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• 21. [Article] Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley

  A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Author: Fitzpatrick, Greg, Kertis, Jane, Alverson, Ed, Buechling, Arne A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to classify field collected floristic and habitat data. Field sampling targeted minimally managed, homogenous vegetation stands with a significant oak component occupying at least 0.5 ha. Potential habitat locations were identified from local expert knowledge, data from The Nature Conservancy’s previous conservation planning efforts, and an interpretation of high resolution NAIP imagery. Potential oak habitats were digitized in a GIS and a random selection of sites stratifying significant environmental gradients was generated in order capture the range of oak habitat variability. Precise sample plot locations were predetermined and established at digitized stand centroids. Field sampling was based on relevé plot data collection methods and included ocular estimates of species cover. A total of 350 stands of oak vegetation were sampled over two field seasons. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) was used as an exploratory tool to identify potential patterns in species cover data and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to delimit final plant community types. Nine vegetation classes were described from ordinations including seven forest / woodland types and two savannas Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Author: Fitzpatrick, Greg, Kertis, Jane, Alverson, Ed, Buechling, Arne A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to classify field collected floristic and habitat data. Field sampling targeted minimally managed, homogenous vegetation stands with a significant oak component occupying at least 0.5 ha. Potential habitat locations were identified from local expert knowledge, data from The Nature Conservancy’s previous conservation planning efforts, and an interpretation of high resolution NAIP imagery. Potential oak habitats were digitized in a GIS and a random selection of sites stratifying significant environmental gradients was generated in order capture the range of oak habitat variability. Precise sample plot locations were predetermined and established at digitized stand centroids. Field sampling was based on relevé plot data collection methods and included ocular estimates of species cover. A total of 350 stands of oak vegetation were sampled over two field seasons. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) was used as an exploratory tool to identify potential patterns in species cover data and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to delimit final plant community types. Nine vegetation classes were described from ordinations including seven forest / woodland types and two savannas Close

• 22. [Article] Integration methods for enzymatic analysis response curves which show maxima, minima or inflections

  Integration methods for enzymatic reactions were applied to transducer response vs. time curves which exhibit maxima, minima or inflections. The difference between the integral of the time dependent response ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Integration methods for enzymatic analysis response curves which show maxima, minima or inflections Author: Radke, Garold E. Integration methods for enzymatic reactions were applied to transducer response vs. time curves which exhibit maxima, minima or inflections. The difference between the integral of the time dependent response and the initial response, often zero, is related to the initial enzyme activity or substrate concentration. Fluorescence response curves which exhibit a maximum due to pre- and postfilter effects at elevated concentrations of a time dependent fluorescence indicator species result in integrals which may not be unique to one analyte concentration. It was found that augmenting the integral data with the time of the maximum permitted correlation of each integral with a unique analyte concentration or enzyme activity. Integrals of response curves which exhibit minima also correlate with unique analyte concentrations. At increased concentration of analyte, however, the minimum may broaden into a minimum plateau and the time of the minimum may supplement the integral data as a more sensitive measure of analyte concentration. Integrals of enzymatic response curves with inflection points correlate with unique analyte concentrations. Integration methods were applied to both real and ideal systems. Theoretical rate equations were used to generate families of idealized response curves exhibiting maxima, minima and inflections. Curves were generated at either fixed initial substrate concentration with variable enzyme activity or at fixed initial enzyme activity with variable substrate concentration. Difference integrals were calculated and plotted as a function of initial substrate concentration or initial enzyme activity. Enzymatic analyses were also performed using systems which produce families of response curves exhibiting maxima, minima and inflections. Difference integrals were calculated for these curves and related to initial enzyme activity or substrate concentration. Title: Integration methods for enzymatic analysis response curves which show maxima, minima or inflections Author: Radke, Garold E. Integration methods for enzymatic reactions were applied to transducer response vs. time curves which exhibit maxima, minima or inflections. The difference between the integral of the time dependent response and the initial response, often zero, is related to the initial enzyme activity or substrate concentration. Fluorescence response curves which exhibit a maximum due to pre- and postfilter effects at elevated concentrations of a time dependent fluorescence indicator species result in integrals which may not be unique to one analyte concentration. It was found that augmenting the integral data with the time of the maximum permitted correlation of each integral with a unique analyte concentration or enzyme activity. Integrals of response curves which exhibit minima also correlate with unique analyte concentrations. At increased concentration of analyte, however, the minimum may broaden into a minimum plateau and the time of the minimum may supplement the integral data as a more sensitive measure of analyte concentration. Integrals of enzymatic response curves with inflection points correlate with unique analyte concentrations. Integration methods were applied to both real and ideal systems. Theoretical rate equations were used to generate families of idealized response curves exhibiting maxima, minima and inflections. Curves were generated at either fixed initial substrate concentration with variable enzyme activity or at fixed initial enzyme activity with variable substrate concentration. Difference integrals were calculated and plotted as a function of initial substrate concentration or initial enzyme activity. Enzymatic analyses were also performed using systems which produce families of response curves exhibiting maxima, minima and inflections. Difference integrals were calculated for these curves and related to initial enzyme activity or substrate concentration. Close

