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• 11. [Article] Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their Role in Watershed Health and the Rehabilitation of Oregon’s Wild Salmonids

  This technical report by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) is a comprehensive review of how human activities in urban and rural-residential areas can alter aquatic ecosystems and resulting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their Role in Watershed Health and the Rehabilitation of Oregon’s Wild Salmonids Author: Harte, Michael, Kaczynski, Victor W., Shock, Clinton C., Yeakley, J. Alan, Hughes, Robert M., Molina, Nancy, Schreck, Carl B. Year: 2010 This technical report by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) is a comprehensive review of how human activities in urban and rural-residential areas can alter aquatic ecosystems and resulting implications for salmonid recovery, with a geographic focus on the state of Oregon. The following topics are considered in the form of science questions, and comprise the major components of this report: The effects of urban and rural-residential development on Oregon’s watersheds and native wild salmonids. Actions that can be used to avoid or mitigate undesirable changes to aquatic ecosystems near developing urban and rural-residential areas. The benefits and pitfalls of salmonid habitat rehabilitation within established urban or rural-residential areas. Suggested research and monitoring focus areas that will facilitate the recovery of salmonid populations affected by development. The fundamental concepts presented in this report should be applicable to most native salmonid populations across the state. IMST encourages managers and policy-makers with interest in a specific species or geographic region to carefully research local ecological conditions, as well as specific life history characteristics of salmonids in the region. Conserving watershed condition and salmonids in the face of increasing development requires consideration of two distinct sets of processes. First are the human social and economic processes that drive patterns in land use change. Second are the ecological processes, altered by land use, that underlie salmonid habitat changes. This report focuses on the latter and summarizes the effects of rural-residential and urban development on native, wild salmonid populations and the watersheds upon which they depend. Title: Urban and Rural-residential Land Uses: Their Role in Watershed Health and the Rehabilitation of Oregon’s Wild Salmonids Author: Harte, Michael, Kaczynski, Victor W., Shock, Clinton C., Yeakley, J. Alan, Hughes, Robert M., Molina, Nancy, Schreck, Carl B. Year: 2010 This technical report by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (IMST) is a comprehensive review of how human activities in urban and rural-residential areas can alter aquatic ecosystems and resulting implications for salmonid recovery, with a geographic focus on the state of Oregon. The following topics are considered in the form of science questions, and comprise the major components of this report: The effects of urban and rural-residential development on Oregon’s watersheds and native wild salmonids. Actions that can be used to avoid or mitigate undesirable changes to aquatic ecosystems near developing urban and rural-residential areas. The benefits and pitfalls of salmonid habitat rehabilitation within established urban or rural-residential areas. Suggested research and monitoring focus areas that will facilitate the recovery of salmonid populations affected by development. The fundamental concepts presented in this report should be applicable to most native salmonid populations across the state. IMST encourages managers and policy-makers with interest in a specific species or geographic region to carefully research local ecological conditions, as well as specific life history characteristics of salmonids in the region. Conserving watershed condition and salmonids in the face of increasing development requires consideration of two distinct sets of processes. First are the human social and economic processes that drive patterns in land use change. Second are the ecological processes, altered by land use, that underlie salmonid habitat changes. This report focuses on the latter and summarizes the effects of rural-residential and urban development on native, wild salmonid populations and the watersheds upon which they depend. Close

• 12. [Article] Connecting Habitat Across Roads: Field Testing Mitigation Strategies for Reducing Road Mortality of an Imperiled Butterfly

