Roseburg Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Glossary

Roseburg Record of Decision

Roseburg District Resource Management Plan Table of Contents:

- Tables

- Maps

- Appendices

Special Status and SEIS Special Attention Species Habitat

SEIS Special Attention Species include Survey and Manage, Protection Buffer, and bat roosts as discussed in Attachment A of the SEIS ROD.

Objectives

See Late-Successional Reserve, Riparian Reserve, Matrix, and Special Area objectives.

Protect, manage, and conserve federal listed and proposed species and their habitats to achieve their recovery in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, approved recovery plans, and bureau special status species policies.

Manage for the conservation of federal candidate and bureau sensitive species and their habitats so as not to contribute to the need to list, and to recover the species.

Manage for the conservation of state listed species and their habitats to assist the state in achieving management objectives.

Protect and manage assessment species where possible so as to not elevate their status to any higher level of concern.

Protect SEIS Special Attention Species so as not to elevate their status to any higher level of concern.

Maintain or restore community structure, species composition, and ecological processes of special status plant and animal habitat.

Land Use Allocations

The objectives for special status species will apply to all land use allocations. All of the major land allocations in this plan are designed in part to benefit special status species in the aggregate. Special status species habitat designated on the district may change as inventories are conducted and the status of species change.

Management Actions/Direction

Late-Successional Reserves

Design projects for recovery of threatened or endangered animal and plant species even if they result in some reduction of habitat quality for late-successional species. These projects will be designed for least impact to late-successional species.

All Land Use Allocations

Special Status Species

Review all proposed actions to determine whether or not special status species occupy or use the affected area or if the habitat for such species is affected.

Conduct field surveys according to protocols and established procedures. This includes surveying during the proper season unless surveys are deemed unnecessary through watershed analysis, project planning, and environmental assessment. Field surveys may not be conducted in all cases depending on the number and timing of previous surveys conducted, whether previous surveys looked for all species that would be included on a new survey, and the likelihood of potential habitat. The intensity of field surveys will also vary depending on the same factors.

Consult (formal, informal, conference, or technical assistance, as appropriate) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service for any proposed action which may affect federal listed, proposed, or candidate species or critical or essential habitat. Based on the results of consultation, modify, relocate, or abandon the proposed action.

Coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and other appropriate agencies and organizations and jointly endeavor to recover federal listed and proposed species and their habitats.

Modify, relocate, or abandon a proposed action to avoid contributing to the need to list under the Endangered Species Act, all federal candidate, state listed species and bureau sensitive species or their habitats.

Coordinate and cooperate with the state of Oregon to conserve state listed species.

Protect assessment species where possible so as not to increase their status. Assessment species will be included in all field inventory and clearance work and all new locations will be documented. They will be considered in all environmental analyses where impacts will be clearly identified.

Where it is biologically appropriate and consistent with species recovery plans, buffer special status species by 100 to 300 feet from all surface disturbance and harvest of timber.

Retain under federal management, or other appropriate management organization, habitat essential for the survival or recovery of listed and proposed species. Retain habitat of candidate, bureau sensitive, and assessment species where disposal would contribute to the need to list the species.

Where appropriate opportunities exist, acquire land to contribute to recovery, reduce the need to list, or enhance special status species habitat.

Coordinate with other agencies and groups in management of species across landscapes. Coordination will be accomplished through conservation plans or similar agreements which identify actions to conserve single or multiple species and/or habitats.

Where plans exist for species no longer on the special status list, continue with the prescribed conservation actions if determined to be necessary to avoid relisting or future consideration for listing. In the case of interagency plans or agreements, this determination will be mutually decided. Such plans may be modified as needed based on adequacy of existing rangewide conditions and conservation management.

Pursue opportunities for public education about conservation of species.

Where appropriate, pursue opportunities to increase the number of populations of species under BLM management through land acquisition and/or species reintroduction in coordination with other responsible agencies.

