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• 141. [Article] An Evolutionary Simulation of the Tragedy of the Commons

  In his seminal essay, "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968), Garrett Hardin argued that unless human population growth is controlled, the tragedy of common resource destruction is inevitable. This research ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Evolutionary Simulation of the Tragedy of the Commons Author: Oosterhout, Gretchen Year: 1996 In his seminal essay, "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968), Garrett Hardin argued that unless human population growth is controlled, the tragedy of common resource destruction is inevitable. This research consists of the development of an evolutionary computer model to simulate the Tragedy of the Commons, and social and economic solutions that have been proposed. In the simulations, multiattribute decision models are used to represent the tradeoffs a variety of types of individuals make among economic and social values in an uncertain environment. Individuals in each iteration of the simulation decide whether or not to exploit a common resource that has a stochastic regeneration rate. A genetic algorithm is used to simulate the way the decision makers respond to economic and social payoffs that result from their choices, as the commons responds to their actions over time. Game theory analyses of the commons dilemma are also included that, in contrast to previous analyses of the Tragedy of the Commons, incorporate not only economic attributes, but social and aesthetic attributes as well. These analyses indicate that the games underlying the Tragedy of the Commons may be similar to not only the N-person Prisoner's Dilemma, as is sometimes argued, but also N-person games of Chicken, Benevolent Chicken, and Hero. Population diversity is found to be particularly important to solutions in both the evolutionary simulations and the game theory analyses. The simulations and analyses support the hypothesis that, even if potential solutions that Hardin dismissed as unrealistic in the real world are given an opportunity to work in a simulated computer world, Hardin is right: for any given commons regeneration rate, the ultimate destruction of the commons can be prevented only by draconian economic or political measures, unrealistic rates of technological innovation or changes in social values, or coercive control of population growth. Title: An Evolutionary Simulation of the Tragedy of the Commons Author: Oosterhout, Gretchen Year: 1996 In his seminal essay, "The Tragedy of the Commons" (1968), Garrett Hardin argued that unless human population growth is controlled, the tragedy of common resource destruction is inevitable. This research consists of the development of an evolutionary computer model to simulate the Tragedy of the Commons, and social and economic solutions that have been proposed. In the simulations, multiattribute decision models are used to represent the tradeoffs a variety of types of individuals make among economic and social values in an uncertain environment. Individuals in each iteration of the simulation decide whether or not to exploit a common resource that has a stochastic regeneration rate. A genetic algorithm is used to simulate the way the decision makers respond to economic and social payoffs that result from their choices, as the commons responds to their actions over time. Game theory analyses of the commons dilemma are also included that, in contrast to previous analyses of the Tragedy of the Commons, incorporate not only economic attributes, but social and aesthetic attributes as well. These analyses indicate that the games underlying the Tragedy of the Commons may be similar to not only the N-person Prisoner's Dilemma, as is sometimes argued, but also N-person games of Chicken, Benevolent Chicken, and Hero. Population diversity is found to be particularly important to solutions in both the evolutionary simulations and the game theory analyses. The simulations and analyses support the hypothesis that, even if potential solutions that Hardin dismissed as unrealistic in the real world are given an opportunity to work in a simulated computer world, Hardin is right: for any given commons regeneration rate, the ultimate destruction of the commons can be prevented only by draconian economic or political measures, unrealistic rates of technological innovation or changes in social values, or coercive control of population growth. Close

• 142. [Article] Irrigation, Power, and Salmon: The Case for Voluntary Water Transfers in the Columbia Basin

