Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

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Species Name Status Habitat Occurrence Notes
Great gray owl
(Strix nebulosa)
California spotted owl
(Strix occidentalis
occidentalis)
FSS
SE
FSS
MIS
BCC
CSC
Nests in old-growth coniferous
forests and forages in montane
meadows. Distribution includes
the Sierra Nevada and Cascade
Ranges from 4,500 to 7,500 feet.
The study area is located on the
western edge of the preferred yearround
range.
Prefers forest habitat with two or
more tree canopy layers; trees in
the dominant and co-dominant
crown classes averaging 24-inches
diameter at breast height or
greater; and at least 70% tree
canopy cover (including
hardwoods). The study area is
located within the species
preferred year-round range.
Suitable habitat is present in the study area. This
species has the potential to be a year-round resident.
The nearest CNDDB record is 30 miles south near
Leoni Meadows in the Eldorado National. No
species-specific relicensing surveys were conducted
for the great gray owl and the species was not
documented during point count surveys, nor were
there any incidental sightings.
California spotted owl nests and associated PACs
(breeding territories) intersect with FERC project
boundaries at the following locations: French
Meadows reservoir; North and South Fork Long
Canyon diversion dams, Middle Fork interbay, French
Meadows-Hell Hole tunnel, Hell Hole-Middle Fork
tunnel, interbay dam road, Brushy Canyon adit and
access road, and Middle Fork-Ralston tunnel. This
species has the potential to be present in the study area
year-round.