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Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
Page 1 of 24
Sunflower Allotment
Draft Soils Existing and Desired Conditions Report
Patricia Boness
April 2013
Project Area
The Sunflower Allotment is approximately 155,235 acres located on the Mesa Ranger District. It
is located in the Central Highlands Physiographic Province (Chronic, 1983). The vegetation is
extremely variable ranging from Sonoran Desert at the lowest elevations to ponderosa pine at the
highest elevations. Elevations range from about 1,600 feet to 7,657 feet on Brown’s Peak. The
southeast part of the allotment is in the Four Peaks Wilderness.
The mean annual precipitation ranges from 11 inches at the lower elevations to 24 inches at the
higher elevations. The mean annual soil temperature ranges from 68°F at lower elevations to
52°F at higher elevations (U.S.F.S., SW Region, 1985).
Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI)/Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey (TES)
An ongoing Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI) [formerly Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey
(TES)] is currently being conducted on the Tonto National Forest. Tentative, in-progess maps and
a map unit legend exist in internal GIS files. All this information is tenetative and is frequently
updated. Areas not yet mapped by the TEUI/TES survey were modified by Pat Boness based on
geologic maps, GIS imagery and DEMs and nearby areas that were already mapped. Existing
map units within the TEUI were assigned to areas not yet mapped.
Geology and Soil Classification
The allotment is underlain by a variety of geologic types. The geology is dominated by surficial
alluvial fan and terrace deposits (Q), granite (Xg/YXg/Yg), volcanic rocks (Tv), metamorphosed
volcanic rocks (Xmv), conglomerate sandstone (Tsy), and quartzite (Xq). Smaller areas of
metasedimentary rocks of sandstone and shale (Xms), sedimentary rocks of conglomerate,
sandstone, mudstone and breccia (Tsm), basalt (Tb), and younger alluvial deposits (Qr) which
occur along drainages (AZGS web site map, 2000).
Soils within the analysis are highly variable due to the wide variety of parent materials,
landforms and climate. (See the Vegetation Classification section below for an explanation of
the Terrestrial Ecological Unit Inventory (TEUI)/Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey (TES) Gradient
Analysis).
Desert soils (LSM, 2) are dominated by Torrifluvents along drainages, poorly developed
Torriorthents and Haplocambids, well-developed Haplargids on noncalcareous flats and hills,
and Haplocalcids on calcareous soils. The calcareous soils are normally associated with
crucifixion thorn (Canotia holacantha) and creosote bush (Larrea tridentata var. tridentata). In
the semiarid grassland zone (LSM, 3), the most prevalent soils are well-developed Haplustalfs
and Argiustolls. Calcidic Haplustalfs are located on the calcareous soils. In the chaparral type
(LSM, 4), well-developed medium and fine textured Typic and Lithic Haplustalfs and
Argiustolls dominate but poorly developed soils also occur. In woodlands (LSM, 4), medium
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
Page 2 of 24
and fine textured Lithic and Typic Haplustalfs dominate. In the ponderosa pine zone (LSM, 5),
Haplustalfs and Argiustolls are found on the more developed soils, while Haplustolls and
Haplustepts are on the less developed soils. Soils within the riparian zone are normally young,
poorly developed Fluvents, mostly coarse textured with large amounts of coarse fragments;
however, the soils in the riparian zone are highly variable.
Slope
Topographical features range from nearly level alluvial fans to rugged steep slopes and canyons.
Slope ranges are those assigned to the TEUI map units.
Table 1: Net Acres by Vegetation Type and Percent Slope*
Vegetation Type 0-5% 0-15% 0-
40%
15-
40%
15-
60%
15-
80%
40-
80%
40-
120% Total
Riparian 3,096 3,096
Sonoran Desert 9,519 30,486 22,373 10,521 18,394 16,844 4,928 113,065
Semidesert
Grasslands 232 1,724 1,580 4,220 7,756
Interior Chaparral 3,321 3,598 2,061 13,952 7,774 30,706
Pinyon/Juniper/Oak
Woodland 161 37 198
Ponderosa Pine 414 414
Total 3,096 13,072 30,647 27,732 14,576 18,394 35,016 12,702 155,235
Percent 2% 8% 20% 18% 9% 12% 23% 8% 100%
Soil Condition
Soil condition was evaluated using a combination of the ongoing TEUI/TES survey, the field
work and mapping of Norm Ambos (former Tonto NF soil scientist) and a brief field inspection
by Pat Boness. The soil conditon represents an approximation. It is not possible to visit all areas.
Interpretations were based on historical livestock use patterns and slope characteristics. Flatter
and more open areas tend to have greater impacts than steeper slopes or areas with dense
vegetation. Areas with less than satisfactory soil condition are a result of past and current
management practices. (See appendix A for an explanation of soil condition). The riparian areas
that are in a satisfactory-unsatisfactory soil condition have areas that were easily accessed and
have been heavily used in the past and are therefore in unsatisfactory soil condition. Within these
same ecosytems are areas that were very hard for cattle to access due to large boulders and rock
outcrop and therefore these reaches are still in satisfactory soil condition. Map unit 248 is a map
unit that has a slope range of 15 to 80 percent. Each polygon of this ecological unit has varying
amounts of how much area is in the 40 to 80 percent range of slope. The polygons where 40 to
80 percent slopes are dominant are rated unstable and the polygons with impaired soil condition
are where 15 to 40 percent slopes are dominant. Table 2 lists a summary of soil condition by
vegetation type for the analysis area. Appendix B contains detailed information on soil condition,
slope, and vegetation by map unit.
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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Table 2. Soil Condition by Vegetation Type*
Vegetation Type Satisfactory Sat-
Unsat Impaired Unsatisfactory Unstable Total
Riparian 3,083 13 3,096
Sonoran Desert 65,536 7,728 39,801 113,065
Semidesert
Grasslands 1,580 1,886 70 4,220 7,756
Interior Chaparral 6,327 2,653 21,726 30,706
Pinyon/Juniper/
Oak Woodland 161 37 198
Ponderosa Pine 414 414
Total 8,482 3,083 70,125 7,798 65,747 155,235
Percent 6% 2% 45% 5% 42% 100%
The satisfactory soil condition class covers 8,482 acres (6 percent). Generally these soils have
not been heavily impacted. These areas are either on slopes that have not been as heavily used or
they have heavy shrub cover that has prevented heavy use.
Two percent (3,083 acres) have a satisfactory-unsatisfactory soil condition. These are riparian
areas in the Sonoran Desert. They have areas that are easily accessed and have been heavily used
in the past and are in unsatisfactory soil condition. Within these same delineations are areas that
are much harder for cattle to access due to large boulders and rock outcrop and therefore these
reaches are still in satisfactory soil condition.
Forty-five percent of the soils (70,125 acres) have an impaired soil condition. These soils occur
on 0 to 60 percent slopes. Generally, these soils have slight to moderate soil compaction and have
lost part of the original “A” horizon through moderate sheet and rill erosion. These soils have not
been compacted as much as the heavily used soils in unsatisfactory condition. Nutrient cycling is
limited as well with a poor distribution of litter in the interspaces.
