Draft SNFPA Management Review and Recommendations

Impacts to Grazing

Key Findings

1. There is a great deal of uncertainty about the relative risk to Yosemite toad, willow flycatcher and great gray owl from grazing managed under the ROD standards and guidelines for meadows and riparian systems.
2. Opportunities exist to provide flexibility to the field which will maintain protection for sensitive species; while reducing impacts to permittees and providing incentives for habitat restoration.
3. The utilization standards in the ROD generally reflect management practices prior to the SNFPA. There are situations where trend and condition monitoring indicates another standard is reasonable and responsible. However, to change utilization standards based on site-specific conditions, a forest plan amendment is required.
4. Standards and guidelines cannot enforce administration. Setting tighter standards is not the answer to issues of accountability and trust.

USDA Forest Service · Pacific Southwest Region