  This paper begins with a brief history of water law in the west, illustrating the roots of conflict over water allocation. A more detailed examination of activities in the Columbia Basin follows, describing ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Irrigation, Power, and Salmon: The Case for Voluntary Water Transfers in the Columbia Basin Author: Kuhner, Eric Year: 1996 This paper begins with a brief history of water law in the west, illustrating the roots of conflict over water allocation. A more detailed examination of activities in the Columbia Basin follows, describing the many parties affected by issues of water use and the overlapping institutional structures that govern the river and its water. Sources of pressure to change the current pattern of water use are then considered. These include requirements to protect endangered salmon runs and the change over time in the relative values of water for power production and irrigation. This section demonstrates how changes in the value of resources can create conflict when resource allocations are inflexible. Alternative approaches to water allocation are then detailed. An argument is made that water use on the Columbia should be flexible, and that the ability to transfer water more easily from one use to another would be beneficial. The potential economic, social, and environmental benefits and costs of water transfers are also considered. The final section of the paper looks at barriers to water transfers and recommendations for institutional change. The section offers examples of market structures and policy options that might overcome some of the obstacles to water transfers. The argument for a more flexible system of water allocation is then summarized. Title: Irrigation, Power, and Salmon: The Case for Voluntary Water Transfers in the Columbia Basin Author: Kuhner, Eric Year: 1996 This paper begins with a brief history of water law in the west, illustrating the roots of conflict over water allocation. A more detailed examination of activities in the Columbia Basin follows, describing the many parties affected by issues of water use and the overlapping institutional structures that govern the river and its water. Sources of pressure to change the current pattern of water use are then considered. These include requirements to protect endangered salmon runs and the change over time in the relative values of water for power production and irrigation. This section demonstrates how changes in the value of resources can create conflict when resource allocations are inflexible. Alternative approaches to water allocation are then detailed. An argument is made that water use on the Columbia should be flexible, and that the ability to transfer water more easily from one use to another would be beneficial. The potential economic, social, and environmental benefits and costs of water transfers are also considered. The final section of the paper looks at barriers to water transfers and recommendations for institutional change. The section offers examples of market structures and policy options that might overcome some of the obstacles to water transfers. The argument for a more flexible system of water allocation is then summarized. Close

• 143. [Article] Oregon Dreissenid Mussel: Rapid Response Plan

  In 2007, both zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) were found to have established populations west of the Rocky Mountains. The risk posed to the Pacific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Dreissenid Mussel: Rapid Response Plan Author: Draheim, Robyn, Boatner, Rick, Dolphin, Glenn, DeBruyckere, Lisa Year: 2013 In 2007, both zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) were found to have established populations west of the Rocky Mountains. The risk posed to the Pacific Northwest by the proximity of these new infestations is significant. This plan was developed in response to the increasing likelihood of the successful transport and introduction of these species into the State of Oregon and Pacific Northwest. Although prevention remains the most cost-effective means of addressing potential infestations of aquatic invasive species, if prevention efforts fail, the State of Oregon must be prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to minimize environmental and economic impacts and reduce the risk of spread. The purpose of this plan is to protect Oregon’s waters, aquatic resources, and facilities from the deleterious effects of Dreissenid mussel establishment. This plan serves as a guidance document for natural resource managers to plan for and provide a rapid response effort to a Dreissenid mussel infestation in Oregon waters. This plan is intended to complement the Columbia River Basin Interagency Invasive Species Response Plan: Zebra Mussels and Other Dreissena Species drafted by the Columbia River Basin 100th Meridian Team as well as provide stand-alone guidance should mussels be found in Oregon but outside of the Columbia River Basin. This plan applies to all Dreissenid mussels, although the current focus is on zebra and quagga mussels. Many of the strategies listed herein can be applied to rapid response efforts for other aquatic invasive species (AIS) of concern. Title: Oregon Dreissenid Mussel: Rapid Response Plan Author: Draheim, Robyn, Boatner, Rick, Dolphin, Glenn, DeBruyckere, Lisa Year: 2013 In 2007, both zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) were found to have established populations west of the Rocky Mountains. The risk posed to the Pacific Northwest by the proximity of these new infestations is significant. This plan was developed in response to the increasing likelihood of the successful transport and introduction of these species into the State of Oregon and Pacific Northwest. Although prevention remains the most cost-effective means of addressing potential infestations of aquatic invasive species, if prevention efforts fail, the State of Oregon must be prepared to respond rapidly and effectively to minimize environmental and economic impacts and reduce the risk of spread. The purpose of this plan is to protect Oregon’s waters, aquatic resources, and facilities from the deleterious effects of Dreissenid mussel establishment. This plan serves as a guidance document for natural resource managers to plan for and provide a rapid response effort to a Dreissenid mussel infestation in Oregon waters. This plan is intended to complement the Columbia River Basin Interagency Invasive Species Response Plan: Zebra Mussels and Other Dreissena Species drafted by the Columbia River Basin 100th Meridian Team as well as provide stand-alone guidance should mussels be found in Oregon but outside of the Columbia River Basin. This plan applies to all Dreissenid mussels, although the current focus is on zebra and quagga mussels. Many of the strategies listed herein can be applied to rapid response efforts for other aquatic invasive species (AIS) of concern. Close

