Multiple forest-dependent wildlife communities are of current or emerging conservation concern. It is important to demonstrate value of working forest for these species and have data in place to enhance the foundation for forest management decisions and respond to future policy or regulatory proposals. In the eastern US, this includes pollinator and bat communities.
Native pollinators such as bumble bees and the monarch butterfly are the subject of increased conservation concern in North America because of potential declines in abundance and purported effects of pesticides, diseases, habitat alteration, and other factors. Staff are working with collaborators to support a study to sample pollinators at multiple sample points distributed across several working forest landscape(s) in the southeastern U.S. Results from this study will strengthen the body of information about the value of working forests for pollinator communities.
Some forest bat species in the Lower Coastal Plain of the southeastern U.S. are active during much of the winter and, when they hibernate, do so for brief periods in dispersed locations (e.g., trees, culverts, buildings) rather than in caves or mines. Thus, bat populations in Lower Coastal Plain forests may be less severely impacted by white-nose syndrome (WNS) than populations in more northern regions. We are continuing to work with university collaborators to better understand forest bat communities in the southeastern US during winter. Results will improve our understanding of habitat relationships of WNS-affected bat species in working forest landscapes and contributions of these landscapes to conservation. Study results also may have implications for Endangered Species Act listing determinations for WNS-affected species.
White-nose syndrome has been especially devastating to four bat species that depend on eastern forests; little brown, northern long-eared, Indiana, and tricolored bats. The good news is that, at the landscape scale, forest conditions and forest management are not limiting for these species. Further, many forest management activities can improve roosting and foraging habitat for bats.
Learn MoreThe southeastern US is widely known as a bastion of privately-owned, managed pine (Pinus spp.) forests, comprised primarily of native…
Learn MoreThis handbook details 18 different practices, providing information for each one on the basis for the practice in conservation science, how to apply the practice, measures of effectiveness of the practice, and the compatibility of each practice with others.
Learn MoreFrom time to time, NCASI undertakes technical analyses in a regional context, particularly in cases where member companies would like to analyze the regional implications of applying federal or state/provincial environmental regulatory policy.
Learn MoreThis interview provides discussion of methodology for the determination of conservation and listing status of species. Dr. Darren Sleep of NCASI Canada is interviewed.
Learn MoreThis interview discusses the advantages of conservation oriented research conducted from a non-profit perspective.
Learn MoreThe practice of setting aside protected or reserve forested areas with restricted commercial access is receiving increasing attention and implementation.
Learn MoreForest management practices and conservation set-aside developments are being influenced by groups supporting the implementation of intactness, a concept that has as its origin the meaning “untouched.”
Learn MoreThis interview addresses green tree retention practice, and research to demonstrate quantitatively its effect upon richness and abundance of avian, bat, and invertebrate communities of red and jack pine before and after retention of contrasting levels of green trees in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Learn MoreNCASI seeks to provide technical information needed to manage species of high priority while also meeting economic objectives.
Learn MoreOver the last several decades, concerns about biological diversity have led to dramatic changes in forest policy on public lands, harvesting constraints on some private lands, and concomitant impacts on timber supply. In many cases, biological diversity is best addressed at the landscape scale.
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