Total (Ursus & Drink) 0.17% reduction in nesting habitat on Forest 1.9% reduction of all nesting habitat in Watersheds Conclusion The great gray owl is considered vulnerable in Oregon. On a landscape and Forest-wide basis, the effects of the proposed alternatives are similar. Because this project impacts 0.4% of the suitable habitat across the watersheds (and cumulative with the Drink Project 1.9% acres of habitat impacted in the watersheds), and the most suitable habitat is buffered from any activities, the overall direct, indirect, and cumulative effects will result in a minimal negative trend of habitat. The Ursus Vegetation Management Project is consistent with the Forest Plan, and thus continued viability of the great gray owl is expected on the Deschutes National Forest. Consistency with the Deschutes LRMP Wildlife standards and guidelines WL-30, WL-31, WL-32, WL-33, and WL-34 will be assessed. The project is consistent with the Deschutes LRMP. Standard and Guideline Do Not Meet, Meets, Rationale Not Applicable WL-30 Nesting habitat for at 8 – nesting pairs of great gray owls will be Habitat is available across the Forest. provided. Meets WL-31/32 Active nests will be Not Applicable No known nest sites are within – protected by maintaining forested treatment units stand of at least 30 acres of forest adjacent to riparian or meadow. At least 300 feet of forest between the nest and an opening will be maintained. WL-33 Nests will be protected within Not Applicable Mitigation measures are in for – ¼ mile from disturbing activities (1/4 seasonal restrictions in the event a mile radius = 125 acres around the new nest site is found. nest) during March 1-June 30. WL-34 Specified restriction period Not Applicable Mitigation measures are in place for – may be waivered during the last 2 seasonal restrictions in the event a months of the restriction. A nest can new nest site is found. be considered inactive for the year if nesting not evident by May 15.
Total (Ursus & Drink) 1.9% reduction of all nesting habitat in Watersheds 0.17% reduction in nesting habitat on Forest Conclusion The great gray owl is considered vulnerable in Oregon. On a landscape and Forest-wide basis, the effects of the proposed alternatives are similar. Because this project impacts 0.4% of the suitable habitat across the watersheds (and cumulative with the Drink Project 1.9% acres of habitat impacted in the watersheds), and the most suitable habitat is buffered from any activities, the overall direct, indirect, and cumulative effects will result in a minimal negative trend of habitat. The Ursus Vegetation Management Project is consistent with the Forest Plan, and thus continued viability of the great gray owl is expected on the Deschutes National Forest. Consistency with the Deschutes LRMP Wildlife standards and guidelines WL-30, WL-31, WL-32, WL-33, and WL-34 will be assessed. The project is consistent with the Deschutes LRMP. Standard and Guideline Do Not Meet, Meets, Not Applicable Rationale WL-30 – Nesting habitat for at 8 nesting pairs of great gray owls will be provided. Meets Habitat is available across the Forest. WL-31/32 – Active nests will be protected by maintaining forested stand of at least 30 acres of forest adjacent to riparian or meadow. At least 300 feet of forest between the nest and an opening will be maintained. Not Applicable No known nest sites are within treatment units WL-33 – Nests will be protected within ¼ mile from disturbing activities (1/4 mile radius = 125 acres around the nest) during March 1-June 30. Not Applicable Mitigation measures are in for seasonal restrictions in the event a new nest site is found. WL-34 – Specified restriction period may be waivered during the last 2 months of the restriction. A nest can be considered inactive for the year if nesting not evident by May 15. Not Applicable Mitigation measures are in place for seasonal restrictions in the event a new nest site is found.