• 23. [Article] Effects of disturbance modes on mycorrhizal fungus communities at Crater Lake National Park

  Crater Lake National Park presents an excellent opportunity for ecological research due to its relatively pristine landscape, the protection of its natural features, its infrastructure, and a Park administration ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of disturbance modes on mycorrhizal fungus communities at Crater Lake National Park Author: Trappe, Matt Crater Lake National Park presents an excellent opportunity for ecological research due to its relatively pristine landscape, the protection of its natural features, its infrastructure, and a Park administration supportive of scientific inquiry and restoration ecology. The research presented here examines the responses of fungi to various forms of perturbation. In the first chapter, we studied fruiting responses of mycorrhizal fungi to different prescribed applications in a ponderosa pine – white fir ecotype. We found that the most influential factor in fungal fruiting patterns was the soil C:N ratio, and identified corresponding "guilds" of fungal indicator species. Although more intense prescribed burns affected soil attributes, including C:N ratios, the fire served only as a modifier on an underlying landscape pattern of soil attributes. In the second chapter we examined the effects of past and current anthropogenic disturbance on mycorrhizal fungal fruiting patterns in a mountain hemlock – noble fir ecotype. At the microsite scale, intensive use had a detrimental effect on fungal diversity and productivity, but at the scale of the research plots there was no significant effect of anthropogenic disturbance on fungal fruiting patterns. In the third chapter, we studied the effects of the abovementioned disturbance types plus the effects of wildfires on mat-forming soil fungi. We identified 38 taxa of mat-forming fungi, and found that the presence of fungal mats is largely correlated with needle litter. Several of these taxa were not previously known to form mats. Title: Effects of disturbance modes on mycorrhizal fungus communities at Crater Lake National Park Author: Trappe, Matt Crater Lake National Park presents an excellent opportunity for ecological research due to its relatively pristine landscape, the protection of its natural features, its infrastructure, and a Park administration supportive of scientific inquiry and restoration ecology. The research presented here examines the responses of fungi to various forms of perturbation. In the first chapter, we studied fruiting responses of mycorrhizal fungi to different prescribed applications in a ponderosa pine – white fir ecotype. We found that the most influential factor in fungal fruiting patterns was the soil C:N ratio, and identified corresponding "guilds" of fungal indicator species. Although more intense prescribed burns affected soil attributes, including C:N ratios, the fire served only as a modifier on an underlying landscape pattern of soil attributes. In the second chapter we examined the effects of past and current anthropogenic disturbance on mycorrhizal fungal fruiting patterns in a mountain hemlock – noble fir ecotype. At the microsite scale, intensive use had a detrimental effect on fungal diversity and productivity, but at the scale of the research plots there was no significant effect of anthropogenic disturbance on fungal fruiting patterns. In the third chapter, we studied the effects of the abovementioned disturbance types plus the effects of wildfires on mat-forming soil fungi. We identified 38 taxa of mat-forming fungi, and found that the presence of fungal mats is largely correlated with needle litter. Several of these taxa were not previously known to form mats. Close

• 24. [Article] Floodplain vegetation following over 80 years of intensive land use and de-watering : Lower Owens River, California.

