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• 31. [Article] The Mangroves of Ambanja and Ambaro Bays, Northwest Madagascar: Historical Dynamics, Current Status and Deforestation Mitigation Strategy

  Madagascar contains Africa’s fourth largest extent of mangroves, representing approximately 2% of the global distribution. Since 1990, more than 20% of Madagascar’s mangrove ecosystems have been heavily ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Mangroves of Ambanja and Ambaro Bays, Northwest Madagascar: Historical Dynamics, Current Status and Deforestation Mitigation Strategy Author: Jones, Trevor Gareth, Ratsimba, Harifidy Rakoto, Carro, Aude, Ravaoarinorotsihoarana, Lalao Year: 2016 Madagascar contains Africa’s fourth largest extent of mangroves, representing approximately 2% of the global distribution. Since 1990, more than 20% of Madagascar’s mangrove ecosystems have been heavily degraded or deforested due primarily to increased harvest for charcoal and timber and the expansion of agriculture and aquaculture. Anthropogenic-driven loss is particularly prominent in the north-western Ambanja and Ambaro Bays (AAB). At over 24,000 ha, AAB is one of Madagascar’s largest mangrove ecosystems, including prominent estuaries fed by rivers and streams originating in the country’s highest mountain range. Similar to the national rate, AAB has experienced approximately 20% loss since 1990, driven primarily by over-harvesting for charcoal and timber. Continued loss threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of thousands of residents who rely on the many goods and services provided by a healthy, relatively intact mangrove ecosystem. To combat this loss, Blue Ventures (BV), in partnership with local communities and the University of Antananarivo, is working to protect, restore and encourage the sustainable use of mangroves. BVs’ Blue Forests project aims to help maintain and diversify local livelihoods and to sustainably manage mangroves and their associated biodiversity in AAB, as well as throughout western Madagascar. This chapter provides an overview of the biophysical characteristics, historic dynamics and current status of the AAB mangrove ecosystem, and mitigation strategies being implemented through BVs’ Blue Forests project. Title: The Mangroves of Ambanja and Ambaro Bays, Northwest Madagascar: Historical Dynamics, Current Status and Deforestation Mitigation Strategy Author: Jones, Trevor Gareth, Ratsimba, Harifidy Rakoto, Carro, Aude, Ravaoarinorotsihoarana, Lalao Year: 2016 Madagascar contains Africa’s fourth largest extent of mangroves, representing approximately 2% of the global distribution. Since 1990, more than 20% of Madagascar’s mangrove ecosystems have been heavily degraded or deforested due primarily to increased harvest for charcoal and timber and the expansion of agriculture and aquaculture. Anthropogenic-driven loss is particularly prominent in the north-western Ambanja and Ambaro Bays (AAB). At over 24,000 ha, AAB is one of Madagascar’s largest mangrove ecosystems, including prominent estuaries fed by rivers and streams originating in the country’s highest mountain range. Similar to the national rate, AAB has experienced approximately 20% loss since 1990, driven primarily by over-harvesting for charcoal and timber. Continued loss threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of thousands of residents who rely on the many goods and services provided by a healthy, relatively intact mangrove ecosystem. To combat this loss, Blue Ventures (BV), in partnership with local communities and the University of Antananarivo, is working to protect, restore and encourage the sustainable use of mangroves. BVs’ Blue Forests project aims to help maintain and diversify local livelihoods and to sustainably manage mangroves and their associated biodiversity in AAB, as well as throughout western Madagascar. This chapter provides an overview of the biophysical characteristics, historic dynamics and current status of the AAB mangrove ecosystem, and mitigation strategies being implemented through BVs’ Blue Forests project. Close

