MT. GRAHAM RED SQUIRREL BRIEFING

The endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel is protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.  It is illegal to “take” (this means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct) individuals of this species.  This includes touching and feeding.  If anyone “takes” (as defined above) a Mt. Graham red squirrel, they may be subject to prosecution under the Endangered Species Act.

Report all squirrels wounded or harmed to the first available Forest Officer.  The Forest Service will report all dead or wounded squirrels to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Locations of killed squirrels should be immediately reported to the Forest Service so that the dead squirrel can be collected and preserved for study.

There is some concern that the squirrels could become dependent on human food, which in turn may reduce survival.  Be sure that you properly dispose of all trash.  Do not put food items in the construction materials dumpsters at the telescope site.

There are Mt. Graham red squirrels near many Pinaleno Mountains roads.  The squirrels do cross roads, so drive slowly and carefully to avoid hitting any Mt Graham red squirrels.

You are to keep your personal permit with you at all times while on site.  Permits are issued from the Forest through Mt. Graham International Base Camp

MGIO SITE & VEHICLE PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

I have read and understand the Site / Vehicle Permit requirements and the conditions under which they are issued:

1. I will remain inside the clearing limits of the MGIO facilities (delineated by a yellow perimeter rope).
2. I will not go beyond the clearing limits (boundaries) of the two-mile, one-way, observatory access road.
3. I will not use this permit for any purposes than those stated on my permit.

If these conditions are not met, I understand I will be in violation of the terms of the Special Use Permit issued to the University of Arizona.

Keep vehicle permit on the dash facing up for security to verify.