1. BLITZES, SLAMS & SMACKDOWNS! or How property-wide bird surveys can contribute to improved management & recognition of critical bird habitat on state lands Yoyi Steele, Important Bird Areas Coordinator Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative

2. The IBA Program identifies and strives to maintain critical habitats for birds at all stages of their lifecycles

3. IBA Criteria 1.Endangered or threatened species 2. High conservation priority species 3. Assemblages of birds associated with rare or representative habitat types 4. Significant concentrations of birds

5. IBAs as a focus for property-based monitoring: 4 examples from Wisconsin  Richard Bong State Recreation Area  Wauzeka Wildlife Area  Governor Dodge State Park  Greater Lake Koshkonong

8. BONG BIRD BLITZ

9. First property-wide survey of a state property IBA recognition: June 4, 2005 Much better picture of relative abundance and distribution of birds on property Species list of breeding birds Prioritize burns around known concentrations of grassland birds Plan additional habitat improvements (clearing, mowing) after 5 th year of survey More interest from birders

10. SPIN-OFFS..... Scuppernong Slam Chiwaukee Cheesehead Challenge

11. Lower Kickapoo- Millville

13. Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) Wauzeka Smackdown June 2, 2004

14. IBA Recognition: May 13, 2005

15. 2005 Smackdown 2006 Smackdown

16. Are you ready to Smackdown??

17. Governor Dodge State Park

18. Dodgeville Roundup June 2, 2005 Riveredge Bird Club

20. Greater Lake Koshkonong

21. Migration & breeding bird surveys: April-June, 2005

23. Wisconsin’s 43 rd IBA September 16, 2006

24. Straightforward objective Good communication w/ property managers Effective recruitment Clear, simple methods Accessible habitats Good organization & coordination

25. IBA Needs: Horicon Marsh Kickapoo Reserve Point Beach Necedah Crex & Fish Lake Mead, BV/L, Olson Kettle Moraine Menominee Forest

26. Gaps?? Lower Wolf bottoms Turtle Valley Brillion/Killsnake Upper St. Croix others...?

27. Thank you