Wildlife Report Plateau Facility Fire Protection Project...
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PFFP Project Wildlife Specialist Report
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Wildlife Report
Plateau Facility Fire Protection Project
Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District
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Introduction
This document discloses the effects of the Plateau Facility Fire Protection (PFFP) Project on Forest
Service Sensitive species, Kaibab National Forest Management Indicator Species (MIS), and migratory
birds. For impacts to Threatened and Endangered species (species listed, candidate, or proposed for listing
under the Endangered Species Act) see Biological Evaluation (January 2012).
Alternatives
Alternative 1 – No Action
Proposed thinning and prescribed burning treatments would not occur under Alternative 1.
Alternative 2 – Proposed Action
The proposed action treats approximately 5,081 acres around facilities by mechanically thinning on about
1,841 acres and/or conducting prescribed fire operations on about 2,152 acres across the District as shown
in Figure 1 and listed in Table 1 below. Mechanical treatments would maintain groups of trees with
interlocking canopy while maintaining and or creating interspersed openings to reduced crown fires.
The proposed mechanical treatments would reduce residual basal area and stand density down to a
specified scale for consistency. Prescribed burning is either a standalone treatment or encompasses the
thinning acres after the mechanical treatments are complete. Thinning could be heavier closer to
structures and decreasing towards adjacent habitat, however analysis is based on overall stand basal area.
Project design could include repeat burn entries to meet project objectives.
The Proposed Action acres for thinning and prescribed burning by vegetation type are provided in Table 1
below and the thinning prescriptions include:
Ponderosa pine - Residual site makeup would leave about 120 trees per acre reducing site
density to about 70-90 square feet of basal area1 per acre (BA), and a Stand Density Index (SDI)
between 110 and 160. Create openings adjacent to facilities of 2 to 4 acres.
Pinyon/Juniper Woodlands - Residual site makeup would leave about 30 trees per acre with a
basal area of at least 24 square feet per acre. Create openings 4 acres or less adjacent to facilities,
promoting and protecting cliffrose shrubbery.
Mixed conifer -Residual site makeup would be to thin from below up to 24 inches in diameter,
leaving a basal area of about 90 square feet per acre. Create openings adjacent to facilities up to 2
acres.
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Figure 1. Location of facilities on the North Kaibab Ranger District proposed for fire protection
treatments
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Table 1. Facilities proposed for thinning and prescribed burn treatments by vegetation type.
Facility or Site Name
Vegetation
Type
Treatment Types1
(i.e., thinning, rx burning, or
both) Overall Acres
at Site Treated Thinning
Acres
Prescribed
Burn Acres
Indian Hollow Campground P/J 11 0 11
LeFevre Overlook P/J 12 0 12
Mangum Camp P/J 27 0 27
Ryan House P/J 29 0 29
Ryan Substation P/J 12 0 12
Warm Water Tank P/J 4 0 4
Pinion-Juniper Veg. Type Sub-total P/J 95 0 95
ADOT yard & communication Site P Pine 94 94 94
Jacob Lake Vicinity P Pine 712 712 712
Jacob Lake Lookout Tower P Pine 8 8 8
Warm Springs RAWS P Pine 13 13 13
Area South of 89-A AZ Trailhead3
(856 acres now w/in JR Project Area)
P Pine
0 652 652
Big Ridge Communication Site P Pine 6 0 6
Big Springs Field Station P Pine 15 0 15
Big Springs Lookout Tower P Pine 70 0 70
Big Saddle Cabin P Pine 45 957 957
Kaibab (205) Trailhead P Pine 6 255 255
Ponderosa Pine Veg. Type Sub-total P Pine 969 2,691 2,782
Dry Park Station/Lookout Tower Mix Con 87 450 450
East Rim Trailhead Mix Con 9 0 9
Pleasant Valley Cabin Mix Con 37 0 37
DeMotte Vicinity Mix Con 1702 1702 1702
South Canyon Comm. Site Mix Con 6 0 6
Mixed Con. Veg. Type Sub-total Mix Con 1,841 2,152 2,204
Total Treatment Acres 2,905 4,843 5,081
Project Area
The Plateau Facility Fire Protection (PFFP) Project has multiple sites in the western and central portion of
the North Kaibab Ranger District, Kaibab National Forest; Coconino County, Arizona (Figure 1). Forest
stands are often classified by their forest type and by habitat type or plant associations. The facilities on
the District are located within two Geographic Areas (GA 12 and GA 13) and in three different vegetation
type communities. Those vegetation types include the pinyon pine/juniper woodlands in GA 12 and the
ponderosa pine and mixed conifer communities in GA 13. The project area is broken out by vegetation
type to meet analysis requirements in the Forest Plan for northern goshawk and the associated habitat for
their prey. All forested acres within Geographic Area 13 are considered northern goshawk habitat.
