Redbird Fuels Treatment Projecta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · 2012. 9. 19. · Redbird Fuels Treatment Project Conservation Species (Plants) Report . Prepared

Redbird Fuels Treatment Project

Conservation Species (Plants) Report

Prepared by:

David Taylor Forest Botanist

for: Redbird Ranger District

Daniel Boone National Forest

August 16, 2011\

Updated August 29, 2012

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Redbird Fuels Treatment Project Conservation Species (Plants) Report

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Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 Affected Environment.................................................................................................... 1

Existing Condition ..................................................................................................... 1 Desired Condition ...................................................................................................... 3

Environmental Consequences ......................................................................................... 4 Methodology ............................................................................................................. 4 Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis ......................................................... 4 Proposed Action .......................................................................................................14

References...................................................................................................................24

List of Tables

Table 1. Conservation plants known on the Redbird District and within or near prescribed burn units ......................................................................................................................... 1

Table 2. Past, present, and future activities with potential to affect conservation plants .............. 5 Table 3. Effects indicators .................................................................................................23


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Introduction A few conservation species (locally rare species not also sensitive or federally listed species) are known from the area. The analysis will consider the effects of the proposed prescribed burning project on these species.

Affected Environment

Existing Condition Nineteen plant conservation species are known from the Redbird Ranger District. These species and the units in which they are found, if at all, are displayed in table 1. Other species may be uncommon on the district, but they are not rare across the forest.

Table 1. Conservation plants known on the Redbird District and within or near prescribed burn units

Species Number Species Common

Name Burn Unit if

Documented Within

Burn Unit if Within

0.25 mile Typical Habitat

1 Calycanthus floridus var. glaucus

Sweetshrub - - Floodplain/riparian

2 Carex stricta Uptight Sedge - - Aquatic in streams

3 Castilleja coccinea Scarlet Indian paintbrush - Rockhouse

1, 1 alt Woodland, openings, forest edge (roadsides)

4 Chrysoplenum americanum

American golden-saxifrage

- - Aquatic/semiaquatic in ponds/ on mud flats

5 Clematis glaucophylla

White-leaf leather-flower - - Floodplain/riparian

6 Corallorrihiza maculata

Spotted coralroot - - Mesic lower slopes,

large saddles at ridge

7 Cypripedium parviflorum

Small yellow lady-slipper - - Mesic lower slopes,


8 Hydrastis canadensis Goldenseal Rockhouse 2 - Mesic lower slopes,


9 Lathyrus venosus Smooth veiny peavine - - Mesic lower slopes,


10 Liparis loeselii Loesel's twayblade - - Aquatic, pond

margins

11 Panax quinquefolia Ginseng Britton Branch 1 and 1 alt;

- Mesic lower slopes, large saddles at ridge

12 Podostemum ceratophyllum Riverweed - - Aquatic in streams

13 Prenanthes crepidinea

Nodding rattlesnake-root

- - Floodplain/riparian


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Table 1. Conservation plants known on the Redbird District and within or near prescribed burn units

Species Number Species Common

Name Burn Unit if

Documented Within

Burn Unit if Within

0.25 mile Typical Habitat

14 Silphium wasiotense

Wasioto rosinweed -

Britton Branch 1 and 1 alt;

Open forest/woodland on floodplain, lowerslopes, upperslopes

15 Styrax grandiflorus Bigleaf snowbell - - Mesic lower slopes,


16 Synandra hispidula Synandra - - Floodplain/riparian, wet/moist forest

17 Thermopsis mollis var. mollis

Appalachian golden banner

Britton Branch 1 and 1 alt; Britton Branch 2 alt A

Britton Branch 1 and 1 alt

Uplands open forest/woodland, roadside, openings

18 Triphora trianthophora

Three bird orchid - -

Mesic lower slopes, east/north upper slopes

19 Vallisneria americana Eelgrass - - Aquatic in

streams/ponds

Of the species that are not documented within or near a proposed burn unit, five are associated with water: uptight sedge (moderate-sized streams), riverweed (large streams and rivers), eelgrass (quiet pools in large streams and rivers, permanent ponds), American golden-saxifrage (seasonal ponds, standing water or mud), and Loesel’s twayblade (wet moss areas around permanent ponds or mossy seeps with sun or light shade). All of these species are aquatic or semi-aquatic in nature and thrive in standing or flowing water or in mud. This habitat would not burn under approved conditions for prescribed fire.

Four other species usually occupy riparian/floodplain habitat at low elevation. One, synandra, is sometimes found at higher elevation in wet to moist habitat. These are sweetshrub (forest edge, edge of moderate-sized stream), white-leaf leather-flower (forest edge, openings and gaps on floodplain or edge of moderate to large-sized stream), nodding rattlesnake-root (forest edge, openings and gaps on floodplain or edge if moderate to large-sized stream), and synandra (at Redbird in damp forest, shaded opening, stream edge, and edge of road, along small to medium-sized streams at both low and higher elevation). These four species grow in bottomlands or in damp habitats. The riparian/floodplain habitat at low elevation is not expected to burn under approved conditions for prescribed fire.

Spotted coralroot, small yellow lady-slipper, smooth veiny peavine, goldenseal, and ginseng are usually found in rich, mesic sites which on the Redbird District are usually on lower slopes, but may be associated with large saddles on ridges. Smooth veiny peavine is also known from streambanks. Lower slopes would rarely burn under approved prescribed burning conditions. Fires set on the ridge would back downslope and lose intensity as lower elevations were encountered. Spotted coralroot emerges from the ground in June or July after spring burning is complete. Seed would ripen in September-October. Small yellow lady-slipper emerges from the


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ground in mid-April to May. Seed when set would be ripe in late August to September. Smooth veiny peavine also emerges in May, after burns are complete, but could possibly emerge in late April when it might be burned over. Seed would be set by September. Goldenseal emerges from the ground in April from an extensive rhizome system. Seed is set by early September. Ginseng emerges from the ground in April to May from a deep taproot. Seed is set by late September.