• 32. [Article] Ecological Homogenization of Urban USA

  A visually apparent but scientifically untested outcome of land-use change is homogenization across urban areas, where neighborhoods in different parts of the country have similar patterns of roads, residential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecological Homogenization of Urban USA Author: Groffman, Peter M., Cavender-Bares, Jeannine, Bettez, Neil D., Grove, J. Morgan, Hall, Sharon J., Heffernan, James B., Hobbie, Sarah E., Larson, Kelli L., Morse, Jennifer L., Neill, Christopher, Nelson, Kristen C., O'Neil-Dunne, Jarlath, Pataki, Diane E., Polsky, Colin, Chowdhury, Rinku Roy, Steele, Meredith K. Year: 2014 A visually apparent but scientifically untested outcome of land-use change is homogenization across urban areas, where neighborhoods in different parts of the country have similar patterns of roads, residential lots, commercial areas, and aquatic features. We hypothesize that this homogenization extends to ecological structure and also to ecosystem functions such as carbon dynamics and microclimate, with continental-scale implications. Further, we suggest that understanding urban homogenization will provide the basis for understanding the impacts of urban land-use change from local to continental scales. Here, we show how multi-scale, multi-disciplinary datasets from six metropolitan areas that cover the major climatic regions of the US (Phoenix, AZ; Miami, FL; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis–St Paul, MN; and Los Angeles, CA) can be used to determine how household and neighborhood characteristics correlate with land-management practices, land-cover composition, and landscape structure and ecosystem functions at local, regional, and continental scales. Title: Ecological Homogenization of Urban USA Author: Groffman, Peter M., Cavender-Bares, Jeannine, Bettez, Neil D., Grove, J. Morgan, Hall, Sharon J., Heffernan, James B., Hobbie, Sarah E., Larson, Kelli L., Morse, Jennifer L., Neill, Christopher, Nelson, Kristen C., O'Neil-Dunne, Jarlath, Pataki, Diane E., Polsky, Colin, Chowdhury, Rinku Roy, Steele, Meredith K. Year: 2014 A visually apparent but scientifically untested outcome of land-use change is homogenization across urban areas, where neighborhoods in different parts of the country have similar patterns of roads, residential lots, commercial areas, and aquatic features. We hypothesize that this homogenization extends to ecological structure and also to ecosystem functions such as carbon dynamics and microclimate, with continental-scale implications. Further, we suggest that understanding urban homogenization will provide the basis for understanding the impacts of urban land-use change from local to continental scales. Here, we show how multi-scale, multi-disciplinary datasets from six metropolitan areas that cover the major climatic regions of the US (Phoenix, AZ; Miami, FL; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Minneapolis–St Paul, MN; and Los Angeles, CA) can be used to determine how household and neighborhood characteristics correlate with land-management practices, land-cover composition, and landscape structure and ecosystem functions at local, regional, and continental scales. Close

• 33. [Article] Fire Modulates Climate Change Response of Simulated Aspen Distribution Across Topoclimatic Gradients in a Semi-Arid Montane Landscape

