Birds and Burns Network

Fire Effects on Populations and Habitats of Sensitive Species of Wildlife in Ponderosa Pine Forests of the Interior West

Our Goal: Understand Ecological Consequences of Fire Management for Wildlife in Ponderosa Pine Forests of the Interior West

Introduction:
The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station is leading the effort to examine fire effects on populations and habitats of wildlife in ponderosa pine forests in eight states across the western United States, including locations on National Forests, National Parks, and state and private lands (see map). Our goal is to understand the ecological consequences of fire management for wildlife in ponderosa pine forests. The target wildlife species are cavity-nesting birds and songbirds (also small mammals at selected locations). Cavity-nesting birds are a focus of this research because many of them depend on fire-maintained habitats for their dispersal and movements, they are designated as Management Indicator Species (MIS) and Sensitive Species by state and federal agencies, and they are responsive to timber and fire management activities. Funding is provided primarily by the Joint Fire Sciences Program (01-1-3-25), the National Fire Plan (02.RMS.C.2), and Rocky Mountain Research Station (4251), with matching dollars contributed by the individual units (see map). Our primary collaborators are those listed on the map, Pacific Northwest Research Station, The Nature Conservancy, and several universities.