Comprehensive Evaluation Report

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................ 2
Executive Summary .................................................................................... 1
Introduction ................................................................................................ 2
Area of Analysis .......................................................................................... 2
Historical Context ....................................................................................... 5
Roles of the Grasslands ............................................................................... 6
Determining the Need to Change the Current Management Plan ................. 7
Revision Topic 1: Ecosystem Diversity ....................................................... 8
Current Conditions and Trends ................................................................. 8
Vegetation .................................................................................................. 8
Soil Resources ........................................................................................... 13
Air ............................................................................................................. 15
Species Diversity ....................................................................................... 16
Ecosystem and Species Diversity Risk Assessments.................................. 18
Ecosystem Diversity Concern Areas ......................................................... 19
Need for Change: Ecosystem Diversity ..................................................... 20
Revision Topic 2: Managed Recreation ...................................................... 20
Current Conditions and Trends ............................................................... 20
Hiking and Camping .................................................................................. 21
Off-Highway Motorized Use ....................................................................... 21
Hunting and Fishing .................................................................................. 22
Other Recreation Activities ....................................................................... 22
Developed Recreation Sites ....................................................................... 22
Areas of Interest ....................................................................................... 23
Managed Recreation Concern Areas .......................................................... 24
Need for Change: Managed Recreation .................................................... 24
Revision Topic 3: Human Influences on the Grasslands ............................ 25
Current Condition and Trends ................................................................. 26
Livestock and Range Management ............................................................ 27
Oil and Gas ................................................................................................ 27
Roads and Access ...................................................................................... 28
Special Uses .............................................................................................. 28
Common Minerals and Products ................................................................ 28
Research ................................................................................................... 29
Fire Management and Law Enforcement ................................................... 29
Heritage Resources ................................................................................... 30
References Cited ....................................................................................... 32
Appendix A: Maps ............................................................................. 36