Blacks Creek BIRD RESERVE A COMMUNITY VISION FOR BLACKS CREEK RESERVOIR

Blacks Creek BIRD RESERVE A COMMUNITY VISION FOR BLACKS CREEK RESERVOIR 1

This document was prepared by the Golden Eagle Audubon Society and the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley with support and input from: Bureau of Land Management, Four Rivers Field Office; Idaho Department of Fish and Game; Ada County Sheriff; Pleasant Valley Irrigation District; Nicholson Family; Idaho Bird Observatory; Kruger Family; Hillbilly Rock Krew; Idaho Wildlife Federation. August 29, 2011 Funding for this plan and its implementation was provided by TogetherGreen (http://www.togethergreen.org/). Photos provided by: Bruce Ackerman; Pam Conley; Kurt Fesenmyer; Mike Morrison (bird photos); Jane Rohling Document layout provided by: Mary McFadzen HoundDog Designs 2

COMMUNITY VISION FOR BLACKS CREEK BIRD RESERVE In the future, Blacks Creek Reservoir continues to function as storage for irrigation water while being an attraction for wildlife and people. Several parking areas provide access to the site for birders and the recreating public while aesthetic fencing and barriers manage vehicle access and minimize cross country travel. Restoration of the site improves habitat. Livestock are able to pass through the site. Signs provide information about the wildlife and ways people can help protect and enjoy Blacks Creek Bird Reserve. 3

Background Blacks Creek Reservoir (BCR) is an oasis of water and mud flats in the desert southeast of Boise, Idaho. It was constructed to deliver irrigation water to farmers along Kuna Mora Road. The Pleasant Valley Irrigation District was formed as the entity responsible for managing the reservoir operations. There are currently fewer than 15 shareholders. Water delivery is sporadic, and downstream land uses have changed in such a way that effective delivery has become challenging. Water use takes place during the spring, but water generally remains in the reservoir throughout the year. This water feature in a sagebrush steppe environment is unique and an attraction for a variety of wildlife, especially birds. This Master Site Plan addresses a 620 acre area centered on Blacks Creek Reservoir. We review current conditions within this area of interest; assess threats to achieving the shared vision described above; describe stakeholder perspectives that were gathered during personal interviews with individuals and agency leadership; and present four alternative actions for future management of BCR and the surrounding uplands. Blacks Creek Reservoir was identified as an Important Bird Area in 1995 by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and National Audubon Society. The site is used during the breeding season by multiple species of waterfowl, other waterbirds, and shorebirds. Many shorebirds also use this site during migration, including American avocet, black-necked stilt, long-billed dowitcher, killdeer, and long-billed curlew. Burrowing owls and other raptors can be found along the upland banks of the reservoir (http:// iba.audubon.org/iba/profilereport.do?siteid=536). Blacks Creek Reservoir was identified as a potential Jewel in the Desert by the Ada County Open Space Task Force (http://www.idahosmartgrowth.org/images/uploads/ files/ostf_report_v7_04-19-08_final.pdf). The task force recommended the area be considered for development of an open space park/preserve (page E4) connected to similar sites by waterways, habitat corridors, and walking trails and managed as an outdoor oasis, providing wildlife habitat and recreation in a growing part of the county. National, state, and local entities share the vision that the BCR area can and should provide high-quality wildlife habitat and an aesthetically pleasing recreation site. 4

