Riverine systems have been severely stressed by a variety of anthropogenic factors, including river damming, human recreation, grazing, and other disturbances, each of which can have negative impacts on wildlife populations. Understanding how 
recreation, land use practices, and river management practices may affect wildlife populations along these rivers will be critical for conserving wildlife populations in Montana.
The Avian Science Center is currently investigating these issues by surveying bird communities along the Madison/Upper Missouri river system, which encompasses nearly 500 miles of river (Yellowstone to Fred Robinson Bridge/Fork Peck). We have initiated long-term avian monitoring along this river system using two survey techniques: point-count surveys focused on landbirds, and river float surveys focused on species that are typically poorly detected with landbird techniques. We are relating patterns of bird distribution and abundance to both local-level and landscape-level land use and recreation, by combining our survey data with Geographic Information Systems. In addition, we are also estimating breeding success of riparian birds in relation to vegetation structure, which is ultimately influenced by different land-use practices. The relationships we find can subsequently be used in future land management, habitat restoration, and conservation strategies focused on breeding birds.
Objectives: 1) Determine bird distribution relative to vegetation type, human settlement, and human recreational activity, 2) establish a long-term monitoring plan for birds along the river corridor, 3) estimate nest success and physiological condition of landbird species that occur in association with vegetation structure, and 4) synthesize existing information on riparian bird-habitat relationships. This information will help implement habitat restoration and conservation strategies focused on birds using the river system.
Funders: Montana PPL
Project duration: 2002 - ongoing
Contact: Amy Cilimburg amy.cilimburg@mso.umt.edu.
Download the 2007 Odell Creek Report (.pdf)
Download the 2006 Odell Creek Report (.pdf)
Download the Oct 2006 CREP Meeting Summary Presentation (.pdf). This presentation is entitled "The Value of Riparian Floodplains and Buffer Width to Bird Populations".
Download the PPL-MT Final Report, 2003-2005 (.pdf)
Download a summary from the 2005 February meeting (.pdf)
Download an invited presentation at the 2005 American Ornithologists Union Meeting (.pdf)
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