U.S. Bureau of Land Management Papers

Study of Groins on the Middle Rio Grande

Drew Baird et al. — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:58 PDT

The Albuquerque Projects Office of the Bureau of Reclamation installed groins on the Middle Rio Grande to provide bank protection at a severe bend located near Santa Clara Indian Pueblo, approximately 75 miles (121 kIn) upstream of Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the first season of operation of the groins, a discharge near the 2 year design flood of 7,600 ft.³ /s (215 m³ /s) was experienced at the site. Many of the groins showed damage following the recession of the runoff, but performed well at the site. Replacement of riprap will be accomplished before the next runoff season.

Mammals of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A Literature and Museum Survey

Jerran T. Flinders et al. — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:57 PDT

This is the first treatment of the mammals of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM). GSENM was established in 1996 as a 1.7-million-acre (680,000-ha) federal land reserve under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). To successfully manage this new monument, the BLM is presently developing a management action plan. To provide information for the proper management of mammal species of the area, we have reviewed background literature for each mammal potentially found within the Monument boundaries. We propose that a core area, surrounded by a buffer matrix, be used in GSENM and surrounding public lands to preserve ecological processes in their natural state. One hundred thirteen mammalian species are categorized as follows: 82 contemporary species, 21 species questionably present, 4 introduced species reportedly in the Monument, and 6 historical species. Altogether, potentially 107 mammalian species exist there currently. Of 82 contemporary species, 11 are listed in the Utah State Sensitive Species List, 1 in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of World Flora and Fauna (CITES), and 1 in the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red Book. Mammals listed under the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) are noted when applicable, as well as State of Utah listings as endangered, threatened, sensitive, or extirpated. For each mammalian species listed, we present in telegraphic style a life history account, sensitivity Status, and currently accepted nomenclature.

Channel Restoration Above Elephant Butte Reservoir

Christopher A. Gorbach — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:57 PDT

The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for maintenance of channel facilities above Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico. These facilities are designed to maximize the efficiency of water delivery into the reservoir pool. The major facilities operated and maintained by Reclamation include a rectified floodway channel and the Low Flow Conveyance Channel. When constructed in the 1950's, a period of prolonged drought and low reservoir levels, these channels extended some 20 (32 Ion) miles through then dry areas of the reservoir.

Between 1979 and 1987 flows in the Rio Grande were significantly above normal. Elephant Butte Reservoir filled for the ftrst time since 1942 and the lower reaches of the Low Flow Conveyance Channel and rectified floodway were inundated. Great quantities of sediment deposited in the upper reservoir and in the river reach affected by its backwater. Channels were filled by depositing sediment impairing delivery of water into the reservoir.

When the reservoir level began to drop, restoration of efficient channels into the reservoir became a high priority. This paper describes and documents the strategies and methods employed to restore efficient transport of water and sediment into Elephant Butte Reservoir.

Innovative Spillway Designs

Thomas Hepler — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:56 PDT

Research performed by the ASCE Hydraulics Division - Task Committee on Alternatives for Overtopping Protection for Dams includes the investigation of innovative spillway designs. This paper briefly describes the design and construction of labyrinth spillways, fuseplug embankments, and flexible membrane spillways. A more detailed discussion will be included in the final report of the Task Committee.

Modification of the stilling Basin at Arthur R. Bowman Dam, Oregon to Reduce Dissolved Gas Supersaturation

Perry Johnson — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:56 PDT

A physical model study was conducted in the Hydraulics Laboratory of the us Bureau of Reclamation to develop a modification for the stilling basin at Arthur R. Bowman Dam, Oregon. Flow through the existing stilling basin generates supersaturated dissolved gas levels that exceed state standards. Alternatives stilling basin designs were considered. Resulting dissolved gas levels, modified energy dissipation, and potential structure and river bottom and bank erosion were evaluated.

The Administration's Approach to the ESA: Building a Stewardship Ethic for the 21st Century

Amy Klee — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:55 PDT

When President Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act (ESA) into law in 1973, it is unlikely that anyone imagined the pivotal role it would play in a wide range of land and water management decisions. There are now over 1,200 species of plants and animals listed as threatened or endangered in the United States. Certain areas of the country that historically have had a great diversity of species are now home to large numbers oflisted plants and animals. California, for example, has 292 listed species, and Alabama has 125. In some areas, every major land and water management decision or action involves an endangered species issue at some point.

