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Clarification Letter

File Code:	1920-2	Date:	June 14, 2005
Route To:
Subject:	SNFPA 2004 ROD - CASPO Standard and Guideline Clarifications
To:	Forest Supervisors, Directors and Forest Supervisor, Humboldt - Toiyabe

The Sierra Nevada Framework Implementation Team has received the following two questions regarding the interpretation of the standards and guidelines pertaining to California spotted owls.

Question - When does the "planning process" end, when used in the context of the intent of Standard and Guideline No. 33?

Standard and Guideline No. 33

Conduct surveys in compliance with the Pacific Southwest Region's survey protocols during the planning process when proposed vegetation treatments are likely to reduce habitat quality in suitable California spotted owl habitat with unknown occupancy. Designate California spotted owl protected activity centers (PACs) where appropriate based on survey results. (ROD page 54)

Answer - The planning process ends when there is a project level NEPA decision for the proposed vegetation treatments likely to reduce habitat quality in suitable spotted owl habitat with unknown occupancy.

Question - Is there a difference between the terms "activity center" and "protected activity center" (PAC) for California spotted owls in the ROD and particularly when used in Standard and Guideline No. 73 and No. 75?

Standard and Guideline No. 73

While mechanical treatments may be conducted in protected activity centers (PACs) located in WUI defense zones and, in some cases, threat zones, they are prohibited within a 500-foot radius buffer around a spotted owl activity center within the designated PAC. Prescribed burning is allowed within the 500-foot radius buffer. Hand treatments, including handline construction, tree pruning, and cutting of small trees (less than 6 inches dbh), may be conducted prior to burning as needed to protect important elements of owl habitat. Treatments in the remainder of the PAC use the forest-wide standards and guidelines for mechanical thinning. (ROD page 60)

Standard and Guideline No. 75

For California spotted owl PACs: Maintain a limited operating period (LOP), prohibiting vegetation treatments within approximately 1/4 mile of the activity center during the breeding season (March 1 through August 31), unless surveys confirm that California spotted owls are not nesting. Prior to implementing activities within or adjacent to a California spotted owl PAC and the location of the nest site or activity center is uncertain, conduct surveys to establish or confirm the location of the nest or activity center. (ROD page 60)

Answer - Yes. "Activity center" refers to territorial owl activity centers usually centered on documented nest or known roost trees designated according to ROD direction in the first paragraph under Designation on page 37. "Protected activity center" or "PAC" are generally 300 acres in size and are designated according to the ROD direction in the second paragraph under Designation on page 37. "Protected activity centers" (PACs) are delineated surrounding each territorial owl "activity center" detected on National Forest system lands since 1986. Limited Operating Periods (LOPs) are maintained for a 1/4 mile around "activity centers" not around "protected activity centers" for California spotted owls.

Any additional questions should be directed to Tom Efird, Sierra Nevada Implementation Team Leader, tefird@fs.fed.us or at (707) 562-8976.

/s/ Katherine Clement
KATHERINE CLEMENT
Director, Ecosystem Planning

cc: Jim Sedell, Christine Nota, Tom Efird