BREEDING BIRD RESPONSE TO VARYING AMOUNTS OF BASAL AREA RETENTION IN RIPARIAN BUFFERS

Abstract

Abstract We examined response of breeding bird communities to forest harvest that removed varying amounts of tree basal area from riparian buffers on a 2- to 4-m-wide stream in northern Minnesota, USA. We compared bird species and communities in 30-m-wide riparian buffers along the stream. Buffers were established within plots in which upland forests were clear-cut (basal area 2 m2/ha) according to standard local forest management practice. Buffers had 4 treatments (3 plots/treatment): (1) no harvest (riparian control); (2) reduction of basal area to an average of 7–10 m2/ha; (3) reduction of basal area to an average of 2 m2/ha (defined as a clear-cut); and (4) control (no harvest in either riparian buffer or adjacent upland). Bird surveys were conducted 1 year prior to harvest and for 4 years after harvest. Results revealed a significant response of the bird community to varying amounts of tree basal area retention in the riparian area. Univariate (analysis of variance) and multivariate (principal respon...