SEIS Special Attention Species (includes Survey and Manage species, Protection Buffer species, and roosts for bats)

Survey and Manage

Implement the survey and manage provision of the SEIS ROD within the range of SEIS special attention species and the particular habitats that they are known to occupy. Appendix H shows which species are covered by this provision, and which of the following four categories and management actions/direction are to be applied to each:

Protection Buffers

Provide protection buffers for specific rare and locally endemic species and SEIS Special Attention Species in the upland forest matrix. A list of these species and related management actions/direction are presented below. These species are likely to be assured viability if they occur within reserves. However, there might be occupied locations outside reserves that will be important to protect as well.

Apply the following management actions/direction:

1. Develop survey protocols that will ensure a high likelihood of locating sites occupied by these species.
   
   
2. Following development of survey protocols and prior to ground disturbing activities, conduct surveys within the known or suspected ranges of the species and within the habitat types or vegetation communities occupied by the species. See the previous Survey and Manage section for an implementation schedule.
   
   
3. When located, protect the occupied sites as follows:

The SEIS ROD establishes Late-Successional Reserves for the Protection Buffers for the following species:

Nonvascular Plants

Ptilidium californicum (Liverwort) - This species is rare and has a very limited distribution in old white fir forests with fallen trees. It occurs on trunks of trees at about 5000 feet elevation. Mitigation options include finding locations and maintaining stands of overmature white fir at about 5000 feet elevation for inoculum and dispersal along corridors and studying specific distribution patterns. Protect known occupied locations if distribution patterns are disjunct and highly localized by deferring timber harvest and avoiding removal of fallen trees and logs.

Ulota meglospora (Moss) - This species occurs in northern California and southwest Oregon. It is best developed (locally abundant) in very old stands of tanoak, Douglas-fir, and other conifer species further north, but is generally scarce throughout its range. The species is poorly known ecologically. Mitigation activities include conducting basic ecological studies, and surveying for presence, particularly in Oregon. Protect known occupied sites if distribution patterns are disjunct and highly localized. Defer timber harvest or other activities which would not maintain desired habitat characteristics and population levels.

Aleuria rhenana (Fungus) - This mushroom is widely distributed but rare and little known throughout its range. Known from one collection from Mt. Rainier National Park it is a conifer litter decomposer. Mitigation activities include conducting ecological studies and surveys to determine localities. Protect known populations if surveys continue to indicate that the population is rare. Defer ground disturbing activities.

Otidea leporina, O. onotica, and O. smithii (Fungi) - These mushrooms occur in conifer duff, and are widespread in distribution but uncommon. They are dependent on older-age forests. Specific mitigation options include protecting older forests from ground disturbance where the species are located.

For the plants listed above, it is recommended that Regional or state office level ecologists or botanists should: (1) maintain a spatially explicit data base of all known sites in BLM Districts, and (2) develop species or area management plans, to be implemented under the guidance of the regional botany programs.

Amphibians

Shasta Salamander - This species is very narrowly distributed, occurring only in localized populations on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Only a small part of its range is included within Habitat Conservation Areas identified by the Interagency Scientific Committee (1990) (status within Late-Successional Reserves has not been determined). It occurs in association with limestone outcrops, protected by an overstory canopy. All known and future localities must be delineated and protected from timber harvest, mining, quarry activity, and road building within the delineated site, and a buffer of at least the height of one site potential tree or 100 feet horizontal distance, whichever is greater, should surround the outcrop. Additional surveys conducted using a standardized protocol must be undertaken to identify and delineate all occupied sites within the species' potential range.

Birds

Great Gray Owl - Within the range of the northern spotted owl, the great gray owl is most common in lodgepole pine forests adjacent to meadows. However, it is also found in other coniferous forest types. In some locations, such as on the Willamette National Forest west of the crest of the Cascade Range, at least some shelterwood harvesting seems to be beneficial for the species by opening up otherwise closed canopy cover for foraging. In doing so, consequences to species such as northern goshawk and American marten must be evaluated. Specific mitigation measures for the great gray owl, within the range of the northern spotted owl, include the following: provide a no harvest buffer of 300 feet around meadows and natural openings and establish 1/4-mile protection zones around known nest sites.

Within one year of the signing of the Record of Decision for the SEIS develop and implement a standardized protocol for surveys; survey for nest locations using the protocol. Protect all future discovered nest sites as previously described.

