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Southern Iowa Forest Monitoring

Principal Investigator:

Stephen Dinsmore

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