Environment DEC
From the August 2008 issue
Camillus Forest Unique Area to Undergo Habitat Restoration
DEC's Division of Lands and Forests is embarking on a new endeavor at Camillus Forest Unique Area that will improve the habitat for grassland breeding birds and other animals. Habitat loss and degradation are the leading threats to vulnerable bird species in North America. Fragmentation of important bird habitat areas due to suburban sprawl is a key reason for the reduction in numbers and types of birds found in the state. Grassland birds are one of the fastest declining bird groups due to loss of grassland habitats, which they are dependant on for breeding.
Conversion Process
The first step in the conversion to warm-season grasses will be to mow 98 acres of existing grasses at Camillus.
Beginning this summer, 80 acres of fields at Camillus Forest Unique Area will undergo a conversion process which will change the habitat from one that supports cool-season grasses to one that supports warm-season grasses, such as little bluestem, switch grass and Indian grasses. Warm-season grasses will better support grassland breeding birds such as the eastern meadowlark, upland sandpiper, bobolink, vesper sparrow and grasshopper sparrow.
The first step in the restoration process is to mow 98 acres of fields, 80 of which will be prepared for the intensive management needed to convert the acreage to warm-season grasses.
The second step is to remove competing vegetation on the 80 acres this September. This step prepares the fields for the planting of warm-season grasses the following spring. It also assists in providing the best growing conditions for the warm-season grasses.
In the spring of 2009, the 80 acres will be tilled, disked and compacted to prepare for the planting of the warm-season grasses, which should be completed in May. After the warm-season grasses begin to be established, they will be mowed to reduce competition with other plants.
Why Warm-season Grasses?
Warm-season grasses provide better nesting conditions for local breeding bird populations
Warm summer grasses are important for grassland breeding birds for a number of reasons. They tend to be more resistant to flattening during winter and therefore are available for nesting earlier in the season for upland game birds, waterfowl and grassland birds. In addition, many grassland birds arrive in Central New York in May, after cool-season grasses have started growing. Warm summer grasses, though, are still low to the ground and provide better nesting conditions for breeding birds.
Trail Closures
Trails to the upper fields, including the mature forest will be closed for short periods of time during this project. These trail closures should be for short durations and are intended for public safety reasons. "Trail Closed" signs will be posted during the closure times.
The process follows a recommendation set forth in the Camillus Forest Unique Area Unit Management Plan, a document that guides the use and development of the area over a 20-year period. Funding through a State Wildlife Grant will enable DEC to carry out this project over the next three years. Along with maintaining the grassland breeding bird habitat, this project is important to maintaining the open field character of Camillus Unique Area. Please contact DEC Forester Dan Sawchuck at 315-298-7467 with any questions.
