Training Materials for Foresters

The pilot program begins with a series of four weekly training webinars, where foresters will learn about birds in decline, landscape and stand-level planning and management to improve forest habitat diversity, and climate-resilient forestry.  

You may view the webinars live during our annual Forester Training Series or watch the recordings below and submit answers to the two assessment questions to our Endorsement Program staff (joshua.rittenhouse@audubon.org).   

Webinar #1: Forester Training and Endorsement Program and Introduction to the Healthy Forest Initiative 

• Watch the recording here 

• Questions: 

  • Name the four bird species that were discussed during the presentation. 

  • List three threats/stressors to forest habitat quality 

Webinar #2: Forest Bird Habitat Management Planning and Assessments 

• Watch the recording here 

• Questions: 

  • What percentages of a mostly forested landscape should be in young and mature forest age classes? 

  • Name three stand-level habitat conditions that can be created or improved through forest management. 

Webinar #3: Forest Management for Birds 

• Watch the recording here 

• Questions: 

  • To enhance vertical structural diversity within a mature forest using small group selection, what is the approximate size range of groups in acres? 

  • What is the key difference between a clearcut and an overstory removal? 

Webinar #4: Climate Resilient Forestry 

• Watch the recording here 

• Questions 

  • ​What are the key differences between carbon storage and carbon sequestration in a forest? 

  • List three threats identified in this webinar that can impact the resiliency of a forest to climate change. 

Given hypothetical landowner objectives, landscape descriptions, parcel and stand data, respond to questions and develop stand-level prescriptions that incorporate some of the bird-friendly forestry concepts we outlined in the training. For stand scenarios and prescription information, please email Joshua Rittenhouse (joshua.rittenhouse@audubon.org ). 

Develop two forest management plans (either a brand new plans or new activity schedule updates) that incorporate these concepts OR take a previously written plan and apply these bird-friendly concepts where suitable within the calendar year. For large management plans (e.g., public lands, industrial forests, etc.), foresters can revise two stand prescriptions rather than the entire plan. Email plans to Joshua.rittenhouse@audubon.org.  

** Training refresher: For bird-friendly forest management plans or stand prescriptions, remember to include the following two main components: 

1. Landscape-level assessment 

2. Address forest cover and land use in a 2,500 acre landscape 

3.  Address forest age class diversity (5-10% young forest, 90%+ mature forest 

4. Stand-level assessment 

5. Assess and address stand-level habitat characteristics: vertical structural diversity, native tree species diversity, downed woody material, snags and cavity trees, large diameter trees, etc. 

Additional resources for writing prescriptions and management plans: 
Audubon Healthy Forest Guide 
Audubon Pennsylvania Forest Bird Pocket Guide