Sound Science LLC

Sound Science Will Develop a Basic Conceptual Ecological Model (CEM) of the Northern Spotted Owl for Subsequent Elaboration by the FWS and Its Partners in Conserving This Species. the Purpose of the Model Is to Organize Existing Knowledge to Enable Efficient and Consistent Analyses and Planning Across a Rapidly Changing Landscape. We Will Build the Cem Based on Biological, Ecological, and Regulatory Literature Provided by the FWS. the Cem Will Be a Driver-linkage-outcome (DLO) Model Organized by (a) Life Stages, (B) Associated Critical Biological Processes in Each Life Stage That Affect Species Viability at Local and Regional Population Scales, (C) Critical Habitat Requirements and Constraints That Affect These Processes at Multiple Spatial Scales, and (D) Drivers Including Conservation Actionsthat Significantly Affect These Critical Biological Processes and Critical Habitat Conditions and Therefore Bear on Species Management. the Structure of the Cem Will Closely Resemble That of Other Models Used by the FWS to Support Species Management and Its Content Will Be Suitable for Use in FWS Planning Processes. the Contractor Will Provide a Draft of the Cem to the Pocs and a Team of Species Experts Selected by the Pocs for Feedback, Including Through One or More Online Meetings and Will Then Revise and Deliver This Revised Version of the Cem and Associated Supporting Materials to the Pocs for Use and Further Refinement by the FWS and Partner Experts From Federal and State Agencies and Research Institutions.