  Content Changing aspen distribution in response to climate change and fire is a major focus of biodiversity conservation, yet little is known about the potential response of aspen to these two driving ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fire Modulates Climate Change Response of Simulated Aspen Distribution Across Topoclimatic Gradients in a Semi-Arid Montane Landscape Author: Yang, Jian, Weisberg, Peter J., Shinneman, Douglas J., Dilts, Thomas E., Earnst, Susan L., Scheller, Robert M. Year: 2015 Content Changing aspen distribution in response to climate change and fire is a major focus of biodiversity conservation, yet little is known about the potential response of aspen to these two driving forces along topoclimatic gradients. Objective This study is set to evaluate how aspen distribution might shift in response to different climate-fire scenarios in a semi-arid montane landscape, and quantify the influence of fire regime along topoclimatic gradients. Methods We used a novel integration of a forest landscape succession and disturbance model (LAN DIS-II) with a fine-scale climatic water deficit approach to simulate dynamics of aspen and associated conifer and shrub species over the next 150 years under various climate-fire scenarios. Results Simulations suggest that many aspen stands could persist without fire for centuries under current climate conditions. However, a simulated 2–5ºC increase in temperature caused a substantial reduction of aspen coverage at lower elevations and a modest increase at upper elevations, leading to an overall reduction of aspen range at the landscape level. Increasing fire activity may favor aspen increase at its upper elevation limits adjacent to coniferous forest, but may also favor reduction of aspen at lower elevation limits adjacent to xeric shrubland. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of incorporating fine-scale terrain effects on climatic water deficit and ecohydrology when modeling species distribution response to climate change. This modeling study suggests that climate mitigation and adaptation strategies that use fire would benefit from consideration of spatial context at landscape scales. Title: Fire Modulates Climate Change Response of Simulated Aspen Distribution Across Topoclimatic Gradients in a Semi-Arid Montane Landscape Author: Yang, Jian, Weisberg, Peter J., Shinneman, Douglas J., Dilts, Thomas E., Earnst, Susan L., Scheller, Robert M. Year: 2015 Content Changing aspen distribution in response to climate change and fire is a major focus of biodiversity conservation, yet little is known about the potential response of aspen to these two driving forces along topoclimatic gradients. Objective This study is set to evaluate how aspen distribution might shift in response to different climate-fire scenarios in a semi-arid montane landscape, and quantify the influence of fire regime along topoclimatic gradients. Methods We used a novel integration of a forest landscape succession and disturbance model (LAN DIS-II) with a fine-scale climatic water deficit approach to simulate dynamics of aspen and associated conifer and shrub species over the next 150 years under various climate-fire scenarios. Results Simulations suggest that many aspen stands could persist without fire for centuries under current climate conditions. However, a simulated 2–5ºC increase in temperature caused a substantial reduction of aspen coverage at lower elevations and a modest increase at upper elevations, leading to an overall reduction of aspen range at the landscape level. Increasing fire activity may favor aspen increase at its upper elevation limits adjacent to coniferous forest, but may also favor reduction of aspen at lower elevation limits adjacent to xeric shrubland. Conclusions Our study highlights the importance of incorporating fine-scale terrain effects on climatic water deficit and ecohydrology when modeling species distribution response to climate change. This modeling study suggests that climate mitigation and adaptation strategies that use fire would benefit from consideration of spatial context at landscape scales. Close

• 34. [Article] Connecting to Nature, Community, and Self: A Conservation Corps Approach to Re-engaging At-Risk Youth in Science Education

  The social and environmental challenges of the coming decades will require that individuals possess environmental literacy: the understanding of natural systems combined with a sense of care for the earth, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Connecting to Nature, Community, and Self: A Conservation Corps Approach to Re-engaging At-Risk Youth in Science Education Author: Linden, Sara Jo Year: 2016 The social and environmental challenges of the coming decades will require that individuals possess environmental literacy: the understanding of natural systems combined with a sense of care for the earth, and the confidence and competency to act on its behalf. At the same time, disengaged youth need education environments that foster belonging and promote affective outcomes. The youth conservation corps model provides a natural context for engaging academically at-risk youth in environmental science education, while fostering connection to nature and student self-efficacy in ways that are experiential, relevant, and relationship-based. The focus of this study was a conservation corps program that integrates habitat restoration fieldwork and environmental science curriculum. The participants of this study were eight high school seniors who participated in the program for credit toward their high school diplomas. Data were collected through both quantitative and qualitative measures. Students completed a pre-test to assess their understanding and application of conceptual knowledge in ecosystem relationships and biodiversity. Upon completion of a six-week curriculum, they completed a post-test assessing knowledge in the same areas, two retrospective pre-post surveys measuring connection to nature and self-efficacy, and a post-evaluation measuring affective outcomes. Individual interviews were conducted in order to provide further insights and to identify elements of the program that contributed to positive outcomes. Results showed statistically significant increases in all outcome areas as well as positive student evaluation of affective outcomes. The outdoor and experiential components of the program were found to contribute most significantly to the positive outcomes. Title: Connecting to Nature, Community, and Self: A Conservation Corps Approach to Re-engaging At-Risk Youth in Science Education Author: Linden, Sara Jo Year: 2016 The social and environmental challenges of the coming decades will require that individuals possess environmental literacy: the understanding of natural systems combined with a sense of care for the earth, and the confidence and competency to act on its behalf. At the same time, disengaged youth need education environments that foster belonging and promote affective outcomes. The youth conservation corps model provides a natural context for engaging academically at-risk youth in environmental science education, while fostering connection to nature and student self-efficacy in ways that are experiential, relevant, and relationship-based. The focus of this study was a conservation corps program that integrates habitat restoration fieldwork and environmental science curriculum. The participants of this study were eight high school seniors who participated in the program for credit toward their high school diplomas. Data were collected through both quantitative and qualitative measures. Students completed a pre-test to assess their understanding and application of conceptual knowledge in ecosystem relationships and biodiversity. Upon completion of a six-week curriculum, they completed a post-test assessing knowledge in the same areas, two retrospective pre-post surveys measuring connection to nature and self-efficacy, and a post-evaluation measuring affective outcomes. Individual interviews were conducted in order to provide further insights and to identify elements of the program that contributed to positive outcomes. Results showed statistically significant increases in all outcome areas as well as positive student evaluation of affective outcomes. The outdoor and experiential components of the program were found to contribute most significantly to the positive outcomes. Close

