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• 1. [Article] Regional biodiversity monitoring partnership workshop : final report

  The Biodiversity Monitoring Workgroup (Appendix 1)—which consists of federal, state, university, NGO’s, and private landowner stakeholders who are involved in aspects of monitoring biodiversity in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Regional biodiversity monitoring partnership workshop : final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources The Biodiversity Monitoring Workgroup (Appendix 1)—which consists of federal, state, university, NGO’s, and private landowner stakeholders who are involved in aspects of monitoring biodiversity in the states of Oregon and Washington—conceived of the idea of exploring the possibilities of creating a Regional Biodiversity Monitoring Partnership. The Workgroup’s idea of hosting a workshop to explore such possibilities is grounded in a shared vision that recognizes the underlying value of biodiversity and relies on the compiling, managing, and sharing of biodiversity information in the region that will ultimately inform management and conservation efforts and decisions, and identify gaps where new efforts might be needed. The overall effort is sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station as part of the Focused Sciences Delivery Program’s Biodiversity Initiative and facilitated by the Institute for Natural Resources at OSU. Workshop participants greeted the idea and need of having a partnership with warm regard. Many regarded it as an essential component to extending and elevating the presence of monitoring regional biodiversity efforts. While participants spoke well on behalf of a partnership, this document focuses on the issues that individual participants and break-out groups thought needed to be addressed to create a viable, accessible, and sustainable regional biodiversity monitoring partnership. The issues and recommendations listed throughout the document reflect the range of views of individuals and break-out groups and do not reflect a consensus by all participants. Title: Regional biodiversity monitoring partnership workshop : final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources The Biodiversity Monitoring Workgroup (Appendix 1)—which consists of federal, state, university, NGO’s, and private landowner stakeholders who are involved in aspects of monitoring biodiversity in the states of Oregon and Washington—conceived of the idea of exploring the possibilities of creating a Regional Biodiversity Monitoring Partnership. The Workgroup’s idea of hosting a workshop to explore such possibilities is grounded in a shared vision that recognizes the underlying value of biodiversity and relies on the compiling, managing, and sharing of biodiversity information in the region that will ultimately inform management and conservation efforts and decisions, and identify gaps where new efforts might be needed. The overall effort is sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station as part of the Focused Sciences Delivery Program’s Biodiversity Initiative and facilitated by the Institute for Natural Resources at OSU. Workshop participants greeted the idea and need of having a partnership with warm regard. Many regarded it as an essential component to extending and elevating the presence of monitoring regional biodiversity efforts. While participants spoke well on behalf of a partnership, this document focuses on the issues that individual participants and break-out groups thought needed to be addressed to create a viable, accessible, and sustainable regional biodiversity monitoring partnership. The issues and recommendations listed throughout the document reflect the range of views of individuals and break-out groups and do not reflect a consensus by all participants. Close

• 2. [Article] The Evolution Fish Biodiversity: A Time Series Aproach

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Evolution Fish Biodiversity: A Time Series Aproach Author: Del Valle Erkiaga, Ikerne, Astorkiza, Inma, Astorkiza, Kepa Abstract only. Title: The Evolution Fish Biodiversity: A Time Series Aproach Author: Del Valle Erkiaga, Ikerne, Astorkiza, Inma, Astorkiza, Kepa Abstract only. Close

• 3. [Article] A Regional Biodiversity Monitoring Framework

  A draft monitoring framework that identifies the pieces of a technical plan for biodiversity monitoring, collaboration, and information sharing. The draft sets out to define some general parameters that ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Regional Biodiversity Monitoring Framework Author: Molina, Randy, Pacific Northwest Research Station, United States. Forest Service A draft monitoring framework that identifies the pieces of a technical plan for biodiversity monitoring, collaboration, and information sharing. The draft sets out to define some general parameters that will answer these questions: How do we create partnerships?, What should we measure?, and How do we manage information? Title: A Regional Biodiversity Monitoring Framework Author: Molina, Randy, Pacific Northwest Research Station, United States. Forest Service A draft monitoring framework that identifies the pieces of a technical plan for biodiversity monitoring, collaboration, and information sharing. The draft sets out to define some general parameters that will answer these questions: How do we create partnerships?, What should we measure?, and How do we manage information? Close

