Ecological Monitoring
Like the canary in the coal mine, birds can tell us about the health of our environment. Birds are ideal indicator species because they have specific habitat requirements and are influenced in measurable ways by changes in their environment. UMBEL is particularly interested in monitoring Montana's riparian ecosystems, with special attention given to the effects of historic mining in the Upper Clark Fork River Watershed.
Why We Monitor Birds
Birds are relatively easy to sample and provide feedback about entire communities rather than just a single species. Birds are also charismatic, relatable ambassador species for conservation outreach. For example, Bald Eagles and Osprey are beautiful raptors that depend on our river systems and are recognized by many.
Adaptive Management through Monitoring
Monitoring treatment effects on wildlife should be an integral component of the design and execution of any management activity, including restoration. We use statistically robust before-after-control-treatment sampling designs to measure bird response, providing science-based measures of management outcomes.
It is imperative to evaluate the cumulative progress made over time and improve future actions based on these monitoring results. By tracking the progress of restoration, we can facilitate adaptive management of our resources. In this way, we use birds as guides for future work. By understanding their needs we can improve restoration techniques for the future.
