| Great gray owls (Strix nebulosa) in the Sierra Nevada of California are known to occur in and near Yosemite National Park, often associated with montane meadows. However, there are sporadic sightings and occurrences throughout the Sierra Nevada located at a variety of elevations and within a variety of habitats. To better understand great gray owl distribution within the central Sierra Nevada and to verify absence or presence during timber harvest planning, 111 yearly survey efforts of 55 survey areas were conducted from 2006 to 2015. These survey areas occur at a variety of elevational ranges (646-2274m) and consist of a variety of habitats. Sixteen territories were located, all occurring below 1100 meters elevation (range: 649-1085m). Twenty-eight reproductive sites produced 56 fledged young and 8 nests were discovered. Sierra Pacific Industries' biologists continue to conduct surveys for great gray owls on company lands throughout the central Sierra Nevada, but high elevation habitats do not appear to support territorial great gray owls. |