• 144. [Article] Effects of Tide Gate Replacement on Water Temperature ina Freshwater Slough in the Columbia River Estuary

  Dramatic declines in salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest have brought new attention to the importance of estuarine rearing habitats. Levees and tide gates used to convert estuarine wetlands into ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of Tide Gate Replacement on Water Temperature ina Freshwater Slough in the Columbia River Estuary Author: Ennis, Sara Year: 2009 Dramatic declines in salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest have brought new attention to the importance of estuarine rearing habitats. Levees and tide gates used to convert estuarine wetlands into farmland have reduced available habitat by more than half of historical levels. Recent efforts to restore estuarine habitats include tide gate replacement, though this method has been poorly studied. As a key indicator of salmon habitat suitability, temperature was used to evaluate the effects of tide gate replacement in a tidally influenced freshwater slough in the Lower Columbia River estuary. Three tide gates in the largest slough on Tenasillahe Island were replaced in 2007 with side-hinged aluminum gates. As managed during the data collection periods, the new tide gates did not allow tidal inflow into the slough. The study employed a Before-After, Control-Impact (BACI) approach, collecting data seasonally two years before and after replacement at the impact site and at the control site, a relatively unaltered slough on nearby Welch Island. Randomized Intervention Analysis and Monte Carlo tests revealed no significant difference in slough water temperatures after tide gate replacement, although minimum temperatures dropped up and downstream of the tide gates. Although the new tide gates did not have a significant effect on water temperature, the lower minimum temperatures may have been caused by a slight increase in tidal circulation. This result suggests that slough temperatures would decrease if the tide gates were managed to increase tidal inflow, and thus improve the quality of salmon rearing habitat. Title: Effects of Tide Gate Replacement on Water Temperature ina Freshwater Slough in the Columbia River Estuary Author: Ennis, Sara Year: 2009 Dramatic declines in salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest have brought new attention to the importance of estuarine rearing habitats. Levees and tide gates used to convert estuarine wetlands into farmland have reduced available habitat by more than half of historical levels. Recent efforts to restore estuarine habitats include tide gate replacement, though this method has been poorly studied. As a key indicator of salmon habitat suitability, temperature was used to evaluate the effects of tide gate replacement in a tidally influenced freshwater slough in the Lower Columbia River estuary. Three tide gates in the largest slough on Tenasillahe Island were replaced in 2007 with side-hinged aluminum gates. As managed during the data collection periods, the new tide gates did not allow tidal inflow into the slough. The study employed a Before-After, Control-Impact (BACI) approach, collecting data seasonally two years before and after replacement at the impact site and at the control site, a relatively unaltered slough on nearby Welch Island. Randomized Intervention Analysis and Monte Carlo tests revealed no significant difference in slough water temperatures after tide gate replacement, although minimum temperatures dropped up and downstream of the tide gates. Although the new tide gates did not have a significant effect on water temperature, the lower minimum temperatures may have been caused by a slight increase in tidal circulation. This result suggests that slough temperatures would decrease if the tide gates were managed to increase tidal inflow, and thus improve the quality of salmon rearing habitat. Close

