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• 11. [Article] What Lies Below: Options to Improve Sustainable Management of U.S./Mexico TransboundaryAquifers

  Globally, as surface water quality and quantity diminishes there is increasing reliance on groundwater to buffer water demands of growing populations. Today in many arid regions around the world aquifer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: What Lies Below: Options to Improve Sustainable Management of U.S./Mexico TransboundaryAquifers Author: Welch, Christina, N. Globally, as surface water quality and quantity diminishes there is increasing reliance on groundwater to buffer water demands of growing populations. Today in many arid regions around the world aquifer pumping rates far exceed recharge rates. Often the groundwater is nonrenewable, or thousands of years old. Despite the known hydrologic connection between surface and groundwater, existing institutions and laws governing surface water are poorly equipped to manage groundwater. While there are more than 600 international treaties governing surface water, only one treaty worldwide explicitly addresses groundwater allocation. Like many other regions of the world, the treaties covering the Paseo del Norte region shared between Mexico and the United States allocate the quantity and timing of surface water deliveries, yet fail to regulate groundwater abstraction. The three transboundary aquifers shared by two countries and three states (New Mexico/U.S., Texas/U.S., and Chihuahua/MX) within Paseo del Norte study area present an ideal microcosm to closer examine water management institutions across the local, state, national, and international scales. This research assesses the United States and Mexico’s institutional capacity to manage groundwater across each scale. The problem is imminent since the Hueco Bolson transboundary aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for nearly 2 million people and the fresh water is predicted to be completely depleted between 2020-2050. The ultimate objective is to identify which future legal, scientific and economic options can best contribute to more sustainable management of transboundary aquifers without compromising water security in both countries. This research proposes three major paths to move forward: the first step is to increase public awareness of the aquifer exploitation problem; second, for water managers to accurately plan for future water demands there should be a binational groundwater model built by scientists on both sides of the border; third, an international treaty or regional joint agreement is necessary to legally support groundwater management efforts. Title: What Lies Below: Options to Improve Sustainable Management of U.S./Mexico TransboundaryAquifers Author: Welch, Christina, N. Globally, as surface water quality and quantity diminishes there is increasing reliance on groundwater to buffer water demands of growing populations. Today in many arid regions around the world aquifer pumping rates far exceed recharge rates. Often the groundwater is nonrenewable, or thousands of years old. Despite the known hydrologic connection between surface and groundwater, existing institutions and laws governing surface water are poorly equipped to manage groundwater. While there are more than 600 international treaties governing surface water, only one treaty worldwide explicitly addresses groundwater allocation. Like many other regions of the world, the treaties covering the Paseo del Norte region shared between Mexico and the United States allocate the quantity and timing of surface water deliveries, yet fail to regulate groundwater abstraction. The three transboundary aquifers shared by two countries and three states (New Mexico/U.S., Texas/U.S., and Chihuahua/MX) within Paseo del Norte study area present an ideal microcosm to closer examine water management institutions across the local, state, national, and international scales. This research assesses the United States and Mexico’s institutional capacity to manage groundwater across each scale. The problem is imminent since the Hueco Bolson transboundary aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for nearly 2 million people and the fresh water is predicted to be completely depleted between 2020-2050. The ultimate objective is to identify which future legal, scientific and economic options can best contribute to more sustainable management of transboundary aquifers without compromising water security in both countries. This research proposes three major paths to move forward: the first step is to increase public awareness of the aquifer exploitation problem; second, for water managers to accurately plan for future water demands there should be a binational groundwater model built by scientists on both sides of the border; third, an international treaty or regional joint agreement is necessary to legally support groundwater management efforts. Close

• 12. [Article] Non-regulatory efforts to combat nonpoint source pollution in Oregon