The unsatisfactory soil condition class is 7,798 acres (5 percent) of the analysis area. These soils
occur in flat, open areas. These soils have high amounts of surface compaction and poor soil
porosity and root distribution resulting in moderate to high amounts of sheet, rill or gully erosion.
Nutrient cycling is limited as well with a poor distribution of litter in the interspaces. Vegetation
diversity and species composition is relatively low.
Forty-two percent of the soils (65,747 acres) were mapped unstable. These soils are geologically
unstable and occur on steep slopes or parent rocks that tend to be erosive such as granite and
poorly cemented conglomerate. Some other areas of unstable soils occur on scarp slopes scattered
throughout the project area but occur in areas too small to map.
Vegetation Classification
For the purpose of this analysis, vegetation types have been grouped into six fairly broad
vegetation group made up of more narrowly defined similar types which in turn were groupings
of similar vegetation subseries. Plant subseries are climax plant communities named for
characteristic and diagnostic plants that distinguish one plant community from another (USDA,
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey Handbook, 1985. pp. 4-25 to 4-27). There may be a large degree of
variability within the broad vegetation groups. The vegetative types were developed from
TES/TEUI surveys, aerial photo interpretation, satellite imagery, and on-the-ground observations.
Not all types and delineations were field validated. In some cases, the vegetation was mapped as
an association of two vegetation types. Where two vegetation types occur together in one map
unit, the drier vegetation component normally occurs on southern aspects while the wetter
component occurs on northern aspects. The vegetation map and table 3 serve as a basis for
identification of coarse-filter vegetation types. Table 3 displays the relationship between the
narrower vegetation groups and broad groups. Appendix C describes vegetation subseries and the
relationship to the broader groups.
The vegetation types listed are based on Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey gradient analysis (USDA,
Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey Handbook, 1985, Appendix B). The gradient analysis looks at the
timing and amount of precipitation and seasonal climate. It also divides each gradient into life-
zones (climate classes) ranging from hot/dry to cold/wet. The project area is within the Low Sun
Mild (LSM) TES climatic gradient. The vegetation in the LSM gradient receives more than half
of its mean annual precipitation during the period of October 1 to March 30 and has mild winters.
The LSM gradient includes climate classes 2, 3, 4 and 5. Climate class 2 represents the Arizona
Upland division of the Sonoran Desert (Sonoran Desert scrub), class 3 represents the semidesert
grassland zone, class 4 is within the woodland zone and includes juniper and pinyon/juniper,
turbinella oak chaparral, and juniper savanna grasslands. Climate class 5 is within the ponderosa
pine zone.
Table 3: Summary of Vegetation Types
Broad Vegetation
Groups Narrow Vegetation Groups Acres Subtotals
Riparian Vegetation Riparian and Streamside Vegetation 3,096 3,096
Sonoran Desert Sonoran Desert Scrub (LSM, 2) 103,671
Sonoran Desert Scrub (LSM, 2) - Semidesert
Shrub (LSM, 3) Assoc. 9,394 113,065
Semidesert Grasslands Semidesert Grasslands (LSM, 3) 232
Semidesert Shrub (LSM, 3) 3,304
Semidesert Grassland (LSM, 3) - Redberry
Juniper Woodland (LSM, 4) Assoc. 4,220 7,756
Interior Chaparral Turbinella Oak Chaparral (LSM, 4) 23,315
Emory Oak/Turbinella Oak Chaparral (LSM,
4) 6,327 29,642
Woodlands (Juniper and
Pinyon/Juniper) Pinyon/Juniper/Oak Woodland (LSM, 4) 161
Redberry Juniper/Turbinella Oak Woodland
(LSM, 4) 37 198
Conifer Forests (LSM, 5) Ponderosa Pine (LSM, 5) - Turbinella Oak
(LSM, 4) Assoc. 1,064
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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Broad Vegetation
Groups Narrow Vegetation Groups Acres Subtotals
Conifer Forests (LSM, 5) Ponderosa Pine/Alligator Juniper/Grey Oak
(LSM,5) - Grey Oak/Emory Oak (LSM, 4)
Assoc.
231
Ponderosa Pine/Pinyon Pine (LSM, 5) 183 1,478
Total 155,235
Desired Condition – Soils
Forest Plan Direction
The 1987 Tonto National Forest Plan articulated the following desired conditions:
Manage vegetation to achieve satisfactory or better watershed conditions
Minimize impacts on soil and water resources from all ground disturbing activities
Mitigate adverse effects of planned activities on soil and water resources through the use of
best management practices
Emphasize improvement of soil productivity, air, and water quality
Management activities within the desert zone must fully recognize the limitations this
unique ecosystem has to the impacts of man’s uses and activities
Achieve a management situation that can respond to local or national demands for wood
products, livestock production, water yield, and a wide mix of recreation opportunities,
including wildlife related uses, which range from the primitive to the urban end of the
spectrum. The goal is to produce these outputs and opportunities on a sustained basis while
maintaining air, soil, and water resources at or above minimum local, State, or Federal
standards. Emphasize improvement of soil productivity, air and water quality.
Forest Service Manual Direction
2550.1 – Authority 1, The Multiple Use-Sustained Yield-Act states that management of the
National Forests must provide “sustained yields in perpetuity without impairment of the
productivity of the land.”
2550.2 - Objective “Maintain or restore soil quality on National Forest System lands.
Manage resource uses and soil resources on NFS lands to sustain ecological processes and
condition so that desired ecosystem services are provided in perpetuity.”
2550.3 – Policy “Manage forest and rangelands in a manner that will improve soil
productivity.”
2521.03 - Objective “Manage terrestrial ecosystems and NFS watersheds to protect soil
productivity and hydrologic function. Implement soil and water conservation measures
with management activities to maintain satisfactory or optimum watershed conditions.”
2551.1 - Soil assessments are conducted when knowledge of current soil quality conditions
is required to advise decision makers whether adjustments in land management practices
are needed.
Desired Soil Condition
Although the desired condition is to have all soils in satisfactory soil condition as described in
FSH 2509.18-99-1, this is a long-term goal. Complete recovery of all soils is unlikely to occur
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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within 10 years. Characteristics of specific soil types often drive resiliency, productivity and
resistance to erosion. Soils in arid and semiarid environments recover slowly from disturbance.
Rates of recovery will differ depending on factors such as magnitude of past soil loss, inherent
soil properties, current vegetative ground cover, and type of ecosystem. However, all soils should
be moving towards satisfactory conditions. The desired conditions for soils are to:
Maintain or improve soils currently in satisfactory condition.
Improve soils in impaired condition so they are reaching or moving towards satisfactory
condition.
Improve soils in unsatisfactory soil condition so they are reaching or moving towards at
least impaired condition.
Soil productivity and function, including ability of soil to resist erosion, infiltrate water and
recycle nutrients, should be sustained and functioning properly so terrestrial and riparian
ecosystems are more resilient and better adapted to climate change. Herbaceous vegetation cover
should be maintained at levels that contribute to suitable hydrologic function, soil stability, and
nutrient cycling. Diversity of grass and forb species and presence of plant litter and grass, forb,
shrub, and tree basal area surface cover should help reduce occurrences of compaction and
erosion.
Desired Vegetation Condition
Grazing by domestic livestock and other land disturbing activities can impact vegetation by
changing the mix of species in the plant community being affected (species composition), by
changing the density and frequency of perennial herbaceous plants (plant frequency), and by
changing the vigor of affected plants. The combined effects on composition, density, and plant
vigor can be used to measure the condition and trend of rangeland plant communities. Desired
conditions for vegetation communities are to:
Increase cover of native herbaceous species with an ultimate goal of achieving ecosystem
potential.
Increase plant basal area and litter.
In semidesert grasslands and juniper savannas, increase the foliar canopy coverage, basal
cover, and vigor of grass species that decrease under grazing pressure.
In chaparral, increase the foliar canopy cover and vigor of shrub species preferred by
grazing animals. They are referred to as “A” species in Forest Service Handbooks (FSH
2209.21 R-3) and include but are not limited to desert ceanothus, mountain mahogany, and
Wright silktassel.
In woodlands, increase all of the above attributes.
In the Sonoran Desert increase the cover of cryptogams (microbiotic soil crusts) to reduce
soil erosion, increase infiltration, and limit the spread of exotic annuals. . (U.S.D.I.
Technical Reference 1730-2, 2001. p33)
In Sonoran Desert communities allow for increased reproduction of jojoba.
In conifer forests provide for diversity in age classes of trees and healthy spacing of trees.
Incomplete or Unavailable Information CEQ 1502.22
Not all vegetation types, soil conditions, and their associated delineations were field inspected
and validated due to their inaccessible locations and are based on somewhat limited onsite data.
Field validating every delineation for purposes of collecting onsite specific information would not
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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be practicable. Some of the soil condition classes are projected from similar sites across the
landscape and are based on theoretical approaches and methods generally accepted in the
scientific community. Consequently, the soil condition classes assigned should not be interpreted
with full confidence but used as a coarse-filter technique to assign gross range condition classes
per vegetation type.
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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Sunflower Allotment
Soils and Upland Vegetation
Environmental Consequences
Patricia Boness
Soil Scientist
May 2013
Effects on Soils and Vegetation
Direct Effects
A. Grazing and Grazing Related Activities: Livestock grazing can affect soil quality in several
ways. Hoof action of cattle can directly impact soils by compacting soils. The risk for
compaction is greatest when soils are wet (NRCS, 1996). Compaction decreases water
infiltration, restricts rooting depth, and increases the hazard of water erosion (NRCS, 1996,
1998, 2001). Trailing by cattle on steeper slopes can physically displace soils, leading to
erosion. Trampling by cattle in certain circumstances can temporally increase water
infiltration rates but tend to decrease long-term rates (Roundy et al. 1992). Grazing can, under
certain conditions, increase planting of grass seeds and seedling emergence (Winkle
1991).Cattle tend to concentrate on flatter areas especially if they are fairly open. Holechek
reports that cattle tend to use 10 to 30 percent slopes thirty percent less often than 0 to
10 percent slopes and 30 to 60 percent slopes sixty percent less often than flats. Slopes over 60
percent are seldom used (Holechek, 1992). Because of the tendency of cattle to use flatter
slopes, areas of impacted soils are more likely to be found on gentler slopes. Range
improvements (e.g., fencing, water developments, etc.) can have slight, localized, short-term
impacts to soils during construction. Building new fences and developing waters, as
mentioned in the proposed action, would have extremely small, localized direct impacts to
soils
B. Fire and Noxious Weed Activities: The use of fire for maintenance of chaparral and
woodland vegetation can directly impact the soils by sterilizing soils where burns are too hot.
If fires are very hot, they can cause water repellent soils to develop. Broadcast burning can
cause a reduction in overstory. Benefits include improving ground cover by encouraging
increased herbaceous growth and by reducing risks of wildfire. Treatments used to remove
noxious weeds can lead to localized, short-term disturbance to soils. Effects of noxious weed
control are detailed in the Tonto Weeds EA (An Environmental Assessment for Integrated
Treatment of Noxious of Invasive Plants on the Tonto National Forest. 2012, pp.70-73).
Noxious weed control will take place whether or not any of the alternatives are selected.
Negative effects of herbicide application include the potential for decreasing microbial
populations or altering species composition of microorganisms in the soil profile. Such
impacts normally do not persist and populations generally recover after a few days or weeks
(Brady, 2002, p.810).
Indirect Effects
A. Grazing and Grazing Related Activities: Cattle indirectly impact soils by removing
vegetation resulting in a loss of protective cover including litter. The loss of vegetation
and litter reduces infiltration and exposes the soils to raindrop impact and overland flow,
thus leading to soil crusting and increased erosion. The reduced cover can also result in a
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
Page 9 of 24
loss of soil organic matter and a reduction in soil microbes which play a significant role
in nutrient cycling. Soils that are lower in organic matter have poorer structure which also
affects infiltration and root growth. Building fences and developing waters will indirectly
affect soils by improving distribution of cattle resulting in a net positive effect. Other
management actions, such as salting and water development, that affect livestock use
patterns can improve cattle distributions and lessen impacts to heavily used areas but
could lead to increased use of other areas that had been previously unused or lightly used.
B. Mechanical Treatments, Fire and Other Nongrazing Activities: Prescribed fires used
in chaparral and woodland vegetation treatment projects can indirectly impact soils by, in
some cases, allowing an increase in noxious plants. (Overby, 2000). Broadcast burning
on a landscape scale can have positive effect by reducing the risk of large wildfires,
which often lead to a large increase in erosion. Broadcast burning, however, can also
have negative effects. If fires are very large and very hot they can lead to post-fire
erosion problems similar to those of wild fires. In certain ecosystems, mostly woodlands
with little herbaceous understory, fire can open the area up to erosion and invasive weeds.
Treatments used to remove noxious weeds are likely to lead to long-term improvements
in soil condition by decreasing bare soil (An Environmental Assessment for Integrated
Treatment of Noxious of Invasive Plants on the Tonto National Forest. 2012, pp.70-73).
Negative effects of herbicide application include the potential for decreasing microbial
populations or altering species composition of microorganisms in the soil profile. Such
impacts normally do not persist and populations generally recover after a few days or
weeks (Brady, 2002, p.810).
Cumulative Effects
Cumulative effects include the direct and indirect effects of the proposed action and alternatives
when added to all past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions.
Past grazing actions have resulted in soil erosion and compaction, while current management has,
in some cases, prevented or slowed recovery. The Forest Service Range Management files (File
Code 2210) document the overgrazed condition of the uplands, springs and riparian areas.
A long history of fire suppression has altered the characteristics of many ecosystems. Conifer
forests generally have a greater fuel load and a greater density of trees. Other ecosystems
(woodlands, juniper savannas and semidesert grasslands) have had an increase in woody plants.
Large wildfires that have had an impact on the project area are Sunflower (2012), Edge Complex
(2005), Lone Fire (1996) and River Fire (1995).
