The Standards and Guidelines for Management of Habitat for Late-Successional and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl include the requirement to conduct surveys for the Oregon red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) (RTV) prior to ground-disturbing activities that will be implemented within the known or suspected range and within the habitat types or vegetation communities associated with the Oregon red tree vole (ROD, Page C-5, Component 2).

This memorandum transmits Version 2.0 of the survey protocol for the Oregon red tree vole for immediate implementation. Version 2.0 and this transmittal letter replace the U.S. Forest Service (R6) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) memorandum on interim guidance for the red tree vole ((1736-PFP (BLM-OR 931)/1950 (FS); BLM Instruction Memorandum No. OR-97-009 dated November 4, 1996)) which included the attachment: Biology and Interim Survey Protocol for the Red Tree Vole in Oregon (Interim Version 1.0). Field surveys that have been completed, or are currently under contract, using Interim Version 1.0 methods described on pages 10-12 of the document meet the requirements for Component 2 surveys for the RTV under the Northwest Forest Plan standards and guidelines. All RTV surveys initiated after the date of this transmittal letter should use the attached Version 2.0.

Since the November 4, 1996 memorandum, further investigation regarding the taxonomic status of the Oregon red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) supports the range extension into northern California which is included in this version of the protocol. If field surveys performed within this extended range area using Interim Version 1.0 methods described on pages 10-12 of the document have been completed, or are currently under contract, these surveys meet the requirements for Component 2 surveys under the Northwest Forest Plan standards and guidelines. All RTV surveys initiated after the date of this transmittal letter should use the attached Version 2.0.

S&M Survey Protocol - Red Tree Vole 2

This protocol will undergo formal peer review during the next year by selected scientists, managers, and agency staff knowledgeable about this species. In addition, all field offices are encouraged to provide comments to Ward Hoffman (Olympic National Forest, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. S.W., Olympia, WA 98512) by September 30, 2000.

If you have questions or comments concerning the attached survey protocol, please contact Cheryl McCaffrey (BLM), Sarah Madsen (FS R-6), or Paula Crumpton (FS R-5). They can be reached at:

Cheryl 503-952-6050; E-mail: cmccaffr@or.blm.gov
Sarah 503-808-2673; E-mail: smadsen/r6pnw@fs.fed.us
Paula 530-242-2242; E-mail: pcrumpton/r5_shastatrinity@fs.fed.us

Enclosure ((Survey Protocol for the Red Tree Vole, Arborimus longicaudus (= Phenacomys longicaudus in the Record of Decision of the Northwest Forest Plan), Version 2.0))