  Roads impact wildlife in a variety of ways including fragmentation of populations, reduced access to habitat, and direct mortality from vehicle strikes. Such road effects likely impact the Oregon silverspot ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Connecting Habitat Across Roads: Field Testing Mitigation Strategies for Reducing Road Mortality of an Imperiled Butterfly Author: Littlejohn, Rebecca Jalene Year: 2012 Roads impact wildlife in a variety of ways including fragmentation of populations, reduced access to habitat, and direct mortality from vehicle strikes. Such road effects likely impact the Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) at one of its few remaining sites. The Rock Creek-Big Creek population of this threatened fritillary butterfly species is bisected by highway 101 on the central Oregon coast. Habitat resources for S. z. hippolyta are found on both the east and west sides of the highway at this site, and vehicle-strikes have been found to cause mortality of some individuals crossing the highway. The 2001 revised Recovery Plan calls out road mortality as a primary threat to S. z. hippolyta and land managers are considering mitigation strategies to reduce this threat on the population. A previous study at Rock Creek- Big Creek prioritized mitigation strategies including mowing of the road sides to decrease flowering plants along the verge and installation of vegetative hedgerows along the highway where the butterflies are crossing to encourage increased flight height over the road. Mowing has taken place over the last two years, but the hedgerows have neither been installed nor tested for effectiveness. This study investigates the effectiveness of hedgerows to increase the flight height of S. z. hippolyta through experimental tests using 3-meter tall nets as "guiding barriers" to mimic vegetative hedgerows in the flight path of S. z. hippolyta at another site in Oregon, Mt. Hebo. Mt. Hebo was chosen because of the stable population of S. z. hippolyta that is found there, the low risk of mortality for individual butterflies during the course of the study, and consistent use of a corridor by S. z. hippolyta. Treatments were designed to mimic a flight path in which a butterfly encounters a "road" of a width simulating that of highway 101 with 3-meter guiding barriers on either side. Based on previous research observations, it was hypothesized that S. z. hippolytaindividuals would fly over the guiding barriers at an increased "safe" flight height such that they would fly over traffic height. Results of the experimental study indicated that a 3-meter guiding barrier in the flight path of S. z. hippolyta did not significantly increase the flight height of individuals. None of the individuals observed flew at a safe flight height over the road (>3 meters). Further, S. z. hippolyta individuals landed on the road surface more often when there was a guiding barrier in the flight path. These results suggest that while S. z. hippolyta individuals are able to fly over guiding barriers in their path at heights of 3 meters or more, there is no evidence to suggest that these structures will influence flight height over highway 101 such that road mortality is reduced. Additionally, this study investigated the known butterfly crossing points at Rock Creek-Big Creek to test the hypothesis that S. z. hippolyta individuals are crossing at points of lower vegetation adjacent to the road. Using data from previous studies, ten crossing points were mapped at this site. Light detection and ranging data (LiDAR) was used to derive vegetation height along highway 101 and analyzed between known crossing points and random points within the Rock Creek-Big Creek area in addition to resource density of the larval host plant (Viola adunca) within the meadows. Statistical analysis indicated that the butterflies were generally crossing at points along the highway with significantly lower vegetation adjacent to the road. Visual analysis indicated that the butterflies were also generally crossing between areas of densely located V. adunca. Additional spatial data is needed to do further path-analysis of S. z. hippolyta individuals. Title: Connecting Habitat Across Roads: Field Testing Mitigation Strategies for Reducing Road Mortality of an Imperiled Butterfly Author: Littlejohn, Rebecca Jalene Year: 2012 Roads impact wildlife in a variety of ways including fragmentation of populations, reduced access to habitat, and direct mortality from vehicle strikes. Such road effects likely impact the Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta) at one of its few remaining sites. The Rock Creek-Big Creek population of this threatened fritillary butterfly species is bisected by highway 101 on the central Oregon coast. Habitat resources for S. z. hippolyta are found on both the east and west sides of the highway at this site, and vehicle-strikes have been found to cause mortality of some individuals crossing the highway. The 2001 revised Recovery Plan calls out road mortality as a primary threat to S. z. hippolyta and land managers are considering mitigation strategies to reduce this threat on the population. A previous study at Rock Creek- Big Creek prioritized mitigation strategies including mowing of the road sides to decrease flowering plants along the verge and installation of vegetative hedgerows along the highway where the butterflies are crossing to encourage increased flight height over the road. Mowing has taken place over the last two years, but the hedgerows have neither been installed nor tested for effectiveness. This study investigates the effectiveness of hedgerows to increase the flight height of S. z. hippolyta through experimental tests using 3-meter tall nets as "guiding barriers" to mimic vegetative hedgerows in the flight path of S. z. hippolyta at another site in Oregon, Mt. Hebo. Mt. Hebo was chosen because of the stable population of S. z. hippolyta that is found there, the low risk of mortality for individual butterflies during the course of the study, and consistent use of a corridor by S. z. hippolyta. Treatments were designed to mimic a flight path in which a butterfly encounters a "road" of a width simulating that of highway 101 with 3-meter guiding barriers on either side. Based on previous research observations, it was hypothesized that S. z. hippolytaindividuals would fly over the guiding barriers at an increased "safe" flight height such that they would fly over traffic height. Results of the experimental study indicated that a 3-meter guiding barrier in the flight path of S. z. hippolyta did not significantly increase the flight height of individuals. None of the individuals observed flew at a safe flight height over the road (>3 meters). Further, S. z. hippolyta individuals landed on the road surface more often when there was a guiding barrier in the flight path. These results suggest that while S. z. hippolyta individuals are able to fly over guiding barriers in their path at heights of 3 meters or more, there is no evidence to suggest that these structures will influence flight height over highway 101 such that road mortality is reduced. Additionally, this study investigated the known butterfly crossing points at Rock Creek-Big Creek to test the hypothesis that S. z. hippolyta individuals are crossing at points of lower vegetation adjacent to the road. Using data from previous studies, ten crossing points were mapped at this site. Light detection and ranging data (LiDAR) was used to derive vegetation height along highway 101 and analyzed between known crossing points and random points within the Rock Creek-Big Creek area in addition to resource density of the larval host plant (Viola adunca) within the meadows. Statistical analysis indicated that the butterflies were generally crossing at points along the highway with significantly lower vegetation adjacent to the road. Visual analysis indicated that the butterflies were also generally crossing between areas of densely located V. adunca. Additional spatial data is needed to do further path-analysis of S. z. hippolyta individuals. Close

