diff --git a/alembic/env.py b/alembic/env.py
index 9aeeb116..a9575b1e 100644
--- a/alembic/env.py
+++ b/alembic/env.py
@@ -6,9 +6,10 @@ from alembic import context
 # access to the values within the .ini file in use.
 config = context.config
 
-# Interpret the config file for Python logging.
-# This line sets up loggers basically.
-fileConfig(config.config_file_name)
+# Configure logging only for the alembic command line.  WROLPi also migrates in-process at startup
+# (db_bootstrap), where fileConfig would replace the API's handlers and disable its existing loggers.
+if config.cmd_opts is not None:
+    fileConfig(config.config_file_name)
 
 # add your model's MetaData object here
 # for 'autogenerate' support
diff --git a/wrolpi/test/test_db_bootstrap.py b/wrolpi/test/test_db_bootstrap.py
index 78d511e0..44649ebd 100644
--- a/wrolpi/test/test_db_bootstrap.py
+++ b/wrolpi/test/test_db_bootstrap.py
@@ -17,6 +17,21 @@ def permissive_sqlite_floor():
         yield
 
 
+def test_migration_keeps_logging(test_directory):
+    """WROLPi migrates in-process at startup; alembic must not reconfigure the API's logging."""
+    import logging
+
+    existing = logging.getLogger('wrolpi.test.existing_logger')
+    root_handlers = list(logging.getLogger().handlers)
+    root_level = logging.getLogger().level
+
+    assert db_bootstrap.ensure_db() is True
+
+    assert existing.disabled is False
+    assert logging.getLogger().handlers == root_handlers
+    assert logging.getLogger().level == root_level
+
+
 def test_ensure_db_creates_and_migrates(test_directory):
     """With no database file, ensure_db creates it and migrates to head."""
     db_file = get_db_file()