Improperly maintained roads can cause soil erosion where runoff from roads is allowed to
concentrate. Roads can be a source of concentrated runoff which can lead to localized soil erosion
downslope from roads. Unauthorized crosscountry vehicle travel can negatively impact soils and
vegetation through direct impacts on soils and removal or degradation of herbaceous or woody
vegetation. Very heavy recreational use by OHV users occurs within the project area especially in
the area referred to as “The Rolls.” Many trails and two-track roads have been created with a lot
of accompanying soil erosion.
Other activities and management actions that have occurred in the past or are presently occurring
in the analysis area are:
highway reconstruction
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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mining
prescribed and managed fires
introduction of non-native invasive plants that lead to an increased risk of erosion and
wildfire
recreational camping
introduction and spread of noxious weeds by hikers, vehicles, domestic animals, etc.
unauthorized livestock from adjacent allotments and other lands
Recent and on-going drought and possible future climate change can also impact conditions.
Higher temperatures and lower precipitation are predicted for the southwestern United States
(Garfin et al. 2013)
Criteria Used to Evaluate Alternatives and Determine Consistency with Management Direction
The criteria used to evaluate alternatives will be based on the likelihood of moving toward or
attaining desired conditions described in the affected environment and in the Tonto National
Forest Plan.
Effects by Alternative
The alternatives are contrasted based on the likelihood of upland vegetation and soils attaining the
short and long-term desired conditions described in the affected environment.
Soils in less than satisfactory condition are generally on gentler slopes. Even with good
management, flatter areas will still have a tendency to receive heavy use since these areas are
favored by livestock. Key areas, established to monitor cattle use, are normally on flatter, more
open areas. If monitoring of grazing intensity of these areas shows acceptable use, other parts of a
pasture can be expected to have acceptable levels of impacts.
Alternative 1 – No Grazing This alternative would cancel the permit on the Sunflower Allotment following the guidance in
36 CFR 222.4 and FSM 2231.62. Existing improvements no longer functional or needed for other
purposes, including interior fences, cattle guards and water developments would be evaluated for
continued usefulness and removed as necessary.
Direct and Indirect Effects:
1. The majority of the allotment is in either an impaired (44 percent) or in a satisfactory but
inherently unstable (42 percent) soil condition (greater than 40 percent slope). Only about
seven percent of the allotment is in satisfactory soil condition. Approximately five percent
of the allotment is in unsatisfactory soil condition and about two percent is in a
satisfactory-unsatisfactory soil condition. The no grazing alternative will provide the
fastest increase to vegetative cover, species diversity, and improvement to soil condition.
2. Hoof action of cattle can cause direct impacts by compacting soils. Compaction decreases
water infiltration, restricts rooting depth, and increases the hazard of water erosion (NRCS,
1996, 1998, 2001). Therefore, the quickest and most likely recovery from soil compaction
due to past grazing activities would normally occur with complete protection from grazing.
The amount of time required for complete recovery after degradation can vary from several
years to decades depending on the severity of the impacts and the nature of the ecosystem.
Although the soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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to the cumulative effects of historic grazing, continued grazing could slow or prevent
recovery in some areas. This alternative is likely to lead to the fastest overall improvement
but even with complete rest it may take more than ten years for some areas with impaired
and unsatisfactory soil condition to improve to a better condition class.
3. Effects on Biological (Cryptogamic) Crusts: Biological crusts play an important role in
some ecosystems especially the Sonoran Desert and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the other
ecosystems in the analysis area. Biological crusts bind and protect soil from both water and
wind erosion. Preliminary studies show reduced germination of cheatgrass (Bromus
tectorum) on soil crusts. Grazing can have detrimental effects on the amount of biological
crusts (Beymer, 1992). This alternative is most likely to increase the cover of biological
crusts and their ecological benefits.
4. The effects of removing improvements would be a minor, localized, short-term disturbance
to soils.
5. Effects of not grazing/browsing may allow localized increases in nonnative herbaceous
plants (mostly red brome in the desert) that would have otherwise been reduced by heavy
grazing in certain areas.
Cumulative Effects
The direct and indirect effects of this alternative, when combined with other past, present or
reasonably foreseeable actions (cumulative effects) as listed above, will generally be beneficial to
soils and vegetation and provide the best potential for attaining the desired conditions. Removing
grazing would allow impaired and unsatisfactory soils, often affected by compaction, to recover.
The soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable to the
cumulative effects of historic grazing, heavy off-road vehicle use in certain areas and wildfires.
Areas impacted by fires are more likely to recover under this alternative. Where off-road vehicle
use remains heavy, no improvement is expected. Since grazing can reduce the establishment of
Saguaro seedlings and nurse plants that contribute to Saguaro seedling survival (Abou-Haidar,
1992; Blydenstein, 2004), this decision would benefit Sonoran Desert communities. Grazing can
also affect recovery of certain species within chaparral communities impacted by fire. No grazing
would benefit these communities. Even with continuous rest, the rate of recovery is expected to
be slow for most areas. Climate change presents additional considerations. Warming and drying
of the climate could increase the risk of wildfire especially in fire-dependent ecosystems.
Alternative 2: Proposed Action
Direct and Indirect Effects:
1. Hoof action of cattle can cause direct impacts by compacting soils. Compaction decreases
water infiltration, restricts rooting depth, and increases the hazard of water erosion (NRCS,
1996, 1998, 2001). Therefore, the quickest and most likely recovery from soil compaction
due to past grazing activities would normally occur with complete protection from grazing.
The soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable to the
cumulative effects of historic grazing and current management. Soils most likely to have
impaired or unsatisfactory soils occur on flatter areas, areas most likely to be used by
livestock. These areas are likely to continue to receive a substantial amount of use
however, if allowable use guidelines are not exceeded (light grazing on soils in impaired or
unsatisfactory soil condition), these areas should begin to improve. The improvement is not
likely to be as fast as would occur under the no action/no grazing alternative.
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
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2. Effects on Biological (Cryptogamic) Crusts: Biological crusts play an important role in
some ecosystems especially Sonoran Deserts and, to a somewhat lesser extent, other
ecosystems in the analysis area. Crusts bind and protect soil from both water and wind
erosion. Preliminary studies show reduced germination of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) on
soil crusts. Grazing can have detrimental effects on the amount of biological crusts
(Beymer, 1992). Biological crusts on sandy soils are less susceptible to disturbance when
moist or wet; on clay soils, when crusts are dry. In general, light to moderate stocking in
early- to midwet season is recommended (USDI, 2001, p 67). Grazing may slow or prevent
the recovery of biological crusts.
3. The effects of improvements (fence construction, tank construction or improvement, etc.)
would be a minor, localized, short-term disturbance to soils.
Cumulative Effects
The direct and indirect effects of this alternative, when combined with other past, present or
reasonably foreseeable actions (cumulative effects) as listed above, are likely to result in
attainment of desired conditions for soils and vegetation but at a slower rate than for alternative 1.
The soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable to the
cumulative effects of historic grazing, heavy off-road vehicle use in certain areas and wildfires.
Where off-road vehicle use remains heavy, no improvement is expected. Since grazing can
reduce the establishment of Saguaro seedlings and nurse plants that contribute to Saguaro
seedling survival (Abou-Haidar, 1989; Blydenstein, 2004), this decision slow or reduce the
establishment of Saguaro. Grazing can also affect recovery of certain species within chaparral
communities impacted by fire.
