Brian Sandoval, Governor

Transcription

1 Nevada Department of Wildlife Upland Game Release Plan For State Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 June 2013

2 STATE OF NEVADA Brian Sandoval, Governor DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Tony Wasley, Director GAME DIVISION Larry Gilbertson, Chief Staff Shawn Espinosa, Upland Game Staff Biologist Western Region Southern Region Eastern Region Regional Supervisors Mike Dobel Steve Kimble Ken Gray Game Division Field Biologists Chris Hampson Pat Cummings Curt Baughman Carl Lackey Tom Donham Kari Huebner Kyle Neill Mike Scott Matt Jeffress Ed Partee Angelique Curtis Jeremy Lutz Jason Salisbury Caleb McAdoo Mike Podborny Scott Roberts Cover photos by: Shawn Espinosa This publication will be made available in an alternative format upon request. The Nevada Department of Wildlife receives funding through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and/or Wildlife Restoration. Federal Laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex [in educational programs]. If you believe you ve been discriminated against in any NDOW program, activity, or facility, please write to the following: US Fish and Wildlife Service or Director Division of Federal Assistance Nevada Department of Wildlife 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mailstop: MBSP Valley Road Arlington, VA Reno, NV Individuals with hearing impairments may contact the Department via telecommunications device at our Headquarters at , or teletype to following State Relay number at Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 2 of 43

3 Section Table of Contents Page Summary of Proposed Projects for Fiscal Years 2014 & Summary of Accomplishments for Fiscal Years 2012 & Summary of Accomplishments Table for FY 2012 & Species Summaries California quail 12 Statewide. 13 Mountain Quail. 14 Clover Mountains Cottonwood Canyon Delamar Mountains Boulder Spring 16 Delamar Mountains Jump Up Canyon. 17 Rainbow Canyon 18 Fish Creek Range.. 19 Virginia Range Bullion Ravine.. 20 Buck Mountain White Pine County Vya Rim Little Coleman Canyon.. 23 Rio Grande Turkey.. 24 Deer Lodge Canyon Doc s Pass Fairview Spring Oak Well Hollow Iowa Canyon and Boone Cr. Toiyabe Range (private). 29 XJ Ranch Unit 103 (private).. 31 Merriam s Turkey. 32 Chukar Partridge. 33 Southern Region. 34 Ruffed Grouse.. 35 Snake Mountains East Fork Deer/Middle Fork Jakes Pine Forest Range Boyd Basin/Knott Creek (private) Toiyabe Mountains San Juan Creek North Tuscarora Range - Toe Jam Creek.. 40 Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Bull Run Range Columbia Basin 42 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 3 of 43

4 Nevada Department of Wildlife Upland Game Release Plan For Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014 SUMMARY OF PROPOSED PROJECTS Species # Proposed # Proposed Introductions Augmentations California quail TBD TBD Mountain Quail 5 3 Rio Grande Turkey 5 1 Chukar Partridge TBD TBD Ruffed Grouse 1 3 Sharp tailed Grouse 1 Total: 11 8 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 4 of 43

5 NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE Upland Game Release Plan For Fiscal Years 2014 & 2015 The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is pleased to present the agency s Upland Game Release Plan for Fiscal Years 2014 and 2015 (July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015). Every two years, NDOW develops an Upland Game Release Plan for review and approval by the County Advisory Boards to Manage Wildlife and the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners. In addition, releases that are identified within this document must be approved by the appropriate federal land management agency prior to being implemented if the release occurs on federally managed lands. Some releases occur on private lands in coordination with landowners and where habitat is deemed appropriate for a given species. The following narrative summarizes NDOW s accomplishments recommended in the FY12-13 Upland Game Release Plan (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013). SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) continues to capture and release wild upland game bird species for population augmentation and establishment in accordance with the Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan and pertinent Biennial Upland Game Release Plans. In State Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013 the following species were translocated and released per the prior biennium s release plan: CALIFORNIA QUAIL (N=473) MOUNTAIN QUAIL (N=97) RUFFED GROUSE (N=138) COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE (N=50) In addition to these releases, portions of the total number of released birds were radio-marked to follow-up on habitat use and success of these translocations. The Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse re-establishment project in the Bull Run and Independence Mountains is a five year project that was initiated in the spring of A field crew and graduate student will be monitoring this project over the next several years to determine success or failure. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 5 of 43