• 35. [Article] The Importance of Urban Habitat Connectivity and Influence on Native Avian Species and Community Science

  In what ways do small-scale urban backyards contribute to local bird abundance and biodiversity? In what ways might these yards serve as an ‘extension’ of neighboring native forest areas? This project ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Importance of Urban Habitat Connectivity and Influence on Native Avian Species and Community Science Author: Gulick, Kristen S. Year: 2017 In what ways do small-scale urban backyards contribute to local bird abundance and biodiversity? In what ways might these yards serve as an ‘extension’ of neighboring native forest areas? This project investigates the contribution that a group of backyards, certified through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, have in the suburb of Hillsdale, Oregon, which is adjacent to the natural area of Keller Woodland. Backyard owners functioning as citizen or community scientists assisted with conducting residential bird point-counts once a week in each backyard and the natural area. Counts were done for a total of 8 weeks during nesting season to better understand how backyard habitat restoration might affect their habitat especially when in close proximity to a natural area. The goal of the project was to help better understand the beneficial effects of urban gardening using native plants and diverse vegetation structure as this relates to bird species richness, and to explore the importance of community scientist contributions. Although the sample size was small, no significant trends were found, but the involvement of community scientists indicated increased skill, depth of understanding, and increased motivation for all participating backyard habitat owners. More backyards are needed for future research and extension into lower-income neighborhoods would be very beneficial to increase awareness of urban habitat connectivity and the diversity seen in backyard environmental characteristics and yard owner backyard habitat knowledge. A larger sample size could reveal correlations and provide a greater significance in data findings for bird abundance and diversity. A logical extension of this project would be to investigate food-web effects, specifically avian prey species, and smaller green-spaces that are often present in urban neighborhoods in addition to the large green-spaces. Authors: Kristen S. Gulick, Marion Dresner, Nikkie West Presenter: Kristen S. Gulick Title: The Importance of Urban Habitat Connectivity and Influence on Native Avian Species and Community Science Author: Gulick, Kristen S. Year: 2017 In what ways do small-scale urban backyards contribute to local bird abundance and biodiversity? In what ways might these yards serve as an ‘extension’ of neighboring native forest areas? This project investigates the contribution that a group of backyards, certified through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, have in the suburb of Hillsdale, Oregon, which is adjacent to the natural area of Keller Woodland. Backyard owners functioning as citizen or community scientists assisted with conducting residential bird point-counts once a week in each backyard and the natural area. Counts were done for a total of 8 weeks during nesting season to better understand how backyard habitat restoration might affect their habitat especially when in close proximity to a natural area. The goal of the project was to help better understand the beneficial effects of urban gardening using native plants and diverse vegetation structure as this relates to bird species richness, and to explore the importance of community scientist contributions. Although the sample size was small, no significant trends were found, but the involvement of community scientists indicated increased skill, depth of understanding, and increased motivation for all participating backyard habitat owners. More backyards are needed for future research and extension into lower-income neighborhoods would be very beneficial to increase awareness of urban habitat connectivity and the diversity seen in backyard environmental characteristics and yard owner backyard habitat knowledge. A larger sample size could reveal correlations and provide a greater significance in data findings for bird abundance and diversity. A logical extension of this project would be to investigate food-web effects, specifically avian prey species, and smaller green-spaces that are often present in urban neighborhoods in addition to the large green-spaces. Authors: Kristen S. Gulick, Marion Dresner, Nikkie West Presenter: Kristen S. Gulick Close

