Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperative Steering Committee Meeting April 29 May 1, 2014 State Capitol Building, Santa Fe, NM

Transcription

1 Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperative Steering Committee Meeting April 29 May 1, 2014 State Capitol Building, Santa Fe, NM Steering Committee Meeting Objectives Build agreement on areas of strategic focus for SRLCC performance Identify Potential Focus Areas for conservation opportunities Articulate a response to the National Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy Attendees Steering Committee members or representatives: Warren Day, SRLCC Chair, USGS, Southwest Region, Deputy Regional Director for Science Dave Anderson, SRLCC Vice Chair, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, State Director/Chief Scientist Patrick McCarthy, TNC, Director of Conservation Programs for New Mexico Gloria Tom, Navajo Nation Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Director Frank McCormick USFS - RMRS, Program Manager (via phone) Kyle McFee, Shivwits Band of Paiutes, Land Resource, Manager Larry Walkoviak, BOR - Upper Colorado Region, Regional Director (Day 1) Jennifer Faler, BOR, Albuquerque Area Office, Deputy Area Manager (Day 3) Matt Hogan, FWS - Mountain- Prairie Region, Deputy Regional Director Matt Wunder NM Dept. of Game & Fish, Chief Conservation Services Division Mike Johnson, New Mexico Office of State Engineer, Hydrology Bureau Chief Mitchel Hannon, Trust for Public Land, GIS Program Manager Patrick Donnelly, IWJV, Spatial Ecologist Rick Truex USFS - Rocky Mountain Region, Regional Wildlife Ecologist Tammy Belone, Pueblo of Jemez, Natural Resources Dept. Program Manager Pam Benjamin, NPS, Inter- Mountain Region, Climate Change Coordinator Joseph Jojola, BIA, Southwest Region, Biologist & Climate Change Representative Marikay Ramsey, BLM, New Mexico State Office, T&E Biologist Other Participants: Steve Torbit, FWS - Mountain- Prairie Region, Assistant Regional Director for Science Applications Greg Watson, FWS - Mountain- Prairie Region, Chief, Office of Landscape Conservation Lawrence Snow, Shivwits Band of Paiutes Dana Roth, FWS - Southwest Region, Assistant Regional Director for Science Applications Annessa Culbreth, FWS - Southwest Region, Science Applications, Executive Assistant Zachary Rothmier, BOR, Policy & Program Analyst John Bradford, USGS, Research Ecologist SRLCC Staff: Kevin Johnson, SRLCC, Coordinator John Rice, SRLCC, Science Coordinator Jered Hansen, USGS, SRLCC Data Manager/GIS Specialist Mary McFadzen, SRLCC, Communications/Outreach Specialist Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 1

2 Action Items and Requests 1. John Rice is taking the lead on developing the scoping documents for the three identified focal areas. A proposal for the Green River focal area will be summited for FWS National LCC funding, deadline is May 12. John Rice will have drafts for the Four Corners and Upper Rio Grande focal areas by late August. 2. Pam Benjamin offered to facilitate a cultural resources focal group that will develop a strategy to address priority needs. Steering Committee members will provide to Pam by May 15 the names and contact information of staff to serve on this group. 3. Kevin Johnson will schedule a conference call for SC members who are interested in providing input on the National Fish Wildlife and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy. Kevin Johnson and Warren Day will craft a letter as a response from the SRLCC. 4. BOR is seeking volunteers to review SRLCC 2014 funding proposals. The review will take place by conference call on May 16, 19, and 20 (half days). If interested or know of folks, contact Zach Rothmier ASAP. John Rice will send a note about this need to the SRLCC Science Working Group. 5. Contact Kevin Johnson if interested in: 1) attending the LCC training on structured decision making and working on the National LCC strategic plan development, July 28-31, in Shepherdstown, WV; 2) participating on the National Academy of Sciences National LCC Network review panel. 6. Kevin Johnson will send a poll for a November SC meeting, which could take place in Moab DAY 1 APRIL 29 Welcome, Agenda Review, Introductions - Mike Johnson, NM Office of State Engineer - Warren Day, Chair - Kevin Johnson, Coordinator Partner Roundtable The Steering Committee (SC) members provided updates on recent activities and issues relevant to the SRLCC (see Roundtable Notes below). SRLCC Operational Status The following presentations were made: 1. SRLCC landscape characterization as a response to questions developed by the SC (John Bradford, Research Ecologist & Jered Hansen, Data Manager; Presentation: John Bradford also gave a presentation on plant, soil, and water dynamics in the SRLCC (Presentation: Comments LCCs are funding BLM effort to map invasive grasses (remote sensing with field validation) Data plan includes making datasets available in LC MAP and Data Basin, and in an appropriate publication (peer reviewed, perhaps USGS) Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 2