• 145. [Article] Making Sense of Human Ecology Mapping: An Overview of Approaches to Integrating Socio-Spatial Data into Environmental Planning

  Ecosystem-based planning and management have stimulated the need to gather sociocultural values and human uses of land in formats accessible to diverse planners and researchers. Human Ecology Mapping (HEM) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Making Sense of Human Ecology Mapping: An Overview of Approaches to Integrating Socio-Spatial Data into Environmental Planning Author: McLain, Rebecca J., Poe, Melissa R., Biedenweg, Kelly, Cerveny, Lee, Besser, Diane, Blahna, Dale Year: 2013 Ecosystem-based planning and management have stimulated the need to gather sociocultural values and human uses of land in formats accessible to diverse planners and researchers. Human Ecology Mapping (HEM) approaches offer promising spatial data gathering and analytical tools, while also addressing important questions about human-landscape connections. This article reviews and compares the characteristics of three HEM approaches that are increasingly used in natural resource management contexts, each focused on a particular aspect of human-environmental interactions. These aspects include tenure and resource use (TRU), local ecological knowledge (LEK), and sense of place (SOP). We discuss their origins, provide examples of their use, and identify challenges to their application. Our review serves as a guide for environmental managers, planners, and communities interested in gathering spatial data on aspects of human ecology important in ecosystem-based management and planning, and for scientists designing socioecological research. Title: Making Sense of Human Ecology Mapping: An Overview of Approaches to Integrating Socio-Spatial Data into Environmental Planning Author: McLain, Rebecca J., Poe, Melissa R., Biedenweg, Kelly, Cerveny, Lee, Besser, Diane, Blahna, Dale Year: 2013 Ecosystem-based planning and management have stimulated the need to gather sociocultural values and human uses of land in formats accessible to diverse planners and researchers. Human Ecology Mapping (HEM) approaches offer promising spatial data gathering and analytical tools, while also addressing important questions about human-landscape connections. This article reviews and compares the characteristics of three HEM approaches that are increasingly used in natural resource management contexts, each focused on a particular aspect of human-environmental interactions. These aspects include tenure and resource use (TRU), local ecological knowledge (LEK), and sense of place (SOP). We discuss their origins, provide examples of their use, and identify challenges to their application. Our review serves as a guide for environmental managers, planners, and communities interested in gathering spatial data on aspects of human ecology important in ecosystem-based management and planning, and for scientists designing socioecological research. Close

• 146. [Article] Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Mapping Landscape Values: Issues, Challenges and Lessons Learned from Field Work on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington

  In order to inform natural resource policy and land management decisions, landscape values mapping (LVM) is increasingly used to collect data about the meanings that people attach to places and the activities ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Mapping Landscape Values: Issues, Challenges and Lessons Learned from Field Work on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington Author: Besser, Diane, McLain, Rebecca J., Cerveny, Lee, Biedenweg, Kelly, Banis, David Year: 2014 In order to inform natural resource policy and land management decisions, landscape values mapping (LVM) is increasingly used to collect data about the meanings that people attach to places and the activities associated with those places. This type of mapping provides geographically referenced data on areas of high density of values or associated with different types of values. This article focuses on issues and challenges that commonly occur in LVM, drawing on lessons learned in the US Forest Service Olympic Peninsula Human Ecology Mapping Project. The discussion covers choosing a spatial scale for collecting data, creating the base map, developing data collection strategies, the use of ascribed versus assigned values, and the pros and cons of different mapping formats. Understanding the common issues and challenges in LVM will assist policy makers, land managers, and researchers in designing a LVM project that effectively balances project goals, time and budgetary constraints, and personnel resources in a way that ensures the most robust data and inclusive public participation. Title: Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: Mapping Landscape Values: Issues, Challenges and Lessons Learned from Field Work on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington Author: Besser, Diane, McLain, Rebecca J., Cerveny, Lee, Biedenweg, Kelly, Banis, David Year: 2014 In order to inform natural resource policy and land management decisions, landscape values mapping (LVM) is increasingly used to collect data about the meanings that people attach to places and the activities associated with those places. This type of mapping provides geographically referenced data on areas of high density of values or associated with different types of values. This article focuses on issues and challenges that commonly occur in LVM, drawing on lessons learned in the US Forest Service Olympic Peninsula Human Ecology Mapping Project. The discussion covers choosing a spatial scale for collecting data, creating the base map, developing data collection strategies, the use of ascribed versus assigned values, and the pros and cons of different mapping formats. Understanding the common issues and challenges in LVM will assist policy makers, land managers, and researchers in designing a LVM project that effectively balances project goals, time and budgetary constraints, and personnel resources in a way that ensures the most robust data and inclusive public participation. Close

