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• 1. [Article] Combining and Aggregating Environmental Data for Status and Trend Assessments: Challenges and Approaches

  Increasingly, natural resource management agencies and nongovernmental organizations are sharing monitoring data across geographic and jurisdictional boundaries. Doing so improves their abilities to assess ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Combining and Aggregating Environmental Data for Status and Trend Assessments: Challenges and Approaches Author: Maas-Hebner, Kathleen G., Harte, Michael, Molina, Nancy, Hughes, Robert M., Schreck, Carl B., Yeakley, J. Alan Year: 2015 Increasingly, natural resource management agencies and nongovernmental organizations are sharing monitoring data across geographic and jurisdictional boundaries. Doing so improves their abilities to assess local-, regional-, and landscape-level environmental conditions, particularly status and trends, and to improve their ability to make short-and long-term management decisions. Status monitoring assesses the current condition of a population or environmental condition across an area. Monitoring for trends aims at monitoring changes in populations or environmental condition through time. We wrote this paper to inform agency and nongovernmental organization managers, analysts, and consultants regarding the kinds of environmental data that can be combined with suitable techniques and statistically aggregated for new assessments. By doing so, they can increase the (1) use of available data and (2) the validity and reliability of the assessments. Increased awareness of the difficulties inherent in combining and aggregating data for local-and regional-level analyses can increase the likelihood that future monitoring efforts will be modified and/or planned to accommodate data from multiple sources. Title: Combining and Aggregating Environmental Data for Status and Trend Assessments: Challenges and Approaches Author: Maas-Hebner, Kathleen G., Harte, Michael, Molina, Nancy, Hughes, Robert M., Schreck, Carl B., Yeakley, J. Alan Year: 2015 Increasingly, natural resource management agencies and nongovernmental organizations are sharing monitoring data across geographic and jurisdictional boundaries. Doing so improves their abilities to assess local-, regional-, and landscape-level environmental conditions, particularly status and trends, and to improve their ability to make short-and long-term management decisions. Status monitoring assesses the current condition of a population or environmental condition across an area. Monitoring for trends aims at monitoring changes in populations or environmental condition through time. We wrote this paper to inform agency and nongovernmental organization managers, analysts, and consultants regarding the kinds of environmental data that can be combined with suitable techniques and statistically aggregated for new assessments. By doing so, they can increase the (1) use of available data and (2) the validity and reliability of the assessments. Increased awareness of the difficulties inherent in combining and aggregating data for local-and regional-level analyses can increase the likelihood that future monitoring efforts will be modified and/or planned to accommodate data from multiple sources. Close

• 2. [Article] A Strategy for Monitoring Glaciers

  Glaciers are important features in the hydrologic cycle and affect the volume, variability, and water quality of runoff. Assessing and predicting the effect of glaciers on water resources require a monitoring ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Strategy for Monitoring Glaciers Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Krimmel, Robert M., Trabant, Dennis C. Year: 1997 Glaciers are important features in the hydrologic cycle and affect the volume, variability, and water quality of runoff. Assessing and predicting the effect of glaciers on water resources require a monitoring program to provide basic data for this understanding. The monitoring program of the U.S. Geological Survey employs a nested approach whereby an intensively studied glacier is surrounded by less intensively studied glaciers and those monitored solely by remote sensing. Ideally, each glacierized region of the United States would have such a network of glaciers. The intensively studied glacier provides a detailed understanding of the physical processes and their temporal changes that control the mass exchange of the glaciers in that region. The less intensively studied glaciers are used to assess the variability of such processes within the region. Title: A Strategy for Monitoring Glaciers Author: Fountain, Andrew G., Krimmel, Robert M., Trabant, Dennis C. Year: 1997 Glaciers are important features in the hydrologic cycle and affect the volume, variability, and water quality of runoff. Assessing and predicting the effect of glaciers on water resources require a monitoring program to provide basic data for this understanding. The monitoring program of the U.S. Geological Survey employs a nested approach whereby an intensively studied glacier is surrounded by less intensively studied glaciers and those monitored solely by remote sensing. Ideally, each glacierized region of the United States would have such a network of glaciers. The intensively studied glacier provides a detailed understanding of the physical processes and their temporal changes that control the mass exchange of the glaciers in that region. The less intensively studied glaciers are used to assess the variability of such processes within the region. Close

• 3. [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

• 4. [Article] The Value of Long-Term Stream Invertebrate Data Collected by Citizen Scientists