Prescribed fire can have positive and negative results and will vary depending on the type and
health of ecosystems. The area proposed for prescribed burning contains within its boundaries
approximately 12 acres of riparian, 15,666 acres of chaparral, 161 acres of pinyon/juniper/oak,
430 acres ponderosa pine, and 1,877 acres of Sonoran Desert. It is proposed to restrict the
prescribed fire to the chaparral and woodland vegetation. Of the approximate 18,000 acres in the
proposed area, over 15,000 acres have a severe erosion hazard and over 11,000 acres are in an
impaired or unstable soil condition. Prescribed fire in chaparral vegetation will be positive if burn
severity is mostly low to moderate, occurs in a mosaic, and there are no large patches of moderate
to high burn severity. Large patches of moderate to high severity can cause large amounts of soil
loss and impacts to streams within the watershed. In woodland types with a sparse understory,
burns could lead to increased bare soil and possible increase in annual plants or noxious weeds. In
woodlands, areas with sufficient grass to carry a fire may benefit from burning which may reduce
oak, pinyon and juniper seedlings. There may be an increased potential for soil erosion as a result
of litter removal by prescribed fire (Debano 1998. p. 181). Prescribed fires normally are cooler
burns than wildfires and therefore do not usually completely consume litter cover.
Climate change presents additional considerations. Warming and drying of the climate could
increase the risk of wildfire especially in fire-dependent ecosystems. Climate change presents
additional considerations for grazing. While the changes that may occur are difficult to predict,
adaptive management should allow grazing management to respond to climate variations by
adjusting cattle numbers and duration of grazing.
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Alternative 3: Modified Proposed Action
This alternative has the same direct, indirect and cumulative effects as Alternative 2 except for
the Sycamore Creek riparian exclosure.
Direct and Indirect Effects to the Exclosure:
1. Hoof action of cattle can cause direct impacts by compacting soils. Compaction decreases
water infiltration, restricts rooting depth, and increases the hazard of water erosion (NRCS,
1996, 1998, 2001). Therefore, the quickest and most likely recovery from soil compaction
due to past grazing activities would normally occur with complete protection from grazing.
The amount of time required for complete recovery after degradation can vary from several
years to decades depending on the severity of the impacts and the nature of the ecosystem.
Although the soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable
to the cumulative effects of historic grazing, continued grazing could slow or prevent
recovery in some areas. This alternative is likely to improvement but even with complete
rest it may take more than ten years for some areas with impaired and unsatisfactory soil
condition to improve to a better condition class.
2. Effects on Biological (Cryptogamic) Crusts: Biological crusts play an important role in
some ecosystems especially the Sonoran Desert and, to a somewhat lesser extent, the other
ecosystems in the analysis area. Biological crusts bind and protect soil from both water and
wind erosion. Preliminary studies show reduced germination of cheatgrass (Bromus
tectorum) on soil crusts. Grazing can have detrimental effects on the amount of biological
crusts (Beymer, 1992). This alternative is likely to increase the cover of biological crusts
and their ecological benefits.
3. The effects of improvements (fence construction, tank construction or improvement, etc.)
would be a minor, localized, short-term disturbance to soils.
Cumulative Effects
The direct and indirect effects of this alternative, when combined with other past, present or
reasonably foreseeable actions (cumulative effects) as listed above, will generally be beneficial to
soils and vegetation and provide the best potential for attaining the desired conditions. Removing
grazing would allow impaired and unsatisfactory soils, often affected by compaction, to recover.
The soil conditions that are currently less than satisfactory are largely attributable to the
cumulative effects of historic grazing, heavy off-road vehicle use in certain areas and wildfires.
Areas impacted by fires are more likely to recover under this alternative. Where off-road vehicle
use remains heavy, no improvement is expected.
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Appendix A – Soil Quality Monitoring
Soil condition is an evaluation of soil quality based on an interpretation of factors which effect
vital soil functions. These functions are: The ability of the soil to hold and release water
(hydrologic function), the ability of the soil to resist erosion and degradation (soil stability), and
the ability of the soil to accept, hold and release nutrients (nutrient cycling). The rationale and
procedure for monitoring soil quality is located FSH 2509.18 supplement of the Forest Service
Manual. Soils are evaluated and assigned a soil condition category which is a reflection of the
status of soil function. The soil quality monitoring procedure is intended to update and
supplement Hydrology Note 14, June 1981 and Terrestrial Ecosystem Survey Handbook
Chapter 8 (both U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region) as a method to evaluate soil and
watershed condition in the Southwestern Region. Hydrology Note 14, et al., is the method
specified in the Tonto National Forest Land Management Plan for evaluating watershed
condition. This method, based on the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) erosion model,
tended to over-estimate the amount of unsatisfactory soils on steep slopes and under-estimate the
amount of unsatisfactory soils on flatter surfaces. The new procedure for assessing soil condition
examines more parameters and gives a more refined evaluation of soil condition.
Categories of soil condition are satisfactory, impaired, and unsatisfactory. The following is a brief
description of each soil condition category:
Satisfactory - The soil indicators (hydrologic function, soil stability, and nutrient cycling) signify
that soil function is being sustained and the soil is functioning properly and normally. The ability
of the soil to maintain resource values and sustain outputs is high.
Impaired - The soil indicators (hydrologic function, soil stability, and nutrient cycling) signify a
reduction of soil function. The ability of the soil to function properly has been reduced and/or
there exists an increased vulnerability to degradation. An impaired category should signal land
managers that there is a need to further investigate the ecosystem to determine the cause and
degree of decline in soil functions. Changes in management practices or other preventative
actions may be appropriate.
Unsatisfactory - The soil indicators (hydrologic function, soil stability, and nutrient cycling)
signify that loss of soil function has occurred. Degradation of vital soil functions result in the
inability of the soil to maintain resource values, sustain outputs, and recover from impacts. Soils
rated in the unsatisfactory category are candidates for improved management practices or
restoration designed to recover soil functions.