• 36. [Article] Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon

  Extinction is a natural process. Today, however, plant and animal species are disappearing world-wide at an accelerated pace. Based on current trends, half of the species on earth will be extinct within ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon Author: Kagan, James S., Vrilakas, Sue, Christy, John A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Wise, Lindsey, Pahl, Cameron, Howell, Kathy Year: 2016 Extinction is a natural process. Today, however, plant and animal species are disappearing world-wide at an accelerated pace. Based on current trends, half of the species on earth will be extinct within the next 100 years. The major reasons for this are human caused changes to the environment, which continue to increase - in Oregon and throughout the world. Once lost, a species can never be recovered, and there is no way of knowing how useful it may have been. We do know that human beings and many of their industries depend on plant and animal products. About 50% of all pharmaceuticals have a natural component as an active ingredient, yet less than one percent of the world's species have been chemically analyzed and tested. Many insects and plants contain undescribed and highly functional compounds. Limnanthes pumila subsp. grandiflora, or wooly meadow-foam, a rare plant that grows in southwest Oregon, has been found to produce a hybrid with the more common member of the genus, Limnanthes alba. This hybrid grows well in the poorly drained soils of the Willamette Valley and produces a valuable oil used for soaps, plastic and rubber production. In addition, the new hybrid meadow-foam does not require the field burning necessary for other crops. This species, and many other Oregon natives, will be lost without intervention. The purpose of this publication is to provide land managers, owners and interested parties with a list of those species in Oregon which are in greatest jeopardy. Title: Rare, Threatened and Endangered Species of Oregon Author: Kagan, James S., Vrilakas, Sue, Christy, John A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Wise, Lindsey, Pahl, Cameron, Howell, Kathy Year: 2016 Extinction is a natural process. Today, however, plant and animal species are disappearing world-wide at an accelerated pace. Based on current trends, half of the species on earth will be extinct within the next 100 years. The major reasons for this are human caused changes to the environment, which continue to increase - in Oregon and throughout the world. Once lost, a species can never be recovered, and there is no way of knowing how useful it may have been. We do know that human beings and many of their industries depend on plant and animal products. About 50% of all pharmaceuticals have a natural component as an active ingredient, yet less than one percent of the world's species have been chemically analyzed and tested. Many insects and plants contain undescribed and highly functional compounds. Limnanthes pumila subsp. grandiflora, or wooly meadow-foam, a rare plant that grows in southwest Oregon, has been found to produce a hybrid with the more common member of the genus, Limnanthes alba. This hybrid grows well in the poorly drained soils of the Willamette Valley and produces a valuable oil used for soaps, plastic and rubber production. In addition, the new hybrid meadow-foam does not require the field burning necessary for other crops. This species, and many other Oregon natives, will be lost without intervention. The purpose of this publication is to provide land managers, owners and interested parties with a list of those species in Oregon which are in greatest jeopardy. Close

• 37. [Article] Patterns and Impacts of Urban Stream Burial and the Potential for Stream Daylighting in Portland, Oregon

  Over the last 150 years, many urban areas have seen streams disappear underground into sewer systems and pipes. Stream burial, the rerouting of open channels to pipes and culverts, has a strong positive ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Patterns and Impacts of Urban Stream Burial and the Potential for Stream Daylighting in Portland, Oregon Author: Weil, Ella Year: 2017 Over the last 150 years, many urban areas have seen streams disappear underground into sewer systems and pipes. Stream burial, the rerouting of open channels to pipes and culverts, has a strong positive correlation with urban development. Patterns of development contributing to stream burial include the building of freeways, roads, sewer infrastructure, and residential housing. This study uses a combination of archival analysis, spatial analysis, and statistical methods to determine the patterns and impacts of stream burial in Portland, Oregon. Urban stream deserts have been identified in many metropolitan areas and can be defined as areas with dense urban development that have lost all hydrological connectivity. This study discusses the history of stream burial in Portland, delineates Portland's urban stream desert and identifies ecological impacts associated with stream burial. Spatial analysis shows the hotspots of stream deserts are concentrated in east Portland where both impervious areas and pipes are highly co-present. Water quality analysis is conducted by comparing five urban subwatersheds with varying degrees of burial and identifying the differences in water quality between upstream open channels and downstream buried reaches. While the ecological impacts of stream burial are not uniform, it can be argued that there is a relationship between stream burial and stream degradation. The results from the available data show significant differences between the upstream and downstream sites in three streams for several water quality parameters, and two streams that showed very little difference between upstream and downstream sites. The streams with the greatest variance in land use across the subwatershed had the most significant changes in water quality between the upstream and downstream sites. This study concludes by looking at stream daylighting as an option for both ecological restoration and social benefits. Recent efforts to design around existing nature and daylight streams in urban environments have contributed to improved water quality, increased biodiversity, community engagement, and reduced strain on aging sewer infrastructure. Title: Patterns and Impacts of Urban Stream Burial and the Potential for Stream Daylighting in Portland, Oregon Author: Weil, Ella Year: 2017 Over the last 150 years, many urban areas have seen streams disappear underground into sewer systems and pipes. Stream burial, the rerouting of open channels to pipes and culverts, has a strong positive correlation with urban development. Patterns of development contributing to stream burial include the building of freeways, roads, sewer infrastructure, and residential housing. This study uses a combination of archival analysis, spatial analysis, and statistical methods to determine the patterns and impacts of stream burial in Portland, Oregon. Urban stream deserts have been identified in many metropolitan areas and can be defined as areas with dense urban development that have lost all hydrological connectivity. This study discusses the history of stream burial in Portland, delineates Portland's urban stream desert and identifies ecological impacts associated with stream burial. Spatial analysis shows the hotspots of stream deserts are concentrated in east Portland where both impervious areas and pipes are highly co-present. Water quality analysis is conducted by comparing five urban subwatersheds with varying degrees of burial and identifying the differences in water quality between upstream open channels and downstream buried reaches. While the ecological impacts of stream burial are not uniform, it can be argued that there is a relationship between stream burial and stream degradation. The results from the available data show significant differences between the upstream and downstream sites in three streams for several water quality parameters, and two streams that showed very little difference between upstream and downstream sites. The streams with the greatest variance in land use across the subwatershed had the most significant changes in water quality between the upstream and downstream sites. This study concludes by looking at stream daylighting as an option for both ecological restoration and social benefits. Recent efforts to design around existing nature and daylight streams in urban environments have contributed to improved water quality, increased biodiversity, community engagement, and reduced strain on aging sewer infrastructure. Close

• 38. [Article] Substrate Age Influences Species Richness and Community Composition of Calicioid Lichens and Fungi on Wooden Buildings

