88071395
f
McCain Valley
Wildlife Habitat
Management Plan
U.S. Department Of Interior
Bureau Of Land Management
State Of California
Department Of Fish And Game
'California state office
CENTRAL LIBRARY COPJtf
McCAIN VALLEY HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN
A SIKES ACT PROJECT
Prepared By:
U.S. Department of Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District
El Centro Resource Area
State of California
The Resources Agency
Department of Fish and Game
BLM Library
Denver Federal Center
Bldg. 50, OC-521
P.O.Box 25047
Denver, CO 80225
i
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McCAIN VALLEY WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Final Approval
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside (California) District Office
State of Cal i forni a
The Resources Agency
Department of Fish & Game
il
TABLE OE CONTENTS
Pacje
I. Introduction 1
A. Location and Land Status 1
B. Biological Features 1
1. Vegetation 1
2. Wildlife and Priority Species 2
II. Management Objectives 3
III. Constraints 4
IV. Planned Actions 4
A. Rehabilitation of Bighorn Sheep Habitat (McCain Subunit). . 4
1 . Grazi ng Use 4
2. Visitor Use Management 4
3. Land Acquisitions 6
4. Designation and Maintenance of Waters 6
5. Surface Protection, Minerals Development 7
6. Designation as Area of Critical Environmental Concern. 7
7. Habitat Rehabilitation 8
B. Rehabilitation of Bighorn Sheep Habitat (Sawtooth Subunit). 8
1. Studies 8
2. Grazing Use 9
3. Control of Vehicle Access 9
4. Designation of Waters 9
5. Implementation of Proposed Surface Mining Regulations. 9
6. Designation as ACEC 9
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Page
C. Protection of Habitat of Endangered, Threatened, Unique,
and/or Sensitive Species 10
1. Animals 10
2. Plants 10
D. Enhancement of Habitat for Quail 11
E. Inventory, Studies, and Research .... 12
V. Implementation and Evaluation 13
VI. Coordination with Other Programs 16
A. Grazing Management 16
B. Recreation Management 16
C. Watershed Management 16
D. Lands 17
E. Minerals 17
VII. Provision for Review and Modi ficati or 17
VIII . Management Evaluation 18
tv
I.
INTRODUCTION
This report defines the Wildlife Habitat Management Plan (HMP) for the
area designated as the McCain Valley Wildlife Habitat Area (WHA). The
plan was prepared by the El Centro Resource Area, Riverside District,
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in cooperation with the California
Department of Fish and Game under the Sikes Act and Public Land Order
(PLO) 2460.
A . Location and Land Status
The McCain WHA (Figure 1) is located in the southeast corner of
San Diego County, approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of the Mexican
Border and 10 miles west of the Imperial County line. The main entrance
to the area is from old Highway 80, near Boulevard, California, approxi-
mately 70 miles (113 km) east of San Diego and 50 miles (82 km) west of
El Centro.
The WHA consists of 76,000 acres (30,400 hectares) of public domain with
some intermixed private land. The WHA was divided into three subunits
for the South Coast Border Resource Area (former name) Management Framework
Plan (MFP) :
McCain Valley subunit
Sawtooth Mountain subunit
Orifl amine subunit
Total
38.500 ac* (15,400 ha)
34.500 ac* (13,800 ha)
3,000 ac* ( 1 ,200 ha)
76,000 ac* (30,400 ha)
including private inholdings
The WHA is bounded on the east by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and on
the west by the Cleveland National Forest (Descanso Ranger District) and
four Indian Reservations (Campo, La Posta, Manzanita, and Cuyapaipe)
(Figure 2).
B. Biological Features
1. Vegetation
There are six major vegetative associations after Cheatham and Haller
(1975), ranging from California mixed chaparral to Sonoran creosote bush
scrub (Figure 3). The area is f loristical ly extremely rich, and includes
a large number of rare species. More definitive discussion is included
in the Appendix to the Environmental Assessment on this plan.
The chaparral was burned by a single wildfire in 1944. High wildfire
frequency is an essential component of chaparral ecology; indeed many
chaparral species require fire for their existence.
1
2. Wildlife and Priority Species
Three groups of priority species are identified for specific management
in this I IMP : (1) peninsular bighorn sheep, (2) small game species, and
(3) small mammals and reptiles of high scientific interest.
The peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis cremnobates) is on the
California Department of Fish and Game's list of Rare species (At the
Crossroads, 1976). This subspecies occurs on the desert slopes of the
Peninsular Ranges from the San Jacinto Mountains south into Mexico.
Within the McCain WHA sheep are currently found from Tule Mountain north
to Sombrero Peak (Figure 4). It is an isolated population which has
been under close study for several years; it numbers about 110 animals
(Weaver, 1968; Turner & Jorgensen, 1975; Terry Russi , pers. .comm. 1978).
Reproduction in this population has been almost nil in the last several
years (Turner & Jorgensen, 1975; Terry Russi, pers. comm. 1978). There
are several probable causes. Water is critical during the summer months;
the general drought has probably eliminated some water sources. Human
intrusion, especially off-road vehicle (ORV) activity in the upper
elevational part of the habitat, is extremely disruptive (Terry Russi,
unpublished observations). Poaching has been and continues to be a
problem. Livestock graze in the upper part of the sheep habitat and
occasionally wander lower. There may be competition between livestock
and bighorn, but there is conflicting evidence from different ranges
(Seegmiller, 1977).
The exact number of sheep is less important than the habitat's potential.
The McCain population currently occupies an area of about 40 sq. mi.
(104 sq. km), a density of 2.8 per sq. mi. (1.0 per sq. km). There are
more than three times this amount of suitable habitat (Fig. 4). (Area
figures include adjacent State Park land; sheep now occupy ca. 32 sq. mi.
(83 sq. km) of public domain.) Studies in Nevada (McQuincy and Leslie,
1976) have shown that most ranges support 1 to 5 sheep per square mile
(0.4 to 1.9 per sq. km) of available habitat, with some ranges supporting
7 per square mile (2.7 per sq. km). Since the McCain subunit is more
mesic than most desert ranges (13 in., 330mm/yr.), this area should have
a carrying capacity of at least 5 sheep per square mile (2 per square km.),
or a total of about 200 within the currently occupied area (including
State Park land).
The second class of priority species includes small game species important
for their recreational value for sport hunting. In the McCain Valley
WHA the principal game species are Gambel's quail (Lophortyx gambelii),
California quail (Lophortyx cal ifornicus , Mountain quail (Oreortyx
pictus) , Audubon cottontail ~[Syl yj 1 agus auduboni ) , Mourning doveTZenai daura
macro ura) and Brush rabbit (Sylvllagus bachmanT)". Hunting for Mule deer
TOdocoileus hemionus) and Black-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus cal ifornicus)
is of lesser importance.
The third class of priority species includes small mammals and herptiles
of unique scientific interest. The McCain Valley WHA supports a great
diversity of wildlife species since habitats range from low desert to
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chaparral and oak-w.oodl and types. The chaparral -desert transitional
area is of particular scientific interest because closely related
species of the same genera, such as the desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma
platyrhinos) and the coast horned lizard (P. coronatum) can be found
living in close proximity to each other. The same situation undoubtedly
holds true at the subspecies level. For example, two subspecies of the
deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) may occur in the area: the coastal
subspecies (P. m. gambelii) and the desert subspecies (P. m. sonori ensi s ) .
The scientific value of the presence of closely related species and
subspecies in the chaparral desert transition area provides a unique
opportunity to study the evolutionary history of small mammals. There
are, in addition, a number of reptile species found in Mexico that are
extremely limited in distribution in the United States. These include
the banded rock lizard (Streptosaurus mearnsi) and the small scaled
lizard (Urosaurus mi croscutatus ) whoTe ranges are primarily in Mexico
but extend into a few southern California localities.
There are many other species of wildlife present in the area and it is
BLM policy to protect habitat for all of them. However, the above three
groups of species are of primary interest and the measures proposed in
this HMP will be directed toward preserving, protecting and enhancing
•habitat for them as well as protecting the habitat of the endangered and
threatened plant species.
1 1 • management objectives
The objectives of this plan are:
A. To protect and rehabilitate the bighorn sheep habitat within the
McCain Valley subunit so that it can support a density of 5 sheep per
square mile.
B. To protect and rehabilitate the former sheep range within the
Sawtooth subunit so that sheep can re-occupy this range or be successfully
rei ntroduced.
C. To protect and enhance the habitat of endangered, threatened, or
other sensitive or unique plants of the area. (See section IV C.2.)
D. To enhance the habitats and increase the population densities of
California, Gambel's, and mountain quail within the McCain and Sawtooth
subuni ts .
E. To protect and maintain current wildlife values in the WHA pending
preparation of a coordinated activity plan, which will provide:
1. Guidelines for interim management of the Sawtooth and Oriflamme
subunits until inventories and special studies have elucidated
management needs.
2. A description, schedule, and priority listing of necessary
wildlife inventories and studies.
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3. A schedule for expansion, revision, and updating of the
habitat management projects.
4. A schedule for implementation, completion, and evaluation of
the plan for the entire McCain Valley Wildlife Habitat Area.
5. A schedule for research and a coordinated fire management plan
for the chaparral portion of the WHA with the Forest Service,
California Division of Forestry, and Fish and Game.
1 1* 1 2 . CONSTRAINTS
A. Natural Resources Defense Council (NR.DC) Grazing Lawsuit
The court order agreement in the NRDC v. Morton , et al . , case prohibits
implementation of any AMP or its equivalent after the end of FY '75
(June 30, 1975) prior to the completion of an ES covering such AMP. (BLM
WO-IM 77-606). The McCain Valley Range ES is scheduled to be completed
i n Fiscal Year 1 981 .
B. Wilderness Review
Much of the McCain area was identified as roadless in the Sundesert
Nuclear Project Draft Environmental Statement. ‘BLM cannot implement any
action in a Wilderness Study Area that would impair its potential wildernes
characteristics until the wilderness review is completed.
C. Private Land Access
BLM may not restrict access of a private landowner to his private land
without his consent.
IV. PLANNED actions
A. Rehabilitation of Bighorn Sheep Habitat (McCain Subunit)
1. Grazing Use
Current grazing use will continue unaltered until completion of the
Range Environmental Statement in 1981 (See Section III - Constraints).
At that time recommendations for modification will be made based on the
information gathered in the MFP and land use plan. Ear tagging should
be undertaken to determine actual grazing usage in this area and potential
competition for forage between cattle and bighorn sheep. ■
2. Visitor Use Management
All vehicular access will be eliminated from bighorn range (as shown in
Figure 4) by physically blocking roads that lead into this area (Figure 6).
The area will be closed to vehicle use and the closure enforced under
authority of the Sikes Act (88 Stat. 1369), Executive Order 11989, and
according to regulations promulgated under 43 CFR 6290.
Specific actions include:
a. Case-by-case construction of road barriers on access routes
into the bighorn range.
b. Case-by-case water-barring and ditching of existing roads and
trails within the closure area.
c. Signing and posting of closed roads and trails.
d. Vigorous patrol and enforcement of closed roads and trails.
e. Signing and posting of open and closed areas at the entrance
to McCain Valley and at all BLM campgrounds in the area. This will
be coordinated with the Recreation Activity Management Plan to be
finished in FY 1978.
f. Restoration and revegetation of closed roads, barrier sites,
ditches, roads put to bed, and roads water-barred to minimize
erosion. This action does not require removal of livestock from
the bighorn area. Revegetation will be allowed to occur naturally
wherever possible. Seeding may be employed in some areas of severe
erosion potential if judged to be feasible.
Wherever legally and physically possible, roads will be closed by
permanent barriers that will need little or no maintenance. Sturdy
locked gates will be installed across roads leading to private land
and to some developed springs. Existing roads in the vicinity of
Sacotone Spring, where there is a heavy concentration of mining
claims, will not be closed.
An existing undeveloped road from the McCain Valley access road and
portions of an existing unimproved road roughly parallel to the access
road may be developed as a self-guiding interpretive road. Final
location will be determined in the Recreation Activity Management
Plan for McCain Valley to be completed in Fiscal’ Year 1978.
An existing one-mile road which connects Sacotone Springs road with
the general area of Tule Mountains will also remain open; this road
is used by gem hunters.
Private landowners will not be denied access to their private
lands. It may be necessary to close some roads with locked gates
and provide landowners with keys and rights-of-way. This problem
will be resolved in the RAMP since much of this area is outside
critical bighorn area.
3. Land Acquisitions
Private inholdings
within the
bighorn
range will be acquired as
time
and
money permit. Key
1 ands
to
be acquired are prioritized:
Priority Group
Legal
Descri ption
Size
0)
T
17
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec 2: N 1/2 NW 1/4
80
acres
T
16
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 34: S 1/2 S 1/2
160
acres
T
16
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 33: SE 1/4 SE 1/4
40
acres
T
16
s.
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 33: W 1/2 E 1/2
160
acres
T
16
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 28: SW 1/4 SE 1/4
40
acres
T
16
s5
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 28: E 1/2 SW 1/4'
80
acres
T
16
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 28: SE 1/4 NW 1/4
40
acres
Sub Total
560
acres
(2)
T
16
s,
R
7 E
SBM,
Sec. 16
640
acres
Sub Total
640
acres
(3)
T
15
S,
R
6 E
SBM,
Sec. 36
640
acres
TOTAL
1840
acres
4. Designation and Maintenance of Waters
Waters within the bighorn range will be designated by California Department
of Fish and Game to limit human activity near these waters. Designation
will restrict human activity within either 200 yards (183 m) or 1/4 mile
(402 m) of these waters to no more than 30 minutes. A total of 8 springs,
13 guzzlers, and maybe one yet undeveloped water source will be designated.
Details will be specified in the Cooperative Agreement implementing this
HMP.
All waters (seeps, springs, tanks, etc.) used by bighorn will be maintained
(and developed if necessary) to insure that permanent water is available.
These waters will be inspected regularly, preferably early each summer.
A water source may be developed in Rockhouse Canyon, T. 16S., R. 7E. ,
Sec. 4 (Sombrero Peak 7 1/2' topo). There are several springs and seeps
suitable for development to enhance the water supply. The exact location
and method will be determined after on-site consultation with the California
Department of Fish and Game and other people who are familiar with the
area. Fish and Game will supervise construction.
Tamarisk eradication will be undertaken at all waters within the WHA,
using the successful method developed in Death Valley. It consists of
cutting stems near ground level and painting the stumps with Si 1 vex
herbicide.
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5. Surface Protection, Minerals Development
BLM lias proposed surface mining regulations for public lands, which
would allow continued mineral extraction in an environmentally prudent
manner. Implementation would lessen the need for withdrawal of the area
from mineral location under the general mining laws, and would allow a
case-by-case evaluation of proposed mining activities and allow for
stipulations to protect bighorn.
Leasing of minerals such as oil, gas, and geothermal resources is
discretionary with the Secretary of Interior. Leasing would not have to
be allowed if it would cause deterioration of the environment or adversely
impact wildlife in the area.
6. Designation as Area of Critical Environmental Concern
The public lands within the McCain Valley Wildlife Habitat Area shown in
Figure 7 are a likely candidate for designation as the McCain Valley
Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) under FLPMA. When criteria
and regulations for this designation are adopted, the appropriateness
for this area should be examined. The existing designation as the Bow
Willow Palms Research Natural Area would then be' dropped. The ACEC
status will provide better land management regulations and protection
than would Natural Area designation. Under the guidance of the ACEC
designation, the following actions will or will not be allowed:
a. Motorized transportation. Motorized forms of travel in the
candidate ACEC will be restricted to designated roads set out in this
HMP.
b. Ai rcraft. Aircraft will not be allowed to land in the candidate
ACEC except on a justified case-by-case basis or for emergency
purposes .
c. Motorized equipment. Motorized equipment would not be allowed
except on a justified case-by-case basis.
d. Roads. No new roads will be constructed except for sections
that may need to be constructed to improve the designated road or
allow private access.
e. Construction. Construction of any kind will be prohibited in
the candidate ACEC area except for maintenance and construction of
wildlife water supplies, fences needed for management or protection
of wildlife, or other construction directly benefiting and solely for
use by wildlife. No construction will take place without proper
environmental clearance.
f. Wildlife. Hunting will be allowed in accordance with appro-
priate state and Federal rules and regulations.
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9- Non-hunting firearm use. Mon-hunting firearm use will be
encouraged in areas that will minimize conflict with wildlife values
and human safety in the pending Recreation Activity Management Plan.
h. Water storage projects. Water storage projects will be allowed
that are directly beneficial to wildlife.
i. Ri ghts-of-way. Rights-of-way for utility lines and other
purposes may be allowed in the Natural Area by the Authorized
Officer under such conditions and restrictions as are deemed
necessary to leave the bighorn sheep habitat undisturbed.
j. Fire control. Wildfires will be controlled as necessary to
prevent unacceptable biological damage, loss of life, damage to
property or the spread of wildfire to adjacent areas. Nothing in
this designation will restrict a fire management plan from being
developed and implemented.
k. Rescue and other emergency operations. In emergency situations
involving the health and safety of persons, the use of aircraft or
other motorized or mechanical equipment may be permitted.
l. Visitor use structures and facilities. Foot trails would be
allowed only where they do not conflict with bighorn sheep management.
m. Horseback riding. Horseback riding will be allowed provided
that riders supply feed for their animals while in the ACEC.
7. Habitat Rehabilitation
Direct loss of vegetation from off-road vehicle use and grazing will be
halted by eliminating the causes. Further habitat deterioration from
continuing erosion will be reversed by implementing measures 2a-g above
at all severely disturbed sites -- roads, ORV play areas, and overutilized
water sources. Restoration does not require prior removal of livestock,
except at water sources, where fencing may be necessary. (Water will
not be denied to livestock, however.)
Revegetation will be permitted to proceed naturally after physical
stabilization and surface preparation has been effected. Seeding may be
undertaken in some areas of severe erosion potential if it appears to be
feasible.
B . Rehabilitation of Bighorn Sheep Habitat (Sawtooth Subunit)
1. Studies
No projects will be implemented within the subunit until completion of
necessary inventories and studies.
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The Sawtooth subunit is under the same Grazing ES schedule as the rest
of the McCain WHA. The data gathered for the URA/MFP/ES should provide
the necessary information for successful reestablishment of bighorn, A
definite allocation of forage will be made for bighorn in the ES.
Natural reestablishment of bighorn sheep into this area is dependent
upon having a healthy, expanding population of sheep in the McCain
Valley Subunit and in adjacent Anza-Borrego State Park. Reintroduction
would require construction of a large enclosure, transplant of animals
into it, and release of offspring from these transplanted sheep over a
period of years. Natural reestablishment is preferred both ecologically
and economically.
