Tongass National Forest

Structural requirements included in the marten and goshawk standards and guidelines may not be as representative of the species needs within the matrix part of the conservation strategy. Ongoing studies may indicate prey abundance and distribution could be much more important.

(See also concern that marten and goshawk standards and guidelines may not be applied consistently across the Forest [04-3].) Exploration of the current pertinent scientific literature, review of pertinent scientific literature used in the 1997 Plan, and interviews with internal and external subject matter experts will yield the most up to date information regarding goshawk and marten habitat relationships relative to the Tongass. This information will allow an objective review of the goshawk and marten standards and guidelines for adequacy and implementability. Results of the review will also contribute to the interagency review of the Forest conservation strategy. (See also concern related to timing of the 5 year review of the conservation strategy included in the 1997 Forest Plan. standards and guidelines [04-16].)

Conduct literature search and interview process to clarify current scientific and operational status relative to marten and goshawk standards and guidelines in concert with PNW. This information will be incorporated as applicable into the comprehensive review of the Forest Plan conservation strategy. (Note that this work has already been assigned to the Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Juneau with a projected due date of Fall 2004.)

• PNW Wildlife Biologist
• Forest Wildlife Biologist

• Report on findings and a comparison of current interpretations.