3 Similar to REAs, this work was not created but packaged and are larger in extent than REAs. Identify other stressors and incorporate into analysis and how carbon storage will change based on land cover change 2. Science and Data Analyst (John Rice, Science Coordinator; Presentation: 3. Strategic Synthesis and 5- year Science Plan (Kevin Johnson, Coordinator; Presentation: 4. Communications (Mary McFadzen, Communications Specialist; Presentation: Budget Kevin Johnson provided an overview of funding from The BOR and FWS combined to contribute $716,000; $891,000; and $669,000 towards science projects in 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively. Partners contributed matching funds in the amounts of $787,000; $982,000; and $808,000 for the same years. The BOR, FWS, USGS, and BLM combined to contribute $795,000; $997,000; and $932,000 towards capacity in 2011, 2012, and 2013 respectively. The SRLCC s 2014 Science Budget is $750,000 (BOR=$450,000; FWS=$300,000). FWS Science funds increased by $160,000 over last year due to the SRLCC s improved FWS Science Investment and Accountability Schedule (SIAS) performance. The 2014 Capacity Budget is $1M (BOR=$725,000; FWS=$750,000; USGS=$217,000; BLM=$75,000). The total operating budget for FY14 is $1.7 million. (Presentation: Strategic Planning Kevin Johnson provided a synopsis of the 2013 SIAS performance results for the SRLCC (Document: Activity Areas where the SRLCC could build upon and strengthen include: Conservation Goals and Measurable Objectives for the SRLCC s five focal resources, and Landscape Conservation Design (LCD). Pam Benjamin gave a presentation on the need to establish a Cultural Resources Focus Group to identify focal cultural resources and develop a strategy and framework for addressing cultural resources science needs (Presentation: Pam offered to facilitate the cultural resources focal group and asked the SC to provide to her by May 15 names and contact information of staff to serve on this group. LCD presentations were give by Steve Torbit (Presentation: and David Anderson (Presentation: Kevin Johnson laid out a proposed strategy for use of FWS 2014 science funds to support SRLCC efforts to identify Conservation Goals and Objectives and develop Landscape Conservation Design. The proposal is to use the $300,000 of FWS funds for the following 3 activities: 1. $50,000 leveraged with BLM funds to support a Data Analyst post doc position with the Utah Fish and Wildlife Coop Unit, Utah State University to assist and train decision makers in utilization of Colorado Plateau Rapid Ecoregional Assessment data and models, 2. $100,000 as leverage for additional funds (~$200,000) via a proposal submission to the National LCC office for conducting LCD in the Green River Basin, and 3. Remaining funds would be used in the following order to support: a Cooperative Ecosystems Study Unit agreement with State Heritage Programs to identify, synthesize and integrate partner goals and objectives for the SRLCC s 5 focal resources into larger shared landscape conservation Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 3

4 goals; support ongoing LCD efforts in the Rio Grande and 4- Corners focal areas; and leverage Bureau of Reclamation funds to support projects under Reclamation s recently released Funding Opportunity Announcement. Coordination and Partner Engagement Opportunities Via conference line, updates were provided by Robin O Malley (USGS, National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center), Jeff Morisette (4North Central Climate Science Center), Kim Winton (USGS, South Central Climate Science Center), and Ben Thatcher (FWS, National LCC Network). Focal Areas Kevin Johnson and John Rice led a discussion on potential focal areas where LCD could be implemented. SRLCC Partners had identified three focal areas where SRLCC science and conservation efforts could be most effective. John provided descriptions of geography and opportunities to leverage work done by partners or the SRLCC (Presentation: The three proposed focal areas are: Four Corners - SRLCC has funded 5 projects in this area Upper Rio Grande - SRLCC has funded 8 projects in this area Green River Basin - SRLCC has funded 9 projects in this area John indicated that each focal area would require a different approach. Because the Green River Basin is ready to go, the SRLCC could apply for National LCC Network funds to implement LCD, as proposed above in the 2014 FWS funding strategy from Kevin Johnson. The focal areas discussion resulted in the SC identifying the need for a prospectus or scoping document for each area to better inform the decision- making process. The discussion will be continued on Day 3. DAY 2 APRIL 30 Field trip to projects in Valles Caldera and Jemez Pueblo (Itinerary: DAY 3 MAY 1 Focal Areas Discussion (continued from Day 1) Patrick Donnelly gave a presentation on regional conservation planning for migratory birds using the example of sandhill cranes in the Intermountain West (Presentation: The SC articulated the scoping documents for the three focal areas should include: Map of area: use spray paint for boundaries Issues and drivers: develop decision criteria on how to focus efforts Incorporate SRLCC strategy document being completed by contractor Partner needs/upcoming resource management decisions Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 4