  The purpose of this investigation was to systematically examine the variability associated with temporally-oriented invertebrate data collected by citizen scientists and consider the value of such data ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Value of Long-Term Stream Invertebrate Data Collected by Citizen Scientists Author: Edwards, Patrick Michael Year: 2016 The purpose of this investigation was to systematically examine the variability associated with temporally-oriented invertebrate data collected by citizen scientists and consider the value of such data for use in stream management. Variability in invertebrate data was estimated for three sources of variation: sampling, within-reach spatial and long-term temporal. Long-term temporal data were also evaluated using ordinations and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Through two separate investigations over an 11-year study period, participants collected more than 400 within-reach samples during 44 sampling events at three streams in the western United States. Within-reach invertebrate abundance coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.44–0.50 with approximately 62% of the observed variation strictly due to sampling. Long-term temporal CV ranged from 0.31–0.36 with 27–30% of the observed variation in invertebrate abundance related to climate conditions (El Niño strength) and sampling year. Ordinations showed that citizen-generated assemblage data could reliably detect differences between study streams and seasons. IBI scores were significantly different between streams but not seasons. The findings of this study suggest that citizen data would likely detect a change in mean invertebrate density greater than 50% and would also be useful for monitoring changes in assemblage. The information presented here will help stream managers interpret and evaluate changes to the stream invertebrate community detected by citizen-based programs. Title: The Value of Long-Term Stream Invertebrate Data Collected by Citizen Scientists Author: Edwards, Patrick Michael Year: 2016 The purpose of this investigation was to systematically examine the variability associated with temporally-oriented invertebrate data collected by citizen scientists and consider the value of such data for use in stream management. Variability in invertebrate data was estimated for three sources of variation: sampling, within-reach spatial and long-term temporal. Long-term temporal data were also evaluated using ordinations and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Through two separate investigations over an 11-year study period, participants collected more than 400 within-reach samples during 44 sampling events at three streams in the western United States. Within-reach invertebrate abundance coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.44–0.50 with approximately 62% of the observed variation strictly due to sampling. Long-term temporal CV ranged from 0.31–0.36 with 27–30% of the observed variation in invertebrate abundance related to climate conditions (El Niño strength) and sampling year. Ordinations showed that citizen-generated assemblage data could reliably detect differences between study streams and seasons. IBI scores were significantly different between streams but not seasons. The findings of this study suggest that citizen data would likely detect a change in mean invertebrate density greater than 50% and would also be useful for monitoring changes in assemblage. The information presented here will help stream managers interpret and evaluate changes to the stream invertebrate community detected by citizen-based programs. Close

• 5. [Article] Environmental Assessment

  4 documents

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Environmental Assessment Author: Oregon Department of Transportation Year: 2015 4 documents Title: Environmental Assessment Author: Oregon Department of Transportation Year: 2015 4 documents Close

• 6. [Article] Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012

  Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2013 Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were collected using plant rakes, benthic dredges, plankton nets, and crayfish traps. No invasive aquatic plants, gastropods, snails, bivalves or crayfish were detected in the lakes. Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Surveys of Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods, OR During 2012 Author: Miller, Rich, Sytsma, Mark D. Year: 2013 Three lakes located within the Klamath River Basin in Oregon (Upper Klamath Lake, Fourmile Lake, and Lake of the Woods) were surveyed for aquatic invasive species during the summer of 2012. Specimens were collected using plant rakes, benthic dredges, plankton nets, and crayfish traps. No invasive aquatic plants, gastropods, snails, bivalves or crayfish were detected in the lakes. Close

• 7. [Article] Spatial patterns of air toxins in the region

  This Atlas draws on the Portland Air Toxics Assessment (PATA) study to explore the regional variation of air quality. The PATA study presents an extraordinary opportunity to think about how the creation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial patterns of air toxins in the region Author: George, Linda Acha, Shandas, Vivek Year: 2009 This Atlas draws on the Portland Air Toxics Assessment (PATA) study to explore the regional variation of air quality. The PATA study presents an extraordinary opportunity to think about how the creation of new information can help us better plan our cities, but it also challenges us to think about the impacts of the choices we make. Title: Spatial patterns of air toxins in the region Author: George, Linda Acha, Shandas, Vivek Year: 2009 This Atlas draws on the Portland Air Toxics Assessment (PATA) study to explore the regional variation of air quality. The PATA study presents an extraordinary opportunity to think about how the creation of new information can help us better plan our cities, but it also challenges us to think about the impacts of the choices we make. Close

• 8. [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

• 9. [Article] The Role of Habitat Restoration and Conservation in the Changing Socio-economic Conditions of Grant County, Oregon