• 13. [Article] Exploring Mitigation Options to Reduce Vehicle-caused Mortality for the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, Speyeria zerene hippolyta, along Highway 101 at the Siuslaw National Forest

  The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB), Speyeria zerene hippolyta, is federally listed as “threatened.” It historically inhabited coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and California (USFWS 2001). OSB ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Exploring Mitigation Options to Reduce Vehicle-caused Mortality for the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, Speyeria zerene hippolyta, along Highway 101 at the Siuslaw National Forest Author: Zielin, Sara B. Year: 2010 The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB), Speyeria zerene hippolyta, is federally listed as “threatened.” It historically inhabited coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and California (USFWS 2001). OSB populations only remain at five sites, four of which are in Oregon; one remaining population is in California, and none exist in Washington state as they have been extirpated (BFCI 2009; USFWS 2001). The site selected for this study was Rock Creek-Big Creek, adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest (Figure 1) (Appendix 1). At this site OSB habitat is bisected by Highway 101; butterflies are observed to use both sides of the highway throughout their life cycle (P. Hammond, personal communication, June 12, 2009). It is suspected that vehicles on Highway 101, through collisions and their turbulence, present a substantial threat to OSBs at this site. This suspicion, however, has not yet been quantified and is only minimally evaluated in this paper. Effective mitigation techniques have rarely been developed and tested for small or flying organisms (but see, e.g., Smith 2009, Bard et al. 2002). Mitigation for one species may not work effectively for others (e.g., Jackson and Griffin 2000). Moreover, due to expense and scale, it is prohibitive to test multiple mitigation options sequentially. Therefore, we explored whether gathering targeted ecological data would help prioritize mitigation options for a threatened species, the Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta, hereafter, OSB). We studied OSB ecology in order to evaluate the likely success of mitigation options before funding was pursued for implementing or directly testing any of them. In this research, we considered four potential management options that seemed most likely to be effective based on available information, including barrier installation; earthen berm removal and other actions to reduce the attractiveness of the road relative to the surrounding habitat; environmentally triggered, flashing speed-reduction-sign installation; and vegetation manipulation. Again, because these management scenarios are not yet in play, we could not directly test them. Rather, we gathered data on the behavioral ecology of OSBs and the environmental conditions of the road compared to surrounding habitat to determine which mitigation measures would have the greatest potential for effectiveness. To inform mitigation options we examined six questions about environmental conditions across habitats or microhabitats and how these correlated with OSB presence. Title: Exploring Mitigation Options to Reduce Vehicle-caused Mortality for the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly, Speyeria zerene hippolyta, along Highway 101 at the Siuslaw National Forest Author: Zielin, Sara B. Year: 2010 The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly (OSB), Speyeria zerene hippolyta, is federally listed as “threatened.” It historically inhabited coastal regions of Washington, Oregon, and California (USFWS 2001). OSB populations only remain at five sites, four of which are in Oregon; one remaining population is in California, and none exist in Washington state as they have been extirpated (BFCI 2009; USFWS 2001). The site selected for this study was Rock Creek-Big Creek, adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest (Figure 1) (Appendix 1). At this site OSB habitat is bisected by Highway 101; butterflies are observed to use both sides of the highway throughout their life cycle (P. Hammond, personal communication, June 12, 2009). It is suspected that vehicles on Highway 101, through collisions and their turbulence, present a substantial threat to OSBs at this site. This suspicion, however, has not yet been quantified and is only minimally evaluated in this paper. Effective mitigation techniques have rarely been developed and tested for small or flying organisms (but see, e.g., Smith 2009, Bard et al. 2002). Mitigation for one species may not work effectively for others (e.g., Jackson and Griffin 2000). Moreover, due to expense and scale, it is prohibitive to test multiple mitigation options sequentially. Therefore, we explored whether gathering targeted ecological data would help prioritize mitigation options for a threatened species, the Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta, hereafter, OSB). We studied OSB ecology in order to evaluate the likely success of mitigation options before funding was pursued for implementing or directly testing any of them. In this research, we considered four potential management options that seemed most likely to be effective based on available information, including barrier installation; earthen berm removal and other actions to reduce the attractiveness of the road relative to the surrounding habitat; environmentally triggered, flashing speed-reduction-sign installation; and vegetation manipulation. Again, because these management scenarios are not yet in play, we could not directly test them. Rather, we gathered data on the behavioral ecology of OSBs and the environmental conditions of the road compared to surrounding habitat to determine which mitigation measures would have the greatest potential for effectiveness. To inform mitigation options we examined six questions about environmental conditions across habitats or microhabitats and how these correlated with OSB presence. Close

