A Proposed Integrated Wildlife Research and Conservation Strategy at the Jackson Fork Ranch, Wyoming: Workplan for Sagebrush Songbirds and Wyoming

Transcription

1 A Proposed Integrated Wildlife Research and Conservation Strategy at the Jackson Fork Ranch, Wyoming: Workplan for Sagebrush Songbirds and Wyoming Raptors Mountain Bluebird American Kestrel N. Saw- whet Owl Sage Thrasher

2 Background: An integrated wildlife research and conservation strategy for the Jackson Fork Ranch includes habitat enhancement to improve the use of key wildlife species and subsequent viewing opportunities for visitors. One projected change within the next few years may be the creation of four lakes (4 to 23 acres) with the intent to provide ample breeding habitat for the Common Loon, Trumpeter Swan, and potentially 41 other waterbird and wetland bird species (based on an analyses of bird species potential occupancy; see associated document called Breeding Birds of Jackson Fork Ranch ). Details about the Common Loon project, called Restore the Call are detailed in a separate workplan. In this workplan, two new projects are described based on the interests and needs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cheyenne office) and University of Wyoming (Department of Zoology and Physiology). The proposed projects described below would enhance the conservation value of these lands. The projects would increase the abundance and visibility of multiple species of birds. One project, was suggested by Kim Dickerson, a biologist with the Environmental Contaminants Program based in the Cheyenne Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This project will investigate the exposure and potential for related health effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breeding and wintering raptors in the Pinedale, Wyoming area while using the Jackson Fork Ranch and other areas as a clean or reference site. This is one of the highest priority issues for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Wyoming and can be linked to regional air quality and wildlife conservation issues that are of great concern. The second project is a collaboration that was created with Dr. Anna Chalfoun at the University of Wyoming and Dr. Renee Duckworth at the University of Arizona. This project will allow the collection of data to investigate the ecology of sagebrush songbirds, including the establishment of a nest box trail for the Mountain Bluebird and other cavity- nesting species. This project is one that Dr. Chalfoun is emphasizing across multiple sites in Wyoming as her concern is that high quality sage brush habitats are now very restricted in extent and distribution. All projects have local, regional and even national ramifications (Table 1). The transfer of U.S. Forest Service lands (in exchange for other lands), which will be placed under conservation easements with local and regional land trusts at the Jackson Fork Ranch, are key habitats for enhancing and expanding wildlife conservation interests (Table 1). The projects listed here will greatly benefit from the projected addition of conservation easements within the Jackson Fork Ranch. Direct partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and University of Wyoming 2

3 further contribute toward the conservation value of the land exchange, as research and conservation activities proposed herein will serve as important resources for state, regional, and national policy- makers and landscape managers. Table 1. Projects contributing toward wildlife conservation on and around Jackson Fork Ranch, Wyoming (for Phases 1-3).* Project Name: Primary Study Species Restore the Call: Common Loon* Sagebrush Songbirds: Mountain Bluebird, Sage Thrasher, Sage Sparrow, Brewer s Sparrow Wyoming Raptors: American Kestrel, Northern Saw- whet Owl, Golden Eagle, and Rough- legged Hawk Collaborators U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, State agencies in ID, MA, ME, MN, MT, NH, NY, VT, WY, and British Columbia University of Wyoming, University of Arizona, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cheyenne Office, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Bureau of Land Management, University of Montana Impact at Jackson Fork Ranch? Yes, 1 pair to be added with the creation of four lakes (another 42 species could be attracted to the new lakes and associated wetlands) Yes, numbers to be determined, but will add many new nesting pairs of Mountain Bluebirds and other cavity- nesting species Yes, numbers to be determined but will aim to attract new resident nesting pairs of kestrels and potentially, owls Impact at a level of interest for Wyoming Game and Fish Dept.? Yes; is a species of the highest rank of conservation priority for birds. Yes, studies will contribute to regional projects for all species and obligates are Species of Greatest Conservation Concern in WY Yes, findings will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. gather data on contaminant exposure and health effects associated with the burning of gas in the Pinedale, WY area. *The loon project is included here only to demonstrate how it fits in with others. Impact at a regional or national level? Yes, both regional and national level with greatest impact in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wyoming Yes, studies will contribute to ecological and habitat selection theory and address causes of range- wide declines. Yes, findings could be helpful for federal and state agency air policies and regulations 3

