FORESTED WETLAND: Population/Habitat Objectives

Extensive forested wetlands currently exist within the planning unit. Many significant blocks of this habitat type are protected on government-owned lands or lands controlled by nonprofit conservation organizations. Objectives should focus on maintaining the current distribution and abundance of significant forested wetland blocks.
Most of the priority species associated with forested wetlands are well represented on BBS surveys (species detected in >20% of routes). However, Swainson's and Cerulean Warblers have not been detected on any of the 85 BBS routes. Targetted survey programs are needed to better refine the distribution and population status of these high-priority species.

Objective 1) Maintain a population of 500 breeding pairs of Swainson's Warblers.

Justification: The Swainson's Warbler population within the planning unit is disjunct from other populations and is spatially restricted. Populations are known from the Pocomoke River drainage in Maryland and the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia. Status is poorly known within and beyond these two locations. It is likely that low density populations occur along the coastal rivers of southeast Virginia. Populations need to be identified so that habitat may be protected from further loss.

Assumptions: It is assumed that maintaining habitat to support 500 breeding pairs of Swainson's Warblers will provide habitat to support the Black-throated-green Warbler and supplement habitat for many of the other priority species requiring forested wetlands.

Objective 2) Maintain a population of 40,000 Prothonotary Warblers.

Justification: The Prothonotary Warbler is a good indicator species for permanently flooded forested wetlands. The species is currently widespread and common throughout most of the planning unit.

Assumptions: It is assumed that providing enough habitat to support a population of 40,000 Prothonotary Warblers will provide significant habitat for other priority species such as the Yellow-throated Vireo, Great Blue Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Barred Owl.

Objective 3) Maintain a population of 300,000 Acadian Flycatchers.

Justification: The Acadian Flycatcher is a good indicator species for forested habitats positioned within the drier end of the hydrologic gradient. The species is currently widespread and common throughout the planning unit.

Assumptions: It is assumed that providing enough habitat to support a population of 300,000 Acadian Flycatchers will provide significant habitat for other priority species such as the Kentucky Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush.