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• 1. [Article] Localized Ecological and Educational Effects of Environmental Service-Learning in Portland, Oregon

  Environmental service-learning is an intentional educational experience(s) wherein learners engage in meaningful activities designed to serve the environment. Environmental service-learning activities ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Localized Ecological and Educational Effects of Environmental Service-Learning in Portland, Oregon Author: Braun, Steven Matthew Year: 2015 Environmental service-learning is an intentional educational experience(s) wherein learners engage in meaningful activities designed to serve the environment. Environmental service-learning activities vary according to their learning and service goals and include ecomanagement, persuasion, legal action, economic action and political action. The purpose of this mixed methods research was to explore the ecological and educational impacts of grades 6-12 environmental education, with special attention to environmental service-learning throughout Portland, Oregon. Ecological impacts considered restoration and conservation outcomes of several environmental service-learning programs including plant communities, soils, litter removal and trail maintenance. Educational outcomes considered aspects of environmental literacy including locus of control, environmental sensitivity, indicated environmentally responsible behaviors, investigating environmental issues and knowledge of physical systems. The relative influence of some significant life experiences on youths' response to environmental education, including environmental service-learning, was also considered. Telephone surveys were used to gather data from 22 Portland metropolitan area environmental education programs. Data included 2014 annual biophysical impacts (e.g., area of invasive species removed, pounds of litter removed) and information on programming (e.g., length of program, % time outside). Eleven programs administered a 33-question environmental literacy assessment to participants of their programs (n=393). The assessment included the New Environmental Paradigm, the Inclusion of Nature in Self, questions from Environmental Identity Scale and self-constructed questions. One 8th grade program was identified for a detailed case study. In this 8th grade programs, slight variations in educational activities occurred among three treatment groups which varied the amount of time youth spent engaged in ecomanagement. Youth from the three treatment groups and a control group were administered the environmental literacy assessment at the beginning and end of the program. Qualitative data for the youth in the treatment groups were gathered to further consider how environmental literacy was impacted by participation in the program. Stronger associational correlations to environmental literacy occurred for the percentage of time an environmental education program spent outdoors rather than the percentage of time an environmental education program engaged in environmental service-learning (e.g., "With other people, I can work to make a positive impact on the environment." rho: .276 vs. "I have the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the environment" rho: .176). Random forests indicated that environmental education program features and some significant life experiences could predict collapsed environmental literacy variables (locus of control, environmental sensitivity and environmentally responsible behaviors). 22.4% of the variance in a collapsed environmental sensitivity variable was explained by nine predictor variables; those variables with the strongest influence were youth response to "Before this program, how frequently did you spend time in the outdoors," age and the presence of a positive adult role model who cares for the environment. Youth participating in environmental education programs showed higher environmental literacy than control groups (e.g., "I feel an important part of my life would be missing if I couldn't get out and enjoy nature from time to time" U: 3642.500, p: 0.025). Youth with significant formative life experiences (e.g., those indicating previous environmental education or a positive adult role model that cares for the environment) responded better (higher environmental literacy) to environmental education than those youth without ("I pay special attention to things outdoors" chi 10.633, p: 0.031). This research provides insight on the efficacy of environmental service-learning. Environmental service-learning positively affected environmental literacy, but outdoor environmental education was more effective in terms of environmental literacy. Results corroborate the body of literature regarding significant life experiences. Further, results suggest that significant life experiences are a critical development milestone necessary for youth to respond to environmental education on a developmental trajectory to empowered environmentally literate citizens. Title: Localized Ecological and Educational Effects of Environmental Service-Learning in Portland, Oregon Author: Braun, Steven Matthew Year: 2015 Environmental service-learning is an intentional educational experience(s) wherein learners engage in meaningful activities designed to serve the environment. Environmental service-learning activities vary according to their learning and service goals and include ecomanagement, persuasion, legal action, economic action and political action. The purpose of this mixed methods research was to explore the ecological and educational impacts of grades 6-12 environmental education, with special attention to environmental service-learning throughout Portland, Oregon. Ecological impacts considered restoration and conservation outcomes of several environmental service-learning programs including plant communities, soils, litter removal and trail maintenance. Educational outcomes considered aspects of environmental literacy including locus of control, environmental sensitivity, indicated environmentally responsible behaviors, investigating environmental issues and knowledge of physical systems. The relative influence of some significant life experiences on youths' response to environmental education, including environmental service-learning, was also considered. Telephone surveys were used to gather data from 22 Portland metropolitan area environmental education programs. Data included 2014 annual biophysical impacts (e.g., area of invasive species removed, pounds of litter removed) and information on programming (e.g., length of program, % time outside). Eleven programs administered a 33-question environmental literacy assessment to participants of their programs (n=393). The assessment included the New Environmental Paradigm, the Inclusion of Nature in Self, questions from Environmental Identity Scale and self-constructed questions. One 8th grade program was identified for a detailed case study. In this 8th grade programs, slight variations in educational activities occurred among three treatment groups which varied the amount of time youth spent engaged in ecomanagement. Youth from the three treatment groups and a control group were administered the environmental literacy assessment at the beginning and end of the program. Qualitative data for the youth in the treatment groups were gathered to further consider how environmental literacy was impacted by participation in the program. Stronger associational correlations to environmental literacy occurred for the percentage of time an environmental education program spent outdoors rather than the percentage of time an environmental education program engaged in environmental service-learning (e.g., "With other people, I can work to make a positive impact on the environment." rho: .276 vs. "I have the skills necessary to make a positive impact on the environment" rho: .176). Random forests indicated that environmental education program features and some significant life experiences could predict collapsed environmental literacy variables (locus of control, environmental sensitivity and environmentally responsible behaviors). 22.4% of the variance in a collapsed environmental sensitivity variable was explained by nine predictor variables; those variables with the strongest influence were youth response to "Before this program, how frequently did you spend time in the outdoors," age and the presence of a positive adult role model who cares for the environment. Youth participating in environmental education programs showed higher environmental literacy than control groups (e.g., "I feel an important part of my life would be missing if I couldn't get out and enjoy nature from time to time" U: 3642.500, p: 0.025). Youth with significant formative life experiences (e.g., those indicating previous environmental education or a positive adult role model that cares for the environment) responded better (higher environmental literacy) to environmental education than those youth without ("I pay special attention to things outdoors" chi 10.633, p: 0.031). This research provides insight on the efficacy of environmental service-learning. Environmental service-learning positively affected environmental literacy, but outdoor environmental education was more effective in terms of environmental literacy. Results corroborate the body of literature regarding significant life experiences. Further, results suggest that significant life experiences are a critical development milestone necessary for youth to respond to environmental education on a developmental trajectory to empowered environmentally literate citizens. Close

