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  1. Estimating snag and large tree densities and distributions on a landscape for wildlife management.

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    Author(s): Lisa J. Bate; Edward O. Garton; Michael J. Wisdom
    Date: 1999
    Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-425. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 76 p
    Publication Series: General Technical Report (GTR)
    Station: Pacific Northwest Research Station
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-425
    PDF: Download Publication  (716 KB)

    Description

    We provide efficient and accurate methods for sampling snags and large trees on a landscape to conduct compliance and effectiveness monitoring for wildlife in relation to the habitat standards and guidelines on National Forests. Included online are the necessary spreadsheets, macros, and instructions to conduct all surveys and analyses pertaining to estimation of snag and large tree densities and distributions at the subwatershed scale. The methods focus on optimizing sampling effort by choosing a plot size appropriate for the specific forest conditions encountered. Two methods are available for density analysis. Method one requires sampling until a desired precision level is obtained for a density estimate. Method two is intended for use in areas that have low snag densities compared to Forest plan targeted densities. After taking a minimum of 60 samples, one may test for a significant difference between the estimated and targeted densities. In addition, data can be used to calculate a distribution index. The value obtained from the distribution index indicates whether the current distribution of target snags and large trees across a subwatershed is adequate to meet the habitat needs of territorial cavity-nesters and other wildlife species. Wildlife use also may be evaluated.

    Publication Notes

    • Visit PNW's Publication Request Page to request a hard copy of this publication.
    • We recommend that you also print this page and attach it to the printout of the article, to retain the full citation information.
    • This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.

    Citation

    Bate, Lisa J.; Garton, Edward O.; Wisdom, Michael J. 1999. Estimating snag and large tree densities and distributions on a landscape for wildlife management. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-425. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 76 p

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    Keywords

    Density, distribution, foraging, nesting, monitoring, sampling technique, snag, large tree, woodpecker, wildlife management, wildlife use

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