  Identifying processes that drive epiphytic lichen diversity and succession is important for directing conservation efforts and developing forest management plans for the maintenance of biodiversity and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Substrate Age Influences Species Richness and Community Composition of Calicioid Lichens and Fungi on Wooden Buildings Author: Peterson, Kate, Calabria, Lalita M., Miller, Jesse E.D., Brown-Clay, Jesse Year: 2017 Identifying processes that drive epiphytic lichen diversity and succession is important for directing conservation efforts and developing forest management plans for the maintenance of biodiversity and forest health. Stand age has been implicated as a key factor in driving epiphytic species diversity and community composition. However, understanding the influence of substrate age, independent of the many confounding variables that affect live and dead wood substrates in a forest habitat, can be difficult. To test the hypothesis that substrate age has distinct effects on lichen community assembly independent of surface area, we sampled communities of calicioid lichens and fungi growing on wooden buildings that ranged from 2 to 82 years old. We found a total of 17 species, with a strong positive correlation between species richness and substrate age. We also tested the effects of surface area on species richness and found no relationship between the two variables. Our results indicate that substrate age influenced community composition; non-lichenized calicioid species acted as early colonizers and six calicioid species were recorded only on the oldest substrate. Old-growth associate species were found on substrates of varying ages, implying that additional variables may also be responsible for the colonization of old-growth associate species. Copyright © 2017 by The American Bryological and Lichenological Society, Inc. Title: Substrate Age Influences Species Richness and Community Composition of Calicioid Lichens and Fungi on Wooden Buildings Author: Peterson, Kate, Calabria, Lalita M., Miller, Jesse E.D., Brown-Clay, Jesse Year: 2017 Identifying processes that drive epiphytic lichen diversity and succession is important for directing conservation efforts and developing forest management plans for the maintenance of biodiversity and forest health. Stand age has been implicated as a key factor in driving epiphytic species diversity and community composition. However, understanding the influence of substrate age, independent of the many confounding variables that affect live and dead wood substrates in a forest habitat, can be difficult. To test the hypothesis that substrate age has distinct effects on lichen community assembly independent of surface area, we sampled communities of calicioid lichens and fungi growing on wooden buildings that ranged from 2 to 82 years old. We found a total of 17 species, with a strong positive correlation between species richness and substrate age. We also tested the effects of surface area on species richness and found no relationship between the two variables. Our results indicate that substrate age influenced community composition; non-lichenized calicioid species acted as early colonizers and six calicioid species were recorded only on the oldest substrate. Old-growth associate species were found on substrates of varying ages, implying that additional variables may also be responsible for the colonization of old-growth associate species. Copyright © 2017 by The American Bryological and Lichenological Society, Inc. Close

• 39. [Article] High Latitude Coastal Settlement Patterns: Cape Krusenstern, Alaska

  Why, when, and how people developed highly specialized marine economies remains the focus of considerable anthropological research. Study of maritime adaptations at high latitudes has potential to contribute ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: High Latitude Coastal Settlement Patterns: Cape Krusenstern, Alaska Author: Anderson, Shelby L., Freeburg, Adam Year: 2014 Why, when, and how people developed highly specialized marine economies remains the focus of considerable anthropological research. Study of maritime adaptations at high latitudes has potential to contribute to this debate because low biodiversity and increased resource seasonality at high latitudes made reliance on marine resources particularly risky. New research at the Cape Krusenstern site complex, located in northwest Alaska, offers a rare opportunity to study the evolution of maritime adaptations across the environmentally dynamic mid-to-late Holocene Arctic. Large-scale and systematic survey of this important site complex was undertaken to address questions about the timing and character of early Arctic coastal lifeways. Our research yielded direct dates of 4200 years ago for the oldest occupation of the site complex and identified several new sites dating to between 4200 and 2000 years ago. Results support the existing settlement model, pointing to increased sedentism and local population only after 2000 years ago. New data, however, indicate local population was much higher than previously established and that coastal occupation was sustained over long periods of time despite considerable mid-to-late Holocene paleoenvironmental variability. Together, these findings raise new questions about the evolution of maritime adaptations at high latitudes. Title: High Latitude Coastal Settlement Patterns: Cape Krusenstern, Alaska Author: Anderson, Shelby L., Freeburg, Adam Year: 2014 Why, when, and how people developed highly specialized marine economies remains the focus of considerable anthropological research. Study of maritime adaptations at high latitudes has potential to contribute to this debate because low biodiversity and increased resource seasonality at high latitudes made reliance on marine resources particularly risky. New research at the Cape Krusenstern site complex, located in northwest Alaska, offers a rare opportunity to study the evolution of maritime adaptations across the environmentally dynamic mid-to-late Holocene Arctic. Large-scale and systematic survey of this important site complex was undertaken to address questions about the timing and character of early Arctic coastal lifeways. Our research yielded direct dates of 4200 years ago for the oldest occupation of the site complex and identified several new sites dating to between 4200 and 2000 years ago. Results support the existing settlement model, pointing to increased sedentism and local population only after 2000 years ago. New data, however, indicate local population was much higher than previously established and that coastal occupation was sustained over long periods of time despite considerable mid-to-late Holocene paleoenvironmental variability. Together, these findings raise new questions about the evolution of maritime adaptations at high latitudes. Close