4 Sagebrush Songbirds Principal Investigator: Dr. David Evers, Biodiversity Research Institute, Portland, Maine Co- Investigators: Dr. Anna Chalfoun, Dept. of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming; Dr. Renee Duckworth, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona BRI Project Wildlife Biologists: Allie Byrd and Amy Sauer, Biodiversity Research Institute Overall conservation objective: This project will help to understand how songbirds can adapt to changing conditions of sagebrush habitat managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (at their National Wildlife Refuges) across their Wyoming and western range. To meet this overall objective, we will collect data on various aspects of health, behavior, and life history of sagebrush songbird populations on Jackson Fork Ranch and they will be compared to relevant songbird populations studied by Dr. Anna Chalfoun (Sage Thrasher, Sage Sparrow, and Brewer s Sparrow) and Dr. Renee Duckworth (Mountain Bluebird). All obligate sagebrush species have experienced fairly substantial population declines range- wide and are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Wyoming State Wildlife Action Plan and as Birds of Conservation Concern by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A primary threat to sagebrush songbird populations has been loss and alteration of sagebrush habitats from a wide variety of human activities including conversion for agriculture, residential development, and increasingly in Wyoming, energy extraction activities. On- going research at the University of Wyoming has focused on the relationship between sagebrush songbird abundance and reproductive success and natural gas extraction intensity. Both the abundance and nest survival of sagebrush songbirds appears to decrease with increased surrounding loss of sagebrush habitat due to natural gas extraction, in part due to altered nest predator assemblages that increase rates of nest predation. The establishment of a fairly pristine sagebrush songbird research site, such as at the Jackson Fork Ranch, in fairly close proximity and in similar habitats to those being studied near the energy development areas south of Pinedale, Wyoming could provide a valuable comparative function and contribute to better understanding of sagebrush songbird habitat needs and population dynamics. 4

5 Specific approach for studying sagebrush songbird populations on Jackson Fork Ranch 1. Establish a nest box trail to attract cavity- nesting birds, including the primary target species (Mountain Bluebirds) and secondary target species (Violet- green Swallow, Tree Swallow and House Wren). Data collected will enable insight into colonization dynamics and life history investment of Mountain Bluebirds in a population where they do not have to compete with Western Bluebirds (which are not yet established in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem). Mountain Bluebird pair PHASE 1 (Year ): Nest Box Trail a. Place 50 nest boxes on existing wooden fence posts in open habitats around the Jackson Fork Ranch (placement will follow a pre- approved plan); b. Monitor nest boxes opportunistically to record use by species and track breeding parameters when possible (e.g., nest initiation date, clutch size, brood size and number of fledged young); c. Capture, place color and USGS bands, and collect standardized morphometric data at Jackson Fork Ranch when possible. PHASE 2 (Year ): Nest Box Trail expansion and monitoring d. Place another nest boxes on existing wooden fence posts in open habitats around the Jackson Fork Ranch (placement will follow a pre- approved plan); e. Monitor nest boxes regularly to record use by species and track breeding parameters (e.g., nest initiation date, clutch size, brood size and number of fledged young); f. Capture, place color and USGS bands, and collect standardized data to enable comparison of health, behavior, and life history parameters at Jackson Fork Ranch with other sites where the two bluebird species overlap i. PHASE 3 (Years 3-5; ): Nest Box Trail and transmitters g. Use temperature probes (ibuttons), nest box cameras, and radio transmitters to investigate the life history of Mountain Bluebirds in a more detailed way to understand their different competitive abilities in contrasting ecological conditions; All handling of birds will follow standard ornithological and animal care guidelines; h. Collect blood samples for physiological and genetic samples from adults and offspring to use in both genetic and hormonal analyses. Genetic data will be used to understand population connectivity across the species range. Hormones such as testosterone and prolactin are thought to mediate the tradeoff between parental care and aggression. 5

