BLM-UT Contracts GeomorphIS to Conduct Mexican Spotted Owl Surveys, in San Rafael Swell

The Bureau of Land Management, Price Field Office has contracted the GeomorphIS/BIOME team to conduct Mexican Spotted Owl (MSO) surveys within the San Rafael Swell, Transportation Management Plan (TMP) area, in southeastern Utah. The GeomorphIS team will 1) conduct complete USFWS protocol level surveys (i.e., four complete surveys annually for two years) within 35,000 acres of contractor identified suitable habitat, and 2) prepare and submit to the PFO a detailed report, along with all survey data, summarizing the results and analyzing potential issues. Additionally, during the course of field season, the GeomorphIS will record and report on any incidental observations of other raptors, raptor nests, or BLM special status species (e.g., other Strigiformes, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks) as well as the ESA listed Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and Yellow-billed Cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus).