Conservation implications for neotropical migratory and game birds in oak-hardwood stands managed with shelterwood harvests and prescribed fire

Prescribed fire in conjunction with shelterwood cutting is a novel way to regenerate oakdominated stands on certain upland sites while minimizing the intrusion of hardwoods. We describe three options (complete or partial canopy retention, postharvest prescribed burning, and complete canopy removal) within a shelterwood-prescribed fire regime that will create two-age stands that are likely to harbor a diverse mixture of mature forest and early successional birds; parklike woodlands with open woodland species; or early successional habitats with shrubland species. This system is a viable option for managing both avian and timber resources where oak-dominated stands on upland sites are the desired goal.