• 2. [Article] Predator Exclosures, Predator Removal, and Habitat Improvement Increase Nest Success of Snowy Plovers in Oregon, USA

  Management to increase reproductive success is commonly used to aid recovery of threatened and endangered species. The Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) breeds from coastal Washington, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Predator Exclosures, Predator Removal, and Habitat Improvement Increase Nest Success of Snowy Plovers in Oregon, USA Author: Dinsmore, Stephen J., Lauten, David J., Castelein, Kathleen J., Gaines, Eleanor P., Stern, Mark A. Year: 2014 Management to increase reproductive success is commonly used to aid recovery of threatened and endangered species. The Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) breeds from coastal Washington, USA, to Baja California, Mexico, and in disjunct interior sites. The Pacific coast population is federally listed as Threatened; habitat loss and nest loss to a suite of terrestrial and avian predators are thought to be primary factors limiting population growth in this species. In coastal Oregon, USA, a consortium of state and federal management agencies deployed nest exclosures on active Snowy Plover nests, initiated a lethal predator management program, and conducted local-scale habitat management in an effort to boost local productivity. During 1990–2009, we monitored 1,951 Snowy Plover nests at 9 sites with varying treatments. We examined the effectiveness of 3 types of nest exclosures (large, small, and outfitted with electric wire), predator removal, and habitat management on nest survival. Habitat management to remove invasive grasses and provide more suitable nesting substrate more than doubled nest survival. Predator management or use of any of the 3 types of exclosures also affected nest survival. There appeared to be no additional benefit to using both approaches, but the biological relevance of these findings is unclear because of site differences in treatments applied. Importantly, these management techniques only affected nesting success; their effect on other contributions to population viability (e.g., fledging success) was not correlated with nesting success. This long-term study illustrates the short-term benefits and tradeoffs of using nest exclosures, predator management, and habitat restoration to improve nesting success. Although we gained broader insight into the relative efficacy of common management techniques to improve avian nesting success, we cannot yet determine how improved nest success contributes to population growth. Title: Predator Exclosures, Predator Removal, and Habitat Improvement Increase Nest Success of Snowy Plovers in Oregon, USA Author: Dinsmore, Stephen J., Lauten, David J., Castelein, Kathleen J., Gaines, Eleanor P., Stern, Mark A. Year: 2014 Management to increase reproductive success is commonly used to aid recovery of threatened and endangered species. The Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) breeds from coastal Washington, USA, to Baja California, Mexico, and in disjunct interior sites. The Pacific coast population is federally listed as Threatened; habitat loss and nest loss to a suite of terrestrial and avian predators are thought to be primary factors limiting population growth in this species. In coastal Oregon, USA, a consortium of state and federal management agencies deployed nest exclosures on active Snowy Plover nests, initiated a lethal predator management program, and conducted local-scale habitat management in an effort to boost local productivity. During 1990–2009, we monitored 1,951 Snowy Plover nests at 9 sites with varying treatments. We examined the effectiveness of 3 types of nest exclosures (large, small, and outfitted with electric wire), predator removal, and habitat management on nest survival. Habitat management to remove invasive grasses and provide more suitable nesting substrate more than doubled nest survival. Predator management or use of any of the 3 types of exclosures also affected nest survival. There appeared to be no additional benefit to using both approaches, but the biological relevance of these findings is unclear because of site differences in treatments applied. Importantly, these management techniques only affected nesting success; their effect on other contributions to population viability (e.g., fledging success) was not correlated with nesting success. This long-term study illustrates the short-term benefits and tradeoffs of using nest exclosures, predator management, and habitat restoration to improve nesting success. Although we gained broader insight into the relative efficacy of common management techniques to improve avian nesting success, we cannot yet determine how improved nest success contributes to population growth. Close

• 3. [Article] Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detects the Invasive Crayfishes Orconectes rusticus and Pacifastacus leniusculus in Large Lakes of North America

  We report results of a study that made reciprocal comparisons of environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for two major invasive crayfishes between their disparate invasive ranges in North America. Specifically, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detects the Invasive Crayfishes Orconectes rusticus and Pacifastacus leniusculus in Large Lakes of North America Author: Larson, Eric R., Renshaw, Mark A., Gantz, Crysta A., Umek, John, Chandra, Sudeep, Lodge, David M., Egan, Scott P. Year: 2017 We report results of a study that made reciprocal comparisons of environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for two major invasive crayfishes between their disparate invasive ranges in North America. Specifically, we tested for range expansions of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) into the Laurentian Great Lakes region known to be invaded by the rusty crayfish Orconectes rusticus (Girard, 1852), as well as for the invasion of O. rusticus into large lakes of California and Nevada, US known to be invaded by P. leniusculus. We compared eDNA detections to historic localities for O. rusticus within the Great Lakes, and to recent sampling for presence/absence and relative abundance of P. leniusculus in California and Nevada via overnight sets of baited traps. We successfully detected O. rusticus eDNA at six sites from the Great Lakes and P. leniusculus from six of seven lakes where it was known to occur in California and Nevada, but did not detect any range expansions by either species across the North American continent. eDNA appears suitable to detect benthic arthropods from exceptionally large lakes, and will likely be useful in applications for monitoring of new biological invasions into these and other freshwater and marine habitats. Title: Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detects the Invasive Crayfishes Orconectes rusticus and Pacifastacus leniusculus in Large Lakes of North America Author: Larson, Eric R., Renshaw, Mark A., Gantz, Crysta A., Umek, John, Chandra, Sudeep, Lodge, David M., Egan, Scott P. Year: 2017 We report results of a study that made reciprocal comparisons of environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for two major invasive crayfishes between their disparate invasive ranges in North America. Specifically, we tested for range expansions of the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) into the Laurentian Great Lakes region known to be invaded by the rusty crayfish Orconectes rusticus (Girard, 1852), as well as for the invasion of O. rusticus into large lakes of California and Nevada, US known to be invaded by P. leniusculus. We compared eDNA detections to historic localities for O. rusticus within the Great Lakes, and to recent sampling for presence/absence and relative abundance of P. leniusculus in California and Nevada via overnight sets of baited traps. We successfully detected O. rusticus eDNA at six sites from the Great Lakes and P. leniusculus from six of seven lakes where it was known to occur in California and Nevada, but did not detect any range expansions by either species across the North American continent. eDNA appears suitable to detect benthic arthropods from exceptionally large lakes, and will likely be useful in applications for monitoring of new biological invasions into these and other freshwater and marine habitats. Close

