National Park Service Grant: Research on Bird Displacement in Denali National Park & Preserve

OVERVIEW

Recreation and other human activities impact bird communities in natural areas by direct disturbance and associated changes in infrastructure and habitats to support recreational activities. Some birds such as Gray Jays may respond positively to changes in natural habitats such as the building of campgrounds that might provide food resources while other birds like Golden Plovers may respond negatively to disturbance by recreational users such as hikers that might flush them from their ground nests potentially leading to higher predation risk for eggs and chicks. In Denali National Park and Preserve, anecdotal evidence points to a decrease in the number and diversity of birds inhabiting areas around the Park Road and developed campgrounds and rest areas. Long-term surveys aimed at monitoring abundance of birds along the Denali Park Road have noted declines in some bird species, but it is unknown whether these declines are due to changes in recreational use or are park-wide changes in bird distribution or abundance.

STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

This study will evaluate the distribution and abundance of birds in areas of development and high human use versus less disturbed habitats in the park. Research may also investigate impacts to nesting behavior and success. The study will provide the National Park Service with critical information aimed at protecting bird resources in Denali. This project will engage a graduate student to conduct research in Denali in support of completion of a Masterâ¿¿s Degree. Outreach products and presentations created during the study will improve the public understanding of bird communities in the park and increase awareness of steps they may take to reduce potential negative impacts to birds. Reports and publications will provide new knowledge of bird community response to human disturbance to the scientific community as well as to interested land managers. Workshops held to solicit observations of changes in bird communities from area residents will engage the local community in a dialogue about stewardship of avian resources in Denali National Park.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

The recipient will hire and support a graduate research assistant, provide academic guidance to the student leading to the completion of a Masterâ¿¿s degree, direct study design and project implementation to meet goals, complete field work, manage data and complete data analyses, and cooperate with the NPS to complete project objectives.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

Substantial involvement on the part of the National Park Service is anticipated for the successful completion of the objectives to be funded by this award. In particular, the National Park Service will be responsible for the following:

Providing training (eg. Bear safety), provide local housing, assist in recruitment of the graduate student, provide mentoring and oversight of field work, provide input into study design and review products, and provide field supplies.