The following rare and locally endemic species are likely to be assured viability if they occur within designated areas. However, there might be occupied locations outside these areas that will be important to protect as well. Protocols for surveys will be developed that will ensure a high likelihood of locating these occupied sites, and such surveys will be conducted prior to ground disturbing activities within the known or suspected ranges and within the habitat types or vegetation communities occupied by these species, according to the implementation schedule for Survey and Manage components 1, 2, 3, and/or 4 set forth in the SEIS ROD. When located, the occupied sites need to be protected as described in the following standard and guidelines.

The SEIS ROD establishes Managed Late-Successional Areas for the Protection Buffers for the following species:

Nonvascular Plants

Buxbaumia piperi, B. viridis, Rhizomnium nudum, and Tetraphis geniculata (Mosses) - Most of these species are fairly rare (the exception is B. piperi). They occur on rotten logs and some organic soil, and are shade dependent, occurring in old-growth forests. Mitigation activities include surveying to determine presence and distribution; and, where located, maintaining decay class 3, 4, and 5 logs and greater than 70 percent closed canopy forest habitats for shade. Shelterwood and thinning prescriptions for timber harvest will cause their demise, as logs dry out. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage components 1 and 3.

Polyozellus multiplex (Fungus) - Ecologically, this mushroom was considered in the same species group as Albatrellus caeryliopus and others, listed earlier in the SAT Report under species aided by marbled murrelet mitigation measures. However, P. multiplex occurs in higher elevations of the Cascades in silver fir and mixed conifer (and is thus outside the range of marbled murrelet mitigations). It can be locally abundant and is a mycorrhizal species important to forest health. Like its group associates, it is a good indicator of old-growth forests. Mitigation activities for this species include conducting surveys to define its distribution, and studies to assess its habitat requirements. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage components 1 and 3.

Sarcosoma mexicana (Fungus) - This mushroom occurs in deep conifer litter layers in older forests. It is uncommon to rare and is found in the Oregon and Washington Coast Range into British Columbia. Mitigation activities include surveying for locations and protecting deep litter layers of older forests where found. Defer prescribed burning of understory or other activities which would not retain a deep litter layer. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage component 3.

For the plants listed above, it is recommended that regional and state ecologists or botanists should: (1) maintain a spatially explicit data base of all known sites in BLM Districts, and (2) develop species or area management plans, to be implemented under the guidance of the regional botany programs.

Amphibians

Larch Mountain Salamander - Because of the narrow distribution of this species, mostly within the Columbia River Gorge, primary emphasis should be to survey and protect all known sites. Sites must be identified based on fall surveys conducted using a standardized protocol. Known sites are included within boundaries of conservation areas and under these guidelines, are not to be disturbed. Surveys are needed at additional sites in the forest matrix along the Columbia River Gorge. Key habitat is mossy talus protected by overstory canopy. Avoiding any ground disturbing activity that would disrupt the talus layer where this species occurs is the primary means of protection. Once sites are identified, maintain 40 percent canopy closure of trees within the site and within a buffer of at least the height of one site-potential tree or 100 feet horizontal distance, whichever is greater, surrounding the site. Larger buffer widths are appropriate upslope from protected sites on steep slopes. Partial harvest may be possible if canopy closure can be retained; in such cases logging must be conducted using helicopters or high-lead cable systems to avoid disturbance of the talus layer. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage components 1 and 2.

Siskiyou Mountain Salamander - This species occurs within an extremely narrow range on the Rogue River, Siskiyou, and Klamath National Forests. Its range does not fall within any of the Habitat Conservation Areas identified by the Interagency Scientific Committee in Oregon. Additional surveys conducted using a standardized protocol must be undertaken to delineate range and identify subpopulations. All populations must be protected by delineating an occupied site and avoiding disturbance of talus throughout the site. Because this species seems to require cool, moist conditions, a buffer of at least the height of one site potential tree or 100 feet horizontal distance, whichever is greater, surrounding the site, must be retained around the outer periphery of all known sites. Overstory trees must not be removed within the boundary of this buffer. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage components 1 and 2.

