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• 81. [Article] ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017)

  Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017) Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; http://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH/; Title: ODFW Access and Habitat Areas and Projects in Oregon (2017) Abstract -- To show access areas supported by, or associated with, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Access and Habitat Program. For more details see: https://myodfw.com/articles/hunting-private-lands-access-habitat-program; http://www.dfw.state.or.us/lands/AH/; Close

• 82. [Article] An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin.

  Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin. Author: Fontaine, Barbara L. Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted in each season over the course of 1 year. Blast pools created in bedrock glides increased the carrying capacity of stream reaches during late summer. Three types of boulder and log structures in gravel-cobble glides did not significantly increase the late summer standing crop of juvenile steelhead. During summer, juvenile steelhead selected the habitat provided by the four types of structures over the untreated glide habitats. The instream structures were used by steelhead for feeding stations, resting areas, and hiding cover. Structures located near the thalweg held substantially more summering steelhead than structures in off-thalweg positions, regardless of structure design. In winter, seven structure designs were evaluated. The structures that were placed in zones of slow water (deep pools, margin backwater pools, and dam pools) provided the most effective winter habitat for juvenile steelhead. The structures with the largest concentrations of boulders and rubble generally held the highest winter densities. During the spring and fall months, habitat utilization was less predictable. Spring and fall were times of transition in which the utilization of habitat structures was probably influenced by changing water temperatures and hydraulic conditions. Prior to initiating habitat modification programs, habitat managers should conduct an on-site examination of the rearing strategy and seasonal habitat needs of the target species. A pre-work evaluation should be designed to gain an understanding of the most likely environmental factors that limit production. Without such preliminary information, and without a follow-up evaluation, managers cannot recognize their mistakes, innovate appropriate new techniques or determine if funds have been wisely spent. Title: An evaluation of the effectiveness of instream structures for steelhead trout rearing habitat in the Steamboat Creek basin. Author: Fontaine, Barbara L. Several types of instream structures were evaluated for their potential to provide rearing habitat and to increase reach carrying capacity for steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri). Evaluation was conducted in each season over the course of 1 year. Blast pools created in bedrock glides increased the carrying capacity of stream reaches during late summer. Three types of boulder and log structures in gravel-cobble glides did not significantly increase the late summer standing crop of juvenile steelhead. During summer, juvenile steelhead selected the habitat provided by the four types of structures over the untreated glide habitats. The instream structures were used by steelhead for feeding stations, resting areas, and hiding cover. Structures located near the thalweg held substantially more summering steelhead than structures in off-thalweg positions, regardless of structure design. In winter, seven structure designs were evaluated. The structures that were placed in zones of slow water (deep pools, margin backwater pools, and dam pools) provided the most effective winter habitat for juvenile steelhead. The structures with the largest concentrations of boulders and rubble generally held the highest winter densities. During the spring and fall months, habitat utilization was less predictable. Spring and fall were times of transition in which the utilization of habitat structures was probably influenced by changing water temperatures and hydraulic conditions. Prior to initiating habitat modification programs, habitat managers should conduct an on-site examination of the rearing strategy and seasonal habitat needs of the target species. A pre-work evaluation should be designed to gain an understanding of the most likely environmental factors that limit production. Without such preliminary information, and without a follow-up evaluation, managers cannot recognize their mistakes, innovate appropriate new techniques or determine if funds have been wisely spent. Close

• 83. [Article] Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the American Fisheries ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Bosley, Katelyn M., Hosack, Geoffrey R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/utaf20/current Title: Association of Juvenile Salmon and Estuarine Fish with Intertidal Seagrass and Oyster Aquaculture Habitats in a Northeast Pacific Estuary Author: Dumbauld, Brett R., Bosley, Katelyn M., Hosack, Geoffrey R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the American Fisheries Society and published by Taylor & Francis. It can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/utaf20/current Close

• 84. [Article] Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/estuarine-coasta...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon Author: Miller, J. A., Marin Jarrin, J. R. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/estuarine-coastal-and-shelf-science/. Title: Sandy beach surf zones: An alternative nursery habitat for 0-age Chinook salmon Author: Miller, J. A., Marin Jarrin, J. R. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/estuarine-coastal-and-shelf-science/. Close

• 85. [Article] A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction

  For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction Author: Lockett, Daniel Edwin IV For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy devices may impact the seafloor and benthos has renewed research interest in the distribution of marine benthic invertebrates and factors influencing their distribution. A Bayesian belief network approach was employed for learning species-habitat associations for Rhabdus rectius, a tusk-shaped marine infaunal Mollusk. Environmental variables describing surficial geology and water depth were found to be most influential to the distribution of R. rectius. Water property variables, such as temperature and salinity, were less influential as distribution predictors. Species-habitat associations were used to predict habitat suitability probabilities for R. rectius, which were then mapped over an area of interest along the south-central Oregon coast. Habitat suitability prediction models tested well against data withheld for crossvalidation supporting our conclusion that Bayesian learning extracts useful information available in very small, incomplete data sets and identifies which variables drive habitat suitability for R. rectius. Additionally, Bayesian belief networks are easily updated with new information, quantitative or qualitative, which provides a flexible mechanism for multiple scenario analyses. The prediction framework presented here is a practical tool informing marine spatial planning assessment through visualization of habitat suitability. Title: A Bayesian approach to habitat suitability prediction Author: Lockett, Daniel Edwin IV For the west coast of North America, from northern California to southern Washington, a habitat suitability prediction framework was developed to support wave energy device siting. Concern that wave energy devices may impact the seafloor and benthos has renewed research interest in the distribution of marine benthic invertebrates and factors influencing their distribution. A Bayesian belief network approach was employed for learning species-habitat associations for Rhabdus rectius, a tusk-shaped marine infaunal Mollusk. Environmental variables describing surficial geology and water depth were found to be most influential to the distribution of R. rectius. Water property variables, such as temperature and salinity, were less influential as distribution predictors. Species-habitat associations were used to predict habitat suitability probabilities for R. rectius, which were then mapped over an area of interest along the south-central Oregon coast. Habitat suitability prediction models tested well against data withheld for crossvalidation supporting our conclusion that Bayesian learning extracts useful information available in very small, incomplete data sets and identifies which variables drive habitat suitability for R. rectius. Additionally, Bayesian belief networks are easily updated with new information, quantitative or qualitative, which provides a flexible mechanism for multiple scenario analyses. The prediction framework presented here is a practical tool informing marine spatial planning assessment through visualization of habitat suitability. Close

• 86. [Article] Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus)

  Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) Author: Petrie, Megan E. Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is known regarding the habitat requirements of post-settlement juveniles. Many juvenile fish use structural components of habitat to alleviate the risk of predation, as well as for foraging. Laboratory experiments and a field tagging study were performed in order to investigate habitat preference in juvenile lingcod, as well as factors that govern habitat use. Initial laboratory experiments demonstrated an affinity by juvenile lingcod for structure over bare sand habitats, whether the structure was rock, shell or seagrass. Body size, nutritional state, and light level were also found to be determinants of the extent to which juvenile lingcod use structural refuges. In the laboratory, older, larger individuals exhibited a higher propensity for structure use than did smaller juvenile fish. In fish of both body sizes, increasing hunger levels caused fish to emerge more readily from refuges than did those that were satiated. Die! patterns of ambient illumination were simulated in the laboratory, and refuge use decreased significantly in response to lower nocturnal light levels, a pattern that was not observed in the smaller size class. An acoustic tagging study conducted in Yaquina Bay, Oregon corroborated the basic habitat preferences seen in laboratory experiments. Juvenile lingcod showed a high degree of site fidelity, remaining in discreet areas of significant structural complexity, as revealed by underwater video of benthic habitat. The way in which an animal utilizes structural refuges adds or detracts from individual fitness, making this investigation into the habitat requirements of post-settlement lingcod an important step in understanding the life history and ecology of an important recreational and commercial species. Title: Habitat associations and determinants of refuge use in post-settlement lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) Author: Petrie, Megan E. Lingcod are an overexploited fish species in the Pacific Northwest and although there has been extensive study of the habitat requirements of adults, particularly during spawning, relatively little is known regarding the habitat requirements of post-settlement juveniles. Many juvenile fish use structural components of habitat to alleviate the risk of predation, as well as for foraging. Laboratory experiments and a field tagging study were performed in order to investigate habitat preference in juvenile lingcod, as well as factors that govern habitat use. Initial laboratory experiments demonstrated an affinity by juvenile lingcod for structure over bare sand habitats, whether the structure was rock, shell or seagrass. Body size, nutritional state, and light level were also found to be determinants of the extent to which juvenile lingcod use structural refuges. In the laboratory, older, larger individuals exhibited a higher propensity for structure use than did smaller juvenile fish. In fish of both body sizes, increasing hunger levels caused fish to emerge more readily from refuges than did those that were satiated. Die! patterns of ambient illumination were simulated in the laboratory, and refuge use decreased significantly in response to lower nocturnal light levels, a pattern that was not observed in the smaller size class. An acoustic tagging study conducted in Yaquina Bay, Oregon corroborated the basic habitat preferences seen in laboratory experiments. Juvenile lingcod showed a high degree of site fidelity, remaining in discreet areas of significant structural complexity, as revealed by underwater video of benthic habitat. The way in which an animal utilizes structural refuges adds or detracts from individual fitness, making this investigation into the habitat requirements of post-settlement lingcod an important step in understanding the life history and ecology of an important recreational and commercial species. Close

• 87. [Article] Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream

  Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream Author: Rodnick, Kenneth J. Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, Benton County, Oregon. Intensive stream mapping procedures and snorkling observations provided most of the quantitative measures for habitat availability and utilization respectively. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification suggested spatial segregation of young of the year and adult redside shiners along gradients of water velocity and depth of the water column. Throughout the year, young redside shiners occupied shallower water than adults and utilized areas with lower mean water velocities. Associated with increased winter stream flows and lowered water temperatures (< 10° C), redside shiners were inactive and found in habitats offering the most cover and refuge from current. Overwintering areas populated by redside shiners included undercut banks, root wads, bank failures, fallen trees, and backwaters. During the transitional period between winter and summer, adult redside shiners shifted from overwintering habitats to the faster water of the main channel. Activities related to spawning and aggressive defense of space accompanied this shift. Young redside shiners continued to utilize protected margins. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification comparing available and utilized stream habitats provided indices of habitat selection. Both young of the year and adult redside shiners were relatively selective in the stream habitats they utilized. The importance of four physical components (depth, current velocity, substrate composition, and cover forms) varied seasonally and with the life stage considered. Similar patterns of habitat utilization for redside shiners were observed in four larger streams and rivers. The availability of large, deep pools was important, new habitat for both young and adult redside shiners during periods of reduced stream flow in larger streams and rivers. Title: Seasonal distribution and habitat selection by the redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, in a small Oregon stream Author: Rodnick, Kenneth J. Seasonal habitat availability, utilization, and selection by young of the year (< 25 mm) and adult (>25 mm) redside shiner, Richardsonius balteatus, were studied for 1 year in sections of Greasy Creek, Benton County, Oregon. Intensive stream mapping procedures and snorkling observations provided most of the quantitative measures for habitat availability and utilization respectively. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification suggested spatial segregation of young of the year and adult redside shiners along gradients of water velocity and depth of the water column. Throughout the year, young redside shiners occupied shallower water than adults and utilized areas with lower mean water velocities. Associated with increased winter stream flows and lowered water temperatures (< 10° C), redside shiners were inactive and found in habitats offering the most cover and refuge from current. Overwintering areas populated by redside shiners included undercut banks, root wads, bank failures, fallen trees, and backwaters. During the transitional period between winter and summer, adult redside shiners shifted from overwintering habitats to the faster water of the main channel. Activities related to spawning and aggressive defense of space accompanied this shift. Young redside shiners continued to utilize protected margins. A multivariate discriminant analysis and classification comparing available and utilized stream habitats provided indices of habitat selection. Both young of the year and adult redside shiners were relatively selective in the stream habitats they utilized. The importance of four physical components (depth, current velocity, substrate composition, and cover forms) varied seasonally and with the life stage considered. Similar patterns of habitat utilization for redside shiners were observed in four larger streams and rivers. The availability of large, deep pools was important, new habitat for both young and adult redside shiners during periods of reduced stream flow in larger streams and rivers. Close

• 88. [Article] Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon

  I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon Author: Price, David M. I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande Ronde, John Day, and Imnaha basins. The objective was to compare habitat use and availability among streams, channel units, and microhabitats, and to assess chinook salmon fidelity to those habitats using radio-telemetry. The analyses showed that habitat quality and availability in the seven study streams varied. Each stream posed different physical constraints on adult chinook salmon habitat; this was reflected by the differential use of habitat by salmon among streams. Salmon elected pools almost exclusively in the John Day Basin, whereas pools and riffles were elected in near equal proportion in the Grande Ronde and Inmaha basins. Within streams, use was similar between years. Almost all salmon were observed in association with cover, but the type of cover largely reflected availablity. Chinook salmon elected the deepest depths within channel units (microhabitat scale), but not necessarily the deepest channel units among streams (channel unit scale). Chinook salmon did not elect cooler stream temperatures within channel units in any study stream, except the Middle Fork John Day River. Radio-tagged chinook showed a high fidelity to habitats, except when stream temperatures approached lethal limits. Due to stream specific differences in habitat availability and use, multiscale habitat assessments for individual streams are recommended to increase the success of watershed restoration activities. Title: Multiscale habitat electivity and movement patterns by adult spring chinook salmon in seven river basins of northeast Oregon Author: Price, David M. I examined habitat electivity and movement patterns of adult spring chinook salmon at microhabitat and channel unit spatial scales, and seasonal to annual temporal scales in seven streams in the Grande Ronde, John Day, and Imnaha basins. The objective was to compare habitat use and availability among streams, channel units, and microhabitats, and to assess chinook salmon fidelity to those habitats using radio-telemetry. The analyses showed that habitat quality and availability in the seven study streams varied. Each stream posed different physical constraints on adult chinook salmon habitat; this was reflected by the differential use of habitat by salmon among streams. Salmon elected pools almost exclusively in the John Day Basin, whereas pools and riffles were elected in near equal proportion in the Grande Ronde and Inmaha basins. Within streams, use was similar between years. Almost all salmon were observed in association with cover, but the type of cover largely reflected availablity. Chinook salmon elected the deepest depths within channel units (microhabitat scale), but not necessarily the deepest channel units among streams (channel unit scale). Chinook salmon did not elect cooler stream temperatures within channel units in any study stream, except the Middle Fork John Day River. Radio-tagged chinook showed a high fidelity to habitats, except when stream temperatures approached lethal limits. Due to stream specific differences in habitat availability and use, multiscale habitat assessments for individual streams are recommended to increase the success of watershed restoration activities. Close