6 WESTERN REGION California quail Releases of California quail remain an opportunistic luxury with the presence of thriving populations of residential and suburban settings within or near the greater Reno/Sparks, Carson City and Winnemucca areas. This circumstance has provided NDOW with a unique opportunity to obtain source stock to establish or augment populations of California quail in rural, wildland areas with suitable habitat. Capture efforts conducted during December and January of 2012 yielded a total of 473 California quail. Birds were captured from the Winnemucca and Reno areas and were released at three different release sites in the Western Region and one release site in the Eastern Region (see Eastern Region section below) during January of Two release sites were augmented with California quail in the East Range located in Pershing County. A total of 172 birds were released between these two locations. In addition, several releases of California quail were made at the Lower Clover Ranch located near the Humboldt/Elko County border. A total of 218 quail were released the Lower Clover Ranch. Habitat composition at these release sites is expected to promote long-term sustainability of California quail and subsequent sportsmen opportunity given productive environmental factors. Ruffed Grouse Currently, only one well established population of ruffed grouse exists in the Western Region located in the Santa Rosa Range in Humboldt County. In an effort to establish a new population, ruffed grouse were introduced on high elevation private parcels in the Pine Forest Range (also located in Humboldt County) in the fall of These private parcels are relatively small, but contain suitable habitat and are adjacent to larger expanses of habitat that would allow for greater occupations of habitat. A total of 45 ruffed grouse were released in two areas within the Pine Forest Range with one located on the northeastern portion of the range and the other located in the southwestern portion of the range. Some follow-up monitoring will be conducted in the form of point counts throughout the release locations to document drumming during the late spring and early summer months of It is likely that an augmentation will be necessary, likely in 2014, to firmly establish this population. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 6 of 43

7 EASTERN REGION California quail As discussed in the Western Region summary for California quail, 473 quail were caught during the winter of 2011/2012 within multiple urban settings in western Nevada. Of these, 83 were translocated to the Cowboy s Rest Ranch on the west side of the southern Ruby Mountains in Elko County. Even though the release was conducted on private lands, the proximity of suitable habitats will likely allow for population expansion. A key factor in this portion of Nevada is over-winter survival. In years where valley snows accumulate and temperatures decline below zero, over-winter mortality can have a significant impact on population size. Mountain Quail In December of 2012, a release of 97 mountain quail was conducted in the southern extension of the Ruby Mountains. More specifically, the west side of Buck Mountain was chosen based on similarities of habitat features of successful and existing mountain quail populations in Nevada, particularly in the central portion of the state. Generally speaking, the site has relatively mild winters, a large pinyon and Utah juniper overstorey with Wyoming and mountain big sagebrush in the understorey with adjacent riparian areas and springs scattered throughout the uplands. The terrain is gradual on the benches and the alluvial fans, however steep and precipitous terrain exists in the upper portions of the range. A strong seed and berry component can be found in the riparian areas, with willow, woods rose, aspen, chokecherry, elderberry, currant, Great Basin wild rye, and various other grasses as the dominant vegetative components. A capture contractor in Oregon was utilized to procure mountain quail from areas near Roseburg, Oregon. Due to past efforts in Nevada for mountain quail releases in the northern portion of the state, it was decided that birds from Oregon would be more adapted to the northern Nevada climates as compared to birds previously brought in from southern California, namely China Lake Naval Weapons Station. On December 11th, 97 Mountain Quail were acquired from Oregon and were transported to Nevada. Quail were in good health upon receipt from the capture contractor and no mortalities occurred while in transport to Nevada. Follow-up monitoring was conducted four days post release after a series of small snowstorms hit the area that left approximately 3-4 inches of snow on the ground. Several sets of tracks were found in the vicinity of the adjacent riparian corridor with many tracks in the adjacent uplands. Roosting sites under small rocks were located 9 quail were observed on the main County road between Water Canyon and Buck Station. Surprisingly, these quail were found foraging on halogeton. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 7 of 43

