on the
property fluctuate within and between years. Highest numbers are found during spring
and fall. Through the years the lowest number of mule deer counted was 60, the highest
number was 200. White-tailed deer, conversely, occupy the river bottoms yearlong except
for brief forays to the uplands. Over the years there numbers have fluctuated between 20
and 50. Approximately 10 antelope utilize the property intermittently on a seasonal basis.
Mountain lions utilize the area occasionally, while bobcat, coyote, fox, badger and skunk
are more common. A small number of sharp-tailed grouse are sometimes found on the
property. Sharp-tailed grouse are more common just off of the property. Ring-necked
pheasants are common in the river bottom. Merriam's turkey utilize the property during
late spring, summer and early fall. Thirty-five turkeys have been counted grouped up in
early summer. Canada geese nest on the property while other species of waterfowl utilize
the river seasonally. A variety of songbirds, raptors, and small mammals use the area in
undermined numbers on a seasonal or yearlong basis.

Future

Upon acquisition, habitat management strategies will be directed towards improving the
habitat, and carrying capacity, for mule and white-tailed deer, pheasants, sharp-tailed
grouse, and other ground nesting waterfowl species. Other wildlife species adapted to
more residual and woody vegetative cover, as well as agricultural crops such as alfalfa,
will be benefited. Predator species associated with prey that prefer such habitats will
increase in number. Wildlife species that are adapted to exploit heavily utilized habitats
will decline.

AREA MANAGEMENT

Management Goals

The primary goal for management of the Beckman WMA will be to improve the condition
of all vegetative plant communities. Implicit in this goal is to maximize the productivity of
the land base, while minimizing maintenance and management requirements/involvement.

Increased carrying capacities for mule and white-tailed deer can be expected as vegeta-
tion conditions improve and adequate quantities of forage remain available during key
seasonal periods (e.g., summer, fall and winter). This should reduce deer use of adjacent
landowner's crops and pasture lands. The improvement of the habitat for mule and white-
tailed deer will also benefit other game and nongame wildlife species.

A secondary goal will be to provide public access to the property for sport hunting and

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other recreational pursuits

Management Actions

The most essential and important components of a wildlife management area are soil and
vegetation. Every management action on the area will be aimed at maintaining or
improving the condition of vegetation and soils. Vegetative manipulations to improve
habitat for wildlife may include livestock grazing, rest from livestock grazing, chemical and
mechanical treatment, prescribed burning, and/or other common land management
practices.

A change from present grazing practices to other grazing practices can be expected. This
may include continuation of livestock grazing, but under a system that incorporates lower
stocking rates and more rest and rotation of pastures. Initial efforts will focus on

quantifying the condition and trend of existing vegetation and establishing long-term
monitoring efforts.

Biological chemical, and mechanical treatments may be employed to reduce the
occurrence of noxious weeds, to renovate or establish hay/farm land, to establish stands
of woody vegetation, and/or to stimulate rangeland vegetation.

The use of fire may be prescnbed to manipulate plant communities. An example would be
to modify plant successional stages, for example to increase the occurrence of desire
shrub species. Any such effort would be made in coordination with adjacent landowners
and state and county officials.

Public use and access to the property will be managed consistent v^nth MFWP's state and
regional management objectives for WMA's Recreation on the Beckman WMA is
expected to increase. Deer and upland bird harvest in the area is expected to increase.
Public use of the area will be consistent with resource protection goals (i.e.. vegetation
and soil stability). A winter use closure to all unauthorized activities will be implemented
to address wildlife energetic needs (i.e.. minimize the energy loss for deer and upland
birds during energetically demanding/critical penods). This winter closure concept is in
effect on all wildlife management areas within MFWP's Region 4. Other regulations as
they specifically relate to this and other WMA's will also apply These include resthctions
on fur trapping activities and a closure to mountain lion hunting after December 15.

MFWP will coordinate with adjacent landowners in developing certain land management
plans/practices. These may include, but are not limited to: cooperative grazing systems,
developing land trades, consen/ation easements, and/or additional land purchases
MFWP will promote its block management and hunting access programs with adjacent
landowners affected by the acquisition of the Beckman WMA. Public entities such as the
Bureau of Land Management. Farm Services Agency, Natural Resources Conservation

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Service, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Fergus County
Conservation District, Fergus County Extension Service, and the Fergus County
Commissioners will be consulted and met with as requested and needed.

An annual "in lieu of taxes" payment will be made by MFWP to Fergus County equal to
rates established for other landowners in the County.

Management Objectives

Manipulating vegetative plant communities on the Beckman WMA is expected to increase
yearlong usage by mule and white-tailed deer, sharp-tailed grouse, and pheasants. The
population objective is to have 120 mule deer and 60 white-tailed deer on the WMA
during early fall. The population objective for ring-necked pheasants is to increase the
number of males in spring to 5X the current number. The population objective for sharp-
tailed grouse is to increase total number by 2X.

MFWP will continue its aggressive approach to weed management on the Beckman
WMA. Noxious weeds will be identified, mapped, and controlled in a manner consistent
with MFWP's Region 4 Weed Management Plan. There are 2 objectives for weed
management on the Beckman WMA. (1 ) Will be to stop the spread of noxious weeds, and
(2) reduce the occurrence of noxious weeds on the Beckman WMA. MFWP will use its
own personnel and/or private contractors, and coordinate with adjacent landowners and
county weed boards for weed control.

Impacts

Proposed changes in management direction for the Beckman WMA - adjustments to
some land use practices ~ will benefit the wildlife currently using the area. Improving
habitat quality and quantity will assist in alleviating potential deer problems on adjacent
private lands. Should game depredation occur, one or more of the following methods will
be implemented: scareguns; temporary panels for haystacks; materials for permanent
haystack yards; kill permits; and special hunting seasons. A combination of the above
methods would be used as necessary to resolve problems which might occur.

Public use of the property will be guaranteed from April 1 through December 15. Use
duhng this period will be consistent with the established management/travel plan.

Management Activities

Aerial and ground surveys and inventories of wildlife use of the area will be conducted.
The area will be used on occasion for capturing and individually marking deer and other
wildlife as research needs arise. Changes in numbers and patterns of use by deer and
other big game and wildlife species will be documented. Vegetation sampling and

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evaluation will be conducted on a regular basis. Other land management specialists and
agencies will be contacted as needed for technical assistance in order to implement
specified management actions. Physical developments will be evaluated relative to
management goals and objectives. Historic and cultural values and a final management
plan will dictate the extent of physical development and activity that's needed. Entrance
and boundary signs will be erected to facilitate public use and to inform the public of the
benefits and opportunities in the area.

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Appendix 1

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APPENDIX II

Most of the species listed below occur on the Beckman Wildlife Management Area.
Others occur very nearby, and possibly on the Beckman Wildlife Management Area.

Mammals

Common shrew

Montana shrew

Little brown myotis

Long-eared myotis

Long-legged myotis

Small-footed myotis

Big brown bat

Hoary bat

Silver-haired bat

Townsend's big-eared bat

Ermine

Long-tailed weasel

Mink

River otter

Badger

Striped skunk

Red fox

Coyote

Mountain lion

Bobcat

Racoon

Yellow-bellied marmot

Richardson's ground squirrel

Yellow-pine chipmunk

Red squirrel

Northern pocket gopher

Deer mouse

Bushy-tailed wood rat

Ord's kangaroo rat

Meadow vole

Capper's red-backed vole

Montane vole

Prairie vole

Sagebrush vole

Western jumping mouse

Grasshopper mouse

Beaver

Muskrat

Porcupine

White-tailed jackrabbit

Mountain cottontail

Elk

White-tailed deer

Mule deer

Moose

Pronghom

Birds (yearlong, seasonal,
migratory)

Pirrtail
Mallard
Gadwall

Blue-winged teal
Cinnamon teal
Green-winged teal
Northern shoveler
Amencan wigeon
Wood duck
Common goldeneye
Common merganser
Canada goose
Great blue heron
Sandhill crane
Common snipe

Turkey vulture
Norttiem harrier
Sharp-shinned hawk
Cooper's hawk
Brown creeper
Rock wren
Northern goshawk
Swainson's hawk
Red-tailed hawk
Ferruginous hawk
Rough-legged hawk
Bald eagle
Golden eagle
American kestrel
Meriin

Prairie falcon
Gray partridge
Blue grouse
Ruffed grouse
Sharp-tailed grouse
Sage grouse
Merriam's turkey
Ring-necked pheasant
Killdeer

Solitary sandpiper
Long-billed curlew
Rock dove
Mourning dove
Great horned owl
Long-eared owl
Northern pygmy-owl
Short-eared owl
Northern saw-whet owl
Burrowing owl
Common nighthawk
Common poon/vill
Rufous hummingbird
Belted kingfisher
Lewis' woodpecker
Yellow-bellied sapsucker
Downy woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker
Northern flicker
Western wood-peewee
Hammond's flycatcher
Dusky flycatcher
Western flycatcher
Sa/s phoebe
Western kingbird
Eastern kingbird
Homed lark
Tree swallow
Violet-green swallow
Cliff swallow
Bam swallow
Rough-winged swallow
Blue jay
Gray jay
Steller's jay
Pinyon jay
Clark's nutcracker
Black-billed magpie
Amencan crow
Common raven
Black-capped chickadee
Mountain chickadee

Red-breasted nuthatch
White-breasted nuthatch
House wren

Golden-crowned kinglet
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Eastern bluebird
Townsend's solitaire
Swainson's thrush
Hermit thrush
American robin
Gray catbird
Sprague's pipit
Bohemian wa»ving
Cedar waxwing
Northem shrike
Loggerhead shrike
European stariing
Warbling vireo
Solitary vireo
Yellow warbler
Yellow-rumped warbler
McGillivarys warbler
Common yellowthroat
Wilson's warbler
Western tanager
Lazuli bunting
Spotted towhee
American tree sparrow
Chipping sparrow
Clay-colored sparrow
Brewer's sparrow
Vesper sparrow
Lark sparrow
Savannah sparrow
Grasshopper sparrow
Fox sparrow
Song sparrow
White-crowned sparrow
Dark-eyed junco
Lapland longspur
Snow bunting
Red-winged blackbird
Bobolink

Western meadowlark
Brewer's blackbird
Common grackle
Brown-headed cowbird
Rosy finch
Cassin's finch
House finch
Red crossbill
Common redpoll
Pine siskin
American goldfinch
House sparrow

Amphibians

Tiger salamander
Woodhouse's toad
Western chorus frog
Northem leopard frog

Reptiles

Short-homed lizard

Snapping turtle
Racer
Milk snake
Gopher snake
Western rattlesnake
Common garter snake

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