• 89. [Article] Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon

  Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon Author: Lovtang, Jens C. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project on the Deschutes River. Plans have been developed to reestablish passage of anadromous fish through the Project. However, only anecdotal evidence exists on the historic distribution of spring Chinook juveniles in the Basin. A recent approach to characterizing habitat quality for anadromous fishes in the Basin was the development of HabRate (Burke et al. In Press), which presented a relative quality rating of habitat based upon published fish-habitat relationships at the stream reach spatial scale. The present study was initiated to test the predictions of HabRate for summer rearing juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius Basin. Chinook salmon fry were released in the winters of 2002 and 2003, and their densities and sizes were quantified via snorkeling and fish collection in six unique study reaches in the upper Metolius River Basin. Each of these stream reaches varied in terms of temperature, habitat availability, invertebrate drift availability, and fish community composition. My observations were not consistent with the qualitative predictions of HabRate. Moreover, habitat utilization was not consistent among study reaches. Similar to other qualitative habitat rating models (e.g. Habitat Suitability Indices (Raleigh et al. 1986) and Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (Bovee 1982)), HabRate's predictions rely solely on physical habitat characteristics, with the assumption that habitat will be used consistently among stream reaches (i.e. a pool in one reach is of equal importance as a pool in another reach). My results suggest that the unique ecological setting of each study reach provides the context for understanding the patterns of growth, habitat use, and diurnal activity of juvenile Chinook salmon. The inclusion of ecological components, such as food availability, the bioenergetic constraints of temperature, and the risk of predation can make these models more biologically realistic. Growth of juvenile Chinook salmon among study reaches had a curvilinear relationship to water temperature, and was also positively related to the drift density of invertebrate biomass. In three collection seasons (fall 2002, spring 2003 and fall 2003) 41 to 69% of the variations in fork lengths were explained by a multiple regression model including temperature and invertebrate drift. Based on these findings, I present a conceptual growth capacity model based on the tenets of bioenergetics as a basis for understanding the relative quality of the habitat among stream reaches for juvenile Chinook salmon. Fish community composition can help to explain observed patterns in habitat utilization and diel activity patterns. In the study reaches that had a greater presence of adult trout (potential predators), observations of juvenile Chinook salmon in mid-channel habitat were infrequent to non-existent during the day and abundances were higher in all habitat types at night. In the study reaches with colder water temperatures, observed juvenile Chinook salmon densities were higher at night. I suggest that habitat selection and diurnal activity patterns in some study reaches are reflective of strategies taken by the fish to minimize risks of predation. Title: Distribution, habitat use, and growth of juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius River Basin, Oregon Author: Lovtang, Jens C. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have been absent from their historic spawning and rearing grounds in the Metolius River Basin in central Oregon since 1968, when fish passage was terminated at the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project on the Deschutes River. Plans have been developed to reestablish passage of anadromous fish through the Project. However, only anecdotal evidence exists on the historic distribution of spring Chinook juveniles in the Basin. A recent approach to characterizing habitat quality for anadromous fishes in the Basin was the development of HabRate (Burke et al. In Press), which presented a relative quality rating of habitat based upon published fish-habitat relationships at the stream reach spatial scale. The present study was initiated to test the predictions of HabRate for summer rearing juvenile Chinook salmon in the Metolius Basin. Chinook salmon fry were released in the winters of 2002 and 2003, and their densities and sizes were quantified via snorkeling and fish collection in six unique study reaches in the upper Metolius River Basin. Each of these stream reaches varied in terms of temperature, habitat availability, invertebrate drift availability, and fish community composition. My observations were not consistent with the qualitative predictions of HabRate. Moreover, habitat utilization was not consistent among study reaches. Similar to other qualitative habitat rating models (e.g. Habitat Suitability Indices (Raleigh et al. 1986) and Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (Bovee 1982)), HabRate's predictions rely solely on physical habitat characteristics, with the assumption that habitat will be used consistently among stream reaches (i.e. a pool in one reach is of equal importance as a pool in another reach). My results suggest that the unique ecological setting of each study reach provides the context for understanding the patterns of growth, habitat use, and diurnal activity of juvenile Chinook salmon. The inclusion of ecological components, such as food availability, the bioenergetic constraints of temperature, and the risk of predation can make these models more biologically realistic. Growth of juvenile Chinook salmon among study reaches had a curvilinear relationship to water temperature, and was also positively related to the drift density of invertebrate biomass. In three collection seasons (fall 2002, spring 2003 and fall 2003) 41 to 69% of the variations in fork lengths were explained by a multiple regression model including temperature and invertebrate drift. Based on these findings, I present a conceptual growth capacity model based on the tenets of bioenergetics as a basis for understanding the relative quality of the habitat among stream reaches for juvenile Chinook salmon. Fish community composition can help to explain observed patterns in habitat utilization and diel activity patterns. In the study reaches that had a greater presence of adult trout (potential predators), observations of juvenile Chinook salmon in mid-channel habitat were infrequent to non-existent during the day and abundances were higher in all habitat types at night. In the study reaches with colder water temperatures, observed juvenile Chinook salmon densities were higher at night. I suggest that habitat selection and diurnal activity patterns in some study reaches are reflective of strategies taken by the fish to minimize risks of predation. Close

• 90. [Article] Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon

  Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon Author: Gilbert, Griffith J. Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon in order to both broaden the current information base of riparian ecology and inform future willow plantings aimed at improving riparian habitat. Willow species included in the research were: S. lemmonii (Lemmon willow), S. scouleriana (Scouler willow), S. boothii (Booth willow), S. geyeriana (Geyer willow), S. exigua (coyote willow), S. lasiandra (whiplash willow), and S. lutea (yellow willow). The habitat parameters measured were: height and distance of willow individual from stream channel bankfull elevation, stream channel slope, entrenchment ratio, width-to-depth ratio, watershed elevation, valley azimuth, valley width, soil rock size distribution, soil texture, and winter air temperature. Logistic regression models were built to describe probabilities of occurrence for five out of the seven willow species based on the habitat data collected. Multi-response permutation procedures were performed to describe differences between respective willow habitats. Booth and Geyer willow habitats were best described by watershed elevation as these species dominated the research stream channel’s upper reaches. Whiplash willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with high stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Specifically, the odds of whiplash willow occurrence are expected to increase by 17% with a unit increase in width-to-depth ratio. Yellow willow habitat was best described by watershed elevation and stream channel width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred only on the lower reaches of the research stream channel. Lemmon willow habitat was best described by interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio as the first of these interactions worked to create air temperatures favorable for species occurrence. Coyote willow habitat was best described by stream channel slope, entrenchment, and width-todepth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with combinations of stream channel slopes, entrenchment, and width-to-depth ratios able to promote frequent streambank rejuvenation. Scouler willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment ratio, as well as interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio. Specifically, the odds of Scouler willow occurrence are expected to decrease by 89% with a unit increase in entrenchment ratio. Scouler willow, on average, occurs in habitats with air temperature dynamics similar to those described above for Lemmon willow, and on hydraulically efficient stream channels with low entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Title: Habitat parameters associated with the distribution of seven willow species on a stream in southeastern Oregon Author: Gilbert, Griffith J. Thirteen different habitat parameters were measured either quantitatively or qualitatively around seven different Salix (willow) species on a defined reach of stream on the southwestern slope of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon in order to both broaden the current information base of riparian ecology and inform future willow plantings aimed at improving riparian habitat. Willow species included in the research were: S. lemmonii (Lemmon willow), S. scouleriana (Scouler willow), S. boothii (Booth willow), S. geyeriana (Geyer willow), S. exigua (coyote willow), S. lasiandra (whiplash willow), and S. lutea (yellow willow). The habitat parameters measured were: height and distance of willow individual from stream channel bankfull elevation, stream channel slope, entrenchment ratio, width-to-depth ratio, watershed elevation, valley azimuth, valley width, soil rock size distribution, soil texture, and winter air temperature. Logistic regression models were built to describe probabilities of occurrence for five out of the seven willow species based on the habitat data collected. Multi-response permutation procedures were performed to describe differences between respective willow habitats. Booth and Geyer willow habitats were best described by watershed elevation as these species dominated the research stream channel’s upper reaches. Whiplash willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with high stream channel entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Specifically, the odds of whiplash willow occurrence are expected to increase by 17% with a unit increase in width-to-depth ratio. Yellow willow habitat was best described by watershed elevation and stream channel width-to-depth ratio as this species occurred only on the lower reaches of the research stream channel. Lemmon willow habitat was best described by interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio as the first of these interactions worked to create air temperatures favorable for species occurrence. Coyote willow habitat was best described by stream channel slope, entrenchment, and width-todepth ratio as this species occurred, on average, in habitats with combinations of stream channel slopes, entrenchment, and width-to-depth ratios able to promote frequent streambank rejuvenation. Scouler willow habitat was best described by stream channel entrenchment ratio, as well as interactions between watershed elevation and valley azimuth and between stream channel slope and width-to-depth ratio. Specifically, the odds of Scouler willow occurrence are expected to decrease by 89% with a unit increase in entrenchment ratio. Scouler willow, on average, occurs in habitats with air temperature dynamics similar to those described above for Lemmon willow, and on hydraulically efficient stream channels with low entrenchment and width-to-depth ratios. Close

• 91. [Article] Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon

  Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon Author: Tomas, Walfrido Moraes Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address habitat and microhabitat features that sustain both livestock production and wildlife diversity. I conducted a study to determine how small mammal distributions and abundance differ among 3 structurally different riparian habitats in eastern Oregon. The 3 habitat types, herbaceous, discontinuous willow, and continuous willow, represent a range of habitats typical of riparian zones in central and eastern Oregon. I estimated small mammal population sizes in 9 trap grids placed in riparian zones using capture-recapture techniques. Four species of small mammals were captured during 7 trapping periods from August 1994 to September 1995. Small mammal distributions and population sizes of each species varied both within and among riparian pastures. Montane voles (Microtus montanus) were the most abundant species in all grids. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) had high population sizes in grids with low montane vole populations and moderate to high willow cover. Competition with voles appeared to occur in riparian habitats of Bear Valley, and influenced the distribution and numbers of deer mice. Western jumping mice (Zapus princeps) were captured at relatively low numbers and almost exclusively in continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews (Sorex vagrans) were captured on all grids, and population sizes were small. Haying negatively affected survival rates of voles. Biomass, vegetation height, and percent ground cover were the habitat variables most frequently associated with occurrence of montane voles in Bear Valley. The probability of occurrence of this species was positively correlated with these habitat variables. Deer mice probability of occurrence was positively correlated with percent ground cover, plant biomass, and soil moisture. Most deer mice captures occurred in continuous willow habitats, and the number of captures increased with willow basal cover (R²=0.7579, P<0.001). Western jumping mice occurrence was positively correlated with plant biomass and soil moisture, and negatively correlated with distance from willow and percent ground cover. Western jumping mice also were more frequently captured in willow than nonwillow vegetation associations (P=0.054) within continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews were positively associated with plant biomass, vegetation height, and soil moisture. Small mammal habitat associations from my study sites in Bear Valley are in agreement with the literature, suggesting relatively consistent patterns in species-habitat associations. Distribution of small mammal species differed among pastures probably as a result of historical management practices. Alterations of riparian zone structure from historical management practices were evident in the study area, including elimination or decreased willow density, channel entrenchment, and invasion of riparian areas by xeric vegetation. Western jumping mice are apparently the most sensitive species in this area, requiring dense willow stands, suggesting that jumping mice could serve as an indicator species for riparian habitat condition. Title: Small mammal distribution, abundance and habitat selection in managed riparian habitats of Bear Valley, eastern Oregon Author: Tomas, Walfrido Moraes Riparian zones are critical habitats for management because of their importance for both cattle production and wildlife, and a high potential for resource conflicts. Riparian management should address habitat and microhabitat features that sustain both livestock production and wildlife diversity. I conducted a study to determine how small mammal distributions and abundance differ among 3 structurally different riparian habitats in eastern Oregon. The 3 habitat types, herbaceous, discontinuous willow, and continuous willow, represent a range of habitats typical of riparian zones in central and eastern Oregon. I estimated small mammal population sizes in 9 trap grids placed in riparian zones using capture-recapture techniques. Four species of small mammals were captured during 7 trapping periods from August 1994 to September 1995. Small mammal distributions and population sizes of each species varied both within and among riparian pastures. Montane voles (Microtus montanus) were the most abundant species in all grids. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) had high population sizes in grids with low montane vole populations and moderate to high willow cover. Competition with voles appeared to occur in riparian habitats of Bear Valley, and influenced the distribution and numbers of deer mice. Western jumping mice (Zapus princeps) were captured at relatively low numbers and almost exclusively in continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews (Sorex vagrans) were captured on all grids, and population sizes were small. Haying negatively affected survival rates of voles. Biomass, vegetation height, and percent ground cover were the habitat variables most frequently associated with occurrence of montane voles in Bear Valley. The probability of occurrence of this species was positively correlated with these habitat variables. Deer mice probability of occurrence was positively correlated with percent ground cover, plant biomass, and soil moisture. Most deer mice captures occurred in continuous willow habitats, and the number of captures increased with willow basal cover (R²=0.7579, P<0.001). Western jumping mice occurrence was positively correlated with plant biomass and soil moisture, and negatively correlated with distance from willow and percent ground cover. Western jumping mice also were more frequently captured in willow than nonwillow vegetation associations (P=0.054) within continuous willow habitats. Vagrant shrews were positively associated with plant biomass, vegetation height, and soil moisture. Small mammal habitat associations from my study sites in Bear Valley are in agreement with the literature, suggesting relatively consistent patterns in species-habitat associations. Distribution of small mammal species differed among pastures probably as a result of historical management practices. Alterations of riparian zone structure from historical management practices were evident in the study area, including elimination or decreased willow density, channel entrenchment, and invasion of riparian areas by xeric vegetation. Western jumping mice are apparently the most sensitive species in this area, requiring dense willow stands, suggesting that jumping mice could serve as an indicator species for riparian habitat condition. Close

• 92. [Article] Growth rates and species composition of juvenile rockfish (Sebastes spp.) in Oregon’s nearshore and estuarine habitats