2. Grazing Use
All grazing use will be maintained at status quo until completion of the
McCain URA/MFP/ES in 1981. Alternatives to major grazing use modifica-
tion at this time have been precluded by the NRDC lawsuit.
3. Control Of Vehicle Access
No new roads would be allowed to be built into the Sawtooth Subunit
until the completion of final land use decisions following the McCain
URA/MFP/ES schedule.
4. Designation Of Waters
Once a complete inventory of wildlife water is made, some waters must be
designated as wildlife waters as described in Part IV A. 4 for the McCain
Subunit.
5. Implementation Of Proposed Surface Mining Regulations
Surface protection regulations would prevent unplanned road building and
environmental disruption that would adversely affect potential bighorn
reintroduction. Upon promulgation, the area should be protected for its
potential for bighorn sheep reestablishment. If the regulations are
finalized, a withdrawal should be considered as the most viable alterna-
tive in the McCain URA/MFP/ES schedule.
6. Designation As An Area Of Critical Environmental Concern
Designation as an ACEC is not called for in this plan until after bighorn
can be reestablished in the area. This action must be considered in the
McCain URA/MFP/ES schedule. Review of the area for wilderness values
would occur as the BLM review process dictates. No recommendation for
other land management designation are called for at this time.
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C . Protection of Habitat of Endangered, Threatened, Unique and/or Sensitive
Species
1. Animals
There are no resident animals in the area on Federal or state lists of
Endangered, Threatened, or Rare species other than the bighorn sheep
which has been discussed.
There are several species that are being considered for the BLM sensitive
list. As defined in BLM Manual 6840, they are:
Leaf-toed gecko
Unnamed gecko (new species)
Coast horned lizard
Small -scaled lizard
Banded rock lizard
Granite night lizard
Orange-throated whiptail
Granite spiny lizard
Red diamond rattlesnake
Western spadefoot toad
Prairie falcon
Desert shrew
Bobcat
All the above species shall be given adequate habitat protection. This
plan recognizes that certain protection of these species would occur as
a secondary benefit from the protective measures called for to implement
Objective A, Bighorn Sheep Protection. It is not possible to call for
additional land use and habitat management actions without further
detailed inventory and study.
a. Inventories
Inventories and studies of all sensitive species, especially those that
inhabit the chaparral (extra-ACEC) portion of the McCain subunit, must
be completed prior to any plans for habitat protection. Most of these
inventories will be accomplished systematical ly in the McCain URA/MFP/ES
schedule.
b. Protective Actions
Most of the unique sensitive species in the McCain subunit are found on
the desert slopes area that may eventually be designated as an ACEC.
Its designation plus implementation of surface mining regulations and
recreational vehicle closures will provide adequate interim protection
of these sensitive species. No other restrictive actions are called for
in this HMP.
2. Plants
Protection of proposed Endangered and Threatened plants is essential to
adequate implementation of this HMP. The following fourteen (14) plants
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are listed as rare by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS). Of
these, six are listed on the proposed Endangered and Threatened species
list by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The plants located within the
candidate ACFC are marked by an asterisk.
*1 . Acalypha californica
2. Linanthus bellus
3. Berber is higginsae
4. Hemizonia floribunda
5. Poa atropurpurea
*6. Heuchera brevi staminea
7. Limnanthes gracilis var. pari shi i
8. Machaeranthera lagunensis
9. Celtis reticulata
*10. Bursera microphylla
11. Ayenia compacta
12. Ipomopsis teriui folia
13. Haplopappus junceus
14. Diplacus aridus
The known locations of these plants are shown on Figure 9.
As with animals, primary protection measures for these plants is considered
a secondary benefit of the protection of the bighorn range. Additional
inventory is needed to further the extent and total protective needs of
these plants.
a. Inventories
Not enough is known about any of these rare plants at this time to make
any specific management recommendations. Further studies are needed to
determine their distribution and environmental requirements. These
species will be given priority in the inventory for the McCain ES.
b. Protective Actions
No additional protective actions are called for at this time. Interim
protection would be the same as specified for sensitive animal species.
D . Enhancement, of Habitat for Quail
1. Providing free water is a simple means of enhancing arid habitat
for quail. There are 13 guzzlers and 48 known springs and seeps in the
McCain Valley area (Figure 8). All will be maintained to insure a year-
round water supply. Livestock waters will be modified if necessary to
make the water accessible to birds.
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E.
Inventory, Studies, and Research
Necessary biological inventories, studies, and research are outlined
here. There are administrative distinctions among those three types of
investigation; each is directed toward obtaining a different type of
information, requires different levels of expertise, arid is funded
differently.
1. Inventories
The main objective of inventory is to determine the presence, distribu-
tion, and density (or relative abundance) of species in a given area.
It includes collation of literature and other existing data sources as
well as field surveys. General guidance is qiveri in Manual sections
6602 and 6610.
There is an existing wildlife inventory for the McCain Valley subunit;
however, it is short of current standards and needs revision. There are
no inventories for the Sawtooth and Oriflamme subunits. All inventories
will be conducted/updated for the McCain ES.
Inventory needs should be given higher priority than studies and research.
2. Studies
Studies are investigations designed to provide information on specific
topics to aid management decisions. General guidelines are established
in BLM Manual, sections 6611-6619, and 6630-6660.
Baseline and trend studies are needed in the McCain WHA to serve two
general objectives: (1) to establish long-term habitat and population
changes under natural conditions, and (2) to determine effects of
management actions (grazing, vehicle closures, water developments, etc.)
on the same. Initial studies should be carried out for a 5-year period
(Appendix B). Priority should be given to baseline studies over manage-
ment studies; the two types must be closely coordinated with each other
and with initial inventories.
3. Research
Research as used here consists of investigations to collect original in-
formation about the ecology of a species or group of species, or inter-
actions between species.
There are four areas where original research is needed to facilitate
sound management. In order of priority, they are: (a) rare plants,
(b) bighorn sheep, (c) other sensitive wildlife, and (d) desert/chaparral
fire ecology.
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a. Rare plants. Research is needed to determine the ecology of the
14 known (and undoubtedly more unknown) Rare or Endangered plants in the
McCain Valley area. The research should focus on their responses and
tolerance to ORV traffic, fire, and grazing.
b. Bighorn sheep. A comprehensive analysis of the bighorn in southern
San Diego County is needed to determine food habits and nutrition,
movement patterns and home ranges, habitat selection, demography, and
limiting factors. The research should focus on interaction with livestock
and the necessary conditions for bighorn reestablishment in the Sawtooth
subunit.
c. Sensitive species. Very little is known about the ecology of most
of the candidate sensitive species. Research is needed to determine
whether they should be listed, and if so, to determine crucial habitat.
d. Desert/chaparral fire ecology. The U.S. Forest Service, Pacific
Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station has undertaken a vigorous
research program. BLM should encourage this research to focus on problems
relevant to public domain management, and ideally, BLM should conduct
complementary studies of its own.
V. IMPLEMENTATION AMD EVALUATION
These actions are summarized on Forms 6620-3, Habitat Management Plan
Progress Report (Appendix C). Below they are listed in order of priority
for funding in each fiscal year (FY).
A. Year 1 (FY 78)
ACTION
1. Visitor Use Management in
McCain Subunit
a. Road closures (barricades or
gates) at approximately
50 sites
b. Put closed roads to bed:
--Prepare soil for vegetation
(rip up compacted road bed)
--Stabilize against erosion
(water barring, check dams,
perhaps some seeding)
c. Sign and post closed roads
(100 signs)
COST (est. ) AGENCY
$15,000 BLM
( 1 MM )
5,000 BLM (with YACC)
4,000 BLM
(1/2MM)
13
. ■ ^ K
COST AGENCY
2. Patrol and Enforcement
a. Begin patrol and enforcement
of closed area
4,500
( 3MM )
BLM
CDFG
Develop and Maintain Bighorn
Water Sources
a. Develop water source in
Rockhouse Canyon
3,000
( 1/2MM)
BLM (materials)
CDFG (supervise
and labor) YACC
(labor)
b. Inspect and maintain other
water sources, including
tamarisk removal
5,000
(1 1/2MM)
BLM (with YACC
labor)
c. Enhance livestock water
for other wildlife (install
birds ramps, fence some springs
from cattle)
2,500
( 1 MM )
CDFG
d. Designate important water sources (no cost)
CDFG
Construct Range Enclosure
a. Construct 50-100 acre
livestock enclosure to provide
baseline for grazing studies
(ca 1 1/2 miles of fence for 100
4,000
(1/2 MM )
ac. )
BLM
Fence Removal
a. Remove non-functional fences
750
(1/2MM)
BLM
(with YACC)
Enhancement of Quail Habitat
a. Same as 3 a-d above
(no additional
cost)
b. (Small game guzzlers will be
inspected in FY 79)
Protection of Habitat of Endangered, Threatened, Rare, and Sensitive
Species of Animals and Plants. (Other actions taken will adequately
protect these values. No additional expenditures should be needed.)
14
■
B.
Year 2 (FY 79)
ACTION
COST
1.
Designate McCain Valley Candidate
Area of Critical Environmental
Concern
5MM
($12,500)
2.
Continue and Expand Patrol and
Enforcement of:
1 OHM
( 15,000)
a. Road closures
b. Designated waters
c. Vandalism
d. Hunting and shooting regulations
3.
Land Acquisition
a. Program for exchange, purchase,
etc.
4MM
($10,000)
4.
