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• 31. [Article] Birds in a sagebrush sea: managing sagebrush habitats for bird communities

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Birds in a sagebrush sea: managing sagebrush habitats for bird communities Author: Ritter, Sharon A., Paige, Christine Title: Birds in a sagebrush sea: managing sagebrush habitats for bird communities Author: Ritter, Sharon A., Paige, Christine Close

• 32. [Article] A Place for nature : Willamette basin habitat conservation priorities

  An introduction to habitats in the Willamette River Basin.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Place for nature : Willamette basin habitat conservation priorities Author: Grossman, Elizabeth An introduction to habitats in the Willamette River Basin. Title: A Place for nature : Willamette basin habitat conservation priorities Author: Grossman, Elizabeth An introduction to habitats in the Willamette River Basin. Close

• 33. [Article] Female black bear habitat selection and home range ecology in the central Oregon Cascades

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Female black bear habitat selection and home range ecology in the central Oregon Cascades Author: Vander Heyden, Madeleine Title: Female black bear habitat selection and home range ecology in the central Oregon Cascades Author: Vander Heyden, Madeleine Close

• 34. [Article] Defining micro-habitat relationships for juvenile black rockfish, Sebastes melanops

  The functioning of marine habitats needs to be understood in the context of the ecological relationships and associations between organisms and the physical and biogenic environment they inhabit. Thus, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Defining micro-habitat relationships for juvenile black rockfish, Sebastes melanops Author: Mann, Marion E. The functioning of marine habitats needs to be understood in the context of the ecological relationships and associations between organisms and the physical and biogenic environment they inhabit. Thus, it becomes important to explore and define habitat features which contribute to these relationships and which are important in the life history of a species. Juvenile habitat needs and associations have rarely been studied, but Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) guidelines require description of habitat for all life stages of managed stocks. Given observational data in the natural environment, there is a strong need to determine if structural or biogenic habitat matters to fish. To explore direct relationships with habitat features, based on cause and effect, requires controlled laboratory studies. In this work, the extent and nature of habitat relationships for juvenile black rockfish, Sebastes melanops, were systematically investigated in four consecutive controlled experiments. I examined habitat choices of juvenile rockfish with respect to (1) a diurnal light cycle, (2) the nature of structure use with respect to the importance of crevices, (3) the effect of additional complexity in structure, and (4) the role of biotic components of structure independent of their physical attributes. In the first experiment (1), juvenile rockfish behavior was video taped during day, crepuscular and night conditions. To observe fish behavior at night an infrared tank set-up was used, with lights projecting through the bottom of the tanks. The sand layer was required to be very thin, such that the light could penetrate through both tank wall and sand and get picked up by an overhead camera. This exposed many crevices and ledges at the base of the boulders which were extensively used by all groups of fish. In the second experiment (2), burying the boulders in deep sand reduced this crevice availability and took away those types of refuge opportunities. Complexity was then examined by attaching white plumed anemones, Metridium spp. to half of the boulders in the tanks (experiment 3). White plumed anemones occur as two species on the west coast of North America, Metridium farcimen and M. senile fimbriatum, which are visually indistinguishable and have overlapping distributions. For the purposes of our experiments, it was not necessary to identify them to species level, and all the experimental animals were collected by scuba in Yaquina Bay. Artificial replicates of Metridium spp. in comparison with live animals were used to test for biogenic contributions to habitat preference (experiment 4). To see if associations and behaviors observed in the laboratory also occur in the field, habitat use by unidentified reef-associated juvenile rockfish in their natural environment was examined using video data collected by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with a remotely operated vehicle. The results of the experiments indicate that (1) the odds of juvenile black rockfish being present in boulders during daylight were 7.2 times greater than at nighttime. It is likely that refuge needs for juveniles of this species are greatest during daylight given the diversity of visual predators. (2) Crevice availability plays an important role in providing refuge, but juvenile black rockfish in my trials did not change boulder use based on crevice availability. (3) Juvenile black rockfish also clearly preferred habitat complexity (added anemones) and preferred boulders with attached Metridium spp. over plain boulders. (4) Preference was given not only to higher structural complexity, but also to habitat that offered a biotic component to the boulder/anemone arrangement. Juvenile black rockfish showed a significant association with boulder habitat containing attached live Metridium spp. over boulder habitat with the same structural construct using plastic replicas. The specific nature of this biogenic contribution to habitat choice is unknown and could be the result of an important symbiotic relationship. In their natural environment, unidentified juvenile rockfish also occurred in greater numbers in micro-habitats highly populated by Metridium spp. This work demonstrates that reef associated juvenile