AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY
Working with Forest Landowners to Reverse Population Declines of
Forest Breeding Birds
American Bird Conservancy Managed Forests for Birds Workshop
Why This Project Matters
This project will deliver a workshop that explains how sustainable forestry can play a critical role in reversing the alarming decline in bird populations. An estimated three billion birds have been lost in the U.S. and Canada since 1970. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of all birdlife. These findings were reported in the world’s leading scientific journal, Science, by researchers at seven institutions, including the American Bird Conservancy.
How This Project Will Help to Reverse Population Declines of Forest Breeding Birds
This workshop brings together SFI-certified forest management companies, forest harvesting professionals, and family forest landowners for discussions regarding forest management, bird habitat, and the critical role of managed forests in reversing population declines of forest breeding birds. This project will train and educate people who are engaged in actions affecting the future of our forests. It will also offer Continuing Forestry Education credits.
The workshop combines classroom-style presentations and forest-site discussions. This approach has proven to be valuable in several other states in training people in best practices at each stage of forest management to provide positive habitat conditions for birds. The birds range from species that readily respond to certain management practices such as harvest and replanting, thinning and burning, to bird species that require special considerations and advanced planning such as retention of snags, retention of large trees for nesting, or enhanced streamside management zones.
SFI’s Contribution
The SFI Community Grant Program is supporting this project. Bringing together partners from across the SFI network including forest industry, forest managers, wildlife biologists, state government representatives, and the Georgia SFI Implementation Committee will ensure that many perspectives and interests required for effective forest sustainability will be shared. Participants will include influential representatives of forest ownership and management. The diverse project partners will also ensure that they leverage resources and make the right connections for a productive workshop that can be replicated for additional impact.
How this Project Builds SFI Community Engagement
This project will elevate and enrich the link between people and forests by engaging both natural resource professionals who live and work in local communities as well as family forest owners. By bringing forest, wildlife, and harvesting professionals together with local landowners, the project will build a sense of community and appreciation of the different perspectives on forest management. With the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) involved in planning and execution, the project will directly engage the key wildlife conservation organization in Georgia.
The participation of Georgia DNR wildlife biologists and ornithologists as instructors will lend credibility and create opportunities for additional workshops in Georgia. The project leaders will also use their connections to Migratory Bird Habitat Joint Ventures to further network and engage bird conservation organizations and federal wildlife agencies with a mutual interest in well managed forests.
Partners
This partnership includes conservationists, researchers, SFI certified organizations, and family forest owners.
- Project lead: American Bird Conservancy
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- Georgia SFI Implementation Committee
- The Westervelt Company (SFI-certified organization)
- Timberland Investment Resources, LLC (SFI-certified organization)
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Related Information
American Bird Conservancy: Bringing Back the Forest Birds, Phase II
ABC Wins SFI President’s Award for Putting SFI’s Scale to Work for Birds
Collaborating for Conservation of Managed Forested Landscapes
About American Bird Conservancy
The American Bird Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to conserve native birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC acts across the full spectrum of threats to birds to safeguard the rarest bird species, restore habitats, and reduce threats, unifying and strengthening the bird conservation movement. Learn more.
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COPY LINK: https://forests.org/grant-american-bird-conservancy-workshop/
