Conservation Forestry

Ponderosa Pine Restoration for Priority Bird Species on Family Forests in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

Dry forests dominated by ponderosa pine, with varying amounts of other coniferous trees, are distributed widely throughout the West at lower elevations. Historically, these forests burned at regular intervals of 5-25 years. These fires promoted an open uneven-aged forest dominated by large pines, with open grassy and shrub understories. Logging, habitat conversion, and encroachment of denser fir stands have resulted in a dramatic decrease in the distribution of mature pine stands in the last 50 years.

Private lands can play a key role in the conservation of ponderosa pine habitats and the birds that depend on them. Over 25% of the ponderosa pine acreage in the "Bird Habitat Conservation Areas" identified by the Intermountain West Joint Venture (a coalition of bird conservation partners) is on private lands and 39% of those acres are in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These lower elevation habitats are often interspersed with the grassland and riparian habitats preferred by the Flammulated Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, and the White-headed Woodpecker. Download a brochure to learn more.

Project Partners - Conservation Forestry in Action:
The American Bird Conservancy, Center for Conservation Solutions, and Forest Restoration Partnership are working together to identify suitable habitats for these species on private lands that can be enhanced through restoration. We are especially interested in properties with significant acreages of ponderosa pine habitat where landowners are interested in participating in bird conservation while meeting their other management objectives.

Technical and Cost-share Assistance
Grant Funding:To encourage the implementation of recommended ponderosa pine management practices, such as the creation of snags (standing dead trees) and thinning to create an open understory, grants of approximately $10,000 will be made available to 5-6 family forest owners for habitat restoration.

AFF and project partners are currently in the process of selecting cost-share receipients.

There are also a variety of other cost-share programs that may help landowners with some of the costs associated with restoring and conserving wildlife habitat. These 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 Idaho, Oregon, or Washington state from our drop down menu.

Outreach and Education Activities
1. Demonstration Field Day for Landowners
A field day, planned for the summer of 2008, will showcase ongoing management efforts by landowners and highlight the benefits of ponderosa pine habitat to cavity-nesting birds.

2. Landowner Stories Booklet
Following completion of the habitat restoration work, a booklet will be developed to describe the stories of each of the landowners involved to showcase the role private landowners can play in bird conservation.