Bigleaf snowbell is usually in the same kind of habitat as spotted coralroot, small yellow lady-slipper, and smooth veiny peavine, but there is some debate over the actual existence of the species on the forest. No firm records exist and while it is possibly present, it is unlikely to be present. The habitat is unlikely to burn at all during approved prescribed burning weather except for small topographically driven areas.

Three bird orchid is found both on mesic lower slopes and east- and north-facing upper slopes in mature forest. It is poorly documented throughout its range in part because it may emerge from underground tissues only one or two years out of 10. Individual plants flower and fruit over a short period of time in July through September, and are somewhat difficult to see against leaf litter. While not documented in a burn unit, it is likely present in one or more units.

Wasioto rosinweed is generally found along stream and road corridors where there is sun or light shading. It is also known to occur at higher elevations where there is both open ground and deeper soils. It occurs both in colonies and as individual plants. Appalachian golden banner is known from two general areas on the forest, both on the Redbird District. Both areas have broader than average ridges for the district, a feature that would support frequent low-intensity fire. These are the only sites known in the state. One area is outside any of the burn units and the other area is centered on the proposed Britton Branch units. Only five species are documented within the boundaries of the proposed burn units or within one-quarter mile of the proposed burn units. One of these species, scarlet Indian paintbrush, was documented from a single location and has not been seen in 10 years or more. It likely is not present anywhere on the district. It grows in open forest (woodland), openings, and at forest edge such as along a roadside. Two species, goldenseal and ginseng, are associated with rich, moist habitat. On most of the forest, this habitat is along streams and on lower to mid-slopes, especially in the general area of calcareous, but not necessarily limestone-based soils. On the Redbird District, this habitat is present primarily along streams, on lower slopes, and in large bowl-shaped saddles on ridges. Neither of these species is well documented on the district or forest and both likely occur within or close to all of the proposed prescribed burn units.

Desired Condition In management of the Forest, habitat for existing native species is to be provided. Generally this habitat would be conserved or enhanced in the general vicinity of existing populations of these species. For the six species of concern, this means avoiding harmful actions in the vicinity of the populations and, where feasible, improving habitat in some manner. Direction pertaining to this comes from the Forest Plan (USDA 2004):

• Goal 1 Maintain a variety of life and recover native and desirable non-native populations that are rare and declining.

○ Goal 1.1 Project and/or enhance current and potential habitat for Proposed, Endangered, Threatened (PET) species, or Sensitive (S) species and Conservation species. Evaluate habitats to determine those capable of supporting re-introduction of PETS species.


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○ Object 1.1.C Protect PETS and Conservation species from indiscriminate collection for personal, scientific, medicinal, or commercial use.

Environmental Consequences

Methodology Known records of the 19 conservation species were overlain on the proposed burn units to determine which occurred within the units and which occurred nearby. Life histories of individual species were considered and the probable effects of burning on those species determine from the nexus of all those data. The presence or absence and the characteristics of Appalachian golden banner populations can be used as indicators of the effects of the proposal on those populations in the Britton Branch area. Because the species appears limited to broad ridges, its usefulness elsewhere in the project area is limited. The Monitoring Recommendations described below address Appalachian golden banner population size and health. Appalachian golden banner was chosen as an indicator because this species appears to respond positively to disturbance including fire and is limited in Kentucky to two areas of the Redbird District.

Incomplete and Unavailable Information There is not a complete rare plant inventory of the district. A good survey based on the most likely habitat for rare species was completed in 1993 (Campbell et al.) and over the years District and Forest personnel have added new records through project-level surveys, but no intensive survey has been completed for the entire district since 1993. As a result, additional undocumented locations of the 19 species of concern could be within burn units.

Spatial and Temporal Context for Effects Analysis The spatial boundary for analysis of cumulative effects to the conservation plant species resource is 0.25 mile around each burn unit, because none of the 19 species to be covered in detail is easily spread from location to location and actions that cause effects are likely to be within a short distance of a population. The temporal boundary for analysis of cumulative effects to the conservation plant species resource is somewhat elusive. Causal agents for cumulative effects should be played out by 2018, except roadside mowing, but some may continue to have influence for one to two decades longer. Both short- (growing season immediately after a prescribed burn) and long-term (repeat burns over several years) effects are considered in direct and indirect effects.

Connected Actions, Past, Present, and Foreseeable Activities Relevant to Cumulative Effects Analysis A number of activities, implemented in the recent past, ongoing, and to be implemented in the next few years, have the ability to affect conservation plant species that are documented from or are likely to occur within, or within 0.25 mile of a burn unit. Activities are shown in table 2.


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Table 2. Past, present, and future activities with potential to affect conservation plants

Activity Timing Burn Unit(s) Action Effect Result

Mine Portal Closure/Gob Pile Cleanup

Reasonably Foreseeable Future

Within Britton Branch 1 and BB1 alt

Soil disturbance and possible vegetation disruption

Possible destruction or disturbance to populations of species 3, 8, 11, 14, 17,18

2006 Crop Tree Release 1403-42 Past Within Granny’s

Branch 1

Soil disturbance and vegetation disruption

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11,18; possible positive disturbance to populations of species 14, 17

2006 Crop Tree Release 1402-09 Past

Along FS 1604 adjacent to and N of Granny’s Branch 1




Along FS 1604 adjacent to and N of Granny’s Branch 2 alt B




Along FS 1604 adjacent to and N of Granny’s Branch 2 Alt B



2007 Crop Tree Release 1403-36 Past Ca. 0.1 mile SE of

Granny’s Branch 1 Soil disturbance and vegetation disruption

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 18; possible positive disturbance to populations of species 14, 17

2008 Crop Tree Release 2101-21 Past Around FS 1793 N

of Sugar Soil disturbance and vegetation disruption


2008 Crop Tree Release 2101-23 Past Around FS 1792 N

of Sugar Soil disturbance and vegetation disruption



End of FS 1736D E of Britton Branch 1




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2010 Crop Tree Release 1205-21 Past Middle of Britton