• 14. [Article] A Behavior-Based Framework for Assessing Barrier Effects to Wildlife from Vehicle Traffic Volume

  Roads, while central to the function of human society, create barriers to animal movement through collisions and habitat fragmentation. Barriers to animal movement affect the evolution and trajectory of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Behavior-Based Framework for Assessing Barrier Effects to Wildlife from Vehicle Traffic Volume Author: Jacobson, Sandra L., Bliss-Ketchum, Leslie L., de Rivera, Catherine E., Smith, Winston P. Year: 2016 Roads, while central to the function of human society, create barriers to animal movement through collisions and habitat fragmentation. Barriers to animal movement affect the evolution and trajectory of populations. Investigators have attempted to use traffic volume, the number of vehicles passing a point on a road segment, to predict effects to wildlife populations approximately linearly and along taxonomic lines; however, taxonomic groupings cannot provide sound predictions because closely related species often respond differently. We assess the role of wildlife behavioral responses to traffic volume as a tool to predict barrier effects from vehicle-caused mortality and avoidance, to provide an early warning system that recognizes traffic volume as a trigger for mitigation, and to better interpret roadkill data. We propose four categories of behavioral response based on the perceived danger to traffic: Nonresponders, Pausers, Speeders, and Avoiders. Nonresponders attempt to cross highways regardless of traffic volume. Pausers stop in the face of danger so have a low probability of successful crossing when traffic volume increases. Hence, highway barrier effects are primarily due to mortality for Nonresponders and Pausers at high traffic volumes. Speeders run away from danger but are unable to do so successfully as traffic volume increases. At moderate to high volume, Speeders are repelled by traffic danger. Avoiders face lower mortality than other categories because they begin to avoid traffic at relatively low traffic volumes. Hence, avoidance causes barrier effects more than mortality for Speeders and Avoiders even at relatively moderate traffic volumes. By considering a species’ risk-avoidance response to traffic, managers can make more appropriate and timely decisions to mitigate effects before populations decline or become locally extinct. Title: A Behavior-Based Framework for Assessing Barrier Effects to Wildlife from Vehicle Traffic Volume Author: Jacobson, Sandra L., Bliss-Ketchum, Leslie L., de Rivera, Catherine E., Smith, Winston P. Year: 2016 Roads, while central to the function of human society, create barriers to animal movement through collisions and habitat fragmentation. Barriers to animal movement affect the evolution and trajectory of populations. Investigators have attempted to use traffic volume, the number of vehicles passing a point on a road segment, to predict effects to wildlife populations approximately linearly and along taxonomic lines; however, taxonomic groupings cannot provide sound predictions because closely related species often respond differently. We assess the role of wildlife behavioral responses to traffic volume as a tool to predict barrier effects from vehicle-caused mortality and avoidance, to provide an early warning system that recognizes traffic volume as a trigger for mitigation, and to better interpret roadkill data. We propose four categories of behavioral response based on the perceived danger to traffic: Nonresponders, Pausers, Speeders, and Avoiders. Nonresponders attempt to cross highways regardless of traffic volume. Pausers stop in the face of danger so have a low probability of successful crossing when traffic volume increases. Hence, highway barrier effects are primarily due to mortality for Nonresponders and Pausers at high traffic volumes. Speeders run away from danger but are unable to do so successfully as traffic volume increases. At moderate to high volume, Speeders are repelled by traffic danger. Avoiders face lower mortality than other categories because they begin to avoid traffic at relatively low traffic volumes. Hence, avoidance causes barrier effects more than mortality for Speeders and Avoiders even at relatively moderate traffic volumes. By considering a species’ risk-avoidance response to traffic, managers can make more appropriate and timely decisions to mitigate effects before populations decline or become locally extinct. Close