black rockfish engage in complex micro-habitat relationships that are not only based on structural complexity but also on biogenic influences. Biogenic habitats frequently involve invertebrate species that are fragile and long lived, and thus vulnerable to disturbance (e.g. from global warming, fishing activities and other extraction processes). Although survival and growth of juvenile black rockfish was not investigated in this work, the loss of biogenic habitat is likely to impact post settlement survival of reef-associated fishes, thus ultimately affecting population recruitment. Habitat limitations in the juvenile stage are particularly important to understand because density-dependent factors can dampen high stochasticity in recruitment to adult populations. Title: Defining micro-habitat relationships for juvenile black rockfish, Sebastes melanops Author: Mann, Marion E. The functioning of marine habitats needs to be understood in the context of the ecological relationships and associations between organisms and the physical and biogenic environment they inhabit. Thus, it becomes important to explore and define habitat features which contribute to these relationships and which are important in the life history of a species. Juvenile habitat needs and associations have rarely been studied, but Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) guidelines require description of habitat for all life stages of managed stocks. Given observational data in the natural environment, there is a strong need to determine if structural or biogenic habitat matters to fish. To explore direct relationships with habitat features, based on cause and effect, requires controlled laboratory studies. In this work, the extent and nature of habitat relationships for juvenile black rockfish, Sebastes melanops, were systematically investigated in four consecutive controlled experiments. I examined habitat choices of juvenile rockfish with respect to (1) a diurnal light cycle, (2) the nature of structure use with respect to the importance of crevices, (3) the effect of additional complexity in structure, and (4) the role of biotic components of structure independent of their physical attributes. In the first experiment (1), juvenile rockfish behavior was video taped during day, crepuscular and night conditions. To observe fish behavior at night an infrared tank set-up was used, with lights projecting through the bottom of the tanks. The sand layer was required to be very thin, such that the light could penetrate through both tank wall and sand and get picked up by an overhead camera. This exposed many crevices and ledges at the base of the boulders which were extensively used by all groups of fish. In the second experiment (2), burying the boulders in deep sand reduced this crevice availability and took away those types of refuge opportunities. Complexity was then examined by attaching white plumed anemones, Metridium spp. to half of the boulders in the tanks (experiment 3). White plumed anemones occur as two species on the west coast of North America, Metridium farcimen and M. senile fimbriatum, which are visually indistinguishable and have overlapping distributions. For the purposes of our experiments, it was not necessary to identify them to species level, and all the experimental animals were collected by scuba in Yaquina Bay. Artificial replicates of Metridium spp. in comparison with live animals were used to test for biogenic contributions to habitat preference (experiment 4). To see if associations and behaviors observed in the laboratory also occur in the field, habitat use by unidentified reef-associated juvenile rockfish in their natural environment was examined using video data collected by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with a remotely operated vehicle. The results of the experiments indicate that (1) the odds of juvenile black rockfish being present in boulders during daylight were 7.2 times greater than at nighttime. It is likely that refuge needs for juveniles of this species are greatest during daylight given the diversity of visual predators. (2) Crevice availability plays an important role in providing refuge, but juvenile black rockfish in my trials did not change boulder use based on crevice availability. (3) Juvenile black rockfish also clearly preferred habitat complexity (added anemones) and preferred boulders with attached Metridium spp. over plain boulders. (4) Preference was given not only to higher structural complexity, but also to habitat that offered a biotic component to the boulder/anemone arrangement. Juvenile black rockfish showed a significant association with boulder habitat containing attached live Metridium spp. over boulder habitat with the same structural construct using plastic replicas. The specific nature of this biogenic contribution to habitat choice is unknown and could be the result of an important symbiotic relationship. In their natural environment, unidentified juvenile rockfish also occurred in greater numbers in micro-habitats highly populated by Metridium spp. This work demonstrates that reef associated juvenile black rockfish engage in complex micro-habitat relationships that are not only based on structural complexity but also on biogenic influences. Biogenic habitats frequently involve invertebrate species that are fragile and long lived, and thus vulnerable to disturbance (e.g. from global warming, fishing activities and other extraction processes). Although survival and growth of juvenile black rockfish was not investigated in this work, the loss of biogenic habitat is likely to impact post settlement survival of reef-associated fishes, thus ultimately affecting population recruitment. Habitat limitations in the juvenile stage are particularly important to understand because density-dependent factors can dampen high stochasticity in recruitment to adult populations. Close

• 35. [Article] Sagebrush / Sage Grouse Habitat Metric: User's guide

  The metric is encompassed in two documents, the Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric Calculator .

