Great basin bird observatory (GBBO) has collected landbird data for over 20 years across nevada using the standardized nevada bird count (NBC) point-count protocol

A significant subset of this data characterizes before-and-after timepoints for areas that have received conifer treatments, areas that abut conifer treatments and that may therefore be indirectly affected by them, and comparable untreated areas that could serve as informative control sites. Additionally, NBC transects typically collect data along a linear gradient from treatment interiors through adjacent treatment edges. These transects also subsume a variety of disturbance types, most notably fire. We will model the effects of treatments on the presence and (to the extent possible) density of treatments and disturbance on four priority birds that utilize sagebrush habitat sage thrasher, sagebrush sparrow, brewers sparrow, and pinyon JAY. We will concentrate on the BI-state region of nevada and california, which has been a focus of management activity and interest due largely to concerns about negative trends within the BI-state sage-grouse, a distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse, but will supplement the analysis with data from similar outlying areas to improve sample sizes and potential for broader inference.to accomplish this project, we will work with USFWS to assemble all existing pre- and post-treatment andpotentially useful control data from NBC surveys and other data within or near the project area. Enrich existingdata as needed with attributes describing habitat parameters, environmental and geographical parameters, andtreatment disturbance attributes. Support analyses and modeling to characterize responses of the priorityspecies. Translate findings into products that provide managers and planners with clear and actionable.information and guidance for designing and implementing conifer treatments. This guidance will be formulated sothat IT can be integrated into existing guidance, rather than competing with existing guidance.