Background
The Northwest Forest Plan (NFP) includes measures to protect a variety of species associated with late-successional and old-growth forests (amphibians, mammals, bryophytes, mollusks, vascular plants, fungi, lichens, and arthropods). The Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs) require identification, mapping, and management of known sites of Component 1 and 2 Survey and Manage (S&M) species listed in Table C-3 (pages C-4 to C-6 and C-49 to C-61).

To implement these provisions of the NFP, the Regional Interagency Executive Committee agreed in January 1995 to have the S&M Work Group coordinate preparation of management recommendations (MRs) for known sites. The MRs for the Oregon Red Tree Vole Arborimus longicaudus have been completed.

Effective Date of S&M Management Recommendations
This memorandum transmits the Oregon Red Tree Vole Arborimus longicaudus MRs to field officials for immediate implementation. These MRs should be utilized for all projects without a signed decision document. The map provided as Figure 3 in the MRs provides a general pictorial representation of the species' range, but the specific description of the range for the Red Tree Vole is as described in the "Range and Known Sites" section.

It is our intent that these MRs be used to reduce risk to the species. The application of the recommendations, along with professional biological judgment based on local site conditions, will provide site management of these species in the context of NFP goals. Please follow the guidance (Enclosure 1) regarding use of these MRs.

Review of S&M Management Recommendations - Red Tree Vole Arborimus longicaudus
The MRs will undergo formal peer review in 2000 by selected scientists, managers, and agency staff knowledgeable about the species. In addition, all field offices are encouraged to provide comments.

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MRs for the Oregon Red Tree Vole Arborimus longicaudus, Version 2.0

If you have questions or comments concerning the attached management recommendations, please contact Cheryl McCaffrey (BLM), Rob Huff (FS R-6), or Paula Crumpton (FS R-5). They can be reached at:

Enclosures
1. General Guidance for use of S&M Management Recommendations
2. MRs for the Oregon Red Tree Vole Arborimus longicaudus, Version 2.0

S&M Distribution:

The following guidance was developed to assist field units in implementing management recommendations (MRs) for Component 1 and 2 Survey and Manage (S&M) species and Protection Buffer species and Protect From Grazing species: Terrestrial Mollusks.

1. Introduction

All MRs will be transmitted by joint Bureau of Land Management (BLM) / Forest Service (FS) memos.

MRs have been developed for use at field offices of the BLM and FS. Other agencies may find them useful as well.

MRs were developed primarily in response to the Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs) for Component 1 Survey and Manage species and Protection Buffer species.

It is the intent of these MRs to maintain a level of flexibility that allows for creativity of interdisciplinary (ID) teams in providing for management of the species in the context of other Northwest Forest Plan (NFP) goals. Where there are few known sites, it is especially important for these MRs to be followed in order to reduce any possible high risk to species survival in the NFP area.

2. Application of the MRs

The Executive Summary can be scanned for highlights about species. For example, look at range information and determine where a species is likely to be, get an idea of the species' habitat, and review what management options might be useful.

MRs were written primarily for use by botanists or biologists, but they also may be useful to others involved in project planning and design.

The enclosed MRs are effective as of the date of the transmittal memorandum, and replace the species management information contained in Appendix J-2 of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

The MRs apply to the species as they occur throughout the range of the northern spotted owl (or limited areas as noted in Table C-3 of the NFP S&Gs). The known site database (KSDB) and other credible locational data available to the field office should be used as appropriate to determine if a particular taxon is known within the project area. Use the MRs in concert with the most recently distributed version of the KSDB to aid in determining the range of each species relative to the project area.

Component 1 provisions for the protection of known sites apply to all activities (including, but not limited to timber sales) that may have adverse or beneficial effects.

For Protection Buffer species, these MRs serve as the management plans recommended by the NFP S&Gs on pp. C-20 and C-27.

Some MRs may suggest proactive management, such as prescribed fire, needed for species viability. Where such opportunities exist, managers are encouraged to implement these proactive recommendations.

3. Follow-up Actions

Field office staff who have expertise regarding these species may be asked to participate in revision of the MRs, in peer reviews, or on teams developing recommendations to change the status of certain species.

Field offices will likely be asked to provide information regarding their implementation of these MRs. Therefore, field office staff are asked to note pertinent aspects of the MRs, such as feasibility of implementation, appropriateness of the level of intensity, magnitude of implementation costs, and the accuracy of biological information.

Enclosure 1