1 Some acreages are listed both under “Thinning” and “Prescribed Burning,” these treatment areas may
undergo thinning, prescribed burning, or both treatments within same area.
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Environmental Effects
No Action Alternative
Under the No Action alternative, actions to protect the listed facilities (Table 1) would not occur.
Disturbances as a result of implementation activities would not occur. However, most of the facilities
have an increase in human population and activity, increasing the potential risk of fire not only to the
facility but the surrounding forest, impacting habitat to all species. The effects of the No Action
alternative are equal for all species analyzed below and will not be repeated for each species.
Species Evaluation
Federally Listed Species
There are 6 wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) identified by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (http://www.fws.gov/arizonaes/) for Coconino County that occur on the Kaibab NF.
The Forest has developed a list (Kaibab 2010) that breaks down the range of species by District. Table 2
shows the species listed for NKRD. All other species on the list do not occur on the District and will not
be impacted by the proposed project.
Table 2. Animal species listed under the Endangered Species Act and identified for Coconino County,
Arizona by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
Arizona Range and Habitat
Habitat within
Project area
Apache trout
Oncorhynchus
apache
Threatened
Native to White Mtns, introduced
population in North Canyon Creek
on North Kaibab District. Cold
mountain streams with low
gradient meadow reaches.
N
Mexican spotted
owl
Strix occidentalis
lucida
Threatened
Patchily distributed in canyons and
dense, multi-age forests between
4,100-9,000 feet. Critical Habitat
designated in mixed conifer and
pine-oak forests on portions of
Kaibab NF.
Y
Southwestern
willow
flycatcher
Empidonax traillii
extimus
Endangered
Cottonwood/willow and tamarisk
vegetation communities along
rivers and streams.
N
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Common Name
Scientific Name
Status
Arizona Range and Habitat
Habitat within
Project area
California
condor
Gymnogyps
californianus
Endangered
Reintroduction of birds classified
as Experimental Nonessential
Population to northern AZ began in
1996. Common in Vermillion
Cliffs, Kaibab Plateau, and Grand
Canyon.
Y
Apache trout occur on the forest but are outside the PFFPP analysis area. Arizona Game and Fish
Department introduced a population from Ord Creek in eastern Arizona into North Canyon Creek in
1963. The population is important for the recovery and delisting of the species due to genetic purity. The
population has been and will continue to be used as a source for reintroductions elsewhere in the state.
Southwestern willow flycatcher habitat may exist within Kanab Creek, especially in the area of the
confluence with Snake Gulch. Much of this area is choked with tamarisk, however most of the tamarisk
is less than 20 feet tall and the stream channel is very narrow with very limited water during the breeding
season. Limited surveys have been conducted on the District for southwestern willow flycatchers in
Kanab Creek with no birds detected. The Arizona Strip BLM has also conducted multiple surveys in
Kanab Creek north of the NKRD boundary with no southwestern willow flycatcher detected.
A determination of “no effect” has been made for Apache trout and Southwest willow flycatcher since
there is no suitable habitat within or adjacent to the proposed PFFP Project.
