What is the effect of restoration treatments on northern goshawks?
It’s uncertain, but a small negative effect is possible. Northern goshawks are large, uncommon forest hawks that live in low numbers throughout southwestern ponderosa pine forests. The Forest Service classifies them as “sensitive,” and has tailored some of its management strategies around the species’ needs. Studies in unrestored forests indicate that goshawks prefer dense stands of large trees for both nesting and foraging. If these preferences persist in restored landscapes, restoration treatments may reduce goshawk numbers. However, historic documentation shows that goshawks were present in southwestern pine forests before significant modern alteration of forest structure began, suggesting that they may be able to live in a more open forest than they do today. Goshawks need large trees for nesting, and one of the goals of restoration is to ensure that large ponderosa pines will persist on the landscape well into the future. In addition, restoration is but one forest management strat
