Winter bird use of harvest residues in clearcuts and the implications of forest bioenergy harvest in the southeastern United States

摘要: Abstract Increased market viability of harvest residues gleaned for forest bioenergy feedstocks may intensify downed wood removal, particularly in intensively managed forests the Southeast. Downed provides food and cover many wildlife species, including birds, yet we are aware no study that has examined winter bird response to experimentally manipulated, operational-scale woody biomass harvests. Further, little research investigated avian use following timber As such, our objectives were to: (1) evaluate effects varying intensities on community (2) document spatial associations between species available habitat structure, wood, regenerating stands. In January February 2012–2014, surveyed birds using a modified version spot-mapping six removal treatments North Carolina, USA (n = 4 stands). Treatments included clearcut followed by: traditional with harvesting guidelines; 15% retention dispersed; (3) clustered; (4) 30% (5) (6) (i.e., reference). We tested treatment-level relative abundance (overall individual species), diversity richness, counts detected near (∼1 m from pile), in, or branches piles calculated proportional vegetation 69 visits over three winters, observed 3352 treatments. 2013, greater clustered than guidelines treatment. 2012 2013 combined, mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) had treatment compared dispersed was more often within 1 m vegetation. counted adjacent edge interiors each year. Overall, minimal richness. Relative increased time as vegetative established Our results suggest harvests pine effect community, but used residues. structure composition, rather availability residues, primarily influenced