• 4. [Article] Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure

  Coastal anthropogenic infrastructure has significantly modified nearshore environments. Because these structures often have a strong association with shipping as would be found in ports and harbors, they ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure Author: McClees, Whitney Elizabeth Year: 2017 Coastal anthropogenic infrastructure has significantly modified nearshore environments. Because these structures often have a strong association with shipping as would be found in ports and harbors, they have been identified as invasion hotspots. Due to propagule pressure from shipping and recreational boating and suitable uncolonized substrate that provides a refuge from native predators, a greater number of non-native species have been found on these structures compared to nearby natural substrate. The mechanisms that limit the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate have been explored for several taxa at a species-specific level, but less so from an overall community perspective. Predation has been identified as one of the biotic interactions limiting invasion success. In addition to predation, dispersal ability may also prevent the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate. This thesis addresses how these two mechanisms interact to limit the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate and how that alters overall community composition. I aimed to explore differences between communities inside and outside of a marina and determine the extent to which predator and dispersal limitation were structuring these communities. I used a three-factor design, deploying seven unglazed ceramic tiles per each treatment combination of 1) in versus outside a marina in Yaquina Bay, Oregon; 2) cage keeping out predators greater than the mesh size, no cage, or partial cage; 3) fixed near the substrata (benthic) versus suspended 1 meter below the surface. I also transplanted caged, suspended tiles of either adults or recruits from inside the marina to benthic and suspended caging treatments outside of the marina. These tiles allowed me to examine predation when dispersal limitation was not a factor for the community inside the marina, i.e. what happens to both recruits and adults if they can get outside of the marina. I found that the communities inside and outside of the marina were different and the data suggest that both predation and dispersal limitation interact to limit the spread of non-native species. Additionally, I found that mesopredators that could fit through the caging may be influencing predation results and community structure. This research addresses gaps in scientific knowledge regarding the mechanisms that prevent or facilitate the spread of non-native species. Future work could include the further exploration of mesopredation as an important factor in limiting the spread of non-native species and exploring dispersal limitation more in depth as well as broadening the geographic scope to see if the same trends hold true across bays and bioregions. Title: Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure Author: McClees, Whitney Elizabeth Year: 2017 Coastal anthropogenic infrastructure has significantly modified nearshore environments. Because these structures often have a strong association with shipping as would be found in ports and harbors, they have been identified as invasion hotspots. Due to propagule pressure from shipping and recreational boating and suitable uncolonized substrate that provides a refuge from native predators, a greater number of non-native species have been found on these structures compared to nearby natural substrate. The mechanisms that limit the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate have been explored for several taxa at a species-specific level, but less so from an overall community perspective. Predation has been identified as one of the biotic interactions limiting invasion success. In addition to predation, dispersal ability may also prevent the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate. This thesis addresses how these two mechanisms interact to limit the spread of non-native species from anthropogenic structures to natural substrate and how that alters overall community composition. I aimed to explore differences between communities inside and outside of a marina and determine the extent to which predator and dispersal limitation were structuring these communities. I used a three-factor design, deploying seven unglazed ceramic tiles per each treatment combination of 1) in versus outside a marina in Yaquina Bay, Oregon; 2) cage keeping out predators greater than the mesh size, no cage, or partial cage; 3) fixed near the substrata (benthic) versus suspended 1 meter below the surface. I also transplanted caged, suspended tiles of either adults or recruits from inside the marina to benthic and suspended caging treatments outside of the marina. These tiles allowed me to examine predation when dispersal limitation was not a factor for the community inside the marina, i.e. what happens to both recruits and adults if they can get outside of the marina. I found that the communities inside and outside of the marina were different and the data suggest that both predation and dispersal limitation interact to limit the spread of non-native species. Additionally, I found that mesopredators that could fit through the caging may be influencing predation results and community structure. This research addresses gaps in scientific knowledge regarding the mechanisms that prevent or facilitate the spread of non-native species. Future work could include the further exploration of mesopredation as an important factor in limiting the spread of non-native species and exploring dispersal limitation more in depth as well as broadening the geographic scope to see if the same trends hold true across bays and bioregions. Close

• 5. [Article] Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report

  The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report Author: Jordan, Meredith, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake water quality. The aquatic invasive species chosen as Watch List priorities for the OLW are based on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List (Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Program 2014) as well as professional judgement (more information can be found in Oregon Lake Watch Final Report 2014). This report summarizes the data collected by 15 of 24 OLW volunteers over 2014, across 110 sampling events and 20 Oregon lakes. Data collected by trained volunteers includes sightings of both native and aquatic invasive plants and animals, as well as recordings of lake temperature profiles, and Secchi depth, a measure of clarity. Of the 16 original water bodies surveyed in OLW’s first year (2013), 12 were surveyed again in 2014, and 8 are new waterbodies. Long-term monitoring of these lakes provides valuable information over time, and expanding the number of lakes monitored, especially in the case of monitoring for invasive species, means that more potentially harmful invasions can be stopped sooner. Ideally, the OLW will continue to monitor these current lakes, and expand their volunteer network to cover more waterbodies across Oregon as this program continues to grow. Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2014 Annual Report Author: Jordan, Meredith, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program is now in its second year of operation, continuing its focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), with a secondary focus on lake water quality. The aquatic invasive species chosen as Watch List priorities for the OLW are based on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed List (Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Program 2014) as well as professional judgement (more information can be found in Oregon Lake Watch Final Report 2014). This report summarizes the data collected by 15 of 24 OLW volunteers over 2014, across 110 sampling events and 20 Oregon lakes. Data collected by trained volunteers includes sightings of both native and aquatic invasive plants and animals, as well as recordings of lake temperature profiles, and Secchi depth, a measure of clarity. Of the 16 original water bodies surveyed in OLW’s first year (2013), 12 were surveyed again in 2014, and 8 are new waterbodies. Long-term monitoring of these lakes provides valuable information over time, and expanding the number of lakes monitored, especially in the case of monitoring for invasive species, means that more potentially harmful invasions can be stopped sooner. Ideally, the OLW will continue to monitor these current lakes, and expand their volunteer network to cover more waterbodies across Oregon as this program continues to grow. Close

