Wildlife Specialist report

noise caused no discernable behavioral response by goshawks at distances greater than
400 m from nest sites (Grubb et al. 1998). Gaines et al (2003) suggest that the nesting
period and post-fledgling periods for goshawks be critically evaluated for disturbance
affects. The PFA is an area of use from the time the young fledge to the time when they
are no longer dependent on the adults for food. Managers recommend a 400 to 500 meter
radius to buffer goshawk nest sites in order to protect them from disturbance during the
breeding season. Loss of goshawk habitat due to fragmentation from roads bisecting
forested areas was identified as a detrimental effect to the species due to reduction in prey
base (Wisdom et al. 2000). This species is sensitive to changes in canopy closure and
habitat fragmentation (Forest Service 2010, and BISON-M 2008). To analyze effects to
this species from the existing condition and the change proposed in each alternative of the
Travel Management Project on the GNF analysis will focus on two factors:
1) To analyze the potential for direct effects of motorized activities to Northern
Goshawks we will measure road miles within PFAs, and within the Ponderosa Pine
vegetation type as these densities pertain to the existing condition and the change
proposed in each alternative.
2) To analyze disturbance effects we will use a disturbance zone of 400 meters within
PFAs, and within the Ponderosa Pine vegetation type as it pertains to the existing
condition and the change proposed in each alternative.
Peregrine Falcon (Regionally Sensitive Species and NM PIF High Priority Species
with Known Management Areas Defined on the GNF) - This raptor takes virtually all
of their prey on the wing, typically after a stoop or dive from above (Bison M 2009).
Prey consists almost entirely of birds, these ranging in size from swallows to ducks and
large shorebirds. Jays, woodpeckers, swifts, mourning doves and pigeons are among the
commonly-taken prey species (Birds of North America Online 2009). In New Mexico,
the American subspecies, F.p.anatum, breeds locally in mountain areas and migrates
essentially statewide; the tundra subspecies, F.p.tundrius, is a very rare migrant through
the state (Bison M 2009). Peregrine falcons are uncommon permanent residents that
breed on the GNF (Bison M 2009). In New Mexico Peregrine Falcons are found on
rocky, steep cliffs near water (Bison M 2009). They prefer elevations from 6500 - 8599 ft
but may be found from 3500 - 9000 feet (Bison M 2009). In New Mexico, the breeding
territories of Peregrine Falcons center on cliffs that are in wooded/forested habitats, with
large "gulfs" of air nearby in which these predators can forage (Bison M 2009). Most
suitable peregrine habitat on National Forest System lands in New Mexico was mapped
and designated in 1986, but refinement of suitability criteria and reevaluation of
designated habitat are ongoing tasks (Johnson, 1994). Management practices have
progressed further, since 1986 by incorporating a series of zones, called a Peregrine
Falcon Management area in which different activities may be permitted at different times
of the year. The GNF has 14 designated Peregrine Falcon Management Areas. Peregrine
Falcon habitat management in New Mexico focuses on conserving habitat quality and
minimizing disturbance (Johnson, 1994). A review of the literature indicates that 800-
3400 meters, depending on topography from nests sites is the reported distance by which
recreation activities will cause disturbance effects to this species (Windsor, 1975; Call,
1979, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 1995, Johnson 1994, USFWS, 1984, Richardson
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