Current Condition The surface of BCR fluctuates between approximately 52 acres and 200 acres in a given water-year. Typically, the reservoir fills to annual maximum by late May and recedes to annual minimum by early spring. During low water, when about 52 acres (8%) of the area is inundated, approximately 142 acres (23%) are sagebrush steppe, 272 acres (44%) are grass/forb mudflat, 12 acres (2%) are riparian, and 143 acres (23%) are highly disturbed by vehicle traffic. During high water, much of the grass/forb mudflat and disturbance cover types are inundated. The water slowly recedes from this area over the course of the summer, fall, and winter as water is released from the dam and evaporation occurs. Because of its location the BCR area has been spared the effects of common broad-scale disturbances such as wildfire (Kuna Mora Road and the railroad right-of-way act as firebreaks), and drought (groundwater and the impoundment combine to provide year-round water). Instead, localized and site-specific disturbances are the primary factors degrading wildlife habitat and inhibiting broad visitor enjoyment of the area. A DIVERSITY OF HABITAT TYPES AND BIRD SPECIES Bird abundance and diversity are the primary conservation values at BCR. Due to the diversity of habitat and availability of water in and around the reservoir, bird diversity is high relative to the surrounding landscape. More than 150 bird species have been recorded during standard surveys and recreational observations at Blacks Creek Reservoir. OPEN WATER Isolated, shallow lakes are uncommon in the matrix of urban, agricultural, and arid lands of the western Snake River plain and provide a rare and important habitat for birds. Several species of conservation concern including Clark s grebe, greater scaup, and northern pintail can be quite abundant. High profile species, such as American white pelican and tundra swan, also use the reservoir as a migration stopover. At least 21 species of waterfowl use the open water resource and at times in the Spring several hundred ducks, geese, and grebes are on the water at any one time. MUD FLATS Blacks Creek Reservoir provides open mudflat habitat in the fall when water levels drop and shorebird migration is in full swing. This coincidence is a boon to the 27 species of long legged waders that visit the site. Mud flats remain available through late spring providing habitat for returning migrants. Migration stopover sites are recognized as a critical component to global shorebird conservation, so BCR represents a linkage to broader scale wildlife conservation. RIPARIAN HABITAT Blacks Creek Reservoir contains both intact and impacted riparian areas around the perimeter of the reservoir and in the canyon bottom below the dam. These areas are dominated by large willows, Woods rose, and red-osier dogwood. UPLAND HABITAT The area surrounding the reservoir contains upland habitats dominated by sagebrush steppe, a portion of which is private land. More than 100 species of birds use these habitats, including sensitive species like short eared owl, loggerhead shrike, and Brewer s sparrow, which is seeing drastic declines throughout its range. CLIFFS AND ROCKY OUTCROPS Cliffs and rocky outcrops in the project area harbor birds of prey such as prairie falcons and canyon wrens. Below the dam, the basalt cliffs are a mini version of the Snake River Canyon and serve as another component to a diverse habitat area. 5

Impacts OFF ROAD VEHICLES Off road vehicle (ORV) use has created a spider web of tracks and trails on both public and private land. This impacts vegetation, disturbs wildlife, and affects water quality. The use of mud flats for mud bogging is most frequent in the areas most attractive to shorebirds resulting in chronic disturbance. Much of the mud bogging activity is seasonally concentrated at the time of spring migration. Shorebirds are highly sensitive to vehicle disturbance. TRASH DUMPING Trash dumping at BCR is a severe problem. Though volunteer cleanup projects have greatly reduced the amount of trash on site, more inevitably shows up again over the course of a year. In some cases, vehicle access exacerbates the amount of trash that gets dumped. TARGET SHOOTING While a public shooting range exists one mile away, the BCR area attracts those who prefer a less structured shooting experience. Unfortunately the target shooting results in trash being shot up and left behind, as well as an unnerving experience for the casual visitor out to bird watch. Unknown levels of lead waste exist in the hillsides used as a target backstop. Many hours of volunteer time are spent cleaning up target shooting debris. Managing vehicle access will help. 6

