How are cavity-nesting bird (CNB) populations impacted by fire and the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003? Which is more beneficial?

Methods Reviewed literature and clumped papers into three groups. – Ecological Needs of CNBs – Fire = effects on forest – HFI = effects on forest

Results—Ecological Needs Nest sites – Need dead or dying trees (excavators) – Trees with holes existing holes (non-excavators)

Results—Ecological Needs Forest Composition – Age of trees Old trees = natural decay; soft to excavate holes – Cover Moderate cover is ideal

Results—Fire Rx is good when done under the right conditions Catastrophic wildfire negative impacts for CNB

Results—HFI Thin Forests through cutting and burning – Remove ladder fuels and open up canopy Prevention and Response to disease and insect infestations Remove chance of catastrophic fire.

If the forests are left as they currently are…will have catastrophic fire…populations decrease. – Too much fuel, insect infestations, disease CNB Effect – No Nest sites – Open canopy – Potentially no food – Will they make it out??

If comply with HFI… – Chance of catastrophic fire reduced – Canopies opened Too much canopy-- opened detrimental – High fuel loads removed Snags removed – Populations potentially increase

Compliance with HFI will benefit CNB populations. Current conditions of forests will be detrimental to CNB if/when catastrophic fire burns through the forest. Must understand the needs and responses to habitat alteration for species you are managing.

Thanks to Dr. Mannan for suggesting journal articles.