• 15. [Article] The Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes from McMurdo Dry Valley Glaciers, Antarctica

  Once thought of as inert, ice has been increasingly recognized as a habitat suitable for life. The landscape of the MCMurdo Dry Valleys (MCM) of Antarctica is dominated by glaciers, and glacier melt is ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes from McMurdo Dry Valley Glaciers, Antarctica Author: Porazinska, Dorota L., Fountain, Andrew G., Nylen, Thomas H., Tranter, Martyn, Virginia, Ross A., Wall, Diana H. Year: 2004 Once thought of as inert, ice has been increasingly recognized as a habitat suitable for life. The landscape of the MCMurdo Dry Valleys (MCM) of Antarctica is dominated by glaciers, and glacier melt is the primary water source for life in soils, streams, and lakes. The glaciers, despite their cold and lifeless appearance, offer functioning habitats for life. The major objective of this study was to examine biogeochemical characteristics of miniecosystems present in cryoconite holes and to determine links to other components (soils, streams, and lakes) of the dry valley landscape. We examined cryoconite holes from 5 glaciers spanning the length of Taylor Valley, one of many valleys in the MCM. Cryoconite biotic communities were composed of the same species observed in streams and lakes, namely, cyanobacteria( Chlorococcus, Chroococcus, C rinalium, Oscillatoria, Nostoc, and Sprirulina), rotifers (Philodina gregaria and Cephalodella catellina), tardigrades (Acutuncus antarcticus and Hypsibius spp.), and ciliates. Biotic communities did not reflect the composition of the immediately surrounding environments, suggesting the effects of eolian mixing and transport of sediments and biota across the valley. Gradients of chemistry and biotic abundance in cryoconite holes reflected the position of each glacier in the valley. Nitrogen and organic carbon concentration patters across glaciers potentially resulted from biological activities in cryoconite holes. Properties of holes were stable from one to the next sampling season, suggesting that changes of cryoconite hole properties develop on longer than yearly time scales. Title: The Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry of Cryoconite Holes from McMurdo Dry Valley Glaciers, Antarctica Author: Porazinska, Dorota L., Fountain, Andrew G., Nylen, Thomas H., Tranter, Martyn, Virginia, Ross A., Wall, Diana H. Year: 2004 Once thought of as inert, ice has been increasingly recognized as a habitat suitable for life. The landscape of the MCMurdo Dry Valleys (MCM) of Antarctica is dominated by glaciers, and glacier melt is the primary water source for life in soils, streams, and lakes. The glaciers, despite their cold and lifeless appearance, offer functioning habitats for life. The major objective of this study was to examine biogeochemical characteristics of miniecosystems present in cryoconite holes and to determine links to other components (soils, streams, and lakes) of the dry valley landscape. We examined cryoconite holes from 5 glaciers spanning the length of Taylor Valley, one of many valleys in the MCM. Cryoconite biotic communities were composed of the same species observed in streams and lakes, namely, cyanobacteria( Chlorococcus, Chroococcus, C rinalium, Oscillatoria, Nostoc, and Sprirulina), rotifers (Philodina gregaria and Cephalodella catellina), tardigrades (Acutuncus antarcticus and Hypsibius spp.), and ciliates. Biotic communities did not reflect the composition of the immediately surrounding environments, suggesting the effects of eolian mixing and transport of sediments and biota across the valley. Gradients of chemistry and biotic abundance in cryoconite holes reflected the position of each glacier in the valley. Nitrogen and organic carbon concentration patters across glaciers potentially resulted from biological activities in cryoconite holes. Properties of holes were stable from one to the next sampling season, suggesting that changes of cryoconite hole properties develop on longer than yearly time scales. Close

• 16. [Article] A Review of Urban Water Body Challenges and Approaches: (1) Rehabilitation and Remediation

