OAR 629-665-0210: Interim Requirements for Northern Spotted Owl Nesting Sites

(1) Whenever the State Forester determines that an operation will conflict with protection of a nesting site of the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), the operator must submit to the State Forester a written plan before commencing the operation. The written plan, at a minimum, must address how the operation will be conducted to provide for the following: (a) A 70 acre area of suitable spotted owl habitat encompassing the nest site, to be maintained as suitable spotted owl habitat; (b) Prevention of disturbances resulting from operation activities which cause owls to flush from the nesting site. Such disturbances must be prevented during the critical period of use for nesting. The critical period of use is the time period between March 1 and September 30, each year. (2) For the purposes of this rule, nesting site means and includes the tree, when known, containing a spotted owl nest; or when not specifically known, includes an activity center of a pair of adult spotted owls. An activity center is a location determined by the State Forester to have been reliably identified as being occupied by an adult pair of spotted owls, capable of breeding. Such determination must be supported by repeated observation of the owls in close proximity or observation of nesting behavior. (3)(a) For the purposes of this rule, suitable spotted owl habitat means and includes: (A) A stand of trees with moderate to high canopy closure (60 to 80%); a multi-layered, multi-species canopy dominated by large overstory trees (greater than 30 inches in diameter at breast height); a high incidence of large trees with various deformities (e.g., large cavities, broken tops, and other evidence of decadence); numerous large snags; large accumulations of fallen trees and other woody debris on the ground; and sufficient open space below the canopy for owls to fly; or (B) In the absence of habitat which exhibits all the characteristics listed above, the available forested habitat which comes closest to approximating the listed conditions. (b) Stands which do not exhibit at least two of the characteristics listed in paragraph (a)(A) of this section are not suitable habitat. (4) (For information only) Federal law prohibits a person from taking northern spotted owls. Taking under the federal law may include significant alteration of owl habitat on any class of land ownership. Compliance with subsection (1) of this rule is not in lieu of compliance with any federal requirements related to the federal Endangered Species Act. (5) Exceptions to the requirements for protecting northern spotted owl nesting sites are allowed if the operator is in compliance with, and has on file with the State Forester, an applicable incidental take permit issued by federal authorities under the Endangered Species Act.