Inventory
a. Conduct inventory according
to URA/MFP/ES schedule
30MM
($45,000)
5.
Implement Surface Mining Regulations
a. Implement enforcement
upon promulgation
2MM
($3,000)
6.
Studies and Research
(Conduct as funds are available)
?
AGENCY
BLM
BLM , CDFG ,
and other
cooperati ng
agenci es
BLM
BLM
BLM
BLM
C . FY 80 and Beyond
1. Continue URA/MFP/ES Schedule
(ES to be completed FY 81)
2. Rehabilitate Sawtooth Subunit for
Bighorn (Cannot implement until
completion of Grazing ES)
a. Modify grazing use as needed.
b. Regulate visitor use
15
c. Restore damaged and declining lands.
d. Maintain and develop water sources.
e. Reintroduce bighorn (if necessary).
3. Continue Patrol and Enforcement
4. Continue Maintenance of Water Sources
V I . COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS
Basic coordination with other resource activities has been built into
the plan and is coordinated in the San Diego County MFP. All the following
resource activities would coordinate this action to the extent that
future actions would not adversely affect accomplishment of the objective
of this plan.
A . Grazing Management
•Grazing uses would continue as status quo until completion of the URA/MEP/ES.
Interim management would assure:
1. No increase in present allotments.
2. No new range improvement facilities.
3. No expansion of grazing use into areas presently underutilized.
B . Recreation Management
Recreation management goals are being developed in an activity plan to
be written in FY-78. This plan would be written to protect the values
specified in this HMP. Basically, a recreation activity plan for all of
McCain Valley must address the following issues:
1. Camping use outside of developed campgrounds.
2. Unmanaged vehicle use encroaching on bighorn habitat.
3. Competitive and commercial recreation activities.
4. Adequate law enforcement personnel to patrol all of McCain Valley.
5. Continued hunting uses within the area.
6. Management for nonconsumptive wildlife activities.
C . Watershed Management
All actions required by this plan would be handled to conform to good
16
'
watershed management practices as specified in the San Diego MFP.
D. Lands
Assistance and coordination with the lands program is necessary to
assure proper handling of normal lands action such as rights-of-way and
communication sites and access to private lands.
E . Ml neral s
Minerals management assistance is required in the proper handling of
possible mineral leasing actions. Each potential mineral leasing action
must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in order to stipulate the pro-
tection of bighorn habitat and wildlife values are of high priority for
this area.
VII. PROVISION FOR REVIEW AND MODIFICATION
The Habitat Management Plan will be reviewed annually to determine if
revision or modification is needed because of changes in Bureau policy,
land use plans or other factors. Once a year the Area Manager will
review progress on imp! ementating the plan and will submit a report to
the District Manager indicating:
A. Progress made on implementing the plan.
B. Priorities for future implementation, and
C. Recommended modifications in the plan or schedule.
The District Manager will determine if any recommended modifications are
of such a major nature that a new Environmental Assessment Record (EAR)
or supplemental EAR is required. Minor changes such as revised cost
estimates, modification of schedules, changes in seed mixtures, etc.
would not require a supplemental EAR although some of the individual
projects may require supplemental EAR'S of the Minimal Acceptable
Documentation type.
With the concurrence of the District Manager the recommended modifica-
tions will be forwarded to the California Department of Fish and Game
and any other agencies that are parties to any cooperative agreement on
the plan for their information and approval.
Modification of this HMP would occur after the completion of the McCain
Grazing URA/MFP/ES update. At that time, the management objectives of
this plan must be reevaluated in light of new data in the updated general
land use plan (MFP).
17
VIII. MANAGEMENT EVALUATION
Basic evaluation of the HMP will be completed according to submission of
the annual Habitat Management Plan Progress Report. These documents
will enable unfinished projects and actions to be carried through into
other years. Evaluation Reports for FY-78 actions are included in
Appendix C. These evaluation reports include basically those actions
summarized as Phase I Implementation.
The effectiveness of obtaining priority consideration of unfunded projects
(Phase II Implementation) must also be evaluated. These actions should
also be evaluated on a fiscal year basis. Items to be programmed in
future fiscal years are included in Appendix C and include all those
actions under Phase II Implementation.
18
••
T13S
T14S
T14S
T15S
T16S
T17S
T17S
T18S
R5e'r6E
R6ER7E
R4E R5E
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain VaHey
Wildlife Habitat Area
McCain Valley Wildlife
Habitat Area
HD Oriflamme Subunit
0 Sawtooth Subunit
II McCain Subunit
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
T13S
T14S
T14S
T15S
T15S
T16S
T16S
T17S
T17S
T18S
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Vafley
Wildlife Habitat Area
Major Plant Associations
E Chamise Chaparral
□ Californian Mixed Chaparral
® Semi-Desert Chaparral
G Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub
□ Enriched Desert Scrub: Steep
and Rocky Sites
!1 Enriched Desert Scrub:
Alluvial & Moderately Sloped
Sites.
