Management and Interpretive Projects
Bird Conservation Area Program
Interpretive Projects
Interpretive kiosks have been, or are being developed at the Buckhorn Island, Fahnestock, Iona Island/Doodletown, Nissequogue River, Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes, Schodack Island, David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens, Montezuma Wetlands Complex, and Braddock Bay BCAs.
Two student interns were hired as site stewards at Black Pond and Lakeview Marsh in the Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes BCA for the summer season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The first BCA interpretive kiosk in DEC Region 6 was installed at Black Pond. Installation of two more kiosks, to be located at Lakeview Marsh, is anticipated by fall of 2002.
Three Conservationist reprints depicting NYS Birds, Owls and Raptors have been purchased and distributed to elementary, middle and junior high school facilities throughout the state.
Spotting scopes for viewing eagles at the Mongaup Valley facility have been purchased and were utilized last winter by hundreds of enthusiastic birders.
Staff presented the BCA Program concept and accomplishments at several scientific forums including the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference hosted by NYS and the Annual Meeting of the Federation of NYS Bird Clubs. A number of public presentations have been undertaken as well, including local Audubon chapters and Blue Bird Societies.
New York State announced funding for a new nature center at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex BCA.
Management and Research Projects
Invasive species management projects targeting purple loosestrife and Phragmites have been initiated at several BCAs.
Bird and habitat-related projects at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex included monitoring of 56 eastern bluebird nest boxes, a cerulean warbler survey, a grassland bird survey, monitoring of black terns, monitoring and banding of chicks at a bald eagle nest, monitoring the progress of purple loosestrife biocontrol efforts, and initiation of late summer duck banding.
Surveys for marsh birds and several warblers have been conducted at Buckhorn Island BCA in anticipation of a major restoration project.
Public access has been improved at the Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes BCA by the construction of a new access road, parking lot, boardwalk, and viewing platform.
BCA program staff, with assistance from regional staff, have conducted field visits to a number of BCAs and potential BCAs to gather biological data regarding avian resources and habitat conditions.
Management Guidance Summaries (MGSs) have been developed for the BCAs designated to date and potential BCAs for designation in the near future, including Oak Orchard/Tonawanda, Champlain Marshes, Upper & Lower Lakes, and Hi-Tor.
