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• 81. [Article] Relationships between depredation of nests of ground-dwelling birds and habitat structure and pattern

  Rates of predation on artificial nests and nests of pen-reared ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), released in spring, were compared between strip and block habitats at different densities of nests. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Relationships between depredation of nests of ground-dwelling birds and habitat structure and pattern Author: Haensly, Thomas F. Rates of predation on artificial nests and nests of pen-reared ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), released in spring, were compared between strip and block habitats at different densities of nests. Nests in strips had rates of predation 4-7 times greater than nests in blocks, regardless of nest density. Differences between successful and depredated nests were due primarily to differences in habitat pattern rather than structural characteristics of vegetation at nest sites. Predators may be able to control prey populations in habitats where prey are concentrated and effectiveness of predators is high, therefore predation could be viewed as acting in a density-independent manner. Title: Relationships between depredation of nests of ground-dwelling birds and habitat structure and pattern Author: Haensly, Thomas F. Rates of predation on artificial nests and nests of pen-reared ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), released in spring, were compared between strip and block habitats at different densities of nests. Nests in strips had rates of predation 4-7 times greater than nests in blocks, regardless of nest density. Differences between successful and depredated nests were due primarily to differences in habitat pattern rather than structural characteristics of vegetation at nest sites. Predators may be able to control prey populations in habitats where prey are concentrated and effectiveness of predators is high, therefore predation could be viewed as acting in a density-independent manner. Close

• 82. [Article] Changes in plant communities following rangeland brush control

  Recently, the big sagebrush taxa has been split into subspecies and forms. Four habitat types related to subspecies of big sagebrush were studied in Eastern Oregon. Response of understory vegetation was measured ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Changes in plant communities following rangeland brush control Author: Findley, Roger Raymond Recently, the big sagebrush taxa has been split into subspecies and forms. Four habitat types related to subspecies of big sagebrush were studied in Eastern Oregon. Response of understory vegetation was measured following three range improvement techniques implemented on the four habitat types for several ages of treatment. Crown cover, density, and frequency of three subspecies of big sagebrush were measured, the relationship of sagebrush to improvement treatment and composition of understory vegetation was evaluated. In general, the same plant species responded differently on four habitat types manipulated by spray-release treatment. Approximately one-third of the perennial grass species increased, one-third decreased, and one-third showed no change in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas four years after treatment on the basin big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass-bottlebrush squirreltail habitat type. However, total grass representation increased after treatment. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover in the fourth year following spray-release treatment on the same habitat type. Perennial grass and shrub species generally showed no change while perennial forb species generally decreased in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the fourth year following spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Perennial vegetation generally showed no difference in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the sixth year following spray-release treatment on mountain big sagebrush-Idaho fescue habitat type. Perennial grass species generally increased, perennial forb species generally showed no change, and shrubs species generally decreased in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the sixth year after spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass habitat type. The same plant species responded differently to three improvement treatments implemented on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Annual vegetation generally increased in frequency on treated areas compared to untreated areas in six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Approximately half of the native perennial grass species decreased and half showed no change in frequency, density, and cover after six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total grass representation increased after treatment. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover after six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Approximately half of the annual forb and grass species increased in frequency and the rest either decreased or showed no change in frequency on treated and untreated areas in ten years following plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total representation of annual vegetation increased after treatment. Perennial grass species generally decreased in density, frequency, and cover in ten years following plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total grass representation, however, increased after treatment on this habitat type as a result of seeding crested wheatgrass. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover ten years after plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Sagebrush did decrease in representation while green rabbitbrush increased after treatment. Annual vegetation generally showed no change in frequency in the fourth year after spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Perennial grass species generally showed no change, perennial forb species generally decreased, and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the fourth year after spray-release treatment on this habitat type. Sagebrush was found to reinvade at a constant rate in the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type in the sixth year following spray-seed treatment. Extrapolation of data showed in approximately 7.4 years the density of sagebrush on the treated area would be the same as on untreated areas. The reinvasion of sagebrush was found to be highly variable on Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type following plow-seed treatment. Sizes of improved areas on the study were calculated from high flight photography. Results obtained from the photos differed from known acreage by 8%. Title: Changes in plant communities following rangeland brush control Author: Findley, Roger Raymond Recently, the big sagebrush taxa has been split into subspecies and forms. Four habitat types related to subspecies of big sagebrush were studied in Eastern Oregon. Response of understory vegetation was measured following three range improvement techniques implemented on the four habitat types for several ages of treatment. Crown cover, density, and frequency of three subspecies of big sagebrush were measured, the relationship of sagebrush to improvement treatment and composition of understory vegetation was evaluated. In general, the same plant species responded differently on four habitat types manipulated by spray-release treatment. Approximately one-third of the perennial grass species increased, one-third decreased, and one-third showed no change in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas four years after treatment on the basin big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass-bottlebrush squirreltail habitat type. However, total grass representation increased after treatment. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover in the fourth year following spray-release treatment on the same habitat type. Perennial grass and shrub species generally showed no change while perennial forb species generally decreased in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the fourth year following spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Perennial vegetation generally showed no difference in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the sixth year following spray-release treatment on mountain big sagebrush-Idaho fescue habitat type. Perennial grass species generally increased, perennial forb species generally showed no change, and shrubs species generally decreased in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the sixth year after spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass habitat type. The same plant species responded differently to three improvement treatments implemented on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Annual vegetation generally increased in frequency on treated areas compared to untreated areas in six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Approximately half of the native perennial grass species decreased and half showed no change in frequency, density, and cover after six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total grass representation increased after treatment. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover after six years following spray-seed treatment on this habitat type. Approximately half of the annual forb and grass species increased in frequency and the rest either decreased or showed no change in frequency on treated and untreated areas in ten years following plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total representation of annual vegetation increased after treatment. Perennial grass species generally decreased in density, frequency, and cover in ten years following plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Total grass representation, however, increased after treatment on this habitat type as a result of seeding crested wheatgrass. Perennial forb and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover ten years after plow-seed treatment on this habitat type. Sagebrush did decrease in representation while green rabbitbrush increased after treatment. Annual vegetation generally showed no change in frequency in the fourth year after spray-release treatment on the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type. Perennial grass species generally showed no change, perennial forb species generally decreased, and shrub species generally showed no change in frequency, density, and cover between treated and untreated areas in the fourth year after spray-release treatment on this habitat type. Sagebrush was found to reinvade at a constant rate in the Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type in the sixth year following spray-seed treatment. Extrapolation of data showed in approximately 7.4 years the density of sagebrush on the treated area would be the same as on untreated areas. The reinvasion of sagebrush was found to be highly variable on Wyoming big sagebrush-Thurber needlegrass habitat type following plow-seed treatment. Sizes of improved areas on the study were calculated from high flight photography. Results obtained from the photos differed from known acreage by 8%. Close