Del Norte Salamander - This species occurs in talus slopes protected by overstory canopy that maintains cool, moist conditions on the ground. The species is a slope-valley inhabitant, and sometimes occurs in high numbers near riparian areas. Riparian Reserves, in combination with Late-Successional Reserves and other reserves, will offer some protection to the species but significant numbers also occur in upland areas. Additional mitigation options in this upland matrix include identifying locations (talus areas inhabited by the species) by using a standardized survey protocol, then protecting the location from ground disturbing activities. Designate a buffer of at least the height of one site potential tree or 100 feet horizontal distance, whichever is greater, surrounding the location. Within the site and its surrounding buffer, maintain 40 percent canopy closure and avoid any activities that would directly disrupt the surface talus layer. Partial harvest within the buffer may be possible if 40 percent canopy closure can be maintained; in such cases, tree harvest must be conducted using helicopters or high-lead cable systems to avoid compaction or other disturbance of talus. The implementation schedule for this species is the same as for survey and manage components 1 and 2.

The SEIS ROD establishes the following management direction for protection buffers where the following species occur in the matrix:

Birds

White-headed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker, Pygmy Nuthatch, and Flammulated Owl - These species will not be sufficiently aided by application of mitigation measures for riparian habitat protection or for marbled murrelets alone. They all occur on the periphery of the range of the northern spotted owl on the east slope of the Cascade Range in Washington or Oregon. Additionally, the white-headed woodpecker and flammulated owl occur in the Klamath Province in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon. The viability of all four species within the range of the northern spotted owl was rated as a medium risk on National Forests, although they each are much more widely distributed elsewhere.

Apply the following mitigation standards and guidelines to ensure that the distribution and numbers of all four species do not severely decline on BLM Districts within the range of the northern spotted owl. These guidelines apply to the forest matrix outside designated habitat for the northern spotted owl and Riparian Reserves. Maintain adequate numbers of large snags and green-tree replacements for future snags within the four species' ranges in appropriate forest types. Where feasible, green-tree replacements for future snags can be left in groups to reduce blowdown. Specifically, the Scientific Analysis Team recommends that no snags over 20 inches dbh be marked for cutting. The Scientific Analysis Team recognizes, however, that safety considerations may prevent always retaining all snags. Use of standardized definitions of hazard trees is required. For the longer term, provide for sufficient numbers of green trees to provide for the full (100 percent) population potential of each species.

As depicted by Neitro in Management of Wildlife and Fish Habitats in Forest of Western Oregon and Washington (1985), the 100 percent population potential for white-headed woodpeckers is 0.60 conifer snags (ponderosa pine of Douglas-fir) per acre in forest habitats; these snags must be at least 15 inches dbh (or largest available if 15 inch dbh snags are not available) and in soft decay stages, and must be provided in stands of ponderosa pine and mixed pine/Douglas-fir. The 100 percent population potential or black-backed woodpeckers is 0.12 conifer snags per acre in forest habitats; these snags must be at least 17 inches dbh (or largest available if 17 inch dbh snags are not available) and in hard decay stages, and must be provided in stands of mixed conifer and lodgepole pine in higher elevations of the Cascade Range. Provision of snags for other cavity nesting species, including primary cavity nesters, must be added to the requirements for these two woodpecker species. Site specific analysis, and application of a snag recruitment model (specifically, the Forest Service's Snag Recruitment Simulator) taking into account tree species, diameters, falling rates, and decay rates, will be required to determine appropriate tree and snag species mixes and densities. If snag requirements cannot be met, then harvest must not take place.

As identified by the expert panel, black-backed woodpeckers also require beetle infested trees for foraging; some such trees should be provided in appropriate habitat, and sanitation harvest of all such trees would be detrimental to the species. More information is needed on habitat use, seasonal occurrence, and use of forest age classes and burns, for the black-backed woodpecker.

