Wildlife Specialist report

For the focal species and their associated analysis areas Alternative E adds 0 miles of
routes, Alternatives D adds 0 to 8 miles, Alternative F and G add 0 to 21 miles, and
Alternative C adds 0 to 41 miles of unauthorized routes. Alternative C is the only
alternative that allows for an actual increase in miles of routes through the associated
analysis areas. Because the Gila currently allows cross country travel some proposed
routes even though unauthorized are currently being used.
Findings:
Table59: Raptorial birds Forest Service sensitive species determination by alternative
Sensitive Species
Alt. B
Existing Condition
Determination by Alternative
Alt. C Alt. D Alt. E Alt. F Alt. G
Northern goshawk *MI MI MI MI MI
Peregrine falcon MI MI MI MI MI
Bald eagle MI MI MI MI MI
Rationale for
determination
*MI – May impact
Under alternatives D, E, F, and G, the potential effects to these raptors are
reduced, particularly under alternatives E and D. Under alternative C, there is an
increase in motorized routes in both goshawk analysis areas, the peregrine
analysis area, and the golden eagle analysis area. The potential to affect
individuals under all action alternatives exists; therefore, a determination of “may
impact” is made for all action alternatives. None of the alternatives would affect
the viability of these species or cause a trend toward Federal listing.
Table 60: Northern goshawk Gila National Forest management indicator species
determination by alternative
Management
Indicator Species
Alt. B
Existing Condition
Determination by Alternative
Alt. C Alt. D Alt. E Alt. F Alt. G
Northern goshawk *NA NA NA NA NA
Rationale for
determination
Under alternatives D, E, F, and G the potential effects to goshawks are reduced,
particularly under alternatives E and D. Under alternative C, there is an increase in
motorized routes in both goshawk analysis areas. The potential to affect individuals under
all action alternatives exists. Population and habitat trends for the northern goshawk would
not be affected by any of the action alternatives.
*NA – No adverse effects to the population or habitat trends
Table 61: Raptor New Mexico Partners in Flight (NMPIF) high-priority species
determination by alternative
NMPIF High-Priority
Species
Alt. B
Existing Condition
Determination by Alternative
Alt. C Alt. D Alt. E Alt. F Alt. G
Northern goshawk¹ *NA NA NA NA NA
Peregrine falcon² NA NA NA NA NA
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