A determination of “may affect not likely to adversely affect” has been made for Mexican spotted owl
and Mexican spotted owl critical habitat and the project will not jeopardize the continued existence of
the California condor, see Biological Evaluation (2012).
Forest Service Sensitive Species
There are 20 wildlife species on the USDA R3 Regional Forester's Sensitive Species 2007 list that occur
on the Kaibab NF. The Forest has developed a list (Kaibab 2010) that breaks down the range of species
by district. Table 3 shows the species listed for the North Kaibab Ranger District. Sensitive plants will be
discussed in a separate document. All other species on the Forest list do not occur on the district and will
not be impacted by the proposed project.
Table 3. Forest Service Sensitive species for the North Kaibab Ranger District
Species Habitat
Present
Habitat
not
present
Habitat
present but
not
affected
Comments
Northern leopard
frog
Rana pipiens
X
No further analysis required.
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Species Habitat
Present
Habitat
not
present
Habitat
present but
not
affected
Comments
Bald eagle
Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
X
Conservation measures for condors (BMPs)
will protect possibly foraging wintering bald
eagles, no further analysis required.
Northern goshawk
Accipiter gentilis X
Analysis is required
American
peregrine falcon
Falco peregrinus
anatum
X
No further analysis required.
Merriam’s shrew
Sorex merriami
leucogenys X
Merriam’s and dwarf shrews have been
captured on the NKRD in grassy meadows
surrounded by spruce and fir (Hoffmeister
1986). Project area is adjacent to meadows,
but no work is proposed in meadows. No
further analysis required
Dwarf shrew
Sorex nanus
X
Merriam’s and dwarf shrews have been
captured on the NKRD in grassy meadows
surrounded by spruce and fir (Hoffmeister
1986). Project area is adjacent to meadows,
but no work is proposed in meadows. No
further analysis required
Western red bat
Lasiurus
blossevillii
X
No further analysis required
Spotted bat
Euderma
maculatum X
Bats may travel near or through the Project
area to water sources but will not be affected
by project activities, no further analysis
required.
Allen’s lappet-
browed bat
Idionycteris
phylliotis
X
Bats may travel near or through the Project
area to water sources but will not be affected
by project activities, no further analysis
required.
Pale Townsend’s
big-eared bat
Corynorhinus
townsendii
pallescens
X
Bats may travel near or through the Project
area to water sources but will not be affected
by project activities, no further analysis
required.
Kaibab Least
chipmunk
Neotamias
X
Analysis required
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Species Habitat
Present
Habitat
not
present
Habitat
present but
not
affected
Comments
minimus
cosobrinus
Kaibab squirrel
Sciurus aberti
kaibabensis
X
Analysis required
Kaibab northern
pocket gopher
Thomomys
talpoides
kaibabensis
X
Project area is adjacent to meadows, but no
work is proposed in meadows. No further
analysis required
Houserock Valley
chisel toothed
kangaroo rat
Dipodomys
microps leucotis
X
No further analysis required
Long-tailed vole
Microtus
longicaudus
X
Project area is adjacent to meadows, but no
work is proposed in meadows. No further
analysis required
Desert bighorn
sheep
Ovis canadensis
mexicana
X
No further analysis required
Northern Goshawk
Affected Environment
The northern goshawk is a common breeding resident on the Kaibab Plateau within ponderosa pine,
mixed conifer and spruce-fir forests. The goshawk utilizes a variety of forest age classes, structural
conditions, and successional stages (Reynolds et al. 1992). Home ranges of adjacent pairs may overlap,
especially in areas where nesting populations are at or near saturation (Reynolds and Joy 1998). Research
indicates that the northern goshawk requires areas of mature forested habitat characterized by large trees,
closed canopy cover, and an open under-story for nesting area and post-fledging areas, although foraging
habitat is highly variable (Reynolds et al. 1992, Crocker-Bedford and Chaney 1988, DeStafano and
McCloskey 1997).