Stakeholder Perspectives PLEASANT VALLEY IRRIGATION DISTRICT (PVI) PVI is one of two major private landowners of the BCR area; the primary role of PVI is to manage the delivery of the water held in the reservoir. Impacts to the surrounding land owned by PVI and the effects of vandalism to the dam structure are of concern. The landowners have made attempts in the past to limit trash dumping and off road vehicle impacts to their lands with varying degrees of success. They are supportive of a more proactive management approach to the area around the reservoir. PRIVATE RANCH INTERESTS Cattle grazing takes place around the reservoir and the water is an important resource. The primary need is to allow for cattle to move from public land south of Kuna Mora Road through the BCR area to private ranch land to the north. RESIDENTIAL INTERESTS One home exists near BCR. Shooting is a tremendous concern for them and they have experienced incidents of bullets impacting their property. Litter and vandalism have a negative effect on property values. The owners have expressed support for better management of the area. Other private land nearby had been proposed as a planned community. While promoters of the development supported better management, the development proposal is currently on hold. IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME (IDFG) The IDFG manages Blacks Creek Public Shooting Range just downstream from the dam. They also manage the state s wildlife and see value in curtailing the indiscriminate shooting and vehicle use around the area because of its disruption to wildlife. They have no authority to regulate the activities that have become a problem at BCR beyond enforcing existing hunting and fishing regulations, but support a more proactive approach to managing the area. OFF ROAD VEHICLE USER While this user group is hard to reach out to, a member of a 4x4 group was interviewed about this project. This area does not offer the size or terrain to be of much interest to responsible off road vehicle enthusiasts. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT BOISE DISTRICT OFFICE (BLM) The BLM s Four Rivers Field Office is undertaking a management plan update. Until it is complete, management of public lands in the area is guided by the Kuna Management Framework Plan (KMFP). The alternatives proposed here involving public lands would be in conformance with the KMFP. Any activity proposed on public lands would need to be analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act. WILDLIFE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION INTERESTS The site is remote when compared to other local Boise areas of conservation interest like the foothills and Boise River. In the past, it has not had a strong constituency that is ready to organize and work to conserve the area. The Golden Eagle Audubon Society has taken a leadership role in raising awareness of the reservoir s wildlife value and working to find ways to make it a great community asset. In agreement with the Important Bird Area program and the Ada County Open Space Task Force, they see the area s potential as a bird reserve, where recreation and visitor use are planned and directed in ways that enhance wildlife habitat. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching need to be provided in certain places and ways that provide enough room for birds and other wildlife to exist. Shorebirds are notoriously sensitive to human presence; therefore, proper management of disturbance on site would likely have significant benefits to shorebird conservation at regional scales. TARGET SHOOTING Blacks Creek Reservoir appeals to shooting enthusiasts looking for unstructured shooting opportunities. Nearby public and private shooting ranges charge fees and enforce regulations that may not appeal to persons who shoot at BCR. Much of the shooting takes place on private tracts at BCR; however, because the area is not wellmarked, most shooters do not know they are violating laws and trespassing. Typically, these users are not part of, or represented by, organized shooting clubs. Perspectives listed here were gathered during on-site interviews. 7

Public and Private Ownership Creates Need for Collaboration Pleasant Valley Irrigation District, private ranch land, and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) make up the ownership of BCR. It is important for these entities to work together to better manage the site. SUPPORTING PARTNERS The following partners have expressed an interest in seeing changes to the Blacks Creek Reservoir area and reducing the various impacts from unmanaged use. Their input was helpful in the creation of this document. Bureau of Land Management Idaho Department of Fish and Game Ada County Sheriff s Department Pleasant Valley Irrigation District Nicholson family ranch Idaho Bird Observatory The Kruger family Hill Billy Rock Krew Idaho Wildlife Federation Golden Eagle Audubon Society The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS This document presents four alternative actions that include those in which the BLM is able and willing to participate, those actions where the BLM can t or won t participate and a No Action alternative. Each alternative calls for different lengths of fence and road improvements (Table 1). Alternatives consistent with the Vision presented in this Master Site Plan include those that: manage motor vehicle access in ways that significantly curtail or eliminate vehicle disturbance to wildlife and habitats on and around the reservoir, provide for low impact, high-quality visitor opportunities, provide water access to livestock, cease illegal target shooting, foster conditions that favor habitat recovery. Table 1: Miles of fence and road improvements by Alternative. Fencing required (miles) Improved road (miles) Alternative A 1.8 0 Alternative B 1.9 0.2 Alternative C 1.7 0 Alternative D 0 0 8

