Forest Ecosystem Conservation for Birds

Georgia

Background and Summary
Seventy-eight bird species, or about one in every five of the 350 species that live in Georgia for at least part of the year, face population declines. The worst threat to Georgia’s disappearing birds, including migratory Neotropicals, is loss of habitat.

Center for Conservation Solutions has partnered with the American Bird Conservancy, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Forestry Commission, State and Private Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to address bird conservation on family forestlands in Georgia. Additional support is provided by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Southern Company, and the Home Depot Foundation.

Seventy-two percent, 17 million acres, of forestland in Georgia is owned by small families. This Forested Flyways initiative communicates wildlife habitat management and conservation recommendations to family forest owners through a variety of outreach methods.

Our Results
Outreach started with the core of 3,615 landowners certified by the American Tree Farm System (ATFS) who collectively manage 2.3 million acres of forestland in Georgia. It has expanded to include the more than 5,500 landowners enrolled in Georgia Forestry Commission’s Forest Stewardship Program who have stewardship plans on 1.3 million acres. For more details see our results

Outreach and Education Activities

• for Landowners
  near Macon, Georgia – June 2004. Read more.
• near Camilla, Georgia – April 2007. Read more.


• for Foresters
  Designed specifically for foresters working with family forest owners. Near Statesboro - October 2006. Read more.

2. Forest Ecosystem Conservation Handbook for Birds in Georgia:
A Guide for Family Forest Owners
Family forest owners, state and federal agencies, conservation partners, consulting foresters and industry foresters have helped develop the management recommendations for this handbook. Filled with color photographs, this 64-page, landowner-friendly guide provides information on threatened and endangered bird species and what can be done to improve the pine habitat their survival depends on.

Download the handbook [3.10mb] or complete an online form to receive a free printed copy. Please note: the web address for the Georgia Forestry Association listed in the handbook is incorrect. Their address is www.gfagrow.org

3. Forest Conservation Education Trail

• Melon Bluff Nature Reserve, near Midway, Liberty County, Georgia. Located at the heart of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, this family-owned forest offers opportunities to view more than 300 bird species in saltmarsh, woodland and swamp habitats. A self-guiding trail with interpretive signs explains how forests are being restored and actively managed for crucial bird habitat. Click here for more information

4. Forest Conservation Awareness Sign
Georgia family forest owners who incorporate recommended management practices to conserve and create habitat for threatened or endangered birds can receive a 12” x 18” aluminum sign to post on their property. Family forest owners are proud of their efforts to conserve their forests, and awareness signs provide them public recognition of their efforts to conserve and create wildlife habitat.

To receive a Georgia Bird Habitat Conservation sign, complete an application form that provides details of your conservation forestry practices.

Forested Flyways encourages forest owners to work with their foresters, state agencies, local conservation groups and natural resource professionals who can provide technical assistance in developing conservation and forest management plans.

Cost-share programs can help landowners with some of the costs associated with restoring and conserving wildlife habitat. These government programs are designed to provide financial incentives for landowners willing to participate voluntarily in conservation efforts. The process of seeking cost-share funds can be complex, but for more information and help in getting started select Georgia state from our drop down menu.