  This report and accompanying program inventory have been prepared in support of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's statewide nonpoint source pollution control efforts and for use in the development ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-regulatory efforts to combat nonpoint source pollution in Oregon Author: Lindberg, Roberta J. This report and accompanying program inventory have been prepared in support of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's statewide nonpoint source pollution control efforts and for use in the development of Oregon's new federally mandated Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program (CNPCP). When Congress reauthorized the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1990, it added significant new responsibilities for coastal states regarding water pollution from diffuse, widespread sources that in the past have not been regulated. Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) requires states to adopt enforceable programs to address nonpoint source pollution arising from agriculture, forestry, urban runoff, recreational boating and marinas, channelization, dams and eroding stream banks. "Nonpoint source pollution" in this context includes any discharge to the state's waters which is not regulated by the Clean Water Act's permit system, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). When Congress mandated the coastal nonpoint source program, it directed that states' coastal programs and water quality agencies work together in developing and implementing the program. In Oregon, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are jointly responsible for the development of the coastal nonpoint control program. DLCD's Coastal Management Program implements provisions of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act. DEQ's Water Quality Division manages the statewide nonpoint source control program pursuant to Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Staff at DLCD's Coastal Management Program prepared an extensive report and analysis of Oregon's current array of enforceable programs and the extent to which those programs satisfy the federal requirements for the new coastal program. Gaps in program coverage were identified, and efforts to fill those gaps are currently in progress. This report is a companion to the DLCD gap analysis. However, instead of focusing on enforceable programs, this report highlights nonpoint source control and watershed management programs that rely on voluntary efforts to achieve their goals. Staff at DEQ have identified nine types of activities which, together with enforcement, make constitute an effective watershed management program. This report presents an inventory of the state and federal government efforts currently underway within the state of Oregon which contribute to the control of nonpoint source pollution but do not rely on a regulatory program to do so. This is a time of extensive reevaluation and reordering of natural resource priorities and strategies at both the state and federal levels. The Clinton Forest Summit and the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FEMAT) process have been examining federal forest policy from top to bottom. The two major federal land management agencies, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, began reviewing their policies and practices well before the Forest Summit, and have made significant changes as a result. At the state level, the Watershed Health Initiative directed $10 million to two regions of the state during the 1993-95 biennium, in an unprecedented effort to restore salmon habitat and improve water quality. The impetus for change comes from the visible results of past natural resource management practices: the collapse of many native salmon runs and the decline in many other species leading to a great expansion of activity under the federal Endangered Species Act. The federal court logging injunction to protect the Northern Spotted Owl triggered much activity at the state and local levels in an effort to avoid further listings and the potential economic dislocations associated with them. Title: Non-regulatory efforts to combat nonpoint source pollution in Oregon Author: Lindberg, Roberta J. This report and accompanying program inventory have been prepared in support of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's statewide nonpoint source pollution control efforts and for use in the development of Oregon's new federally mandated Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program (CNPCP). When Congress reauthorized the Coastal Zone Management Act in 1990, it added significant new responsibilities for coastal states regarding water pollution from diffuse, widespread sources that in the past have not been regulated. Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments (CZARA) requires states to adopt enforceable programs to address nonpoint source pollution arising from agriculture, forestry, urban runoff, recreational boating and marinas, channelization, dams and eroding stream banks. "Nonpoint source pollution" in this context includes any discharge to the state's waters which is not regulated by the Clean Water Act's permit system, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). When Congress mandated the coastal nonpoint source program, it directed that states' coastal programs and water quality agencies work together in developing and implementing the program. In Oregon, the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are jointly responsible for the development of the coastal nonpoint control program. DLCD's Coastal Management Program implements provisions of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act. DEQ's Water Quality Division manages the statewide nonpoint source control program pursuant to Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Staff at DLCD's Coastal Management Program prepared an extensive report and analysis of Oregon's current array of enforceable programs and the extent to which those programs satisfy the federal requirements for the new coastal program. Gaps in program coverage were identified, and efforts to fill those gaps are currently in progress. This report is a companion to the DLCD gap analysis. However, instead of focusing on enforceable programs, this report highlights nonpoint source control and watershed management programs that rely on voluntary efforts to achieve their goals. Staff at DEQ have identified nine types of activities which, together with enforcement, make constitute an effective watershed management program. This report presents an inventory of the state and federal government efforts currently underway within the state of Oregon which contribute to the control of nonpoint source pollution but do not rely on a regulatory program to do so. This is a time of extensive reevaluation and reordering of natural resource priorities and strategies at both the state and federal levels. The Clinton Forest Summit and the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FEMAT) process have been examining federal forest policy from top to bottom. The two major federal land management agencies, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, began reviewing their policies and practices well before the Forest Summit, and have made significant changes as a result. At the state level, the Watershed Health Initiative directed $10 million to two regions of the state during the 1993-95 biennium, in an unprecedented effort to restore salmon habitat and improve water quality. The impetus for change comes from the visible results of past natural resource management practices: the collapse of many native salmon runs and the decline in many other species leading to a great expansion of activity under the federal Endangered Species Act. The federal court logging injunction to protect the Northern Spotted Owl triggered much activity at the state and local levels in an effort to avoid further listings and the potential economic dislocations associated with them. Close