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sagebrush / Sage Grouse Habitat Metric: User's guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, the Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric Calculator . Title: Sagebrush / Sage Grouse Habitat Metric: User's guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, the Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric User’s Guide and a Sagebrush/Sage Grouse Habitat Metric Calculator . Close

• 36. [Article] Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Title: Coastal cutthroat trout : life in the watershed Author: Fitzpatrick, Martin S., Oregon State University. Sea Grant College Program Close

• 37. [Article] Habitat mapping and identifying suitable habitat of Redfish Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve, Port Orford, Oregon

  Establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has been documented to effectively manage marine resource's diversity and enhance fisheries productivity. However, there must be a critical consideration ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat mapping and identifying suitable habitat of Redfish Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve, Port Orford, Oregon Author: Amolo, Rizaller C. Establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has been documented to effectively manage marine resource's diversity and enhance fisheries productivity. However, there must be a critical consideration of how these sites are selected and the actual description of the site itself. Its effectiveness is greatly dependent on understanding these habitats and the species that thrive in them. In 2008, the State of Oregon embarked on an effort to create a network of marine reserves within its territorial sea. Together with the active participation of the public sector in the selection process, it has to identify two (2) pilot sites and four (4) other sites that need further evaluation. During the selection process, thematic surficial geologic habitat (SGH) maps played a critical role in identifying potential sites. SGH was sufficient to identify specific sites, however a clearer and a habitat map with higher resolution is necessary in effectively managing these pilot marine reserves. Development of a more detailed habitat map will guide local and state managers in initiating specific management interventions to unique marine reserve sites such as Redfish Rock Pilot Marine Reserve. This aim of this study is to develop a detailed habitat map of the Redfish Rock Pilot Marine Reserve to supersede the initial SGH map, and utilize it to predict species occurrence within each habitat type. The use of acoustic information collected from multibeam echo sounder will be used to produce a high resolution habitat map of its marine environment. The backscatter data along with co-registered bathymetric information can be utilized to describe marine topography and define habitat based on its surficial geologic characteristic. Information derived from the bathymetry data utilized Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) as a guide in identifying seafloor features and classified zones like high relief and flat zones as well as derivative layers such as hillshade layer. Further delineation of habitat boundaries were made using the backscatter mosaic and angular response analysis (ARA) to classify layers created from the Interactive Visualization System (IVS3D) Fledermaus (FM) Geocoder. Manual digitizing of habitat polygon with automated classified layer as a guide was conducted using ArcGIS. Substrate classifications were verified from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) videos collected by Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Species occurrences were predicted using the depth, latitude and substrate type and species information queried from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Habitat Use Database (HUD). A total of 89 species mostly ground fish were predicted to be present inside the marine reserve. With the habitat map created successfully from high resolution multibeam surveys, managers now have a more detailed picture of the seafloor. This is necessary to design specific management strategies such as development of biophysical monitoring protocol, deployment of marker buoy, conduct of specific species-habitat relationship research. This study was done specifically on the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve primarily due to the fact that this site already has available data pertinent to the creation of this habitat map; however, this approach could also be applied and replicated at other identified MPA sites including other areas of the Redfish Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve, Otter Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve and the four other sites that are being considered for the creation of MPA networks. Title: Habitat mapping and identifying suitable habitat of Redfish Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve, Port Orford, Oregon Author: Amolo, Rizaller C. Establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) has been documented to effectively manage marine resource's diversity and enhance fisheries productivity. However, there must be a critical consideration of how these sites are selected and the actual description of the site itself. Its effectiveness is greatly dependent on understanding these habitats and the species that thrive in them. In 2008, the State of Oregon embarked on an effort to create a network of marine reserves within its territorial sea. Together with the active participation of the public sector in the selection process, it has to identify two (2) pilot sites and four (4) other sites that need further evaluation. During the selection process, thematic surficial geologic habitat (SGH) maps played a critical role in identifying potential sites. SGH was sufficient to identify specific sites, however a clearer and a habitat map with higher resolution is necessary in effectively managing these pilot marine reserves. Development of a more detailed habitat map will guide local and state managers in initiating specific management interventions to unique marine reserve sites such as Redfish Rock Pilot Marine Reserve. This aim of this study is to develop a detailed habitat map of the Redfish Rock Pilot Marine Reserve to supersede the initial SGH map, and utilize it to predict species occurrence within each habitat type. The use of acoustic information collected from multibeam echo sounder will be used to produce a high resolution habitat map of its marine environment. The backscatter data along with co-registered bathymetric information can be utilized to describe marine topography and define habitat based on its surficial geologic characteristic. Information derived from the bathymetry data utilized Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) as a guide in identifying seafloor features and classified zones like high relief and flat zones as well as derivative layers such as hillshade layer. Further delineation of habitat boundaries were made using the backscatter mosaic and angular response analysis (ARA) to classify layers created from the Interactive Visualization System (IVS3D) Fledermaus (FM) Geocoder. Manual digitizing of habitat polygon with automated classified layer as a guide was conducted using ArcGIS. Substrate classifications were verified from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) videos collected by Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Species occurrences were predicted using the depth, latitude and substrate type and species information queried from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Habitat Use Database (HUD). A total of 89 species mostly ground fish were predicted to be present inside the marine reserve. With the habitat map created successfully from high resolution multibeam surveys, managers now have a more detailed picture of the seafloor. This is necessary to design specific management strategies such as development of biophysical monitoring protocol, deployment of marker buoy, conduct of specific species-habitat relationship research. This study was done specifically on the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve primarily due to the fact that this site already has available data pertinent to the creation of this habitat map; however, this approach could also be applied and replicated at other identified MPA sites including other areas of the Redfish Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve, Otter Rocks Pilot Marine Reserve and the four other sites that are being considered for the creation of MPA networks. Close