  We review how urbanization alters aquatic ecosystems, as well as actions that managers can take to remediate urban waters. Urbanization affects streams by fundamentally altering longitudinal and lateral ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Review of Urban Water Body Challenges and Approaches: (1) Rehabilitation and Remediation Author: Hughes, Robert M., Dunham, Susie, Maas-Hebner, Kathleen G., Yeakley, J. Alan, Schreck, Carl B., Harte, Michael, Molina, Nancy, Shock, Clinton C., Kaczynski, Victor W., Schaeffer, Jeff Year: 2014 We review how urbanization alters aquatic ecosystems, as well as actions that managers can take to remediate urban waters. Urbanization affects streams by fundamentally altering longitudinal and lateral processes that in turn alter hydrology, habitat, and water chemistry; these effects create physical and chemical stressors that in turn affect the biota. Urban streams often suffer from multiple stressor effects that have collectively been termed an “urban stream syndrome,” in which no single factor dominates degraded conditions. Resource managers have multiple ways of combating the urban stream syndrome. These approaches range from whole-watershed protection to reach-scale habitat rehabilitation, but the prescription must be matched to the scale of the factors that are causing the problem, and results will likely not be immediate because of lengthy recovery times. Although pristine or reference conditions are far from attainable, urban stream rehabilitation is a worthy goal because appropriate actions can provide ecosystem improvements as well as increased ecosystem service benefits for human society. Title: A Review of Urban Water Body Challenges and Approaches: (1) Rehabilitation and Remediation Author: Hughes, Robert M., Dunham, Susie, Maas-Hebner, Kathleen G., Yeakley, J. Alan, Schreck, Carl B., Harte, Michael, Molina, Nancy, Shock, Clinton C., Kaczynski, Victor W., Schaeffer, Jeff Year: 2014 We review how urbanization alters aquatic ecosystems, as well as actions that managers can take to remediate urban waters. Urbanization affects streams by fundamentally altering longitudinal and lateral processes that in turn alter hydrology, habitat, and water chemistry; these effects create physical and chemical stressors that in turn affect the biota. Urban streams often suffer from multiple stressor effects that have collectively been termed an “urban stream syndrome,” in which no single factor dominates degraded conditions. Resource managers have multiple ways of combating the urban stream syndrome. These approaches range from whole-watershed protection to reach-scale habitat rehabilitation, but the prescription must be matched to the scale of the factors that are causing the problem, and results will likely not be immediate because of lengthy recovery times. Although pristine or reference conditions are far from attainable, urban stream rehabilitation is a worthy goal because appropriate actions can provide ecosystem improvements as well as increased ecosystem service benefits for human society. Close

• 17. [Article] Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape

  While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape Author: Halofsky, Joshua S., Halofsky, Jessica E., Hemstrom, Miles A., Morzillo, Anita T., Zhou, Xiaoping, Donato, Daniel C. Year: 2017 While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed state-and-transition simulations, we examined projected trends and trade-offs for a suite of ecosystem services under four climate change scenarios and two management scenarios (active management emphasizing fuel treatments and no management other than fire suppression) in a fire-prone landscape of dry and moist mixed-conifer forests in central Oregon, USA. Focal ecosystem services included fire potential (regulating service), timber volume (provisioning service), and potential wildlife habitat (supporting service). Projections without climate change suggested active management in dry mixed-conifer forests would create more open forest structures, reduce crown fire potential, and maintain timber stocks, while in moist mixed-conifer forests, active management would reduce crown fire potential but at the expense of timber stocks. When climate change was considered, however, trends in most ecosystem services changed substantially, with large increases in wildfire area predominating broad-scale trends in outputs, regardless of management approach (e.g., strong declines in timber stocks and habitat for closed-forest wildlife species). Active management still had an influence under a changing climate, but as a moderator of the strong climate-driven trends rather than being a principal driver of ecosystem service outputs. These results suggest projections of future ecosystem services that do not consider climate change may result in unrealistic expectations of benefits. Title: Divergent trends in ecosystem services under different climate-management futures in a fire-prone forest landscape Author: Halofsky, Joshua S., Halofsky, Jessica E., Hemstrom, Miles A., Morzillo, Anita T., Zhou, Xiaoping, Donato, Daniel C. Year: 2017 While ecosystem services and climate change are often examined independently, quantitative assessments integrating these fields are needed to inform future land management decisions. Using climate-informed state-and-transition simulations, we examined projected trends and trade-offs for a suite of ecosystem services under four climate change scenarios and two management scenarios (active management emphasizing fuel treatments and no management other than fire suppression) in a fire-prone landscape of dry and moist mixed-conifer forests in central Oregon, USA. Focal ecosystem services included fire potential (regulating service), timber volume (provisioning service), and potential wildlife habitat (supporting service). Projections without climate change suggested active management in dry mixed-conifer forests would create more open forest structures, reduce crown fire potential, and maintain timber stocks, while in moist mixed-conifer forests, active management would reduce crown fire potential but at the expense of timber stocks. When climate change was considered, however, trends in most ecosystem services changed substantially, with large increases in wildfire area predominating broad-scale trends in outputs, regardless of management approach (e.g., strong declines in timber stocks and habitat for closed-forest wildlife species). Active management still had an influence under a changing climate, but as a moderator of the strong climate-driven trends rather than being a principal driver of ecosystem service outputs. These results suggest projections of future ecosystem services that do not consider climate change may result in unrealistic expectations of benefits. Close