• 83. [Article] Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse (including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment) Habitat Assessment Policy

  This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides policy on how to assess habitat for Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse, including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment, (hereafter referred to as "sage-grouse") ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse (including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment) Habitat Assessment Policy Author: Ellis, Steven A. , Bureau of Land Management This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides policy on how to assess habitat for Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse, including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment, (hereafter referred to as "sage-grouse") and under what circumstances the habitat assessment is required. Title: Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse (including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment) Habitat Assessment Policy Author: Ellis, Steven A. , Bureau of Land Management This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides policy on how to assess habitat for Gunnison and Greater Sage-Grouse, including the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment, (hereafter referred to as "sage-grouse") and under what circumstances the habitat assessment is required. Close

• 84. [Article] Coastal steelhead trout : life in the watershed

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

• 85. [Article] Resource Selection, and Demographic Rates of Female Greater Sage-Grouse Following Large-Scale Wildfire

  Understanding the effects of habitat disturbance on a species' habitat selection patterns, and demographic rates, is essential to projecting the trajectories of populations affected by disturbance, as ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Resource Selection, and Demographic Rates of Female Greater Sage-Grouse Following Large-Scale Wildfire Author: Foster, Lee (Lee Jacob) Understanding the effects of habitat disturbance on a species' habitat selection patterns, and demographic rates, is essential to projecting the trajectories of populations affected by disturbance, as well as for determining the appropriate conservation actions needed to maintain those populations. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a species of conservation concern in western North America. The distribution of the species has been reduced by approximately half since European settlement, with concurrent and continuing population declines across its occupied range. The primary threats to the species are habitat alteration and loss, caused by multiple factors. In the western portion of its distribution, increasing wildfire activity is a primary cause of habitat loss and degradation. Single wildfires in this area may now reach extremely large sizes (>100,000 ha), and wildfires have been linked to local population declines. However, no published studies, to date, have examined the immediate effects of large-scale wildfire on sage-grouse habitat selection and demographic rates, using modern telemetry methods. I studied the habitat selection patterns, nest success, and survival of adult, and yearling female sage-grouse, captured within or near the Holloway fire, using state-of-the-art GPS-PTT telemetry methods. The Holloway fire burned ~187,000 ha of highly productive sage-grouse habitat in August, 2012. My study began during the first spring post-fire (March, 2013), and continued through February, 2015. I monitored seasonal habitat use patterns, and site-fidelity of sage-grouse, and modeled third-order seasonal resource selection, using mixed effects resource selection functions, in relation to characteristics of the post-fire habitat mosaic, terrain, mesic habitat availability, and herbaceous vegetation regeneration. I described sage-grouse nesting habitat use, nesting effort, and modeled daily nest survival in relation to temporal patterns, patch scale vegetation, biological factors, and landscape-scale habitat composition. I modeled adult and yearling female sage-grouse survival in relation to temporal patterns, biological factors, and landscape-scale habitat composition. Female sage-grouse primarily exhibited a three range seasonal movement pattern, with differentiation between breeding-nesting-early brood-rearing habitat (mean use dates: 8 Mar - 12 Jun), late brood-rearing-summer habitat (13 Jun - 20 Oct), and winter habitat (21 Oct - 7 Mar). However there was variation in seasonal range behavior among individuals. Sage-grouse exhibited considerable fidelity to all seasonal ranges, for individuals which survived >1 yr, mean distance between seasonal range centroids of the same type were 1.80 km, 1.65 km, and 3.96 km, for breeding ranges, summer ranges, and winter ranges, respectively. Within seasonal ranges, sage-grouse exhibited third-order resource selection patterns similar to those observed for populations in undisturbed habitats. Sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for level terrain throughout the year. During the breeding season sage-grouse selected for areas with increased amounts of intact sagebrush land-cover within a 1-km² area around used locations, areas of increased NDVI values within a 6.25-km² area, an amount of mesic habitat within a 6.25-km² area roughly equal to that available on the landscape, and mid-level elevations. During summer, sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for an areas with an intermediate density of burned-intact habitat edge within a 1 km² area, areas of increased NDVI values within a 6.25-km² area, intermediate distances to mesic habitat, and high elevations. During winter, sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for increased amounts of intact sagebrush land-cover within a 0.089-km² area, areas with decreased variation in NDVI within a 0.089-km² area, an amount of mesic habitat within a 6.25-km² area roughly equal to that available on the landscape, and intermediate elevations. There was considerable variation in third-order resource selection patterns among individuals during all seasons. Sage-grouse nest success was consistently low during the study (2013: 19.3%, 2014: 30.1%), and nest initiation rates were average to high (2013: 1st nest initiation = 90.5%, 2nd nest initiation = 23.1%; 2014: 1st nest