West Union, W. Va. – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in partnership with West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR), West Virginia Division of Forestry, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, is seeking landowners interested in creating conservation plans that improve forest health and wildlife habitat on their land. Financial and technical assistance are available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help declining species that benefit from active management, including the Cerulean warbler.
Cerulean warblers are a rare songbird that prefer mature oak and hickory dominated forests with openings in the canopy, significant understory vegetation, and large diameter trees. Canopy gaps can be created by removing less desirable trees and controlling invasive plants. Active management ultimately improves the health of the forest, encourages new plant growth, and creates nesting habitat for Cerulean warblers. Mature, structurally diverse forest habitat benefits other wildlife as well, including many migratory songbirds, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse!
Conservation practices that help Cerulean warblers can also improve timber production, hunting and recreation, sustainability for future generations, and much more! Forest landowners who want to create a conservation plan for their property should contact their local NRCS service center or the WVDNR/NRCS Avian Partner Biologist, Jane Capozzelli, by calling 304-363-8861 or emailing [email protected].