239 



S- Kim Uelson Testimony on H.R. 28^6 6 



colony despite the habitat beizig suitable. Re-colonization of 

 the island only occurred witiL human intervention; puffins were 

 reintroduced in 1981 by Kress and Nettleship (1988) . Th.e 

 presence of birds at a breeding site may be important for 

 colonization, if it is at all possible. Although yoimg, non- 

 breeding puffins often vxsited other colonies, once they reached 

 breeding age the birds returned to their natal colony to 

 reproduce, and visits to non-natal areas became almost 

 nonexistent (Kress and Nettleship 1988) . Similar behavior has 

 been documented in Pigeon Guillemots iUriz aalge) (Halley and 

 Harris 1992) . Removing occupied murrelet habitat and expecting 

 nnxrrelets to move to adjacent areas is, therefore, highJ.y 

 unlikely given alcid site fidelity. 



The effects of chinning or modify±ng occupied sites, or 

 stands near occupied sites are unknown. However, the ability of 

 murrelets to remain hidden will be the key to the successful 

 fledging of young. Any opening of the canopy or increase in the 

 amount of edge could have negative impacts of murrelet breeding 

 success by increasing predator abundance (see discussion on 

 Threats) . 



The complexity ox older-aged forest ecosystems and the 

 breeding biology of the murrelet will make it difficult to 

 determine the effects of habitat modification on the species. 

 Given their high site fidelity, they may return to a site that 

 hag been modified, but not breed successfully. In addition, 

 birds may currently be occupying habitat that has become marginal 

 through the cumulative impacts of fire, blowdown, and adjacent 

 habitat modification. Their mere presence or occupancy at a site 

 is not necessarily an indication that the site is preferred or 

 optimal. Determination of optimal habitat can only be determined 

 through intensive study of their reproductive success in relation 

 to habitat characteristics (see Nelson and Hardin 1993) . 



The cumulative iiroacts of the threats to this species on the 

 ocean and in the forest need to be considered in implementing 

 management practices- A large number of birds in an area is not 

 necessarily indicative of a healthy population. These birds are 

 long lived (10-15 years) and the cumulative effects of threats on 

 current popiilation sizes may not be realized for 10 to 15 years. 

 Tn addition, caution should be taken when interpreting cuid using 

 results from studies conducted in other areas. For example, 

 specific and detailed habitat characteristics in Oregon, such as 

 canopy closure or stand size, may not be applicable to the 

 redwood forest ecosystem of northern California. 



The Importance of the Headwaters Forest to the California 

 Pr^Tiiil a.tion. 



The Headwaters Forest is of extreme importance to the 

 Marbled Murrelet. Becaiise suitable murrelet habitat has been 

 reduced more than 90% in California (Carter and Erickson 1992) , 