  Riparian areas in the arid western United States are critical ecosystems that have been severely degraded by a variety of land and water uses over the last 100 years. In this study, the composition and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Floodplain vegetation following over 80 years of intensive land use and de-watering : Lower Owens River, California. Author: Risso, Derek A. Riparian areas in the arid western United States are critical ecosystems that have been severely degraded by a variety of land and water uses over the last 100 years. In this study, the composition and structure of floodplain vegetation along the Lower Owens River in eastern California was quantitatively described following over 80 years of dewatering, grazing, groundwater pumping, and other land uses. The Lower Owens River is a heavily impacted and invaded riparian system which has suffered long-term hydrologic alteration and degrading land use. This study is part of the Lower Owens River Project, an effort to restore ecosystem function to this riverine landscape. Using a stratified design, five 2km long study plots were established in five river reaches within the 86 km study area. Within these plots, dominant species were ranked by cover in six structural classes along 105 line-intercept transects and species canopy cover and ground cover was estimated at 525 2m x 2m sub-plots in 2001 and 2002 to determine vegetation type composition and condition. Twenty–two vegetation types were delineated by cluster analysis and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA). Based on species composition and dominance, cluster analysis and Non-metric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) were employed to examine relationships between vegetation types and environmental parameters. Vegetation composition and species diversity indices were strongly correlated with geographic and hydrologic variables. A weighted wetland indicator index elucidated a shift toward more xeric species and communities in the completely dewatered reaches, as well as a negative correlation with diversity measures. Completely dewatered reaches were dominated by communities that have shifted from native to exotic vegetation types. Five of the 22 distinct vegetation types delineated were dominated by exotic species, mainly salt-cedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). These communities covered approximately 24% of the study area, and dominated the most severely dewatered reach. Conversely, native communities remained dominant in reaches where surface water was present. Native vegetation types covered 96% of these reaches, an increase of 64% (p=0 from a randomization test) over the severely dewatered reach. The native willow (e.g. Salix goddinggii and Salix exigua) and wet meadow vegetation types exhibited the highest species diversity, and therefore represent target vegetation types for restoration. The results of this study elucidate the changes in vegetation type cover and composition following dewatering and degrading land use in an arid western riparian system. Title: Floodplain vegetation following over 80 years of intensive land use and de-watering : Lower Owens River, California. Author: Risso, Derek A. Riparian areas in the arid western United States are critical ecosystems that have been severely degraded by a variety of land and water uses over the last 100 years. In this study, the composition and structure of floodplain vegetation along the Lower Owens River in eastern California was quantitatively described following over 80 years of dewatering, grazing, groundwater pumping, and other land uses. The Lower Owens River is a heavily impacted and invaded riparian system which has suffered long-term hydrologic alteration and degrading land use. This study is part of the Lower Owens River Project, an effort to restore ecosystem function to this riverine landscape. Using a stratified design, five 2km long study plots were established in five river reaches within the 86 km study area. Within these plots, dominant species were ranked by cover in six structural classes along 105 line-intercept transects and species canopy cover and ground cover was estimated at 525 2m x 2m sub-plots in 2001 and 2002 to determine vegetation type composition and condition. Twenty–two vegetation types were delineated by cluster analysis and Indicator Species Analysis (ISA). Based on species composition and dominance, cluster analysis and Non-metric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) were employed to examine relationships between vegetation types and environmental parameters. Vegetation composition and species diversity indices were strongly correlated with geographic and hydrologic variables. A weighted wetland indicator index elucidated a shift toward more xeric species and communities in the completely dewatered reaches, as well as a negative correlation with diversity measures. Completely dewatered reaches were dominated by communities that have shifted from native to exotic vegetation types. Five of the 22 distinct vegetation types delineated were dominated by exotic species, mainly salt-cedar (Tamarix spp.) and Russian thistle (Salsola tragus). These communities covered approximately 24% of the study area, and dominated the most severely dewatered reach. Conversely, native communities remained dominant in reaches where surface water was present. Native vegetation types covered 96% of these reaches, an increase of 64% (p=0 from a randomization test) over the severely dewatered reach. The native willow (e.g. Salix goddinggii and Salix exigua) and wet meadow vegetation types exhibited the highest species diversity, and therefore represent target vegetation types for restoration. The results of this study elucidate the changes in vegetation type cover and composition following dewatering and degrading land use in an arid western riparian system. Close