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Appendix B: Soil Condition, Slope and Vegetation by Map Unit
Map Unit
Symbol
Percent
Slope Vegetation Type Acres
Soil
Condition
20 0-5 Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest 389 Sat-Unsat
25 0-5 Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest 40 Sat-Unsat
29 0-5 Cottonwood Willow Riparian Forest 2,654 Sat-Unsat
40 0-5 Mixed Broadleaf Deciduous Riparian Forest 13 Satisfactory
210 0-40 Sonoran Desert 16,383 Impaired
211 0-40 Sonoran Desert 13,743 Impaired
215 0-15 Sonoran Desert 7,728 Unsatisfactory
240 0-40 Sonoran Desert 360 Impaired
241 15-40 Sonoran Desert 18,503 Impaired
244 0-15 Sonoran Desert 88 Impaired
248 15-80 Sonoran Desert 364 Impaired
248 15-80 Sonoran Desert 18,029 Unstable
249 15-60 Sonoran Desert 1,283 Impaired
252 40-80 Sonoran Desert 16,844 Unstable
264 15-60 Sonoran Desert 7,823 Impaired
266 15-40 Sonoran Desert 3,183 Impaired
268 0-15 Sonoran Desert 594 Impaired
276 15-60 Sonoran Desert 1,415 Impaired
279 15-40 Sonoran Desert 686 Impaired
293 0-15 Sonoran Desert 1,109 Impaired
294 40-80 Sonoran Desert 3,624 Unstable
294 40-120 Sonoran Desert 1,304 Unstable
300 0-15 Semidesert Grassland 162 Impaired
305 15-60 Semidesert Grassland 1,580 Satisfactory
342 40-80 Semidesert Grassland 4,220 Unstable
385 0-15 Semidesert Grassland 70 Unsatisfactory
397 15-40 Semidesert Grassland 1,724 Impaired
405 40-80 Interior Chaparral 5,592 Unstable
416 15-40 Pinyon/Juniper/Oak Woodland 37 Impaired
424 0-15 Interior Chaparral 592 Impaired
436 40-120 Interior Chaparral 2,056 Unstable
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Map Unit
Symbol
Percent
Slope Vegetation Type Acres
Soil
Condition
444 40-120 Interior Chaparral 5,726 Unstable
469 15-60 Interior Chaparral 2,061 Impaired
475 40-80 Interior Chaparral 7,296 Unstable
477 15-40 Interior Chaparral 3,597 Satisfactory
480 0-15 Interior Chaparral 2,729 Satisfactory
481 0-40 Pinyon/Juniper/Oak Woodland 161 Satisfactory
503 40-120 Interior Chaparral 1,064 Unstable
513 15-60 Ponderosa Pine Forest (Mild) 231 Satisfactory
522 15-60 Ponderosa Pine Forest (Mild) 183 Satisfactory
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Appendix C: Vegetation Management Groups
Riparian (Streamside) Vegetation - This unit is a broad grouping of streamside vegetation.
Vegetation is extremely variable. See the Stream Channels/Riparian Vegetation Report for a more
detailed description of drainages and riparian vegetation.
Sonoran Desert Scrub (LSM, 2) - This vegetation type is found on the lowest elevations within
the project area and on some steep south facing slopes at mid elevation. It is among the more
extensive vegetation types within the project area and occurs on nearly level plains to steep
mountain slopes. Two major subtypes, Sonoran Desert (Paloverde) (LSM, 2) and Sonoran Desert
(Creosote) (LSM, 2), occur but are mapped together at the scale of this analysis.
Sonoran Desert (Paloverde) (LSM, 2) - Common species in this type include giant saguaro
(Carnegia gigantea), little-leaf paloverde (Parkinsonia microphylum), triangle bursage
(Ambrosia deltoidea), jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), pricklypear cactus (Opuntia
phaeacantha), white brittlebush (Encelia farinosa), flat top buckwheat (Eriogonum
fasciculatum), ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) and trace amounts of threeawn, (Aristida spp.)
and false mesquite (Calliandra eriophylla). Other species present include, jumping cholla
(Opuntia fulgida), catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), whitethorn acacia (Acacia constricta),
common sotol (Dasylirion wheeleri), hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus spp.), turpentine bush
(Ericameria spp.), red brome (Bromus spp.), six week fescue (Vulpia octoflora octoflora) and
spurge (Euphorbia spp.). The understory forage production is very limited except for areas of
steep slopes or very rocky ground. Currently, on slopes less than about 40 percent, the
understory is almost void of perennial grasses and over time, has been replaced by annual
bromes and annual forbs including spurge. On some of the steeper slopes, a fair grass cover
can be found including slender grama (Bouteloua repens), threeawn, hairy grama (Bouteloua
hirsuta), sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), bush muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri),
tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus), cane beardgrass (Bothriochloa barbinoides var.
barbinoides), tridens (Tridens spp.), desert stipa (Stipa speciosa) and a variety of forbs. Some
parts of this type will produce a limited amount of browse, mostly from jojoba.
Sonoran Desert (Creosote) (LSM, 2) - This type normally occurs on calcareous soils. The
dominant plant is normally creosote bush (Larrea tridentata var. tridentata). Crucifixion thorn
(Canotia holacantha) is a common species in this type. Giant saguaro and little-leaf paloverde
occur in varying amounts. Jojoba, an important browse species, is sparse on some sites but
may be codominant on other sites. The understory is normally very sparse with few or no
perennial grasses. Overall, this vegetation type produces almost no perennial herbaceous
forage. Some parts of this type will produce a limited amount of browse, mostly from jojoba.
Semidesert Grasslands (LSM, 3) – These vegetation types occur as Semidesert Grasslands
(LSM, 3) and Semidesert Shrublands (LSM, 3). They lie above desert scrub but below the
woodland zone.
Semidesert Grasslands (LSM, 3) – This type occurs as a grassland but may contain varying
amounts of shrubs. Various subtypes occur but are mapped together at the scale of this
analysis. Common types include Velvet Mesquite/Black Grama Semidesert Grassland, Velvet
Mesquite/Curly mesquite Semidesert Grassland, and Jojoba/Sideoats Grama Semidesert
Grassland. Common grass species include blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), hairy grama,
sideoats grama, bush muhly, tanglehead, cane beardgrass, threeawn, tridens, desert stipa,
green sprangletop (Leptochloa dubia), curly mesquite (Hilaria belangeri) and a variety a
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forbs. Common shrubs include velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), catclaw acacia,
pricklypear cactus (Opuntia spp.), desert ceanothus (Ceanothus greggii), catclaw mimosa
(Mimosa aculeaticarpa), Wright’s buckwheat, and jojoba. Blue paloverde and jojoba can be
found on the hotter/drier parts of this type. Redberry juniper and turbinella oak (Quercus
turbinella) may occur on cooler/moister sites. The Velvet Mesquite/Black Grama Semidesert
Grassland type normally occurs on coarse and medium textured soils where black grama
(Bouteloua eriopoda) is normally dominant or codominant. The Velvet Mesquite/Curly
mesquite Semidesert Grassland type occurs on medium and fine textured soils on gentle
slopes. Curly mesquite is normally the dominant grass in this type often occurring in nearly
pure stands. The Jojoba/Sideoats Grama Semidesert Grassland type normally occurs on
steeper slopes at low to medium elevations within this zone. A wide variety of grasses occur
along with an overstory of jojoba.
Semidesert Shrubland (LSM, 3) – This type occurs as a shrubland. The key indicator species
are velvet mesquite, catclaw acacia (Acacia gregii), pricklypear cactus (Opuntia spp.), desert
ceanothus, catclaw mimosa, Wright’s buckwheat, false mesquite and jojoba. Blue paloverde
can be found on the hotter/drier parts of this type. Redberry juniper (Juniperus coahuilensis)
may occur on cooler/moister sites. In most places the understory is almost completely devoid
of perennial grasses except for an occasional threeawn or curly mesquite. In some places,
mostly steep slopes, jojoba, false mesquite, and Wright’s buckwheat provide forage. On
calcareous soils crucifixion thorn (Canotia holacantha) is a dominant or codominant species
along with other shrubs and occurs with a sparse understory.
