Pathways for avian science, conservation, and management in boreal Alaska

Abstract

Alaska contains 11% of North America's boreal forest, the most extensive network of conservation lands on the continent, and several species of declining boreal birds, making it a critical component of boreal bird conservation and management. A variety of actions by federal, state, and environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) have important consequences for birds and boreal habitats. This is particularly true on the 86% of boreal Alaska that is managed as state and federal protected areas (45%) and multiple-use lands (41%). We review activities by governmental and ENGO programs as well as existing laws that directly or indirectly benefit birds in boreal Alaska, not all of which are well known to avian scientists and resource managers. In doing so we highlight examples of multiorganizational efforts that are advancing conservation and management of bird populations in the boreal region, as well as changes in government policies that influence how important statutes protecting birds can be used. We also point out several information gaps, such as identifying and mapping important areas and habitats for bird species of conservation concern, that could inform important land-use decisions in the region. Given the growing number of future challenges, in particular, the response of ecosystems and birds to a warming climate, international and cross-agency collaborations will be needed to anticipate and mitigate avian declines, as well as to maintain connectivity and ecosystem integrity across boreal landscapes.

Keywords

• alaska
• birds
• boreal forest
• conservation
• government
• management
• nongovernment environmental organization
• science