• 25. [Article] The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management

  Technical review / report

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management Author: Seager, S Trent, Goodell, John Technical review / report Title: The Northern Goshawk on the Southern Blue Mountains and Malheur National Forest: A Technical Review of its Status, Ecology and Management Author: Seager, S Trent, Goodell, John Technical review / report Close

• 26. [Article] Bird communities in 5- to 34- year old managed Douglas-fir stands on the Willamette National Forest, Oregon Cascades

  Breeding bird communities were examined in 18 managed Douglas-fir stands in 6 age classes from 5 to 34 years old in spring and early summer, 1993 on the Detroit Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird communities in 5- to 34- year old managed Douglas-fir stands on the Willamette National Forest, Oregon Cascades Author: Bettinger, Kelly Anne Breeding bird communities were examined in 18 managed Douglas-fir stands in 6 age classes from 5 to 34 years old in spring and early summer, 1993 on the Detroit Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, Oregon. The range of seral stages included early shrub/sapling, late shrub/sapling, and pole. In general, the 9 younger stands were opencanopy while the 9 older stands were closed-canopy. Of the 50 bird species recorded, 21 had large enough sample sizes for analysis. Of these 21, 8 showed a pattern of increasing abundance with increasing stand age (chestnut-backed chickadee, golden-crowned kinglet, hermit thrush, hermit warbler, Pacific-slope flycatcher, Swainson's thrush, Wilson's warbler, winter wren). Six species showed a pattern of decreasing abundance with increasing stand age (American robin, darkeyed junco, rufous hummingbird, white-crowned sparrow) and 4 species peaked in abundance in age class 2 (10 - 14 years old) before decreasing with increasing stand age (dusky flycatcher, MacGillivray's warbler, orange-crowned warbler, rufous-sided towhee). Two species did not exhibit any particular pattern associated with stand age (warbling vireo, western tanager). Three species were dropped from analysis because their average territory size is larger than the smallest stand surveyed. Abundance indices for species which showed an increasing pattern were positively associated with habitat variables describing conifer basal area, percent cover of live conifer crown between 4 m and the height of the tallest conifer tree, number of conifer stems/ha between 20- and 30- cm dbh, and/or percent cover of live hardwood crown between 4 m and the height of the tallest hardwood tree. Abundance indices for species which showed a decreasing or peaked abundance were negatively associated with the same variables, excluding percent cover of hardwood crown. Total abundance, species richness, and species diversity did not differ (P<0.05) among the age classes. However, bird community composition changed with increasing stand age. Open-canopy stands were dominated by species preferring open-canopy habitats (top 5 species in order of abundance: dark-eyed junco, MacGillivray's warbler, rufous hummingbird, dusky flycatcher, rufous-sided towhee) while closed canopy-stands were dominated by species preferring closed-canopy habitats, (hermit warbler, dark-eyed junco, chestnut-backed chickadee, golden-crowned kinglet, Swainson's thrush); the dark-eyed junco was an exception. The rate of bird community change was rapid along the gradient of open-canopy stands but appeared to reach a plateau once canopy closure was reached. Title: Bird communities in 5- to 34- year old managed Douglas-fir stands on the Willamette National Forest, Oregon Cascades Author: Bettinger, Kelly Anne Breeding bird communities were examined in 18 managed Douglas-fir stands in 6 age classes from 5 to 34 years old in spring and early summer, 1993 on the Detroit Ranger District, Willamette National Forest, Oregon. The range of seral stages included early shrub/sapling, late shrub/sapling, and pole. In general, the 9 younger stands were opencanopy while the 9 older stands were closed-canopy. Of the 50 bird species recorded, 21 had large enough sample sizes for analysis. Of these 21, 8 showed a pattern of increasing abundance with increasing stand age (chestnut-backed chickadee, golden-crowned kinglet, hermit thrush, hermit warbler, Pacific-slope flycatcher, Swainson's thrush, Wilson's warbler, winter wren). Six species showed a pattern of decreasing abundance with increasing stand age (American robin, darkeyed junco, rufous hummingbird, white-crowned sparrow) and 4 species peaked in abundance in age class 2 (10 - 14 years old) before decreasing with increasing stand age (dusky flycatcher, MacGillivray's warbler, orange-crowned warbler, rufous-sided towhee). Two species did not exhibit any particular pattern associated with stand age (warbling vireo, western tanager). Three species were dropped from analysis because their average territory size is larger than the smallest stand surveyed. Abundance indices for species which showed an increasing pattern were positively associated with habitat variables describing conifer basal area, percent cover of live conifer crown between 4 m and the height of the tallest conifer tree, number of conifer stems/ha between 20- and 30- cm dbh, and/or percent cover of live hardwood crown between 4 m and the height of the tallest hardwood tree. Abundance indices for species which showed a decreasing or peaked abundance were negatively associated with the same variables, excluding percent cover of hardwood crown. Total abundance, species richness, and species diversity did not differ (P<0.05) among the age classes. However, bird community composition changed with increasing stand age. Open-canopy stands were dominated by species preferring open-canopy habitats (top 5 species in order of abundance: dark-eyed junco, MacGillivray's warbler, rufous hummingbird, dusky flycatcher, rufous-sided towhee) while closed canopy-stands were dominated by species preferring closed-canopy habitats, (hermit warbler, dark-eyed junco, chestnut-backed chickadee, golden-crowned kinglet, Swainson's thrush); the dark-eyed junco was an exception. The rate of bird community change was rapid along the gradient of open-canopy stands but appeared to reach a plateau once canopy closure was reached. Close