• 147. [Article] Evaluation of Phase Change Materials for Cooling in a Super-Insulated Passive House

  Due to factors such as rising energy costs, diminishing resources, and climate change, the demand for high performance buildings is on the rise. As a result, several new building standards have emerged ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of Phase Change Materials for Cooling in a Super-Insulated Passive House Author: Lauck, Jeffrey Stephen Year: 2013 Due to factors such as rising energy costs, diminishing resources, and climate change, the demand for high performance buildings is on the rise. As a result, several new building standards have emerged including the Passive House Standard, a rigorous energy-use standard based on a super-insulated and very tightly sealed building envelope. The standard requires that that air infiltration is less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at a 50 Pascal pressure difference, annual heating energy is less than or equal to 15kWh/m2, and total annual source energy is less than or equal to 120 kWh/m2. A common complaint about passive houses is that they tend to overheat. Prior research using simulation suggests that the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which store heat as they melt and release heat as the freeze, can reduce the number of overheated hours and improve thermal comfort. In this study, an actual passive house duplex in Southeast Portland was thoroughly instrumented to monitor various air and surface temperatures. One unit contains 130kg of PCM while the other unit contains no PCM to serve as an experimental control. The performance of the PCM was evaluated through analysis of observed data and through additional simulation using an EnergyPlus model validated with observed data. The study found that installation of the PCM had a positive effect on thermal comfort, reducing the estimated overheated hours from about 400 to 200. Title: Evaluation of Phase Change Materials for Cooling in a Super-Insulated Passive House Author: Lauck, Jeffrey Stephen Year: 2013 Due to factors such as rising energy costs, diminishing resources, and climate change, the demand for high performance buildings is on the rise. As a result, several new building standards have emerged including the Passive House Standard, a rigorous energy-use standard based on a super-insulated and very tightly sealed building envelope. The standard requires that that air infiltration is less than or equal to 0.6 air changes per hour at a 50 Pascal pressure difference, annual heating energy is less than or equal to 15kWh/m2, and total annual source energy is less than or equal to 120 kWh/m2. A common complaint about passive houses is that they tend to overheat. Prior research using simulation suggests that the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs), which store heat as they melt and release heat as the freeze, can reduce the number of overheated hours and improve thermal comfort. In this study, an actual passive house duplex in Southeast Portland was thoroughly instrumented to monitor various air and surface temperatures. One unit contains 130kg of PCM while the other unit contains no PCM to serve as an experimental control. The performance of the PCM was evaluated through analysis of observed data and through additional simulation using an EnergyPlus model validated with observed data. The study found that installation of the PCM had a positive effect on thermal comfort, reducing the estimated overheated hours from about 400 to 200. Close

• 148. [Article] Groundwater Surface Trends in the North Florence Dunal Aquifer, Oregon Coast, USA

