Northern Pacific Rainforest (NR 5):

Planning and Implementation:

Partners in Flight BC/Yukon's landbird conservation planning and implementation is currently underway as part of the Pacific Coast Joint Venture (PCJV).

The PCJV works to protect and restore coastal wetland ecosystems to benefit birds, fish and other wildlife. The PCJV is one of 14 habitat joint ventures in North America, and was initially created under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. As of 2005 the PCJV is committed to an "all bird" vision. Coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Hawaii are part of the PCJV area.

The PCJV develops partnerships between public and private agencies and organizations. Through the PCJV, partners pool financial and management resources to fund and carry out on-the-ground projects.

The following summarizes a draft list of priority species, habitats and conservation concerns for landbirds within BCR 5 (BC only)

NORTHERN ROCKIES BIRD CONSERVATION REGION #5	% PRIORITY SPECIES WITHIN EACH HABITAT CLASS
Migration Monitoring Stations highlighted

Conservation Issues:

High regional responsibility for many range-limited species and subspecies unique to western NA, including only Canadian wintering habitat for many species. Priority species using Garry Oak woodlands, riparian and coniferous forests have declining population trends and some species have been extirpated. Population trends are unknown for most cavity nesters, raptors, swifts, alpine, meadow, and waterbirds. Trends in survivorship and productivity are unknown for almost all priority species. Threats include loss and fragmentation of large patches of naturally regenerated mature and old growth forests, Garry Oak woodland (ecosystem at risk in Canada), alpine, meadow, wetland and riparian habitats due to forest management, urbanization, recreation, intensification of agriculture, and climate change. Existing natural habitats are further compromised due to removal of large trees, snags and coarse woody debris, as well as introduction of exotic species. Natural lowland habitat, particularly in Georgia Basin, is highly threatened. Fragmentation may increase predators and brood parasites. Fire suppression and salvage logging discourages maintenance of native Garry Oak woodlands and snags. Urbanization and agriculture introduce toxins into field, meadow, alpine, wetland and riparian habitats.

Monitoring Needs:

• Inventory and breeding surveys outside of Lower Mainland
  
  
• Support of migration stations and linking data along Pacific Flyway
  
  
• Forest bird monitoring program (abundance & demography) with industry & Partners in Flight
  
  
• Monitoring programs for alpine, Garry Oak, and riparian species in Georgia Basin to assess habitats, population and productivity trends
  
  
• Monitoring programs for owls and cavity nesters

Research Needs:

• Population studies, investigating resource requirements, movement patterns & demography, on White-tailed Ptarmigan, Hutton's Vireo, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black-throated Gray Warbler, American Bittern, cavity nesters, open field species, swifts & owls
  
  
• Landscape studies on impact of fragmentation, silviculture, recreation (particularly skiing), fire suppression, intensification of agriculture and forestry on movement, demography and structure of bird communities
  
  
• Impact studies of pesticides/fertilizers, industrial and airborne toxins on landbirds

Conservation Needs:

• Conservation and restoration of large diameter trees and snags, particularly in lowland and riparian habitats.
  
  
• Preservation and restoration of old growth habitat and attributes, particularly lowland, Garry Oak woodland and interior forest.
  
  
• Conservation and restoration of larger patches of natural lowland habitat.
  
  
• Conservation and restoration of open field, meadow and grassland habitat.
  
  
• Restoration of riparian habitat including its connectivity along waterways and to adjacent natural upland habitat.
  
  
• Conservation and/ or preservation of habitat for listed subspecies: Queen Charlotte subspecies of Northern Saw-whet Owl, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Steller's Jay and Hairy Woodpecker; southwestern BC subspecies of White-tailed Ptarmigan, Vesper Sparrow, Horned Lark, Western-screech Owl, and Northern Pygmy Owl.