• 18. [Article] The Effect of Artificial Light on Wildlife Use of a Passage Structure

  Barriers to animal movement can isolate populations, impacting their genetic diversity, susceptibility to disease, and access to resources. Barriers to movement may be caused by artificial light, which ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Effect of Artificial Light on Wildlife Use of a Passage Structure Author: Bliss-Ketchum, Leslie, de Rivera, Catherine, Turner, Brian C., Weisbaum, Dolores Year: 2016 Barriers to animal movement can isolate populations, impacting their genetic diversity, susceptibility to disease, and access to resources. Barriers to movement may be caused by artificial light, which is known to disrupt bird, sea turtle, and bat behavior, but few studies have experimentally investigated the effects of artificial light on movement for a suite of terrestrial vertebrates. Therefore, we studied the effect of ecological light pollution on animal usage of a bridge under-road passage structure. On a weekly basis, sections of the structure were subjected to different light treatments including no light added, followed by a Reference period when lights were off in all the structure sections. Sand track data revealed use by 23 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, nine of which had > 30 tracks for species-level analysis. Columbia black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) traversed under unlit bridge sections much less when neighboring sections were lit compared to when none were, suggesting avoidance due to any nearby presence of artificial light. Similarly, deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and opossum (Didelphis virginiana) track paths were less frequent in the lit sections than the ambient. Crossing was correlated with temporal or spatial factors but not light for three of the other species. These findings suggest that artificial light may be reducing habitat connectivity for some species though not providing a strong barrier for others. Such information is needed to inform mitigation of habitat fragmentation in the face of expanding urbanization. Title: The Effect of Artificial Light on Wildlife Use of a Passage Structure Author: Bliss-Ketchum, Leslie, de Rivera, Catherine, Turner, Brian C., Weisbaum, Dolores Year: 2016 Barriers to animal movement can isolate populations, impacting their genetic diversity, susceptibility to disease, and access to resources. Barriers to movement may be caused by artificial light, which is known to disrupt bird, sea turtle, and bat behavior, but few studies have experimentally investigated the effects of artificial light on movement for a suite of terrestrial vertebrates. Therefore, we studied the effect of ecological light pollution on animal usage of a bridge under-road passage structure. On a weekly basis, sections of the structure were subjected to different light treatments including no light added, followed by a Reference period when lights were off in all the structure sections. Sand track data revealed use by 23 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, nine of which had > 30 tracks for species-level analysis. Columbia black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) traversed under unlit bridge sections much less when neighboring sections were lit compared to when none were, suggesting avoidance due to any nearby presence of artificial light. Similarly, deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) and opossum (Didelphis virginiana) track paths were less frequent in the lit sections than the ambient. Crossing was correlated with temporal or spatial factors but not light for three of the other species. These findings suggest that artificial light may be reducing habitat connectivity for some species though not providing a strong barrier for others. Such information is needed to inform mitigation of habitat fragmentation in the face of expanding urbanization. Close

• 19. [Article] Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus)

  Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus) Author: Jarnevich, Catherine S., Young, Nicholas E., Sheffels, Trevor R., Carter, Jacoby, Sytsma, Mark D., Talbert, Colin Year: 2017 Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. Predicting potential distributions of spreading species is not easy, and forecasting potential distributions with changing climate is even more difficult. Using the globally invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus [Molina, 1782]), we evaluate and compare the utility of a simplistic ecophysiological based model and a correlative model to predict current and future distribution. The ecophysiological model was based on winter temperature relationships with nutria survival. We developed correlative statistical models using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling and biologically relevant climate data with a global extent. We applied the ecophysiological based model to several global circulation model (GCM) predictions for mid-century. We used global coypu introduction data to evaluate these models and to explore a hypothesized physiological limitation, finding general agreement with known coypu distribution locally and globally and support for an upper thermal tolerance threshold. Global circulation model based model results showed variability in coypu predicted distribution among GCMs, but had general agreement of increasing suitable area in the USA. Our methods highlighted the dynamic nature of the edges of the coypu distribution due to climate non-equilibrium, and uncertainty associated with forecasting future distributions. Areas deemed suitable habitat, especially those on the edge of the current known range, could be used for early detection of the spread of coypu populations for management purposes. Combining approaches can be beneficial to predicting potential distributions of invasive species now and in the future and in exploring hypotheses of factors controlling distributions. Title: Evaluating Simplistic Methods to Understand Current Distributions and Forecast Distribution Changes Under Climate Change Scenarios: An Example With Coypu (Myocastor coypus) Author: Jarnevich, Catherine S., Young, Nicholas E., Sheffels, Trevor R., Carter, Jacoby, Sytsma, Mark D., Talbert, Colin Year: 2017 Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. Predicting potential distributions of spreading species is not easy, and forecasting potential distributions with changing climate is even more difficult. Using the globally invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus [Molina, 1782]), we evaluate and compare the utility of a simplistic ecophysiological based model and a correlative model to predict current and future distribution. The ecophysiological model was based on winter temperature relationships with nutria survival. We developed correlative statistical models using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling and biologically relevant climate data with a global extent. We applied the ecophysiological based model to several global circulation model (GCM) predictions for mid-century. We used global coypu introduction data to evaluate these models and to explore a hypothesized physiological limitation, finding general agreement with known coypu distribution locally and globally and support for an upper thermal tolerance threshold. Global circulation model based model results showed variability in coypu predicted distribution among GCMs, but had general agreement of increasing suitable area in the USA. Our methods highlighted the dynamic nature of the edges of the coypu distribution due to climate non-equilibrium, and uncertainty associated with forecasting future distributions. Areas deemed suitable habitat, especially those on the edge of the current known range, could be used for early detection of the spread of coypu populations for management purposes. Combining approaches can be beneficial to predicting potential distributions of invasive species now and in the future and in exploring hypotheses of factors controlling distributions. Close

• 20. [Article] Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site

  The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site Author: Sheffels, Trevor R., Sytsma, Mark D., Carter, Jacoby, Taylor, Jimmy D. Year: 2014 The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ecological obstacles to project success. The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is an invasive, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that causes detrimental ecological impacts in riparian and wetland habitats throughout its introduced range, and techniques are needed to reduce nutria herbivory damage to urban stream restoration projects. We assessed the efficacy of standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes in reducing nutria herbivory damage to newly established woody plants. The study was conducted in winter-spring 2009 at Delta Ponds, a 60-ha urban waterway in Eugene, Oregon. Woody plants protected by Vexar® tubes demonstrated 100% survival over the 3-month initial establishment period, while only 17% of unprotected plantings survived. Nutria demonstrated a preference for black cottonwood(Populus balsamifera ssp trichocarpa) over red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and willow (Salix spp). Camera surveillance showed that nutria were more active in unprotected rather than protected treatments. Our results suggest that Vexar® plastic mesh tubing can be an effective short-term herbivory mitigation tool when habitat use by nutria is low. Additionally, planting functionally equivalent woody plant species that are less preferred by nutria, and other herbivores, may be another method for reducing herbivory and improving revegetation success. This study highlights the need to address potential wildlife damage conflicts in the planning process for stream restoration in urban landscapes. Title: Efficacy of Plastic Mesh Tubes in Reducing Herbivory Damage by the Invasive Nutria (Myocastor coypus) in an Urban Restoration Site Author: Sheffels, Trevor R., Sytsma, Mark D., Carter, Jacoby, Taylor, Jimmy D. Year: 2014 The restoration of stream corridors is becoming an increasingly important component of urban landscape planning, and the high cost of these projects necessitates the need to understand and address potential ecological obstacles to project success. The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is an invasive, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that causes detrimental ecological impacts in riparian and wetland habitats throughout its introduced range, and techniques are needed to reduce nutria herbivory damage to urban stream restoration projects. We assessed the efficacy of standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes in reducing nutria herbivory damage to newly established woody plants. The study was conducted in winter-spring 2009 at Delta Ponds, a 60-ha urban waterway in Eugene, Oregon. Woody plants protected by Vexar® tubes demonstrated 100% survival over the 3-month initial establishment period, while only 17% of unprotected plantings survived. Nutria demonstrated a preference for black cottonwood(Populus balsamifera ssp trichocarpa) over red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) and willow (Salix spp). Camera surveillance showed that nutria were more active in unprotected rather than protected treatments. Our results suggest that Vexar® plastic mesh tubing can be an effective short-term herbivory mitigation tool when habitat use by nutria is low. Additionally, planting functionally equivalent woody plant species that are less preferred by nutria, and other herbivores, may be another method for reducing herbivory and improving revegetation success. This study highlights the need to address potential wildlife damage conflicts in the planning process for stream restoration in urban landscapes. Close