The FWS, USFS, and midnr developed an MOU, last signed in 2022, committing the agencies to supporting the kirtlands warbler-specific habitat needs and ensuring kirtlands warbler populations remain…

The FWS, USFS, and midnr developed an MOU, last signed in 2022, committing the agencies to supporting the kirtlands warbler-specific habitat needs and ensuring kirtlands warbler populations remain above 1,000 pairs through implementing the conservation plan. The USFS and midnr have committed to regenerating, respectively, 1,856 and 1,560 acres of breeding habitat yearly (3,416 total) in the core breeding range. On average, this would provide for 34,397 acres of breeding habitat available at any time, supporting the 1,000 breeding pairs agreed to in the conservation plan and MOU. Most tracts of land that make up the kirtlands warbler WMA average 40 acres in size and are adjacent to michigan DNR forests on two or more sides. IT is therefore essential the WMA manage for breeding habitat in conjunction with the state to provide adequate habitat connectivity. Due to several factors, new habitat acreage targets have not been met over the past 13 years, creating an expected shortfall of habitat estimated to reach 14,120 acres. The peak shortfall of 14,120 acres is approximately 41% below the target of 34,397 acres of breeding habitat. While KW usage rates per acre are dependent on other factors such as patch size and habitat quality, ecological services estimates that KW populations will drop below the conservation team trigger (1,300 singing males) in 2025 and could fall below the MOU trigger (1,000 singing males) by 2027. We, as a partnership, must implement wide-scale, high-intensity rotation treatments to minimize the impacts of this shortfall to kirtlands warbler. This will include the harvesting of newly aged-out plantations and revegetation to breeding range specifications proposed here.forest treatments including ecological silviculture treatments, mastication, seed collection, planting or direct seeding of trees and native herbaceous vegetation, forestry mowing, prescribed burning, etc. Will mitigate the impacts of a dramatic breeding habitat shortage in the kirtlands warbler core breeding area. Treatments will be monitored for efficacy and supplemented where needed. Silvicultural prescriptions will enhance heterogeneity while meeting the life history requirements of kirtlands warbler. This project will build on previously awarded projects from FY21, FY23, and FY25 glri funds and support implementation of 200 acres of forestry work to create suitable kirtlands warbler breeding habitat. The tasks performed by midnr will leverage their staff time and expertise along with a new midnr forestry mower acquired through glfwa grants that is capable of regenerating 20-30 year old plantations that no longer support kirtlands warbler breeding. IT will support the continuation of the northern pine plains partnership to comanage habitat. The development of forest and special forest habitats suitable for kirtlands warblers and other native communities is a long-term, dynamic process. Future project proposals may be submitted for additional treatments on these acres to maintain or enhance the habitat.