  The North Florence Dunal Aquifer is the only feasible source for drinking water for the coastal city of Florence, Oregon and Florence's Urban Growth Boundary. High infiltration rates and a shallow groundwater ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Groundwater Surface Trends in the North Florence Dunal Aquifer, Oregon Coast, USA Author: Doliber, Sarah Rebecca Year: 2012 The North Florence Dunal Aquifer is the only feasible source for drinking water for the coastal city of Florence, Oregon and Florence's Urban Growth Boundary. High infiltration rates and a shallow groundwater table leave the aquifer highly susceptible to contamination from septic tank effluent, storm runoff, chemical fertilizers and recreational ATV use throughout the dunes. Public interest in the quality and quantity of the aquifer water has been sparked since the City of Florence received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a watershed protection and restoration project. Delineation of the shallow groundwater surface and its relationship to the surface water bodies within the dunes is crucial in protecting this drinking water source from contamination. This thesis project created a GIS representation of the shallow groundwater elevation and associated prediction error map. Surface water bodies were confirmed as window lakes into the dunal aquifer and no signs of perched aquifer conditions were observed between Holocene and Pleistocene dunes. Ground Penetrating Radar, well data provided by the city of Florence and LiDAR were the primary sources for data collection. Title: Groundwater Surface Trends in the North Florence Dunal Aquifer, Oregon Coast, USA Author: Doliber, Sarah Rebecca Year: 2012 The North Florence Dunal Aquifer is the only feasible source for drinking water for the coastal city of Florence, Oregon and Florence's Urban Growth Boundary. High infiltration rates and a shallow groundwater table leave the aquifer highly susceptible to contamination from septic tank effluent, storm runoff, chemical fertilizers and recreational ATV use throughout the dunes. Public interest in the quality and quantity of the aquifer water has been sparked since the City of Florence received a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a watershed protection and restoration project. Delineation of the shallow groundwater surface and its relationship to the surface water bodies within the dunes is crucial in protecting this drinking water source from contamination. This thesis project created a GIS representation of the shallow groundwater elevation and associated prediction error map. Surface water bodies were confirmed as window lakes into the dunal aquifer and no signs of perched aquifer conditions were observed between Holocene and Pleistocene dunes. Ground Penetrating Radar, well data provided by the city of Florence and LiDAR were the primary sources for data collection. Close

• 149. [Article] A Geospatial Tool for Wetland Prioritization at the Watershed Scale

  There is an increasing demand for assessing ecosystem functions for freshwater wetlands, especially when comparing or prioritizing among wetlands at the watershed scale. We estimated the relative potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Geospatial Tool for Wetland Prioritization at the Watershed Scale Author: Blackmore, Debra Sue, Chang, Heejun Year: 2015 There is an increasing demand for assessing ecosystem functions for freshwater wetlands, especially when comparing or prioritizing among wetlands at the watershed scale. We estimated the relative potential of selected ecosystem functions for freshwater wetlands within a watershed using widely available geospatial data. We developed four functions to estimate 1) flood storage, 2) late season flow, 3) sediment retention and 4) temperature control in four pilot watersheds in Oregon (Tualatin, Coquille, Upper Grande Ronde and Sprague). These watersheds are geographically separated from each other representing diverse ecoregion environments. Spatial analysis and geographic information system (GIS) were designed for maximum re-use, based on publicly-available data, commonly-used software, semi-automated techniques and wetland characterizations that attempt to capture fundamental wetland processes. Our data sources include 30-meter digital elevation models, NRCS soil survey extracts, USGS National Land Cover Data, USGS HUC8 boundaries (polygons) and statewide wetland delineations (polygons) processed within ArcGIS 10.2 and Python 2.7.5 software. Model parameters were compiled using multiple proxy values for size, slope, aspect, proximity, flow path distance, hydrologic gradient, shade, and soil characteristics. WPT characterizations emphasize the multi-faceted value of freshwater wetlands, relating potential within a watershed as well as providing model-based characterizations between watersheds. Our wetland prioritization tool (WPT) provides useful information to estimate and compare the relative potential for selected wetland functions, thereby improving success in wetland conservation, restoration, and mitigation efforts. Title: A Geospatial Tool for Wetland Prioritization at the Watershed Scale Author: Blackmore, Debra Sue, Chang, Heejun Year: 2015 There is an increasing demand for assessing ecosystem functions for freshwater wetlands, especially when comparing or prioritizing among wetlands at the watershed scale. We estimated the relative potential of selected ecosystem functions for freshwater wetlands within a watershed using widely available geospatial data. We developed four functions to estimate 1) flood storage, 2) late season flow, 3) sediment retention and 4) temperature control in four pilot watersheds in Oregon (Tualatin, Coquille, Upper Grande Ronde and Sprague). These watersheds are geographically separated from each other representing diverse ecoregion environments. Spatial analysis and geographic information system (GIS) were designed for maximum re-use, based on publicly-available data, commonly-used software, semi-automated techniques and wetland characterizations that attempt to capture fundamental wetland processes. Our data sources include 30-meter digital elevation models, NRCS soil survey extracts, USGS National Land Cover Data, USGS HUC8 boundaries (polygons) and statewide wetland delineations (polygons) processed within ArcGIS 10.2 and Python 2.7.5 software. Model parameters were compiled using multiple proxy values for size, slope, aspect, proximity, flow path distance, hydrologic gradient, shade, and soil characteristics. WPT characterizations emphasize the multi-faceted value of freshwater wetlands, relating potential within a watershed as well as providing model-based characterizations between watersheds. Our wetland prioritization tool (WPT) provides useful information to estimate and compare the relative potential for selected wetland functions, thereby improving success in wetland conservation, restoration, and mitigation efforts. Close