Juniper Savannas (LSM, 4) – These vegetation types occur within the woodland zone as
semiarid grasslands with an overstory of scattered junipers. Included are Redberry Juniper
Semidesert Grasslands (LSM, 4) and Alligator Juniper Savannas (LSM, 4). Elevations range
from 3,200 feet on north aspects to 6,100 feet on south aspects. Mean annual precipitation ranges
from 16 to 24 inches.
Redberry Juniper Grassland (LSM, 4) - This vegetation type occurs at lower elevations
within the woodland zone and often grades into the Semidesert Grasslands. The key overstory
species is redberry juniper which normally occurs with a canopy coverage ranging from 1 to
10 percent. Common shrubs include banana yucca (Yucca baccata), beargrass (Nolina
microcarpa), sotol (Dasilyrion wheeleri), cholla, and pricklypear. Scattered turbinella oak,
desert ceanothus (Ceanothus gregii), and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) may
also occur.
The understory consists of curly mesquite, sideoats, blue and hairy grama, bottlebrush
squirreltail, false mesquite and Wright’s buckwheat. On flats and heavily grazed areas curly
mesquite is by far the dominant grass, often forming nearly pure stands. On medium to coarse
textured soils black grama may be common.
The Alligator Juniper Savanna (LSM, 4) – This type occurs at the higher elevations within
the woodland zone and occurs primarily on nearly level to moderately steep slopes with fine
textured soils. The overstory consists of scattered alligator juniper (J. depeanna) with canopy
coverage of 1 to 10 percent. At lower elevations, Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) may
be codominant. The understory is dominated by blue grama, hairy grama, sideoats grama, and
threeawn. Vine mesquite (Panicum obtusum) occurs on heavier clay soils. Wolftail (Lycurus
setosus) and curly mesquite also may occur. On steeper slopes, green sprangletop, cane
beardgrass, Arizona cottontop (Digitaria californica), plains lovegrass (Ergrostis intermedia),
and bull muhly (Muhlenbergia emersleyi) are common. Wright’s buckwheat and false
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mesquite are common half-shrubs. Other common species include pricklypear, agave, yerba-
de-pasmo, beargrass, catclaw mimosa, and snakeweed. Parts of this type have maintained its
open aspect through juniper thinning projects.
Woodlands (Juniper and Pinyon/Juniper) (LSM, 4) – These vegetation types occur as
woodlands with various mixes of pinyon, junipers, and oaks. Included are Redberry Juniper
Woodlands (LSM, 4), Utah Juniper Woodlands (LSM, 4), Alligator Juniper Woodlands
(LSM, 4), and Pinyon/Juniper/Oak Woodlands (LSM, 4). Elevations range from 3,200 feet on
north aspects to 6,100 feet on south aspects. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 16 to
24 inches.
Redberry Juniper Woodland (LSM, 4) – This type occurs on moderately steep to steep hills
and mountains and represents the lower elevation limit of the woodland zone. The overstory
canopy of trees ranges from about 10 to 20 percent. The dominant overstory tree is redberry
juniper. On moister sites scattered Arizona pinyon (Pinus fallax), alligator juniper, and
turbinella oak may occur. Sideoats grama is normally the dominant grass or is codominant
with sideoats grama, hairy grama, blue grama, black grama, and threeawn. Curly mesquite
may be the dominant grass on some heavily grazed sites. Other grasses may include sand
dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), green sprangletop (Leptchloa dubia), and cane beardgrass
(Bothriochloa barbinodis). Wright’s buckwheat and false mesquite are common half-shrubs.
Other common species include pricklypear, agave, yerba-de-pasmo, beargrass, catclaw
mimosa, and snakeweed.
Utah Juniper Woodland (LSM, 4) – This type occurs on fine textured soils on nearly level
to moderately steep plains and hills and represents mid elevation woodlands. The overstory
canopy of trees ranges from about 5 to 30 percent. The dominant overstory tree is Utah
juniper. Velvet mesquite occasionally occurs on warmer sites. On moister sites scattered
alligator juniper may occur. Arizona pinyon, Emory oak (Quercus emoryi), and Arizona white
oak (Quercus arizonica) may occur occasionally but normally occur only under nurse trees.
Curly mesquite is the dominant grasses, sometimes occurring in nearly pure stands. Other
common grasses include sideoats grama, hairy grama, blue grama, and threeawn. Wright’s
buckwheat and false mesquite are common half-shrubs. Other common species include
pricklypear, agave, beargrass, catclaw mimosa, and snakeweed. Much of this type has been
impacted by domestic livestock grazing. In the past, juniper control projects have occurred in
much of this type. Some treated areas have a high density of junipers. Herbaceous forage
production is sparse in areas of thick overstory, but increases in less dense stands.
Alligator Juniper Woodland (LSM, 4) – This type occurs on nearly level plains and
moderately steep hills. Most of this vegetation type was formerly an alligator juniper savanna.
Grazing pressure and lack of fire have allowed junipers and other woodland species to
encroach into this type. Most of the junipers are less than 50 years old. Herbaceous forage is
normally much less than in the alligator juniper savanna type. In the past, many areas of
alligator juniper woodland have been treated (pushed) with the management objective to
maintain grasslands and to increase available forage. In recent years, these treated areas have
not been maintained and, as a result, the areas now have dense stands of younger junipers.
This type is found in the same ecotone as the pinyon/juniper/oak type. In some stands,
Arizona pinyon pine, Arizona white oak, Emory oak, turbinella oak, birchleaf mountain
mahogany, sugar sumac (Rhus ovata), skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata), desert ceanothus
may occur in substantial amounts, but not as dense as in pinyon/juniper/oak woodlands. In
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other areas, where alligator juniper encroachment is recent, the above species may be absent
or occur only as seedlings or saplings associated with juniper nurse trees.
The dominant herbaceous species are hairy grama, sideoats grama, and blue grama. Most
other herbaceous species are less common, but include bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus
elymoides), mutton bluegrass (Poa fendleriana), plains lovegrass, and wolftail. In areas with
high amounts of clay at the surface vine mesquite can occur. Herbaceous forage is low where
the overstory is extremely dense stands, but increases in more open stands.
Pinyon/Juniper/Oak Woodlands (LSM, 4) – This vegetation type occurs as a woodland with
an overstory of Arizona pinyon, various junipers and a variety of oaks. The density of
overstory trees varies. Some stands are quite dense and produce very little herbaceous growth
in the understory, while other stands are fairly open and produce a fair amount of herbaceous
growth in the understory. Several subtypes occur within this larger type, but are mapped
together at the scale of this analysis. They include Arizona Pinyon/Redberry
Juniper/Turbinella Oak; Arizona Pinyon/Utah Juniper/Turbinella Oak Arizona
Pinyon/Alligator Juniper/Arizona White Oak; and Arizona Pinyon/Alligator Juniper/Arizona
White Oak/Blue Grama Woodlands.
Arizona Pinyon/Redberry Juniper/Turbinella Oak – This vegetation type is found at lowest
elevation of the pinyon/juniper types within the project area. It occurs on nearly level,
moderately steep, and steep plains and hills.
The key indicator species are Arizona pinyon pine, redberry juniper, turbinella oak,
birchleaf mountain mahogany, skunkbush sumac, and desert ceanothus.
