Indicator
Northern Goshawk Disturbance-Free Zone
2015 Evaluation
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2015 Evaluation
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Status
Implemented
Evaluation Map
disturbance free zones.jpg
Description

Map showing the aerial extent of disturbance-free zones for all TRPA listed special status species within the Tahoe Region. The habitat quality in undeveloped open spaces within disturbance-free zones according to TRPA (1986) is to be conserved for special interest species. About 50 percent of the Region’s landscape is managed for the protection of special interest species.

Rationale Details
The management standard has been implemented by TRPA and other partner agencies. As described below, significant regulations are in place to protect disturbance-free zones from formal uses that would degrade their condition. The TRPA Code of Ordinances describes disturbance-free zones for northern goshawk, bald eagle, osprey, peregrine falcon, and golden eagles; prohibits actions that would significantly impact their habitat or lead to the local extirpation or displacement of a population; and authorizes TRPA to require special conditions to mitigate or avoid impacts to special interest species (TRPA 2012c). A land capability system is implemented through the TRPA Code of Ordinances, which significantly limits development or other disturbance in low capability lands (TRPA 2012b). These low capability lands coincide with mapped areas of mule deer fawning habitat, providing protection for fawning habitat. TRPA also requires a formal environmental review including consideration of alternatives and mitigation measures when a project may have a significant impact on special interest species or other thresholds (TRPA 2012c). Prior to approving any project, TRPA must make specific findings demonstrating that the project is consistent with the Code of Ordinances and will not exceed any threshold standards, including requirements for the protection of disturbance-free zones for special interest species (TRPA 2012c). Code Chapter 13.5.3.5 attempts to minimize light pollution in project design to minimize impacts while providing adequate lighting for public safety (TRPA 2012c).
Outcomes
Programs and Actions Implemented to Improve Conditions
Significant regulatory protections exist in the TRPA Code of Ordinances that prohibits human-caused habitat degradation within disturbance-free zones. In the current reporting period where data is available (2011 through 2014), approximately 1,433 acres of wildlife habitat have been enhanced or restored, 116 acres of wildlife habitat have been protected, six acres of environmentally sensitive lands have been acquired, 131 acres of wetland and stream environment zones have been restored, and 13,594 acres of forested lands have been treated for fuels reduction and improved forest health (TRPA 2016). These projects have been designed to benefit a number of natural resources including improving habitat conditions for special interest species. Northern goshawks and bald eagles are also considered sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service, and they receive additional consideration in all management decisions affecting Forest Service lands.
Effectiveness of Programs and Actions
Existing regulations have protected the habitat structure for special interest species within disturbance-free zones, and have protected species within these zones from direct impacts associated with construction projects or resource management actions. Environmental Improvement Program projects have expanded key habitat types, such as wet meadows, and have treated forested areas to promote late seral stands, which can be beneficial to several special interest species. However, recent research has indicated that recreational use is impacting the suitability of habitat for at least one special interest species (Morrison et al. 2011), and other species groups such as waterfowl may also be affected by dispersed recreational uses (Liddle 1997; Knight and Gutzwiller 1995).
Interim Target
Target Attainment Date
Recommendations
Analytic Approach
No changes recommended
Monitoring Approach
No changes recommended
Modification of the Threshold Standard or Indicator
No changes recommended
Attain or Maintain Threshold
No changes recommended
Additional Figures and Resources

No photos available.

No documents available.