Projects

 

For this project, VESTRA conducted protocol surveys for northern spotted owls (NSO) and northern goshawks (NOGO) in the Mad River Ranger District and Smith River National Recreation Area (NRA) of the Six Rivers National Forest (SRNF). Surveys were conducted between mid-June and mid-August 2010, prior to the start of the U.S. Forest Services timber sale and fuelbreak project. The project area consisted of the Kelsey Peak and Gordon Hill planning area, which encompassed approximately 40,000 acres of densely forested land comprised of mixed conifer timber stands on moderate to steep slopes within the California Coast Range.

 

VESTRA applied standardized protocols to complete the surveys and conducted site visits timed to ensure the greatest likelihood of detection should either species be present. Our biologists worked with SRNF personnel to establish survey stations and ensure optimal coverage of areas of suitable habitat, thus increasing the likelihood of detecting territorial NOGO or NSO should the species inhabit the project areas. Following survey efforts, VESTRA prepared the final maps and reports to the satisfaction of the U.S. Forest Service.