6 2. Establish a long- term program at the Jackson Fork Ranch to monitor obligate sagebrush songbirds: Sage Thrasher, Sage Sparrow (pictured right), and Brewer s Sparrow. Songbirds in adjacent habitats will also be monitored. Data collected will enable insight into the use and delineation of high quality sagebrush habitats, and how best to manage sagebrush in a manner that will assist federal and state wildlife agencies and curb population declines. Sage Sparrow PHASE 1 (Year ): Songbird Territory Mapping a. Start to map the distribution of singing males at the Jackson Fork Ranch and adjoining sagebrush habitats; b. Opportunistically mist- net and individually mark songbirds with USGS leg bands to begin to establish marked breeding populations in multiple habitats. PHASE 2 (Year ): Songbird Territory Monitoring c. Continue to map the distribution of singing males at the Jackson Fork Ranch and adjoining sagebrush habitats using observation and acoustic sampling; d. Locate nests of mapped pairs; e. Using target mist- netting, capture, place color and USGS leg bands, and sample individual songbirds to establish marked breeding populations and determine site fidelity, overall reproductive success (clutch size, nest survival), and other demographic parameters. PHASE 3 (Years 3-5; ): Songbird Reproductive Success Monitoring f. Measure singing behavior (in response to song playbacks), mate choice in relation to territory quality and the resulting reproductive success, and assess nest building strategies in relation to climatic and nest predation variation. g. Continue to measure territory presence and reproductive success in relation to indices of sagebrush habitat quality. Wyoming Raptor Conservation Principal Investigator: Dr. David Evers, Biodiversity Research Institute Co- Investigators: Kim Dickerson, Environmental Contaminants Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cheyenne Office); Advisors: Bureau of Land Management (Pinedale Office) Al Harmata, University of Montana - Golden Eagle research expert 6

7 BRI Project Wildlife Biologists: Chris DeSorbo, Chris Persico, Rick Gray and Dr. Michelle Kneeland, Biodiversity Research Institute Overall conservation objective: This project will help determine how raptors can indicate the exposure and potential impacts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on wildlife ecological health. Concentrations of VOCs in blood are an effective biomarker of environmental exposure, and have been shown to be closely associated with health outcomes in people. Such information may be used for managing these contaminants by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for managing raptors and other wildlife by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To meet this overall objective, we will collect data on various aspects of health and life history of target raptors in the Pinedale, Wyoming area and surrounding areas that may be used as reference (clean) sites, such as the Jackson Fork Ranch. American Kestrels are of particular conservation and management interest at a population level due to notable rangewide declines. Specific approach for studying raptor populations on and around Jackson Fork Ranch 1. Following surveys of current breeding raptor territories (with an emphasis on American Kestrels) at the Jackson Fork Ranch, we will establish a nest box trail to attract cavity- nesting raptors, including the primary target species (American Kestrel) and secondary target species (Northern Saw- whet Owl). Data collected will enable insight into the VOC contaminants in the Pinedale area s gas and oil fields compared to surrounding areas. Nest boxes will be placed upwind of the Pinedale gas and oil fields in an area that can be used as a reference site (i.e., on Jackson Fork Ranch) and downwind of the contaminated area in Pinedale on lands owned by the Bureau of Land Management. American Kestrel PHASE 1 (Year ) Kestrel and Owl Nest Boxes Placement a. Place 10 nest boxes on new and/or existing posts or trees in open habitats for the American Kestrel and 5 nest boxes for the Northern Saw- whet Owl on trees around the Jackson Fork Ranch (placement will follow a pre- approved plan) and 10 nest boxes on BLM land near Pinedale; b. Conduct roadside surveys for resident and breeding raptors (knowledge of territories will help inform year- round use by some individuals and species). 7

8 PHASE 2 (Year ): Monitor Nest Boxes and Sample Raptors c. Place another 20 nest boxes on new and/or existing posts in open habitats for the American Kestrel and 10 nest boxes for the Northern Saw- whet Owl on trees around the Jackson Fork Ranch (placement will follow a pre- approved plan) and BLM lands; d. Monitor nest boxes regularly to determine occupancy and track breeding parameters (e.g., nest initiation date, clutch size, brood size and number of fledged young); e. Capture adults and nestlings, uniquely mark individuals (i.e., colored leg bands), and collect standardized data to enable comparisons of VOC concentrations and health measures in reference vs. the contaminated areas; f. Conduct roadside surveys for resident and breeding raptors (knowledge of territories will help inform year- round use by some individuals and species). PHASE 3 (Years 3-5; ): Raptor Reproductive Success Monitoring g. Use temperature probes (ibuttons), nest box cameras, and transmitters to compare life history, survival and reproductive abilities of breeding raptors (particularly American Kestrels) in areas upwind and downwind of gas burning areas. 2. Evaluate the overall health and exposure of wintering raptors (i.e., Golden Eagles and Rough- legged Hawks) to VOCs within the Pinedale gas and oil fields and use surrounding areas as reference sites, including areas around the Jackson Fork Ranch. Data collected will enable first- time insights into the potential adverse impacts of VOCs on raptors and other wildlife and will assist federal and state wildlife agencies with how to best manage this environmental issue. Such efforts will also help to better understand the densities and habitat associations of species such as the Golden Eagle and the Rough- legged Hawk. Golden Eagle PHASE 1 (Year ): Map and Capture Wintering Raptors a. Survey and monitor use of targeted areas by wintering raptors with an emphasis on Rough- legged Hawks; b. Capture, band and sample raptors to determine health and VOC concentrations and compare upwind and downwind exposure to contaminants. PHASE 2 (Year ): Map and Capture Wintering Raptors, including Golden Eagles c. Identify and map Golden Eagle breeding territories (to help determine resident pairs); d. Survey and monitor use of targeted areas by wintering raptors with an emphasis on Golden Eagles and Rough- legged Hawks; 8

