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• 1. [Article] Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon

  In July 2012, we sampled 131 plots in wet meadow habitat at the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Analysis of the data identified eleven different plant associations: Alopecurus pratensis, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2013 In July 2012, we sampled 131 plots in wet meadow habitat at the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Analysis of the data identified eleven different plant associations: Alopecurus pratensis, Carex aquatilis var. aquatilis, Carex nebrascensis, Carex pellita, Carex praegracilis, Carex sheldonii, Distichlis spicata, Juncus balticus, Leymus triticoides, Phalaris arundinacea, and Sparganium eurycarpum. Plant associations spanned a wetland gradient from seasonally moist to seasonally or perennially flooded, but surface water had left most stands at time of sampling. Mean Wetland Indicator Status scores help to place the plant associations within gradients in soil moisture and alkalinity. The Alopecurus pratensis and Phalaris arundinacea associations are dominated by exotic, invasive species and appear to be outcompeting native plant associations. Phases of the Carex praegracilis association appear to be replaced by the Alopecurus pratensis association, while the Carex pellita, Juncus balticus, and Leymus triticoides associations may be replaced by the Phalaris arundinacea association. The Carex aquatilis and Sparganium eurycarpum associations were undersampled and provide only an estimate of composition. Most associations are consistent with what has been included in the National Vegetation Classification. Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2013 In July 2012, we sampled 131 plots in wet meadow habitat at the southern end of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Analysis of the data identified eleven different plant associations: Alopecurus pratensis, Carex aquatilis var. aquatilis, Carex nebrascensis, Carex pellita, Carex praegracilis, Carex sheldonii, Distichlis spicata, Juncus balticus, Leymus triticoides, Phalaris arundinacea, and Sparganium eurycarpum. Plant associations spanned a wetland gradient from seasonally moist to seasonally or perennially flooded, but surface water had left most stands at time of sampling. Mean Wetland Indicator Status scores help to place the plant associations within gradients in soil moisture and alkalinity. The Alopecurus pratensis and Phalaris arundinacea associations are dominated by exotic, invasive species and appear to be outcompeting native plant associations. Phases of the Carex praegracilis association appear to be replaced by the Alopecurus pratensis association, while the Carex pellita, Juncus balticus, and Leymus triticoides associations may be replaced by the Phalaris arundinacea association. The Carex aquatilis and Sparganium eurycarpum associations were undersampled and provide only an estimate of composition. Most associations are consistent with what has been included in the National Vegetation Classification. Close

• 2. [Article] Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon

  This report summarizes vegetation data collected in July 2015 in wet meadow and marshy habitats on the Double O Unit of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). Because vegetation sampled at the Double ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2016 This report summarizes vegetation data collected in July 2015 in wet meadow and marshy habitats on the Double O Unit of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). Because vegetation sampled at the Double O was wetter and more alkaline than wet meadows sampled at the south end of the refuge in 2012 and 2013 (Christy 2014), data from the Double O Unit were analyzed and summarized separately. A total of 83 plots were sampled in 2015, and analysis of the data identified 14 plant associations: Alopecurus aequalis - Juncus balticus, Alopecurus pratensis - Potentilla anserina, Carex praegracilis - Juncus balticus, Cicuta douglasii - Carex nebrascensis, Distichlis spicata - Amphiscirpus nevadensis, Distichlis spicata - Nitrophila occidentalis, Eleocharis palustris - Juncus balticus, Eleocharis rostellata, Juncus balticus - Glaux maritima, Hippuris vulgaris - Triglochin maritima, Leymus triticoides - Juncus balticus, Schoenoplectus americanus, Spartina gracilis, and Triglochin maritima. Plant associations spanned a wetland gradient from seasonally moist to seasonally or perennially flooded, but surface water had left most stands at time of sampling. Mean Wetland Indicator Status scores and species composition help to place the plant associations within gradients in soil moisture and alkalinity. Seven of the 14 plant associations are listed in the International Vegetation Classification, and the remaining types are provisional Title: Wet Meadow Plant Associations, Double O Unit, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney County, Oregon Author: Christy, John A. Year: 2016 This report summarizes vegetation data collected in July 2015 in wet meadow and marshy habitats on the Double O Unit of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR). Because vegetation sampled at the Double O was wetter and more alkaline than wet meadows sampled at the south end of the refuge in 2012 and 2013 (Christy 2014), data from the Double O Unit were analyzed and summarized separately. A total of 83 plots were sampled in 2015, and analysis of the data identified 14 plant associations: Alopecurus aequalis - Juncus balticus, Alopecurus pratensis - Potentilla anserina, Carex praegracilis - Juncus balticus, Cicuta douglasii - Carex nebrascensis, Distichlis spicata - Amphiscirpus nevadensis, Distichlis spicata - Nitrophila occidentalis, Eleocharis palustris - Juncus balticus, Eleocharis rostellata, Juncus balticus - Glaux maritima, Hippuris vulgaris - Triglochin maritima, Leymus triticoides - Juncus balticus, Schoenoplectus americanus, Spartina gracilis, and Triglochin maritima. Plant associations spanned a wetland gradient from seasonally moist to seasonally or perennially flooded, but surface water had left most stands at time of sampling. Mean Wetland Indicator Status scores and species composition help to place the plant associations within gradients in soil moisture and alkalinity. Seven of the 14 plant associations are listed in the International Vegetation Classification, and the remaining types are provisional Close