• 13. [Article] Watershed restoration, jobs-in-the-woods, and community assistance : Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan

  There are many parallels between the 1978 legislation to expand Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan, which together with the Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative formed the 1993 Pacific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Watershed restoration, jobs-in-the-woods, and community assistance : Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan Author: DeForest, Christopher E., Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.) There are many parallels between the 1978 legislation to expand Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan, which together with the Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative formed the 1993 Pacific Northwest Initiative. In both situations, the Federal Government sought to promote retraining for displaced workers, to undertake watershed assessment and restoration work, and to assist communities with economic planning, grants, and transitions. Both of these efforts point out the inherent conflicts between the economic and ecological objectives of watershed restoration. No one wants to have to choose between reducing sediment an reducing unemployment in coastal forests. Title: Watershed restoration, jobs-in-the-woods, and community assistance : Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan Author: DeForest, Christopher E., Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.) There are many parallels between the 1978 legislation to expand Redwood National Park and the Northwest Forest Plan, which together with the Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative formed the 1993 Pacific Northwest Initiative. In both situations, the Federal Government sought to promote retraining for displaced workers, to undertake watershed assessment and restoration work, and to assist communities with economic planning, grants, and transitions. Both of these efforts point out the inherent conflicts between the economic and ecological objectives of watershed restoration. No one wants to have to choose between reducing sediment an reducing unemployment in coastal forests. Close

• 14. [Article] The conceptual development and use of ecoregion classifications

  This thesis explores the genesis of the ecoregion concept, examines the conceptual development of ecoregion classification systems, investigates applications of ecoregion classification systems for a broad ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The conceptual development and use of ecoregion classifications Author: Brewer, Isaac This thesis explores the genesis of the ecoregion concept, examines the conceptual development of ecoregion classification systems, investigates applications of ecoregion classification systems for a broad range of purposes, and discusses the prospects for the further evolution of this concept. An ecoregion is an area that exhibits patterns of homogeneity in specified criteria such as soils, vegetation, climate, geology, physiography, land use, and hydrology. Ecoregions provide a unifying spatial framework for environmental research, assessment, management, and monitoring and are appropriate tools at continental, national, and state plarming levels. Recent years have seen marked interest in the development, use, and application of ecoregion classifications. A literature review provides a thorough look at the geographer's concept of regions and regionalization, and identifies ecoregion classifications in use today, including Bailey's, the EPA's, and others' frameworks in the context of their specialized perspectives, purposes, and differences. The contemporary uses, applications, and trends of ecoregion classifications are also discussed. Conclusions are made regarding the proliferation of ecoregions to meet diverse information needs, trends in expanded use, and concerns about the information value of ecoregion classification frameworks. This analysis has shown that ecoregions have been used effectively for a wide array of applications, including broad-based holistic resource analysis, development of biological criteria for water quality standards, evaluation of protected area representativeness, wetland mitigation, and calibration of remote sensing data. Over 40% of all ecoregion uses between 1976 and 1998 were for water quality management; however, recent trends indicate ecoregions are being used for more holistic assessment of terrestrial, aquatic, abiotic, and biotic resources with increasing interagency collaboration. Ecoregion theory has developed rapidly within the past thirty years, and this thesis identifies the current utility of ecoregion classifications in the international arena. Title: The conceptual development and use of ecoregion classifications Author: Brewer, Isaac This thesis explores the genesis of the ecoregion concept, examines the conceptual development of ecoregion classification systems, investigates applications of ecoregion classification systems for a broad range of purposes, and discusses the prospects for the further evolution of this concept. An ecoregion is an area that exhibits patterns of homogeneity in specified criteria such as soils, vegetation, climate, geology, physiography, land use, and hydrology. Ecoregions provide a unifying spatial framework for environmental research, assessment, management, and monitoring and are appropriate tools at continental, national, and state plarming levels. Recent years have seen marked interest in the development, use, and application of ecoregion classifications. A literature review provides a thorough look at the geographer's concept of regions and regionalization, and identifies ecoregion classifications in use today, including Bailey's, the EPA's, and others' frameworks in the context of their specialized perspectives, purposes, and differences. The contemporary uses, applications, and trends of ecoregion classifications are also discussed. Conclusions are made regarding the proliferation of ecoregions to meet diverse information needs, trends in expanded use, and concerns about the information value of ecoregion classification frameworks. This analysis has shown that ecoregions have been used effectively for a wide array of applications, including broad-based holistic resource analysis, development of biological criteria for water quality standards, evaluation of protected area representativeness, wetland mitigation, and calibration of remote sensing data. Over 40% of all ecoregion uses between 1976 and 1998 were for water quality management; however, recent trends indicate ecoregions are being used for more holistic assessment of terrestrial, aquatic, abiotic, and biotic resources with increasing interagency collaboration. Ecoregion theory has developed rapidly within the past thirty years, and this thesis identifies the current utility of ecoregion classifications in the international arena. Close