Branch 2 alt A Soil disturbance and vegetation disruption


Pond- Built Past Within Britton Branch 1, off FS 1736

Disturbed earth Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 17,18

Pond-Built Past Within Britton Branch 1, end of FS 1736A

Disturbed earth Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 17,18

Pond Next 1-3 yrs Granny’s Branch 1 Disturbed soil and vegetation

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 17,18

Pond Next 1-3 yrs

Between Granny’s Branch 2 alt A and alt B, within 0.2 mile of each

Disturbed soil and vegetation


Pond Next 1-3 yrs Ca. 0.25 mile NW of Sugar, near FS 1669A



Dam Next 1-3 yrs Within Britton Branch 1


Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 14--unlikely

Strip Mine Conversion to Elk forage area

Next 2-3 yrs Largely within Granny’s Branch 2 alt A

Disturbed soil and vegetation, but many NNIS replaced with heavy cover of natives



Next 2-3 yrs Ca. 0.1 to 0.6 miles E to S of Granny’s Branch 1




Next 2-3 yrs Ca. 0.1 to 0.3 miles E of Granny’s Branch 1



Opening Rehab 7052, 7053 2011 Within Sugar on

FS 1600B




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Opening Rehab 7055, 2 2011 Within Sugar



Opening Rehab 7061, 7062, 7028, 7029, 7030

2011 Edge of Sugar along FS 1600A



Opening Rehab 7047, 7048, 7049, 7050

2011 Edge of Sugar along FS 1600



Opening Rehab 7025 2011

Just north of Sugar along FS 1600



Opening Rehab 7056, 7057, 7058, 7059

2011 Along FS 1669A, 0.05 5o 0.2 mile north of Sugar



Opening Rehab 7060, 7027, 7026 2011

Along FS 1600 0.05 to 0.7 mile W of Sugar




Along FS 1533 just south of Venus



Opening Rehab 7002, 7003 2011 Within Venus

along FS 1533




Along FS 1533 0.1 to 1.2 W of Venus/ 0.3 to 1.4 miles E of Rockhouse 2


Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 3 and 14--unlikely


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Opening Rehab 7064, 7065 2011

Linear openings along FS 1688B, adjacent to, to 1.6 miles W of Rockhouse 2



Opening Rehab 7035 2011 Along 1688 within

Rockhouse 2



Road Reconstruction FS 1604A

2011

1.83-mile segment, along W edge Granny’s Branch 1

Soil disturbance, canopy openings

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 14

Road Reconstruction FS 1604AB

2011 0.52-mile segment just W of Granny’s Granch 1



Road Reconstruction FS 1600B

Next 1-3 years

Within Sugar at W end



Road Reconstruction FS 1604C

2011 0.5-mi le segment, N edge of Granny’s Branch 2 alt B



Road Reconstruction FS 1792

Next 1-3 years

1.04-mile segment immediately N of Sugar



Road Reconstruction FS 1793

Next 1-3 years

0.41-mile segment immediately NW of Rockhouse 2

Soil disturbance, openings

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 3 and 14

Road Construction FS 1534A

Next 1-3 years

1.29-mile segment NW of Rockhouse 1

Soil disturbance canopy openings

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 18

Road Construction FS 1604D

2011

0.41-mile segment, within Granny’s Branch 2 alt B and at edge of Granny’s Branch alt A



Road Construction FS 1604C

2011 1.01-mile segment E of Granny’s Branch 2



Temporary Road T-12

Next 1-3 years

0.15 mile off FS 1736C, just E of Britton Branch 1



Temporary Road T-15

Next 1-3 years

0.35 mile off of 1604A, W of Granny’s Branch 1




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Temporary Road T-1

Next 1-3 years

0.39 mile at end of FS 1604C, E of Granny’s Branch 2 alt B



Temporary Road T-07

Next 1-3 years

0.21-mile segment within Sugar



Temporary Road T-09

Next 1-3 years

0.42 mile segment within Sugar


Temporary Road T-13

Next 1-3 years

0.56-mile segment within Rockhouse 2



Riparian Uneven-aged #20

Next 1-3 years

7.1 acres along 1600A, W end Sugar

Soil and vegetation disturbance



Next 1-3 years

5.1 acres near 1600C middle of Sugar




Next 1-3 years

4.7 acres adjacent to FS 1633 and Rockhouse 2




Next 1-3 years

8.6 acres in Rockhouse 2




Next 1-3 years

3.7 acres just north of 1533 at SW corner of Venus




Next 1-3 years

10.2 acres near KY 149 N of Britton Branch 2



Riparian Even-aged #202

Next 1-3 years

10.8 acres adjacent to KY 149 N of Britton Branch 2




Next 1-3 years

4.7 acres adjacent to Parkway, W side Britton Branch 1




Next 1-3 years

1.4 acres adjacent to Parkway, W side Britton Branch 1




Next 1-3 years

10.9 acres adjacent to FS 1533 and SW corner Venus




Next 1-3 years

8.2 acres adjacent to FS 1604 SW of Granny’s Branch




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Next 1-3 years

16.2 acres adjacent to FS 1604 SW of Granny’s Branch




Next 1-3 years

14.2 acres adjacent to FS 1604 and Granny’s Branch 1




Next 1-3 years

3.1 acres near FS 1604, just east of Granny’s Branch 1



Peabody Timber Sale Exclusion Unit 22

Next 1-5 years Within Sugar


Possible negative effects to species 8, 11, 14, 18










Next 1-5 years Within Rockhouse


Possible negative effects to 11, 14, 18; species 8 may be negatively impacted by fireline

Peabody Timber Sale Unit 25

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Sugar, in part




Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years Adjacent to Venus




Next 1-5 years Adjacent to Venus




Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Venus, in part




Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Venus, in part



Peabody Non-Commercial Unit 101

Next 1-5 years




Peabody Non Commercial Unit 102

Next 1-5 years Adjacent to Sugar




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Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Sugar




Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years




Elk Timber Sale Unit 1

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 1


Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, but with long term benefit to species 17 possible

Elk Timber Sale Unit 2

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 1



Granny’s Branch Timber Sale Unit 2

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 1




Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 1



Granny’s Branch Timber Sale Stand 5

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 1 and GB 2 and GB2 alt B




Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile Granny’s Branch 2 and GB 2 alt B, SE corner, barely in



Midstory Treatment Unit 1204--7

Next 1-5 years

Portion within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 1

Vegetation and some soil disturbance



Next 1-5 years

Within Britton Branch 1




Next 1-5 years

Within Britton Branch 1, mostly within Britton Branch 2 and 2 alt B




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Next 1-5 years

Within Britton Branch 2 and BB 2 alt A; adjacent to BB 2 alt B;




Next 1-5 years

Portion with 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 2, BB 2 alt A




Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 1, and BB 1 alt




Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years





Next 1-5 years

Most within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch 1, and BB 1 alt




Next 1-5 years

Partly within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 1, GB1 alt A,


Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 18, but with long term benefit to species 14 possible


Next 1-5 years

Partly within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 2 alt B



Midstory Treatment Unit 1307-39

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 2, GB2 alt A, GB2 alt B




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Midstory Treatment Unit 1402-10

Next 1-5 years

Within 0.25 mile of Granny’s Branch 1 and GB2 alt A




Next 1-5 years

Mostly within Granny’s Branch 2 alt A, within 0.25 mile of GB1




Next 1-5 years

Within Granny’s Branch 1 and GB1 alt A, and mostly within 0.25 mile GB2 alt A




Next 1-5 years

Partly within Granny’s Branch 1 alt A, GB2, GB2 alt A, GB2 alt B




Next 1-5 years

Mostly within Granny’s Branch 2 and GB alt 2




Next 1-5 years

Within Granny’s Branch 2, split between GB 2 alt A and GB2 alt B



Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment: Sugar Creek 1

Next 1-5 years

Partly within and partly within 0.25 mile of Sugar Creek 1

Reduction of vegetation disturbance


Federal, State & County roadside mowing

Ongoing Various

Disturbed vegetation and spread or loss of seed

Possible negative disturbance to populations of 3, 13, 14, 17, but with probable long term positive effect through habitat change

Wildfire, Britton Branch—7.9 ac Spring 2011

Within Britton Branch 1, BB 1 alt, adjacent to FS 1736

Vegetation and Soil disturbance

Possible negative disturbance to populations of species 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, but with long term benefit possible for species 14, 17 in some areas.

Native Cane Planting 2013-2015

At western edge of Venus; other areas outside 0.25 mile

Disturb riparian soils

Possible negative disturbance to populations of 1, 5,13, 14, 16--unlikely


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Activity Timing Burn Unit(s) Action Effect Result American Electric Power transmission line upgrade Special Use

2013-2015 Leslie County outside any burn unit

Disturb and then revegetate old ROW and place new line along road ROW

Possible disturbance to populations of 3,13, 14, 17

Leslie County Phone Special Use

2013-2015 Leslie County outside any burn unit

Disturb ground to lay cable in ground- minimal disturbance


Forestwide Windstream Special Use

2012-2013

Between Granny’s Branch and Britton Branch, western edge of Britton Branch

In 1 mile zone of Granny’s Branch 1, Britton Branch 2, 2 alt-A, Britton Branch 1 and 1-alt


Proposed Action Treat approximately 5,700 acres of understory vegetation and dead fuel on National Forest System land with prescribed burning. Burns would take place September 1 through December 31, and January 1 through April 30 in any given year. Each of the 10 proposed areas would initially be treated with up to four prescribed burns on a 5- to 8-year burn-cycle until the reference conditions were reached. Periodic burning to maintain reference conditions would occur at longer intervals (8+-year cycles). Biophysical settings have been determined using current vegetation information for the proposed treatment areas. Under appropriate conditions, returning fire to the landscape through controlled burning would move Fire Regime Condition Class (FRCC) from 2 and 3 toward 1 and 2, which would provide for lower risk of damage from wildfires occurring during high fire danger periods. Lowering the overall FRCC would reduce the risk of devastating wildfire on forested lands and adjacent private lands. Additionally, it follows that lowering the FRCC would help to restore and maintain conditions that represent a properly functioning ecosystem as described in the desired conditions of prescription areas identified in Chapter 3 in the Forest Plan. Existing roads and creeks would be used for control lines plus 11.2 miles of hand line and 4.6 miles of dozer line would be cleared.

Design Features and Mitigation Measures Final constructed control locations would be reviewed by resource specialists and evaluated during the environmental analysis process. Install two or more belt transects, (25 feet in length by 2 feet in width). Number of transects will be based on the pre-implementation conditions of Appalachian golden banner. Data collected within the transect will include the number of Appalachian golden banner stems present, and a description of each stem's condition (e.g., veg, flowering, fruiting). One 1/100-acre circular plot (11.8-feet radius) would be centered on each transect to collect data on woody plants ≥1-inch diameter at breast height (dbh). Data collected would be species and diameter for each stem. One 1/400-acre plot (2.9-feet radius) would be installed 6 feet from each end of the belt transect (for a total of two plots per transect), to collect data on herbaceous vegetation and woody plants under 1 inch dbh. Data collected would be percent cover by species.


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Direct Effects Five of the species in table 1 are associated with water: uptight sedge (moderate-sized streams), riverweed (large streams and rivers), eelgrass (quiet pools in large streams and rivers, permanent ponds), American golden-saxifrage (seasonal ponds, standing water or mud), and Loesel’s twayblade (wet moss areas around permanent ponds or mossy seeps with sun or light shade). All of these species are aquatic or semi-aquatic in nature and thrive in standing or flowing water or in mud. The backing fires off of the ridge or uplands will extinguish as they encounter these habitats or well before they reach them due to high moisture in fuels, lack of fuels or high humidity. Conditions under which these areas would burn are well outside acceptable parameters under which prescribed fire would be employed. These species would not be directly affected by prescribed fire either in the short term or the long term, including reproductive efforts. None of these species would be affected by dozer or hand line construction.