8 Ruffed Grouse The Nevada Department of Wildlife conducted a significant effort to both augment and establish ruffed grouse at three of the six identified release sites. A notable effort to capture ruffed grouse that was met with great success was conducted in A total of 121 ruffed grouse were captured during the fall of 2012 which was by far the most ruffed grouse captured during a trapping effort within the Silver State. Fiscal Year 2012 During the fall of 2011, 17 ruffed grouse were captured from Hunt Unit 061 and translocated to the northern portion of the Tuscarora Range in Hunt Unit 067. This area was selected due to vast improvements to the existing grazing system (rest rotation) and the subsequent response of understory vegetation within aspen communities exhibiting multiple age classes. Large contiguous stands of aspen exist within the Tuscarora Range, which make the area suitable for ruffed grouse establishment given the condition of the understory; however, severe wildfires that occurred in 2012 once again diminished available habitats in the short-term for ruffed grouse. Ruffed grouse were released during late September and early October of The composition of the birds released consisted of 2 adult females, 5 juvenile females, 6 adult males and 4 juvenile males. No mortalities were experienced during the trapping operation or during transport to the release site. A total of 12 employees were involved in the trapping effort and expended 388 hours of time conducting the work. Of the 17 ruffed grouse released, five were radio-marked with VHF radio transmitters (ATS 10.7 gram units) for follow-up monitoring. Bird movements were monitored via ground and fixed-wing aircraft surveys. Additionally, occupation has been monitored through drumming counts conducted during the spring. Radio-marked individuals have exhibited movements of between 0.1 and 2.1 miles from their respective release locations, indicating fidelity to release sites and potentially, the suitability of the habitat. Three of the five radio-marked birds remained alive through May of 2012; however, two additional mortalities were recorded during the subsequent summer. Fiscal Year 2013 Remarkably, 121 ruffed grouse were captured during the fall of 2012 and were subsequently released at various sites that were identified in the Upland Game Release Plan. The success of this effort led to two significant augmentations of established population in the Eastern Region and one introduction of birds in the Western Region. The northern portion of the Tuscarora Range was augmented with 50 additional ruffed grouse during the fall of 2012 bringing the total number of birds released into this area to 67. As adjacent habitat recover from wildfire, particularly the Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 8 of 43

9 2012 Willow Fire, it is hoped that ruffed grouse will be able to take advantage of early age class aspen, willow and shrub communities and expand their occupation. In addition, the northern portion of the Toiyabe Range in Lander County was also augmented with 26 ruffed grouse during the fall of The same number of birds was released at this site three years earlier in 2009 for a total of 52 ruffed grouse release into this area. Follow-up monitoring of this population suggests that ruffed grouse continue to remain associated with the release site; however, expansion and occupation of adjacent suitable habitat remains unknown at this point. Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Around the time that Nevada became a state in 1864, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse were a fairly common species that occupied the northern region of the state. Often called prairie chickens, pintail grouse, prairie grouse and willow grouse, newspapers such as the Tuscarora Times, Elko Independent and Reese River Reveille documented occurrences, mainly from successful harvest, of the species in various areas of Nevada. However, somewhere between the early 1940 s or 1950 s, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse vanished from the state and their range contracted considerably to the point where the species now occupies about 10% of their former range. In an effort to expand their current range and connect populations between Nevada, Idaho and Utah, the Nevada Department of Wildlife, working in conjunction with the USGS, Idaho State University and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game began reintroduction efforts in From , 226 sharp-tailed grouse consisting of 146 males and 80 females were translocated from the Curlew National Grasslands in southern Idaho to the Snake Mountains north of Wells, Nevada. These translocations resulted in the short-term establishment of leks (breeding grounds); however, the last documented recording of strutting males was made in Since, then only random sightings have been made over the last several years and the translocation has been deemed all but a failure. Since the Snake Mountain effort, NDOW and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game intensively scrutinized Columbian sharp-tailed grouse translocation work. During the summer of 2011, a habitat suitability analysis was performed in the Bull Run and Independence Mountains in northern Elko County. These analyses showed that several of the identified release sites within these ranges matched or exceeded habitat requirements for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. In 2013, after considerable preparation and coordination, 50 grouse consisting of 37 males and 13 females were captured from Arbon and Pocatello Valleys in southeastern Idaho and translocated to the Independence and Bull Run Mountains. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 9 of 43

10 Trapping these birds is a labor intensive effort and requires personnel that are basically assigned to a lek to capture a targeted number of females and males. Personnel from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Nevada Department of Wildlife, U.S. Geologic Survey, Idaho State University and volunteers were involved in the project. Traps, consisting of chicken wire leads and lily pad shaped hog wire pods (actual trap) are constructed on the lek. Birds follow the leads and occasionally walk into the lily pad style trap, at which point observers sitting in a nearby pick-up truck race out to secure the bird before it can escape or injure itself. As one might imagine, the lek is predominately made up of males and the female is highly coveted. If anything was learned from the Snake Mountain release, it s that more females likely would have increased the success of that project. For this project a majority of the males (approximately 47 of the 60 captured) were banded and released on site while all females were collected for translocation. On a given morning at a lek, capturing two females would be considered a great success. Once a female was captured, she was boxed up and taken to the base camp at Malad City where all birds captured on a particular day were collected and transported to Elko for release the following day. Over 30 of these birds received a radio transmitter to allow researchers to followup on locations and determine nest initiation rates, success and locations. As with many things, timing is everything. This project was scheduled to take advantage of peak female attendance at lek locations and to collect females that were inseminated. This is important in that once the female reaches the release site, she largely focuses on establishing a nest. In theory, with every female, you bring several more individuals once they are hatched. Much is left to Mother Nature at this point and all we can really hope for now is good precipitation that leads to good vegetative conditions to support the birds needs. This project will continue for another four years with approximately 50 birds captured and translocated each year. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 10 of 43