• 27. [Article] Non-Native Plant Invasion along Elevation and Canopy Closure Gradients in a Middle Rocky Mountain Ecosystem

  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 was published by the Public Library ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Non-Native Plant Invasion along Elevation and Canopy Closure Gradients in a Middle Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Author: Parks, Catherine G., DelCurto, Tim, Mata-González, Ricardo, Naylor, Bridgett J., McCune, Bruce, Averett, Joshua P. 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 was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Title: Non-Native Plant Invasion along Elevation and Canopy Closure Gradients in a Middle Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Author: Parks, Catherine G., DelCurto, Tim, Mata-González, Ricardo, Naylor, Bridgett J., McCune, Bruce, Averett, Joshua P. 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 was published by the Public Library of Science and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/ Close

• 28. [Article] Spatiotemporal Drivers of Seabird Distribution at the Pacific Marine Energy Center off Newport, Oregon

  The central Oregon coast was selected as an ideal site for wave energy development and establishment of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC will consist of two nearshore sites, one north (NETS) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatiotemporal Drivers of Seabird Distribution at the Pacific Marine Energy Center off Newport, Oregon Author: Porquez, Jessica M. The central Oregon coast was selected as an ideal site for wave energy development and establishment of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC will consist of two nearshore sites, one north (NETS) and one south (SETS) of the Yaquina River, Oregon. Our study aims to assess how the development of wave energy sites might impact marine birds. We used vessel-based strip transect surveys to detect spatial and temporal patterns of seabirds during 28 surveys of NETS and SETS from 2013-2015. We also conducted 29 surveys along the Newport Hydrographic Line (NHL) (2006-2009, 2013-2015), a cross-shelf oceanographic sampling line that extends 40 km west of NETS. We collected in situ measurements of surface conductivity, temperature and fluorescence to test correlations between spatial variables and seabird abundance. Common murres (Uria aalge) were the most abundant resident species (70%) while sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) were the most abundant migratory species (78%). We identified 7 focal species (common murres, sooty shearwaters, Brandt's and pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus and pelagicus), western gull (Larus occidentalis), Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), and red-necked phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus), 5 foraging niches and 3 species of interest for analysis. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations to assess seasonal shifts in the seabird community at a focal species and foraging group level. Both ordinations depicted strong seasonal gradients with distinct seasonal communities. Focal species were also driven by a distance to shore gradient, while foraging niches were more influenced by foraging type (diving versus surface feeding). The shoreward shift or outward dispersal of species appears driven by a combination of factors, including the diffusion of nearshore concentration of murres and cormorants on Yaquina Head post chick fledging, and the inshore movement of migratory species with the onset of upwelling and greater prey abundance. We employed generalized additive mixed models for the focal species, and tested for correlations with in situ data (salinity, temperature and fluorescence), depth, substrate, season, and a random 'site' effect. We identified correlations between several species and measured oceanographic variables, which indicated species' selection of specific water masses. With Inverse Distance Weighted maps we detected high use zones by sooty shearwaters and common murres outside of both site boundaries, except during the spring and summer, when murres occur densely within the NETS. None of our observed species of concern (brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis), black footed albatrosses (Phoebastria nigiripes) and marbled murrelets, (Brachyramphus