9 e. Capture, band and sample raptors to determine health and VOC concentrations and compare upwind and downwind exposure to contaminants. PHASE 3 (Years 3-5; ): Track Wintering Raptors f. Use radio and satellite transmitters to track individuals to characterize their overall habitat use patterns and determine time spent in contaminated areas throughout an entire year. Outreach for Jackson Fork Ranch wildlife research and conservation projects Principal Investigator: Dr. David Evers, Biodiversity Research Institute Co- Investigators: Kim Dickerson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Cheyenne Office) Dr. Anna Chalfoun, Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming Dr. Renee Duckworth, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona BRI Project Staff: Deb McKew, Communications Director at Biodiversity Research Institute Overall conservation objective: We will develop multiple ways to convey scientific findings to relevant local entities and the general public to create an understanding and awareness of the wildlife research and conservation work being conducted at the Jackson Fork Ranch and by the Ricketts Conservation Foundation. Overall Communication and Outreach Products include: PHASE 1 (Year ): Website Outreach a. Communication pieces of interest (electronic) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Wyoming and University of Wyoming to relay relevant research and conservation findings to governmental agencies, non- profit groups, and the public; b. Opportunistic in- field demonstrations of research activities to Jackson Fork Ranch Lodge guests c. Website products displayed at the discretion and interest of the Jackson Fork Ranch, potentially including a short video of demonstration project about bird banding from nest boxes or mist netting. 9

10 PHASE 2 (Year ): Website and Print Outreach d. Communication pieces of interest (printed and electronic) by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Wyoming and University of Wyoming to relay relevant research and conservation findings to governmental agencies, non- profit groups, and the public; e. Regular in- field demonstrations of research activities to Jackson Fork Ranch Lodge guests f. Website products displayed at the discretion and interest of the Jackson Fork Ranch, including several short videos of field activities by BRI, wildlife of interest, demonstration projects with guests (such as bird banding and nest box checks), etc.; g. Magazine articles in local magazines featuring wildlife at the Jackson Fork Ranch (e.g., Wyoming Wildlife Magazine). PHASE 3 (Years 3-5; ): Webcamera Outreach h. Web cameras will be used and linked to BRI s website and, when ready, directly connected to the Jackson Fork Ranch lodges. Timeline for Phase 1 efforts: Research / Conservation Activity May 2014 June 2014 July 2014 August 2014 September 2014 thru April 2015 Establish a nest- box trail Placement Band Band songbirds Analyze data for songbirds (At Jackson of boxes songbirds and write Fork Ranch) report. Characterize sagebrush Map Band songbirds Analyze data songbird community (At songbird and write Jackson Fork Ranch) territories report. and begin banding Establish a nest- box trail Conduct Conduct surveys Placement of Analyze data for raptors (At Jackson surveys for for raptors boxes for and write Fork Ranch) raptors kestrels and report. owls Measure VOCs in Capture, band wintering raptors (In and sample Pinedale and reference raptors and areas such as Jackson write report Fork Ranch) with the USFWS 10

11 Outreach for Wildlife Highlight In- Field In- Field Demos; In- Field Demos; Include findings Projects projects on Demos Wildlife research on website, BRI website video for including website reports, communication pieces, and videos Project Personnel: Personnel include a mix of biologists and adjunct scientists from Biodiversity Research Institute, and faculty and students from the University of Wyoming and University of Arizona. Biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accompany BRI biologists with the raptor study. David Evers will oversee all projects and will work closely with the principal investigators from the Sagebrush Songbird study (Dr. Anna Chalfoun and Dr. Renee Duckworth) and for the Wyoming Raptor study (Kim Dickerson, USFWS). The BRI field biologists will include Allie Byrd, Chris DeSorbo, Rick Gray, Chris Persico, and Amy Sauer and the communications team will include Deborah McKew and Tim Smith and potentially a to- be- determined assistant. End of Fiscal Year Reporting: A final, end of the year report will summarize deliverable accomplishments. 11