• 4. [Article] Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life

  Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life Author: Granek, Elise F., Dallmeier, Francisco, Alonso, Alfonso, Raven, Peter H. Year: 2001 Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term “biodiversity,” explains it as “the very stuff of life.” Species and the ecosystems in which they live are indelibly linked. Conversion or loss of ecosystems inevitably impairs the species that depend on them. As well, changes in the life cycle of one species could impact the life cycles of many other species (including humans), alter ecosystems and ecosystem functions, and contribute to local, regional and, ultimately, global changes. Life as we know it will not be the same if our rich biodiversity heritage is dramatically altered. And the signs indicate that this is precisely what is happening. Biodiversity is threatened, and not because of catastrophic events such as the asteroid crash that scientists believe caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The current threat to biodiversity, and thus to the tapestry of life, stems primarily from expanding human populations and increased human consumption of natural resources. Fortunately, together we can take steps to protect our rich biodiversity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Program on Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity, under the Conservation and Research Center of the National Zoological Park, and the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology worked together to prepare this booklet. It explains what biodiversity is, why it is so important, why it is threatened, and what can be done to conserve this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about what we can all do to help. Title: Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life Author: Granek, Elise F., Dallmeier, Francisco, Alonso, Alfonso, Raven, Peter H. Year: 2001 Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term “biodiversity,” explains it as “the very stuff of life.” Species and the ecosystems in which they live are indelibly linked. Conversion or loss of ecosystems inevitably impairs the species that depend on them. As well, changes in the life cycle of one species could impact the life cycles of many other species (including humans), alter ecosystems and ecosystem functions, and contribute to local, regional and, ultimately, global changes. Life as we know it will not be the same if our rich biodiversity heritage is dramatically altered. And the signs indicate that this is precisely what is happening. Biodiversity is threatened, and not because of catastrophic events such as the asteroid crash that scientists believe caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The current threat to biodiversity, and thus to the tapestry of life, stems primarily from expanding human populations and increased human consumption of natural resources. Fortunately, together we can take steps to protect our rich biodiversity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Program on Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity, under the Conservation and Research Center of the National Zoological Park, and the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology worked together to prepare this booklet. It explains what biodiversity is, why it is so important, why it is threatened, and what can be done to conserve this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about what we can all do to help. Close

• 5. [Article] Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest

  This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Close

• 6. [Article] Heirarachial framework for conserving biodiversity

  EPA/600/A-98/134.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Heirarachial framework for conserving biodiversity Author: Kiester, Ross, Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory, White, Denis, Preston, Eric, Freemark, Kathryn EPA/600/A-98/134. Title: Heirarachial framework for conserving biodiversity Author: Kiester, Ross, Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory, White, Denis, Preston, Eric, Freemark, Kathryn EPA/600/A-98/134. Close

• 7. [Article] Estimating Watershed Biodiversity: An Empirical Study of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA

  There has been increasing demand for rigorous methods for evaluating biodiversity, one of the ecosystem services that sustains and fulfills human life. After carefully examining the literature, we found ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimating Watershed Biodiversity: An Empirical Study of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA Author: Morimoto, Junko, Voinov, Helena, Wilson, Matthew A., Costanza, Robert Year: 2003 There has been increasing demand for rigorous methods for evaluating biodiversity, one of the ecosystem services that sustains and fulfills human life. After carefully examining the literature, we found three key points that should be taken into account when we evaluate biodiversity. The first point is that any "indicator species" tends to be a leaky target of biodiversity. The second point is that "buffering" that is useful for representing the ecological concept of boundaries should have scientific meanings. The third point is that a "watershed" that integrates most natural processes is advantageous as the spatial range for evaluation. Based on these considerations, we developed the Biodiversity Probability Index (BPI) to account for biodiversity. We analyzed the relationship between BPI and total economic value of ecosystem services per unit area in order to test the reliability and utility of BPI. All BPI values were under a positive regression curve. The curve showed the highest economic value that could be achieved at a given biodiversity status. Based on our findings along the analysis, we conclude that the BPI has two advantages: (1) The BPI identifies the extent of the impact on biodiversity within a given landscape, and its composition of each category of species helps to identify what kind of wild life habitat could be seriously threatened by future land use development; (2) The BPI tells not only the biodiversity condition in ecological sense, but also provides the potential total economic value of ecosystem services, which will be achieved under ideal conditions. Title: Estimating Watershed Biodiversity: An Empirical Study of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA Author: Morimoto, Junko, Voinov, Helena, Wilson, Matthew A., Costanza, Robert Year: 2003 There has been increasing demand for rigorous methods for evaluating biodiversity, one of the ecosystem services that sustains and fulfills human life. After carefully examining the literature, we found three key points that should be taken into account when we evaluate biodiversity. The first point is that any "indicator species" tends to be a leaky target of biodiversity. The second point is that "buffering" that is useful for representing the ecological concept of boundaries should have scientific meanings. The third point is that a "watershed" that integrates most natural processes is advantageous as the spatial range for evaluation. Based on these considerations, we developed the Biodiversity Probability Index (BPI) to account for biodiversity. We analyzed the relationship between BPI and total economic value of ecosystem services per unit area in order to test the reliability and utility of BPI. All BPI values were under a positive regression curve. The curve showed the highest economic value that could be achieved at a given biodiversity status. Based on our findings along the analysis, we conclude that the BPI has two advantages: (1) The BPI identifies the extent of the impact on biodiversity within a given landscape, and its composition of each category of species helps to identify what kind of wild life habitat could be seriously threatened by future land use development; (2) The BPI tells not only the biodiversity condition in ecological sense, but also provides the potential total economic value of ecosystem services, which will be achieved under ideal conditions. Close