• 3. [Article] Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs

  For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs Author: Shandas, Vivek, Merrick, Meg Year: 2008 For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River between 13 and 17 thousand years ago established the fertile and absorptive landscape of the Willamette Valley. The lush vegetation controlled the regional climate and stabilized the soils, while the thirsty wetlands reduced flood potential, provided habitat, and purified the water. Over geological time, these natural processes have created ideal conditions for humans. The Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most densely populated communities of Native Americans, due partly to mild climate, plentiful water, and abundant sources of food and shelter. In the 19th century, Anglo settlers flooded the region for the same amenities, which continues to create ideal conditions for all that the region is known for today, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing - not to mention the provision of climate, topography, and fertile soils for growing some of the world?s best wines! Land surveys from the 1860s suggest that the current form of the metroscape started to take shape at the end of the 19th century. The conifers, alders, and maples that covered the region were slowly removed to make way for new urban settlements, and wetlands were drained to create farms and agricultural areas. In this atlas, we journey 140 years into the past to examine how and where the metroscape has changed. Our aim is to illustrate historic flooding of the region, and ponder what changes might mean to its future. Title: Floodplains: Balancing Nature and Human Needs Author: Shandas, Vivek, Merrick, Meg Year: 2008 For countless years, the interaction between climatic conditions and water flow has forged the rolling hills and rivers in the metroscape. The floods that forced a deluge of water down the Columbia River between 13 and 17 thousand years ago established the fertile and absorptive landscape of the Willamette Valley. The lush vegetation controlled the regional climate and stabilized the soils, while the thirsty wetlands reduced flood potential, provided habitat, and purified the water. Over geological time, these natural processes have created ideal conditions for humans. The Pacific Northwest was home to some of the most densely populated communities of Native Americans, due partly to mild climate, plentiful water, and abundant sources of food and shelter. In the 19th century, Anglo settlers flooded the region for the same amenities, which continues to create ideal conditions for all that the region is known for today, including hiking, kayaking, and sailing - not to mention the provision of climate, topography, and fertile soils for growing some of the world?s best wines! Land surveys from the 1860s suggest that the current form of the metroscape started to take shape at the end of the 19th century. The conifers, alders, and maples that covered the region were slowly removed to make way for new urban settlements, and wetlands were drained to create farms and agricultural areas. In this atlas, we journey 140 years into the past to examine how and where the metroscape has changed. Our aim is to illustrate historic flooding of the region, and ponder what changes might mean to its future. Close

• 4. [Article] Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy

  As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Burcsu, Theresa, Kagan, James S. Year: 2011 As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial modeling to identify conservation opportunity areas (COAs). To complete the project, INR analysts proposed a strategy that would map high value areas using a landscape approach that is focused on relatively high spatial resolution data sets available for the whole metropolitan region. The approach creates 2 main metrics: one focused on terrestrial organisms and the other focused on aquatic and riparian organisms. These are combined to create a map of highly ranked land areas that can be used to formulate a map of conservation opportunity areas. The purpose of the COA mapping project was to use geographic information system methods to identify landscape patches with conservation and restoration potential. The criteria used to identify these high value patches was based on a number of base- and derived-data sets that we call “data inputs.” The data ranged from recently mapped land use and land cover types, hydrological data to indicate species habitat requirements, and road influence on habitat patches. The project identified some areas in which data gaps exist (e.g., region-wide biodiversity data collected and mapped in consistent ways) and some opportunities for improving existent data sets (e.g., land use/land cover map). The project provided several layers that can be used to guide the final Regional Conservation Strategy in selecting conservation opportunity areas. The best layer will depend upon the needs of the RCS efforts, however, in our opinion the most appropriate layer to use is COA 3.11.1 which weights wetlands fairly high, but not as highly as the second data draft. COA 3.10.1 offers similar results as well. Overall it appears that the model results corroborate corridors analysis done previously (Hennings and Soll 2010). There are some issues remaining that we feel can most adequately be addressed by updating the base land use/land cover map. Title: Mapping Conservation Opportunity Areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Burcsu, Theresa, Kagan, James S. Year: 2011 As part of efforts to develop the Regional Conservation Strategy (RCS) for the greater Portland-Vancouver region, Oregon State University’s Institute for Natural Resources (INR) was asked to use spatial modeling to identify conservation opportunity areas (COAs). To complete the project, INR analysts proposed a strategy that would map high value areas using a landscape approach that is focused on relatively high spatial resolution data sets available for the whole metropolitan region. The approach creates 2 main metrics: one focused on terrestrial organisms and the other focused on aquatic and riparian organisms. These are combined to create a map of highly ranked land areas that can be used to formulate a map of conservation opportunity areas. The purpose of the COA mapping project was to use geographic information system methods to identify landscape patches with conservation and restoration potential. The criteria used to identify these high value patches was based on a number of base- and derived-data sets that we call “data inputs.” The data ranged from recently mapped land use and land cover types, hydrological data to indicate species habitat requirements, and road influence on habitat patches. The project identified some areas in which data gaps exist (e.g., region-wide biodiversity data collected and mapped in consistent ways) and some opportunities for improving existent data sets (e.g., land use/land cover map). The project provided several layers that can be used to guide the final Regional Conservation Strategy in selecting conservation opportunity areas. The best layer will depend upon the needs of the RCS efforts, however, in our opinion the most appropriate layer to use is COA 3.11.1 which weights wetlands fairly high, but not as highly as the second data draft. COA 3.10.1 offers similar results as well. Overall it appears that the model results corroborate corridors analysis done previously (Hennings and Soll 2010). There are some issues remaining that we feel can most adequately be addressed by updating the base land use/land cover map. Close

