SEI researchers are studying how to manage forest ecosystems. We emphasize positive, proactive approaches that involve all partners. SEI has three major areas of interest:
Landscape patterns and forest fragmentation
Sustainable forestry in Russia
Forest and Forestry LinksAmerica's songbirds are declining. This is a major cause for concern among scientists, conservationists, birders, and forest managers. There are many factors implicated in the decline including land use practices development in the U.S. and the tropics. (Many of these birds overwinter in Central and South America). SEI has a major program in migrant birds aimed at identifying causes of decline and ways to avert future losses. This program currently has 5 main projects with more planned and is a co-operative program with many interest groups. Opportunities for volunteers/training/education are significant.
Dr. Rex Sallabanks is studying how management of inland forests affects bird communities. A particular emphasis is the response of neotropical migrant species to forest management. Different bird species are found in different forest conditions. These results can be used to predict the conservation value of different harvest patterns. Partners in this project include Boise Cascade, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NCASI and the US Forest Service. Contact Dr. Sallabanks at SEI Idaho, 30 E. Franklin Rd., Ste. 50, Meridian, ID 83642
Now Available to order: Avian Conservation Research and Management, edited by John M. Marzluff and Rex Sallabanks.
Major Project Areas
1. Birds of the Ecosystem Diversity Matrix for the Idaho Southern Batholith
2. Effects of Wildlife and salvage logging on breeding bird communities in NE Oregon
3. Relationships between forest structural classes and bird communities in the Oregon Blue Mountain
4. Effects of forest fragmentation on songbird in the inland Pacific Northwest (including southern, northern Idaho and Montana)
5. MAPS Station. Mapping avian productivity and survivorship.
Landscape Patterns and Forest Fragmentation
A critical component of SEI-Idaho's work on forests and bird communities is the critical effect of landscape patterns and forest fragmentation and the abundance and composition of species and biological communities. Now entering its fourth year of study. The initial phases of the project were designed to answer the key questions about the impacts of forestry actions on wildlife. Now the project enters a new and exciting phase of applying the results to finding better ways to manage forests, and maintain forests, sustainable forestry, and wildlife over the landscape.
Sustainable Forestry in Russia
SEI is coordinating a sustainable forestry program in Siberia and the Russian Far East through a grant from the US Forest Service and USAID. This is a demonstration project with an emphasis on improving reforestation and training local personnel. The effort is part of a broader initiative to help mitigate global climate change. Headed by Dr. Pete Owston, this innovative prgram brings US scientists to Russia on a regular basis to work with their Russian counterparts and provide scientific input and advice.