• 15. [Article] An Ecoregion-Based Reference Condition and Classification Scheme for Determining Nutrient Criteria in Oregon Lakes

  The anthropogenic introduction of nutrients to water bodies has been shown to alter the structure and function of natural aquatic ecosystems, yet national EPA lake and reservoir nutrient criteria remain ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Ecoregion-Based Reference Condition and Classification Scheme for Determining Nutrient Criteria in Oregon Lakes Author: Brenner, Jacqueline M. The anthropogenic introduction of nutrients to water bodies has been shown to alter the structure and function of natural aquatic ecosystems, yet national EPA lake and reservoir nutrient criteria remain too broad for effective regional water quality management. This study uses a reference site approach to propose numeric nutrient criteria for concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) specifically applicable to lakes and reservoirs in Oregon. Oregon lake watersheds with existing lakewater nutrient data were characterized using GIS techniques to eliminate lakes with known point and non-point sources of anthropogenic nutrient contributions, resulting in 98 minimally or least-altered Oregon lakes. These minimally altered lakes were used as reference sites for their corresponding Omernik Level III ecoregion based on majority ecoregion composition of the lake watershed. CART regression and other statistical procedures were used to relate existing data on summer nutrient concentrations to reference site factors, including: water residence time, soil properties, elevation, lake depth, precipitation, and watershed deciduous forests and wetlands. Lake classifications from this analysis were only significantly related to precipitation and supported aggregate ecoregion groupings of the Western Forested Mountains (Coast Range, Willamette Valley, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and Blue Mountains), Xeric West (Northern Basin and Range, Columbia Plateau, and Snake River Plain), and Eastern Cascades were used to set ecoregional criteria for TP. For TN, the Eastern Cascades were not significantly different from the Xeric West and aggregated into the Xeric West ecoregion. As per EPA guidelines, the 75th percentile of reference site nutrient concentrations in an ecoregion were used to set ecoregional nutrient criteria with the following results; Western Forested Mountains: 11 μg TP/L and 277 μg TN/L; Eastern Cascades: 78.5 μg TP/L; and Xeric West: 490 μg TP/L and 760 μgTN/L. Nutrient concentrations in a random sample of Oregon lakes taken from EPA's 2007 and 2012 National Lake Assessment surveys were assessed using the proposed criteria. Statewide, 21- 37% of lakes had TP below criteria and 40 - 64% of lakes had TN below criteria in the two surveys. These results contribute to nutrient management efforts and inform agency scientists and decision makers regarding the complexity of nutrient – land use relationships in lakes and their watersheds. Title: An Ecoregion-Based Reference Condition and Classification Scheme for Determining Nutrient Criteria in Oregon Lakes Author: Brenner, Jacqueline M. The anthropogenic introduction of nutrients to water bodies has been shown to alter the structure and function of natural aquatic ecosystems, yet national EPA lake and reservoir nutrient criteria remain too broad for effective regional water quality management. This study uses a reference site approach to propose numeric nutrient criteria for concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) specifically applicable to lakes and reservoirs in Oregon. Oregon lake watersheds with existing lakewater nutrient data were characterized using GIS techniques to eliminate lakes with known point and non-point sources of anthropogenic nutrient contributions, resulting in 98 minimally or least-altered Oregon lakes. These minimally altered lakes were used as reference sites for their corresponding Omernik Level III ecoregion based on majority ecoregion composition of the lake watershed. CART regression and other statistical procedures were used to relate existing data on summer nutrient concentrations to reference site factors, including: water residence time, soil properties, elevation, lake depth, precipitation, and watershed deciduous forests and wetlands. Lake classifications from this analysis were only significantly related to precipitation and supported aggregate ecoregion groupings of the Western Forested Mountains (Coast Range, Willamette Valley, Cascades, Klamath Mountains, and Blue Mountains), Xeric West (Northern Basin and Range, Columbia Plateau, and Snake River Plain), and Eastern Cascades were used to set ecoregional criteria for TP. For TN, the Eastern Cascades were not significantly different from the Xeric West and aggregated into the Xeric West ecoregion. As per EPA guidelines, the 75th percentile of reference site nutrient concentrations in an ecoregion were used to set ecoregional nutrient criteria with the following results; Western Forested Mountains: 11 μg TP/L and 277 μg TN/L; Eastern Cascades: 78.5 μg TP/L; and Xeric West: 490 μg TP/L and 760 μgTN/L. Nutrient concentrations in a random sample of Oregon lakes taken from EPA's 2007 and 2012 National Lake Assessment surveys were assessed using the proposed criteria. Statewide, 21- 37% of lakes had TP below criteria and 40 - 64% of lakes had TN below criteria in the two surveys. These results contribute to nutrient management efforts and inform agency scientists and decision makers regarding the complexity of nutrient – land use relationships in lakes and their watersheds. Close

