OR/WA Grazing Season of Use Effects on Sagebrush-obligate Avian Habitat

Project ID: L19AC00084

Federal Agency: Bureau of Land Management

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2019

Initial Funding: $48,094

Total Funding: $92,094

Principal Investigator: Schroeder, Vanessa

Agreement Technical Representative: McCormack, Jamie

Abstract: Objective(s): There is limited research on the direct and indirect effects of livestock grazing regimes on sagebrush obligate birds in general, and more specifically in eastern Oregon. This research would improve BLM’s understanding of proper grazing management strategies that contribute to maintaining viable sagebrush habitat and wildlife populations for conserving sagebrush-obligate birds. The information will inform managers if changes in grazing management are necessary in order to meet Standard 5 “Native, T &E and Locally Important Species” of the Oregon/ Washington Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing; habitat suitability determinations.
Federal Award Performance Goals
1. Collect data/metrics for song birds and vegetation for 2019 field season that were collected in 2018. Number the metrics for song birds and vegetation collected in 2019 as compared to 2018.
2. Increase the number of camera traps to record predators at the pasture and songbird territory level in 2019. Analyze the number of camera traps deployed compared to 2018.