Southern Iowa Forest Monitoring
Principal Investigator: |
Stephen Dinsmore |
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Student Investigator: |
One undergraduate field technician |
Collaborators: |
Paul Tauke, Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
Duration: |
August 2015 to May 2019 |
Funding Source(s): |
Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
Goals and Objectives:
We will conduct surveys of the birds in Stephens State Forest, Sedan Bottoms WA, and Sand Creek Bird WA. These sites are included in Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs) where conservation actions for birds are a priority. Survey plots will be in existing woodland areas of these BCAs on IA DNR land. In addition, the purpose is to compile the results of the bird community surveys and conduct statistically sound and biologically relevant analyses of the data. Ultimately, we hope that this improves our understanding of the distribution of birds, the patterns of occupancy for selected species, and the use of IA DNR’s forested Wildlife Management Areas and State Forests by birds in southern Iowa.
Progress:
Bird surveys, up to 4 at each site, were completed in 2016. Data have been entered and analyzed for bird density and occupancy, along with providing GPS coordinates to DNR Forestry on plot locations and birds found. Preliminary results with maps of bird densities were presented at a Forestry Field Day at Stephens State Forest in October.
Future Plans:
Additional surveys and data analyses will continue through 2018.
Funding Organization: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Duration: 08/01/2015 to 05/31/2019
Principal Investigator(s): Stephen Dinsmore