marmoratus)) were detected within either site boundary. Rather, pelicans and murrelets were observed inshore of the SETS and south of the NETS, and albatrosses were all detected west of the sites. We observed overall low abundance of focal species within the sites, relative to adjacent areas, although the whole study area appears to be productive foraging habitat used by many species. As a baseline characterization of the seabird community off Newport, this work can help inform citing and permitting processes of similar wave energy test facilities and provide a platform for continued monitoring of seabirds in the area. Title: Spatiotemporal Drivers of Seabird Distribution at the Pacific Marine Energy Center off Newport, Oregon Author: Porquez, Jessica M. The central Oregon coast was selected as an ideal site for wave energy development and establishment of the Pacific Marine Energy Center (PMEC). PMEC will consist of two nearshore sites, one north (NETS) and one south (SETS) of the Yaquina River, Oregon. Our study aims to assess how the development of wave energy sites might impact marine birds. We used vessel-based strip transect surveys to detect spatial and temporal patterns of seabirds during 28 surveys of NETS and SETS from 2013-2015. We also conducted 29 surveys along the Newport Hydrographic Line (NHL) (2006-2009, 2013-2015), a cross-shelf oceanographic sampling line that extends 40 km west of NETS. We collected in situ measurements of surface conductivity, temperature and fluorescence to test correlations between spatial variables and seabird abundance. Common murres (Uria aalge) were the most abundant resident species (70%) while sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) were the most abundant migratory species (78%). We identified 7 focal species (common murres, sooty shearwaters, Brandt's and pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus and pelagicus), western gull (Larus occidentalis), Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), and red-necked phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus), 5 foraging niches and 3 species of interest for analysis. We used non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations to assess seasonal shifts in the seabird community at a focal species and foraging group level. Both ordinations depicted strong seasonal gradients with distinct seasonal communities. Focal species were also driven by a distance to shore gradient, while foraging niches were more influenced by foraging type (diving versus surface feeding). The shoreward shift or outward dispersal of species appears driven by a combination of factors, including the diffusion of nearshore concentration of murres and cormorants on Yaquina Head post chick fledging, and the inshore movement of migratory species with the onset of upwelling and greater prey abundance. We employed generalized additive mixed models for the focal species, and tested for correlations with in situ data (salinity, temperature and fluorescence), depth, substrate, season, and a random 'site' effect. We identified correlations between several species and measured oceanographic variables, which indicated species' selection of specific water masses. With Inverse Distance Weighted maps we detected high use zones by sooty shearwaters and common murres outside of both site boundaries, except during the spring and summer, when murres occur densely within the NETS. None of our observed species of concern (brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis), black footed albatrosses (Phoebastria nigiripes) and marbled murrelets, (Brachyramphus marmoratus)) were detected within either site boundary. Rather, pelicans and murrelets were observed inshore of the SETS and south of the NETS, and albatrosses were all detected west of the sites. We observed overall low abundance of focal species within the sites, relative to adjacent areas, although the whole study area appears to be productive foraging habitat used by many species. As a baseline characterization of the seabird community off Newport, this work can help inform citing and permitting processes of similar wave energy test facilities and provide a platform for continued monitoring of seabirds in the area. Close

• 29. [Article] Marine resource surveys on the continental shelf and upper slope off Washington, 1975-76 : completion report July 1, 1975 to September 30, 1977