• 38. [Article] Relationships between relative abundance of resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and habitat characteristics in Central Idaho mountain streams

  Resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) may be particularly vulnerable to human related disturbance, however very few studies have focused on resident bull trout populations. The abundance of bull ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Relationships between relative abundance of resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and habitat characteristics in Central Idaho mountain streams Author: Zurstadt, Caleb Frederick Resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) may be particularly vulnerable to human related disturbance, however very few studies have focused on resident bull trout populations. The abundance of bull trout is one measure of the strength and potential for persistence of a population. Habitat characteristics may influence resident bull trout abundance to differing degrees and by varying means at multiple spatial scales. We used day and night snorkel counts to assess relative bull trout abundance. A modification of the Forest Service R1/R4 Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory was used to assess habitat characteristics associated with resident bull trout. Logistic and multiple linear regression were used to assess the relationships between resident bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics at the patch (1 to 5 km), reach (0.5 to 1 km) and habitat unit (1 to 100 m) scales. Site categorical variables were used along with quantitative habitat variables to explain among-site and across-site variation in the data. The significance of both quantitative habitat variables and categorical site variables at various spatial scales suggest that relationships between bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics are complex and in part dependent on scale. The characteristics of individual habitat units explained little of the variation in bull trout presence/absence (logistic regression; Somers' D=0.44) and density (multiple linear regression; adjusted R²=0.08) in habitat units, however there were habitat characteristics that were significantly (P≤0.05) correlated to bull trout presence/absence and density in habitat units. The relationships between habitat characteristics and bull trout presence/absence and density varied between habitat unit types. There was a strong quadratic relationship between bull trout abundance and mean summer water temperature at the reach (P=0.004) and patch scales (P=0.001). The mean temperature of patches appears to explain some of the variation in bull trout density at smaller spatial scales, such as reaches and habitat units. An appreciation of the complex nature of scale dependent interactions between bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics may help resource managers make wiser decisions regarding conservation of resident bull trout populations. Title: Relationships between relative abundance of resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and habitat characteristics in Central Idaho mountain streams Author: Zurstadt, Caleb Frederick Resident bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) may be particularly vulnerable to human related disturbance, however very few studies have focused on resident bull trout populations. The abundance of bull trout is one measure of the strength and potential for persistence of a population. Habitat characteristics may influence resident bull trout abundance to differing degrees and by varying means at multiple spatial scales. We used day and night snorkel counts to assess relative bull trout abundance. A modification of the Forest Service R1/R4 Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory was used to assess habitat characteristics associated with resident bull trout. Logistic and multiple linear regression were used to assess the relationships between resident bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics at the patch (1 to 5 km), reach (0.5 to 1 km) and habitat unit (1 to 100 m) scales. Site categorical variables were used along with quantitative habitat variables to explain among-site and across-site variation in the data. The significance of both quantitative habitat variables and categorical site variables at various spatial scales suggest that relationships between bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics are complex and in part dependent on scale. The characteristics of individual habitat units explained little of the variation in bull trout presence/absence (logistic regression; Somers' D=0.44) and density (multiple linear regression; adjusted R²=0.08) in habitat units, however there were habitat characteristics that were significantly (P≤0.05) correlated to bull trout presence/absence and density in habitat units. The relationships between habitat characteristics and bull trout presence/absence and density varied between habitat unit types. There was a strong quadratic relationship between bull trout abundance and mean summer water temperature at the reach (P=0.004) and patch scales (P=0.001). The mean temperature of patches appears to explain some of the variation in bull trout density at smaller spatial scales, such as reaches and habitat units. An appreciation of the complex nature of scale dependent interactions between bull trout abundance and habitat characteristics may help resource managers make wiser decisions regarding conservation of resident bull trout populations. Close

