Abstract
This assessment describes northern goshawk (Accipter gentilis) habitat in the state of Utah. Because of fire exclusion, insect and disease epidemics, timber harvest, livestock grazing, or a combination of these factors the forests and woodlands of Utah have changed drastically since the early 1900's. Forests are now dominated by mid-and late successional species (lodgepole and ponderosa pine). Along with these changes came suspected declines in goshawk populations. Goshawk habitat in Utah was assessed using potential vegetaion types, current vegetation types, and expert knowledge. Subalpine fir (17%) and quaking aspen (10%) potential vegetation types were the most common forest types in the state. Nearly 95 % of the subalpine fir potential vegetation type was rated as high or medium for nesting habitat, while nearly 90% of the quaking aspen potential vegetation type was rated as high or medium for nesting. Similarly, combining nesting and foraging preferences 70% of the subalpine fir potential vegetation type is rated as either high value or optimum habitat. In addition, throughout Utah all of the high value habitats are well connected. The present conditions of the forests and woodlands of Utah are prone to insect and disease epidemics in addition to the risk of stand replacing fires. To ensure the goshawk's continued existence in Utah will require the restoration of these degraded habitats and the protection of native processes.

Possible threats to goshawk populations (pg. 7-9)
Several human factors may affect goshawk foraging and nesting areas.
1. Livestock grazing has occurred in Utah since the mid 1800's and has affected both forest structure and composition. High altitude grazing in meadows and parklands has affected plant communities and composition. The extent of these effects on goshawk populations is presently unknown. Studies done in Nevada revealed that annual grazing in aspen stands reduced the ability of aspen's ability to regenerate (Mueggler, 1989). In Nevada, 70% of all the quaking aspen stands are located in USDA National Forest System administered lands and the majority of these lands has minimal aspen regeneration. Grazing alters both the structure and species composition of grass, forb and shrub layers within quaking aspen forests which modifies goshawk foraging opportunities (Reynolds et.al. 1992).
Riparian areas are important to goshawk nesting and foraging and loss of riparian habitat due to grazing has had a negative impact on goshawk prey species (Hargis et. al. 1994, Patla, 1994, Reynolds et. al. 1992). Continued loss of forested riparian wetlands in the Rocky Mountains averages at least 1% per year (Lee et. al. 1989).
2. Fire suppression has affected goshawk nesting and foraging in ponderosa pine forest
by encouraging stands that are dominated by multiple canopies of Douglas fir, white fir or ponderosa pine. Lack of fire has also resulted in the failure of seral stands of quaking aspens to regenerate. The buildup of surface fuels can lead to intense crown fires. Low intensity surface fires usually maintain open conditions in dry forests by cleaning the forest floor of small trees and lower vegetation, allowing for easy hunting access.
3. Timber harvesting can have negative affects on goshawk foraging and nesting by removing suitable nesting habitats, reducing effective patch size and foraging areas. Studies done on the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona indicated that timber harvesting caused the decline of goshawks from 260 nesting pairs to 60 nesting pairs (Crocker-Bedford, 1990).

Management recommendations (pg. v-vi)
The following recommendations describe actions aimed at sustaining habitat for the goshawk and selected prey in the forests and woodlands of Utah.
1. Increase early and mid-seral species using mechanical means or fire or both.
2. Evaluate activities near the edges of high value habitat as to how they may impact the connectivity of habitat, irrespective of ownership (timber harvest, range management, recreation, private interface, and mining) (pg.34-35)
3. Increase the numbers and distribution of large trees in the landscape by cleaning, thinning, and weeding using mechanical means or fire. Approximately 40% of the landscape should be in large tree (relative to average for the cover type and potential vegetation type) (pg 39)
4. Maintain large trees in nest sites with open understories and dense canopies. Sites near water are preferred and should be >30 acres. (pg. 39)
5. Develop properly functioning systems at both the regional and landscape level.
6. Ensure that in lodgepole stands a seed source is present when applying treatments.
7. Recognize that long persisting quaking aspen can successfully regenerate under an existing canopy.