EVALUATION OF A HABITAT CAPABILITY MODEL FOR NONGAME BIRDS IN THE BLACK-HILLS, SOUTH-DAKOTA

Habitat models, used to predict consequences of land management decisi ons on wildlife, can have considerable economic effect on management d ecisions. The Black Hills National Forest uses such a habitat capabili ty model (HABCAP), but its accuracy is largely unknown. We tested this model's predictive accuracy for nongame birds in 13 vegetative struct ural stages of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), aspen (Populus tremul oides)/birch (Betula papyrifera), and meadow habitats in the Black Hil ls, South Dakota from 1992 through 1994. We used data collected during the first two years to test HABCAP model coefficients for 11 species, and develop coefficients for 9 species not included in the existing m odel. We then made a different-time-and-location test of the revised m odel coefficients for all 20 species. Coefficients that differed from predicted use were revised. The final model provides managers With mor e accurate assessments of effects of alternative forest management pra ctices on nongame birds.