11 2012 & 2013 NEVADA UPLAND GAME RELEASE PLAN SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS Species FY Location Co. Type # Released Lower Clover Ranch HU A Cowboy Rest Ranch, Ruby Mountains EL A 83 Inskip Canyon, East Range PE A 48 California Willow Creek, East Range PE A 124 Quail FY12 Subtotal: No releases conducted 0 FY13 Subtotal: 0 TOTAL: 473 Mountain Quail Rio Grande Turkey Ruffed Grouse Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse 12 No releases conducted 0 13 Buck Mountain WP I 97 TOTAL: No releases conducted 13 No releases conducted TOTAL: 0 12 Tuscarora Range EL I 17 FY12 Subtotal: Tuscarora Range EL A Toiyabe Range LA A Pine Forest Range HU I 45 FY13 Subtotal: 121 TOTAL: No releases conducted 0 FY12 Subtotal: 0 13 Independence/Bull Run Mountains EL I 50 FY13 Subtotal: TOTAL: 50 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 11 of 43

12 Proposed Releases California quail Location Western Region Eastern Region Southern Region Release sites are not specified releases depend upon availability of depredating quail trapped from urban areas along Carson Front. Type A A & I A Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 12 of 43

13 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: California quail (Callipepla californica) INTRODUCTION:, or AUGMENTATION: X FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 & 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: COUNTY: All Regions Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander, Lyon, Nye, Pershing, Washoe, White Pine LEGAL DESCRIPTION: not specific TRANSPLANT STOCK: Depredating quail will be trapped from the Carson Front including Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Washoe and Storey Counties. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: In accordance with BLM and USFS Land Use Planning documents. Coordination with private landowners. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009) NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Cooperators will be notified prior to each release and will be provided with a post-release narrative. HABITAT EVALUATION: Releases will augment existing populations occupying suitable habitat (augmentation) or will take place in unoccupied suitable habitat (introduction). PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control is recommended. COMMENTS: California quail releases are occasionally used to address short-term declines attributed to prevailing unfavorable habitat conditions. NDOW REGION: Statewide DATE PREPARED: Revised May 19, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 13 of 43

14 Proposed Releases Mountain Quail Location Co. Type Introductions priority for first available donor stock Cottonwood Canyon Clover Mountains** LN I Boulder Spring - Delamar Mountains** LN I Jump Up Canyon Delamar Mountains** LN I Rainbow Canyon Clover Mountains** LN I Fish Creek Range LA I Augmentations priority after introductions Virginia Range - Bullion Ravine** ST A Buck Mountain South Ruby Mountains** WP A Vya Rim Northern Washoe County WA A ** Carryover [previously identified in FY12 & 13Biennial Release Plan] Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 14 of 43

15 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 & 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Clover Mountains, Cottonwood Canyon COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T7S R70E Sec. 2 TRANSPLANT STOCK: China Lake NAWS COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, Caliente Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009) NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Local sportsmen will be notified and asked to participate in the release; BLM District Biologist will be notified prior to the release and copied with the release report. HABITAT EVALUATION: Adequate habitat exists for mountain quail in this area. Mountain quail are native to the State of Nevada and these efforts are an attempt to get mountain quail established in areas of suitable habitat. The habitat in Cottonwood Canyon is similar to that of Wildlands Conservancy properties and China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in southern California (potential source stock resources). PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: Mountain quail were petitioned for listing in March of In 2003, the USFWS found that the petition did not present substantial scientific or commercial information that warranted listing of the species. Our re-establishment and augmentation efforts are an attempt to establish these birds into suitable habitats that are recovering from livestock overutilization, wildfires or where water developments have been constructed in otherwise adequate habitat. NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 15 of 43