• 150. [Article] Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life

  Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life Author: Granek, Elise F., Dallmeier, Francisco, Alonso, Alfonso, Raven, Peter H. Year: 2001 Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term “biodiversity,” explains it as “the very stuff of life.” Species and the ecosystems in which they live are indelibly linked. Conversion or loss of ecosystems inevitably impairs the species that depend on them. As well, changes in the life cycle of one species could impact the life cycles of many other species (including humans), alter ecosystems and ecosystem functions, and contribute to local, regional and, ultimately, global changes. Life as we know it will not be the same if our rich biodiversity heritage is dramatically altered. And the signs indicate that this is precisely what is happening. Biodiversity is threatened, and not because of catastrophic events such as the asteroid crash that scientists believe caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The current threat to biodiversity, and thus to the tapestry of life, stems primarily from expanding human populations and increased human consumption of natural resources. Fortunately, together we can take steps to protect our rich biodiversity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Program on Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity, under the Conservation and Research Center of the National Zoological Park, and the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology worked together to prepare this booklet. It explains what biodiversity is, why it is so important, why it is threatened, and what can be done to conserve this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about what we can all do to help. Title: Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life Author: Granek, Elise F., Dallmeier, Francisco, Alonso, Alfonso, Raven, Peter H. Year: 2001 Biodiversity is the extraordinary variety of life on Earth – from genes and species to ecosystems and the valuable functions they perform. E.O. Wilson, the noted biologist and author who coined the term “biodiversity,” explains it as “the very stuff of life.” Species and the ecosystems in which they live are indelibly linked. Conversion or loss of ecosystems inevitably impairs the species that depend on them. As well, changes in the life cycle of one species could impact the life cycles of many other species (including humans), alter ecosystems and ecosystem functions, and contribute to local, regional and, ultimately, global changes. Life as we know it will not be the same if our rich biodiversity heritage is dramatically altered. And the signs indicate that this is precisely what is happening. Biodiversity is threatened, and not because of catastrophic events such as the asteroid crash that scientists believe caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. The current threat to biodiversity, and thus to the tapestry of life, stems primarily from expanding human populations and increased human consumption of natural resources. Fortunately, together we can take steps to protect our rich biodiversity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Program on Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity, under the Conservation and Research Center of the National Zoological Park, and the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology worked together to prepare this booklet. It explains what biodiversity is, why it is so important, why it is threatened, and what can be done to conserve this valuable resource. Read on to learn more about what we can all do to help. Close