Herbaceous cover is normally sparse but may be much denser in open stands. The common
understory species consist of sideoats grama, blue grama, black grama, hairy grama,
threeawn, plains lovegrass, bottlebrush squirreltail, mutton bluegrass, and Wright’s
buckwheat.
Arizona Pinyon/Utah Juniper/Turbinella Oak – This vegetation type is found at lowest
elevation of the pinyon/juniper types within the project area. It occurs on nearly level,
moderately steep, and steep plains and hills.
The key indicator species are Arizona pinyon pine, Utah juniper, turbinella oak, birchleaf
mountain mahogany, skunkbush sumac, and desert ceanothus. In most places in the project
area where this type occurs, the herbaceous cover is normally very sparse.
Arizona Pinyon/Alligator Juniper/Arizona White Oak – This vegetation type occurs on
nearly level to steep plains, hills, and mountains on slopes ranging from 0 to 80 percent.
The canopy cover of trees and shrubs is normally greater than 40 percent.
The key overstory indicator species are Arizona pinyon pine, alligator juniper, manzanita
(Arctostaphylos spp.), Arizona white oak, Emory oak, and occasionally Utah Juniper.
Other species include mountain mahogany, sugar sumac, skunkbush sumac, mountain
mahogany, Wright’s silktassel, and desert ceanothus. The more palatable shrubs are
normally sparse.
Because of the dense woody overstory cover the understory is normally sparse and the
herbaceous forage production is limited. Limited amounts of sideoats grama, hairy grama,
curly mesquite, bottlebrush squirreltail, Junegrass, threeawn, and Wright’s buckwheat
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occur. This type is similar to the Alligator Juniper/Arizona White Oak/Blue Grama
Woodland but differs by having a denser tree overstory and a less dense herbaceous
understory.
Arizona Pinyon/Alligator Juniper/White Oak/Blue Grama – This vegetation type is found
at the same elevation as the Arizona Pinyon/Alligator Juniper/Arizona White Oak type but
tends to have a more open tree canopy and a denser herbaceous layer. It occurs on plains,
hills and mountains on slopes ranging from 0 to greater than 80 percent.
The key indicator species are Arizona pinyon pine, alligator juniper, Arizona white oak,
Emory Oak, turbinella oak, birchleaf mountain mahogany, sugar sumac, skunkbush sumac,
and desert ceanothus. Key herbaceous species include sideoats grama, blue grama, hairy
grama, Junegrass, three awn, wolf tail, bull muhly, plains lovegrass, bottlebrush squirrel
tail, little bluestem (Schizachrium scoparium), and Texas bluestem (S. cirratum).
Herbaceous forage production may be quite large depending on the density of the
overstory.
Turbinella Oak Chaparral (LSM, 4) – This broad vegetation type occurs as dense stands of
shrubs normally dominated by turbinella oak. Elevations range from 3,000 to 6,400 feet. Mean
annual precipitation ranges from 16 to 25 inches. The total canopy coverage of trees and shrubs
normally ranges from about 40 to 80 percent, but in some disclimaxes the canopy coverage of
shrubs can be as low as 15 percent. The key indicator species is turbinella oak. Other commonly
occurring species include manzanita, Emory oak, Arizona white oak, birchleaf mountain
mahogany, desert ceanothus, Wright’s silktassel (Garrya wrightii), beargrass, skunkbush sumac,
sugar sumac, Wright’s buckwheat, and hollyleaf buckthorn (Rhamnus crocea). Scattered Utah
juniper and redberry juniper may occur at lower elevations, while alligator juniper and occasional
Arizona pinyon may occur at higher elevations. In most places the herbaceous layer is sparse, but
where it occurs it may contain small amounts of sideoats grama, bottlebrush squirrel tail,
Junegrass, bull grass (Muhlenbergia emersleyi), little bluestem, plains lovegrass, and bottlebrush
squirreltail.
There is a large amount of variability within this broader vegetation type depending on elevation,
slope, soil parent material, and past disturbances. Subtypes include Turbinella Oak/Desert
Ceanothus Chaparral (LSM, 4), Redberry Juniper/Turbinella Oak/Desert Ceanothus Chaparral
Woodland (LSM, 4), Turbinella Oak/Manzanita Chaparral (LSM, 4), and Turbinella
Oak/Catclaw Mimosa Chaparral (LSM, 4) and are mapped together at the scale of this analysis.
The Turbinella Oak/Desert Ceanothus Chaparral (LSM, 4) type is strongly dominated by
turbinella oak but contains more of the desirable browse species (mountain mahogany, desert
ceanothus, and Wright’s silktassel; classified as “A” species in the Range Vegetation
Scorecard Handbook) than most other types. Some areas have a fair amount of herbaceous
cover. This type normally occurs on steep slopes where impacts from domestic livestock
grazing have been low.
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The Redberry Juniper/Turbinella Oak /Desert Ceanothus Chaparral Woodland (LSM, 4, -1)
type occurs on moderately steep to very hills and mountains on soils derived from granite. The
total canopy coverage of shrubs ranges from about 15 to 50 percent. The canopy cover of
redberry juniper is normally less than 10 percent but can increase to around 20 percent where
this type grades into woodlands. The understory is normally sparse containing only few or no
perennial grasses. The density of the more palatable shrubs is normally low. Extensive gully
erosion is common.
The Turbinella Oak/Manzanita Chaparral (LSM, 4) vegetation type occurs on nearly level to
moderately steep to very steep plains and hills. This type is normally dominated by two
species: tubinella oak and pringle manzanita. Other species may occur but are normally
subordinate. The more palatable browse species are normally sparse. The total canopy
coverage of shrubs normally exceeds 50 percent and may exceed 90 percent in some areas.
The canopy coverage of manzanita is normally around 40 to 50 percent. The understory is
normally sparse containing only few or no perennial grasses.
The Turbinella Oak/Catclaw Mimosa Chaparral (LSM, 4) type occurs on moderately steep to
steep plains and hills. Turbinella oak and catclaw mimosa are the most common species
however, at lower elevations catclaw acacia may be codominate with the mimosa or may
replace it. The understory is normally sparse. In most places important browse species are
scarce. Sheet, rill, and gully erosion are common on much of this type.
Conifer Forests (LSM, 5) – These vegetation types consist of higher elevation forests.
Elevations range from 5,000 to 7,700 feet. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 16 to
25 inches.
Ponderosa Pine/Alligator Juniper/Arizona White Oak (LSM, 5) –This vegetation type occurs
at higher elevations within the analysis area generally on north facing slopes or along
drainages. The dominant species include ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa scopulorum),
alligator juniper, Arizona white oak, and Emory oak. Pinyon pine may occur at lower
elevations. Other species may include manzanita, mountain mahogany and desert ceanothus,
blue grama, sideoats grama, mutton bluegrass, and a variety of other perennial forbs. In most
places, there is a thick litter layer of needle cast. Because of the dense overstory and thick
litter cover, little herbaceous vegetation occurs in most places. Forage production is normally
low however in places where the overstory is less dense, forage production is greater. Soil
conditions are generally satisfactory since a thick litter layer protects soils.
Sunflower Allotment EA Soils Report
Page 23 of 24
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