Four other species usually occupy riparian/floodplain habitat at low elevation. One is sometimes found at higher elevation. These are sweetshrub (forest edge, edge of moderate-sized stream), white-leaf leather-flower (forest edge, openings and gaps on floodplain or edge if moderate to large sized stream), nodding rattlesnake-root (forest edge, openings and gaps on floodplain or edge if moderate to large-sized stream), and synandra (at Redbird in damp, usually wet forest, shaded openings, stream edge, and edge of road, along small to medium-sized streams at both low and higher elevation). These four species grow in bottomlands or in damp habitats. Both habitats are unlikely to burn under the conditions approved for conducting prescribed burning, because of high fuel moisture and humidity. Under approved prescribed burning conditions, fires ignited on the ridges would back toward these areas with decreasing fire intensity and extinguish well before them. No direct affects are anticipated from prescribed fire on these species in either the long term or short term including reproductive efforts. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie into roads or streams on bottomlands or lower slopes, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Spotted coralroot, small yellow lady-slipper, and smooth veiny peavine, are usually found in rich, mesic sites which on the Redbird District are usually on lower slopes, but may be associated with large bowl-shaped saddles on ridges. Smooth veiny peavine is also known from stream banks; in this habitat, no direct effects from prescribed burning are anticipated as fires would be expected to extinguish before reaching the stream bank. In the rare event prescribed fire did reach smooth veiny peavine on stream banks, plants could be top-killed but would resprout. Reproductive effort of those plants might be lost for the year. Lower slopes would rarely be burned through under approved prescribed burning conditions. Fires set on the ridge would back downslope and lose intensity as lower elevations were encountered. Fuel moisture and humidity are higher on the lower slopes than at the ridges and upper and middle slopes. Small topographic variations may allow infrequent burning of portions of the lower slope, but at low fire intensity. Large saddles on the Redbird District are somewhat bowl-shaped and tend to collect moisture. Many of the large saddles also have low flow seeps associated with them that help maintain higher moisture levels. Under approved prescribed burning conditions, fire could be expected to extinguish shortly after entering the large saddles, but might burn through them. Spotted coralroot emerges from the ground in June or July after spring burning is complete. Seed is usually set by the end of September. If an area containing spotted coralroot that happens to be in fruit is burned in September or October, the reproductive effort for the year may be lost if seed falls locally, but the plant should not be harmed as it would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. Loss of unripe seed would prevent further drain of reserves from the root system and place it better condition for the following spring. There are no expected direct effects to this


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species, including reproductive efforts, in either lower slope or large saddle habitat from spring burns. Reproductive effort for the year could be lost in part or entirely with fall burns. Small yellow lady-slipper emerges from the ground in mid-April to May. Seed is shed in August-September. Plants sprouting in April in areas that are burned may not sprout again in that year and may not sprout again for several years. Plants sprouting in May, would sprout after spring prescribed burning is completed and are not affected directly by the burns. If an area containing small yellow lady-slipper that happens to be in fruit is burned in September or October, the reproductive effort for the year may be lost if seed falls locally, but the plant should not be harmed as it would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. Loss of unripe seed would prevent further drain of reserves from the root system and place it better condition for the following spring. No direct fire effects to this species, including reproductive efforts, in either lower slope or large saddle habitat are expected from spring burns for plant emerging in May. Plants emerging in April might be top-killed and would likely not sprout again that same year and may be induced to dormancy for a couple of years. Reproductive potential would be lost for one or more years. Reproductive effort for the year could be lost with fall burns. Smooth veiny peavine also emerges in May, after spring burns are complete, but could possibly emerge in late April when it might be burned over. Seed is set by August. If an area containing this plant is burned in September or October and seed has been set, some seed may be lost to fire, but some is expected to survive. No direct fire effects to this species on lower slopes in large saddles are expected when the plant emerges in May. Fall burns may reduce some of the current reproductive potential, but not harm the plants as they would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. If smooth veiny peavine should emerge in April and is burned, it will be set back, but will resprout following the fire and is likely to flower and set seed, but possibly with reduced output. Prescribed fire is not expected to have long-term negative effects on any of these species in either lower slope or large saddle habitat and may promote growth of the species in both the long term and short term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams, or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Bigleaf snowbell is usually in the same kind of habitat as spotted coralroot, small yellow lady-slipper, and smooth veiny peavine, but there is some debate over the actual existence of the species on the forest. No firm records exist and while it is possibly present, it is unlikely to be present. Because this species is woody, infrequent prescribed fires might damage individuals of the plant. Depending on the nature of the damage, it may weaken stems or top kill the plant. In either case, bigleaf snowbell is expected to resprout. Longer interval maintenance fires should allow recovery time for reproduction for a few years in each burning cycle. The shorter interval fire regime class 1 or 2 establishment burns would be less likely to allow for recovery of reproduction during the cycle, but would not likely kill the plant. The habitat would not likely burn at all during approved prescribed burning weather except for small topographically driven areas. Since the plant is not likely on the forest and is not likely to be burned in the habitat it would occupy, no direct effects would be expected from this project on the species. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Three bird orchid is found both on mesic lower slopes and east- and north-facing upper slopes in mature forest. Individual plants emerge, flower, and fruit over a short period of time in July


