Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl - DRAFT

4. Cumulative Effects AssessmentThe preparation of a THP must include an assessment of potentiallysignificant cumulative impacts from the proposed timber harvest operationfor a number of environmental variables. The assessment process mustindicate whether the proposal, when considered with the impacts of pastprojects and reasonably foreseeable future projects, would result in significantadverse environmental impacts.Evaluation of cumulative effects on biological resources includes identifyingresources of concern, such as threatened and endangered species,sensitive species, important wildlife resources such as game animals, andspecific components of wildlife habitat.Mitigation measures and other protection are included in THPs as neededto avoid, reduce, or offset significant adverse cumulative effects. Directand indirect effects resulting from the proposed action must be addressed.While the rule does not contain specific mitigation requirements, it doesprovide an analytical basis for requiring site-by-site protection if needed.Evaluating potential timber harvesting impacts to northern spotted owls inthe analysis of cumulative effects provides several benefits for owl conservation:1) the impacts of a proposed timber operation are assessed in thecontext of past, present, and future projects in the same area; 2) impactsare assessed on broader temporal and spatial scales than those addressedby individual THPs and an assessment limited to direct impacts; and 3) theassessment process tailors the analysis to fit unique conditions of owlpopulations and habitat, information availability, and perceived thresholdof impacts.5. Specific Northern Spotted Owl RulesThe state forestry board has adopted specific rules for the protection andconservation of the northern spotted owl (emergency rules in August 1990:permanent rules in February 1991), which are designed to prevent take ofnorthern spotted owls. Approval of any harvest plan that would causesignificant long-term damage to the owl must be withheld. Other rulesrequire a THP to provide specific information about owl habitat and owlswithin the proposed harvest area and adjacent areas. The CaliforniaDepartment of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Departmentof Fish and Game have developed a procedure whereby plans are reviewedand a determination is made whether the plan will result in a take. Thisprocess has the concurrence of the FWS.6. Nonindustrial Timber Management PlanAs an alternative to THP review, the state forestry board has adopted rulesto permit nonindustrial forestland owners holding less than 2,500 acres tosubmit long-term management and harvesting plans. The plans arerequired to prescribe uneven-age management of the forestland. Theowner must submit management information regarding silviculturalmethods, harvest scheduling, existing and future stand conditions, andother pertinent information. Using this option, spotted owl conservationneeds can be integrated with timber harvesting and management ofnonindustrial timberlands.80California Environmental quality Act (CEQA). The CEQA is similar to theNational Environmental Policy Act; before state or local agencies may approve