Over time, the ESA has evolved, so it is no longer simply about protecting imperiled species from extinction. It has become the backdrop against which we balance economic activity and recreation against the conservation of plants and animals and their habitat. In the process, it has pitted landowners and water users against species, the West versus the East. It has resulted in economic hardship and controversy in some areas. And, it has created a federal bureaucracy that often is perceived to care more about plants and animals than humans. Because of this, we have missed opportunities to develop the partnerships with states and landowners that can achieve significant benefits for species-and their habitat.

Recent Criteria for Design of Groins

Cassie Klump et al. — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:55 PDT

Groins are defined as an elongated obstruction with one end on the bank of a stream and the other end projecting into the flow. Groins may be permeable allowing water to flow through at reduced velocities or impermeable blocking the current. Groins have been used successfully for river bank protection since the 19th century. Extensive research was conducted to determine the most recent design criteria for groins.

The criteria necessary to design a groin field are:
1. groin orientation;
2. length and spacing of groins;
3. predicting scour at groins;
4. elevation of groin crest;
5. groin side slopes and roots;
6. location of groins within river reach;
7. riprap size; and
8. flow conditions around groins.

Ecology (Re)Defined

Mary Rowland — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:54 PDT

This slender, well-written volume is a compendium of terms, 60 altogether, purportedly intended to introduce the layperson to the discipline of ecology. With encyclopedic listings from "Air" to "Zoos," we learn that potential effects of global warming include the spread of malaria and other tropical diseases to previously uninfected areas, and that the world's six billion humans consume 40% of the planet's photosynthetic output. It is clear from the first entry that the book is as much an environmental primer as a science-based one. For example, we read under the topic "Air" that "We should not continue human activities that cause it to bring death and disease." As a biologist I was initially dismayed by the advocacy of a book I presumed would be more science-based. However, after accepting the book's dual nature as a handbook for both environmental activists as well as for those interested in a general introduction to the field of ecology, I was better able to enjoy its value-laden text.

Steady and Unsteady Flow Profiles in Reclamation

Curtis Orvis — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:54 PDT

The Bureau of Reclamation owns and operates over 300 dams throughout the 17 western states. For most of these structures, tailwater measurements and steady-state water surface profile computations have been made using the PSEUDO program. Accuracy in water surface profile computations especially downstream from powerplants has been important. Small changes in differential head can mean large changes in power production and associated revenues generated. Peaking operations and flow fluctuations downstream from some dams has made flow conditions unsteady. The DWOPER program has been used to evaluate tailwater conditions under fluctuating flows at a number of sites. The STARS model was developed in Reclamation to incorporate the movement of sediment into water routing. Water surface profile computations are an integral part of the water and sediment routing process.

This paper presents case histories in the use of the PSEUDO, STARS, and DWOPER models in Reclamation to evaluate tailwater conditions. The developmental theories, varying uses, and intended purposes of the three models are discussed and comparisons of computed water surface profiles to measured data are presented.

The Spatial Variability of Energy and Carbon Dioxide Fluxes at the Floor of a Deciduous Forest

Kell B. Wilson et al. — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:36:53 PDT