• 6. [Article] OSMB Final Report: Task 6. Tenmile Lake Boat Wash Effectiveness Monitoring

  Public awareness of aquatic invasive species and proper boat cleaning procedures may prove to be beneficial in reducing the transport and establishment of aquatic invasive species like New Zealand mud ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 6. Tenmile Lake Boat Wash Effectiveness Monitoring Author: Cimino, Samuel, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2014 Public awareness of aquatic invasive species and proper boat cleaning procedures may prove to be beneficial in reducing the transport and establishment of aquatic invasive species like New Zealand mud snails and zebra and quagga mussels as well as hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil. The primary objectives of this research project were to observe the use and determine the efficacy of a public boat wash station as well as increase the public’s awareness of proper boat cleaning procedures and aquatic invasive species. The Tenmile Lakes Basin Partnership, Oregon State Marine Board, and the United States Forest Service (USFS) have undertaken an initiative to increase public awareness of invasive species and proper cleaning procedures by building a boat wash station at the Tenmile Lake public boat launch. In the summer of 2012, 199 qualitative human subject surveys were administered at Tenmile Lake in Lakeside, Oregon to boaters on their boating habits and knowledge of invasive species prior to building the boat wash (“pre-boat wash”). An extension of the 2012 study was conducted in the summer of 2013 on 200 boaters after the completion of the Tenmile Lake boat wash station (“post-boat wash”). Comparisons were made on the observations and answers of boaters prior to and after the boat wash installation. Of the boaters surveyed in the pre-boat wash field season, 75.9% of boaters claimed they would use a boat wash station at Tenmile Lake. The actual use of the boat wash station based on observations made by the field researcher during the post-boat wash field season indicated only 38.5% of surveyed boaters used the station. Furthermore, more than 20% of boaters could not verbally identify an invasive species in either field season when asked their awareness of aquatic invasive species. However, the majority of boaters surveyed at Tenmile Lake in the pre-boat wash field season (63.3%) and post-boat wash field season (66%) were aware of the phrase “Clean, Drain, Dry”. These results identify a disconnect in what boaters say and what boaters do and the knowledge gaps boaters have on aquatic invasive species, but these results also identify a growing awareness of proper boat cleaning procedures. Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 6. Tenmile Lake Boat Wash Effectiveness Monitoring Author: Cimino, Samuel, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2014 Public awareness of aquatic invasive species and proper boat cleaning procedures may prove to be beneficial in reducing the transport and establishment of aquatic invasive species like New Zealand mud snails and zebra and quagga mussels as well as hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil. The primary objectives of this research project were to observe the use and determine the efficacy of a public boat wash station as well as increase the public’s awareness of proper boat cleaning procedures and aquatic invasive species. The Tenmile Lakes Basin Partnership, Oregon State Marine Board, and the United States Forest Service (USFS) have undertaken an initiative to increase public awareness of invasive species and proper cleaning procedures by building a boat wash station at the Tenmile Lake public boat launch. In the summer of 2012, 199 qualitative human subject surveys were administered at Tenmile Lake in Lakeside, Oregon to boaters on their boating habits and knowledge of invasive species prior to building the boat wash (“pre-boat wash”). An extension of the 2012 study was conducted in the summer of 2013 on 200 boaters after the completion of the Tenmile Lake boat wash station (“post-boat wash”). Comparisons were made on the observations and answers of boaters prior to and after the boat wash installation. Of the boaters surveyed in the pre-boat wash field season, 75.9% of boaters claimed they would use a boat wash station at Tenmile Lake. The actual use of the boat wash station based on observations made by the field researcher during the post-boat wash field season indicated only 38.5% of surveyed boaters used the station. Furthermore, more than 20% of boaters could not verbally identify an invasive species in either field season when asked their awareness of aquatic invasive species. However, the majority of boaters surveyed at Tenmile Lake in the pre-boat wash field season (63.3%) and post-boat wash field season (66%) were aware of the phrase “Clean, Drain, Dry”. These results identify a disconnect in what boaters say and what boaters do and the knowledge gaps boaters have on aquatic invasive species, but these results also identify a growing awareness of proper boat cleaning procedures. Close

