Songbird response to alternative forest density management in young Douglas-fir stands

Abstract

Th inning has been increasingly used in the Pacifi c Northwest to restore structural and biological diversity to densely-stocked young- to mid-aged forests that have been previously intensively managed for timber production. In the short term, thinning promotes development of understory vegetation, which in turn can increase habitat diversity for wildlife, particularly for songbirds. Thinning also has been identifi ed as a potential approach to accelerate the development of characteristics that are typical of older forest stands. Both the immediate and long-term response of wildlife and habitat to thinning is likely to be infl uenced by thinning intensity and pattern. The BLM Density Management Study (DMS) was designed to compare ecological responses among various thinning intensities. Th e purpose of our study was to compare songbird abundance among these thinning treatments to demonstrate the range of responses that might occur as a result of different thinning practices.

Parent Publication

• Density management in the 21st century: west side story

Citation

Hagar, Joan C. 2013. Songbird response to alternative forest density management in young Douglas-fir stands. In: Anderson, P.D.; Ronnenberg, K.L., eds. Density management in the 21st century: west side story. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-880. Portland, OR: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 117-117.