The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan is a collaborative effort to restore and conserve bird populations in the state of Wisconsin. It provides a framework for coordinating and implementing conservation actions that benefit birds and their habitats. The plan was developed by the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative (WBCI), a coalition of over 170 organizations and agencies focused on conserving birds in Wisconsin.
Why was the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan developed?
The plan was developed in response to growing concerns about declining bird populations. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, over 40 species of birds in Wisconsin have experienced significant population declines since 1966. These declines can be attributed to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, collisions with man-made structures, and climate change.
In order to address these threats comprehensively, coordination and collaboration across organizations and agencies is needed. The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan provides a unifying framework to guide and integrate bird conservation efforts in the state. Having a statewide conservation plan can help leverage funding opportunities and policy initiatives as well.
What is the purpose and vision of the plan?
The overarching purpose of the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan is to ensure healthy populations of Wisconsin’s native bird species. The vision is to have birds distributed throughout their historical ranges and habitats, interacting in healthy ecosystems across the state.
More specifically, the goals of the plan are to:
- Restore populations of declining species to healthy levels
- Maintain stable and increasing populations of common bird species
- Conserve and manage high quality habitats for priority species
- Fill key information gaps needed to guide conservation efforts
- Increase public appreciation and stewardship of birds and their habitats
What species are covered in the plan?
The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan covers all native bird species that breed, migrate through, or winter in the state. There are over 400 species on this list. Of these, over 100 are identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). SGCN include species showing significant declines, at risk due to small or restricted populations, or dependent on declining habitats.
Some examples of SGCN in Wisconsin include:
- Golden-winged Warbler
- Red-headed Woodpecker
- Black Tern
- Henslow’s Sparrow
- Wood Thrush
While SGCN are a priority, the plan aims to take an “all bird” approach to conservation. Maintaining common species is recognized as important, since declines in common species can lead to less resilient ecosystems.
What habitats are covered?
The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan covers all major habitat types used by birds in the state. These include:
- Grasslands
- Savannas
- Shrublands
- Forests
- Wetlands
- Lakes/rivers
- Urban and suburban areas
- Agricultural lands
For each habitat, priority bird species and conservation objectives are identified. Habitat management guidelines tailored to benefit priority species are provided as well.
What conservation strategies does the plan outline?
The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan outlines a variety of conservation strategies and actions to achieve the plan’s goals. These include:
- Habitat management and restoration – Guidelines are provided for managing different habitats to benefit priority bird species through methods like invasive species control, prescribed burning, timber harvest, water level management, etc.
- Monitoring and research – Continued monitoring is needed through programs like the Breeding Bird Survey. Research helps fill information gaps about bird populations, habitats, and threats.
- Species reintroduction and recovery – For some declining species like Trumpeter Swans and Whooping Cranes, reintroduction programs may be implemented to rebuild populations.
- Protected areas – Establishing new parks, wildlife refuges, conservancy lands, and other protected areas can secure important habitat.
- Incentives for private landowners – Financial and technical assistance programs can be implemented to help private landowners manage their lands in bird-friendly ways.
- Planning and policy – Revising laws, plans, and policies at multiple levels can integrate bird conservation priorities into decision-making about land use, development, pollution control, etc.
- Predator management – Managing problematic predators like feral cats may be necessary in some cases to limit impacts on priority bird species.
- Law enforcement – Enforcing laws that protect birds and regulate human activities like water pollution helps maintain healthy bird populations.
- Education and outreach – Community education programs help raise awareness about birds, threats they face, and how people can help conserve birds in their daily lives.
How is the plan being implemented?
Implementation of the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan relies on strong partnerships between government agencies like the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, non-profit conservation groups like The Nature Conservancy, researchers, landowners, and other stakeholders. Together, they work to carry out the identified conservation actions through programs, funding, outreach, and other means.
Some key groups involved in implementing the plan include:
- Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative
- Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Society for Ornithology
- The Nature Conservancy
- Audubon Society chapters
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- University of Wisconsin
There are over 170 partners listed in the plan. Coordination between partners is facilitated through committees, working groups, conferences, newsletters, and other communication channels.
What are some key accomplishments and impacts?
Since the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan was first released in 2005, partners have worked to implement many of the identified conservation actions. Some highlights and accomplishments include:
- Over 50,000 acres of grassland habitat restored through the Working Lands Initiative
- Development of Best Management Practices for forestry, invasive species control, urban areas, and wind energy to minimize impacts on birds
- Establishment of over 12,000 acres of conservation reserves through partnerships with private landowners
- Reintroduction of Trumpeter Swans, resulting in over 150 breeding pairs now found in Wisconsin
- Over $4 million in grants awarded to partners to support research, monitoring, outreach, and habitat projects related to priority bird species
- Declines in species like Chimney Swifts and Purple Martins slowing or reversing due to conservation efforts
While significant progress has been made, continued implementation of the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan is needed to maintain and restore healthy bird populations. The plan is updated about every 10 years to incorporate new information and conservation priorities.
How can the public get involved?
There are many ways for the public to support the implementation of the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan and bird conservation efforts in general. Some options include:
- Citizen science – Help monitor bird populations by participating in projects like the Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, or eBird.
- Habitat projects – Volunteer for habitat restoration efforts in your community through events organized by conservation groups.
- Education and outreach – Help raise awareness by sharing information about birds and conservation with family, friends, and on social media.
- Lifestyle choices – Make bird-friendly choices related to windows, outdoor cats, pesticides, coffees, etc. in your daily life.
- Advocacy – Support conservation policies and funding at local and state levels by contacting elected officials.
- Donations – Provide financial support to organizations involved in implementing the Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan.
Contact groups like the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, or National Audubon Society to learn about opportunities to contribute.
Conclusion
The Wisconsin All Bird Conservation Plan provides a proactive and collaborative approach to conserving all native bird species across the state. By bringing together a diverse coalition of partners under a shared vision and framework, significant progress has been made in restoring vital bird populations and habitats. However, continued commitment and effort will be needed from policymakers, researchers, land managers, educators, private landowners, and the broader public to ensure the long-term health of Wisconsin’s avian resources.