5 Stakeholder outreach phase o Overarching issues o Ongoing planning efforts within the focal area o Ongoing and upcoming efforts o Needs identified o Expected outcomes o Limited budget needs to recognize ongoing efforts that are larger than what the SRLCC can address SRLCC products to inform those decisions (scale, content) Data available to support products Gap analysis GREEN RIVER BASIN FOCAL AREA Area Green, Yampa, White, Little Snake, and Duchesne watersheds What All five SRLCC focal resources Need for multi- entity mule deer management plan Drivers of landscape change Energy development, climate change, water development, exurban development Who - John will craft proposal for FWS LCC funding, deadline is May 12 Marikay: Suggested Leigh Espy, BLM Kevin: Will contact UT and CO states John R.: Heather Patno, BOR regional office Steve: Will outreach to WY John R.: Will include Great Northern LCC David: Offered to review document FOUR CORNERS FOCAL AREA Area Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Reservations in CO, Navajo Nation, Farmington area in NM east to include Jicarilla Reservation, and San Juan Basin. What All five SRLCC focal resources need for multi- entity mule deer management plan BLM looking at renewable energy siting (golden eagles) dust- on snow and connection to snowmelt and water budget Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 5

6 Drivers of landscape change Oil and gas, renewable energy, climate change, water development, agriculture, exurban development Who - John will provide a draft by end of August John: Will contact Gloria, Southern Ute, Jicarilla, and UT and CO folks. He will call SC for contact details. Marikay: Will send info to John for BLM Farmington EIS POC Alison Shipp (USGS) developing plan for CO Plateau Permit revisions for BHP mines; EIS process in full swing for expanding Navajo coalmine and Four Corners power plant UPPER RIO GRANDE FOCAL AREA Area Upper headwaters of the watershed (San Luis Basin), Chama watershed, past the Cochiti Reservoir Dam, to the southern boundary of the SRLCC, include all Pueblos What Water availability (BOR, USGS, States) Drivers of landscape change Insects/fire, BOR interested in climate change adaptation, renewable energy (solar, geothermal), transmission lines, exurban development Who - John will provide a draft by end of August Rick: Rio Grande and Carson NF plan revision Mike: State energy and minerals Dept. Marikay: Suggested James Sippel, BLM state office for info on Rio Grande del Norte National Monument Tammy Belone Bret Bruce, USGS BLM Healthy Lands effort in San Luis Valley FWS CCP of Monte Vista and larger landscape conservation plan Rio Grande Basin Roundtable Mark Stone flow optimization study on Chama River TNC info on Rio Grande Protection Fund Upper Rio Grande cutthroat group Coordinate with Desert LCC Pending management issues: BOR and USGS effort on water availability and wetland availability John Rice noted the submission deadline for National LCC proposals is May 12. Thus John will prepare a proposal to conduct LCD in the Green River Basin. The proposal will suffice as the focal area s scoping document. Scoping documents for the remaining two focal areas will be completed by end of August, National Fish Wildlife and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy A conference call will be scheduled for SC members who are interested in providing input on the National Fish Wildlife and Plant Climate Adaptation Strategy. Warren and Kevin will craft a letter as a response from the SRLCC. Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 6