Pygmy nuthatches use habitat very similar to those of white-headed woodpeckers. Pygmy nuthatches require large trees, typically ponderosa pine within the range of the northern spotted owl, for roosting. Provision of snags for white-headed woodpeckers is assumed to provide for the needs of pygmy nuthatch, as no species specific guidelines for the species have been developed. Additional information on ecology of pygmy nuthatch within the range of the northern spotted owl is needed to develop more precise standards and guidelines.

Flammulated owls are secondary cavity nesters and use cavities in snags and live trees, created by woodpeckers or, less often, that occur naturally. It is assumed that standards and guidelines for snags and green-tree replacements for woodpeckers and other primary cavity nesting species, as provided by BLM District Land and Resource Management Plans and for the woodpeckers in this species group, would provide for flammulated owls.

Note: The snag recommendations above are based on the model presented by Neitro and others (1985). In that model, snag requirements for individual species were treated as additive in developing snag requirements for the overall community of cavity excavators. As noted above, "provision of snags for other cavity nesting species, including primary cavity nesters, must be added to the requirements for these two woodpecker species" (black-backed and white-headed woodpeckers).

Snag requirements are developed by the BLM Districts for specific forest cover types, and these may be further broken down by geographic location. The intent is to tailor the requirements to those species that are actually expected to occur in an area. To determine if the protection buffer requirements should be added to existing BLM District Plan requirements, the basis for those existing requirements should be analyzed to determine if they include the species identified by SAT at the specified level of percent population potential. If they do not, then the SAT requirements must be added to the existing Forest and BLM District Plan requirements.

Mammals

Lynx - Lynx are rare within the range of the northern spotted owl, occurring primarily in the Okanogan area of Washington. The lynx is currently listed by the Fish and Wildlife Service as a Category 2 candidate (a species for which additional information is needed to propose listing as threatened or endangered). A petition was filed to list the lynx as endangered within the northern Cascades of Washington, based on small population size, population isolation, and lack of adequate prey base (snowshoe hare). However, the Fish and Wildlife Service ruled that available information does not warrant listing the lynx in Washington.

Three primary habitat components for lynx are (1) foraging habitat (15 to 35 year old lodgepole pine) to support snowshoe hare and provide hunting cover, (2) denning sites (patches of greater than 200 year old spruce and fir, generally less than 5 acres), and (3) dispersal/travel cover (variable in vegetation composition and structure). The major limiting factor is abundance of snowshoe hare, which in turn is limited by availability of winter habitat (primarily early-successional lodgepole pine with trees at least 6 feet tall). Past excessive trapping of lynx and incidental mortality of lynx from hunting of other species have depressed populations and may have been detrimental to local lynx populations in Washington. Roads provide access to hunters and trappers and thus road density may be related to lynx mortality.

The reserves and other designated areas in these standards and guidelines will provide denning habitat within protected forest stands in juxtaposition with early-successional vegetation in the forest matrix. Connectivity between many of the denning patches will be provided by the network of buffers along streams under the Riparian Reserves.

In addition, the Scientific Analysis Team proposed development of site specific timber harvest, roading, and fire management plans in known lynx range. These plans should be developed in consultation with state wildlife agencies and should address:

1. Minimizing road construction, closing unused roads, and maintaining roads to the minimum standard possible.
   
   
2. Using prescribed fire to maintain forage for snowshoe hare in juxtaposition with hunting cover.
   
   
3. Designing areas as closed to kill trapping of any furbearer to avoid incidental lynx mortality to maintain population refugia for lynx in key areas.
   
   
4. Planning for kill trapping closure on a wider basis if data indicate a declining lynx population as a result of incidental trapping mortality.
   
   
5. Developing and implementing a credible survey and monitoring strategy to determine the distribution of lynx throughout its potential range.

Roosting Bats - Conduct surveys of crevices in caves, mines, and abandoned wooden bridges and buildings for the presence of roosting bats, including fringed myotis, silver-haired bats, long-eared myotis, long-legged myotis, and pallid bats. Surveys will be conducted according to protocol as outlined below and defined in the SEIS ROD and in any subsequent revisions to the protocol.