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
FIGURE 3
ANZA BORREGO
DESERT
STATE
PARK
MASON
tccci::
ANZ A
BORREGO
PARK
£*P« iff
CLEVELAND
NATIONAL
FOREST
[ '{
V i
.BOUIEVAB?
yBANKHEAO
T13S
T14S
ri5s
T16S
TIBS
T18S
McCain valley
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Valley
Wildlife Habitat Area
Bighorn Sheep
Distribution
S3 Existing Sheep Habitat
E3 Historic Sheep Habitat
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
FIGURE 4
T14S
T15S
T16S
T17S
T17S_
T18S"
R5E R6E
FIGURE 5
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Valley
Wildlife Habitat Area
Existing and Proposed
Fences
••••Existing Fences
— Proposed Fences
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
T14S
T15S
T16S
T17S
T17S_
T18S
©
CLEVELAND V. V
t
*
A. ll
1
SOMBBEBO £7
\ /• -
>
1
-zrxJr- — ]
rC
'v NATIONAL f\
0
1
FIGURE 6
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Vafley
Wildlife Habitat Area
Existing Roads and
Proposed Road
Designations
••• Roads to be left Open
Within Natural Area
•— Roads to be Closed Within
Natural Area
■» Roadblocks to be
Constructed.
— Roads to Remain Open
Outside Natural Area.
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
T15S
T16S
T16S
T17S
T17S
T18S
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Valley
Wildlife Habitat Area
Proposed Natural Area
□ Boundary for Proposed
Natural Area
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
FIGURE 7
PARK
BORREGO
STATE
MASON
VALLECITO
"l VALLEY
PARK
cwt*'*’
CLEVELAND
NATIONAL
rf^HOUs* cANYi
FOREST
Jit CAN^N
lOULEVAM
T 13S
T14S
BORREGO
ANZA
DESERT
T 14S
T15S
STATE
T15S
T16S
T16S
T17S
T17S_
T18S“
R5E R6E
FIGURE 8
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain Valey
Wildlife Habitat Area
Wildlife Water Sources
i Permanent Spring
Seasonal, Historical or
4 Unconfirmed Spring
@ Existing Gallinaceous
Guzzler
Proposed Bighorn Sheep
Guzzler
(Numbers & Letters Refer to
Spring Names Listed in
Table Page
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
cu
.X"
ORREGO
i — ' ©
cam**"**'
L..J
©
PARK
****** CANyi,
T17S
T18S
FIGURE 9
MCCAIN VALLEY
WILDLIFE HABITAT
MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Boundary of McCain VaMey
Wildlife Habitat Area
Known Localities of
Rare and/or
Endangered Plant
Species as Listed by
California Native Plant
Society (1974)
Collection or Collection
o
A Location precisely known
A Location not precisely known
Plant Species
1. Acalypha califomica
2. Linanthus bellus
3. Berberis higginsae
4. Hemizonia floribunda
5. Poa atropurpurea
6. Heuchera brevistaminea
7. Limnanthes gracilis var.
parishii
8. Machaeranthera lagunensis
9. Celtis reticulata
10. Bursera microphylla
11. Ayenia compacta
12. Ipomopsis tenuifolia
13. Haplopappus junceus
14. Displacus aridus
prepared by
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Riverside District Office
REFERENCES CITED
1976, At the Crossroads, California Department of Fish and Game, Report
on California's Endangered and Rare Fish and Wildlife, 101 p.
Cheatham, N. H. , and J. R. Haller, (1975*). An annotated list of California
habitat types. (Unpublished)
Lawer, J. E. and J. M. Peek, 1976, "Big Game - Livestock Relationships
on the Bighorn Sheep Winter Range, Eastfork Salmon River Idaho, Forest
Wildlife and Range Experimental Station". Bulletin No. 12, 44 p.
McQuivey, R P. and D. M. Leslie Jr., 1976, "The Status and Trend of Desert
Bighorn Sheep in Nevada". Nevada Department of Fish and Game Special
Report, Reno, Nevada, 31 p. K
Seegmil ler, R. F. , 1977. Ecological Relationships of Feral Burros and
Desert Bighorn Sheep. Thesis, Arizona State University.
Turner, R. E. and M. C. Jorgensen, 1975, "The Desert Bighorn of Anza-
Borrego" Desert State Park, California. Unpublished manuscript sub-
. mitted to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, 59 p.
Weaver, R. A., J. L. Mensch, and W. V. Fait, 1968, "A Survey of the
California Desert Bighorn in San Diego County", California Department
of Fish and Game Report.
Wilson, L. , 1975, "The Wild Sheep in Modern North America". Boone and
Crocket Club, 302 p.
19
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