Conifer encroachment is one of the most significant threats to sagebrush habitats and the species that rely on them. Removal of encroaching conifers is beneficial for Greater Sage-Grouse, but impacts on other sagebrush-obligate species are not well understood. This project aims to quantify the impact of conifer removal on sagebrush songbird abundance and reproductive success. Work has been initiated through a previously-supported (by IR5/7 SA) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit project across six conifer-removal and six conifer-remaining (control) plots of ca. 55 ha each. Initial results suggest that conifer removal benefits both abundance and nesting success of sagebrush-obligate species (Brewers Sparrows and Sage Thrashers), but not species with more tree-habitat preferences. Sagebrush birds are notoriously variable among years and this project will continue field studies for two more years to ensure results are robust and to increase sample sizes for less-abundant species. Results will be used to extrapolate potential impacts of conifer presence and density on bird populations using data to populate models based on spatial assessment of conifer invasion across southwest Montana. This project aims to provide a predictive tool to assess the consequences of conifer management for bird populations. The $25,000 SA investment supports conservation priorities for the Sagebrush Ecosystem.