Approximately 120 goshawk territories have been documented on the NKRD. For each of these
territories, stands have been delineated as nest areas and post-fledgling family areas (PFA). Seven of the
proposed project sites occur within or overlap goshawk PFAs and three have a nest area within the project
boundary.
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Direct and Indirect Effects of Proposed Action
Goshawks are not tolerant of humans (or other animals perceived as a threat) in the immediate vicinity of
a nest. Noise, commotion or human presence near to an actively used goshawk nest is likely to disturb
these birds during the breeding season (Reynolds et al. 1992). Project implementation activities would be
restricted to the period outside of the goshawk breeding season to reduce the risk of disturbance to
breeding goshawks. If an area is determined not to have breeding goshawks then projects will be allowed
to be implemented.
Thinning and burning treatments within stands designated as goshawk nest areas would remain intact
structurally, thinning from below will occur, leaving the recommended 120 sq.ft./acre basal area. The rest
of the areas will be treated to maintain PFA stand conditions, including maintaining a basal area of at
least 70-90 sq.ft./acre and maintaining Vegetational Structural Stage distribution and structural conditions
(See Vegetation Specialist Report). Proposed actions, specifically burning, may change ground cover
conditions increasing some prey species such as rabbits but decreasing other prey species such as red
squirrels. Use of an area for foraging may decrease during implementation. Although the proposed action
is not designed to improve goshawk habitat it has potential to protect adjacent habitat. The proposed
action may impact individuals but will not cause a trend towards future listing for northern goshawk.
Kaibab squirrel
Affected Environment
The Kaibab squirrel is a geographically isolated subspecies of the Abert’s squirrel and an obligate
resident of ponderosa pine forests (Dodd et al. 2003). The squirrel occurs only on the Kaibab Plateau
within ponderosa pine habitat. They nest in the trees; they feed on bark, staminate flowers, buds, and
seeds, and use the interlocking crowns as travel corridors and escape routes within the ponderosa pine
type. Kaibab squirrel are frequently seen adjacent to the Jacob Lake Vicinity site, more than likely due to
a human-supplied food source.
Direct and Indirect of Proposed Action
Proposed thinning would maintain existing mosaics of interspersed Vegetative Structural Stages (See
Vegetation Specialist Report 2011) creating groups and clumps with retention of crown connectivity.
Direct effects are short-term disturbances to nest sites during vegetation treatments and prescribed
burning activities. These effects are expected to be limited in duration and to the individual project
polygon (Figure 1). A possible adverse indirect effect may result from reduced truffle production caused
by decreased canopy closure (3-4 %) (Dodd et al. 2003). During implementation trees with active
squirrel nests will be avoided. The Proposed Action may impact individuals but will not cause a trend
towards future listing of Kaibab squirrels.
Kaibab Least Chipmunk
Affected Environment The Kaibab least chipmunk, a subspecies, occurs as a disjunct population on the Kaibab Plateau. These
small diurnal chipmunks prefer spruce-fir forests but occur in many habitat types. They are found in
rocky areas within moist or damp situations and usually in open places in the forest. Summer dens are
typically in hollow logs or stumps, in rock piles, or under debris.
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Direct and Indirect of Proposed Action
Direct effects are short-term disturbances to individuals and den sites during vegetation treatments and
prescribed burning activities. These effects are expected to be limited in duration and to the individual
project polygon (Figure 1). Debris and logs or stumps use for dens sites may be permanently altered or
removed for fire protection, however that protection should maintain adjacent habitat. After
implementation chipmunks may utilize newly created openings in the forest structure. During
implementation activities trees with active squirrel nests will be avoided. The Proposed Action may
impact individuals but will not cause a trend towards future listing of Kaibab least Chipmunks.
