stands composed primarily of dry Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. 

 These forest types are not preferred by lynx, and although some lynx 

 occurrence has been noted in the literature within Douglas-fir and 

 lodgepole pine forests, these areas have generally been associated with 

 areas of boreal forest dominated by subalpine fir and Engelmann 

 spruce (Aubry et al. 1999). More extensive mixed Douglas- 

 fir/lodgepole pine forests are found approximately 4 miles to the 

 southwest, however, the portion of the Analysis Area near the Project 

 Area is dominated by dry Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forest types 

 not preferred by lynx. Therefore, it is not likely that lynx will 

 effectively use the Project Area for breeding or foraging, although 

 some transient occurrence is possible. 



1.10.2.1.1.2 Rationale for Elimination of Lynx from Further 

 Study 



The forest conditions in the Project Area would not generally be 

 considered lynx habitat and consequently there is a very low likelihood 

 of lynx occurrence. Therefore, no direct, indirect, or cumulative 

 effects are likely on lynx if either Alternative were selected. 



1.10.2.2 Sensitive Species (Issue #12) 



1.10.2.2.1 Boreal Owl 



1.10.2.2.1.1 Boreal Owl Issue 



There is concern that timber harvesting could alter habitat or create 

 disturbance that would be detrimental to the boreal owl. 



Boreal owls prefer mature spruce/fir forests dominated by Englemann 

 spruce. In these forest types, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir, western larch 

 and lodgepole pine can also be well-represented species (Hayward et 

 al. 1987). Boreal owls tend to be confined to cool sites at elevations 

 greater than 5,200 feet in elevation (Hayward et al. 1987). Elevations 

 on this Project Area range from about 3,200-4,500 feet, which is 

 generally below boreal owl habitat. In addition, mature and over 

 mature spruce/fir habitats are virtually non-existent within the Project 

 and Analysis Areas, where forest conditions are warmer and drier than 

 those typically preferred by boreal owls. Therefore, the treatment sites 

 on all parcels involved in this project do not provide conditions 

 normally considered suitable for boreal owls. 



1.10.2.2.1.2 Rationale for Elimination of Boreal Owl from 

 Further Study 



Preferred boreal owl habitat does not occur on the Project or Analysis 

 Areas and therefore there would be no direct, indirect, or cumulative 

 effect from adoption of either Alternative. 



Deadman Gulch Timber Sale Environmental Assessment 1-7 



