• Number of cavity-nesting birds in an area is largely determined by the number of snags (standing dead trees) and their size distribution.
• Large species associated with open woodlands, forest edges, old fields, and agricultural areas declined most notably (e.g., American Kestrel, Eastern Screech-Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker). Most forest cavity nesters showed gains.
• Retain and create snags on forest edges (for screech-owl, in woodlands), in old fields, and around farmlands; place nest boxes of the appropriate size.
• In forests, manage for uneven-aged stands with long rotation times to promote the development of large trees and snags. Provide at least 6 to 9 large (>30cm dbh) snags per hectare, as well as 12 to 18 small (12-20cm dbh) snags. Retain snags in clearcuts.