Management Indicator Species
Management Indicator Species (MIS) and the habitats they represent are listed in the most recent Kaibab
National Forest Management Indicator Species report (Forest Service 2010). Information on species
biology, management effects, population trends, and habitat trends are presented in this report. MIS
analyzed for the PFFP project are listed below in Table 4. Arizona bugbane is discussed in the rare plant
report.
Table 4. MIS found on NKRD.
Species
Key MIS Habitat
Component for Quality
Habitat
Comments
Invertebrates
aquatic
macroinvertebrates
riparian
There is no riparian habitat within
the project area.
Birds
northern goshawk
(Accipiter gentilis)
late-seral ponderosa pine
Project design maintains late-seral
conditions. VSS 5 and 6 increases
9% post treatment, see Vegetation
Specialist Report, no further analysis.
hairy woodpecker
(Picoides villosus)
snags in ponderosa pine,
mixed conifer, and spruce-fir
Analysis required.
Lincoln's sparrow
(Melospiza lincolnii)
late-seral, high elevation
(>7,000') riparian
There is no riparian habitat within
the project area.
Lucy's warbler
(Vermivora luciae)
late-seral, low elevation
(<7,000') riparian
There is no riparian habitat within
the project area.
juniper titmouse
(Baeolophus ridgwayi)
late-seral pinyon-juniper, and
snags in pinyon-juniper
Analysis required.
pygmy nuthatch
(Sitta pygmaea)
late-seral ponderosa pine
No analysis required, see northern
goshawk above.
Mexican spotted owl
(Strix occidentalis
lucida)
late-seral mixed conifer and
spruce-fir
No late-seral mixed conifer within
the project area.
wild turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo)
late-seral ponderosa pine
No analysis required, see northern
goshawk above.
red-naped sapsucker
(Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
late-seral aspen and snags in
aspen
Analysis required.
yellow-breasted chat
(Icteria virens)
late-seral, low-elevation
(<7,000') riparian
There is no riparian habitat within
the project area.
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Species
Key MIS Habitat
Component for Quality
Habitat
Comments
Mammals
mule deer
(Odocoileus hemionus)
early-seral aspen and pinyon-
juniper
Analysis required.
pronghorn
(Antilocapra americana)
early- and late-seral grassland There is no grassland habitat within
the project area.
red squirrel
(Tamiasciurus
hudsonicus)
late-seral mixed conifer and
spruce-fir
No late-seral mixed conifer within
the project area.
Abert's squirrel
(Sciurus aberti)
early-seral ponderosa pine
Analysis required.
Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy woodpecker was selected as an indicator for snags in ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and spruce-
for forest types (Forest Service 2010) Hairy woodpeckers are common in ponderosa pine forests as well
as other forest and woodland types on the NKRD. The hairy woodpecker has been found within the
analysis area during forest-wide surveys. Based on FIA data for the Kaibab National Forest, snags in all
three habitat types have increased between 1995 and 2007. It is believed that this habitat is in an
increasing trend (Forest Service 2010).
Hairy woodpeckers are associated with burned areas, but are more abundant near the edges of burned
areas than in the interior of large high-severity burn areas (Covert-Bratland et al. 2006). The hairy
woodpecker is considered to be stable on the forest (Forest Service 2010). The Proposed Action may
remove some snags from the analysis area from prescribed burning, however snags are dynamic; some are
lost by fire, while others may be created. Although snags will be removed adjacent to facilities they
would be maintained in the treatment polygons. In the mixed-conifer it was modeled that snags would
stay roughly static post treatment (See Vegetation Specialist Report). The Proposed Action will not
change the current Forest-wide population or habitat trend for the hairy woodpecker.
Juniper Titmouse
Juniper titmouse was selected as an indicator for late-seral pinyon-juniper woodland and snags in pinyon-
juniper woodland (Forest Service 2010). This species is common in pinyon-juniper woodlands on the
NKRD. The juniper titmouse has been found in the general area of the analysis area during the forest
wide surveys for birds. Juniper titmice are most common where juniper is dominant and large, mature
trees are present to provide natural cavities for nesting. They tend to favor habitat that has areas of high
density of dead limbs with a high level of ground cover. There has been an increasing trend for juniper
titmouse habitat on the forest (Forest Service 2010).
