EcoPlan conducted Mexican spotted owl (MSO) surveys to determine the presence/absence of MSOs within two designated Protected Activity Centers (PACs) and adjacent potential habitat. The information is used to assess potential impacts to MSOs when planning future proposed powerline projects.

The MSO is a medium-sized owl, mottled with irregular white and brown spotting on the body and head. It ranges from the Mexican state of Puebla to the highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Madrean Archipelago. The range extends into southern Arizona, north across Arizona’s central plateau and into southern Utah, across western and central New Mexico, and into southern Colorado and western Texas (USFWS 1993). Due to habitat changes and fragmentation resulting from timber harvesting, other forest management practices, and increased predation, the MSO was listed as threatened in 1998 and critical habitat was designated for the species.

During the 2007 MSO survey season, EcoPlan conducted MSO presence/absence surveys within rugged mountainous terrain on the Coconino National Forest, Arizona. Call points were established where Forest Service personnel have anecdotal information on MSO occurrence.