Related Stories
Habitat Stories
Research Designed to Create Beneficial Dynamics Between Lake Management and Water Regimes
Dr. Mike Colvin, associate professor, DR. J. Brian Davis, James C. Kennedy Endowed Associate Professor in Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation, and their team of graduate students in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, are assessing the impact of management practices on fisheries, birds, and plant communities in Bluff Lake and creating a model to assist managers in making scientifically informed decisions as water levels expand and recede. One part of the study looked at how common sportfish respond to drastic changes in water volume and how those changes affect fishing in those waters.
They also looked at how drawdowns, a management practice conducted to encourage growth of plants that feed ducks and birds, affects fish communities. After three years of research, the team designed a model that adequately quantifies possible outcomes of water level fluctuations and assesses benefits of various water level management decisions, taking into consideration the impact on wildlife and fishing conditions.
2021
Strategic Conservation
Researchers at Mississippi State's Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) are developing a web-based tool called the CRP Menu to help farmers explore conservation options in the Farm Bill's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The tool allows farmers to create and compare conservation plans based on their goals and eligibility, aiming to simplify the process and provide personalized information. Building on the Strategic Conservation Assessment (SCA) tool, it will be adaptable for different regions and conservation issues. The team is using a social science approach, gathering input from farmers and stakeholders across 12 counties in eight states to shape the tool. After testing in these areas, the goal is to expand it nationally, improving farmer engagement, reducing barriers to participation, and enhancing conservation outcomes.
2023
Light a Fire, Save a Bird
Mississippi State's Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC) is studying the impact of prescribed fire on the Bachman's sparrow, a ground-nesting bird whose population has declined due to habitat loss and fire exclusion. Dr. Mark McConnell leads the research, focusing on whether burning during the growing season (as opposed to the traditional dormant season) can help restore the bird's habitat. The study, conducted across 1,800 acres with 15 burn plots, found that a mix of both dormant and growing season burns benefits the sparrow. The team conducted bird surveys and vegetation assessments before and after the burns to understand how fire timing influences ground cover and sparrow populations. Dr. Kristine Evans contributed expertise on the bird's behavior and habitat needs.
The goal is to determine the best fire management strategies to support healthy Bachman's sparrow populations and improve conservation efforts for this species.