Pacific Southwest

Title: Using Songbird Monitoring to Guide and Evaluate Riparian Restoration in Salmonid-Focused Stream Rehabilitation Projects

Author: Burnett, Ryan D.; Gardali, Thomas; Geupel, Geoffrey R.

Date: 2005

Source: In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 533-536

Station ID: GTR-PSW-191

Description: A restoration effort, primarily focused on reducing stranding and improving passage of anadromous fish, has been undertaken along sections of lower Clear Creek, Shasta County, California. Similar projects are occurring throughout California and, indeed, all of North America. To monitor the effects of these efforts at Clear Creek we implemented a multi-faceted songbird monitoring study. We have collected three years of data on abundance, diversity, reproductive success, and habitat associations of songbird populations at Clear Creek study plots where extensive watershed/salmonid restoration activities are in progress or slated to occur and at several reference sites where no restoration is planned. We used preliminary site-specific results and the California Partners in Flight Riparian Bird Conservation Plan to provide multi-level management recommendations. Monitoring songbirds on this and other restoration sites has proven a pragmatic approach on several levels. Songbird monitoring can (1) measure the effectiveness of restoration; (2) provide the necessary feedback for adaptive management; (3) guide restoration design by providing information on the health and habitat associations of the local bird populations; (4) be cost effective; and (5) provide education and outreach opportunities.

Keywords: adaptive management, Clear Creek, monitoring, restoration, riparian, songbird

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Citation

Burnett, Ryan D.; Gardali, Thomas; Geupel, Geoffrey R.  2005.  Using Songbird Monitoring to Guide and Evaluate Riparian Restoration in Salmonid-Focused Stream Rehabilitation Projects.   In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 533-536.