  Identification of critical habitat for all life stages of commercially exploited fish populations is critical for effective management. Despite a clear need for basic biological information on juvenile ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growth rates and species composition of juvenile rockfish (Sebastes spp.) in Oregon’s nearshore and estuarine habitats Author: Gallagher, M. Brett Identification of critical habitat for all life stages of commercially exploited fish populations is critical for effective management. Despite a clear need for basic biological information on juvenile rockfish life history, there have been very few efforts to describe distribution and habitat of this life stage, particularly along the Oregon coast. This study investigated the relationships between habitat-type, species composition and growth of juvenile rockfishes following settlement into nearshore reefs and estuaries. By using a four-level classification system to prioritize and identify Essential Fish Habitat, results of this study refine scientific knowledge of EFH for Oregon’s nearshore rockfish species. Four species of rockfish were collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005. blue rockfish (S. mystinus), black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus) and widow rockfish (S. entomelas). Nearshore hand net samples were dominated by blue rockfish. Estuary samples were almost exclusively black rockfish, indicating that this species is common in Yaquina Bay. No black rockfish were collected from our nearshore sampling sites in either 2004 or 2005, although this habitat is listed as common for juveniles of this species. Identification of critical habitat for all life stages of commercially exploited fish populations is critical for effective management. Despite a clear need for basic biological information on juvenile rockfish life history, there have been very few efforts to describe distribution and habitat of this life stage, particularly along the Oregon coast. This study investigated the relationships between habitat-type, species composition and growth of juvenile rockfishes following settlement into nearshore reefs and estuaries. By using a four-level classification system to prioritize and identify Essential Fish Habitat, results of this study refine scientific knowledge of EFH for Oregon’s nearshore rockfish species. Four species of rockfish were collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005. blue rockfish (S. mystinus), black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus) and widow rockfish (S. entomelas). Nearshore hand net samples were dominated by blue rockfish. Estuary samples were almost exclusively black rockfish, indicating that this species is common in Yaquina Bay. No black rockfish were collected from our nearshore sampling sites in either 2004 or 2005, although this habitat is listed as common for juveniles of this species. Blue rockfish settlement was detected from April thru July in 2004, and from May thru June in 2005. Peak settlement timing was in June of both years. Settlement for black rockfish ranged from March thru July both years, with peak settlement timing occurring in mid-May. Yellowtail and widow rockfish juveniles were rarely encountered, with settlement occurring in April and July respectively. Abundance, as estimated from catch per unit effort (CPUE) calculations, varied among years and habitats. Black rockfish were more abundant in 2004 than in 2005. Some of the highest densities were found around pilings, docks and other anthropogenic structures: CPUE decreased within rock, eelgrass, and sand habitats respectively. Growth was not significantly different among habitats for either black or blue rockfish. Growth rate differences were not significant among years for either black or blue rockfish. However, growth differences were significant between species (black 0.50 mm d-1 and blue .54 mm d-1 (two sample-t test, T stat = -3.19, df = 133 P-value <.002). Additionally, this thesis presents a tank validation experiment that investigated the validity of traps as a quantitative measure of habitat quality. This trap validation study showed that as habitat complexity increases, trap efficiency decreases. Trap attractiveness is an important source of bias when used for juvenile rockfish abundance estimation. This study demonstrates abundance estimates may be inflated in areas of low habitat complexity in the natural environment, or under-estimate the relative abundance of rockfishes within complex habitats. This study identifies estuaries as Essential Fish Habitat for black rockfish juveniles along the central Oregon coast, and nearshore reef as EFH for blue rockfish juveniles. Results of this study also provide specific information on spatial and temporal patterns of recruitment, habitat selection and growth, previously unknown for Oregon's nearshore Sebastes species. Title: Growth rates and species composition of juvenile rockfish (Sebastes spp.) in Oregon’s nearshore and estuarine habitats Author: Gallagher, M. Brett Identification of critical habitat for all life stages of commercially exploited fish populations is critical for effective management. Despite a clear need for basic biological information on juvenile rockfish life history, there have been very few efforts to describe distribution and habitat of this life stage, particularly along the Oregon coast. This study investigated the relationships between habitat-type, species composition and growth of juvenile rockfishes following settlement into nearshore reefs and estuaries. By using a four-level classification system to prioritize and identify Essential Fish Habitat, results of this study refine scientific knowledge of EFH for Oregon’s nearshore rockfish species. Four species of rockfish were collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005. blue rockfish (S. mystinus), black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus) and widow rockfish (S. entomelas). Nearshore hand net samples were dominated by blue rockfish. Estuary samples were almost exclusively black rockfish, indicating that this species is common in Yaquina Bay. No black rockfish were collected from our nearshore sampling sites in either 2004 or 2005, although this habitat is listed as common for juveniles of this species. Identification of critical habitat for all life stages of commercially exploited fish populations is critical for effective management. Despite a clear need for basic biological information on juvenile rockfish life history, there have been very few efforts to describe distribution and habitat of this life stage, particularly along the Oregon coast. This study investigated the relationships between habitat-type, species composition and growth of juvenile rockfishes following settlement into nearshore reefs and estuaries. By using a four-level classification system to prioritize and identify Essential Fish Habitat, results of this study refine scientific knowledge of EFH for Oregon’s nearshore rockfish species. Four species of rockfish were collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005. blue rockfish (S. mystinus), black rockfish (S. melanops), yellowtail rockfish (S. flavidus) and widow rockfish (S. entomelas). Nearshore hand net samples were dominated by blue rockfish. Estuary samples were almost exclusively black rockfish, indicating that this species is common in Yaquina Bay. No black rockfish were collected from our nearshore sampling sites in either 2004 or 2005, although this habitat is listed as common for juveniles of this species. Blue rockfish settlement was detected from April thru July in 2004, and from May thru June in 2005. Peak settlement timing was in June of both years. Settlement for black rockfish ranged from March thru July both years, with peak settlement timing occurring in mid-May. Yellowtail and widow rockfish juveniles were rarely encountered, with settlement occurring in April and July respectively. Abundance, as estimated from catch per unit effort (CPUE) calculations, varied among years and habitats. Black rockfish were more abundant in 2004 than in 2005. Some of the highest densities were found around pilings, docks and other anthropogenic structures: CPUE decreased within rock, eelgrass, and sand habitats respectively. Growth was not significantly different among habitats for either black or blue rockfish. Growth rate differences were not significant among years for either black or blue rockfish. However, growth differences were significant between species (black 0.50 mm d-1 and blue .54 mm d-1 (two sample-t test, T stat = -3.19, df = 133 P-value <.002). Additionally, this thesis presents a tank validation experiment that investigated the validity of traps as a quantitative measure of habitat quality. This trap validation study showed that as habitat complexity increases, trap efficiency decreases. Trap attractiveness is an important source of bias when used for juvenile rockfish abundance estimation. This study demonstrates abundance estimates may be inflated in areas of low habitat complexity in the natural environment, or under-estimate the relative abundance of rockfishes within complex habitats. This study identifies estuaries as Essential Fish Habitat for black rockfish juveniles along the central Oregon coast, and nearshore reef as EFH for blue rockfish juveniles. Results of this study also provide specific information on spatial and temporal patterns of recruitment, habitat selection and growth, previously unknown for Oregon's nearshore Sebastes species. Close

• 93. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7

  Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat In Four Coho Population Units, 2007 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2008-7 Abstract -- In a recent assessment of coastal coho salmon by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (2005), the authors concluded that productivity in 21 of 21 coastal coho populations was limited primarily (13) or secondarily (8) by the complexity of stream habitat used by juvenile coho during their first winter of freshwater residence. The Oregon Coast Coho Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006), written in response to the assessment, concluded that recovery of coho populations will depend largely on improvement of freshwater habitat. The Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006) presents population specific goals for the amount and quality of winter habitat needed to achieve desired status of coho populations. Monitoring objectives in the Plan are 1) describe the status of freshwater habitat in each population unit with a focus on features important to overwinter survival of juvenile coho, 2) estimate carrying capacity in each population unit with + 30% confidence, and 3) measure progress towards meeting the habitat goals of the Conservation Plan. This report describes the first two monitoring objectives for winter habitat in four population units: the Coquille, South Umpqua, Siuslaw, and Nehalem. Winter habitat surveys are conducted to describe the freshwater habitat conditions that may limit the survival of juvenile coho during the season at which the conditions are limiting. The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (Nickelson et al. 1992a, Nickelson et al. 1992b, Nickelson 1998) estimates the capacity of streams to support juvenile salmon based on quantitative descriptions of summer and winter habitat. The model assigns value to the size, type and complexity of habitat units, giving highest value to slow water pools such as alcoves and beaver ponds, and pools with large wood. Because winter habitat limits the capacity of most coastal streams to support juvenile coho (Rodgers et al. 2005), accurate estimates of winter habitat are essential to life cycle modeling and to meet objectives of the Conservation Plan. Rodgers et al. (2005) estimated potential carrying capacity of stream habitat within each coastal coho population unit, but statistical confidence was limited by the source and manipulation of the data. Although the data set was extensive, most of the reaches were not randomly selected, and a regression model was used to extrapolate conditions from summer to winter (Rodgers et al. 2005). Summer surveys provide applicable information, but at low flow conditions. Summer weather and stream flows are predictable and conducive to field work; study sites are more accessible, work days are longer and warmer, lower water levels enable walking in the channel more easily, and water clarity is high. However, while more difficult logistically, winter surveys provide estimates during high flow conditions thought to be most important to juvenile coho survival. The winter surveys are conducted during “base flow” when off-channel habitats and secondary channels are inundated, but not over floodplain. The winter 2007 survey sites were selected using the Generalized Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sample design (Stevens 2002) from a pool of sites previously surveyed during summer. This provided an opportunity to describe status within coho population units and refine the summer to winter conversion regression model. More sites are visited during summer than winter, and the sample pool will expand if we can use summer surveys to predict winter conditions. A thorough description of seasonal habitat variation will determine the appropriateness of using summer habitat data to assess habitat conditions during the winter. The objectives of this report are to provide the status of winter habitat surveyed in 2007 in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua), estimate the potential winter capacity of streams within those population units, and describe the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence recommended in the Conservation Plan (Nicholas 2006). Close

• 94. [Article] The use of remote sensing for characterizing forests in wildlife habitat modeling

  Spatially explicit maps of habitat relationships have proven to be valuable tools for conservation and management applications including evaluating how and which species may be impacted by large scale ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The use of remote sensing for characterizing forests in wildlife habitat modeling Author: Vogeler, Jody C. Spatially explicit maps of habitat relationships have proven to be valuable tools for conservation and management applications including evaluating how and which species may be impacted by large scale climate change, ongoing fragmentation of habitat, and local land-use practices. Studies have turned to remote sensing datasets as a way to characterize vegetation for the examination of habitat selection and for mapping realized relationships across the landscape. Although the use of remote sensing in wildlife studies has increased in recent years, the use of these datasets is still limited and some data sources and methods are yet to be explored. The overall goal of this dissertation was to look at the state of the wildlife ecology discipline in the use of geospatial data for habitat mapping, and to advance this area through the fusion of remote sensing tools for the mapping of previously difficult to characterize forest metrics for inclusion in avian cavity-nester habitat models. Chapter 2 reviewed over 60 years of selected wildlife literature to examine the wildlife ecology disciple through historic trends and recent advances in the use of remote sensing for habitat characterization focusing on aspects of scale and the use of available technology. We discuss commonly used remote sensing data sources, point out recent advances in the use of geospatial data for characterizing forest wildlife habitat (the use of lidar data and the creation of spatially explicit habitat prediction maps), and provide future suggestions for increased utilization of available datasets (secondary lidar metrics and time series Landsat data). In chapters 3 and 4 we explored the use of remote sensing for characterizing forest components previously difficult to map across landscapes at scales relevant to local wildlife habitat selection. Chapter 3 found promise in the fusion of lidar structure and Landsat time series disturbance products in the modeling and mapping of post-fire snag and shrub distributions at fine scales and at size/cover thresholds relevant for habitat mapping applications for many wildlife species. The study was conducted within the 2003 B&B Fire Complex in central Oregon. Using 164 field calibration plots and remote sensing predictors, we modeled the presence/absence of snag classes (dbh ≥40cm, ≥50cm, and ≥75cm) and woody shrub cover resulting in 10m output predictive grid maps. Remote sensing predictors included various lidar structure and topography variables and Landsat time series products representing the pre-fire forest, disturbance magnitude, and current forest conditions. We were able to model and map all habitat metrics with acceptable predictive performance and low-moderate errors. The utility of these snag and shrub metrics for representing important nesting habitat features for a cavity-nesting species of conservation concern, the Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), was demonstrated in Chapter 4. We were able to model nesting habitat with good accuracies according to multiple performance measures and then map realized relationships for this species of conservation concern in an identified source habitat type, providing a potential resource for local scale conservation and management efforts and adding to the regional knowledge of habitat selection for the Lewis's Woodpecker. To our knowledge, these chapters represent first attempts to fuse lidar and time series Landsat disturbance metrics in a post-fire landscape and for the mapping of snag and shrub distributions at scales relevant to avian cavity nesting habitat. Title: The use of remote sensing for characterizing forests in wildlife habitat modeling Author: Vogeler, Jody C. Spatially explicit maps of habitat relationships have proven to be valuable tools for conservation and management applications including evaluating how and which species may be impacted by large scale climate change, ongoing fragmentation of habitat, and local land-use practices. Studies have turned to remote sensing datasets as a way to characterize vegetation for the examination of habitat selection and for mapping realized relationships across the landscape. Although the use of remote sensing in wildlife studies has increased in recent years, the use of these datasets is still limited and some data sources and methods are yet to be explored. The overall goal of this dissertation was to look at the state of the wildlife ecology discipline in the use of geospatial data for habitat mapping, and to advance this area through the fusion of remote sensing tools for the mapping of previously difficult to characterize forest metrics for inclusion in avian cavity-nester habitat models. Chapter 2 reviewed over 60 years of selected wildlife literature to examine the wildlife ecology disciple through historic trends and recent advances in the use of remote sensing for habitat characterization focusing on aspects of scale and the use of available technology. We discuss commonly used remote sensing data sources, point out recent advances in the use of geospatial data for characterizing forest wildlife habitat (the use of lidar data and the creation of spatially explicit habitat prediction maps), and provide future suggestions for increased utilization of available datasets (secondary lidar metrics and time series Landsat data). In chapters 3 and 4 we explored the use of remote sensing for characterizing forest components previously difficult to map across landscapes at scales relevant to local wildlife habitat selection. Chapter 3 found promise in the fusion of lidar structure and Landsat time series disturbance products in the modeling and mapping of post-fire snag and shrub distributions at fine scales and at size/cover thresholds relevant for habitat mapping applications for many wildlife species. The study was conducted within the 2003 B&B Fire Complex in central Oregon. Using 164 field calibration plots and remote sensing predictors, we modeled the presence/absence of snag classes (dbh ≥40cm, ≥50cm, and ≥75cm) and woody shrub cover resulting in 10m output predictive grid maps. Remote sensing predictors included various lidar structure and topography variables and Landsat time series products representing the pre-fire forest, disturbance magnitude, and current forest conditions. We were able to model and map all habitat metrics with acceptable predictive performance and low-moderate errors. The utility of these snag and shrub metrics for representing important nesting habitat features for a cavity-nesting species of conservation concern, the Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), was demonstrated in Chapter 4. We were able to model nesting habitat with good accuracies according to multiple performance measures and then map realized relationships for this species of conservation concern in an identified source habitat type, providing a potential resource for local scale conservation and management efforts and adding to the regional knowledge of habitat selection for the Lewis's Woodpecker. To our knowledge, these chapters represent first attempts to fuse lidar and time series Landsat disturbance metrics in a post-fire landscape and for the mapping of snag and shrub distributions at scales relevant to avian cavity nesting habitat. Close

