Wyoming Game and Fish Department rev. 1/1/2014

Strategic Habitat Plan

Crucial Habitat Area Narrative

Region: /

Laramie

Habitat Priority Area Name: /

Mixed Mountain Shrub ENHANCEMENT

Habitat Area Type (s): / Aquatic X Terrestrial Combined
Mixed mountain shrub and sagebrush / grassland
Habitat Values: / The southern portion of the Laramie Range foothills encompass a mixture of mountain shrub species including sagebrush species, true mountain mahogany, skunkbrush sumac, rabbitbrush and antelope bitterbrush. Minor inclusions of currant, chokecherry, snowberry, etc. also can be found throughout the range in more mesic sites.
Most mixed shrub habitats in the area are comprised of old, mature, even-aged stands that show little signs of natural regeneration occurring to perpetuate these plant communities. These stands serve as important seasonal ranges for mule deer, and other browse dependent species. Historic overutilization by big game, persistent drought, livestock grazing, current elk populations, and most importantly a lack of disturbance in these communities (i.e. wildfire / prescribed fire), has resulted in declining shrub conditions, lack of regeneration, and lack of forage quality and quantity to support mule deer numbers in the population densities that the public and private landowners desire in this region. Invasive non-native plants, particularly cheatgrass, are increasing becoming more common in the understory in some communities.
Reason Selected: / Many of the shrub communities are intact and do not have a high composition of invasive weeds, namely cheatgrass in the understory. Based on recent history of treatments, this means that properly timed prescribed fires can still be conducted with a relative certainty of improved habitat conditions post-treatment. Many landowners in this area are currently, or have expressed interest in improving livestock grazing management through planned grazing and installing infrastructure (i.e. water, fencing) needed to result in improvements in herbaceous quality and quantity.
Predominantly comprised of private land, opportunities for habitat enhancement for the benefit of numerous species of wildlife exist, including big, small, upland, and non-game animals.
Private landowners, state, and BLM are interested in continuing the prescribed burn program in this particular region that was initiated in 2001. Energy development, most likely wind, could occur. Installation of wind turbines and necessary associated infrastructure may result in fragmentation of preferred big game habitats. Wind energy development may also complicate the ability to perform land management treatments, such as prescribed fire.
Elk populations in this area have the potential to have negative impacts on vegetative treatments conducted. Efforts to move this population toward stated objectives are necessary and on-going.
Area Boundary Description: / Laramie Range mountains and foothills stretching from Hwy 34 (north boundary) to I-80 (south boundary). East of Laramie, west of Chugwater and Cheyenne.
Focal species or species assemblage(s) (limit 6):
SWAP Tier 1 species: / mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep
Bald Eagle, Boreal Toad, Burrowing Owl, Common Loon, Ferruginous Hawk, Greater Sage-grouse, Mountain Plover, Northern Goshawk, Townsend's Big-eared Bat, Wyoming Toad
Solutions or actions: / Specific land treatments to enhance these shrub communities include:
·  prescribed burning and/or natural fire planning in mixed shrub habitats;
·  brush mowing or other mechanical treatments of shrubs;
·  herbicide application to control cheatgrass post-fire (wild or prescribed);
·  progressive livestock grazing management; and
·  riparian area enhancement thru livestock grazing management.
Additional Information: / Presence of T&E species such as the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse has the potential to limit/restrict habitat enhancement projects resulting in temporary ground disturbance (i.e. prescribed fire).
General land ownership and surface area: / (Automatically Generated)