ANIMALS

2.8.3 Threatened and Endangered Species

An endangered species is defined by Public Law 93-205 (Endangered Species Act of 1973), as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range." A threatened species is defined as "any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range." State of Oregon regulations use the same language but add the qualifier, "in Oregon." Table 2-8 lists species of special status.

The bald eagle is the only species listed as threatened on the Federal list known to regularly occur within the SYUS. One nest, active in recent years, has been identified and a large communal roosting area is partially within the planning area, although neither occur on lands administered by BLM.

The northern spotted owl, listed by the State of Oregon as a threatened species, is a permanent resident of the planning area. Known nest locations are indicated in Figure 2-5.

The endangered peregrine falcon can can be considered of potential occurrence in the SYUS. According to Browning (1975) none have been seen recently in Jackson County, but a BLM biologist reports probable but unverified recent observations in the Klamath SYU.

When a species is being examined to determine if it meets the requirements for either threatened or endangered classification, a notice is published in the Federal Register requesting data and advising that this species is being considered for inclusion. This process is called Notice of Status Review. Three species found in the planning area are currently on this list. Bobcat and river otter are known to be present in areas where suitable habitat exists; however, their population status is unknown. The Siskiyou Mountain salamander uses talus areas within old-growth coniferous forests (Nussbaum 1974). Several areas known to support populations are located within the SYUs' boundary. These locations are shown on Figure 2-5.

2.8.4 Critical Habitat

No habitat considered critical under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 has been declared or nominated within the State of Oregon.

2.9 RECREATION

Not far from the SYUs are three sites of the National Park System: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, and Lava Beds National Monument (in California). The National Wildlife Refuges of the Klamath Basin are also nearby. The Rogue and Klamath Rivers transect the units; the Klamath portion has potential for State scenic waterway designation. A 40-mile segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail passes through the area.

Threatened, Endangered, or Special Status Animal Species of
Known or Potential Occurrence in the JKSYUs.

RECREATION

2.9.1 Recreation Within the SYUS

Figure 2-7 shows the location of all public recreation sites throughout the SYUS. About 3,000 acres of public lands are managed by BLM specifically for recreation. Two Jackson County parks, one City of Medford park, and one State park are on public land and administered under provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act of 1926 (R&PP), as amended. The U.S. Forest Service maintains a number of recreational areas adjacent to the Private interests within the SYUS offer diverse recreational opportunities, including guided trips, lodging, and eating facilities.

Table 2-9 shows developed site visitation in 1975 for county parks, State parks, U.S. Forest Service, and BLM facilities in the planning area. Area appeal, publicity, and proximity to travel routes account for the large percentage of non-local overnight use. Water-based recreation accounts for the greatest portion of intensive visitor use in the planning area.

2.9.2 Recreation Related to Public Lands

Table 2-10 lists the number of visits by major recreation activities in the planning area during 1975 and shows percentages of total planning area attributed to BLM administered land. The BLM estimates that by 1990 visitor use will be at 130 percent of the 1975 figure (Oregon Department of Transportation 1972). These projections, however, do not account for increased leisure time, disposable income disposable income and mobility, and counter trends such as inflation and energy shortages.

2.9.2.1 Fishing

Opportunities exist for catching both cold and warm water game fish.

Table 2-11 shows angler days, sport catch, and angler days per unit of habitat. Fishing for cold water game fish in valley streams is limited to a certain extent due to the diversion of water. In many cases, only the upper reaches of side streams support a usable resource. The situation could worsen in a dry year.

2.9.2.2 Hunting

All public lands administered by BLM within the SYUS are open to hunting. Opportunities exist for hunting big game (deer, elk, and bear), upland game birds, small game, and waterfowl. Recent data on hunter days and annual harvest are shown in Table 2-12. Based upon hunting quality evaluations incorporating subjective data, deer hunting is moderately good, elk hunting

is fair, and bear hunting is good.