• 7. [Article] Oregon Lake Watch, 2015 Annual Report

  The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program completed its third year of operation during 2015 with a focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and water quality status and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2015 Annual Report Author: Cimino, Samuel, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program completed its third year of operation during 2015 with a focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and water quality status and trend assessments for the better management of Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs. AIS surveys emphasized the detection of Watch List aquatic plant and species that can have a negative impacts on the beneficial uses of our waterbodies. Water transparency and temperature measurements were used to track the condition of volunteers' lakes. Thirty-one Oregon lakes have been surveyed during the OLW’s three years, 16 of which were surveyed during 2015. Seven lakes have been surveyed all three years and seven more have been surveyed two of the three years. Four Watch List plant and one animal species were found during 2015. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was found in three lakes, Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) and curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) were each found in two lakes, and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) was found in one lake. Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were found in one lake. A diverse array of native plants were found along with native signal crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus). Water quality ranged from eutrophic to oligotrophic conditions based on water transparency and water temperatures ranged as high as 28°C (82°F). More years of data collection are necessary to track water quality trends. Title: Oregon Lake Watch, 2015 Annual Report Author: Cimino, Samuel, Miller, Rich, Strecker, Angela L. Year: 2015 The Oregon Lake Watch (OLW) volunteer monitoring program completed its third year of operation during 2015 with a focus on early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and water quality status and trend assessments for the better management of Oregon’s lakes and reservoirs. AIS surveys emphasized the detection of Watch List aquatic plant and species that can have a negative impacts on the beneficial uses of our waterbodies. Water transparency and temperature measurements were used to track the condition of volunteers' lakes. Thirty-one Oregon lakes have been surveyed during the OLW’s three years, 16 of which were surveyed during 2015. Seven lakes have been surveyed all three years and seven more have been surveyed two of the three years. Four Watch List plant and one animal species were found during 2015. Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was found in three lakes, Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa) and curly leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) were each found in two lakes, and yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) was found in one lake. Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) were found in one lake. A diverse array of native plants were found along with native signal crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus). Water quality ranged from eutrophic to oligotrophic conditions based on water transparency and water temperatures ranged as high as 28°C (82°F). More years of data collection are necessary to track water quality trends. Close

• 8. [Article] Community level impacts associated with the invasion of English ivy (Hedera spp.) in Forest Park: a look at the impacts of ivy on community composition and soil moisture.

