Improving the Science Foundation for Bird Conservation

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Following are themes prominent in UMGLJV planning documents, with focus on priority species (JV focal species) and increasing conservation effectiveness: 1) Test planning assumptions, determine factors most limiting population growth during the full annual cycle, and build / refine models to more effectively target bird habitat conservation; 2) Improve understanding of focal species habitat selection, survival, migration chronology, and human influences on migrating and wintering populations; 3) Assess bird densities and vital rates in breeding and nonbreeding areas to better predict carrying capacity for birds in quality habitats; and 4) Improve understanding of regional human dimensions related to enjoyment of birds, bird habitats, ecological services provided by bird habitats, and how to most effectively grow public support for bird habitat conservation. We encourage you to discuss proposal ideas for the UMGLJV region with Science Coordinator Greg Soulliere (phone 517-351-4214, Greg_Soulliere@fws.gov). The PPJV has an Implementation Plan that identifies regional bird habitat conservation strategies, planning uncertainties, and associated information and research needs. Additionally, it includes State Tactical Plans further identifying information and research needs unique to each state conservation strategy. They can be found at www.ppjv.org/resources/implementation-plan/2017-implementation-plan . Prominent themes in the PPJV planning documents to increase effectiveness of grassland and wetland conservation that benefit priority JV species include: 1) Evaluation of planning assumptions and quantification of population limiting factors, 2) quantifying ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits generated by wetland and grassland conservation delivery, 3) evaluate wetland degradation and function in cropped landscapes and effects on breeding and migrating wetland birds, 4) refine understanding of how landscape composition affects demographic parameters (i.e., survival, fecundity) for breeding grassland and wetland species at local and regional scales. We encourage you to discuss proposal ideas for the PPJV region with Science Coordinator Josh Vest (phone 406-552-3657, josh_vest@fws.gov).

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