Fluxes of carbon dioxide, water and sensible heat were measured using three different eddy covariance systems above the forest floor of a closed deciduous forest (leaf area index ~ 6). The primary objective was to examine the representativeness of a single eddy covariance system in estimating soil respiration for time scales ranging from one-half hour to more than one week. Experiments were conducted in which the eddy covariance sensors were in one of three configurations: i) collocated, ii) separated horizontally or iii) separated vertically. A measure of the variation between the three systems (CV' 0, related to the coefficient of variation) for half-hour carbon dioxide fluxes was 0.14 (collocated systems), 0.34 (vertically separated systems at 1, 2 and 4 m above the surface), and 0.57 (systems horizontally separated by 30 m). A similar variation was found for other scalar fluxes (sensible and latent heat). Variability between systems decreased as the number of half-hour sampling periods used to obtain mean fluxes was increased. After forty-eight hours (means from ninety-six half-hour samples), CV' 0 values for carbon dioxide fluxes were 0.07, 0.09 and 0.16 in the collocated, vertically separated and horizontally separated experiments, respectively. The time dependence of variability has implications on the appropriateness of using short-term measurements in modelling validation studies. There are also implications concerning the appropriate number of half hour samples necessary to obtain reliable causal relationships between flux data and environmental parameters. Based on the longer-term measurements, we also discuss the representativeness of a single eddy covariance system in long-term monitoring of soil respiration and evaporation beneath forest canopies using the eddy covariance method.

Wildlife Water Catchment Construction in Nevada

William R. Brigham et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:39:35 PDT

This technical note describes two artificial water catchment (guzzler) construction methods that are used in northern and southern Nevada. In northern Nevada, a standard guzzler unit is constructed, and a site is located in which to install it. In southern Nevada, the slickrock and artificial apron units are tailored to specific sites. Each of these methods includes detailed information on site selection, site preparation, selection and transport of materials and equipment, and step-by-step construction information. The technical note should give prospective builders enough information to construct a guzzler on their own. The note also includes information on construction methods and materials that have proven to be less than successful, and a brief section on other water development methods.

A Report on the Potential Use of USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Data by the Bureau of Land Management

Bill Williams et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:35:48 PDT

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) does not have a consistent internal program or source of vegetation data to use for strategic level planning, such as in resource management plans. This technical note discusses and evaluates the potential of the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program to assist the BLM in filling this data gap. The FIA program is the Forest Service’s national program for collecting and reporting information on status and trends in forested ecosystems. The FIA is considered here because it is the only standard, nationwide, systematic assessment of forest land available. The technical note poses five questions about the use of FIA data by the BLM for purposes such as strategic planning, the use of FIA spatial products, modeling or predicting areas at risk of disturbance from fires, insects, or disease, and assessing the extent of weeds or exotic species. The technical note then discusses the uses for which the FIA data would be meaningful and the uses for which extra effort would be required.

Roads and Trails Terminology

Division of Recreation and Visitor Services, Bureau of Land Management et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:32:01 PDT

The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) transportation system represents one of the most critical assets in the accomplishment of the BLM’s mission to manage public lands. It affords entry for public access and provides the infrastructure that supports uses ranging from recreation to commercial activity and is the primary means of access to the 261.8 million acres under BLM jurisdiction.
Requirements associated with the effective stewardship of public lands, such as the Government Performance and Results Act, Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and Off-Road Vehicle Executive Orders, continue to focus expectations internally and externally on a coordinated, consistent, and cohesive approach to the management of transportation-related linear features—generically referred to as routes—on public lands. The rationale for this effort is that the broad effect of the transportation system across the BLM’s missions, strategic goals, and programs makes a consistent, organization-wide approach, rooted in common terms and definitions, an essential part of the management of public lands.
Several terms are used in reference to roads and trails on BLM lands. For purposes of this report, the term “linear features” has been used to describe transportation system-related “features,” from engineered roadways with asphalt surfaces through challenging trails accessible only to non-motorized traffic; “linear features” includes designated and non-designated assets. The implementation of the Facility Asset Management System (FAMS) highlighted the need for a standard lexicon.

Risk Management Criteria for Metals at BLM Mining Sites

Karl L. Ford — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:27:27 PDT

This report sets forth acceptable soil and sediment criteria for heavy metals released from abandoned hard rock mining sites as they relate to ecosystem management and protection of human health and wildlife. The USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages approximately 270 million acres of public lands, primarily in the Western U.S. These lands include several hundred thousand abandoned mining sites, some of which may be releasing heavy metals into the environment at levels toxic to wildlife.

