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Optimal sites for conifer removal vary depending upon objectives.

By Fort Collins Science Center August 2023 (approx.)
Maps of bird density with keys explaining the maps. Red areas depict sites of pinyon-juniper removal.
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Optimal sites for conifer removal vary depending upon objectives. Figures a and c show sites selected to benefit Brewer’s Sparrow in relation to predicted Brewer’s Sparrow (a) and Pinyon Jay (c) density. Figures b and d show sites selected to benefit three sagebrush associated species and the pinyon jay in relation to predicted Brewer’s Sparrow (b) and Pinyon Jay (d) density. Note how sites selected to benefit Brewer’s Sparrow only steer conifer removal to areas predicted to support high densities of Pinyon Jay (c). In contrast, when optimizing conifer removal for multiple species, including the Pinyon Jay, sites are selected which avoid areas expected to support high densities of Pinyon Jays (d). 

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Public Domain.

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