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through September, and are somewhat difficult to see against leaf litter. While not documented in a burn unit, it is likely present in one or more units. Spring prescribed burns are completed by the end of April so no direct effects of fire on the species, including reproductive effort, will occur with spring burns. Prescribed burns in September or October would consume some or all of the current year’s seed production if deposited locally, but not harm the plants as they would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. Loss of unripe seed would prevent further drain of reserves from the root system and place it better condition for the following spring. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Scarlet Indian paintbrush, was documented from a single location on the district and has not been seen in 10 years or more. It likely is not present anywhere on the district. It grows in open forest (woodland), openings, and at forest edge such as along a roadside. It does not tolerate crowding from woody plants or thick herbaceous vegetation. It is a species associated with fire in prairie and barrens settings further west in Kentucky. It emerges from the ground in May or June after spring prescribed burning is complete. Seed is set by August or September. Prescribed burns in spring would have no direct effect on the species. Fall burns could consume all or part of the year’s reproductive effort, but not harm the plant as the plant would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. Loss of unripe seed would prevent further drain of reserves from the root system and place it better condition for the following spring. No change is expected in this pattern long term. Prescribed fire is not expected to have long-term negative effects on this species in either lower slope or large saddle habitat and may promote growth of the species in both the long term and short term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Wasioto rosinweed is generally found along stream and road corridors at lower elevation where there is sun or light shading. It is also known to occur at higher elevations where there is both open ground and deeper soils. It grows from a deep, thick root system characteristic of other rosinweed species, species largely associated with natural fire. Wasioto rosinweed emerges from the ground in May after prescribed burning is complete and sometimes in late April. No direct effects are expected from fire on this plant if spring burning is complete by time of emergence. Burned over shoots would be top-killed, but would rapidly resprout from below ground. These shoots may not reproduce that year, but should do so in the following years preceding any additional fires. Seed is set in September to October. Fall burns could remove the reproductive potential for the year if seed is still on the plant, but some seed would be expected to survive any low-intensity fire if already on the ground. Prescribed fire is not expected to have long-term negative effects on this species in either lower slope or large saddle habitat and may promote growth of the species in both the long term and short term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams, or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Appalachian golden banner is known from two general areas on the Forest, both on the Redbird District. Both areas have broader than average ridges for the district, a feature that would support frequent low-intensity fire. These are the only sites known in the state. One area is outside any of


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the burn units and the other area is centered on the proposed Britton Branch units. Appalachian golden banner sprouts from an extensive rhizome system with lateral branching at multiple vertical levels in late April to May. Stems emerging after the end of April would experience no direct effects the result of fire. Stems emerging in April may be subject to burning every 3 to 4 years. They would be top killed, but resprout from below ground buds or from the rhizomes. Rhizomes would not be harmed by prescribed fires ignited under approved conditions. A season’s reproduction potential may be lost in these areas, but currently most of the stems do not flower because of crowding by dense shrub growth. Longer interval maintenance burns could cause loss of sexual reproduction in the year they occur, but in intervening years between fires, sexual reproduction is expected to increase at first then slowly return to preburn levels. Fall burns could top kill the plants, but rhizomes would be unaffected. Seed is set by August. Fall burns are unlikely to kill most of the seed that may have been dropped. Fire instead scarifies the seed prepping it for germination in the spring. Prescribed fire is not expected to have either long-term or short-term negative effects on this species. Rather, it is expected to benefit the species both in the short term and long term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams, or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Goldenseal is a mesic forest species, usually on lower slopes, often along streams, but may occur in the large bowl-shaped saddles of some ridges. These saddles are generally mesic and densely vegetated which maintains high humidity levels. Lower slopes are unlikely to burn under the approved prescribed burning conditions; however, since topographic variations occasionally allow small fingers of fire into lower slope areas and the species sprouts in April, there is a possibility that plants of the species may be top-killed. The plants will resprout, but will not reproduce sexually that year. They may, however, reproduce vegetatively through branching of rhizomes. Sexual reproduction should until occur yearly until such time that they might be subject to another burn. The saddles are more likely to burn under the same conditions, resulting in top kill of plants and subsequent resprouting. Seed is set by September. Fall burns may kill some, but not all dropped seed (scattered by birds and small mammals and possibly cached underground), but not hurt the plants as the plant would be approaching senescence at this time or have already browned. Goldenseal, although uncommon, is somewhat weedy in its growth habitat and is expected to recover and sexually reproduce in the intervening years between any future fires both long term and short term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams, or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Ginseng is a mesic forest species, usually found on lower slopes, but which may occur in the large bowl-shaped saddles of some ridges. These saddles are generally mesic and densely vegetated which maintains high humidity levels. Lower slopes are unlikely to burn under the approved prescribed burning conditions; however, since topographic variations occasionally allow small fingers of fire into lower slope areas and the species sprouts in April, there is a possibility that plants of the species may be top-killed. The plants will resprout, but will not reproduce sexually that year. Sexual reproduction should until occur yearly until such time that they might be subject to another burn. The saddles, however, might burn under the same conditions and as with lower slopes, some plants may be top-killed then resprout with sexual reproduction unlikely for the year. Seed is set in late September and spread by birds and small mammals, sometimes in underground caches. Fall burns may kill some, but not all dropped seed, but not hurt the plants as the plant would be approaching senescence at this time or have already


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browned. The population is expected to recover and sexually reproduce in the intervening years between fires both long term and short term. Because hand lines and dozer lines may tie roads, streams, or other existing usable fire control lines together, it is possible that one or more individuals of these plants could be injured or removed during line construction. Final line placement would be cleared by a biologist and would take into consideration known populations of these plants.

Any undocumented population of the non-aquatic species could be removed or injured by handline or dozer line construction. A population of goldenseal is located close to the proposed location for a fire line to exclude a timber sale unit in Rockhouse 1. This population could be removed or injured by this action.

Indirect Effects The five aquatic/mud species may experience slight, short-term increases in some nutrients which may stimulate growth, but water quality monitoring at other locations on the forest related to prescribed fire indicate nutrient level changes are low and short-lived. Long term, these species may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). Indirect effects are expected to be slight and may benefit these species.

The four low-elevation riparian/floodplain species (and synandra sometimes at higher elevation) may experience slight, short-term elevations in some nutrient levels for short periods of time which have potential to promote growth. Water quality monitoring associated with other prescribed burns indicates that nutrient level changes are low and short-lived. Long term, these species may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). Indirect effects are expected to be slight and may benefit these species.