As an interim measure, allow no timber harvest within 250 feet of sites containing bats. Develop mitigation measures in project or activity plans involving these sites. The intent of these measures is to protect sites from destruction, vandalism, disturbance from road construction or blasting, or any other activity that could change cave or mine temperatures or drainage patterns.

When Townsend's big-eared bats are found on federal land, notify the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Develop management prescriptions for these sites that include special consideration for potential impacts on this species.

This provision is intended to apply in matrix forests and Adaptive Management Areas, and elements such as protection of known occupied caves should be considered for other land allocations. Conduct surveys of crevices in caves, mines, and abandoned wooden bridges and buildings for the presence of roosting bats, including fringed myotis, silver-haired bats, long-eared myotis, long-legged myotis, and pallid bats. For the purposes of this management action/direction, caves are defined as in the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988 as "any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages which occur beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge (. . . but not including any . . . man-made excavation) and which is large enough to permit an individual to enter, whether or not the entrance is naturally formed or man-made." Searches should be conducted during the day in the summer (to locate day roosts and maternity colonies), at night during the late summer and fall (to locate night roosts, which are important for reproduction), and during the day in the winter (to locate hibernacula). If bats are found, identify the species using the site and determine for what purpose it is being used by bats. As an interim measure, timber harvest is prohibited within 250 feet of sites containing bats. Management action/direction that may be included as mitigation measures in project or activity plans will be developed for the site. This management action/direction will be developed following an inventory and mapping of resources. The purpose of the management action/direction will be developed following an inventory and mapping of resources and will provide for protection of the site from destruction, vandalism, disturbance from road construction or blasting, or any other activity that could change cave or mine temperatures or drainage patterns. The size of the buffer, and types of activities allowed within the buffer, may be modified through the direction developed for the specific site. Retention of abandoned bridges or buildings will be made contingent on safety concerns.

Listed and Proposed Threatened and Endangered Species

General

Implement the land use allocations and management actions/direction of this Resource Management Plan which are designed to enhance and maintain habitat for all endangered and threatened species.

Northern Spotted Owl

Retain 100 acres of the best northern spotted owl habitat as close to the nest site or owl activity center as possible for all known (as of January 1, 1994) spotted owl activity centers. Human activity within 1/4-mile of nest sites which could disturb owl nesting activities will be restricted, especially the use of large power equipment and falling of trees. Restrictions will apply from March 1 to September 30 or until non-nesting status is confirmed using protocol procedures. The retention of adequate habitat conditions for dispersal of the northern spotted owl will be taken into account during watershed analysis that addresses the issue of adjusting Riparian Reserve widths.

Columbian White-tailed Deer

Timber harvest or other vegetation altering activities on all BLM-managed lands (12,761 acres) within the general area of distribution will only occur if determined beneficial to Columbian White-tailed deer or until such time that definitive information is available describing the use level and value of these lands in the context of meeting recovery plan goals. Of the above acres, 8,830 acres occurring within the core habitat area for the species have been removed from the timber base. Acquisition of lands within the core area (primarily T. 26 S., and T. 27 S., R. 5 W.) for the Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County through exchange or purchase will be actively pursued. To provide long term recovery for the Columbian white-tailed deer, the recovery plan identifies a need for 5,500 acres of secure suitable habitat and a population of 1,000 animals supported on secure habitat for down listing to occur. A Habitat Management Plan will be prepared for existing BLM-managed lands determined to be of significant value to Columbia white-tailed deer or any lands acquired specifically for this species. The Roseburg District has recently acquired approximately 6,600 acres (included in above totals) of prime habitat for this species. A management plan for the area is currently under development. When adequate habitat is secured to meet recovery plan goals and the species is no longer listed, lands outside the core area and not acquired primarily for Columbian white-tailed deer management will no longer be restricted as described above.

Townsend's Big-eared Bat

Townsend's big-eared bat roosts and hibernacula will be protected and buffered by 600 feet to maintain the integrity of sites. Disturbance will be limited near roosts and hibernacula to prevent detrimental impact to colonies. The use of pesticides which are detrimental to prey species or their habitat within the normal hunting range of known bat nursery colonies and hibernacula will be restricted. The restriction will apply to an area within the normal hunting range of known nursery colonies, and hibernacula. BLM will pursue acquisition of the Scott Mountain hibernaculum consisting of approximately ten acres. To maintain habitat integrity on BLM-administered lands adjacent to the Scott Mountain hibernaculum, 36 acres will remain withdrawn from the timber base.

