Report Nr. 3436 Evolving Bird Conservation Opportunities in Michigan

The theme of joint ventures is one of relationships that build synergies, resulting in enhanced outcomes with smaller investments by individual partners. Groups and individuals with varied resources and expertise work together, reducing overlap in effort and creating greater efficiencies. Success of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and its associated habitat-delivery programs via joint ventures, has resulted in an unprecedented surge in new bird conservation initiatives. Other large-scale bird conservation programs which have evolved in recent years include the North American Landbird Conservation Plan, the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. In addition, a North American Bird Conservation Initiative was also established to facilitate linkages among the individual bird plans. The collective efforts of these continental bird conservation initiatives may seem overwhelming to wildlife professionals being asked to participate in them. However, becoming familiar with plan vision statements, regional priorities, and those species which are of greatest concern should make implementation more manageable. Coupled with a list of priority bird species, this report should provide Michigan wildlife planners and managers with background information helpful for integrated bird conservation in this region.