Phytostabilization as a Remediation Alternative at Mining Sites

Dannis Neuman et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:24:58 PDT

In the last 10 years, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reclaimed a number of abandoned mine land (AML) sites, often by removing mine, mill, and smelter wastes and taking them to a repository. This removal process involves excavating, hauling, placing, and capping tens of thousands of cubic yards of material, which can be quite costly.
BLM is seeking more cost-effective methods for reclaiming AML sites. Phytostabilization is a promising alternative for accomplishing the goals of a removal at a tenth of the cost. Phytostabilization is an in situ technology involving soil amendments and metals-tolerant plants to establish a ground cover that can reduce migration of metals to air, surface water, and ground water; reduce soil toxicity; and meet applicable, relevant, and appropriate requirements (ARARs). This technology has been found effective under certain conditions.
Through a 3-year applications of science (AOS) grant, BLM’s National Science and Technology Center (NSTC) has worked with field offices and universities to pilot phytostabilization at two sites. This Technical Note summarizes the work done at the Keating tailings site near Butte, Montana, by Montana State University.
At the Keating tailings site, planting occurred in 2003. This year, which was the last year of the AOS grant, the test plots were in their third growing season. Canopy cover and above-ground biomass data have been collected, and samples have been analyzed for metal and arsenic concentrations. However, at least 1-2 years of additional monitoring of plant establishment and metals uptake sampling are required to verify the success of the technology and determine its feasibility for other AML sites on public lands.

Peak Lek Attendance for Greater Sage-Grouse within the Northern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

Destin Harrell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:20:06 PDT

Lek attendance surveys were analyzed to gain a better understanding of the life history of greater sage-grouse on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management's Cody Field Office.

Passive Treatment Systems for Acid Mine Drainage

K. L. Ford — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:10:59 PDT

Passive Treatment Systems provide an alternative method for removing metals from acid mine drainage. There are several types of passive treatment systems; they may be used on their own or in combination to treat difficult effluents. The type of system selected is dependent upon the chemistry of the acid mine drainage and the flow of the discharge, as well as State and Federal regulations. Passive treatment systems do not require power and are less expensive than active treatment systems. They also require less maintenance, which makes them advantageous in remote locations.

Assessment of Oak Woodland Resources in BLM’s Eugene District

David G. Chiller et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:07:30 PDT

Because of the significant loss of oak (Quercus spp.) habitat and the subsequent increased value placed on oak woodlands for wildlife habitat, the preservation and restoration of native oak woodlands has become a priority for land managers and conservationists in the Western United States. In 1998, reconnaissance surveys were conducted on 13 oak woodland sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Eugene District in Lane County, Oregon. The sites were classified as either meadow-type communities or woodland-type communities; oak patches within the sites were delineated; and the topographic features, vegetation structure, and composition of the sites were characterized. Current conditions were then compared with conditions documented in historical records. In addition, the wildlife species most likely occurring on the sites were identified. Literature from oak woodland studies was then reviewed to determine whether certain management and restoration methods, such as eliminating conifer encroachment and thinning closed-canopy stands, would be effective in addressing conditions observed at the BLM sites.

Measuring & Monitering Plant Populations

Caryl L. Elzinga et al. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:04:12 PDT

This technical reference describes the role of effective monitoring and provides a step-by-step overview of the entire monitoring process for single plant species. The challenges of successful monitoring involve efficient and specific design and a commitment to implementation of the monitoring project, from data collection to reporting and using results. The material in this reference is presented in a logical progression from planning and objective setting, designing the methodology, and taking the measurements in the field to analyzing and presenting the data and making the necessary management responses. However, many of the steps occur simultaneously or provide feedback for the others. Decisions made at each step of the monitoring process can affect the whole project and may sometime lead to reassessment of previous decisions.

Managing for Enhancement of Riparian and Wetland Areas of the Western United States: An Annotated Bibliography

David A. Koehler et al. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:40:18 PDT

This annotated bibliography contains 1,905 citations from professional journals, symposia, workshops, proceedings, technical reports, and other sources. The intent of this compilation was to: (1) assemble, to the extent possible, all available and accessible publications relating to riparian management within a single source or document; (2) provide managers, field biologists, researchers, and others, a point of access for locating scientific literature relevant to their specific interest; and (3) provide, under one cover, a comprehensive collection of annotated publications that could disseminate basic information relative to the status of our knowledge.