  Groundfish surveys off the Washington coast were conducted in September of 1975 and 1976 between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River. The primary purposes of the surveys were to obtain estimates of biomass ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine resource surveys on the continental shelf and upper slope off Washington, 1975-76 : completion report July 1, 1975 to September 30, 1977 Author: Barss, William H., United States. National Marine Fisheries Service, Ten Eyck, Neil, Demory, Robert L., Oregon. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Groundfish surveys off the Washington coast were conducted in September of 1975 and 1976 between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River. The primary purposes of the surveys were to obtain estimates of biomass and further our knowledge on population parameters of important groundfish species, especially flatfish, occupying the continental shelf and upper continental slope. Survey design was based on a 5x6 N. mi grid with a random starting point. Samples were obtained for age, size and sex composition from important flatfish species. Weights were obtained from all species of fish. Estimates of biomass, all species, were 143,447 and 147,303 metric tons in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Pacific hake and English sole were the most abundant species. Estimates of biomass and potential yield were determined for six species of flatfish. Data indicate that most flatfish species are not fully exploited, but several species may be nearing full utilization. Increased yield could be obtained without increased fishing effort if market demand would increase on certain under-utilized species. Several population parameters were obtained. Age, length-weight constants, total annual and fishing mortality rates and exploitation rate were estimated for six species of flatfish. Distribution and abundance was depicted for major species by catch maps. Distribution of some species was closely correlated with depth and sediment type. Increase in mean weight was associated with increasing depth for many species, Strong year classes were indicated for several species. Data suggests that the Astoria Canyon may separate Dover sole and also arrowtooth flounder stocks. Title: Marine resource surveys on the continental shelf and upper slope off Washington, 1975-76 : completion report July 1, 1975 to September 30, 1977 Author: Barss, William H., United States. National Marine Fisheries Service, Ten Eyck, Neil, Demory, Robert L., Oregon. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Groundfish surveys off the Washington coast were conducted in September of 1975 and 1976 between Cape Flattery and the Columbia River. The primary purposes of the surveys were to obtain estimates of biomass and further our knowledge on population parameters of important groundfish species, especially flatfish, occupying the continental shelf and upper continental slope. Survey design was based on a 5x6 N. mi grid with a random starting point. Samples were obtained for age, size and sex composition from important flatfish species. Weights were obtained from all species of fish. Estimates of biomass, all species, were 143,447 and 147,303 metric tons in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Pacific hake and English sole were the most abundant species. Estimates of biomass and potential yield were determined for six species of flatfish. Data indicate that most flatfish species are not fully exploited, but several species may be nearing full utilization. Increased yield could be obtained without increased fishing effort if market demand would increase on certain under-utilized species. Several population parameters were obtained. Age, length-weight constants, total annual and fishing mortality rates and exploitation rate were estimated for six species of flatfish. Distribution and abundance was depicted for major species by catch maps. Distribution of some species was closely correlated with depth and sediment type. Increase in mean weight was associated with increasing depth for many species, Strong year classes were indicated for several species. Data suggests that the Astoria Canyon may separate Dover sole and also arrowtooth flounder stocks. Close

