Effects of Ecosystem Restoration Treatments on Cavity-nesting Birds, Their Habitat, and Their Insectivorous Prey in Fire-maintained Forests of Southeastern British Columbia

Long-term fire suppression and cessation of aboriginal burning has resulted in forest ingrowth and associated structural and functional changes to dry, fire-maintained forests of southeastern British Columbia. In this experimental study, effects of ecosystem restoration treatments (prescribed fire, partial harvesting, prescribed fire and partial harvesting, and untreated controls) on cavity-nesting birds, their habitat, and their insectivorous prey were investigated. Preand post-treatment data on the nesting density of cavity-nesters, the availability of wildlife trees, the foraging intensity of woodpeckers, and the relative abundance and species diversity of insects each breeding season were gathered, beginning in 1996. Preliminary results (1996 to 1998) indicate that harvested treatments were associated with a decline in the nesting density and species richness of cavity nesters over the short term; snag densities decreased in harvested and burned treatments; the number of trees per hectare with fresh woodpecker foraging sign did not differ significantly comparing preand posttreatment; and large increases in the relative abundance of selected insect species in some families were apparent in the treated units. Insect response was most pronounced in the burn only treatment, followed by the harvest and burn, and the harvest only treatments. Management implications for future ecosystem restoration efforts are discussed.