  Habitat restoration has socio-economic as well as biophysical impacts. In Grant County, Oregon a recent influx of funding and technical resources for habitat restoration has led to focused monitoring efforts ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Role of Habitat Restoration and Conservation in the Changing Socio-economic Conditions of Grant County, Oregon Author: Senkyr, Kristen Lauren Year: 2012 Habitat restoration has socio-economic as well as biophysical impacts. In Grant County, Oregon a recent influx of funding and technical resources for habitat restoration has led to focused monitoring efforts there to better understand the impacts. This study explores how local land use and land management practices are changing in Grant County as a result of restoration and other drivers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 landowners, land managers, and long time residents to document the change they have observed and identify how they are adapting. The results suggest that many interconnected social, economic, and ecological changes have taken place in Grant County in the recent past, of which the increased focus on restoration and conservation is just one. Other significant changes include the decline of the timber industry, shifting land ownership patterns, intensified regulation of natural resources, and increased environmental awareness. Ways that the community is adapting and additional ways in which they might more successfully adapt to these changes were identified. Recommendations for how to contribute to a more resilient Grant County are presented for the regulatory, academic, and scientific communities. Title: The Role of Habitat Restoration and Conservation in the Changing Socio-economic Conditions of Grant County, Oregon Author: Senkyr, Kristen Lauren Year: 2012 Habitat restoration has socio-economic as well as biophysical impacts. In Grant County, Oregon a recent influx of funding and technical resources for habitat restoration has led to focused monitoring efforts there to better understand the impacts. This study explores how local land use and land management practices are changing in Grant County as a result of restoration and other drivers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 landowners, land managers, and long time residents to document the change they have observed and identify how they are adapting. The results suggest that many interconnected social, economic, and ecological changes have taken place in Grant County in the recent past, of which the increased focus on restoration and conservation is just one. Other significant changes include the decline of the timber industry, shifting land ownership patterns, intensified regulation of natural resources, and increased environmental awareness. Ways that the community is adapting and additional ways in which they might more successfully adapt to these changes were identified. Recommendations for how to contribute to a more resilient Grant County are presented for the regulatory, academic, and scientific communities. Close

• 10. [Article] Lake Macroinvertebrate Assemblages and Relationship With Natural Environment and Tourism Stress in Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve, China

  With increasing human population and urbanization, tourism in natural reserves and other protected lands is growing. It is critical to monitor and assess the impacts of tourism on ecosystem health. However, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lake Macroinvertebrate Assemblages and Relationship With Natural Environment and Tourism Stress in Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve, China Author: Cao, Yong, Wang, Beixin, Zhang, Jie, Wang, Lizhu, Pan, Yangdong, Wang, Quanxi, Jian, Daijun, Deng, Guiping Year: 2016 With increasing human population and urbanization, tourism in natural reserves and other protected lands is growing. It is critical to monitor and assess the impacts of tourism on ecosystem health. However, there is a general lack of information on biological communities in natural reserves of developing countries and of tools for assessing human impacts. In the present study, we investigated macroinvertebrate assemblages in nine lakes in Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve of China. Both benthic (20 dips of D-net) and light-trap samples (2 h) were collected at each lake and all benthic specimens and adults of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) were identified and counted. Water temperature and water quality variables were measured on site or in the Lab. Seventy taxa were recorded and dominated by dipterans and caddisflies. Light traps contributed 47% of taxa richness and 66% of EPT richness at the lakes. Detrended Correspondence Analysis showed that water temperature and tourism index were strongly associated with the changes of assemblage composition. Taxa richness and EPT richness calculated for the composite samples (benthic + light trap) were well fit with Poisson generalized linear model (adjusted R2 = 0.83 and 0.85, respectively), generally decreasing with increasing elevation, tourism index, and total-N. Tourism index was ranked as the top predictor for EPT richness based on multiple model weights, and elevation for taxa richness. In comparison, when based on benthic samples, neither of the metrics could be fitted with the seven environmental variables selected. These findings highlight the benefit of combined use of the sampling methods for lake monitoring and offered an analytical guide to developing biological indicators of lake ecosystem health in protected areas. Title: Lake Macroinvertebrate Assemblages and Relationship With Natural Environment and Tourism Stress in Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve, China Author: Cao, Yong, Wang, Beixin, Zhang, Jie, Wang, Lizhu, Pan, Yangdong, Wang, Quanxi, Jian, Daijun, Deng, Guiping Year: 2016 With increasing human population and urbanization, tourism in natural reserves and other protected lands is growing. It is critical to monitor and assess the impacts of tourism on ecosystem health. However, there is a general lack of information on biological communities in natural reserves of developing countries and of tools for assessing human impacts. In the present study, we investigated macroinvertebrate assemblages in nine lakes in Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve of China. Both benthic (20 dips of D-net) and light-trap samples (2 h) were collected at each lake and all benthic specimens and adults of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) were identified and counted. Water temperature and water quality variables were measured on site or in the Lab. Seventy taxa were recorded and dominated by dipterans and caddisflies. Light traps contributed 47% of taxa richness and 66% of EPT richness at the lakes. Detrended Correspondence Analysis showed that water temperature and tourism index were strongly associated with the changes of assemblage composition. Taxa richness and EPT richness calculated for the composite samples (benthic + light trap) were well fit with Poisson generalized linear model (adjusted R2 = 0.83 and 0.85, respectively), generally decreasing with increasing elevation, tourism index, and total-N. Tourism index was ranked as the top predictor for EPT richness based on multiple model weights, and elevation for taxa richness. In comparison, when based on benthic samples, neither of the metrics could be fitted with the seven environmental variables selected. These findings highlight the benefit of combined use of the sampling methods for lake monitoring and offered an analytical guide to developing biological indicators of lake ecosystem health in protected areas. Close