| |
| Title: |
The Role of Spruce Beetles and Subsequent
Salvage Logging on Boreal Forest Breeding Bird Community Dynamics |
| Abstract: |
The objective of this study is to assess the effects of tree
mortality from an ongoing infestation of spruce beetles, Dendroctonus
rufipennis, on breeding bird community dynamics on the Kenai Peninsula.
Effects of subsequent selective salvage-logging as an alternative management
strategy are also being examined. This study is measuring the responses
of birds to the active and early (i.e., within five years) post-disturbance
phase of infestation and salvage-logging. The structure of the avian community
will be examined in relation to changes in the structure of vegetation.
Density estimates of landbirds will be derived by the point-transect (variable
circular plot) method for two forest types: mixed deciduous/white spruce
and white spruce/lutz spruce, as well as for selectively-logged stands of
both forest types. Treatment levels of spruce mortality are low (0-10%),
moderate (11-40%), and high (>40%). Results of this research will facilitate
forest/wildlife management relative to beetle infestations. |
| Keywords: |
Spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis, salvage
logging, forest disturbance, breeding bird community, breeding density,
Kenai Peninsula |
| Status: |
Ongoing. |
| Duration: |
1996-1999 |
| Location: |
Kenai Peninsula lowlands between Swanson River and Anchor
Point, Alaska |
| Region: |
Southcoastal Alaska |
| Cooperators: |
Alaska Department of Fish and Game; Inter-agency Forest Ecology
Study Team (INFEST); Ninilchik Native Association; Cook Inlet Region, Inc.;
Alaska Native Resource Consultants, Inc.; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
USGS Alaska Biological Science Center; Kenai Peninsula Borough; Alaska Department
of Natural Resources-Division of Forestry; U.S. Forest Service |
| Contacts: |
- Todd W. Trapp
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- Department of Biological Sciences
- 3211 Providence Drive
- Anchorage, Alaska 99508-8104
- (907)786-4776
- astwt@UAA.ALASKA.EDU
|
|
- William B. Collins
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game
- 1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 4
- Palmer, Alaska 99645
- (907) 746-6326 FAX: (907) 746-6305
- wcollins@fishgame.state.ak.us
|