• 16. [Article] EWEB’s Vision: Payments for Ecosystem Services through a Voluntary Incentives Program; An Innovative, Incentive-Based Approach for Preserving Water Quality in the McKenzie River Watershed

  EWEB envisions the development of an investment mechanism that makes payments for ecosystem services (PES) as a way to maintain and improve water quality within the McKenzie River Watershed, Eugene’s sole ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: EWEB’s Vision: Payments for Ecosystem Services through a Voluntary Incentives Program; An Innovative, Incentive-Based Approach for Preserving Water Quality in the McKenzie River Watershed Author: Lurie, Sue, Toth, Nancy, Morgenstern, Karl, Duncan, Sally, Fishler, Hillary, Bennett, Drew EWEB envisions the development of an investment mechanism that makes payments for ecosystem services (PES) as a way to maintain and improve water quality within the McKenzie River Watershed, Eugene’s sole source of drinking water. The public name for this concept is the Voluntary Incentives Program. Under the envisioned Voluntary Incentives Program (VIP), EWEB will provide annual dividend payments to landowners for the valuable services their properties provide including water filtration and purification. These dividends recognize the value of the natural capital provided by these lands and their downstream benefits to the residents of Eugene. A fund with sustainable financing will be established to support the dividend payments and the infrastructure necessary to operate the Voluntary Incentives Program. Financing will come from a variety of sources but could be initially endowed through existing water funds (under existing rate structure) or another utility funding mechanism. Additional possible financing sources other than EWEB include corporations, a voter approved bond measure, development impact fees, and state and federal mitigation programs. EWEB will establish a stewardship boundary identifying riparian forests and floodplains that are eligible to enroll in the VIP. Participation is open to private landowners, local governments, and non-profit organizations that own land within the designated boundary. Based on EWEB’s preliminary analysis, an estimated 6,500 acres of riparian and floodplain areas along the McKenzie and major tributaries are eligible to enroll. Land within the stewardship boundary will need to meet a threshold in order to receive payments. This threshold will be determined by adapting existing riparian forest and wetland habitat standards and definitions from NRCS, USFS, Defenders of Wildlife and other entities to establish the criteria for participation in the VIP. Appropriate infrastructure is essential to implement and run the incentives program: critical tasks include managing the fund, making payments to VIP participants, assessing the quality of land enrolled, negotiating agreements, monitoring properties and verifying compliance, and educating and communicating with the community. The VIP will rely upon a coalition of existing organizations, which will form a watershed investment district (WID), to provide this critical infrastructure, without which successful implementation of the VIP is highly unlikely. Title: EWEB’s Vision: Payments for Ecosystem Services through a Voluntary Incentives Program; An Innovative, Incentive-Based Approach for Preserving Water Quality in the McKenzie River Watershed Author: Lurie, Sue, Toth, Nancy, Morgenstern, Karl, Duncan, Sally, Fishler, Hillary, Bennett, Drew EWEB envisions the development of an investment mechanism that makes payments for ecosystem services (PES) as a way to maintain and improve water quality within the McKenzie River Watershed, Eugene’s sole source of drinking water. The public name for this concept is the Voluntary Incentives Program. Under the envisioned Voluntary Incentives Program (VIP), EWEB will provide annual dividend payments to landowners for the valuable services their properties provide including water filtration and purification. These dividends recognize the value of the natural capital provided by these lands and their downstream benefits to the residents of Eugene. A fund with sustainable financing will be established to support the dividend payments and the infrastructure necessary to operate the Voluntary Incentives Program. Financing will come from a variety of sources but could be initially endowed through existing water funds (under existing rate structure) or another utility funding mechanism. Additional possible financing sources other than EWEB include corporations, a voter approved bond measure, development impact fees, and state and federal mitigation programs. EWEB will establish a stewardship boundary identifying riparian forests and floodplains that are eligible to enroll in the VIP. Participation is open to private landowners, local governments, and non-profit organizations that own land within the designated boundary. Based on EWEB’s preliminary analysis, an estimated 6,500 acres of riparian and floodplain areas along the McKenzie and major tributaries are eligible to enroll. Land within the stewardship boundary will need to meet a threshold in order to receive payments. This threshold will be determined by adapting existing riparian forest and wetland habitat standards and definitions from NRCS, USFS, Defenders of Wildlife and other entities to establish the criteria for participation in the VIP. Appropriate infrastructure is essential to implement and run the incentives program: critical tasks include managing the fund, making payments to VIP participants, assessing the quality of land enrolled, negotiating agreements, monitoring properties and verifying compliance, and educating and communicating with the community. The VIP will rely upon a coalition of existing organizations, which will form a watershed investment district (WID), to provide this critical infrastructure, without which successful implementation of the VIP is highly unlikely. Close

• 17. [Article] Probabilistic assessment of wildfire hazard and municipal watershed exposure

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/earth+sciences+and+geography/natural+hazards/journal/11069. To the best ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Probabilistic assessment of wildfire hazard and municipal watershed exposure Author: Thompson, Matthew P., Marcille, Kate, Calkin, David E., Scott, Joe, Helmbrecht, Don This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/earth+sciences+and+geography/natural+hazards/journal/11069. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Probabilistic assessment of wildfire hazard and municipal watershed exposure Author: Thompson, Matthew P., Marcille, Kate, Calkin, David E., Scott, Joe, Helmbrecht, Don This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/earth+sciences+and+geography/natural+hazards/journal/11069. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 18. [Article] Effects of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) canopy cover on seasonal herbage production, foliar cover, and nutritive quality in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco

  This research was conducted in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco to: (1) Evaluate the effect of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) crown cover on seasonal herbage production, nutritive quality, and foliar ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) canopy cover on seasonal herbage production, foliar cover, and nutritive quality in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco Author: Ibnattya, Abdelhai Andaloussi This research was conducted in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco to: (1) Evaluate the effect of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) crown cover on seasonal herbage production, nutritive quality, and foliar cover on two distinctive sites in each of two years (1982, 1983) and to (2) assess the effects of one and two growing seasons' protection from grazing on herbage production and foliar cover. Sites differed in the dominance (81% cover) of a 1.5-3m tall legumeshrub (Genista linifolia L.) on one (G) and the near absence of this layer on the other (NG). Understory herbage yields on G were over twice as much as the NG regardless of oak cover, plant phenology or years. On the G yields were similar from 25% to full oak canopy cover and declined approximately one-third at less than 25%. Yields on the NG were essentially the same regardless of canopy cover. Yields peaked at the pre-reproductive phase and then declined by approximately one-third by maturity. Herbage under canopied stands contained more crude protein, fat and water but less crude fiber than in the open. Nutritive quality of herbage from the G site was approximately three times greater than that from the NG. Living vegetation ground cover was 70% at canopy cover of 25% or less but was 85% above 25% canopy. Annual grasses decreased in cover from 57% to 30% as crown cover decreased. Annual forbs were less under the densest canopy but were approximately 30% as canopy declined. Perennials tended to be similar (13%) under all canopy treatments. Foliar cover was higher on the G site. Vegetation and soil characteristics showed G having higher production potential. The amount of rest from grazing had pronounced effects. Average herbage yields were 30% more protected two growing seasons as compared to one. Percent cover of annual grasses, perennial grasses and oak seedlings was higher when contrasting two to one seasons' protection. Results suggest that both tree canopy cover and site characteristics such as intermediate shrub layer were major determinants in affecting herbage yields, quality, cover and composition. Rest from grazing also had important effects. Such information will be helpful in developing future Mamora management plan. Title: Effects of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) canopy cover on seasonal herbage production, foliar cover, and nutritive quality in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco Author: Ibnattya, Abdelhai Andaloussi This research was conducted in the Mamora National Forest of Morocco to: (1) Evaluate the effect of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) crown cover on seasonal herbage production, nutritive quality, and foliar cover on two distinctive sites in each of two years (1982, 1983) and to (2) assess the effects of one and two growing seasons' protection from grazing on herbage production and foliar cover. Sites differed in the dominance (81% cover) of a 1.5-3m tall legumeshrub (Genista linifolia L.) on one (G) and the near absence of this layer on the other (NG). Understory herbage yields on G were over twice as much as the NG regardless of oak cover, plant phenology or years. On the G yields were similar from 25% to full oak canopy cover and declined approximately one-third at less than 25%. Yields on the NG were essentially the same regardless of canopy cover. Yields peaked at the pre-reproductive phase and then declined by approximately one-third by maturity. Herbage under canopied stands contained more crude protein, fat and water but less crude fiber than in the open. Nutritive quality of herbage from the G site was approximately three times greater than that from the NG. Living vegetation ground cover was 70% at canopy cover of 25% or less but was 85% above 25% canopy. Annual grasses decreased in cover from 57% to 30% as crown cover decreased. Annual forbs were less under the densest canopy but were approximately 30% as canopy declined. Perennials tended to be similar (13%) under all canopy treatments. Foliar cover was higher on the G site. Vegetation and soil characteristics showed G having higher production potential. The amount of rest from grazing had pronounced effects. Average herbage yields were 30% more protected two growing seasons as compared to one. Percent cover of annual grasses, perennial grasses and oak seedlings was higher when contrasting two to one seasons' protection. Results suggest that both tree canopy cover and site characteristics such as intermediate shrub layer were major determinants in affecting herbage yields, quality, cover and composition. Rest from grazing also had important effects. Such information will be helpful in developing future Mamora management plan. Close

• 19. [Article] Temperature and infiltration characterization of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment

  The City of Woodburn, Oregon's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been investigating several natural alternatives for improving effluent quality. Based on its current National Pollution Discharge Elimination ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Temperature and infiltration characterization of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment Author: Gregory, Christopher T. (Christopher Thomas) The City of Woodburn, Oregon's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been investigating several natural alternatives for improving effluent quality. Based on its current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the WWTP will require additional reduction of temperature and ammonia levels in the summer, especially in the critical month of September. The present research focuses on the performance of a 0.15 ha constructed pilot wetland during the summer and early fall of 2009. The wetland was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of using treatment wetlands to lower temperature and ammonia during an annual operational period (approximately June through October). Point sensors and a fiber optic distributed temperature sensor (DTS) were used to assess temperature treatment during the study. Infiltration was monitored to characterize the hydrogeologic behavior of the site. A wetland water budget was used to determine system-wide infiltration, and heat pulses applied to a subsurface fiber optic cable were used to assess infiltrative variability. The results showed that temperature reduction in the pilot wetland was marginal over the study period. In the September critical month, significantly more treatment occurred in the WWTP storage lagoon than in the wetland (about 4°C cooling compared to 1.2°C in the wetland). Decreasing the hydraulic retention time from 2.5 to 0.5 days in mid-September did not change the average temperature treatment. DTS data demonstrated that all temperature reduction occurred in the first half of the wetland. Infiltration was greater than outflow for most of the study, and steadily decreased through time. The highest and lowest infiltration velocities were within a factor of 2, and this range also declined between November 2008 and June 2009. Potential explanations for decreasing infiltration include soil clogging and settling. The study showed the utility of DTS for assessing the spatial and temporal variability of infiltration processes. Title: Temperature and infiltration characterization of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment Author: Gregory, Christopher T. (Christopher Thomas) The City of Woodburn, Oregon's Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been investigating several natural alternatives for improving effluent quality. Based on its current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the WWTP will require additional reduction of temperature and ammonia levels in the summer, especially in the critical month of September. The present research focuses on the performance of a 0.15 ha constructed pilot wetland during the summer and early fall of 2009. The wetland was intended to demonstrate the feasibility of using treatment wetlands to lower temperature and ammonia during an annual operational period (approximately June through October). Point sensors and a fiber optic distributed temperature sensor (DTS) were used to assess temperature treatment during the study. Infiltration was monitored to characterize the hydrogeologic behavior of the site. A wetland water budget was used to determine system-wide infiltration, and heat pulses applied to a subsurface fiber optic cable were used to assess infiltrative variability. The results showed that temperature reduction in the pilot wetland was marginal over the study period. In the September critical month, significantly more treatment occurred in the WWTP storage lagoon than in the wetland (about 4°C cooling compared to 1.2°C in the wetland). Decreasing the hydraulic retention time from 2.5 to 0.5 days in mid-September did not change the average temperature treatment. DTS data demonstrated that all temperature reduction occurred in the first half of the wetland. Infiltration was greater than outflow for most of the study, and steadily decreased through time. The highest and lowest infiltration velocities were within a factor of 2, and this range also declined between November 2008 and June 2009. Potential explanations for decreasing infiltration include soil clogging and settling. The study showed the utility of DTS for assessing the spatial and temporal variability of infiltration processes. Close

• 20. [Article] Methods for multi-spatial scale characterization riparian corridors

  This paper describes the application of aerial photography and GIS technology to develop flexible and transferable methods for multi-spatial scale characterization and analysis of riparian corridors. Relationships ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Methods for multi-spatial scale characterization riparian corridors Author: Moser, Thomas J., Lindeman, Dale R., Schuft, Michael, Van Sickle, John, Wigington, P.J. This paper describes the application of aerial photography and GIS technology to develop flexible and transferable methods for multi-spatial scale characterization and analysis of riparian corridors. Relationships between structural attributes of riparian corridors and indicators of stream ecological conditions are not well established. As part of a research project focused on assessing riparian-stream systems in agricultural landscapes of Oregon's Willamette Valley, GIS land cover/land use databases were created from 1997 aerial photography and digital orthophotography for 23 predominantly agricultural watersheds, including detailed land cover-land use coverages within 150 m of perennial and intermittent streams. GIS functions were used to partition the stream networks at various lateral-longitudinal scales to quantify land cover/land use and to generate functionally relevant metrics of riparian vegetation, such as its composition, width, and continuity. The methods developed provide considerable flexibility for generating metrics characterizing attributes of riparian corridors and for exploring relationships among these metrics and indicators of stream ecological condition. Title: Methods for multi-spatial scale characterization riparian corridors Author: Moser, Thomas J., Lindeman, Dale R., Schuft, Michael, Van Sickle, John, Wigington, P.J. This paper describes the application of aerial photography and GIS technology to develop flexible and transferable methods for multi-spatial scale characterization and analysis of riparian corridors. Relationships between structural attributes of riparian corridors and indicators of stream ecological conditions are not well established. As part of a research project focused on assessing riparian-stream systems in agricultural landscapes of Oregon's Willamette Valley, GIS land cover/land use databases were created from 1997 aerial photography and digital orthophotography for 23 predominantly agricultural watersheds, including detailed land cover-land use coverages within 150 m of perennial and intermittent streams. GIS functions were used to partition the stream networks at various lateral-longitudinal scales to quantify land cover/land use and to generate functionally relevant metrics of riparian vegetation, such as its composition, width, and continuity. The methods developed provide considerable flexibility for generating metrics characterizing attributes of riparian corridors and for exploring relationships among these metrics and indicators of stream ecological condition. Close