Ecosystem restoration requires more than just one-time initiation: this is especially true for disturbance-dependent ecosystems like those associated with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Merely planting the species isn’t enough; restoring disturbances and other processes that shaped the ecosystem are critical to restoration success. The historical distribution of longleaf pine included approximately 36 million ha of the southeastern United States; now it only exists within 3% of its original range. Over 30 threatened or endangered species rely on longleaf pine ecosystems, and large-scale efforts to maintain and restore are underway. The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, through their Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, has been planting longleaf pine on private land for the last 16 years in an attempt to restore longleaf ecosystems and benefit wildlife that rely on them. However, the program’s efficacy at supporting focal species such as the Bachman’s Sparrow (Peucaea aestivalis) and other declining songbird species has not been evaluated. In 2018 we used point counts to survey 42 private properties planted by the Partner’s program (2002 to 2018) throughout south Mississippi to assess the presence/absence and occupancy probability of multiple declining species during the breeding season.
Results/Conclusions
The effectiveness of longleaf restoration efforts are limited by post-planting management. Specifically, Bachman’s Sparrows and other open pine species depend on well-developed, herbaceous, understories present in frequently burned systems; the absence of frequent, low-intensity prescribed fire on many of the sites we sampled decreases habitat suitability for target species within restored longleaf stands. Open pine specialists were detected at less than 3% of our sampled stands. However, we detected other declining species such as the Prairie Warbler (Setophaga discolor) and the Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). Prairie Warblers were found in 66% of our sampled stands and Yellow-billed Cuckoos were found in 85% of our sampled stands. This indicates that while these young longleaf pine stands are not currently providing habitat for target open pine specialists, they are still providing habitat for other declining species. These findings may be used to inform future longleaf restoration program requirements and emphasize the complexity of restoration.