Spotted coralroot may experience small increases in some nutrients which may encourage flowering. Many orchids are known to respond positively to infrequent fire and this species would be expected to as well. Small yellow lady-slipper may experience small increases in some nutrients that may encourage flowering and observations of this orchid and closely related species elsewhere on the forest indicate they respond with increased vigor and flowering following a burn. Infrequent burns are expected to benefit the species. Smooth veiny peavine plants emerging in either month may encounter small increases in some nutrients likely to encourage flowering and promote growth. Many pea family plants respond positively to infrequent burning either very early in the growing cycle or after flowering and fruiting. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). Indirect effects are expected to be slight and may benefit these species.

Bigleaf snowbell, if present, may experience small increases in some nutrients which may encourage regrowth and flowering. Because this species is likely not present, no indirect effects from fire are expected.

Three bird orchid may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering. Observations of this orchid elsewhere on the forest indicate it responds with increased vigor and flowering following a burn. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). Long


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term, prescribed fire is expected to reduce shrub growth providing better habitat for the species. Infrequent burns are expected to benefit the species.

Scarlet Indian paintbrush may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering. The species is usually found in habitats that are associated with historical fires such as grasslands and barrens. Short-term reductions of shrubby growth would benefit this plant. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). Long term, prescribed fire is expected to reduce shrub growth providing better habitat for the species.

Wasioto rosinweed may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering and growth. Other members of this genus are largely associated with areas such as grasslands and woodlands that burned on a regular basis. The species does best in light shade with little crowding by shrubs. Infrequent burning in higher elevation areas in the short term can provide this habitat in 1- to 3-year blocks. Long term, infrequent prescribed burning can provide this habitat across more upland portions of the landscape. The proposed burning is not expected to enhance habitat for most of the plants in burn units because most are lower elevation where minimal fire is expected. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report).

Appalachian golden banner may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering and growth. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). This species does best in open woodland conditions with low shrub cover. In the short term, individual fires would reduce competition for 1 to 3 years, helping the plant. Over the long term, habitat would be produced and maintained that would benefit the plant from year to year.

Goldenseal may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering and growth. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). The species does best in areas with only light shade from shrubs, and over time, reduction in shrub growth in saddles may help the plant in some areas. Shrub reduction is unlikely in lower slope areas either in the short term or the long term.

Ginseng may experience small increases in some nutrients in the short term that may encourage flowering and growth. Long term, some plants may experience short intervals of increased nutrients every 8 to 20 years. These nutrient pulses would be in keeping with the frequency of such pulses expected from reference condition fire (see Fuels Report). The species does best in areas with only light shade from shrubs and over time reduction in shrub growth in saddles may help the plant in some areas. Shrub reduction is unlikely in lower slope areas either in the short term or the long term.

Cumulative Effects The spatial boundary for analysis of cumulative effects to the conservation plant species resource is 0.25 mile around the perimeter of the burn units. Plants within the burn units are obviously potentially exposed to fire effects, at least at upper and mid slope, and ridge positions. If the


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species is present within 0.25 mile of the burn unit boundary, the species is more likely to be within the unit and not documented than if further away from the burn unit. Causal agents for cumulative effects should be played out by 2018, except roadside mowing, but some may continue to have influence for one to two decades longer through the removal or reduction in number of individuals or populations of plants by one of the actions listed in table 2.

Most past, current, and reasonably foreseeable actions in the area of the proposed project are not expected to affect the populations within the proposed burn units or within 0.25 mile of them because they occur at distances greater than 0.25 mile from the burn unit boundaries. Of those other action areas that are within 0.25 mile of the burn unit boundaries or actually inside the burn unit boundaries, only three contain a population of one of the 19 plants. Goldenseal is located close to the proposed fireline to exclude unit 3 of the Peabody Timber Sale, located within the Sugar burn unit. Appalachian golden banner is located within midstory unit 112 within the Britton Branch1/ Britton Branch 1 alt/Britton Branch 2 alt A burn units and within 0.25 mile of Britton Branch1/ Britton Branch 1 alt burn units in midstory unit 118. The proximity of burning to midstory unit 118 may allow for the movement of seed into improved habitat. The combination of burning and vegetation disturbance with small amounts of ground disturbance could harm the goldenseal population on the site, but result in habitat improvement for the Appalachian golden banner populations. Except for Appalachian golden banner the extent of the populations of these plants is not known and even for Appalachian golden banner, the entire population has not been mapped. As a result, population-wide, the various other activities combined with burning could produce a net positive, a net negative, or a net neutral impact on each species. Overall, the activities other than fire contribute most of the potential negative impact on the species where proposed prescribed burning overlaps with other past, current, or reasonably foreseeable projects. Mineral soil disturbance and canopy removal have a greater impact on these species than low-intensity dormant season, early growing season prescribed fire or fall burning. Such activities physically uproot plants, and cause potentially drastic changes in moisture, temperature, and humidity regimes, factors that can quickly result in the death of plant populations, especially species associated with mesic forest. These changes may last for several to many years. Low-intensity prescribed fire, especially in mesic areas that have partially dried may compound changes in moisture, temperature, and humidity produced by other activities which could push additional individuals to succumb. Nonetheless, low-intensity prescribed fire, especially in mesic areas seldom in and of itself changes these variables for more than a season.

For species with no known records in or within 0.25 mile of a burn unit, an assumption could be made that the species are each present in at least one unit that overlaps one of the activities listed in table 2. In general, any activity that disturbs mineral soil or removes the canopy is more likely to harm one of 13 other species than low-intensity prescribed fire. Fire is not even likely to reach nine of the species because they are aquatic, bottomland, or wet forest species.

