The restoration of whitebark pine ecosystems is critical for species recovery, especially given the tree’s recent listing under the Endangered Species Act. This study aims to evaluate the effects of silvicultural restoration treatments on Clark’s nutcracker habitat use and selection. As the primary seed disperser of whitebark pine, Clark’s nutcracker plays an essential role in the species' regeneration and persistence. Using passive acoustic monitoring, we will assess how thinning and prescribed fire treatments influence nutcracker vocal activity in relation to key stand characteristics, such as cone density and tree health. This research, conducted in the Sawtooth National Forest, will provide vital pre-treatment data and establish monitoring protocols for assessing restoration impacts on whitebark pine’s critical seed disperser, offering a comprehensive tool for long-term conservation planning. This presentation will highlight the challenges encountered in implementing ARU technology, including technical and logistical hurdles, and the learning outcomes from this innovative approach. We will also discuss the insights gained on using ARUs to capture vocal activity of Clark’s nutcracker as a proxy for habitat use, providing valuable data for future restoration efforts aimed at enhancing whitebark pine recovery.