• 5. [Article] Tree Cover Mapping for Assessing Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat in Eastern Oregon

  We used a predictive model to map canopy cover of vegetation over seven feet in height ("tall woody vegetation") at 30-meter resolution over nearly 29 million acres within and adjacent to the range of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Tree Cover Mapping for Assessing Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat in Eastern Oregon Author: Nielsen, Eric M., Noone, Matthew D. Year: 2014 We used a predictive model to map canopy cover of vegetation over seven feet in height ("tall woody vegetation") at 30-meter resolution over nearly 29 million acres within and adjacent to the range of the greater sage-grouse in Oregon (Figure 1). Texture measures computed at various resolutions from color-infrared aerial photography provided the main source of predictor data used to produce the map. Canopy cover was treated as a categorical variable using six cover classes: absent (cover class C0), present at less than 4% (C1), 4 – 10% (C2), 10 – 20% (C3), 20 – 50% (C4), and 50% and over (C5). The map is referenced to conditions in the years 2011 and 2012. Although the specific target of the mapping was western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), our reference data did not permit separating juniper from other tall woody vegetation during the predictive modeling process. The majority of the tall woody vegetation within the project area is western juniper. However, in high elevation regions, riparian, wetland, and residential areas, other vegetation is occasionally represented. The methodology discussed here produces raw modeled data. It is recommended that prior to use in most applications this raw tree cover product be additionally filtered or masked to eliminate false detections which often occur adjacent to agricultural areas and roads. For species-specific applications, an additional modeling phase is necessary to either eliminate tree cover detections likely to be species other than the target, or to model species importance values associated with each tree occurrence. Title: Tree Cover Mapping for Assessing Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat in Eastern Oregon Author: Nielsen, Eric M., Noone, Matthew D. Year: 2014 We used a predictive model to map canopy cover of vegetation over seven feet in height ("tall woody vegetation") at 30-meter resolution over nearly 29 million acres within and adjacent to the range of the greater sage-grouse in Oregon (Figure 1). Texture measures computed at various resolutions from color-infrared aerial photography provided the main source of predictor data used to produce the map. Canopy cover was treated as a categorical variable using six cover classes: absent (cover class C0), present at less than 4% (C1), 4 – 10% (C2), 10 – 20% (C3), 20 – 50% (C4), and 50% and over (C5). The map is referenced to conditions in the years 2011 and 2012. Although the specific target of the mapping was western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis), our reference data did not permit separating juniper from other tall woody vegetation during the predictive modeling process. The majority of the tall woody vegetation within the project area is western juniper. However, in high elevation regions, riparian, wetland, and residential areas, other vegetation is occasionally represented. The methodology discussed here produces raw modeled data. It is recommended that prior to use in most applications this raw tree cover product be additionally filtered or masked to eliminate false detections which often occur adjacent to agricultural areas and roads. For species-specific applications, an additional modeling phase is necessary to either eliminate tree cover detections likely to be species other than the target, or to model species importance values associated with each tree occurrence. Close

• 6. [Article] DR7a: Changes in ecosystem services and migration in low-lying coastal areas over the next 50 years

