Improving the Science Foundation for Bird Conservation

Correct Title, CFD, and synopsis - Following are themes prominent in UMGLJV planning documents, with focus on priority species (JV focal species) and increasing conservation effectiveness: 1) Test planning assumptions, determine factors most limiting population growth during the full annual cycle, and build / refine models to more effectively target bird habitat conservation; 2) Improve understanding of focal species habitat selection, survival, migration chronology, and human influences on migrating and wintering populations; 3) Assess bird densities and vital rates in breeding and nonbreeding areas to better predict carrying capacity for birds in quality habitats; and 4) Improve understanding of regional human dimensions related to enjoyment of birds, bird habitats, ecological services provided by bird habitats, and how to most effectively grow public support for bird habitat conservation. We encourage you to discuss proposal ideas for the UMGLJV region with Science Coordinator Greg Soulliere (phone 517-351-4214, Greg_Soulliere@fws.gov). The PPJV has an Implementation Plan that identifies regional bird habitat conservation strategies, planning uncertainties, and associated information and research needs. Additionally, it includes State Tactical Plans further identifying information and research needs unique to each state conservation strategy. They can be found at www.ppjv.org/resources/implementation-plan/2017-implementation-plan . Prominent themes in the PPJV planning documents to increase effectiveness of grassland and wetland conservation that benefit priority JV species include: 1) Evaluation of planning assumptions and quantification of population limiting factors, 2) quantifying ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits generated by wetland and grassland conservation delivery, 3) evaluate wetland degradation and function in cropped landscapes and effects on breeding and migrating wetland birds, 4) refine understanding of how landscape composition affects demographic parameters (i.e., survival, fecundity) for breeding grassland and wetland species at local and regional scales. We encourage you to discuss proposal ideas for the PPJV region with Science Coordinator Josh Vest (phone 406-552-3657, josh_vest@fws.gov).

This program provides grants for the conservation of birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but not Federally-listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Proposals should address projects in the geographic area that includes USFWS Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin); non-breeding season areas important for birds breeding in Region 3 states; or broad-scale actions that will have tangible benefits that include birds in these states. To focus conservation on the highest priority issues with the greatest probability of making a difference for birds, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program operates under the USFWS business model known as Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC). SHC integrates biological planning, landscape design, conservation delivery, and monitoring and evaluation in a way that generates adaptive feedback that enables sound decisions and constantly improves our efficiency and effectiveness in conserving birds.In 2021, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program will consider proposals addressing the following themes:1) Further understanding of migration, migratory connectivity, migratory threats, wintering ecology, and annual survival for birds moving within and through the Midwest-including local movements of birds-of-the-year during the period between hatching and dispersal/migration. Proposals addressing focal/priority species identified by Joint Venture partnerships in the Midwest are preferred - especially those focused on grassland-dependent species, shorebirds, or aerial insectivores. Visit https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ to learn more.2) Build capacity for sustainable conservation and monitoring of Neotropical migrants during the non-breeding season.3) Assess trends, status, limiting factors and /or causes of decline of Great Lakes waterbirds (e.g. Herring Gull, American White Pelican, Common Tern, Black Tern) or shorebirds (e.g. Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin).

This program provides grants for the conservation of birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act but not Federally-listed as Endangered or Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Proposals should address projects in the geographic area that includes USFWS Region 3 (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin); non-breeding season areas important for birds breeding in Region 3 states; or broad-scale actions that will have tangible benefits that include birds in these states. To focus conservation on the highest priority issues with the greatest probability of making a difference for birds, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program operates under the USFWS business model known as Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC). SHC integrates biological planning, landscape design, conservation delivery, and monitoring and evaluation in a way that generates adaptive feedback that enables sound decisions and constantly improves our efficiency and effectiveness in conserving birds. In 2021, the Midwest Migratory Bird Conservation Program will consider proposals addressing the following themes: 1) Further understanding of migration, migratory connectivity, migratory threats, wintering ecology, and annual survival for birds moving within and through the Midwest-including local movements of birds-of-the-year during the period between hatching and dispersal/migration. Proposals addressing focal/priority species identified by Joint Venture partnerships in the Midwest are preferred - especially those focused on grassland-dependent species, shorebirds, or aerial insectivores. Visit https://umgljv.org/planning/joint-venture-plans/ to learn more. 2) Build capacity for sustainable conservation and monitoring of Neotropical migrants during the non-breeding season. 3) Assess trends, status, limiting factors and /or causes of decline of Great Lakes waterbirds (e.g. Herring Gull, American White Pelican, Common Tern, Black Tern) or shorebirds (e.g. Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin).