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• 1591. [Article] Examination of Immobilized TiO₂ Nanoparticle Photocatalytic Treatment of Stormwater by LilyPads

  Stormwater runoff is a significant cause for impairment of many water bodies, a problem that will inevitably escalate due to increasing land-cover change associated with urbanization. The effect of stormwater ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Examination of Immobilized TiO₂ Nanoparticle Photocatalytic Treatment of Stormwater by LilyPads Author: Lopez, David A. (David Anthony) Stormwater runoff is a significant cause for impairment of many water bodies, a problem that will inevitably escalate due to increasing land-cover change associated with urbanization. The effect of stormwater runoff has spurred legislation and the subsequent development and adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to treat stormwater. This work evaluates the immobilized TiO₂ nanoparticle photocatalytic treatment of stormwater by Puralytic's LilyPad technology, both in lab-scale batch test and field-scale deployment at the OSU-Benton County Green Stormwater Infrastructure Research (OGSIR) Facility. The performance during field-scale deployment is compared to performance data for other BMPs. There were several key findings during lab tests. First, during lab tests with synthetic stormwater (SSW) containing multiple metals (Cu(II), Zn(II), and Fe(II)), Fe(II) inhibited the removal rates of Cu(II) and Zn(II). Second, in SSW containing PO₄³⁻, the LilyPad was responsible for a 22% reduction in phosphate. Third, at chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations comparable to stormwater from the OGSIR (170 ppm COD), potassium acid phthalate (KHP), a model complex organic, inhibited PurBlue dye removal via competitive adsorption. Fourth, a LilyPad prototype, utilizing a polypropylene substrate for TiO₂ nanoparticle immobilization, self-catalyzed (the TiO₂ photocatalytic degradation of the LilyPad's polypropylene immobilization substrate) under UV lamps, raising dissolved organic content (DOC) by as much as 28 ppm C. The magnitude of self-catalyization was greatest at low DOC concentrations with the rate decreasing with increasing DOC concentrations. When DOC concentrations in stormwater were higher than 10 ppm C, the point at which self-catalyization potentially ceases, the LilyPad was able to remove DOC at 0.24 ppm C/hr from 22 ppm C to 11 ppm C and at 0.14 ppm C/hr from 14 ppm C to 8 ppm C. At the field-scale, the LilyPad/retention pond combination does well compared to other stormwater BMPs at removing heavy metals (Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(II)), nitrate and DOC from the stormwater at the OGSIR; however, the LilyPad's contribution to the removal is difficult to ascertained due to similar pollutant removal during periods when the LilyPad was present versus periods when the LilyPad was not present. Also, the LilyPad was shown to become 50% fouled after 122 hours in stormwater at the OGSIR with the percent fouled rising to 80% after 800 hours. Title: Examination of Immobilized TiO₂ Nanoparticle Photocatalytic Treatment of Stormwater by LilyPads Author: Lopez, David A. (David Anthony) Stormwater runoff is a significant cause for impairment of many water bodies, a problem that will inevitably escalate due to increasing land-cover change associated with urbanization. The effect of stormwater runoff has spurred legislation and the subsequent development and adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to treat stormwater. This work evaluates the immobilized TiO₂ nanoparticle photocatalytic treatment of stormwater by Puralytic's LilyPad technology, both in lab-scale batch test and field-scale deployment at the OSU-Benton County Green Stormwater Infrastructure Research (OGSIR) Facility. The performance during field-scale deployment is compared to performance data for other BMPs. There were several key findings during lab tests. First, during lab tests with synthetic stormwater (SSW) containing multiple metals (Cu(II), Zn(II), and Fe(II)), Fe(II) inhibited the removal rates of Cu(II) and Zn(II). Second, in SSW containing PO₄³⁻, the LilyPad was responsible for a 22% reduction in phosphate. Third, at chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations comparable to stormwater from the OGSIR (170 ppm COD), potassium acid phthalate (KHP), a model complex organic, inhibited PurBlue dye removal via competitive adsorption. Fourth, a LilyPad prototype, utilizing a polypropylene substrate for TiO₂ nanoparticle immobilization, self-catalyzed (the TiO₂ photocatalytic degradation of the LilyPad's polypropylene immobilization substrate) under UV lamps, raising dissolved organic content (DOC) by as much as 28 ppm C. The magnitude of self-catalyization was greatest at low DOC concentrations with the rate decreasing with increasing DOC concentrations. When DOC concentrations in stormwater were higher than 10 ppm C, the point at which self-catalyization potentially ceases, the LilyPad was able to remove DOC at 0.24 ppm C/hr from 22 ppm C to 11 ppm C and at 0.14 ppm C/hr from 14 ppm C to 8 ppm C. At the field-scale, the LilyPad/retention pond combination does well compared to other stormwater BMPs at removing heavy metals (Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(II)), nitrate and DOC from the stormwater at the OGSIR; however, the LilyPad's contribution to the removal is difficult to ascertained due to similar pollutant removal during periods when the LilyPad was present versus periods when the LilyPad was not present. Also, the LilyPad was shown to become 50% fouled after 122 hours in stormwater at the OGSIR with the percent fouled rising to 80% after 800 hours. Close

• 1592. [Article] Wild Waters : Perspectives on Oregon’s Marine Reserves as Marine Wilderness Areas

  Designation of areas as marine wilderness has been proposed as a strategy for managing the increasing threats facing the world’s oceans. Although social factors influence marine protected area success, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wild Waters : Perspectives on Oregon’s Marine Reserves as Marine Wilderness Areas Author: Johnston, Jennifer R. (Jennifer Rebecca) Designation of areas as marine wilderness has been proposed as a strategy for managing the increasing threats facing the world’s oceans. Although social factors influence marine protected area success, the human dimensions of marine wilderness remain minimally explored. This thesis examines views of marine wilderness expressed by a representative sample of residents in Oregon’s most populous region. Data were collected from a mixed-mode (e.g., mail, internet) survey of Oregon residents living from Portland to Ashland between the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges (n = 530). The first of two related articles investigates whether the concept of wilderness is thought to apply to the ocean in general and to Oregon’s current marine reserves in particular. Further exploration of the meanings of ‘marine protected area,’ ‘marine reserve,’ ‘wilderness,’ and ‘marine wilderness’ are conducted with content analysis of open-ended survey questions. The anticipated effect of wilderness designation on visitation and attitudes associated with marine reserves is also measured. Respondents were generally willing to apply the concept and label of wilderness to ocean spaces, including Oregon’s marine reserves, although land areas were deemed more appropriate for wilderness. The designations of ‘marine protected area,’ ‘marine reserve,’ ‘wilderness,’ and ‘marine wilderness’ evoked distinct meanings with ‘marine protected area’ and ‘marine reserve’ associated with rules and restrictions, and ‘wilderness’ and ‘marine wilderness’ tightly bound with ideas of pristineness. Most respondents indicated that marine wilderness designation of Oregon’s marine reserves would not change either their attitudes toward or visitation of these areas. Of those who indicated a change, most specified positive attitude change and increased visitation. The second article builds on this concept of marine wilderness by using a path model to examine the values and attitudes that residents have for Oregon’s marine reserves, and whether these attitudes could change with designation of these reserves as wilderness. Respondents clearly preferred that Oregon’s marine reserves provide values that foster environmental protection over values that strictly provide for human wellbeing. These environmental protection values had a positive relationship with both general attitudes toward the marine reserves and attitude change associated with wilderness designation of the reserves. In contrast, recreation values had a negative relationship to both general attitudes and attitude change. General attitudes toward the marine reserves were positively related to attitude change with possible wilderness designation of the marine reserves. The relationships between environmental protection values, recreation values, and attitude change were partially mediated by general attitudes toward the marine reserves. Although this population seems potentially receptive to the idea of marine wilderness, this thesis reveals expectations, associations, and important values that must be understood if marine wilderness areas were ever to be designated in Oregon. Together, these articles provide a foundational understanding of the social dynamics surrounding the application of the concept of wilderness to marine areas. This understanding can help foster the success of marine wilderness and other marine protected areas. Title: Wild Waters : Perspectives on Oregon’s Marine Reserves as Marine Wilderness Areas Author: Johnston, Jennifer R. (Jennifer Rebecca) Designation of areas as marine wilderness has been proposed as a strategy for managing the increasing threats facing the world’s oceans. Although social factors influence marine protected area success, the human dimensions of marine wilderness remain minimally explored. This thesis examines views of marine wilderness expressed by a representative sample of residents in Oregon’s most populous region. Data were collected from a mixed-mode (e.g., mail, internet) survey of Oregon residents living from Portland to Ashland between the Coast and Cascade mountain ranges (n = 530). The first of two related articles investigates whether the concept of wilderness is thought to apply to the ocean in general and to Oregon’s current marine reserves in particular. Further exploration of the meanings of ‘marine protected area,’ ‘marine reserve,’ ‘wilderness,’ and ‘marine wilderness’ are conducted with content analysis of open-ended survey questions. The anticipated effect of wilderness designation on visitation and attitudes associated with marine reserves is also measured. Respondents were generally willing to apply the concept and label of wilderness to ocean spaces, including Oregon’s marine reserves, although land areas were deemed more appropriate for wilderness. The designations of ‘marine protected area,’ ‘marine reserve,’ ‘wilderness,’ and ‘marine wilderness’ evoked distinct meanings with ‘marine protected area’ and ‘marine reserve’ associated with rules and restrictions, and ‘wilderness’ and ‘marine wilderness’ tightly bound with ideas of pristineness. Most respondents indicated that marine wilderness designation of Oregon’s marine reserves would not change either their attitudes toward or visitation of these areas. Of those who indicated a change, most specified positive attitude change and increased visitation. The second article builds on this concept of marine wilderness by using a path model to examine the values and attitudes that residents have for Oregon’s marine reserves, and whether these attitudes could change with designation of these reserves as wilderness. Respondents clearly preferred that Oregon’s marine reserves provide values that foster environmental protection over values that strictly provide for human wellbeing. These environmental protection values had a positive relationship with both general attitudes toward the marine reserves and attitude change associated with wilderness designation of the reserves. In contrast, recreation values had a negative relationship to both general attitudes and attitude change. General attitudes toward the marine reserves were positively related to attitude change with possible wilderness designation of the marine reserves. The relationships between environmental protection values, recreation values, and attitude change were partially mediated by general attitudes toward the marine reserves. Although this population seems potentially receptive to the idea of marine wilderness, this thesis reveals expectations, associations, and important values that must be understood if marine wilderness areas were ever to be designated in Oregon. Together, these articles provide a foundational understanding of the social dynamics surrounding the application of the concept of wilderness to marine areas. This understanding can help foster the success of marine wilderness and other marine protected areas. Close

• 1593. [Article] The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2016

  We monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally threatened Western SnowyPlover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast from 5 April – 31 August 2016. From north to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2016 Author: Farrar, J. Daniel, Kotaich, Adam A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Krygsman, Erica, Castelein, Kathleen A., Lauten, David J. We monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally threatened Western SnowyPlover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast from 5 April – 31 August 2016. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North and South Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Snowy Plover Management Area, New River HRA and adjacent lands, and Floras Lake. Our objectives in 2016 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) determine nest success, 4) implement nest protection as appropriate (e.g. ropes, signs, exclosures), 5) develop and test a sampling technique to determine plover productivity, 6) monitor brood outcomes, and 7) collect general observational data about predators and use cameras to document predator activity at nests. We estimated the resident number of Snowy Plovers in Oregon at 518 individuals. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 694 nests in 2016. Overall apparent nest success was 25%. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation, unknown cause, harrier depredation, corvid depredation, mammalian depredation, gull depredation, one-egg nest, wind/weather, abandonment, overwashing and infertility. We monitored a sample of 150 of 192 known broods, and documented a minimum of 197 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 43%, but only 0.60 +/- 0.09 fledglings per male were produced. Title: The Distribution and Reproductive Success of the Western Snowy Plover along the Oregon Coast - 2016 Author: Farrar, J. Daniel, Kotaich, Adam A., Gaines, Eleanor P., Krygsman, Erica, Castelein, Kathleen A., Lauten, David J. We monitored the distribution, abundance and productivity of the federally threatened Western SnowyPlover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) along the Oregon coast from 5 April – 31 August 2016. From north to south, we surveyed and monitored plover activity at Sutton Beach, Siltcoos River estuary, the Dunes Overlook, North and South Tahkenitch Creek, Tenmile Creek, Coos Bay North Spit, Bandon Snowy Plover Management Area, New River HRA and adjacent lands, and Floras Lake. Our objectives in 2016 were to: 1) estimate the size of the adult Snowy Plover population, 2) locate plover nests, 3) determine nest success, 4) implement nest protection as appropriate (e.g. ropes, signs, exclosures), 5) develop and test a sampling technique to determine plover productivity, 6) monitor brood outcomes, and 7) collect general observational data about predators and use cameras to document predator activity at nests. We estimated the resident number of Snowy Plovers in Oregon at 518 individuals. The adult plover population was the highest estimate recorded since monitoring began in 1990. We monitored 694 nests in 2016. Overall apparent nest success was 25%. Nest failures were attributed to unknown depredation, unknown cause, harrier depredation, corvid depredation, mammalian depredation, gull depredation, one-egg nest, wind/weather, abandonment, overwashing and infertility. We monitored a sample of 150 of 192 known broods, and documented a minimum of 197 fledglings. Overall brood success was 71%, fledging success was 43%, but only 0.60 +/- 0.09 fledglings per male were produced. Close

• 1594. [Article] Maximizing urban property values through open space conservation

  This study investigates the share of open space that maximizes total private property values in urban areas. Open space poses a number of trade-offs to city managers. On the one hand, previous studies ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Maximizing urban property values through open space conservation Author: Oakley, Winston This study investigates the share of open space that maximizes total private property values in urban areas. Open space poses a number of trade-offs to city managers. On the one hand, previous studies have shown that certain kinds of open space can increase property values, which tends to increase tax revenues. On the other hand, open space typically requires substantial capital to establish and perpetual maintenance costs to maintain. This means that in order to keep the city budget balanced, financing open space requires either taking money away from other municipal services, which may be of greater value to residents than open space, or increasing the property tax rate. Both these courses of actions tend to reduce property values, and therefore, lower tax revenues. Open space also incurs an opportunity cost, in that land used for open space could be developed and taxed. While previous research has modeled these trade-offs, there is still more to be learned by empirically estimating the share of open space that maximizes property values in urban areas. According to the theoretical underpinnings of this study, one of the primary determinants of a city's value-maximizing, or "optimal", share of open space is the price elasticity of housing supply. Therefore, in order to estimate the optimal share of open space, this study estimates the price elasticity of housing supply for 349 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). According to theory, the other factors that determine the optimal share of open space are the price elasticity of housing demand, the economies of scale in the provision of municipal services, the elasticity of property values with respect to municipal services, and the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space. For these factors, an example value is establish based on prior research and used commonly among all MSAs to estimate the optimal share. Once the estimated and example values are determined, they are inserted into the equation that determines the optimal share of open space. The result provides an estimate of this optimal share of open space for 349 MSAs. On average, the model, combined with the estimated and assumed values, produces very low estimates for the optimal share of open space. The mean optimal share was 1.5%, and 95% of the estimates were 5% or less. For shares based on statistically significant supply elasticity estimates, optimal shares ranged from 0.2% to 27%. In order to gauge how far cities were from their estimated optimal share of open space, this study compared the estimated optimal share to observed shares of open space in 72 MSAs. When compared to observed shares of open space, the model (along with the estimated and assumed values) showed that 89% of the observed MSAs displayed "excesses" of open space, or, an observed share of open space that exceeded their optimal share. The other 11% demonstrated a "shortage" of open space. The average deviation between optimal and actual share was an excess of 6.3 percentage points. Further analysis was conducted in order to account for the error inherent in the supply elasticity estimates (and subsequently inherent to the estimates of optimal share). Once this error was accounted for, only two cities still showed evidence of having open space shortages: Stockton, CA and Miami, FL. However, both cities were within a percentage point of their optimal share's confidence interval, making it possible these cities are not experiencing meaningful shortages of open space. In contrast, 92% of the cities in the sample set showed statistically significant excesses of open space. Of these, five MSAs exceeded their confidence intervals by 15 or more percentage points: Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Akron, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Anchorage, AK. Because these cities' actual share of open space lies so far above their optimal share, it is very likely that decreasing open space area would increase property values. Two cities in the sample fell within their optimal share's confidence interval: Washington, DC and Virginia Beach, VA. Of all the cities in the sample set, these two are the most likely to be at their optimal share of open space, and therefore, are the most likely to decrease property values by making any changes to their share of open space. After this primary analysis, a sensitivity analysis was conducted in order to determine how assumptions regarding the variables impacted the estimated optimal share of open space. A reasonable range for each variable was established based on the literature, and this range was used to test each variable’s effect on the optimal share of open space. These tests revealed that the optimal share is not especially sensitive to the assumed values for the price elasticity of housing demand, nor to the economy of scale in the provision of municipal services. However, the elasticity of property values with respect to municipal services and the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space both have large influences on the optimal share. The impact of all the other variables increased as supply elasticity decreased, and as the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space increased. Because the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space has such a disproportionate influence on the optimal share of open space, and because there is very little empirical evidence surrounding its value, further analysis was done to investigate this variable. By assuming that the 72 MSAs for which there is an observed share of open space are at their optimal share, in conjunction with the estimated and assumed values for the other variables, one can estimate the implied value for the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space. Using this method, this study found that the average implied elasticity was 0.57. While this result could indicate that open space has a higher-than-assumed effect on housing demand, evidence from the literature suggests this value is too high. It is more likely that this result provides further evidence that the model is indicating actual shares of open space are higher than optimal. In the final portion of the sensitivity analysis, cities' observed shares of open space were again assumed to be at the optimal level, however, the other variables assume the limits of their reasonable range so as to make the implied elasticity as high or as low as possible. This analysis provided further evidence of discrepancies between actual and optimal shares of open space. While the evidence for open space shortages was fairly slim, the analysis reinforced evidence that some cities have excess open space. Those that presented the highest implied elasticities (and therefore show the strongest evidence of open space excess) are Austin, TX; Akron, OH; and Greensboro, NC. By comparing optimal shares of open space to observed shares of open space, the results show that the majority of cities could likely increase property values by decreasing their share of open space. This study also sheds new light on the relationship between housing demand and open space. By defining a reasonable value and range for the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space, this study adds to the scarce information on this variable. While the results of this study indicate that many urban areas in the U.S. have larger shares of open space than would maximize property values, it is important to emphasize that the value-maximizing share of open space is not the socially optimal share. Open space provides a number of other social benefits that are not capitalized into property values, and are therefore not considered in this study. Environmental benefits are one important example. Further research is needed to determine the socially optimal amount of open space that maximizes social welfare. The appendices of this study list both the estimates of housing supply elasticity and the estimates of value-maximizing share for the 349 MSAs in the sample set. For the managers of cities that were included in the study, these figures can provide valuable information to help them better understand the implications of open space provision. The housing supply elasticities serve to better illuminate housing markets in their area. The optimal share estimates allow managers to better understand the relationship between property values and open space. For the managers of cities not included in this study, the methods presented here offer a relatively simple way to calculate their own housing supply elasticity and optimal share. With data on housing prices, housing construction, and population, interested parties can estimate the supply elasticity in their cities. Using this estimate in combination with the values this study assumed for the other variables, they can estimate their own value-maximizing share of open space. By comparing this figure to their present share of open space, city managers can gain a better understanding of the effect open space has on the property values within their city. Title: Maximizing urban property values through open space conservation Author: Oakley, Winston This study investigates the share of open space that maximizes total private property values in urban areas. Open space poses a number of trade-offs to city managers. On the one hand, previous studies have shown that certain kinds of open space can increase property values, which tends to increase tax revenues. On the other hand, open space typically requires substantial capital to establish and perpetual maintenance costs to maintain. This means that in order to keep the city budget balanced, financing open space requires either taking money away from other municipal services, which may be of greater value to residents than open space, or increasing the property tax rate. Both these courses of actions tend to reduce property values, and therefore, lower tax revenues. Open space also incurs an opportunity cost, in that land used for open space could be developed and taxed. While previous research has modeled these trade-offs, there is still more to be learned by empirically estimating the share of open space that maximizes property values in urban areas. According to the theoretical underpinnings of this study, one of the primary determinants of a city's value-maximizing, or "optimal", share of open space is the price elasticity of housing supply. Therefore, in order to estimate the optimal share of open space, this study estimates the price elasticity of housing supply for 349 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). According to theory, the other factors that determine the optimal share of open space are the price elasticity of housing demand, the economies of scale in the provision of municipal services, the elasticity of property values with respect to municipal services, and the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space. For these factors, an example value is establish based on prior research and used commonly among all MSAs to estimate the optimal share. Once the estimated and example values are determined, they are inserted into the equation that determines the optimal share of open space. The result provides an estimate of this optimal share of open space for 349 MSAs. On average, the model, combined with the estimated and assumed values, produces very low estimates for the optimal share of open space. The mean optimal share was 1.5%, and 95% of the estimates were 5% or less. For shares based on statistically significant supply elasticity estimates, optimal shares ranged from 0.2% to 27%. In order to gauge how far cities were from their estimated optimal share of open space, this study compared the estimated optimal share to observed shares of open space in 72 MSAs. When compared to observed shares of open space, the model (along with the estimated and assumed values) showed that 89% of the observed MSAs displayed "excesses" of open space, or, an observed share of open space that exceeded their optimal share. The other 11% demonstrated a "shortage" of open space. The average deviation between optimal and actual share was an excess of 6.3 percentage points. Further analysis was conducted in order to account for the error inherent in the supply elasticity estimates (and subsequently inherent to the estimates of optimal share). Once this error was accounted for, only two cities still showed evidence of having open space shortages: Stockton, CA and Miami, FL. However, both cities were within a percentage point of their optimal share's confidence interval, making it possible these cities are not experiencing meaningful shortages of open space. In contrast, 92% of the cities in the sample set showed statistically significant excesses of open space. Of these, five MSAs exceeded their confidence intervals by 15 or more percentage points: Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Akron, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Anchorage, AK. Because these cities' actual share of open space lies so far above their optimal share, it is very likely that decreasing open space area would increase property values. Two cities in the sample fell within their optimal share's confidence interval: Washington, DC and Virginia Beach, VA. Of all the cities in the sample set, these two are the most likely to be at their optimal share of open space, and therefore, are the most likely to decrease property values by making any changes to their share of open space. After this primary analysis, a sensitivity analysis was conducted in order to determine how assumptions regarding the variables impacted the estimated optimal share of open space. A reasonable range for each variable was established based on the literature, and this range was used to test each variable’s effect on the optimal share of open space. These tests revealed that the optimal share is not especially sensitive to the assumed values for the price elasticity of housing demand, nor to the economy of scale in the provision of municipal services. However, the elasticity of property values with respect to municipal services and the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space both have large influences on the optimal share. The impact of all the other variables increased as supply elasticity decreased, and as the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space increased. Because the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space has such a disproportionate influence on the optimal share of open space, and because there is very little empirical evidence surrounding its value, further analysis was done to investigate this variable. By assuming that the 72 MSAs for which there is an observed share of open space are at their optimal share, in conjunction with the estimated and assumed values for the other variables, one can estimate the implied value for the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space. Using this method, this study found that the average implied elasticity was 0.57. While this result could indicate that open space has a higher-than-assumed effect on housing demand, evidence from the literature suggests this value is too high. It is more likely that this result provides further evidence that the model is indicating actual shares of open space are higher than optimal. In the final portion of the sensitivity analysis, cities' observed shares of open space were again assumed to be at the optimal level, however, the other variables assume the limits of their reasonable range so as to make the implied elasticity as high or as low as possible. This analysis provided further evidence of discrepancies between actual and optimal shares of open space. While the evidence for open space shortages was fairly slim, the analysis reinforced evidence that some cities have excess open space. Those that presented the highest implied elasticities (and therefore show the strongest evidence of open space excess) are Austin, TX; Akron, OH; and Greensboro, NC. By comparing optimal shares of open space to observed shares of open space, the results show that the majority of cities could likely increase property values by decreasing their share of open space. This study also sheds new light on the relationship between housing demand and open space. By defining a reasonable value and range for the elasticity of housing demand with respect to open space, this study adds to the scarce information on this variable. While the results of this study indicate that many urban areas in the U.S. have larger shares of open space than would maximize property values, it is important to emphasize that the value-maximizing share of open space is not the socially optimal share. Open space provides a number of other social benefits that are not capitalized into property values, and are therefore not considered in this study. Environmental benefits are one important example. Further research is needed to determine the socially optimal amount of open space that maximizes social welfare. The appendices of this study list both the estimates of housing supply elasticity and the estimates of value-maximizing share for the 349 MSAs in the sample set. For the managers of cities that were included in the study, these figures can provide valuable information to help them better understand the implications of open space provision. The housing supply elasticities serve to better illuminate housing markets in their area. The optimal share estimates allow managers to better understand the relationship between property values and open space. For the managers of cities not included in this study, the methods presented here offer a relatively simple way to calculate their own housing supply elasticity and optimal share. With data on housing prices, housing construction, and population, interested parties can estimate the supply elasticity in their cities. Using this estimate in combination with the values this study assumed for the other variables, they can estimate their own value-maximizing share of open space. By comparing this figure to their present share of open space, city managers can gain a better understanding of the effect open space has on the property values within their city. Close

• 1595. [Article] The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls

  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 Cooper Ornithological ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls Author: Franklin, Alan B., Diller, Lowell V., Horn, Rob B., Schwarz, Carl J., McCafferty, Christopher, Gremel, Scott A., Biswell, Brian L., Clark, Darren A., Herter, Dale R., Doherty, Paul F. Jr, Hines, James E., McDonnell, Kevin, Bailey, Larissa, Higley, J. Mark, Yackulic, Charles B., Hobson, Jeremy, Burnham, Kenneth P., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C., Clement, Matthew J., Davis, Raymond J., Rockweit, Jeremy, Huyvaert, Kathryn P., Andrews, Lawrence S., Forsman, Eric D., Augustine, Benjamin, Saenz, Jessica, Glenn, Elizabeth M., Blakesley, Jennifer, Olson, Gail S., Ackers, Steven H., McDonald, Trent, Nichols, James D., Green, Adam, Ruiz, Viviana, Sovern, Stan G., White, Gary C., Reid, Janice A. 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 Cooper Ornithological Society and published by Central Ornithology Publication Office. It can be found at: http://www.aoucospubs.org/loi/cond Title: The effects of habitat, climate, and Barred Owls on long-term demography of Northern Spotted Owls Author: Franklin, Alan B., Diller, Lowell V., Horn, Rob B., Schwarz, Carl J., McCafferty, Christopher, Gremel, Scott A., Biswell, Brian L., Clark, Darren A., Herter, Dale R., Doherty, Paul F. Jr, Hines, James E., McDonnell, Kevin, Bailey, Larissa, Higley, J. Mark, Yackulic, Charles B., Hobson, Jeremy, Burnham, Kenneth P., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C., Clement, Matthew J., Davis, Raymond J., Rockweit, Jeremy, Huyvaert, Kathryn P., Andrews, Lawrence S., Forsman, Eric D., Augustine, Benjamin, Saenz, Jessica, Glenn, Elizabeth M., Blakesley, Jennifer, Olson, Gail S., Ackers, Steven H., McDonald, Trent, Nichols, James D., Green, Adam, Ruiz, Viviana, Sovern, Stan G., White, Gary C., Reid, Janice A. 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 Cooper Ornithological Society and published by Central Ornithology Publication Office. It can be found at: http://www.aoucospubs.org/loi/cond Close

• 1596. [Article] Canyon Grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area : How have they changed over time and what is their future trajectory?

  The canyon grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) are a unique ecosystem within the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region (PNWBR) with a long history of natural and anthropogenic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Canyon Grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area : How have they changed over time and what is their future trajectory? Author: Pack, Samantha J. The canyon grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) are a unique ecosystem within the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region (PNWBR) with a long history of natural and anthropogenic disturbances including fire, invasive species introduction, historical livestock grazing, and cultivation. Even with this history, these canyon grasslands contain some of the last remnants of the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region. For thousands of years, these grasslands were occupied by the Nez Perce Tribe and have been grazed since the 1700s. In addition to grazing, settlers cultivated many parts of the HCNRA and some of these homesteads can still be seen today. Both historical and current land uses are strongly influenced by the natural topography of these canyon grasslands, with the highest concentration of land use centered on benchlands while steep canyon slopes avoided cultivation and were used less by livestock. The different plant associations of these grasslands are also influenced by the unique topography of the HCNRA due to the relationships between soil moisture and depth and abrupt alterations in aspect, slope, and elevation. Very few studies have examined the plant associations of the canyon grasslands of the HCNRA, even fewer have asked how they have changed over time, and there are no studies looking into their future trajectory by assessing the seed bank. The first study in my thesis (Chapter 2) focused on how canyon grasslands have changed over time using a repeated survey of vegetation from four different plant associations within the Lower Imnaha Subbasin. From the original study conducted in 1981, a total of 19 different plots in four plant associations were chosen to be resampled in 2014. Since the original study was used to classify seral stages within the plant associations, these successional stages were used to determine if the plant communities had transitioned between the seral classes over the 33 year-time-period. In addition, given the importance of topography to these grasslands, elevation, slope, and aspect were evaluated for their relationship to successional changes. Both Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) and Indicator Species Analysis were used to verify the seral stage classifications for each plot in 1981 and 2014. To evaluate how each association had changed between sampling years, Multi-response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) and NMS were used. Most of these plant associations were relatively stable and had, for the most part, remained at the same seral stage or transitioned to a later seral stage. Among the plant associations, slope was the topographical variable that appeared most related to the transitions in seral stages. Steeper slopes either remained at the same seral stage or transitioned to a later one, while gentler slopes (< 20%) tended to shift from later to earlier seral stages. A relatively new introduced annual grass to the region, Ventenata dubia (not present in the 1981 sampling), was found in three of the four plant associations and was most abundant on the benchlands. The results of this resurvey suggest that topography is related to both the distribution of plant associations and which sites will shift in seral stage over time across the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin. The second study of my thesis (Chapter 3) focused on using a seed bank study as one of the many ways to examine the future trajectory of the plant communities in the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin, with a particular focus on the benchlands. The seed bank contains the regenerative pool for plant communities and represents the potential for a community to respond to disturbances. The seed bank from benchland sites in one plant association was evaluated in relation to the standing vegetation, successional stage, and historical cultivation. To my knowledge, this was the first seed bank study for the grasslands of this region. Vegetation cover and soil samples were collected from 8 sites, including two previously cultivated and two reference noncultivated sites. NMS was used to extract the strongest community gradients, which naturally separated out the seral stage classifications of the vegetation. To evaluate differences between the vegetation and the seed bank, between successional stages, and between cultivation histories, MRPP was used. Results from the seed bank study are consistent with many other studies around the world in perennial grasslands showing that the vegetation and seed bank are often dissimilar. Similarities between the vegetation and seed bank were highest in the annual grass dominated stage compared to the early seral stage. The effects of cultivation appear to still be evident in the seed bank, where cultivated sites have significantly more introduced grasses compared to noncultivated sites (p < 0.05). There was an overall greater abundance of introduced annual forb and grass species in the seed bank on these benchland sites, suggesting that they may be native seed limited and could easily shift to invasive species dominance after further disturbance, especially on previously cultivated areas. The results of both of these studies suggest that benchlands and lower sloped sites surrounding them in the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin may less resistant and resilient to disturbance. Priorities for future research and management may also need to focus on the plant communities of benchlands in these unique grasslands. Title: Canyon Grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area : How have they changed over time and what is their future trajectory? Author: Pack, Samantha J. The canyon grasslands of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) are a unique ecosystem within the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region (PNWBR) with a long history of natural and anthropogenic disturbances including fire, invasive species introduction, historical livestock grazing, and cultivation. Even with this history, these canyon grasslands contain some of the last remnants of the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass Region. For thousands of years, these grasslands were occupied by the Nez Perce Tribe and have been grazed since the 1700s. In addition to grazing, settlers cultivated many parts of the HCNRA and some of these homesteads can still be seen today. Both historical and current land uses are strongly influenced by the natural topography of these canyon grasslands, with the highest concentration of land use centered on benchlands while steep canyon slopes avoided cultivation and were used less by livestock. The different plant associations of these grasslands are also influenced by the unique topography of the HCNRA due to the relationships between soil moisture and depth and abrupt alterations in aspect, slope, and elevation. Very few studies have examined the plant associations of the canyon grasslands of the HCNRA, even fewer have asked how they have changed over time, and there are no studies looking into their future trajectory by assessing the seed bank. The first study in my thesis (Chapter 2) focused on how canyon grasslands have changed over time using a repeated survey of vegetation from four different plant associations within the Lower Imnaha Subbasin. From the original study conducted in 1981, a total of 19 different plots in four plant associations were chosen to be resampled in 2014. Since the original study was used to classify seral stages within the plant associations, these successional stages were used to determine if the plant communities had transitioned between the seral classes over the 33 year-time-period. In addition, given the importance of topography to these grasslands, elevation, slope, and aspect were evaluated for their relationship to successional changes. Both Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) and Indicator Species Analysis were used to verify the seral stage classifications for each plot in 1981 and 2014. To evaluate how each association had changed between sampling years, Multi-response Permutation Procedures (MRPP) and NMS were used. Most of these plant associations were relatively stable and had, for the most part, remained at the same seral stage or transitioned to a later seral stage. Among the plant associations, slope was the topographical variable that appeared most related to the transitions in seral stages. Steeper slopes either remained at the same seral stage or transitioned to a later one, while gentler slopes (< 20%) tended to shift from later to earlier seral stages. A relatively new introduced annual grass to the region, Ventenata dubia (not present in the 1981 sampling), was found in three of the four plant associations and was most abundant on the benchlands. The results of this resurvey suggest that topography is related to both the distribution of plant associations and which sites will shift in seral stage over time across the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin. The second study of my thesis (Chapter 3) focused on using a seed bank study as one of the many ways to examine the future trajectory of the plant communities in the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin, with a particular focus on the benchlands. The seed bank contains the regenerative pool for plant communities and represents the potential for a community to respond to disturbances. The seed bank from benchland sites in one plant association was evaluated in relation to the standing vegetation, successional stage, and historical cultivation. To my knowledge, this was the first seed bank study for the grasslands of this region. Vegetation cover and soil samples were collected from 8 sites, including two previously cultivated and two reference noncultivated sites. NMS was used to extract the strongest community gradients, which naturally separated out the seral stage classifications of the vegetation. To evaluate differences between the vegetation and the seed bank, between successional stages, and between cultivation histories, MRPP was used. Results from the seed bank study are consistent with many other studies around the world in perennial grasslands showing that the vegetation and seed bank are often dissimilar. Similarities between the vegetation and seed bank were highest in the annual grass dominated stage compared to the early seral stage. The effects of cultivation appear to still be evident in the seed bank, where cultivated sites have significantly more introduced grasses compared to noncultivated sites (p < 0.05). There was an overall greater abundance of introduced annual forb and grass species in the seed bank on these benchland sites, suggesting that they may be native seed limited and could easily shift to invasive species dominance after further disturbance, especially on previously cultivated areas. The results of both of these studies suggest that benchlands and lower sloped sites surrounding them in the canyon grasslands of the Lower Imnaha Subbasin may less resistant and resilient to disturbance. Priorities for future research and management may also need to focus on the plant communities of benchlands in these unique grasslands. Close

• 1597. [Article] Physical-Environmental Effects of Wave and Offshore Wind Energy Extraction: A Synthesis of Recent Oceanographic Research

  The ocean deployment of arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WEC arrays) appears likely in the near future, and deployment of offshore wind turbines has already started. These technologies tap into a potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Physical-Environmental Effects of Wave and Offshore Wind Energy Extraction: A Synthesis of Recent Oceanographic Research Author: Özkan-Haller, Tuba, Haller, Merrick C. The ocean deployment of arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WEC arrays) appears likely in the near future, and deployment of offshore wind turbines has already started. These technologies tap into a potential renewable energy resource but also involve complex systems with uncertain environmental consequences that will likely scale with the size of their ocean footprint. This synthesis talk will concentrate on the potential physical effects of these array technologies. Both WEC arrays and offshore wind farms consist of sizable structures placed in the water column; hence, their mere presence is a potential environmental stressor. Possible effects on the physical environment include wave scattering and wave shadowing; added drag on the coastal current field; modifications to sediment transport (by way of the aforementioned changes to the wave and current forcing); and changes to local sediment characteristics (due to anchors and pilings). In many ways, these effects are similar to those caused by other ocean structures that have been studied for some time (e.g., offshore platforms). However, there are additional potential effects of WECs and wind turbines that require further attention. For example, extraction of wave energy by WECs could have additional environmental consequences. Similarly, offshore wind farms can alter the local wind field, in turn altering locally-generated waves. We will address effects due to wave or wind installations on the wave field, on local ocean circulation, and on sediment transport characteristics. Because WECs partially extract and scatter incident wave energy, they cause significant modifications in the near-field. In fact, if device performance can be optimized at field scales, then by definition the near-field effects will be maximized, i.e., if energy extraction is maximized the potential physical effects of WECs are also maximized. Over the past decade a sizable number of studies have applied theoretical principles using varying assumptions and simplifications to the problem of WEC-wave interactions. Some of these assumptions (e.g., “optimal” motions, monochromatic wave conditions, etc.) have now been shown to be unrealistic, and there has been a convergence toward classes of models that appear to produce reasonable estimates. While recent model studies have managed to bound the problem, significant uncertainties remain. The primary cause for the remaining uncertainties is the lack of observational studies, particularly data sets that provide spatial information about the wave field in the vicinity of in situ devices. Nonetheless, a few studies have undertaken scaled laboratory testing, and these data sets are beginning to lend confidence to the available numerical model results and shed light on the dominant processes. Once near-field effects are understood, far-field effects can be assessed. Far-field effects influence the wave field near beaches, which, in turn, influences the sand transport processes that govern the morphodynamics of the beach face. Fortunately, hydrodynamic modelling of large-scale wave propagation processes in the absence of structures is highly advanced, i.e., if given accurate incident wave conditions in the lee of an installation and bathymetry for the model domain, models can well-simulate local wave conditions, wave-driven currents and sediment transport patterns. Therefore, once near-field WEC/wave dynamics are understood, expanding our understanding to the far-field will be relatively straightforward. Nonetheless, observational studies of far-field beach modifications shoreward of an installation will help to further solidify our understanding of beach behaviour. Offshore wind farms can also potentially influence the local wind field around them. Previous studies of such modifications at land-based wind farm installations serve as a reasonable basis for predictions offshore . Any changes to offshore winds will also influence the local wave field, especially where local winds are the dominant source of waves. Such effects will be minimal near coasts where the local wave climate is dominated by incident swells generated at large distances (e.g., the U.S. West Coast). In contrast, locally generated waves are a more important component of the wave climate on the East Coast of the U.S Modification to ocean currents by an array of structures can be assessed by considering the additional frictional effects (“form” drag) caused of the array. If the drag caused by a dense of array of structures is large, circulation will be altered, which might result in reduced current velocities or the diversion of currents toward an area of less drag. Note that ocean currents already experience drag due to bottom friction; hence, the question hinges on the relative magnitude of the drag induced by structures versus the pre-existing frictional drag. Finally, any near-field modifications to the wave and circulation field (due to either WEC arrays or wind farms) will necessarily result in changes in sediment transport. Any local reduction in flow velocities can result in a reduction of the sediment carrying capacity of circulation leading to sediment accumulation at the site. Small-scale modification to a current will also likely cause bumps and holes around the pilings or anchors. These effects are similar to those observed around existing offshore structures and pilings, and can be accounted for in the design of the structures. Far-field modification of waves and associated changes in wave-induced currents can also result in changes in sediment transport patterns near beaches. Although some recent studies exist, questions regarding far-field effects on beaches are still relatively poorly addressed. Title: Physical-Environmental Effects of Wave and Offshore Wind Energy Extraction: A Synthesis of Recent Oceanographic Research Author: Özkan-Haller, Tuba, Haller, Merrick C. The ocean deployment of arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WEC arrays) appears likely in the near future, and deployment of offshore wind turbines has already started. These technologies tap into a potential renewable energy resource but also involve complex systems with uncertain environmental consequences that will likely scale with the size of their ocean footprint. This synthesis talk will concentrate on the potential physical effects of these array technologies. Both WEC arrays and offshore wind farms consist of sizable structures placed in the water column; hence, their mere presence is a potential environmental stressor. Possible effects on the physical environment include wave scattering and wave shadowing; added drag on the coastal current field; modifications to sediment transport (by way of the aforementioned changes to the wave and current forcing); and changes to local sediment characteristics (due to anchors and pilings). In many ways, these effects are similar to those caused by other ocean structures that have been studied for some time (e.g., offshore platforms). However, there are additional potential effects of WECs and wind turbines that require further attention. For example, extraction of wave energy by WECs could have additional environmental consequences. Similarly, offshore wind farms can alter the local wind field, in turn altering locally-generated waves. We will address effects due to wave or wind installations on the wave field, on local ocean circulation, and on sediment transport characteristics. Because WECs partially extract and scatter incident wave energy, they cause significant modifications in the near-field. In fact, if device performance can be optimized at field scales, then by definition the near-field effects will be maximized, i.e., if energy extraction is maximized the potential physical effects of WECs are also maximized. Over the past decade a sizable number of studies have applied theoretical principles using varying assumptions and simplifications to the problem of WEC-wave interactions. Some of these assumptions (e.g., “optimal” motions, monochromatic wave conditions, etc.) have now been shown to be unrealistic, and there has been a convergence toward classes of models that appear to produce reasonable estimates. While recent model studies have managed to bound the problem, significant uncertainties remain. The primary cause for the remaining uncertainties is the lack of observational studies, particularly data sets that provide spatial information about the wave field in the vicinity of in situ devices. Nonetheless, a few studies have undertaken scaled laboratory testing, and these data sets are beginning to lend confidence to the available numerical model results and shed light on the dominant processes. Once near-field effects are understood, far-field effects can be assessed. Far-field effects influence the wave field near beaches, which, in turn, influences the sand transport processes that govern the morphodynamics of the beach face. Fortunately, hydrodynamic modelling of large-scale wave propagation processes in the absence of structures is highly advanced, i.e., if given accurate incident wave conditions in the lee of an installation and bathymetry for the model domain, models can well-simulate local wave conditions, wave-driven currents and sediment transport patterns. Therefore, once near-field WEC/wave dynamics are understood, expanding our understanding to the far-field will be relatively straightforward. Nonetheless, observational studies of far-field beach modifications shoreward of an installation will help to further solidify our understanding of beach behaviour. Offshore wind farms can also potentially influence the local wind field around them. Previous studies of such modifications at land-based wind farm installations serve as a reasonable basis for predictions offshore . Any changes to offshore winds will also influence the local wave field, especially where local winds are the dominant source of waves. Such effects will be minimal near coasts where the local wave climate is dominated by incident swells generated at large distances (e.g., the U.S. West Coast). In contrast, locally generated waves are a more important component of the wave climate on the East Coast of the U.S Modification to ocean currents by an array of structures can be assessed by considering the additional frictional effects (“form” drag) caused of the array. If the drag caused by a dense of array of structures is large, circulation will be altered, which might result in reduced current velocities or the diversion of currents toward an area of less drag. Note that ocean currents already experience drag due to bottom friction; hence, the question hinges on the relative magnitude of the drag induced by structures versus the pre-existing frictional drag. Finally, any near-field modifications to the wave and circulation field (due to either WEC arrays or wind farms) will necessarily result in changes in sediment transport. Any local reduction in flow velocities can result in a reduction of the sediment carrying capacity of circulation leading to sediment accumulation at the site. Small-scale modification to a current will also likely cause bumps and holes around the pilings or anchors. These effects are similar to those observed around existing offshore structures and pilings, and can be accounted for in the design of the structures. Far-field modification of waves and associated changes in wave-induced currents can also result in changes in sediment transport patterns near beaches. Although some recent studies exist, questions regarding far-field effects on beaches are still relatively poorly addressed. Close

• 1598. [Article] Integrating traceability with onboard handling to enhance product quality and marketability of Eastern Pacific troll-caught albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

  The fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and highly competitive industry that must constantly respond to rapidly changing resource, regulatory and market forces. These forces have already ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Integrating traceability with onboard handling to enhance product quality and marketability of Eastern Pacific troll-caught albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) Author: Thompson, Michael J. The fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and highly competitive industry that must constantly respond to rapidly changing resource, regulatory and market forces. These forces have already had a significant impact on our fisheries and will continue to do so as we learn more about the biology and ecology of harvested species, and how this information can be used to effectively manage our fisheries. In addition, market forces, both here and abroad, including the push by some governments to improve food safety and consumer confidence, are also having an impact on the U.S. seafood industry. In an attempt to address these issues, the European Union (E.U.) recently enacted traceability legislation, now mandatory for seafood, which will require all U.S. businesses exporting to the E.U. to provide adequate traceability documentation on their products. This legislation will have an impact on many U.S. fisheries, including the troll-caught albacore fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which, after losing its traditional market, has recently relied heavily on exporting. Although the term traceability has been around for some time it is relatively new to the U.S. food industry and many in the seafood sector, who now face the possibility of mandatory traceability, have not yet considered all its implications. Another issue facing the Eastern Pacific albacore fishery is that of product quality. Traditionally, this fishery has concentrated on producing albacore for the high-volume cannery market, which does not require the same stringent quality control standards as other market sectors. Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), members of the Scrombroid family, are capable of thermoregulation and can exhibit internal temperatures of more than 15º C above ambient seawater. High internal temperatures, if sustained, and residual blood content can stimulate bacterial growth, which can eventually lead to scrombroid poisoning in humans. This makes the time immediately after landing critical in attaining and preserving important quality traits. In order to develop new markets for Eastern Pacific troll-caught albacore, quality needs to be improved and/or maintained within the industry at a sufficient level to supply market demands. This would require at least a portion of the industry to implement a set of onboard handling procedures designed to preserve and maintain quality. Although guidelines for handling albacore are available there is no industry “standard” for producing high quality products and only limited research presently exists into preserving quality traits of albacore onboard a vessel. The first paper in this thesis explores the concepts of traceability, current traceability legislation, and the potential applications of traceability systems to improve quality and marketing of U.S. seafood products. The second paper evaluates different onboard bleeding and handling techniques, which can affect product quality, currently used in the albacore industry and their ability to remove blood from the muscle tissues. Thirty-two different combinations of handling techniques and their affect on residual blood content were investigated by examining blood concentrations within the muscle tissue, using spectrophotometry methods, and cutaneous blood vessel coverage, by computer-aided digital color analysis. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that three of the five factors investigated had some influence on residual blood content. The third paper in this thesis evaluates the design and development of a computer-based onboard traceability system with integrated barcode technology, capable of efficiently recording capture and handling data. Two system trials were conducted, during normal fishing operations, where a total of 450 albacore tuna were successfully entered into the traceability database through the use of the Fishery Data Interface application. Documentation supplied by this system, which includes both spatial and temporal data, as well as information on product activities, will enable businesses to meet existing traceability requirements while also providing a new tool for the marketing of seafood products produced in the United States. Title: Integrating traceability with onboard handling to enhance product quality and marketability of Eastern Pacific troll-caught albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) Author: Thompson, Michael J. The fishing industry in the Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and highly competitive industry that must constantly respond to rapidly changing resource, regulatory and market forces. These forces have already had a significant impact on our fisheries and will continue to do so as we learn more about the biology and ecology of harvested species, and how this information can be used to effectively manage our fisheries. In addition, market forces, both here and abroad, including the push by some governments to improve food safety and consumer confidence, are also having an impact on the U.S. seafood industry. In an attempt to address these issues, the European Union (E.U.) recently enacted traceability legislation, now mandatory for seafood, which will require all U.S. businesses exporting to the E.U. to provide adequate traceability documentation on their products. This legislation will have an impact on many U.S. fisheries, including the troll-caught albacore fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which, after losing its traditional market, has recently relied heavily on exporting. Although the term traceability has been around for some time it is relatively new to the U.S. food industry and many in the seafood sector, who now face the possibility of mandatory traceability, have not yet considered all its implications. Another issue facing the Eastern Pacific albacore fishery is that of product quality. Traditionally, this fishery has concentrated on producing albacore for the high-volume cannery market, which does not require the same stringent quality control standards as other market sectors. Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), members of the Scrombroid family, are capable of thermoregulation and can exhibit internal temperatures of more than 15º C above ambient seawater. High internal temperatures, if sustained, and residual blood content can stimulate bacterial growth, which can eventually lead to scrombroid poisoning in humans. This makes the time immediately after landing critical in attaining and preserving important quality traits. In order to develop new markets for Eastern Pacific troll-caught albacore, quality needs to be improved and/or maintained within the industry at a sufficient level to supply market demands. This would require at least a portion of the industry to implement a set of onboard handling procedures designed to preserve and maintain quality. Although guidelines for handling albacore are available there is no industry “standard” for producing high quality products and only limited research presently exists into preserving quality traits of albacore onboard a vessel. The first paper in this thesis explores the concepts of traceability, current traceability legislation, and the potential applications of traceability systems to improve quality and marketing of U.S. seafood products. The second paper evaluates different onboard bleeding and handling techniques, which can affect product quality, currently used in the albacore industry and their ability to remove blood from the muscle tissues. Thirty-two different combinations of handling techniques and their affect on residual blood content were investigated by examining blood concentrations within the muscle tissue, using spectrophotometry methods, and cutaneous blood vessel coverage, by computer-aided digital color analysis. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that three of the five factors investigated had some influence on residual blood content. The third paper in this thesis evaluates the design and development of a computer-based onboard traceability system with integrated barcode technology, capable of efficiently recording capture and handling data. Two system trials were conducted, during normal fishing operations, where a total of 450 albacore tuna were successfully entered into the traceability database through the use of the Fishery Data Interface application. Documentation supplied by this system, which includes both spatial and temporal data, as well as information on product activities, will enable businesses to meet existing traceability requirements while also providing a new tool for the marketing of seafood products produced in the United States. Close

