Monitoring Strategy to Test the Effectiveness of Treatments under the Metolius Basin Forest Management Project as it Relates to White-headed Woodpecker Nesting Success.

Treatments proposed for the Metolius Basin Forest Management project were designed for specific focal species.  A large portion of the project area (66%) was identified as a focal area for White-headed woodpeckers.  The area is dominated by ponderosa pine and mixed conifer dry PAGs.  Goals for the area include managing for late-successional habitat that is primarily fire climax ponderosa pine and managing to provide stands dominated by large pine with open understories.

Proposed treatments were based on the habitat requirements of white-headed woodpeckers including stands with 20-40% canopy cover with large ponderosa pine (primarily >21” dbh) trees, large softer (decay class 2-3) snags, and a light mid-story and brush layer.  Treatment may occur within stands that currently meet the definition for suitable habitat in order to maintain habitat for a longer period of time and to reduce the risk of wildfire.  This consists of treating the mid-story to reduce stand densities and to promote fire climax species (i.e. ponderosa pine).  Understories will also be treated to reduce the risk of fire and reduce competition to large trees.

Six areas were selected to monitor related to this strategy, three treatment areas and three controls.  Base line monitoring occurred in all areas prior to treatments occurring. Monitoring began in 2004 and has been completed annually to 2008.  Only portions of monitoring areas have received treatment, and there is a need to continue monitoring until all treatment areas are completed.