Roadside mowing has the potential to affect scarlet Indian paintbrush, nodding rattlesnake-root, Wasioto rosinweed, and Appalachian golden banner. These species are known to grow in edge habitat, often along roads. Mowing might maintain the open, edge habitat, but would also periodically cut stems of these species while in flower or fruit with the resultant loss of a year’s reproductive potential for those plants. Cutting while seed is ripe might serve to spread seed along the edge habitat. Prescribed fire intentionally introduced to upland areas with Wasioto rosinweed, Appalachian golden banner, or scarlet Indian paintbrush if it is still present on the district could help maintain the edge and woodland conditions in which these plants thrive. Occasional low-intensity backing fires in riparian or lower slope habitat could help maintain the edge condition for nodding rattlesnake-root or result in brushy conditions less suitable to the species.


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Stringing aerial cable or bury cable in the AEP, Leslie Telephone, and Windstream projects has the potential to break or crush stems of scartlet Indian paintbrush (unlikely because unlikely present), nodding rattlesnake-root, Wasioto rosinweed, and Appalachian golden banner. This would likely reduce or eliminate reproduction for those stems of these plants for the year. They would be expected to recover in the following year. Some stems or plants may be uprooted or severely damaged by the trencher. These stems and plants would not be expected to survive, reducing slightly the populations of these plants.

The native cane planting project is unlikely to affect any of these species. These species are unlikely to be growing in or in close proximity to cane so would not be affected by the digging of rhizome segments. Cane would be planted in areas of relatively open understory/herb layer and unlikely to affect to any of the 19 species. Expanding cane may have the potential to remove potential habitat for nodding rattlesnake-root, Wasioto rosinweed, sweetshrub, and synandra, and white-leaf leather-flower.

Compliance with Forest Plan and Other Relevant Laws, Regulations, Policies and Plans Based on the analyses, the Redbird Fuels Treatment project is consistent with Forest Plan direction.

Other Relevant Mandatory Disclosures None.

Summary of Effects In general, fire is not expected to reduce the likelihood of any of these species existing on the landscape, and in fact, could reasonably improve habitat conditions for four of them (Appalachian golden banner, Wasioto rosinweed, scarlet Indian paintbrush, three bird orchid) and may improve conditions in saddles for two species (goldenseal and ginseng). Nonetheless, improperly applied prescribed fire and some wildfire could result in inferior conditions for Appalachian golden banner. Recommendations for monitoring to address this concern are suggested below.

With the exception of Appalachian golden banner, not burning this area is likely to have little effect on the addressed species. Appalachian golden banner survives currently in tree gaps, on road sides and in clearings. Lack of fire on the landscape would reduce the amount of habitat available for this species. Existing populations would persist for a time, but without other disturbance would be expected to diminish with time. The species is adapted to fire and disturbance from fire has the potential to increase populations and vigor of individual plants.

The other non-aquatic species may experience some benefit from fire, but for various reasons are not expected to decline without it. Of the remaining species addressed, Wasioto rosinweed is the most likely to benefit from fire. It grows in much the same places as Appalachian golden banner, but usually lower on the slope. It is adapted to fire, responding to more open habitat and with increased vigor of plants. It, however, is not documented in any of the burn units. Not burning will not directly affect the species, but might result in no net gain in available habitat. Scarlet Indian paint brush is most likely no longer present at the site and was outside of any burn unit. If present within the oak forest portion of burn unit, it would benefit from prescribed burning to help open up habitat. Three bird orchid generally grows in sites with few shrubs and fire would not in the short term have changed conditions. Long term, conditions might have improved by opening additional potential habitat. Nodding rattlesnake-root might benefit from fire, but fire is


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not targeted to its habitat so is not expected to have a habitat effect on it one way or the other. Ginseng is generally in more mesic or rich sites, places where fire is not targeted. In large saddles, fire might reduce a shrub component and provide somewhat improved conditions. Ginseng in drier sites is generally in sites with few shrubs and fire would not, in the short term, have changed conditions. Long term, conditions might have improved by opening additional potential habitat. Goldenseal is a mesic forest species and generally grows in places where fire occurrence is rare to infrequent. If present in saddles, fire may improve habitat by reducing shrubs. Not implementing the proposed project will not hurt the species, but additional habitat might not be available as the result of fire. All species might benefit from slight increases in nutrients available at the site of the burn or less likely downslope through percolation/runoff, but the effects are expected to be small and short term based on monitoring on other parts of the forest (see table 3).

Table 3. Effects indicators Effects Indicator No Action Proposed Action

Conservation Plants

Presence of Conservation Plants

Appalachian golden banner would continue to persist along road corridors, in openings and in gaps in the forest, but subpopulations in the forest would be likely to fade out with time. Wasioto rosinweed would continue to persist in similar locations, and some of the small forest populations might as well fade out over time. All other species are not expected to decline if the project is not implemented.

Fire is not expected to reduce the likelihood of any of these species existing on the landscape, and in fact could reasonably improve conditions for Appalachian golden banner, scarlet Indian paintbrush, three bird orchid, Wasioto rosinweed, and possibly ginseng and goldenseal in some habitats.

Monitoring Recommendations It is recommended that both the vegetation structure and the condition of Appalachian golden banner be monitored over the course of burning. While fire helps the species through the reduction of competition, especially woody plants, improperly applied fire (both frequency and intensity) may result in brushy conditions that are detrimental to the species. Ideally, burning will maintain an open ground layer/understory relatively free of woody competition while maintaining a canopy that is 60 to 90 percent closed. The recommended monitoring proposal is listed under Design Features and Mitigation Measures above.


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References Campbell, J.J.N., R.R. Cicerello, J.D. Kiser, R.R. Kiser, J.R. MacGregor, A.C. Risk. 1993.

Cooperative inventory of endangered, threatened, sensitive and rare species, Daniel Boone National Forest, Redbird Ranger District. Cooperators: USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission, and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Report submitted March 1993 to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, KY. 184 p.

USDA Forest Service April 2004. Land and Resource Management Plan for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Management Bulletin R8-MB-117A. USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, Daniel Boone National Forest. Winchester, Kentucky.

Documents

Redbird Fuels Treatment Projecta123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · 2012. 9. 19. · Redbird Fuels Treatment Project Conservation Species (Plants) Report . Prepared