Marbled Murrelet

Conduct two years of survey prior to any physical disturbance of marbled murrelet habitat within zone II (approximately 50 miles from coast).

Protect contiguous existing and recruitment habitat for marbled murrelets (i.e., stands that are capable of becoming marbled murrelet habitat within 25 years) within a 0.5 mile radius of any site where the birds' behavior indicates occupation (e.g., active nest, fecal ring, or eggshell fragments, and birds flying below, through, into, or out of the forest canopy within or adjacent to a stand).

Neither conduct nor allow harvest of timber within occupied marbled murrelet habitat at least until completion of the Marbled Murrelet Recovery Plan.

Human activity will be minimized or curtailed within occupied or nesting stands between March 1 and July 15.

During silvicultural treatments of nonhabitat within the 0.5-mile circle, protect or enhance suitable or replacement habitat.

Amend or revise management direction as appropriate when the recovery plan is completed.

Bald Eagle

Comply with the Pacific Bald Eagle Recovery and Implementation Plans and existing, site specific habitat management plans.

Manage 4,658 acres along the major river corridors to develop or maintain forest structure needed to support nesting and foraging activities. These acres are withdrawn from the timber base.

To meet recovery plan goals, the currently existing six bald eagle nest territories and habitat (4,658 acres) will be protected as well as any future occupied territories under the following management guidelines:

Retain ownership of all BLM designated bald eagle habitat and pursue conservation easements or acquisition of other lands occurring within known active or future nesting territories. Priority is placed on acquiring 261 acres within Cougar Creek and Woodruff Mountain nesting territories.

Implementation of the Umpqua Corridor Habitat Management Plan will continue. Habitat management plans will be developed for all active nesting territories.

Vehicle use on 1.5 miles of road at the head of Huntley Creek will be restricted from February 15 to August 31 to limit nest site disturbance.

Peregrine Falcon

Comply with the Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan and existing, site specific habitat management plans. Known and potential (sites rated 7 or above) nesting cliffs will be managed to maintain site integrity.

Although there are no known Peregrine falcon nesting sites on BLM-administered lands, sites occupied in the future will have seasonal disturbance restrictions of 1/4-mile or greater around them. Actual areas restricted will depend on the activity and likely disturbance at the nest cliff. Pesticides that have a negative effect on prey species or their habitat will not be applied within two miles of active sites. Habitat management plans will be written for all active Peregrine falcon nest sites on BLM-administered lands. High potential sites will periodically be surveyed for occupancy and all future occupied sites will be monitored annually to determine occupancy, nesting, and production. Acquisition will be pursued for occupied nest sites occurring on adjacent private lands. Currently there is one active nest site suitable for BLM acquisition.

Northern Goshawk

Retain 30 acre buffers of undisturbed habitat around active and alternative nest sites. Restrict human activity and disturbance within 1/4-mile of active sites between March and August or until such time as young have dispersed.

Plants

Umpqua Mariposa Lily (Calochortus umpquaensis)

Manage Umpqua mariposa lily habitat to increase numbers of plants in each of the populations known throughout the species range. A conservation strategy will be prepared in cooperation with the Medford District BLM, Umpqua National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which will prescribe the following management actions at locations throughout the species range:

• Acquisition of private land to increase habitat in federal ownership.
  
  
• Securing voluntary protection by private landowners through cooperative agreements.
  
  
• Designation of habitat as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
  
  
• Installation of gates and fences.
  
  
• Management of livestock grazing and Off Highway Vehicle use.
  
  
• Collection of seed for long term storage.
  
  
• Prescribed burning of habitat.
  
  
• Girdling trees, precommercial thinning, and commercial thinning forest stands to produce gaps in forest habitat.
  
  
• Monitoring habitat to determine population trends and the effects of management treatments.
  
  
• Conducting demographic studies.