• 1599. [Article] Survival, movements and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) on the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada

  I investigated survival, movements, home range sizes, and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada from June 2005 to June 2007. I trapped ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Survival, movements and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) on the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada Author: Crawford, Justin A. I investigated survival, movements, home range sizes, and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada from June 2005 to June 2007. I trapped 298 rabbits on four sites and fitted each with radio transmitters. More than 13,000 locations of telemetered rabbits were recorded. I used known fate models in program MARK to estimate survival of radio-marked pygmy rabbits from September 2005 – August 2006. The most appropriate model, based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc), indicated survival rates varied among study sites, sexes, and with monthly interval in a parallel pattern [model S(area * sex + t)]. The estimated annual survival rate on the four study sites was notably low, varying from 0.003 (SE = 0.003) to 0.173 (SE = 0.066). Predation on collared rabbits was high for both adult (88.6%) and juvenile (89.4%) rabbits. When the cause of mortality could be determined, the most common predators of pygmy rabbits were coyotes (Canis latrans)–19.6%, avian predators–18.5%, and weasels (Mustela spp.)–9.8%. Spatial use by pygmy rabbits was strongly influenced by sex and season. Males used larger annual (mean = 1.70 ha ± 0.69 SE) and breeding (1.67 ± 0.27 ha) home ranges than females (Annual: 0.90 ± 0.26 ha; Breeding: 0.92 ± 0.16 ha), likely influenced by mate-searching behaviors exhibited by males. Both sexes utilized larger home ranges during the breeding season than during the nonbreeding season (Male: 0.63 ± 0.11 ha; Female: 0.50 ± 0.09 ha). Core area sizes of males (0.10 ± 0.04 ha) also were larger than females (0.07 ± 0.03 ha). Twenty-four radio-marked individuals dispersed greater than 0.5 km, with a maximal observed dispersal distance of 8.5 km. The majority (62.5%) of these long distance movements were by juvenile males, which likely represented dispersal from natal areas. Many of these individuals apparently crossed low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) communities and relatively open areas. The ability of this species to cross unsuitable habitats, previously considered barriers to movement, may suggest that fragmented populations of pygmy rabbits may not be as isolated as once thought. To examine resource selection by pygmy rabbits, I sampled vegetative and soil characteristics at locations used by radio-marked rabbits (n = 178) and available (n = 100) sites and compared them using logistic regression. The top model, based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc), indicated that the increased density and height of live shrubs, higher silt content of soil, and lower clay content of soil were the primary variables related to pygmy rabbit occupation relative to available habitat. Habitat-use patterns also varied among study sites as I did not find a consensus model that described habitat selection among pygmy rabbits for each study site. Further, my analysis demonstrated that soils at pygmy rabbit burrows were deeper, had greater subsurface strengths, lower strengths at the surface, and lower clay composition than was randomly available in the study area. The findings in this study provide needed information to management agencies making land-use decisions. Given the concern over the status of this species throughout its range, a more thorough understanding of survival rates, spatial use, dispersal capabilities, and habitat associations of this sagebrush obligate species is essential to identify factors influencing their conservation. Title: Survival, movements and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) on the Great Basin of southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada Author: Crawford, Justin A. I investigated survival, movements, home range sizes, and habitat selection of pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada from June 2005 to June 2007. I trapped 298 rabbits on four sites and fitted each with radio transmitters. More than 13,000 locations of telemetered rabbits were recorded. I used known fate models in program MARK to estimate survival of radio-marked pygmy rabbits from September 2005 – August 2006. The most appropriate model, based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc), indicated survival rates varied among study sites, sexes, and with monthly interval in a parallel pattern [model S(area * sex + t)]. The estimated annual survival rate on the four study sites was notably low, varying from 0.003 (SE = 0.003) to 0.173 (SE = 0.066). Predation on collared rabbits was high for both adult (88.6%) and juvenile (89.4%) rabbits. When the cause of mortality could be determined, the most common predators of pygmy rabbits were coyotes (Canis latrans)–19.6%, avian predators–18.5%, and weasels (Mustela spp.)–9.8%. Spatial use by pygmy rabbits was strongly influenced by sex and season. Males used larger annual (mean = 1.70 ha ± 0.69 SE) and breeding (1.67 ± 0.27 ha) home ranges than females (Annual: 0.90 ± 0.26 ha; Breeding: 0.92 ± 0.16 ha), likely influenced by mate-searching behaviors exhibited by males. Both sexes utilized larger home ranges during the breeding season than during the nonbreeding season (Male: 0.63 ± 0.11 ha; Female: 0.50 ± 0.09 ha). Core area sizes of males (0.10 ± 0.04 ha) also were larger than females (0.07 ± 0.03 ha). Twenty-four radio-marked individuals dispersed greater than 0.5 km, with a maximal observed dispersal distance of 8.5 km. The majority (62.5%) of these long distance movements were by juvenile males, which likely represented dispersal from natal areas. Many of these individuals apparently crossed low sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula) communities and relatively open areas. The ability of this species to cross unsuitable habitats, previously considered barriers to movement, may suggest that fragmented populations of pygmy rabbits may not be as isolated as once thought. To examine resource selection by pygmy rabbits, I sampled vegetative and soil characteristics at locations used by radio-marked rabbits (n = 178) and available (n = 100) sites and compared them using logistic regression. The top model, based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc), indicated that the increased density and height of live shrubs, higher silt content of soil, and lower clay content of soil were the primary variables related to pygmy rabbit occupation relative to available habitat. Habitat-use patterns also varied among study sites as I did not find a consensus model that described habitat selection among pygmy rabbits for each study site. Further, my analysis demonstrated that soils at pygmy rabbit burrows were deeper, had greater subsurface strengths, lower strengths at the surface, and lower clay composition than was randomly available in the study area. The findings in this study provide needed information to management agencies making land-use decisions. Given the concern over the status of this species throughout its range, a more thorough understanding of survival rates, spatial use, dispersal capabilities, and habitat associations of this sagebrush obligate species is essential to identify factors influencing their conservation. Close