• 8. [Article] Biodiversity Conservation in a Game Theoretic Model of a Fishery

  This paper proposes a game theoretic modeling framework for the assessment of the trade-off between economic efficiency gains and biodiversity conservation in a fishery. It introduces a biodiversity index, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biodiversity Conservation in a Game Theoretic Model of a Fishery Author: Sumaila, Ussif Rashid Year: 2001 This paper proposes a game theoretic modeling framework for the assessment of the trade-off between economic efficiency gains and biodiversity conservation in a fishery. It introduces a biodiversity index, and develops an application of the method couched on Namibian hake fisheries. Results from the illustrative example show that the opportunity cost of achieving a “near perfect” level of biodiversity conservation is high. On a more positive note, however, the results also indicate that it is possible (through appropriate management action) to achieve reasonably high biodiversity levels without losing most of the potential economic gains. Title: Biodiversity Conservation in a Game Theoretic Model of a Fishery Author: Sumaila, Ussif Rashid Year: 2001 This paper proposes a game theoretic modeling framework for the assessment of the trade-off between economic efficiency gains and biodiversity conservation in a fishery. It introduces a biodiversity index, and develops an application of the method couched on Namibian hake fisheries. Results from the illustrative example show that the opportunity cost of achieving a “near perfect” level of biodiversity conservation is high. On a more positive note, however, the results also indicate that it is possible (through appropriate management action) to achieve reasonably high biodiversity levels without losing most of the potential economic gains. Close

• 9. [Article] Economic incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers

  This thesis investigates the incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers by comparing the market equilibrium solution to the social optimum under different assumptions. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers Author: Bergeron, Nancy This thesis investigates the incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers by comparing the market equilibrium solution to the social optimum under different assumptions. Geographic land areas are modeled to permit two conflicting uses: conservation of biodiversity or conversion of the land for some economic activity. Two main models are developed The first model makes use of a downward-sloping demand curve for biodiversity. This demand can represent the partial or total economic value of biodiversily, or more tangibly, the harvest demand for a given rare species. The market equilibrium will provide less of the species than would be socially optimal because of the oligopolistic structure of the supply side of the market. The second model assumes a "blueprint" demand function for biodiversity where species are seen as genetic and chemical "lead" or "blueprint" resources for industrial use. In the static model, rent can be obtained only f a unique landowner possesses the species of value, otherwise the demanding industry will bid the price down until no rent is captured In this case, the market equilibrium of conservation is socially optimal. In a dynamic model, however, this result is not obtained The multiple stage model reveals a dynamic externality. Further modeling and comparison with real world data are needed to appreciate the importance of this divergence of results. The problem of imperfect substitute species is investigated, and too much conservation can occur in the "blueprint" case from society's point of view. Title: Economic incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers Author: Bergeron, Nancy This thesis investigates the incentives for the conservation of biodiversity with multiple decision-makers by comparing the market equilibrium solution to the social optimum under different assumptions. Geographic land areas are modeled to permit two conflicting uses: conservation of biodiversity or conversion of the land for some economic activity. Two main models are developed The first model makes use of a downward-sloping demand curve for biodiversity. This demand can represent the partial or total economic value of biodiversily, or more tangibly, the harvest demand for a given rare species. The market equilibrium will provide less of the species than would be socially optimal because of the oligopolistic structure of the supply side of the market. The second model assumes a "blueprint" demand function for biodiversity where species are seen as genetic and chemical "lead" or "blueprint" resources for industrial use. In the static model, rent can be obtained only f a unique landowner possesses the species of value, otherwise the demanding industry will bid the price down until no rent is captured In this case, the market equilibrium of conservation is socially optimal. In a dynamic model, however, this result is not obtained The multiple stage model reveals a dynamic externality. Further modeling and comparison with real world data are needed to appreciate the importance of this divergence of results. The problem of imperfect substitute species is investigated, and too much conservation can occur in the "blueprint" case from society's point of view. Close

