This memorandum transmits some adjustments in the Great Gray Owl (GGO) survey protocol recommended by the Research and Monitoring Committee (RMC). The initial GGO protocol was issued on May 12, 1995. Since that time, a science panel was convened to examine the status of the GGO and recommend any adjustments in the current survey protocol. The science panel recommendations were further refined by a management policy task group. The enclosed letter from the RMC (Enclosure 1) transmits the GGO science panel report (Enclosure 2), recommends some actions to take for the FY 1997 field survey season, recommends items for further analysis, and recommends actions for longer term resolution of the status of the GGO.

Field Offices should implement the six suggested "Recommendations for the 1997 Survey Season" by incorporating these adjustments in the May 12, 1995, version of the protocol. Recommendation six and Table 2 identify field units where preharvest protocol surveys are still required and further identifies field units where habitat occupancy surveys are recommended. Specific habitat occupancy survey requirements are not identified. Habitat occupancy surveys are intended, where conducted, to be located in habitat with the highest likelihood of supporting nesting GGOs. Methods, locations, and timing of habitat occupancy surveys are at the discretion of the field units.

Recommendation two acknowledges that, by using the onset of snowmelt to determine the start of the survey season, it may not be possible to complete all of the four visits that must be made prior to May 15. However, there should still be a good faith effort put forth to complete each of the four March 15-May 15 visits within the specified time period, even if they go past the normal timeframe. The number of visits required in a season (i.e., six) is not changed by this recommendation.

Some southwestern Oregon field units have been finding GGOs below 3000 feet. Although not a requirement at this time, surveys below 3000 feet, but otherwise according to protocol, will both assist in maintaining species viability, and provide data important for evaluation of the GGO Record of Decision (ROD) requirements. Field Offices should assess which, if any, lower elevation locations would be priority areas to survey given the existing workload, staffing, and funding.

The "Recommendations for Further Analysis" and "Recommendations for Longer Term Resolution of the Status of the GGO" are still being evaluated at this time. It is likely that some interagency review of these issues will be undertaken and management representatives, field biologists, and scientists may be asked to participate in this effort.

Authenicated by
Maggie Weaver
Management Asst.

2 Attachments (under separate cover)

1 - REO memo dated April 24, 1997 (6 pp)

2 - Great Gray Owl Survey Status & Evaluation of Guidelines for the Northwest Forest Plan (47 pp)

Author:r.hickenbottom edit:d.cole:wfw:439:5/15/97

I concur, R.Hickenbottom / /97
I concur, G.Gunderson / /97
I concur, R.Escano / /97

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