• 95. [Article] Lower Middle Fork Willamette River Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- This watershed assessment includes the following topics: land forms and geology, land ownership and uses, hydrology, riparian habitat conditions, aquatic habitat and fish populations, wetland ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lower Middle Fork Willamette River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This watershed assessment includes the following topics: land forms and geology, land ownership and uses, hydrology, riparian habitat conditions, aquatic habitat and fish populations, wetland habitat conditions, water quality, and sediment sources. Title: Lower Middle Fork Willamette River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This watershed assessment includes the following topics: land forms and geology, land ownership and uses, hydrology, riparian habitat conditions, aquatic habitat and fish populations, wetland habitat conditions, water quality, and sediment sources. Close

• 96. [Article] McKenzie-Willamette River Habitat Enhancement Action Planning and Implementation: Land Use, Flood Control and Habitat Enhancement Guidlines for the Confluence Area of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers

  Abstract -- This report contains information on the projects: purpose, confluence area, background, flood characteristics, habitat characteristics, desired future condition, guidelines, and conclusion....

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: McKenzie-Willamette River Habitat Enhancement Action Planning and Implementation: Land Use, Flood Control and Habitat Enhancement Guidlines for the Confluence Area of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers Abstract -- This report contains information on the projects: purpose, confluence area, background, flood characteristics, habitat characteristics, desired future condition, guidelines, and conclusion. Title: McKenzie-Willamette River Habitat Enhancement Action Planning and Implementation: Land Use, Flood Control and Habitat Enhancement Guidlines for the Confluence Area of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers Abstract -- This report contains information on the projects: purpose, confluence area, background, flood characteristics, habitat characteristics, desired future condition, guidelines, and conclusion. Close

• 97. [Article] Necanicum Habitat Assessment Project: Juvenile Coho Winter Habitat Priorities for Large Wood Placement and Fish Passage Barriers

  Abstract -- ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol was used to assess habitat in selected streams (57 km total) in the Necanicum River basin. Snorkel surveys were conducted to assess juvenile salmonid distribution ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Necanicum Habitat Assessment Project: Juvenile Coho Winter Habitat Priorities for Large Wood Placement and Fish Passage Barriers Abstract -- ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol was used to assess habitat in selected streams (57 km total) in the Necanicum River basin. Snorkel surveys were conducted to assess juvenile salmonid distribution and abundance in these streams. Non-natural fish passage barriers were located. Locations where large wood placements would enhance fish habitat were identified. Title: Necanicum Habitat Assessment Project: Juvenile Coho Winter Habitat Priorities for Large Wood Placement and Fish Passage Barriers Abstract -- ODFW Aquatic Inventory protocol was used to assess habitat in selected streams (57 km total) in the Necanicum River basin. Snorkel surveys were conducted to assess juvenile salmonid distribution and abundance in these streams. Non-natural fish passage barriers were located. Locations where large wood placements would enhance fish habitat were identified. Close

• 98. [Article] Status of Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Populations in the Pacific Northwest and Development of Associated Control and Management Strategies, with an Emphasis on Metropolitan Habitats

  The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that was introduced to the Pacific Northwest, USA, in the 1930s. Primary damage categories from this invasive species include ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Populations in the Pacific Northwest and Development of Associated Control and Management Strategies, with an Emphasis on Metropolitan Habitats Author: Sheffels, Trevor Robert Year: 2013 The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that was introduced to the Pacific Northwest, USA, in the 1930s. Primary damage categories from this invasive species include burrowing and herbivory, resulting in habitat degradation. Nutria have become well-established in metropolitan habitats, and anecdotal information suggests the problem has increased in recent years. However, little regional research on the species has been conducted. The scope of this research, which emphasizes metropolitan habitats, includes three primary foci in relation to nutria populations in the Pacific Northwest: modeling habitat suitability, assessing activity and movement patterns, and identifying and managing negative impacts. Large-scale management of any invasive species requires understanding of the current and potential future population distribution. Cold temperatures have been assumed to be a limiting factor for the geographic distribution of nutria populations, but this assumption had not been explicitly tested. A mechanistic habitat suitability model based on winter temperatures performed well in predicting nutria distribution in the Pacific Northwest and nationally. Regional results suggest nutria currently occupy most accessible suitable habitat. However, coupling the model with future climate change data suggests a much larger suitable habitat zone regionally and nationally in the near future. Management of an invasive species on a local scale requires region-specific information about behavior patterns. Radio-telemetry tracking of local nutria populations in metropolitan habitats suggested higher diurnal activity levels than reported elsewhere. Activity areas were also on the lower end of reported nutria home ranges, suggesting the studied metropolitan wetland sites represent core habitat for nutria in the region. Comparison of two transmitter attachment methods, a neck collar and a tail mount, did not identify a clearly superior attachment method for short-term nutria behavior studies. The presence of nutria in metropolitan habitats in the Pacific Northwest necessitates the need to expand the limited management techniques available for these habitats. Standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes very effectively mitigated nutria herbivory damage to woody vegetation live stakes planted in a metropolitan habitat restoration site. A recently developed nutria multiple-capture cage trap captured larger nutria and reduced non-target captures compared to a standard cage trap. The design of the multiple-capture trap, however, prevented multiple-capture events because small nutria escaped the trap. This research contributes substantially to previously limited information about nutria in the Pacific Northwest and resulted in several new findings. Climate change modeling provides the first evidence that nutria ranges could expand in the near future. Evaluation of new radio-telemetry methods will benefit future behavior studies. The assessment of new damage prevention tools provides more options for the management of nutria in urban habitats. Management recommendations include creating regional nutria management plans, identifying and targeting priority monitoring regions, finding key stakeholders, focusing on public education, and initiating a pilot control program. Recommendations for research include evaluating effects on native fauna, conducting disease surveys, assessing the extent of damage, continuing habitat suitability analysis, and developing population indices. Title: Status of Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Populations in the Pacific Northwest and Development of Associated Control and Management Strategies, with an Emphasis on Metropolitan Habitats Author: Sheffels, Trevor Robert Year: 2013 The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America that was introduced to the Pacific Northwest, USA, in the 1930s. Primary damage categories from this invasive species include burrowing and herbivory, resulting in habitat degradation. Nutria have become well-established in metropolitan habitats, and anecdotal information suggests the problem has increased in recent years. However, little regional research on the species has been conducted. The scope of this research, which emphasizes metropolitan habitats, includes three primary foci in relation to nutria populations in the Pacific Northwest: modeling habitat suitability, assessing activity and movement patterns, and identifying and managing negative impacts. Large-scale management of any invasive species requires understanding of the current and potential future population distribution. Cold temperatures have been assumed to be a limiting factor for the geographic distribution of nutria populations, but this assumption had not been explicitly tested. A mechanistic habitat suitability model based on winter temperatures performed well in predicting nutria distribution in the Pacific Northwest and nationally. Regional results suggest nutria currently occupy most accessible suitable habitat. However, coupling the model with future climate change data suggests a much larger suitable habitat zone regionally and nationally in the near future. Management of an invasive species on a local scale requires region-specific information about behavior patterns. Radio-telemetry tracking of local nutria populations in metropolitan habitats suggested higher diurnal activity levels than reported elsewhere. Activity areas were also on the lower end of reported nutria home ranges, suggesting the studied metropolitan wetland sites represent core habitat for nutria in the region. Comparison of two transmitter attachment methods, a neck collar and a tail mount, did not identify a clearly superior attachment method for short-term nutria behavior studies. The presence of nutria in metropolitan habitats in the Pacific Northwest necessitates the need to expand the limited management techniques available for these habitats. Standard Vexar® plastic mesh tubes very effectively mitigated nutria herbivory damage to woody vegetation live stakes planted in a metropolitan habitat restoration site. A recently developed nutria multiple-capture cage trap captured larger nutria and reduced non-target captures compared to a standard cage trap. The design of the multiple-capture trap, however, prevented multiple-capture events because small nutria escaped the trap. This research contributes substantially to previously limited information about nutria in the Pacific Northwest and resulted in several new findings. Climate change modeling provides the first evidence that nutria ranges could expand in the near future. Evaluation of new radio-telemetry methods will benefit future behavior studies. The assessment of new damage prevention tools provides more options for the management of nutria in urban habitats. Management recommendations include creating regional nutria management plans, identifying and targeting priority monitoring regions, finding key stakeholders, focusing on public education, and initiating a pilot control program. Recommendations for research include evaluating effects on native fauna, conducting disease surveys, assessing the extent of damage, continuing habitat suitability analysis, and developing population indices. Close

