United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-22 February 1999

The Northern Goshawk in Utah: Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations

Russell T. Graham
Ronald L. Rodriguez
Kathleen M. Paulin
Rodney L. Player
Arlene P. Heap
Richard Williams

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Contents

Abstract, The Authors, and Acknowledgments

Executive Summary

Questions
Northern Goshawk and Its Habitat
Habitat Assessment
Recommendations
Assessment Questions

Introduction

Background

General Taxonomy and Distribution
Historical Distribution in Utah
Characteristics of Occupied Habitats in Utah

Nesting Habitat
Nest Site Characteristics
Foraging Habitat
Nonbreeding Season Habitat

Factors Influencing the Species

History of Goshawk Conservation Efforts
Livestock Grazing
Fire Suppression
Timber Harvest
Insect and Disease Outbreaks
Competition, Predation, and Disease

Status and Distribution of Habitat in Utah

Habitat Assessment
Potential Vegetation Type Descriptions

White Fir
Subalpine Fir
Lodgepole Pine
Engelmann Spruce
Ponderosa Pine
Douglas-fir
Quaking Aspen
Pinyon/Juniper

Delineation of Potential Vegetation Types
Current Habitat
Habitat Valuation Process
Nesting Habitat
Foraging Habitat
Combined Habitat Rankings
Habitat Connectivity

Trends and Risks to Habitat

Natural Threats

White Fir
Subalpine Fir
Lodgepole Pine
Engelmann Spruce
Ponderosa Pine
Quaking Aspen
Douglas-fir
Pinyon/Juniper

Administrative Threats
Threats From Management Activities

Recommendations

State of Utah Recommendations

Nest Sites
Foraging Areas and General Home Range

Potential Vegetation Type Recommendations

Subalpine Fir
Lodgepole Pine
Engelmann Spruce
Ponderosa Pine
Quaking Aspen
Douglas-fir
White Fir
Pinyon/Juniper

Assessment Questions

References

Appendix A

Northern Goshawk Interagency Technical Team
Northern Goshawk Technical Contributors
List of Reviewers

About RMRS

Ordering A Printed Copy

Utah Northern Goshawk Project Web Page

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Title: Main Page: RMRS-GTR-22 - The Northern Goshawk in Utah: Habitat Assessment and Management Recommendations
Electronic Publish Date: May 26, 1999
Expires: Indefinite
Last Update: January 15, 2002

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