OCR Text |
Show 2. Proposed water developments for livestock will be evaluated to verify the feasibility of the development and its appropriate configuration in light of the purpose of the project. The purpose of this guideline is to avoid unnecessary water storage or construction of ineffective design. 3. Livestock will not be permitted to foul natural water sources. Project proposals should include measures to prevent such pollution. 4. Minimum flows to support riparian and aquatic biota must be maintained in the natural channel. In no case will total diversion be permitted. 5. Land treatments are not appropriate in the NRA and will not be permitted. Water resource effects in the NRA from land treatments on adjacent lands should be minimized during allotment planning. 6. Wildlife and recreationist access to water sources must not be impaired, and should be enhanced where feasible. 7. All projects involving changes in grazing operations will be evaluated for potential beneficial or adverse effects on NRA water resources. 8. Grazing on NRA lands will conform to approved allotment management plans. Such plans will only approve grazing systems and stocking rates that will protect NRA water resources from damage. Where feasible, practices will be prescribed to rehabilitate damaged water resources, including riparian zones. 9. The water supply of riparian- dependent resources ( plants and animals) must be maintained. 10. All water rights will be retained by the federal government when a water source is developed for cattle on federal lands in the recreation area. No water right, expressed or implied, will pass to the permittee. These guidelines would be communicated to BLM District Managers and through them to the allottees. Under this alternative, programs to monitor park waters affected by grazing would be initiated. All range management actions would be evaluated for their effect on water resources and conformance with the above guidelines. Existing developments not meeting the guidelines would be scheduled for upgrading on a phase- in basis if they are still considered necessary under current allotment planning. Water resource concerns would be incorporated into allotment management plans, providing long- range guidance for allottees and land managers. 53 |