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Nicolet National Forest Bird Survey

Introduction

The Nicolet National Forest Bird Survey is the longest running volunteer bird monitoring program in a U.S. national forest.

The Nicolet National Forest encompasses 360,000 hectares of mixed hardwood-conifer forests, lowland swamps, glacial lakes, and wetlands in northeastern Wisconsin. It comprises the eastern portion of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with headquarters in Rhinelander and Park Falls, Wisconsin.

The Bird Survey takes place each year during the second weekend in June. Everyone with an interest in birds and a desire for adventure is invited to participate in the Bird Survey. Volunteers work in small groups led by at least one expert in bird song identification. Computerized results are used to guide forest management policies and have been the subject of numerous scientific research articles and master's theses. Results also provide visitors with information about habitat preferences and "hot-spots" for northern Wisconsin's bird species.

Impact of the Survey

Scientists, foresters, and land conservation managers have been using the data collected by the survey to better plan and manage Wisconsin's forests. Read more about some of the research and results below: