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Southern Appalachian-Cumberland Subregion (Focal Areas A12–A14; Figures 3–35 and 3–36;
Table 3–8)
General Description
This subregion supports approximately 3% of the
region’s (and 0.1% of the world’s) Golden-winged
Warblers. The areas are characterized by small
but often high-density local populations primarily
on reclaimed surface mine sites. Significant
management opportunities exist with forest
Macro Landscape Context (within 1.5 mi (2.5 km) of management site)
Golden-winged Warblers are generally associated with landscapes containing:
3–57
management but require additional post-harvest
treatments of prescribed burning and use of
herbicides to control woody growth. Major
threats in these areas are succession and the remining
of previously-mined and abandoned
surface mines.
• Elevations ranging from 1975–3000 ft (600–800 m) but habitat management to exclude Bluewinged
Warblers should be above 2000 ft (620 m).
• A high proportion of contiguous forest (100% forest cover) which is unique to the southern
Appalachians. In contrast, around 25% of Golden-winged Warblers are found in landscapes
where herbaceous cover is between 70–90%.
Micro Landscape Context (within 0.15 mi (0.25 km) of management site)
Sites where Golden-winged Warblers are found generally:
• Contain the following primary land cover types: deciduous forest (48%), grassland-herbaceous
cover (14%), and barren cover (8%). Barren cover is uniquely important in this subregion and
may include glacial debris, surface mines, and gravel pits. Also the absence of wetland cover
types is a notable difference for Golden-winged Warbler sites in this subregion as compared to
elsewhere in the range.
Table 3–8. Population and habitat goals for focal areas in the Southern Appalachian-Cumberland subregion.*
Focal
Area
Map ID Focal Area Name
Estimated
Population
for 2010
(individuals)
Population
Goal for
2050
(individuals)
Estimated
Breeding
Habitat for 2010
in acres (ha)
Breeding
Habitat Goal
for 2050 in
acres (ha)
A12 Virginia Clinch Valley 100 200 500 (200) 1000 (400)
A13
Black and Little Black
Mountains
120 240 600 (240) 1200 (490)
A14 Cumberland Mountains 370 740 1850 (750) 3700 (1500)
*Population estimates are based on expert knowledge and Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project data.