This product of the Riparian Habitat Joint Venture synthesizes scientific findings provided by numerous researchers and conservationists in California. Intended for use by all those interested in the conservation of riparian habitat, the document offers more than 40 detailed recommendations for land use practices to benefit birds and their habitats. Scores of river projects statewide also emphasize riparian management to benefit wildlife. Birds are among the easiest and most cost-effective of all wildlife to monitor, and avian monitoring yields an understanding of how our actions affect natural habitats. Emphasized in our new draft Plan are 14 bird species chosen because of their conservation interest and wide distribution.
Extirpation appears to be primarily the result of riparian habitat loss.
Restoring natural processes such as high-water events, to increase riparian habitat, is an effective way to begin restoring bird populations. Both are heavily influenced by patterns of surrounding land use. The Riparian Bird Conservation Plan points to conservation on a landscape-scale as the next level of action needed. PRBO biologists Geoff Geupel and Gary Page also provided input to these groups. Here, PRBO scientists were able to highlight the importance of birds in comprehensive monitoring.