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• 1. [Article] Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals

  Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals Author: Sytsma, Mark, Parker, Michael Year: 1999 Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into Bear Creek in southern Oregon. The resulting fish kill brought into focus the need to examine the methods available for managing aquatic vegetation in flowing water. Furthermore, it demonstrated the need for technical assistance on aquatic vegetation management in Oregon. Vegetation management in flowing water is a difficult undertaking. The interconnectedness of natural and manmade water conveyance systems, the tenuous status of many aquatic species, and the necessity of water delivery for profitable and productive agriculture in Oregon and much of the Northwest interact to focus attention on the way that aquatic vegetation management is conducted. Endangerment of fish species in the Pacific Northwest requires a detailed examination of agricultural operations. This manual is intended to provide water conveyance system managers a summary of available technologies for aquatic vegetation management and to outline the concepts and procedures necessary for development of an integrated management plan for vegetation growing in canals. With the adoption of a thoughtful approach to aquatic vegetation management, and with technical assistance and research on the problem plants and control techniques, aquatic vegetation can be managed without severe off-site and non-target impacts. It is hoped that this manual will assist in reaching that goal. Title: Aquatic Vegetation in Irrigation Canals Author: Sytsma, Mark, Parker, Michael Year: 1999 Preparation of this guidance manual for integrated aquatic vegetation management in irrigation canals was stimulated, in large part, by the accidental release of acrolein-treated irrigation water into Bear Creek in southern Oregon. The resulting fish kill brought into focus the need to examine the methods available for managing aquatic vegetation in flowing water. Furthermore, it demonstrated the need for technical assistance on aquatic vegetation management in Oregon. Vegetation management in flowing water is a difficult undertaking. The interconnectedness of natural and manmade water conveyance systems, the tenuous status of many aquatic species, and the necessity of water delivery for profitable and productive agriculture in Oregon and much of the Northwest interact to focus attention on the way that aquatic vegetation management is conducted. Endangerment of fish species in the Pacific Northwest requires a detailed examination of agricultural operations. This manual is intended to provide water conveyance system managers a summary of available technologies for aquatic vegetation management and to outline the concepts and procedures necessary for development of an integrated management plan for vegetation growing in canals. With the adoption of a thoughtful approach to aquatic vegetation management, and with technical assistance and research on the problem plants and control techniques, aquatic vegetation can be managed without severe off-site and non-target impacts. It is hoped that this manual will assist in reaching that goal. Close

• 2. [Article] Alaska Aquatic Plant Survey Report 2005

  Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Alaska Aquatic Plant Survey Report 2005 Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Title: Alaska Aquatic Plant Survey Report 2005 Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Close

• 3. [Article] Final Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report

  Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2013 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Title: Final Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2013 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Close

• 4. [Article] Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report

  Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Differences in photosynthetic biochemistry between non-indigenous and native plants can result in large diurnal pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Title: Coastal Lakes Aquatic Plant Survey Report Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Invasive, non-indigenous plants can degrade water quality and fish habitat when they invade lakes, ponds, and streams. Changes in plant community architecture in lakes due to invasion by canopy-forming invasive aquatic plants can result in loss of native plant biodiversity and reduction of the structural complexity of the underwater habitat. Differences in photosynthetic biochemistry between non-indigenous and native plants can result in large diurnal pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Close

• 5. [Article] Final Report Regional Lake Management Planning for TMDL Development

  Since the mid-1900’s, invasive aquatic weeds have been a significant problem in many of the lakes of the Clatsop Plains on the northern Oregon Coast. Weeds interfere with beneficial uses, such as boating, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final Report Regional Lake Management Planning for TMDL Development Author: Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Since the mid-1900’s, invasive aquatic weeds have been a significant problem in many of the lakes of the Clatsop Plains on the northern Oregon Coast. Weeds interfere with beneficial uses, such as boating, fishing and swimming, and have dramatically altered the chemical and biological features of the lakes. In 1994, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) added three of the lakes, Cullaby, Smith and Sunset, to the 303 (d) list of water quality impaired waters, due to the presence of the invasive aquatic weeds. ODEQ contracted with the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs and the Geology Department at PSU to develop management plans for the weeds and to evaluate the source of nutrients to the lakes that may contribute to water quality problems. Current water quality conditions, groundwater, and the watershed were studied. Title: Final Report Regional Lake Management Planning for TMDL Development Author: Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Since the mid-1900’s, invasive aquatic weeds have been a significant problem in many of the lakes of the Clatsop Plains on the northern Oregon Coast. Weeds interfere with beneficial uses, such as boating, fishing and swimming, and have dramatically altered the chemical and biological features of the lakes. In 1994, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) added three of the lakes, Cullaby, Smith and Sunset, to the 303 (d) list of water quality impaired waters, due to the presence of the invasive aquatic weeds. ODEQ contracted with the Center for Lakes and Reservoirs and the Geology Department at PSU to develop management plans for the weeds and to evaluate the source of nutrients to the lakes that may contribute to water quality problems. Current water quality conditions, groundwater, and the watershed were studied. Close