• 99. [Article] The relationship between stream habitat complexity and anadromous salmonid diversity and habitat selection

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The relationship between stream habitat complexity and anadromous salmonid diversity and habitat selection Author: Chen, Glenn K. Title: The relationship between stream habitat complexity and anadromous salmonid diversity and habitat selection Author: Chen, Glenn K. Close

• 100. [Article] Evaluation of a U.S. West coast groundfish habitat conservation regulation via analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of trawl fishing efforts

  Recent emphasis on linkages between essential fish habitat and fish stock productivity has raised concerns about the management of fishing activities such as trawling, which have the potential to impact ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of a U.S. West coast groundfish habitat conservation regulation via analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of trawl fishing efforts Author: Bellman, Marlene A. Recent emphasis on linkages between essential fish habitat and fish stock productivity has raised concerns about the management of fishing activities such as trawling, which have the potential to impact fish habitat. Knowing specifically where and how intensively trawl effort has occurred over time provides ecologists with the necessary background for habitat impact and recovery studies, and provides fishery managers with an assessment of how habitat conservation objectives are being met. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the extent to which the 2000 Pacific Fishery Management Council footrope restriction has shifted and reduced trawl fishing effort on Oregon fishing grounds, (2) to relate these changes in distribution to the benthic habitat type over which they occur, and (3) to develop methods for enhancing fine-scale spatial review of targeted fishing effort. Density analysis of available trawl start locations provided a spatial and temporal understanding of how fishing efforts increased and decreased in relation to habitat distribution and fishery management actions between 1995 and 2002. Trawl effort patterns exhibit significant inter-annual variability and patchy distribution. Areas of increased fishing effort were still evident between years, despite an overall decline in trawl tows across the time scale of this study. Tow end point locations for the years 1998-2001 were retrieved from manual logbooks for five reference sites located in the proximity of rock habitat features. Trawl towlines were mapped from start to end point and demonstrated a marked enhancement of fine-scale fishing effort resolution, with increased ability to identify effort shifts over benthic habitat. Distinct spatial shifts in fishing intensity (measured as km towed) away from rock habitat were evident at all reference sites, with an average reduction of 86%. Some slight shifts into surrounding unconsolidated sediments also occurred, indicating effort displacement as well as reduction. Fishing intensity was calculated from commercial trawl and research trawl survey towlines to achieve the most accurate assessment of fishing impacts and potential habitat recovery areas. Research trawling intensity was less than 1% of commercial trawl effort originating from the same sites. A brief comparison of Oregon vessel towlines and California vessel towlines demonstrated similar targeted fishing patterns by both fleets, except at one site. Results indicate that the footrope restriction, in conjunction with associated landing limits, was effective in protecting rocky habitats from trawl fishing impacts. Reference areas were identified where essential fish habitat (EFH) recovery is likely occurring off the coast of Oregon. Substantial regulatory changes continue in this fishery, with trip limits and gear restrictions continuously adjusted. Continued monitoring and review of spatial trawl data would assist in fishery management decision-making and assess conservation objectives for depleted groundfish and associated habitats. Future research should incorporate analysis of catch data and expand the review of trawl towlines for the entire US West coast groundfish fishery. The trawl towline spatial analysis developed in this work is a credible method for reviewing fishing effort at the scale of the fishery and in relation to detailed habitat data. The research presented here provides an example of how an interdisciplinary approach and critical assessment of data can work to resolve marine management challenges. Title: Evaluation of a U.S. West coast groundfish habitat conservation regulation via analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of trawl fishing efforts Author: Bellman, Marlene A. Recent emphasis on linkages between essential fish habitat and fish stock productivity has raised concerns about the management of fishing activities such as trawling, which have the potential to impact fish habitat. Knowing specifically where and how intensively trawl effort has occurred over time provides ecologists with the necessary background for habitat impact and recovery studies, and provides fishery managers with an assessment of how habitat conservation objectives are being met. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the extent to which the 2000 Pacific Fishery Management Council footrope restriction has shifted and reduced trawl fishing effort on Oregon fishing grounds, (2) to relate these changes in distribution to the benthic habitat type over which they occur, and (3) to develop methods for enhancing fine-scale spatial review of targeted fishing effort. Density analysis of available trawl start locations provided a spatial and temporal understanding of how fishing efforts increased and decreased in relation to habitat distribution and fishery management actions between 1995 and 2002. Trawl effort patterns exhibit significant inter-annual variability and patchy distribution. Areas of increased fishing effort were still evident between years, despite an overall decline in trawl tows across the time scale of this study. Tow end point locations for the years 1998-2001 were retrieved from manual logbooks for five reference sites located in the proximity of rock habitat features. Trawl towlines were mapped from start to end point and demonstrated a marked enhancement of fine-scale fishing effort resolution, with increased ability to identify effort shifts over benthic habitat. Distinct spatial shifts in fishing intensity (measured as km towed) away from rock habitat were evident at all reference sites, with an average reduction of 86%. Some slight shifts into surrounding unconsolidated sediments also occurred, indicating effort displacement as well as reduction. Fishing intensity was calculated from commercial trawl and research trawl survey towlines to achieve the most accurate assessment of fishing impacts and potential habitat recovery areas. Research trawling intensity was less than 1% of commercial trawl effort originating from the same sites. A brief comparison of Oregon vessel towlines and California vessel towlines demonstrated similar targeted fishing patterns by both fleets, except at one site. Results indicate that the footrope restriction, in conjunction with associated landing limits, was effective in protecting rocky habitats from trawl fishing impacts. Reference areas were identified where essential fish habitat (EFH) recovery is likely occurring off the coast of Oregon. Substantial regulatory changes continue in this fishery, with trip limits and gear restrictions continuously adjusted. Continued monitoring and review of spatial trawl data would assist in fishery management decision-making and assess conservation objectives for depleted groundfish and associated habitats. Future research should incorporate analysis of catch data and expand the review of trawl towlines for the entire US West coast groundfish fishery. The trawl towline spatial analysis developed in this work is a credible method for reviewing fishing effort at the scale of the fishery and in relation to detailed habitat data. The research presented here provides an example of how an interdisciplinary approach and critical assessment of data can work to resolve marine management challenges. Close