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Golden Winged Warbler Conservation

The Golden Winged Warbler has undergone significant population declines. Golden-winged warblers (GWW) and many other species depend upon shrubby, early successional/young forest habitats including forest clear-cuts, alder swamps, areas harvested for timber, and utility rights-of way.

Golden Winged Warbler

Listing Status: At Risk (Not currently listed or candidate)

Golden Winged Warbler

The Golden Winged Warbler has undergone significant population declines in the Appalachian region. Golden-winged warblers (GWW) and many other species depend upon shrubby, early successional/young forest habitats including forest clear-cuts, alder swamps, areas harvested for timber, and utility rights-of way.

The Appalachian region offers a tremendous opportunity to improve habitat for golden-winged warbler and other neotropical migratory birds. The vast forested lands, grasslands and forb-rich areas provide structurally diverse vegetation for breeding and foraging, and offer the greatest opportunity to combat declines in the golden-winged warbler.

Golden Winged Warbler Map

Working Lands for Wildlife will assist private land owners create and maintain the habitat necessary to sustain breeding populations within and adjacent to their current range. It focuses on the creation, management and maintenance of early successional habitat in close association with forested landscapes. Conservation efforts in support of the golden-winged warbler benefit many other species that depend on similar habitat.

Goals and Objectives

Working Lands for Wildlife, with funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP),  will enable private landowners to create and enhance approximately 10,000 acres of early successional forest habitat over five years, precluding the need to federally list the golden-winged warbler.

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Golden Winged Warbler Focus Area Map (3.77 MB)

Core Conservation Practices

  • Restoration & Management of Rare & Declining Habitats (643)
  • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645)
  • Early Successional Habitat Development/Management (647)
     

Supporting Conservation Practices

  • Brush Management (314)
  • Herbaceous Weed Control (315)
  • Deep Tillage (324)
  • Conservation Cover (327)
  • Prescribed Burning (338)
  • Critical Area Planting (342)
  • Fence (382)
  • Field Borders (386)
  • Tree Shrub Site preparation (490)
  • Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)
  • Forest Harvest Trails & Landings (655)
  • Forest Stand Improvement (666)

How to Apply for Financial Assistance

See general information about funding through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)         

Applying for Pennsylvania Conservation Programs (131.76 KB)
Overview of the Application Process, what application documents will need to filled out, eligibility documents, and the basic requirements.

 

         Visit your local NRCS office to apply

Jared Shippey

Assistant State Conservationist for Programs

Jim Gillis

PA State Biologist

Find Your Local Service Center

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