1. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 1 CERULEAN WARBLER ATLAS PROJECT FOR PRIVATE LANDS A Voluntary Landowner- conducted Survey Presentation 1: About the Project

2. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 2 The Cerulean Warbler Is of high conservation priority Has declined 70% since 1966 (BBS) Has been proposed as a federally threatened species

3. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 3 The Cerulean Warbler Some conservation measures may be appropriate for this species. However, listing could potentially constrain forest management activities in many areas of eastern North America. Thus, sound information is needed to both help the bird and to avoid unnecessary constraints on landowners.

4. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 4 The Cerulean Warbler The Cerulean breeds in eastern North America. It winters on east slopes of the Andes in northern South America.

5. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 5 The Cerulean Warbler Cerulean Warblers are mostly found in deciduous forests with some tall, mature trees such as oaks, hickories, sycamore, black locust, elm, and cottonwoods. They occur primarily on ridge tops and in floodplain and mesic cove forests.

6. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 6 The Cerulean Warbler The Cerulean Warbler Atlas project recently documented current distribution and areas with highest populations -- over 3,000 sites surveyed.

7. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 7 The Cerulean Warbler Many areas of potential habitat have not been surveyed for Cerulean Warblers, particularly on private lands in the core of the range. Better information about the population status of Ceruleans would help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decide whether listing of this species is appropriate.

8. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 8 The Cerulean Warbler A partnership among industry, government agencies, and conservation groups has led to proactive measures to conserve Cerulean populations and avoid federal listing. NCASI has received a $150K grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (matched by private funds) to conduct surveys on private forest lands and do manipulative forestry experiment.

9. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 9 The Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands is a voluntary, landowner-conducted survey developed to improve information about the abundance, distribution, and habitat relationships of Cerulean Warblers. Landowners gather their own information and submit it to NCASI who obscures ownership.

10. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 10 Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the data to help us learn more about the Cerulean Warbler’s abundance, distribution, and habitat relationships. The results will be used to inform regulatory agencies and landowners about cost-effective ways to help the bird.

11. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 11 Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands Landowners select sites to survey in suitable Cerulean Warbler habitat during May and June. Surveys are conducted along accessible roads or trails, using a playback CD provided by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NCASI coordinates participation and conceals land ownership in data presentations. General Methods: What is involved?

12. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 12 Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands In 2003-2004, 11 landowners conducted surveys at 404 sites. Ceruleans were located at roughly 30% of all sites surveyed. Important gaps were filled for distribution atlas in core of range.

13. Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands 13 Cerulean Warbler Atlas Project for Private Lands In 2005, we seek additional landowner participants in KY, OH, TN, VA, and WV Results will help inform forestry experiments and ultimately forestry guidelines For more information, contact: Ben Wigley, NCASI 864-656-0840, wigley@CLEMSON.EDU