ALTERNATIVE A WITH BLM PARTICIPATION This alternative assumes the BLM is able to participate. It includes: 1. Three parking areas with the east side parking area close to the road. 2. Vehicle gates at the east and west end allow access by land and water managers, landowners, and law enforcement. 3. Perimeter fencing is installed. 4. Boulder barriers to allow livestock to pass through. 5. Prominent signs direct visitors to alternative ORV and shooting opportunities. 6. Trailhead signs and interpretive information enhance visitor experience. 7. Restoration opportunities on public land. A Effects: 1. Vehicles are contained to well-defined, marked parking areas near the road, lessening impact and slightly reducing the amount of fencing needed. 2. Livestock can pass through the area in between boulder barriers. 3. The public is informed about wildlife and low-impact ways to enjoy the area. 4. Riparian areas undergo natural revegetation. 5. Trash dumping curtailed. 6. Target shooters are directed to safe, legal alternate locations. 9

ALTERNATIVE B WITH BLM PARTICIPATION This alternative assumes the BLM is able to participate. It includes: 1. Three parking areas with the east side parking area at the northwest edge of BLM Property. 2. Vehicle gates at the east and west end allow access by land and water managers, landowners, and law enforcement. 3. An access road to the east parking area is defined and limits vehicles to a single route. 4. Perimeter fencing is installed. 5. Boulder barriers to allow livestock to pass through. 6. Prominent signs direct visitors to alternative ORV and shooting opportunities. 7. Trailhead signs and interpretive information enhance visitor experience. 8. Slightly higher (than Alternative A) fence costs. 9. Restoration opportunities on public land. B Effects: 1. Vehicles are contained to well-defined, marked parking areas. 2. The access road is well defined giving other areas a chance to heal. 3. Livestock can pass through the area in between boulder barriers. 4. The public is informed about wildlife and low-impact ways to enjoy the area. 5. Trash dumping curtailed. 6. Target shooters are directed to safe, legal alternate locations. 7. Riparian areas undergo natural revegetation. 10

ALTERNATIVE C WITHOUT BLM PARTICIPATION This alternative assumes the BLM cannot participate in the short term. 1. Three parking areas with the east side parking area at the northwest edge of BLM property. 2. Vehicle gates at the east and west end allow access by land and water managers, landowners, and law enforcement. 3. Road to the eastern parking is not improved. Use of the existing road continues. Eastern and western parking areas allowed to passively develop. 4. Perimeter fencing is installed. 5. Boulder barriers to allow livestock to pass through. 6. Prominent signs direct visitors to alternative ORV and shooting opportunities. 7. Trailhead signs and interpretive information enhance visitor experience. 8. Slightly higher (than Alternative A) fence costs. C Effects: 1. Vehicles are contained to well-defined, marked parking areas. 2. The access road is not defined, off-road travel not discouraged. 3. Livestock can pass through the area in between boulder barriers. 4. The public is informed about wildlife and low-impact ways to enjoy the area. 5. Trash dumping curtailed. 6. Target shooters are directed to safe, legal alternate locations. 7. Restoration on public land not likely under this alternative. 11

ALTERNATIVE D NO ACTION This alternative assumes no action taken. Status quo. 1. No parking areas established. 2. No additional fencing or barriers installed. 3. No signs posted informing visitors of legal uses or enhancing visitor experience. 4. Restoration not feasible. D Effects: 1. Vehicle access unmanaged. 2. Habitat continues to be impacted; no restoration opportunity. 3. Trash dumping possible with vehicle access. 4. Shooting continues due to easy access. 12