Wildlife Report Plateau Facility Fire Protection Project...

PFFP Project Wildlife Specialist Report

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Wildlife Report

Plateau Facility Fire Protection Project

Kaibab National Forest, North Kaibab Ranger District

__________________________________

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

http://www.fws.gov/arizonaes/


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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




required.

Pale Townsend’s

big-eared bat

Corynorhinus

townsendii

pallescens

X




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


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


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


the project area.

Lucy's warbler

(Vermivora luciae)

late-seral, low elevation

(<7,000') riparian


the project area.

juniper titmouse

(Baeolophus ridgwayi)

late-seral pinyon-juniper, and

snags in pinyon-juniper

Analysis required.

pygmy nuthatch

(Sitta pygmaea)


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)


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


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


Page 14 of 15

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

Kaibab. 2010b. White paper on Migratory Birds to be address in NEPA documents for the MBTA. Last

edited on 6/28/10.

Latta, M.J., C.J. Beardmore, and T.E. Corman. 1999. Arizona Partners in Flight Bird Conservation Plan.

Version 1.0. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program Technical Report 142. Arizona Game and

Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.

Painter, M. 2009. Interpretation of the intent of the Grand Canyon Game Preserve, as supported by

historical evidence. Kaibab National Forest.

Reynolds, R.T. and S.M. Joy. 1998. Distribution, Territory Occupancy, Dispersal, and Demography of

Northern Goshawks on the Kaibab Plateau, Arizona. Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ft. Collins, CO.

Final Report for Arizona Game and Fish Department Heritage Project #194045.

Reynolds, R.T., R.T. Graham, M.H. Reiser, R.L. Bassett, P.L. Kennedy, D.A. Boyce, Jr., G. Goodwin, R.

Smith, and E.L. Fisher. 1992. Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the

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