Wildlife Specialist report

that are on the Regional Forester Sensitive Species list have viability concerns for
the following reasons:
1. Loss or degradation of suitable habitat (for both terrestrial and aquatic
species).
2. The species is at the edge of its range.
3. Little is known about the species and prudence dictates that the species be
protected until more is known about the viability of the species.
4. Excessive harvest/exploitation or persecution.
5. Disease or interactions with non-native species.
6. Combination of the aforementioned factors.
The analysis of effects must include an assessment of the effects of each
alternative on FSS species; this assessment is documented in a Biological
Evaluation (BE) and summarized in this chapter. Only alternatives that do not
lead to a trend toward listing of loss of viability can be selected.
Management Indicator Species (MIS)(1982 Planning Rule)(36 CFR 219): The
Gila National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment #10 for
Management Indicator Species (MIS) amended the MIS list for the Gila National
Forest to represent the major vegetation types potentially affected by management
actions. The Forest Level MIS analysis is incorporated by reference into this
analysis where all eleven MIS and their associated habitats are considered.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act: Executive Order (EO) 13186, signed January 10,
2001, lists several responsibilities of federal agencies to protect migratory birds.
Among them, agencies are directed to support the conservation intent of the
migratory bird conventions by integrating bird conservation principles, measures,
and practices into agency activities and by avoiding or minimizing, to the extent
practicable, adverse impacts on migratory birds when conducting agency actions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USDA Forest Service and
USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, signed December 8, 2008, provides additional
direction. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen migratory bird conservation
through enhanced collaboration between the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife
Service, in coordination with state, tribal and local governments. The MOU
identifies specific activities for bird conservation, pursuant to EO 13186 including
striving to protect, restore, enhance, and manage habitat of migratory birds, and
prevent the further loss or degradation of remaining habitats on National Forest
System lands. This includes identifying management practices that impact
populations of high priority migratory bird species on National Forest System
lands. Agencies shall identify potential impacts to migratory birds and their
habitats, avoid or minimize adverse impacts, restore and enhance habitats, and
evaluate the effects of actions on migratory birds. Where they exist, other
analyses should be used, such as the New Mexico Partners in Flight Conservation
Plan. The New Mexico Partners in Flight has identified highest priority species,
by vegetation types (Norris, 2003). All New Mexico breeding species were
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