• 30. [Article] A plant association classification for McDonald-Dunn Forest

  The purpose of this study was to develop a plant association classification for the mature coniferous forests of the McDonald and Paul M. Dunn Research Forests. A secondary objective was to quantify diversity ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A plant association classification for McDonald-Dunn Forest Author: Hubbard, Connie J. The purpose of this study was to develop a plant association classification for the mature coniferous forests of the McDonald and Paul M. Dunn Research Forests. A secondary objective was to quantify diversity within the plant associations. This Forest is approximately 11,000 acres and is located 6 miles to the north of Corvallis Oregon. This forest is owned and managed by the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. This study, and a companion study by Leavell (1991), was funded by the Research Forest to broaden their understanding of the plant communities on the Forest. The companion study developed relationships between the plant associations and the environment. Classification was based on 108 plots, using percent cover of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses. This sampling density of approximately 1 plot per 100 acres is much greater than most community classifications in the area (Hemstrom & Logan, 1986; Hemstrom et al., 1987; Topik et al., 1988; Juday, 1976). A total of 117 vascular plant species were encountered; 68 of these were used in classification. Stands sampled for this classification were primarily seral, yet the most mature available. Few climax stands were available for sampling. Plant associations were developed using TWINSPAN, a two-way indicator species analysis (Hill, 1979b). Six plant associations were developed and described in this study: Tsuga heterophylla/Acer circinatum-Gaultheria shallon Abies grandis/Acer circinatum-Gaultheria shallon Abies grandis/Disporum hookeri-Thalictrum occidentale Abies grandis/Polystichum munituin Abies qrandis/Rubus ursinus-Rhus diversiloba Abies randis/Brachypodium sylvaticum One plant association, Abies grandis/Acer circinatum- Gaultheria shallon, parallels a previously described plant association described by Juday in the Valley Margin Zone (Juday, 1976). The other 5 plant associations described in this study are original descriptions. The TSHE/ACCI-GASH, ABGR/ACCI-GASH, and the ABGR/RUURRHDI plant associations are shrub-dominated. ABGR/DIHOTHOC and ABGR/POMU are forb-domjnated associations, and ABGR/BRSY is a grass-dominated plant association. Plant associations were shown to have significant differences in species richness, heterogeneity, evenness, and in vertical structure. Average species richness per plot is highest in the ABGR/ACCI-GASH and ABGR/DIHO-THOC plant associations, which also has high relative diversity (Shannon's index) and evenness. Species richness is lowest in the TSHE/ACCI-GASH plant association, probably because it was represented only by seral stands. Structural diversity included an analysis of snags. Snag number, size, and distribution were not related to plant associations. Current snag levels indicate that at most, 30 percent of the maximun populations for six woodpecker species could be supported on this Forest. A description of each plant association is given. The description for each includes: extent, location, characteristic species, species richness and percent cover within four strata (trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses), heterogeneity (Shannon' s diversity index), and an evenness measure. Title: A plant association classification for McDonald-Dunn Forest Author: Hubbard, Connie J. The purpose of this study was to develop a plant association classification for the mature coniferous forests of the McDonald and Paul M. Dunn Research Forests. A secondary objective was to quantify diversity within the plant associations. This Forest is approximately 11,000 acres and is located 6 miles to the north of Corvallis Oregon. This forest is owned and managed by the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. This study, and a companion study by Leavell (1991), was funded by the Research Forest to broaden their understanding of the plant communities on the Forest. The companion study developed relationships between the plant associations and the environment. Classification was based on 108 plots, using percent cover of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses. This sampling density of approximately 1 plot per 100 acres is much greater than most community classifications in the area (Hemstrom & Logan, 1986; Hemstrom et al., 1987; Topik et al., 1988; Juday, 1976). A total of 117 vascular plant species were encountered; 68 of these were used in classification. Stands sampled for this classification were primarily seral, yet the most mature available. Few climax stands were available for sampling. Plant associations were developed using TWINSPAN, a two-way indicator species analysis (Hill, 1979b). Six plant associations were developed and described in this study: Tsuga heterophylla/Acer circinatum-Gaultheria shallon Abies grandis/Acer circinatum-Gaultheria shallon Abies grandis/Disporum hookeri-Thalictrum occidentale Abies grandis/Polystichum munituin Abies qrandis/Rubus ursinus-Rhus diversiloba Abies randis/Brachypodium sylvaticum One plant association, Abies grandis/Acer circinatum- Gaultheria shallon, parallels a previously described plant association described by Juday in the Valley Margin Zone (Juday, 1976). The other 5 plant associations described in this study are original descriptions. The TSHE/ACCI-GASH, ABGR/ACCI-GASH, and the ABGR/RUURRHDI plant associations are shrub-dominated. ABGR/DIHOTHOC and ABGR/POMU are forb-domjnated associations, and ABGR/BRSY is a grass-dominated plant association. Plant associations were shown to have significant differences in species richness, heterogeneity, evenness, and in vertical structure. Average species richness per plot is highest in the ABGR/ACCI-GASH and ABGR/DIHO-THOC plant associations, which also has high relative diversity (Shannon's index) and evenness. Species richness is lowest in the TSHE/ACCI-GASH plant association, probably because it was represented only by seral stands. Structural diversity included an analysis of snags. Snag number, size, and distribution were not related to plant associations. Current snag levels indicate that at most, 30 percent of the maximun populations for six woodpecker species could be supported on this Forest. A description of each plant association is given. The description for each includes: extent, location, characteristic species, species richness and percent cover within four strata (trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses), heterogeneity (Shannon' s diversity index), and an evenness measure. Close