Wildlife Specialist report

For the focal species and their associated analysis areas Alternative E adds 0 to 5 miles of
routes, Alternatives D adds 3 to 46 miles, Alternative F adds 1 to 59 miles, Alternative G
add 1 to 57 miles, and Alternative C adds 1 to 97 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 most proposed routes even though unauthorized are currently being used.
Findings:
Table88: Upland non-game and song 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
Burrowing owl MI MI MI MI MI
White-eared hummingbird MI MI MI MI MI
Costa’s hummingbird MI MI MI MI MI
Gray vireo MI MI MI MI MI
Rationale for
determination
*MI – May impact
Under alternatives D, E, F, and G, the potential effects to upland nongame birds
are reduced. Alternative C slightly increases the overall miles of motorized
routes, but reduces the effects of motorized cross-country travel. The potential to
affect individuals under all action alternatives still 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 89: Plain titmouse 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
Plain titmouse *NA NA NA NA NA
Rationale For
Determination
Under alternatives D, E, F, and G, the potential effects to this focal species are reduced.
Alternative C slightly increases the overall miles of motorized routes, but reduces the effects
of motorized cross-country travel. The potential to affect individuals under all action
alternatives exists. Population and habitat trends for the Plain titmouse would not be affected
by any of the action alternatives.
*NA – No adverse effects to the population or habitat trends
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