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Legacy Effects of Vegetation Management on CA Chaparral Bird Community

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California chaparral (a type of shrubland) is subject to management and removal in regions where wildlife threatens human lives and property. As the wildlife-urban interface grows, more of this ecosystem is subject to extensive management. However, devising best practices for chaparral management and understanding the potential effects on wildlife, requires more information.

For years, research plots at HREC were established to compare prescribed burning and fuel reduction techniques and their impact on bird diversity and abundance. After the plots were burned in the Mendocino Complex Fire in 2018, researchers now have the opportunity to test how their previous management practices may have differing legacy effects on the bird communities. Results of this work will inform management of fire-resilient and biodiverse shrublands in California.