• 1600. [Article] The Impact of Disturbance on Carbon Stores and Dynamics in Forests of Coastal Alaska

  Changes in climate caused by increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth’s atmosphere have led land and ocean surface temperatures to increase by 0.85°C and sea level to increase by 19 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Impact of Disturbance on Carbon Stores and Dynamics in Forests of Coastal Alaska Author: Yatskov, Mikhail A. Changes in climate caused by increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth’s atmosphere have led land and ocean surface temperatures to increase by 0.85°C and sea level to increase by 19 cm relative to preindustrial times. Global climate change will lead to further alterations in mean temperature and precipitation, as well as their extremes that are likely to influence disturbance regimes. Disturbance play an important role in forest dynamics and succession, by influencing forest ecosystems structure and function, reorganizing forests by reducing live and increasing dead matter, and thus affecting ecosystem carbon (C) balances. Under a changing climate disturbances are likely to cause widespread tree mortality across forested landscapes, creating vast amounts of coarse woody debris (CWD) that will emit C to the atmosphere to a degree that regional C balances and future C dynamics are likely to change. C balance of forested regions depends on inputs in form of C sequestered by live components during growth and outputs in form of C emitted from dead components through decomposition and combustion. Live trees in many forest ecosystems represent the largest aboveground C pool and the dynamics of this pool, as controlled by growth and mortality, have been extensively studied. In contrast, few have examined either the post-disturbance fate of CWD C or assessed C storage potential of salvaged biomass despite the occurrence of multiple recent large-scale disturbance events. Biomass and C stores and their uncertainty were estimated in the Temperate and the Boreal ecoregions of Coastal Alaska using the empirical data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, literature data, and modeling using standard methods employed by the FIA program. The average aboveground woody live (218.9±4.6 Mg/ha) and log (28.1±1.8 Mg/ha) biomass in the Temperate ecoregion were among the lowest in the Pacific Northwest, whereas snag biomass (30.5±1.0 Mg/ha) was among the highest. In the Boreal ecoregion, CWD biomass comprised almost 50% of the regional aboveground woody store (76.7±3.8 Mg/ha) with bark beetle damaged stands containing 82% of the total CWD biomass. In contrast, in the Temperate ecoregion, CWD comprised 20% of the regional aboveground woody store (277.5 ±5.4 Mg/ha) with 76% of total CWD biomass in undisturbed stands. Total C stores estimates in Coastal Alaska ranged between 1523.6 and 1892.8 Tg with the highest contribution from soils and the largest potential reductions in uncertainty related to the tree and soils C pools. The impact of a large-scale spruce bark beetle (SBB) outbreak on aboveground dead wood C dynamics on the Kenai Peninsula was modeled utilizing data from the FIA program and CWD decomposition rate-constants from a chronosequence and decomposition-vectors analysis. Decomposition rate-constants from the chronosequence ranged between -0.015 yr⁻¹ and -0.022 yr⁻¹ for logs and -0.003 yr⁻¹ and +0.002 yr⁻¹ for snags. Decomposition rate-constants from the decomposition-vectors ranged between -0.045 yr⁻¹ and +0.003 yr⁻¹ among decomposition phases and -0.048 yr⁻¹ and +0.006 yr⁻¹ among decay classes. Relative to log generating disturbances those creating snags delayed C flux from CWD to the atmosphere, produced a smaller magnitude C flux, and had the potential to store 10% to 66% more C in a disturbed system over time. The effect of several management strategies ranging from "leave-as-is" to "salvage-and-utilization" on C stores and emissions following SBB outbreak on Kenai Peninsula, Alaska was evaluated. A forest with immediate post-disturbance regeneration reached pre-disturbance C stores faster than one with delayed regeneration. Lack of regeneration, representing a loss of tree cover on the disturbed portion of the landscape, caused a permanent decrease in wood C stores. Among the "salvage-and-utilization" scenarios considered, biomass fuel production with substitution for fossil fuels created the largest long-term C storage assuming the substitution was permanent. Given that reduction in near-term emissions may be a more robust strategy than long-term ones, the "leave-as-is" scenarios may represent the most feasible way to mitigate global climate change following disturbance. Title: The Impact of Disturbance on Carbon Stores and Dynamics in Forests of Coastal Alaska Author: Yatskov, Mikhail A. Changes in climate caused by increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the Earth’s atmosphere have led land and ocean surface temperatures to increase by 0.85°C and sea level to increase by 19 cm relative to preindustrial times. Global climate change will lead to further alterations in mean temperature and precipitation, as well as their extremes that are likely to influence disturbance regimes. Disturbance play an important role in forest dynamics and succession, by influencing forest ecosystems structure and function, reorganizing forests by reducing live and increasing dead matter, and thus affecting ecosystem carbon (C) balances. Under a changing climate disturbances are likely to cause widespread tree mortality across forested landscapes, creating vast amounts of coarse woody debris (CWD) that will emit C to the atmosphere to a degree that regional C balances and future C dynamics are likely to change. C balance of forested regions depends on inputs in form of C sequestered by live components during growth and outputs in form of C emitted from dead components through decomposition and combustion. Live trees in many forest ecosystems represent the largest aboveground C pool and the dynamics of this pool, as controlled by growth and mortality, have been extensively studied. In contrast, few have examined either the post-disturbance fate of CWD C or assessed C storage potential of salvaged biomass despite the occurrence of multiple recent large-scale disturbance events. Biomass and C stores and their uncertainty were estimated in the Temperate and the Boreal ecoregions of Coastal Alaska using the empirical data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, literature data, and modeling using standard methods employed by the FIA program. The average aboveground woody live (218.9±4.6 Mg/ha) and log (28.1±1.8 Mg/ha) biomass in the Temperate ecoregion were among the lowest in the Pacific Northwest, whereas snag biomass (30.5±1.0 Mg/ha) was among the highest. In the Boreal ecoregion, CWD biomass comprised almost 50% of the regional aboveground woody store (76.7±3.8 Mg/ha) with bark beetle damaged stands containing 82% of the total CWD biomass. In contrast, in the Temperate ecoregion, CWD comprised 20% of the regional aboveground woody store (277.5 ±5.4 Mg/ha) with 76% of total CWD biomass in undisturbed stands. Total C stores estimates in Coastal Alaska ranged between 1523.6 and 1892.8 Tg with the highest contribution from soils and the largest potential reductions in uncertainty related to the tree and soils C pools. The impact of a large-scale spruce bark beetle (SBB) outbreak on aboveground dead wood C dynamics on the Kenai Peninsula was modeled utilizing data from the FIA program and CWD decomposition rate-constants from a chronosequence and decomposition-vectors analysis. Decomposition rate-constants from the chronosequence ranged between -0.015 yr⁻¹ and -0.022 yr⁻¹ for logs and -0.003 yr⁻¹ and +0.002 yr⁻¹ for snags. Decomposition rate-constants from the decomposition-vectors ranged between -0.045 yr⁻¹ and +0.003 yr⁻¹ among decomposition phases and -0.048 yr⁻¹ and +0.006 yr⁻¹ among decay classes. Relative to log generating disturbances those creating snags delayed C flux from CWD to the atmosphere, produced a smaller magnitude C flux, and had the potential to store 10% to 66% more C in a disturbed system over time. The effect of several management strategies ranging from "leave-as-is" to "salvage-and-utilization" on C stores and emissions following SBB outbreak on Kenai Peninsula, Alaska was evaluated. A forest with immediate post-disturbance regeneration reached pre-disturbance C stores faster than one with delayed regeneration. Lack of regeneration, representing a loss of tree cover on the disturbed portion of the landscape, caused a permanent decrease in wood C stores. Among the "salvage-and-utilization" scenarios considered, biomass fuel production with substitution for fossil fuels created the largest long-term C storage assuming the substitution was permanent. Given that reduction in near-term emissions may be a more robust strategy than long-term ones, the "leave-as-is" scenarios may represent the most feasible way to mitigate global climate change following disturbance. Close