Species of Conservation Concern (SCC)

Species of Conservation Concern

Species of conservation concern are species native to, and known to occur in, the plan area; and for which there is substantial concern about the species ability to persist in the plan area. The 2012 Rule (36 CFR 219.9(b)) requires that plan components provide ecological conditions necessary to maintain “a viable population” of each species of conservation concern and defines a viable population as, “a population of a species that continues to persist over the long term with sufficient distribution to be resilient and adaptable to stressors and likely future environments.” (36 CFR 219.19).

Species of Conservation Concern (SCC) on the Tonto National Forest consist of native plants and animals considered at risk but that are not currently protected under the Endangered Species Act. A total of 52 SCC species on the Tonto National Forest includes 30 plants, 10 invertebrates, 4 mammals, 1 fish, 1 amphibian, 2 reptiles, and 4 birds.

The forest will strive to provide the ecological conditions necessary to ensure long-term persistence of SCC species through land management plan direction that restores or maintains the healthy, functioning habitats they need. In some cases, species may be at risk due to specific factors other than habitat condition, such as competition from invasive species or conflicts with other forest uses like recreation, grazing, or mining. The land management plan includes specific plan guidance to address these threats to species persistence.

The land management plan and the associated environmental impact statement, including detailed analysis of SCC species on the Tonto National Forest can be found at the plan project page.