16 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 & 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Delamar Mountains - Boulder Spring COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T7S R65E Sec. 24 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Wildlands Conservancy properties (CA.), or China Lake NAWS. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Ely BLM District AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009) NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Local sportsmen will be notified and asked to participate in the release; BLM District Biologist will be notified prior to the release and copied with the release report. HABITAT EVALUATION: Adequate habitat exists for mountain quail within the vicinity of Boulder Spring. Mountain quail are native to the State of Nevada and these efforts are an attempt to establish mountain quail in areas of suitable habitat. The habitat in Boulder Canyon is similar to select Wildlands Conservancy properties and China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in southern California (potential source stock resource). PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: Mountain quail were petitioned for listing in March of In 2003, the USFWS found that the petition did not present substantial scientific or commercial information that warranted listing of the species. Our re-establishment and augmentation efforts are an attempt to establish these birds into suitable habitats that are recovering from livestock overutilization, wildfires or where water developments have been constructed in otherwise adequate habitat. NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 16 of 43

17 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 & 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Delamar Mountains - Jump Up Canyon COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T8S R64E Sec. 36, 24 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Wildlands Conservancy properties (CA.), or China Lake NAWS. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Ely BLM District AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009). NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Local sportsmen will be notified and asked to participate in the release; BLM District Biologist will be notified prior to the release and copied with the release report. HABITAT EVALUATION: Suitable mountain quail habitat exists in Jump Up Canyon. The species is native to the State of Nevada and these efforts are an attempt to get mountain quail established in areas of suitable habitat. The habitat in Jump Up Canyon is similar to that of China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station in southern California (potential source stock resource). PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: Mountain quail were petitioned for listing in March of In 2003, the USFWS found that the petition did not present substantial scientific or commercial information that warranted listing of the species. Our re-establishment and augmentation efforts are an attempt to establish these birds into suitable habitats that are recovering from livestock overutilization, wildfires or where water developments have been constructed in otherwise adequate habitat. NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 17 of 43

18 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 & 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Rainbow Canyon COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T6S R66E Sec. 14, 23, 25 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Wildlands Conservancy properties (CA.), or China Lake NAWS near Ridgecrest, CA. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Ely BLM District AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009). NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Local sportsmen will be notified and asked to participate in the release; BLM District Biologist will be notified prior to the release and copied with the release report. HABITAT EVALUATION: Suitable, diverse habitat exists for mountain quail within Rainbow Canyon. Mountain quail are native to the State of Nevada and these efforts are an attempt to get mountain quail established in areas of suitable habitat. The habitat in Rainbow Canyon is similar to select Wildlands Conservancy properties and the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station located in southern California where the source stock will most likely comes from. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: Mountain quail were petitioned for listing in March of In 2003, the USFWS found that the petition did not present substantial scientific or commercial information that warranted listing of the species. Our re-establishment and augmentation efforts are an attempt to establish these birds into suitable habitats that are recovering from livestock overutilization, wildfires or where water developments have been constructed in otherwise adequate habitat. NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 18 of 43

19 SMALL GAME & WATERFOWL RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION:, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Fish Creek Mountains Jersey Canyon or Fish Creek Basin. COUNTY: Lander LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T27N, R40E and T27N, R41E TRANSPLANT STOCK: ODFW or In State Source Stock COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management Mount Lewis Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: CLM Categorical Exclusion and or Private Property (Saval Ranching Company). OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: 1987), Nevada Upland Game Release Plan Shoshone-Eureka RMP (ROD NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) BLM Battle Mountain District has been a cooperating partner in the development and planning for the proposed release in the Fish Creek Mountains. Allotments included in the Categorical Exclusion include Carico Lake, Jersey and Buffalo Valley allotments. HABITAT EVALUATION: The area provides plentiful food, water and escape cover that is needed for survival. Excellent winter range occurs at the lower elevations along streams and other riparian areas that exist in the area. In 2005 the BM BLM changed the season of use in the Fish Creek Mountains that eliminated hot season grazing. With 8 years of recovery now evident on the mountain, stream and riparian habitat is showing an upward trend in species diversity and cover. PREDATOR EVALUATION: None Good cover at the release site should provide more than adequate escape cover to help reduce predation by both aerial and ground predators. Water availability is also very good in this area. COMMENTS: REGION: Eastern DATE: May 29, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 19 of 43

20 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: or AUGMENTATION: X FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2013 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Virginia Range Bullion Ravine COUNTY: Storey LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 11 S TRANSPLANT STOCK: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management Carson District AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. Western Quail Management Plan (Zornes and Bishop, 2009). NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) The BLM will be notified prior to the release and provided with a post-release narrative. HABITAT EVALUATION: Mixed shrub/pinyon-juniper woodland with a riparian corridor consisting of dense willow thickets and an understory of grasses and forbs. This canyon is steep and rocky with tall, dense cover. According to member of the county advisory board, there have been mountain quail in the canyon before, but not in great numbers. Suitable habitat is also available within about a half mile near Jumbo Falls. There is no grazing currently. PREDATOR EVALUATION: Raptors, Corvid species and Grey Fox. No predator control is recommended. COMMENTS: Release will increase distribution in the Virginia Range. Small numbers exist currently. NDOW REGION: Western DATE PREPARED: Rev Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 20 of 43

21 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Buck Mountain COUNTY: White Pine LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Township 21N, Range 56 East TRANSPLANT STOCK: Oregon or in-state COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: The release sites could be located on either Private or BLM administered lands. AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: None OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: None NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Cooperating partners will be notified prior to the release. HABITAT EVALUATION: Mountain quail are a highly adaptable bird when it comes to habitat conditions and are most often associated within a tall dense mixed-brush and mixed forest community in close proximity to riparian areas. Within the Buck Mountain proposed release areas, a diverse shrub and perennial grass understory exists with a canopy of pinyon and juniper trees. Large continuous riparian habitats which are dominated by Wood s rose and willow species exists in both the upper and lower portions of the potential habitat. Adjacent rock outcroppings and steep slopes provide additional habitat complexity which should afford the birds with a wide array of habitat selection opportunities. Aspen communities also exist in some portions of the upper elevations of the range and would likely also be utilized in the summer months due to the seasonal movements which mountain quail typically exhibit. Adequate forage should be present due to the highly diverse diet composition of mountain quail. Anticipated forage includes: rose hips, currant berries, serviceberry, pine nuts, onion bulbs, termites, ants, Kentucky blue grass, and rushes. Winter precipitation, more specifically, deep or extremely persistent snow, has been shown to negatively affect Mountain Quail populations. While portions of Buck Mountain receive significant winter moisture, the proposed release sites (on the western side of the range) have consistently proven to Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 21 of 43

22 receive relatively low amounts of snowfall and in years when snow does occur, it rarely exceeds 6 inches for more than a week in the prime wintering quail habitat. PREDATOR EVALUATION: Avian predators, in particular, Accipiter species, have been shown to be the largest predator for Mountain quail over terrestrial predators. Ample escape and nesting cover exists within the riparian and upland portions of the suitable mountain quail habitat in the Buck Mountain area and should provide optimal cover to minimize predation. Additionally, large efforts of sport harvest and governmental predator control efforts take place in this area each year for terrestrial predators. Additional predator control is not anticipated to be needed for a successful release. COMMENTS: The topography and habitat of the Buck Mountain release site is extremely similar to that of the Desatoya Range and occurs at similar latitudes. Successfully established mountain quail populations exist in similar habitats in Oregon, as well, and thus either source stock would be ideal for this locale. NDOW REGION: Eastern DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 22 of 43

23 SMALL GAMERELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Mountain Quail (Oreortyx pictus) INTRODUCTION:, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Vya Rim, Little Coleman Canyon COUNTY: Washoe LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T47N, R23E and T47N, R24E TRANSPLANT STOCK: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management Surprise District AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Susanville District, Surprise Valley Field Office - Categorical Exclusion (Case file # 0006) OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: 2008), Nevada Upland Game Release Plan Surprised Field Office RMP (ROD NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) BLM Surprise District has been a cooperating partner in the development and planning or the proposed release in the Vya Rim and Little Coleman Canyon. Allotments included in the Categorical Exclusion include Tuledad, Nevada Coleman, Warner Valley and Nevada Cowhead allotments. HABITAT EVALUATION: The area provides plentiful food, water and escape cover that is needed for survival. Excellent winter range occurs at the lower elevations along streams and other riparian areas that exist in the area. Small Mountain quail populations exist in surrounding areas such as Twelve Mile Creek, Horse Creek and Sand Creek. PREDATOR EVALUATION: None Good cover at the release site should provide more than adequate escape cover to help reduce predation by both aerial and ground predators. Water availability is also very good in this area. COMMENTS: REGION: Western DATE: May 22, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 23 of 43

24 Proposed Releases Rio Grande Turkey Location Co. Type Introductions - priority Deer Lodge Canyon* LN I Doc s Pass* LN I Fairview Spring* LN I Oak Well Hollow Cedar Range* LN I Iowa Canyon and Boone Creek Toiyabe Range LA I Augmentations priority after introductions XJ Ranch South Ruby Mountains WP A *carryover previously identified in FY12 & 13 biennial release plan. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 24 of 43

25 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Deer Lodge Canyon COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T1N R70E Sec. 26 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and/or California Fish and Wildlife COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, Caliente Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) NDOW will notify NWTF members as well as local interested sportsmen to assist with trapping and release. HABITAT EVALUATION: Habitat is suitable for wild turkeys with moderate amounts of oak brush, mountain mahogany, and thick pinyon and juniper woodlands. Water sources include springs and stock ponds. Various mature trees may serve as roosting trees. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 28, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 25 of 43

26 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Doc s Pass COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T6S R71E Sec. 6 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and/or California Fish and Wildlife. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land management, Caliente Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) NDOW will notify NWTF members as well as local interested sportsmen to assist with trapping and release. HABITAT EVALUATION: Habitat is suitable for wild turkeys with moderate amounts of oak brush and pinyon and juniper woodlands. Water sources include springs, stock ponds, and big game guzzlers. Mature trees that have burned, as well as mature oak trees may serve as roosting trees. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 26 of 43

27 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Fairview Spring COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T4N R65E Sec. 26 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and/or California Fish and Wildlife COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, Caliente Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) NDOW will notify NWTF members as well as local interested sportsmen to assist with trapping and release. HABITAT EVALUATION: Habitat is suitable for wild turkeys with moderate amounts of oak brush, and pinyon and juniper woodlands. Water sources include springs and stock ponds. Various mature trees may serve as roosting trees. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 27 of 43

28 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Oak Well Hollow COUNTY: Lincoln LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T4S R70E Sec. 6 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Available sources in state or out-of-state COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, Caliente Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) NDOW will notify NWTF members as well as local interested sportsmen to assist with trapping and release. HABITAT EVALUATION: Habitat is suitable for wild turkeys with moderate amounts of oak brush and pinyon/juniper woodlands. Water sources include springs and stock ponds. Ponderosa Pine trees may serve as roosting trees in this area. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control efforts are recommended. COMMENTS: NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 28 of 43

29 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: COUNTY: Iowa Canyon, north Toiyabe Range Lander LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T22N R44E Sec. 1 and 2. ; T23N R44E Sec. 34 and 35 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, California Department of Fish and Game COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management- Battle Mountain District, Mount Lewis Field Office AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Cooperative agreement signed on 12/22/10 by Pauline Inchauspe from Silver Creek Ranches and permission granted to release on Silver Creek Ranches property if needed. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) HABITAT EVALUATION: The Austin allotment was changed from a year round grazing permit to a controlled season of use permit within the last 10 years under the Battle Mountain BLM. The riparian and upland vegetation has shown a tremendous response with the elimination of hot season grazing under the current grazing permit. The habitat consists of Pinyon/Juniper and cottonwood stands along lower elevations with aspen, mahogany and cottonwood stands in upper elevations. The upland, riparian and stream habitat consists of sagebrush, wild rose, serviceberry, currant, elderberry and snowberry with a diverse mixture of forbs and grasses. PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control is recommended as USDA regularly conducts predator control for domestic sheep in the Austin allotment. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 29 of 43

30 COMMENTS. In the summer of 2010, two NWTF biologists along with the area NDOW Game Division Biologist and one volunteer looked at potential turkey habitat in Lander County. Iowa Canyon was rated as the most appropriate habitat to sustain a wild population of Rio Grande Turkeys and fulfill annual life stage requirements. Drier than average conditions experienced during 2011 and extreme drought conditions experienced during 2012 have caused the initial release to be placed on hold unit habitat conditions improve. NDOW REGION: Eastern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 28, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 30 of 43

31 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Rio Grande Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) INTRODUCTION:, or AUGMENTATION: X FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: XJ Ranch (South Ruby Mountains, Unit 103) COUNTY: Elko LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T25N., R55E., Section 1 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Cooperative agreement with landowner pending. AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: None OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: None NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Land-owners in the area will be notified prior to the release. HABITAT EVALUATION: The release area is located within a significant drainage that is comprised of an adequate riparian corridor of willows and rose, abundant roosting trees, and adequate escape cover for turkeys. There is a significant amount of pinyon/juniper forest surrounding the release site that will provide escape and roosting habitat, and another potential food source (pine nuts). PREDATOR EVALUATION: USDA Wildlife Services routinely controls predators on the flats west of Ruby Mountains due to an active domestic sheep trailing route. The area surrounding the release site is also popular with sport hunters and trappers. No additional predator control is advised at this time. COMMENTS: Turkeys initially enjoyed success on this property. However the population has decreased in recent years. The objective of this augmentation is reversing the downward population trend. Historically the landowner at this site has fed the turkeys during the winter months and it is anticipated that this supplemental feeding will continue. NDOW REGION: Eastern DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 31 of 43