  Invasive species degrade ecosystems by altering natural processes and decreasing the abundance and diversity of native flora. Communities with major fluctuations in resource supply allow invasive species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Community level impacts associated with the invasion of English ivy (Hedera spp.) in Forest Park: a look at the impacts of ivy on community composition and soil moisture. Author: Copp, Sara Rose Year: 2014 Invasive species degrade ecosystems by altering natural processes and decreasing the abundance and diversity of native flora. Communities with major fluctuations in resource supply allow invasive species to exploit limiting resources making the community prone to invasion. In the Pacific Northwest, urban forests characterized with limited light and seasonally limited soil moisture are being dominated by nonnative English ivy (Hedera spp). Three observational studies were conducted in the Southern end of Forest Park within the Balch Creek Subwatershed in Portland, Oregon in order to understand 1) how English ivy changes over three growing seasons, 2) how the native understory composition responds to English ivy, 3) if the dominance of English ivy reduces soil moisture to neighboring plants, 4) how English ivy and two co-occurring native herbs (Hydrophyllum tenuipes and Vancouveria hexandra) physiologically respond to seasonal changes in soil moisture. Percent cover of the understory community was collected in both 2010 and 2013 growing seasons in 54 plots in order to understand the change in cover over time. Community response and the relationship with soil moisture was analyzed using percent cover of the understory community and associated environmental variables including soil moisture collected in 128 plots during the 2013 field season. Finally, 15 plots with co-occurring Hedera spp, H. tenuipes and V. hexandra were sampled for stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, and associated environmental variables. Results show ivy cover increases on average 14% between 2010 and 2013 while native understory cover increased on average < 1%. Once ivy forms dense cover over 44% there is a reduction of native richness, diversity and herb cover while also an increase in available soil moisture and deciduous canopy cover. There were disparate impacts to different functional groups and between species. As functional group, the herbaceous community was the most impacted by ivy invasion. The shrubs and fern community had a variable response to ivy invasion. Many of the fern and shrub species least impacted by ivy also had associations with high soil moisture and deciduous canopy cover. Finally, data suggests that ivy does not take advantage of seasonally limiting soil moisture to invade the understory community. This study indicates that English ivy is both efficient at water use and may have the ability to obtain water from distant locations throughout the forest. Once established, ivy has the ability to alter the community composition. Ivy removal and habitat restoration are essential in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity in Forest Park. Title: Community level impacts associated with the invasion of English ivy (Hedera spp.) in Forest Park: a look at the impacts of ivy on community composition and soil moisture. Author: Copp, Sara Rose Year: 2014 Invasive species degrade ecosystems by altering natural processes and decreasing the abundance and diversity of native flora. Communities with major fluctuations in resource supply allow invasive species to exploit limiting resources making the community prone to invasion. In the Pacific Northwest, urban forests characterized with limited light and seasonally limited soil moisture are being dominated by nonnative English ivy (Hedera spp). Three observational studies were conducted in the Southern end of Forest Park within the Balch Creek Subwatershed in Portland, Oregon in order to understand 1) how English ivy changes over three growing seasons, 2) how the native understory composition responds to English ivy, 3) if the dominance of English ivy reduces soil moisture to neighboring plants, 4) how English ivy and two co-occurring native herbs (Hydrophyllum tenuipes and Vancouveria hexandra) physiologically respond to seasonal changes in soil moisture. Percent cover of the understory community was collected in both 2010 and 2013 growing seasons in 54 plots in order to understand the change in cover over time. Community response and the relationship with soil moisture was analyzed using percent cover of the understory community and associated environmental variables including soil moisture collected in 128 plots during the 2013 field season. Finally, 15 plots with co-occurring Hedera spp, H. tenuipes and V. hexandra were sampled for stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, and associated environmental variables. Results show ivy cover increases on average 14% between 2010 and 2013 while native understory cover increased on average < 1%. Once ivy forms dense cover over 44% there is a reduction of native richness, diversity and herb cover while also an increase in available soil moisture and deciduous canopy cover. There were disparate impacts to different functional groups and between species. As functional group, the herbaceous community was the most impacted by ivy invasion. The shrubs and fern community had a variable response to ivy invasion. Many of the fern and shrub species least impacted by ivy also had associations with high soil moisture and deciduous canopy cover. Finally, data suggests that ivy does not take advantage of seasonally limiting soil moisture to invade the understory community. This study indicates that English ivy is both efficient at water use and may have the ability to obtain water from distant locations throughout the forest. Once established, ivy has the ability to alter the community composition. Ivy removal and habitat restoration are essential in order to maintain and enhance biodiversity in Forest Park. Close

• 9. [Article] Informal Trails and the Spread of Invasive Species in Urban Natural Areas: Spatial Analysis of Informal Trails and their Effects on Understory Plant Communities in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon

  The risk of spread and establishment of invasive species to interior habitat within urban parks is of great concern to park managers and ecologists. Informal trails as a vector for this transmission are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Informal Trails and the Spread of Invasive Species in Urban Natural Areas: Spatial Analysis of Informal Trails and their Effects on Understory Plant Communities in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon Author: Van Winkle, Jill Elise Year: 2014 The risk of spread and establishment of invasive species to interior habitat within urban parks is of great concern to park managers and ecologists. Informal trails as a vector for this transmission are not well understood. To characterize effects of informal trails on understory plant communities, I conducted a study of the informal trail network in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon. The system of 382 informal trails was mapped and evaluated qualitatively, and from this population a systematic sample was selected for analysis. To identify hotspots of informal trail activity, showing the relationship of informal trails to formal trails, other park features, and trail use level, I evaluated all mapped trails using line density spatial analysis tools. To characterize understory communities, thirty transects were placed along informal trails, with paired transects along nearby formal trails for comparison. I measured percent cover by species for non-graminoid understory plants, and percent total plant cover at different structural layers, for quadrats at regular intervals from the trail edge. I calculated richness and Shannon-Weaver diversity for non-graminoid understory plants. For community analysis, species were grouped by dispersal strategy, native status, and growth form. Observations from system mapping suggest that "hidden" behaviors drive many informal trails: bathroom stops, party spots, waste dumping, and camps make up 28% of all informal trails. Trails to private property are few but represent over 29% of total trail length. Informal trail density is highest along Balch Creek. Hotspots of informal trail presence are associated with trailheads, trail intersections, and water access. Quadrats located within one meter of informal trails showed higher richness and diversity due to increased number of introduced and ruderal species. Formal trails exhibit these same patterns to a stronger degree and over a greater distance (two meters) from the trail edge. Distance from trail edge explained variation in plant communities when grouped by dispersal type, but not by growth form. This study shows that although informal trails are widely distributed throughout the park, they are concentrated in high use areas. The presence of informal trails leads to significant changes in Forest Park plant communities that favor invasive and ruderal species, but these effects appear limited to two meters from the trail edge. Title: Informal Trails and the Spread of Invasive Species in Urban Natural Areas: Spatial Analysis of Informal Trails and their Effects on Understory Plant Communities in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon Author: Van Winkle, Jill Elise Year: 2014 The risk of spread and establishment of invasive species to interior habitat within urban parks is of great concern to park managers and ecologists. Informal trails as a vector for this transmission are not well understood. To characterize effects of informal trails on understory plant communities, I conducted a study of the informal trail network in Forest Park, Portland, Oregon. The system of 382 informal trails was mapped and evaluated qualitatively, and from this population a systematic sample was selected for analysis. To identify hotspots of informal trail activity, showing the relationship of informal trails to formal trails, other park features, and trail use level, I evaluated all mapped trails using line density spatial analysis tools. To characterize understory communities, thirty transects were placed along informal trails, with paired transects along nearby formal trails for comparison. I measured percent cover by species for non-graminoid understory plants, and percent total plant cover at different structural layers, for quadrats at regular intervals from the trail edge. I calculated richness and Shannon-Weaver diversity for non-graminoid understory plants. For community analysis, species were grouped by dispersal strategy, native status, and growth form. Observations from system mapping suggest that "hidden" behaviors drive many informal trails: bathroom stops, party spots, waste dumping, and camps make up 28% of all informal trails. Trails to private property are few but represent over 29% of total trail length. Informal trail density is highest along Balch Creek. Hotspots of informal trail presence are associated with trailheads, trail intersections, and water access. Quadrats located within one meter of informal trails showed higher richness and diversity due to increased number of introduced and ruderal species. Formal trails exhibit these same patterns to a stronger degree and over a greater distance (two meters) from the trail edge. Distance from trail edge explained variation in plant communities when grouped by dispersal type, but not by growth form. This study shows that although informal trails are widely distributed throughout the park, they are concentrated in high use areas. The presence of informal trails leads to significant changes in Forest Park plant communities that favor invasive and ruderal species, but these effects appear limited to two meters from the trail edge. Close

• 10. [Article] An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington

  Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington Author: Ramsey, Greer Stewart Year: 2014 Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological restoration, it also represents a major disturbance to an area. Previous research has shown that native species do not survive as well at these disturbed sites, and invasive species often dominate. This study examines the vegetation response in the drained reservoir area after the removal of Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, a tributary to the Wind River in southern Washington. Transects were established and quadrats were sampled to determine the plant classifications and cover of vegetation and to examine possible correlations between environmental variables and the spatial distribution of plant classification groups. Sampling took place in the third and fourth years following dam removal, and the data was analyzed to determine significant changes and relationships. The results of this study showed that the site was dominated by a volunteer native forb Lotus purshianus (Spanish clover) and a planted native tree Alnus rubra (red alder). Most of the other species found were native volunteer forbs and grasses characteristic of early succession in this region. Both invasive species and planted species, with the exception of Alnus rubra, had low canopy covers. There was a significant increase in native plant canopy cover, as well as total canopy cover, from 2012 to 2013. There were also significant relationships between plant classification groups and environmental variables, including soil infiltration, elevation, and distance from stream. This study will help inform resource managers about the kinds of plants that will volunteer after dam removals and the possible success of re-vegetation projects. Title: An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington Author: Ramsey, Greer Stewart Year: 2014 Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological restoration, it also represents a major disturbance to an area. Previous research has shown that native species do not survive as well at these disturbed sites, and invasive species often dominate. This study examines the vegetation response in the drained reservoir area after the removal of Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, a tributary to the Wind River in southern Washington. Transects were established and quadrats were sampled to determine the plant classifications and cover of vegetation and to examine possible correlations between environmental variables and the spatial distribution of plant classification groups. Sampling took place in the third and fourth years following dam removal, and the data was analyzed to determine significant changes and relationships. The results of this study showed that the site was dominated by a volunteer native forb Lotus purshianus (Spanish clover) and a planted native tree Alnus rubra (red alder). Most of the other species found were native volunteer forbs and grasses characteristic of early succession in this region. Both invasive species and planted species, with the exception of Alnus rubra, had low canopy covers. There was a significant increase in native plant canopy cover, as well as total canopy cover, from 2012 to 2013. There were also significant relationships between plant classification groups and environmental variables, including soil infiltration, elevation, and distance from stream. This study will help inform resource managers about the kinds of plants that will volunteer after dam removals and the possible success of re-vegetation projects. Close