• 6. [Article] An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon

  Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Close

• 7. [Article] Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska

  Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Close

• 8. [Article] OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes

  In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Close

• 9. [Article] Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon

  Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon Author: Sytsma, Mark, Rouhe, Arick Christopher Year: 2007 Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world via human introduction. Currently, feral swine populations are established on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike other large mammal invaders, swine have a high reproductive capacity and are omnivorous, which allows for a quick assimilation into most habitats. Once a breeding population is established in an area, the population can quickly increase and negatively impact the ecosystem. A successful invasion of feral swine is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse. A feral swine pest risk assessment for Oregon, released in 2004, designated feral swine as a very high-risk species due to high potential for establishment, environmental and economic impacts, and disease transmission to wildlife, livestock and humans. Economic impacts on ecosystems and disease transmission to wildlife are difficult to assess, but restoration of ecosystems and losses to agriculture and livestock have been estimated to exceed US$800 million in the United States each year. Environmental impacts include facilitation of noxious weed invasions, shifts in dominant plant species, reduction of forest regeneration, and soil erosion. Facilitation of noxious weeds and erosion due to feral swine rooting are documented in Oregon. Feral swine in Oregon have not been implicated in disease transmission to humans, but the recent E. coli outbreak from spinach grown on a California farm that caused three deaths has been genetically traced to feral swine excrement deposited in spinach fields. The feral swine population in Oregon is currently small and dispersed. Few disturbances have been documented but state and federal biologists report regular occurrence of disturbances due to feral swine. Actions to prevent the effects of an invasion fall into three categories: management, control or eradication. Of the three categories, only eradication efforts have successfully slowed or reversed the effects of swine invasions. Case studies from California, Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands and the Channel Islands off the coast of California show that management and control efforts, while effective in the short term, have not successfully kept small feral swine populations from increasing to levels that are unmanageable and uncontrollable. A four-year feral swine eradication plan is proposed. The Plan includes recommended legislative changes to facilitate eradication, outreach and education, population assessment, rapid response, and eradication elements. A 0.5 FTE position is required at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement the plan. Eradication of feral swine in Oregon is estimated to require a four-year, $1.29 million effort. Follow-up control of new releases and escapes will require a maintenance effort estimated at less than $50,000 per year (excluding contingency funds for emergency response). These costs are small relative to the value of the $3.6 billion Oregon agriculture and livestock industries and the investment Oregon has made in riparian restoration efforts. Sustained control of feral swine in Oregon will require a longterm commitment that will include annual domestic swine marking, education, and monitoring. Title: Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon Author: Sytsma, Mark, Rouhe, Arick Christopher Year: 2007 Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world via human introduction. Currently, feral swine populations are established on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike other large mammal invaders, swine have a high reproductive capacity and are omnivorous, which allows for a quick assimilation into most habitats. Once a breeding population is established in an area, the population can quickly increase and negatively impact the ecosystem. A successful invasion of feral swine is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse. A feral swine pest risk assessment for Oregon, released in 2004, designated feral swine as a very high-risk species due to high potential for establishment, environmental and economic impacts, and disease transmission to wildlife, livestock and humans. Economic impacts on ecosystems and disease transmission to wildlife are difficult to assess, but restoration of ecosystems and losses to agriculture and livestock have been estimated to exceed US$800 million in the United States each year. Environmental impacts include facilitation of noxious weed invasions, shifts in dominant plant species, reduction of forest regeneration, and soil erosion. Facilitation of noxious weeds and erosion due to feral swine rooting are documented in Oregon. Feral swine in Oregon have not been implicated in disease transmission to humans, but the recent E. coli outbreak from spinach grown on a California farm that caused three deaths has been genetically traced to feral swine excrement deposited in spinach fields. The feral swine population in Oregon is currently small and dispersed. Few disturbances have been documented but state and federal biologists report regular occurrence of disturbances due to feral swine. Actions to prevent the effects of an invasion fall into three categories: management, control or eradication. Of the three categories, only eradication efforts have successfully slowed or reversed the effects of swine invasions. Case studies from California, Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands and the Channel Islands off the coast of California show that management and control efforts, while effective in the short term, have not successfully kept small feral swine populations from increasing to levels that are unmanageable and uncontrollable. A four-year feral swine eradication plan is proposed. The Plan includes recommended legislative changes to facilitate eradication, outreach and education, population assessment, rapid response, and eradication elements. A 0.5 FTE position is required at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement the plan. Eradication of feral swine in Oregon is estimated to require a four-year, $1.29 million effort. Follow-up control of new releases and escapes will require a maintenance effort estimated at less than $50,000 per year (excluding contingency funds for emergency response). These costs are small relative to the value of the $3.6 billion Oregon agriculture and livestock industries and the investment Oregon has made in riparian restoration efforts. Sustained control of feral swine in Oregon will require a longterm commitment that will include annual domestic swine marking, education, and monitoring. Close