7 Fall SC meeting The meeting will take place in November, possibly in Moab. Kevin will send a poll. Addendum Following the SC meeting, members were asked via for their consent to the proposed strategy of how the FWS 2014 science funds could be used to support SRLCC objectives (see Strategic Planning section above). Members were asked to respond for each of the three proposed action items. To alleviate any concerns regarding conflict of interest the USGS refrained from responding to action No. 1 and the Colorado Natural Heritage Program refrained from responding to action No. 3. The Steering Committee responded with consensus to the funding strategy. Partner Roundtable Notes Warren Day: USGS is focusing on a wildfire science plan; the SC will have an opportunity to hear about this as part of our field trip tomorrow with Bob Parmenter. USGS is starting a science plan effort on the CO Plateau as part of three focal areas identified nationally. As a stakeholder group, USGS could work with LCCs. Alison Ship is USGS lead. Patrick McCarthy: TNC focus areas for the next couple of years are: flow restoration and protection; climate change and fire - - need science integration and interpretation. For climate change and fire, there are four pilot projects. A new consortium is the Middle Rio Grande water protection fund: investments are being made by many groups. The idea is to scale- up size and pace of forest restoration to protect water source. LCC funded project. Flow restoration and protection: more experiments and monitoring pulse flow of release. TNC feels need for science platform to support reallocation of water, etc. LCC funded project on Gila. Completed recent report for SRLCC. For recovery program, we would like to see better sharing and integrated across the region. How to develop water investment trusts at large scale get more water into rivers. Science is not real strong on this need to show benefits. Rick Truex: The 2012 Planning Rule is still being litigated. Within SRLCC, Rio Grande and Carson NF are revising plans. Process takes 3-5 yrs. Assessments are required and valuable information can be provided by LCCs and BLM REAs. Marikay Ramsey: Now doing focal areas at landscape scale with guidelines/parameters. No new funding. Should help bring climate change into restoration efforts at a larger scale beyond boundaries. Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument is now working on resource planning. This could benefit from LCC input. REAs status: NM still working on it, CO Plateau is completed. Pam Benjamin: NPS is creating work groups working on natural resource science and information needs. Can work with LCCs. Pam and Tom Olliff are working on adaptation planning guide with IMR parks Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 7

8 with plans to complete by end of the year. Thanks to the LCCs because we are using LCC products as well as state CHATS. Joe Jojola: We need to engage with tribes with ongoing changes. There are 24 tribes in region and we need to do more work to engage them because we only have one tribe on SC from the BIA s Southwest Region. We have responsibility to assist them and reach out to help as best we can. Big issues are fire, water, and water quality. Kyle McFee: The Great Basin LCC is starting a TEK working group and offering a webinar this Thursday. Will be interesting to see how the group works. CSCs have good people willing to help. Gloria Tom: We have Tribal elections so there may be changes in overall efforts. Now focus on engaging Natural Resource departments to start planning for climate change. Our department recently completed CCVAs. Other departments such as forestry are not looking at it. We are trying to get them together to develop strategic plans. We are trying to engage local communities in Navajo Nation and targeting local grazers, changes to wildlife habitat, and overall landscape. Mitchel Hannon: Our funding sources want us to be strategic and identify how we deploy information to people out in the field. Realize that other people like LCCs are doing a lot of things we use to do. We need to sift/distill through all the information for managers. Mike Johnson: Litigation on water is our world right now and drives a lot of what we do. Hopefully, planning efforts help avoid this. Water issues effects on T&E on the radar. Change of leadership on interstate stream (Lopez) will have impact on what they do. Matt Wuder: We are updating SWAPS, received funding from SRLCC for CHATS, and starting work with WGA to develop visualization tool. The department provides consultation services for agencies and organizations on projects and policies. Can link SWAPs to CHAT and other tools. There is a tremendous amount of information from REAs, etc. SRLCC could help us better understand use of this information for SWAPS and other tools, and climate impacts for long- term management. As climate change moves forward, we are seeing declines such as in mule deer populations. Can also impact fishers in future. David Anderson: The wetland headwaters study group could work with SRLCC to develop map of wetland ecosystem services. Ecological integrity assessments: market credits for sage- grouse habitat in CO; working with TNC on CO conservation exchange on trading water credits. Climate change: working with USGS, CSCs, and tribes in CO on climate change vulnerability assessment, looking at species and livelihoods. NatureServe offers tools that can be used for species VAs. LCCs can play a role in this. Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 8

9 Upcoming conference on private and communal lands on Sept 7-12 in Estes Park. It s international and we could highlight LCC. Matt Hogan: The goal by end of this year is to get regions to come up with a landscape and surrogate species approach. We are focusing on the Flint Hills, KS. Steve T. and Greg W. are working on this. The 2014 appropriations bill stipulates a review of LCCs by the National Academy of Sciences, due fall of LCCs are suggesting people with expertise on landscape conservation to NAS to serve as reviewers/panel. Let Kevin know if interested. Pat Donnelly: IMJV encompass three LCCs. Provided a handout on science planning for sage- grouse and sandhill cranes. We are starting a project on how wetland resources are impacted or change on broad landscapes using sandhill cranes. Tammy Belone: How to bring LCC back to tribe/cultural leaders. Tribe relies on water for cultural reasons, etc. It s all about cultural, all encompassing. Larry Walkoviak: Showed a few slides of the Moreles Dam water release on Colorado River. Diversion dam for Mexico, 1944 treaty. Release took several years of collaboration across countries. 105,000 acre- feet of water were identified by Mexico for this use. Agreement is for five years for water conservation and water storage. Spring 2014 SRLCC Steering Committee Meeting Notes Page 9