• 39. [Article] Science to Soluntions: Conifer Removal Boosts Sage Grouse Success

  In recent years the Sage Grouse Initiative, led by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, has worked with many partners to accelerate the mechanical removal of invading conifer trees, primarily ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Science to Soluntions: Conifer Removal Boosts Sage Grouse Success Author: Sage Grouse Initiative In recent years the Sage Grouse Initiative, led by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, has worked with many partners to accelerate the mechanical removal of invading conifer trees, primarily junipers, to restore sagebrush habitats in and around sage grouse strongholds across the West. Replicated studies from public and private land in southern Oregon and northwest Utah are the first to document sage grouse response to this type of landscape-level habitat restoration effort. Despite conventional wisdom that female sage grouse use the same nesting areas every year, space-starved hens in Oregon were quick to use restored habitats made available by conifer removal: within four years, 29% of the tracked sage grouse were nesting within and near restored habitats. In Utah, 86% of hens avoided conifer invaded habitats, and those using restored habitats were more likely to raise a brood. Taken together, studies show that landscape-level conifer removal can effectively increase habitat availability and boost success for nesting and brooding sage grouse. Title: Science to Soluntions: Conifer Removal Boosts Sage Grouse Success Author: Sage Grouse Initiative In recent years the Sage Grouse Initiative, led by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, has worked with many partners to accelerate the mechanical removal of invading conifer trees, primarily junipers, to restore sagebrush habitats in and around sage grouse strongholds across the West. Replicated studies from public and private land in southern Oregon and northwest Utah are the first to document sage grouse response to this type of landscape-level habitat restoration effort. Despite conventional wisdom that female sage grouse use the same nesting areas every year, space-starved hens in Oregon were quick to use restored habitats made available by conifer removal: within four years, 29% of the tracked sage grouse were nesting within and near restored habitats. In Utah, 86% of hens avoided conifer invaded habitats, and those using restored habitats were more likely to raise a brood. Taken together, studies show that landscape-level conifer removal can effectively increase habitat availability and boost success for nesting and brooding sage grouse. Close

• 40. [Article] Science to Solutions: Private Lands Vital to Conserving Wet Areas for Sage Grouse Summer Habitat

  In the arid West, life follows water. Habitats near water – streamsides, wet meadows and wetlands — support the greatest variety of animal and plant life, and attract wildlife during their daily and seasonal ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Science to Solutions: Private Lands Vital to Conserving Wet Areas for Sage Grouse Summer Habitat Author: Sage Grouse Initiative In the arid West, life follows water. Habitats near water – streamsides, wet meadows and wetlands — support the greatest variety of animal and plant life, and attract wildlife during their daily and seasonal movements. In a water-scarce landscape, these lush habitats are also where people have naturally settled. A recent groundbreaking study reveals a strong link between wet sites, which are essential summer habitat for sage grouse to raise their broods, and the distribution of sage grouse breeding areas or leks. The authors found 85% of leks were clustered within 6 miles of these wet summer habitats. Moreover, although wet habitats cover less than 2% of the western landscape, more than 80% are located on private lands. This study makes it clear that successful sage grouse conservation will greatly depend on cooperative ventures with private landowners, ranchers and farmers to help sustain vital summer habitats. Title: Science to Solutions: Private Lands Vital to Conserving Wet Areas for Sage Grouse Summer Habitat Author: Sage Grouse Initiative In the arid West, life follows water. Habitats near water – streamsides, wet meadows and wetlands — support the greatest variety of animal and plant life, and attract wildlife during their daily and seasonal movements. In a water-scarce landscape, these lush habitats are also where people have naturally settled. A recent groundbreaking study reveals a strong link between wet sites, which are essential summer habitat for sage grouse to raise their broods, and the distribution of sage grouse breeding areas or leks. The authors found 85% of leks were clustered within 6 miles of these wet summer habitats. Moreover, although wet habitats cover less than 2% of the western landscape, more than 80% are located on private lands. This study makes it clear that successful sage grouse conservation will greatly depend on cooperative ventures with private landowners, ranchers and farmers to help sustain vital summer habitats. Close