32 Proposed Releases Merriam s Turkey Location Co. Type No Releases Planned in FY 2014 & 2015 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 32 of 43

33 Proposed Releases Chukar Partridge Location Co. Type Southern Region NY, ES, CL, LN A Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 33 of 43

34 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) INTRODUCTION:, or AUGMENTATION: X FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 and/or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Southern Region COUNTY: Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln and Nye LEGAL DESCRIPTION: not specific TRANSPLANT STOCK: Chukar may be trapped from in-state or out-of-state sources and transplanted in Nevada for augmentation purposes. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: BLM Categorical Exclusion. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Management Plan. Nevada Upland Game Species NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Cooperators will be notified prior to each release and will be provided with a post-release narrative. HABITAT EVALUATION: Releases will augment existing populations occupying suitable habitat (augmentation). PREDATOR EVALUATION: No predator control is recommended. COMMENTS: Chukar releases are occasionally used to address short-term declines attributed to prevailing unfavorable habitat conditions. NDOW REGION: Southern DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 9, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 34 of 43

35 Proposed Releases Ruffed Grouse Location Co. Type Introductions Priority for first available donor stock Snake Mountains Jakes and Deer Creek EL I Augmentations priority after introductions Pine Forest Range Boyd Basin* HU A Toiyabe Range San Juan Creek NY A North Tuscarora Range* EL A * Carryover [previously identified in FY12-13 Biennial Release Plan]. Releases into both areas were conducted during the previous biennium. Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 35 of 43

36 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: East Fork Deer and Middle Fork Jakes Creek (Snake Mountains) COUNTY: Elko LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T43N R61E TRANSPLANT STOCK: Oregon or in-state COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Bureau of Land Management AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: Salmon River/O Neil HMP OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Forest Service EA regarding the Introduction of Ruffed Grouse in the Humboldt National Forest, approved in NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Mary s River Ranch, Hubbard/Vineyard Ranch, and Joe Durant will be contacted HABITAT EVALUATION: There are numerous aspen stringers available for forage, cover, nesting, escape, and thermal protection. There are also a variety of shrubs (such as serviceberry), forbs, and grasses associated with these aspen communities. The cattle in the area are being managed on a rest rotation schedule. The area proposed is only allotted to be grazed one out of every three years. Habitat is in good condition. PREDATOR EVALUATION: With excellent habitat conditions and cover, predators are not considered to be a concern. No predator control work would be necessary. COMMENTS: NDOW REGION: Eastern DATE PREPARED: May 14, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 36 of 43

37 SMALL GAME RELEASE SITE PLANNING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY SPECIES OR SUBSPECIES: Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) INTRODUCTION: X, or AUGMENTATION: FISCAL YEAR OF PLANNED RELEASE: 2014 or 2015 RELEASE SITE: NAME: Pine Forest Range, Boyd Basin (Private Lands) COUNTY: Humboldt County LEGAL DESCRIPTION: T45N R30E Section 31 TRANSPLANT STOCK: Oregon, Idaho or other in-state opportunities. COOPERATING LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCIES: Release on private lands. AGENCY APPROVAL DOCUMENT: Nevada Upland Game Species Management Plan. OTHER DOCUMENTS AND THEIR STATUS: Original release likely to occur on private lands. NOTIFICATION OF USER GROUPS: (Include methods & dates) Media releases will be coordinated; Humboldt County Advisory Board and other interested parties will be notified. HABITAT EVALUATION: There is approximately 10,000 acres of aspen habitat in this range. Forage and drumming areas are available within most of these aspen and limber pine stands. Elderberry, snowberry, chokecherry and serviceberry are available as well as limited amounts of wild rose near riparian areas. All forage species are in good to excellent condition in the proposed release areas. Aspen stands are multi-age classed with adequate herbaceous understory for cover. PREDATOR EVALUATION: Other upland game bird populations have increased in recent years in this area and are following normal cycles suggesting that there are no abnormal numbers of predators or a need for predator control in the area at this time. COMMENTS: This release is expected to expand hunting opportunity and to firmly establish a population of ruffed grouse in the Pine Forest Range. Follow-up surveys will be conducted to assess the success of ruffed grouse in expected brooding areas. NDOW REGION: Western DATE PREPARED: Rev. May 19, 2013 Nevada Upland Game Biennial Release Plan Page 37 of 43