Foresters for the Birds

A MA licensed consulting forester who has been trained and certified in conducting Bird Habitat Assessments will assess your woods for existing and potential bird habitat. During your assessment, the forester will determine what types of habitat are present on your land, and which bird species are likely utilizing the habitat. The forester will also provide forest management recommendations for you to improve or create new bird habitat.

The Foresters for the Birds program works in conjunction with the DCR Forest Stewardship Program. Landowners interested in participating in the Foresters for the Birds program must either apply for a Forest Stewardship Plan, or amend an existing Forest Stewardship Plan to include a bird habitat assessment.

The bird habitat assessment recommendations will be integrated into your broader land management goals such as improving forest health, generating income, or enhancing recreational trails. Recommendations for bird habitat improvements will then be incorporated into your Forest Stewardship Plan.

1. Complete the Forest Stewardship Plan Application and IRS W-9 Form by checking the box on the right hand side of the application. Be sure to specify that you are applying for cost share funds to include a Bird Habitat Assessment.
2. Send the completed application and W-9 to:                           
      Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program
      MA Department of Conservation and Recreation
      355 West Boylston Street
      Clinton, MA 01519
3. Your application will be reviewed by DCR to determine eligibility.
4. Once your application is approved, you will work with your consulting forester with the help of Mass Audubon to develop a Forest Stewardship Plan including a Bird Habitat Assessment, for your woods. You can find foresters trained in Bird Habitat Assessments here.
5. Your consulting forester will submit the completed Forest Stewardship Plan to DCR for approval.
6. Once DCR approves the Forest Stewardship Plan, you will receive reimbursement from the Mass Woodlands Institute based on your cost share reimbursement rate.
7. Landowners have 10 years to implement recommendations outlined in the Forest Stewardship Plan. DCR approval of plans must be in place before recommendations are implemented.

Cost share reimbursement rate for Bird Assessment.

With a new Forest Stewardship Plan:

• 10-20 acres = $300
• 21-50 acres = $400
• Greater than 51 acres = $500

With an existing Forest Stewardship Plan:

• 10-20 acres= $600
• 21-50 acres = $800
• Greater than 51 acres = $1,000

The key to maintaining our diversity of wildlife lies in maintaining a diversity of habitats.

One of the easiest ways to evaluate the complex web that thrives in our forests is to measure the thing that relies on the complex system, but is easy to find – the birds. When we protect bird communities, we protect the systems that bring us those communities. 

Through the enhancement and protection of bird habitat, the Foresters for the Birds program will enhance habitat for all wildlife, creating healthy forest systems for generations to come.

If you are a landowner who has already enrolled in the Foresters for the Birds Program, please consider hosting a woods walk to help other interested landowners learn more about this program.

Sharing your experience will not only help other landowners get involved, but will also contribute to the conservation and enhancement of bird habitat on regional level.

For Landowners

• Fact Sheet: Eastern Forest Priority Birds in Massachusetts
• Fact Sheet: The Birder''s Dozen (MA Audubon and MA DCR)
• MassWoods.net: Find a Local Professional

For Foresters

• Birds with Silviculture in Mind 
• A Guide to Habitat Assessment and Silvicultural Practices

General Interest

• Managing Forests for Birds (Parts 1-5), by Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative, video hosted by Ruffed Grouse Society

For questions about the Foresters for the Birds program please contact:

Jennifer Fish
DCR Service Forester
Email jennifer.fish@mass.gov 
Phone: (413) 545-5753