Unifying an Early Successional Habitat Message

The need for dynamic forests in the Appalachian Mountains

Todd FearerAppalachian Mountains Joint Venture

What is a bird habitat JV?

Responsible for delivery of national and international bird conservation plans

Directed by a diverse management board representing public and private organizations

Guided by a science-based plan developed by the partnership

Capacity to implement conservation actions identified in the plan

NGOs Federal State

Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture Management Board

Biological Planning: Highest Priority

Habitats• Early Successional: Young Forests, Old fields, Minelands, Balds

• Mature Deciduous Forests: Oak-hickory, Forest health and structure

• High Elevation Forests: Spruce/Fir, Northern Hardwoods

• Open Pine Communities: Mountain Longleaf, Shortleaf, Table Mountain Pine

Noted Declines in Many Songbirds

© Christian Artuso

Golden-winged warbler

© Jeff Nadler

Prairie warbler

© Bill Hubick© Bill Hubick

Northern Bobwhite Loggerhead Shrike

What Are We Dealing With?

• Poor forest health and structure

• “Clean” agricultural practices

• Industrial forestry

• Invasive species

• Current (and future) landscape dynamics

It Can Be Done:Golden-winged Warbler

Christian Artuso

Best Management Practices: Golden-winged warbler

Christian Artuso

Golden-winged Warbler Focal Areas

Benefits to Target Species

Christian Artuso

Benefits to Other Species

Christian Artuso

© Jeff Nadler

Unified Partners and Actions

Christian Artuso

Unified Partners and Actions

• Stop talking single species

Unified Partners and Actions

• Stop talking single species• Management benefits more than wildlife• Habitat is dynamic

Unified Partners and Actions• Stop talking single species• Management benefits more than wildlife• Habitat is dynamic• Go native!• Manage for change, not restoring the past• Expectations and perspectives• Find the platform• Be adaptive• Stop preaching to the choir