Background:
The Mexican Spotted Owl is a federally-listed threatened species, and is considered a species of special concern by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), and a sensitive species by the U.S. Forest Service. Camp Navajo is cooperating with the AGFD on a forest restoration project in the western portion of the installation. In 2000, after consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Camp Navajo biologists, AGFD biologists surveyed for Mexican Spotted Owls on approximately 14,000 acres that were to be impacted by forest restoration treatments. In 2000, owls detected by AGFD were assumed to be owls from the Volunteer Canyon area and no nests or roosts were found. No Spotted Owls were detected during the 2002 or 2003 survey seasons.  In 2008, two owls were detected, one single male during early migration period and a single male was detected in the Volunteer Canyon Area but there was no sign of nesting attempt.


Location:
Camp Navajo is located on the Coconino Plateau about 10 miles west of Flagstaff near Bellemont, AZ.

Approach:
We are currently in the process of planning Mexican Spotted Owl surveys during the 2009 breeding season according to the U.S. Forest Service Region 3 Mexican Spotted Owl Inventory Protocol (dated 2/96) around the Volunteer Mountain area on Camp Navajo where a recent (2008) owl detections was recorded. The recent 2008 field season survey replicated the 2000, 2002, and 2003 surveys conducted by AGFD, which established 42 calling stations in 4 inventory areas.

Benefits:
The survey and monitoring of Mexican Spotted Owls is required by a Biological Opinion provided by the FWS.  This project will provide information to Camp Navajo biologists that will assist in the potential mitigation of large-scale forest treatments and Camp Navajo troop training activities on Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. 

For more information contact:
Vince Frary, Arizona Game and Fish Department
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone: (928) 607-1191  E-mail: vfrary@azgfd.gov

Renee Wilcox, Arizona Game and Fish Department                                             
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone: (623) 236-7306 E-mail: rwilcox@azgfd.gov

Michael Ingraldi, Ph.D., Arizona Game and Fish Department 5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000
Phone: (928) 523-5625 E-mail: mingraldi@frontiernet.net