• 10. [Article] Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community

  With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community Author: Gonsalves, Sydney Marie Year: 2016 With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, and changes in biodiversity. However, urban green spaces, including green roofs, can also provide important pools of biodiversity and contribute to regional gamma diversity, while novel species assemblages can enhance some ecosystem services. Green roofs may also mitigate species loss in urban areas and have been shown to support a surprising diversity of invertebrates, including rare and endangered species. In the first part of this study I reviewed the literature on urban invertebrate communities and diversity to better understand the role of green roofs in providing habitat in the context of the larger urban mosaic. My review concluded that, while other factors such as surrounding land use and connectivity are also important to specific invertebrate taxa, local habitat variables contribute substantially to the structure and diversity of urban invertebrate communities. The importance of local habitat variables in urban green spaces and strong support for the habitat complexity hypothesis in a number of other ecosystems has led to proposals that "biodiverse" roofs--those intentionally designed with varied substrate depth, greater plant diversity, or added elements such as logs or stones--would support greater invertebrate diversity, but there is currently limited peer reviewed data to support this. In order to address the habitat complexity hypothesis in the context of green roofs, in the second part of this study I surveyed three roofs designed primarily for stormwater management, three biodiverse roofs, and five ground-level green spaces, from March until September of 2014 in the Portland metropolitan area. Beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled bi-weekly as representatives of total species diversity. Biodiverse roofs had greater richness, abundance, and diversity of beetle species compared to stormwater roofs, but were not more diverse than ground sites. Both biodiverse roofs and ground sites had approximately 20% native beetle species while stormwater roofs had only 5%. Functional diversity was also higher on biodiverse roofs with an average of seven trophic groups represented, while stormwater roofs averaged only three. Ground sites, biodiverse roofs, and stormwater roofs each grouped distinctively in terms of beetle community composition and biodiverse roof communities were found to be positively correlated with roof age, percent plant cover, average plant height, and plant species richness. These results support the findings of previous studies on the importance of local variables in structuring urban invertebrate communities and suggest that biodiverse design can reliably increase greenroof diversity, with the caution that they remain no replacement for ground level conservation. Title: Green Roofs and Urban Biodiversity: Their Role as Invertebrate Habitat and the Effect of Design on Beetle Community Author: Gonsalves, Sydney Marie Year: 2016 With over half the world's population now living in cities, urban areas represent one of earth's few ecosystems that are increasing in extent, and are sites of altered biogeochemical cycles, habitat fragmentation, and changes in biodiversity. However, urban green spaces, including green roofs, can also provide important pools of biodiversity and contribute to regional gamma diversity, while novel species assemblages can enhance some ecosystem services. Green roofs may also mitigate species loss in urban areas and have been shown to support a surprising diversity of invertebrates, including rare and endangered species. In the first part of this study I reviewed the literature on urban invertebrate communities and diversity to better understand the role of green roofs in providing habitat in the context of the larger urban mosaic. My review concluded that, while other factors such as surrounding land use and connectivity are also important to specific invertebrate taxa, local habitat variables contribute substantially to the structure and diversity of urban invertebrate communities. The importance of local habitat variables in urban green spaces and strong support for the habitat complexity hypothesis in a number of other ecosystems has led to proposals that "biodiverse" roofs--those intentionally designed with varied substrate depth, greater plant diversity, or added elements such as logs or stones--would support greater invertebrate diversity, but there is currently limited peer reviewed data to support this. In order to address the habitat complexity hypothesis in the context of green roofs, in the second part of this study I surveyed three roofs designed primarily for stormwater management, three biodiverse roofs, and five ground-level green spaces, from March until September of 2014 in the Portland metropolitan area. Beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled bi-weekly as representatives of total species diversity. Biodiverse roofs had greater richness, abundance, and diversity of beetle species compared to stormwater roofs, but were not more diverse than ground sites. Both biodiverse roofs and ground sites had approximately 20% native beetle species while stormwater roofs had only 5%. Functional diversity was also higher on biodiverse roofs with an average of seven trophic groups represented, while stormwater roofs averaged only three. Ground sites, biodiverse roofs, and stormwater roofs each grouped distinctively in terms of beetle community composition and biodiverse roof communities were found to be positively correlated with roof age, percent plant cover, average plant height, and plant species richness. These results support the findings of previous studies on the importance of local variables in structuring urban invertebrate communities and suggest that biodiverse design can reliably increase greenroof diversity, with the caution that they remain no replacement for ground level conservation. Close