• 40. [Article] Assessing the Impacts of Federal Forest Planning on Wildfire Risk Mitigation in the Pacific Northwest, USA

  We analyzed the impact of amenity and biodiversity protection as mandated in national forest plans on the implementation of hazardous fuel reduction treatments aimed at protecting the wildland urban interface ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Assessing the Impacts of Federal Forest Planning on Wildfire Risk Mitigation in the Pacific Northwest, USA Author: Ager, Alan A., Day, Michelle A., Short, Karen C., Evers, Cody R. Year: 2016 We analyzed the impact of amenity and biodiversity protection as mandated in national forest plans on the implementation of hazardous fuel reduction treatments aimed at protecting the wildland urban interface (WUI) and restoring fire resilient forests. We used simulation modeling to delineate areas on national forests that can potentially transmit fires to adjacent WUI. We then intersected these areas with national forest planning maps to determine where mechanical treatments are allowed for restoration and fire protection, versus areas where they are prohibited. We found that a large proportion of the national forest lands (79%) can spawn fires that burn adjacent WUIs. The bulk of the predicted WUI exposure originated from simulated fires ignited outside of conservation and preservation reserves and in dry forests, rather than moist mixed conifer forests. Thus the notion that fuel buildup in reserves on national forests contributes to wildfire risk in the urban interface was only partially supported by the data for the region studied. Most of the national forest lands that contribute wildfires to the WUI are not within the boundaries of community wildfire protection plans, which may undermine the effectiveness of these planning efforts. We used the spatial data themes developed in the study to map conflicts and opportunities for restoration and mitigation of WUI wildfire risk. The analysis disentangles the spatial complexity of managing landscapes for multiple socio-ecological objectives as part of ongoing restoration programs, collaborative planning, and national forest plan revisions on national forests in the US. Title: Assessing the Impacts of Federal Forest Planning on Wildfire Risk Mitigation in the Pacific Northwest, USA Author: Ager, Alan A., Day, Michelle A., Short, Karen C., Evers, Cody R. Year: 2016 We analyzed the impact of amenity and biodiversity protection as mandated in national forest plans on the implementation of hazardous fuel reduction treatments aimed at protecting the wildland urban interface (WUI) and restoring fire resilient forests. We used simulation modeling to delineate areas on national forests that can potentially transmit fires to adjacent WUI. We then intersected these areas with national forest planning maps to determine where mechanical treatments are allowed for restoration and fire protection, versus areas where they are prohibited. We found that a large proportion of the national forest lands (79%) can spawn fires that burn adjacent WUIs. The bulk of the predicted WUI exposure originated from simulated fires ignited outside of conservation and preservation reserves and in dry forests, rather than moist mixed conifer forests. Thus the notion that fuel buildup in reserves on national forests contributes to wildfire risk in the urban interface was only partially supported by the data for the region studied. Most of the national forest lands that contribute wildfires to the WUI are not within the boundaries of community wildfire protection plans, which may undermine the effectiveness of these planning efforts. We used the spatial data themes developed in the study to map conflicts and opportunities for restoration and mitigation of WUI wildfire risk. The analysis disentangles the spatial complexity of managing landscapes for multiple socio-ecological objectives as part of ongoing restoration programs, collaborative planning, and national forest plan revisions on national forests in the US. Close