  This paper examines the history and current status of ecosystem services in low-lying coastal areas (LLCAs), their potential changes because of wider environmental and social shifts, and the potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: DR7a: Changes in ecosystem services and migration in low-lying coastal areas over the next 50 years Author: Costanza, Robert, Kubiszewski, Ida, Roman, Joe, Sutton, Paul Year: 2011 This paper examines the history and current status of ecosystem services in low-lying coastal areas (LLCAs), their potential changes because of wider environmental and social shifts, and the potential impacts of these changes on human migration. We synthesised information from a number of sources on the status and value of ecosystem services in LLCAs, including information about key ecosystems that are likely to be particularly vulnerable to environmental change. We created maps of ecosystem and human population changes in LLCAs and then estimated changes in ecosystem services. Estimating the impacts of these potential changes depends on the future scenario one assumes. For our analysis four scenarios were developed for future ecosystem and ecosystem services conditions in 2060, based on the four SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) scenarios with additional reference to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Great Transition Initiative scenarios. The two axes of the SRES scenarios are global vs. regional and material economy vs. environment foci. This allowed an assessment of the plausible range of future uncertainty about ecosystem services in LLCAs and the potential for changes in ecosystem services to drive human migration. Major findings include: ? Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive on the planet. They provide more than 70% of total global ecosystem services. ? At the same time, these systems are the most threatened by climate change, human settlement and potential coastward migration. ? In the mid-1990s, approximately 25 million people were forced to leave their homelands owing to the inability to secure a livelihood as ecosystem services declined (Myers and Kent, 2009). ? In the coming decades, one estimate puts the number at 240?525 million people globally who may feel impelled to migrate because of loss of ecosystem services (Myers and Kent, 2009). ? Risk factors for coastal populations include over-exploitation of resources, including fisheries; destruction of mangroves, wetlands, and other natural infrastructure; increased storm activity; and reduced resilience to environmental perturbations. ? Coastward population migration is largest in the globalised scenarios because of increased ease of migration in a more globalised world. ? Coastal ecosystem services decline in the material economy-focused SRES scenarios but potentially increase in the environment-focused SRES scenarios, leading to higher overall quality of life. Policies should aim to preserve and restore coastal habitats. This leads to higher and more stable coastal ecosystem services and human quality of life, along with lower vulnerability to migration pressures. Additional research and integrated modelling are needed, however, to better understand the spatial dynamics of human migration and its dependence on ecosystem services. Such models could also help illuminate the transition pathways and policies necessary to achieve the preferred future scenarios. Title: DR7a: Changes in ecosystem services and migration in low-lying coastal areas over the next 50 years Author: Costanza, Robert, Kubiszewski, Ida, Roman, Joe, Sutton, Paul Year: 2011 This paper examines the history and current status of ecosystem services in low-lying coastal areas (LLCAs), their potential changes because of wider environmental and social shifts, and the potential impacts of these changes on human migration. We synthesised information from a number of sources on the status and value of ecosystem services in LLCAs, including information about key ecosystems that are likely to be particularly vulnerable to environmental change. We created maps of ecosystem and human population changes in LLCAs and then estimated changes in ecosystem services. Estimating the impacts of these potential changes depends on the future scenario one assumes. For our analysis four scenarios were developed for future ecosystem and ecosystem services conditions in 2060, based on the four SRES (Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) scenarios with additional reference to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Great Transition Initiative scenarios. The two axes of the SRES scenarios are global vs. regional and material economy vs. environment foci. This allowed an assessment of the plausible range of future uncertainty about ecosystem services in LLCAs and the potential for changes in ecosystem services to drive human migration. Major findings include: ? Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive on the planet. They provide more than 70% of total global ecosystem services. ? At the same time, these systems are the most threatened by climate change, human settlement and potential coastward migration. ? In the mid-1990s, approximately 25 million people were forced to leave their homelands owing to the inability to secure a livelihood as ecosystem services declined (Myers and Kent, 2009). ? In the coming decades, one estimate puts the number at 240?525 million people globally who may feel impelled to migrate because of loss of ecosystem services (Myers and Kent, 2009). ? Risk factors for coastal populations include over-exploitation of resources, including fisheries; destruction of mangroves, wetlands, and other natural infrastructure; increased storm activity; and reduced resilience to environmental perturbations. ? Coastward population migration is largest in the globalised scenarios because of increased ease of migration in a more globalised world. ? Coastal ecosystem services decline in the material economy-focused SRES scenarios but potentially increase in the environment-focused SRES scenarios, leading to higher overall quality of life. Policies should aim to preserve and restore coastal habitats. This leads to higher and more stable coastal ecosystem services and human quality of life, along with lower vulnerability to migration pressures. Additional research and integrated modelling are needed, however, to better understand the spatial dynamics of human migration and its dependence on ecosystem services. Such models could also help illuminate the transition pathways and policies necessary to achieve the preferred future scenarios. Close