RM-GTR-217: Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the southwestern United States

RMRS Online Publication
RM-GTR-217: Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the southwestern United States

Reynolds, Richard T.; Graham, Russell T.; Reiser, M. Hildegard; and others. 1992. Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the southwestern United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-217, Ft. Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 90 p.

Present forest conditions loss of a herbaceous and shrubby understory, reductions in the amount of older forests, and increased areas of dense tree regeneration reflect the extent of human influence on these forests. These changes may also be affecting goshawk populations. Information on goshawk nesting habitat and foraging behavior, and the food and habitats of selected goshawk prey, was therefore synthesized to develop a set of management objectives, desired forest conditions, and management recommendations. Key objectives of the guidelines are to provide (1) nesting, post-fledging, and foraging areas for goshawks, and (2) habitat to support abundant populations of 14 primary goshawk prey. Thinning trees in the understory, creating small openings in the forest, and prescribed fires should help produce and maintain the desired forest conditions. Other habitat elements critical for maintaining both goshawk and prey populations include abundant snags and large downed logs, woody debris, interspersion of different tree sizes across the landscape, and the majority of a goshawk's home range in older-aged forests. These guidelines should also benefit forest health, soil productivity, and the habitats of other old-growth-dependent plants and animals.

Keywords: northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, nesting habitat, prey populations, management recommendations

About PDFs: For best results, do not open the PDF in your Web browser. Right-click on the PDF link to download the PDF file directly to your computer. Click here for More PDF help or order a printed copy of this publication.

The PDF below is a scanned version and not accessible to text readers. Please contact us if you would like a paper copy of the publication.

Download RM-GTR-217
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_rm/rm_gtr217.pdf
(Approx. 5.3 MB)

How to order a publication ...

Title: RM-GTR-217: Management recommendations for the northern goshawk in the southwestern United States
Electronic Publish Date: May 14, 2004
Last Update: May 14, 2004

Questions about RMRS or this Web site?
Contact Us!

Evaluate Our Service
We welcome your comments on our service and your suggestions for improvement!