It is believed that the juniper titmouse populations are decreasing. This trend is likely a reflection of long-
term habitat trends in pinyon-juniper ecosystems across their range (Forest Service 2010). Habitat
quantity and quality for juniper titmice would likely not change greatly under Proposed Action.
Treatments would be accomplished by low thinning in woodland areas leaving about 30 trees per acre
with a basal area of at least 24 square feet per acre. The 95 acres of pinyon-juniper woodland indictor
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habitat in the PFFP project area represents well less than 1% of the total area of pinyon-juniper woodland
indicator habitat across the Kaibab National Forest. The Proposed Action will not change the current
Forest-wide population or habitat trend for the juniper titmouse.
Red-naped Sapsucker
Red-naped sapsuckers were selected to represent late-seral aspen, and are tied closely to aspen habitat.
Aspen habitat and associated snag component has been decreasing across the Western States and on the
Kaibab specifically (Forest Service 2010). However, this forest-wide trend does not seem to be apparent
on the NKRD where elk are absent within the ecosystem.
The Audubon Society data suggest red-naped sapsucker populations have been variable, but neither
increasing nor decreasing. Overall, it is estimated that red-naped sapsucker population trend has been
stable to increasing on the Forest (Forest Service 2010). Mechanical treatments will not occur in aspen
stands. Burning may result in some aspen mortality, however low intensity fire in aspen stands are not
very active and medium intensity fire behavior is expected to be mosaic in nature (North Zone Fire
Program, personal communication, 2012). The Proposed Action will not change the current Forest-wide
habitat and population trend.
Mule Deer
Mule deer was selected as an indicator species for early-seral aspen and pinyon-juniper (Forest Service
2010). Although the District has quite a bit of early-seral aspen from various disturbances (i.e. Warm
Fire) there isn’t any in the Project area. However, fire treatments in late-seral aspen may be enough
disturbance to create areas for early-seral aspen regeneration. The PFFP project area is considered
summer range and fawning habitat for mule deer. The lower-elevation southern portion of the project area
that is dominated by pinyon-juniper woodland provides transitional range between summer and winter
range. The pinyon-juniper habitat trend is considered to be stable (Forest Service 2010). The entire
project is within game management unit 12. This unit appears to be in an upward trend (Forest Service
2010). The pinyon-juniper treatments will help open up these stands, up to 4 acres. The 95 acres of
pinyon-juniper indictor habitat in the PFFP project area represents well less than 1% of the total area of
pinyon-juniper indicator habitat across the Kaibab National Forest. The Proposed Action would not alter
the Forest-wide population or habitat trend for this species.
Kaibab Squirrel
The Plan designates the Kaibab squirrel as a management indicator species for early-seral stage ponderosa
pine forests. However, the Kaibab squirrel uses a variety of age classes and research has shown strong
habitat associations with mature ponderosa pine for nesting, foraging and movement. The selected nest
tree is usually within the center of a group of trees with interlocking crowns. Potential management
impacts and population trend data for this species are summarized in Forest Service (2010).
Very little early-seral ponderosa pine habitat exists adjacent to facilities. The Arizona and Kaibab
trailhead polygons are the only site that have significant amounts early-seral ponderosa pine habitat. Only
prescribed fire is proposed for treatment within these polygons, away from the building site. Prescribed
fire may reduce early-seral pine if it is over-stocked but normally it burns patchy and burns needle duff
below the pine. Forest wide there is an increase in early-seral habitat but tends to be dense actually
decreasing its habitat value, low intensity prescribed fire may actually avoid this condition benefitting
Kaibab squirrel (Forest Service 2010). Proposed Actions are not likely to alter forest-wide habitat or
population trend for this species.
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Migratory Birds
We considered potential effects of the PFFP project on Arizona Partners in Flight (PIF) Priority Species
(Latta et al. 1999) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Birds of Conservation Concern (USFWS 2008).
There are no designated Important Bird Areas on the NKRD. The NKRD is within the Southern
Rockies/Colorado Plateau (#16) bird conservation region. The forest developed a white paper to show
which species are on the forest by vegetation type (Kaibab 2010b). Not all species described below have
been located on the district, but they have the potential of occurring there. The Piñon-Juniper, Ponderosa
Pine, Mixed-Conifer are found within the analysis area.
Piñyon-Juniper
The priority species for include gray flycatcher, gray vireo, piñyon jay and juniper titmouse (Latta et al.
1999). The FWS list also included the Bendire’s thrasher (USFWS 2008).
Ponderosa Pine
The priority species in the Ponderosa Pine habitat type include northern goshawk, Cordilleran flycatcher,
olive-sided flycatcher and purple martin (Latta et al. 1999). FWS list also included the flammulated owl,
Grace's warbler, Cassin’s finch and Lewis’s woodpecker (USFWS 2008). The goshawk is discussed in
the Forest Service Sensitive Species section.
Mixed Conifer
Priority species in this habitat type include the northern goshawk, Mexican spotted owl and olive-sided
flycatcher (Latta et al. 1999). The FWS list also includes Cassin’s finch (USFWS 2008). Both goshawk
and Mexican spotted owl are discussed above.
The level of incidental mortality caused by project implementation activities would be proportional to
how many acres are treated during the spring nesting season of April, May, June, and July. Seasonal
restrictions would limit project implementation activities between March 1 and September 30 in goshawk
nest area and PFA stands, which would reduce potential of mortality for species listed in ponderosa pine
and mixed conifer habitat. Implementation may result in some level of incidental mortality (unintentional
take) of some birds but would not result in a measurable negative effect to the birds populations listed
above.
Special Designations
National Natural Landmark
The Proposed will have no lasting impact on the habitat of Kaibab squirrels on the NKRD within the
Kaibab Squirrel National Natural Landmark. The conditions of the Kaibab Squirrel NNL have been
satisfied by the design and provisions of this project to provide protection for the squirrel and its habitat
by assuring habitat conditions continue for reproduction as provided by the Secretary of the Interior (see
Sensitive Species section above for further analysis of the Kaibab squirrel).
Grand Canyon Game Preserve
The Proposed Action will have no lasting impact on the population or habitat of huntable game species on
the NKRD within the Grand Canyon Game Preserve. The conditions of the GCGPA have been satisfied
by the design and provisions of this project to provide protection for these species by assuring habitat
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References
Covert-Bratland, K.A., W.M. Block, and T.C. Theimer. 2006. Hairy woodpecker winter ecology in
ponderosa pine forests representing different ages since wildfire. Journal of Wildlife Management 70(5):
1379-1392.
Crocker-Bedford, D.C. and B. Chaney. 1988. Characteristics of goshawk nesting stands. In: Glinski, R.L.
et al., eds. Southwest raptor management symposium and workshop. Washington: National Wildlife
Federation: 210-217.
DeStefano, S. and J. McCloskey. 1997. Does vegetation structure limit the distribution of Northern
Goshawks in the Oregon Coast Ranges? J. Raptor Res. 31: 34-39.
Dodd, N.L., J.S. States, and S.S. Rosenstock. 2003. Tassel-eared squirrel populations, habitat condition,
and dietary relationships in north-central Arizona. Journal of Wildlife Management 67:622-633.
Forest Service. 2010b. Management Indicator Species of the Kaibab National Forest: An Evaluation of
Population and Habitat Trends. Version 3.0. Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab, Arizona. Available
at: http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5114494.pdf.
Kaibab. 2010. White paper on Kaibab National Forest TEP&S List. January 15, 2010
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