Conclusion The Ursus Vegetation Management project does not propose any treatments within red-tailed hawk reproductive habitat. The project will not contribute to a change in viability on the Deschutes National Forest. Consistency with the Deschutes LRMP Wildlife standard and guidelines WL-2 and WL-3 will be assessed. The project is consistent with the Deschutes LRMP. Standard and Guideline Do Not Meet, Meets, Rationale Not Applicable WL-2 Maintain forested character at There are no known nests within the – least 300 feet surrounding active nest project area. If a nest is located, Meets sites. measures will be incorporated to meet this standard. WL-2 timber management may Thinning guidelines favor the retention – occur, maintain at least 4 dominant of larger overstory, especially in Meets overstory trees per acre suitable for ponderosa pine. nest and perch trees, favoring ponderosa pine. WL-3 Seasonal restrictions will be in Meets Mitigation measures are in in the – effect for disturbing activities within ¼ event a nest site is found. mile of active nests. Mitigation Measures Disruptive work activities will not take place within ¼ mile of any newly discovered nest sites from March 1 through August 31. Haul restrictions will be assessed on a case by case basis. This condition may be waived in a particular year if nesting or reproductive success surveys reveal that the species indicated is non-nesting or that no young are present that year. Waivers are valid only until the start date of the restriction of the following year. Recommendations None Big Game Existing Condition Deer: The most important deer habitats in Eastern Oregon are summer habitat, including areas needed for reproductive activities and winter habitat. Preferred summer habitat provides adequate forage to replace body reserves lost during winter and to maintain normal body functions. Summer habitat also includes areas specifically used for reproductive purposes. These areas must have an adequate amount of succulent vegetation, offering highly nutritional forage. In addition, areas used for reproduction should provide isolation from other deer, security from predators and minimal competition from other ungulates. Summer
Conclusion The Ursus Vegetation Management project does not propose any treatments within red-tailed hawk reproductive habitat. The project will not contribute to a change in viability on the Deschutes National Forest. Consistency with the Deschutes LRMP Wildlife standard and guidelines WL-2 and WL-3 will be assessed. The project is consistent with the Deschutes LRMP. Standard and Guideline Do Not Meet, Meets, Not Applicable Rationale WL-2 – Maintain forested character at least 300 feet surrounding active nest sites. Meets There are no known nests within the project area. If a nest is located, measures will be incorporated to meet this standard. WL-2 – timber management may occur, maintain at least 4 dominant overstory trees per acre suitable for nest and perch trees, favoring ponderosa pine. Meets Thinning guidelines favor the retention of larger overstory, especially in ponderosa pine. WL-3 – Seasonal restrictions will be in effect for disturbing activities within ¼ mile of active nests. Meets Mitigation measures are in in the event a nest site is found. Mitigation Measures Disruptive work activities will not take place within ¼ mile of any newly discovered nest sites from March 1 through August 31. Haul restrictions will be assessed on a case by case basis. This condition may be waived in a particular year if nesting or reproductive success surveys reveal that the species indicated is non-nesting or that no young are present that year. Waivers are valid only until the start date of the restriction of the following year. Recommendations None Big Game Existing Condition Deer: The most important deer habitats in Eastern Oregon are summer habitat, including areas needed for reproductive activities and winter habitat. Preferred summer habitat provides adequate forage to replace body reserves lost during winter and to maintain normal body functions. Summer habitat also includes areas specifically used for reproductive purposes. These areas must have an adequate amount of succulent vegetation, offering highly nutritional forage. In addition, areas used for reproduction should provide isolation from other deer, security from predators and minimal competition from other ungulates. Summer
Ursus_MISAnalysis_Report_Final%2005042016.docx