initiation = 100%, 2nd nest initiation = 57.1%). Daily nest survival rates were influenced by an interaction between year and nesting attempt, and by forb cover within 5 m of the nest. Nest survival over the incubation period was consistently low for 1st and 2nd nests during 2013, and for 1st nests during 2014 (range: 0.131 - 0.212), but increased to 0.744 for 2nd nests during 2014. Forb cover within 5 m of the nest had a positive effect on daily nest survival rates, with a 1% increase in forb cover increasing the probability of a nest surviving a given day by 1.02 times. We did not detect strong direct effects of habitat or biological characteristics on survival of adult and yearling female sage-grouse. Rather, survival varied by month with lowest survival occurring in April and August of each year, and highest survival occurring during the winter. While patterns of monthly survival were similar between years, there was a strong, negative additive effect on survival which extended from the beginning of the study (March, 2013), through the end of the first post fire growing season (July, 2013). Although monthly survival increased following the end of the 1st post-fire growing season, yearly survival over both the 1st and 2nd biological years post-fire was low (March 2013 - February 2014: 24.0%; March 2014 - February 2015: 37.9%). These results indicate that female greater-sage grouse do not respond to wildfire related habitat disturbance through emigration, and rather continue to attempt to exist and reproduce in habitats disturbed by wildfire during the immediate years following a fire. While, due to site-fidelity, sage-grouse are not able to leave wildfire affected seasonal ranges, within those seasonal ranges they still attempt to utilize habitat components which most closely match their life-history requirements. However, this behavior appears to have an acute fitness cost to individuals, with reduced nesting success and survival of individuals utilizing fire-affected habitats during the first two years post-fire. This reduction in demographic rates likely explains observed sage-grouse population declines following wildfire, and indicates that these population declines are not the result of sage-grouse emigration away from fire-affected leks, but rather a true decline in the number of individual sage-grouse on the landscape following large-scale wildfire. Title: Resource Selection, and Demographic Rates of Female Greater Sage-Grouse Following Large-Scale Wildfire Author: Foster, Lee (Lee Jacob) Understanding the effects of habitat disturbance on a species' habitat selection patterns, and demographic rates, is essential to projecting the trajectories of populations affected by disturbance, as well as for determining the appropriate conservation actions needed to maintain those populations. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a species of conservation concern in western North America. The distribution of the species has been reduced by approximately half since European settlement, with concurrent and continuing population declines across its occupied range. The primary threats to the species are habitat alteration and loss, caused by multiple factors. In the western portion of its distribution, increasing wildfire activity is a primary cause of habitat loss and degradation. Single wildfires in this area may now reach extremely large sizes (>100,000 ha), and wildfires have been linked to local population declines. However, no published studies, to date, have examined the immediate effects of large-scale wildfire on sage-grouse habitat selection and demographic rates, using modern telemetry methods. I studied the habitat selection patterns, nest success, and survival of adult, and yearling female sage-grouse, captured within or near the Holloway fire, using state-of-the-art GPS-PTT telemetry methods. The Holloway fire burned ~187,000 ha of highly productive sage-grouse habitat in August, 2012. My study began during the first spring post-fire (March, 2013), and continued through February, 2015. I monitored seasonal habitat use patterns, and site-fidelity of sage-grouse, and modeled third-order seasonal resource selection, using mixed effects resource selection functions, in relation to characteristics of the post-fire habitat mosaic, terrain, mesic habitat availability, and herbaceous vegetation regeneration. I described sage-grouse nesting habitat use, nesting effort, and modeled daily nest survival in relation to temporal patterns, patch scale vegetation, biological factors, and landscape-scale habitat composition. I modeled adult and yearling female sage-grouse survival in relation to temporal patterns, biological factors, and landscape-scale habitat composition. Female sage-grouse primarily exhibited a three range seasonal movement pattern, with differentiation between breeding-nesting-early brood-rearing habitat (mean use dates: 8 Mar - 12 Jun), late brood-rearing-summer habitat (13 Jun - 20 Oct), and winter habitat (21 Oct - 7 Mar). However there was variation in seasonal range behavior among individuals. Sage-grouse exhibited considerable fidelity to all seasonal ranges, for individuals which survived >1 yr, mean distance between seasonal range centroids of the same type were 1.80 km, 1.65 km, and 3.96 km, for breeding ranges, summer ranges, and winter ranges, respectively. Within seasonal ranges, sage-grouse exhibited third-order resource selection patterns similar to those observed for populations in undisturbed habitats. Sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for level terrain throughout the year. During the breeding season sage-grouse selected for areas with increased amounts of intact sagebrush land-cover within a 1-km² area around used locations, areas of increased NDVI values within a 6.25-km² area, an amount of mesic habitat within a 6.25-km² area roughly equal to that available on the landscape, and mid-level elevations. During summer, sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for an areas with an intermediate density of burned-intact habitat edge within a 1 km² area, areas of increased NDVI values within a 6.25-km² area, intermediate distances to mesic habitat, and high elevations. During winter, sage-grouse, at the population level, selected for increased amounts of intact sagebrush land-cover within a 0.089-km² area, areas with decreased variation in NDVI within a 0.089-km² area, an amount of mesic habitat within a 6.25-km² area roughly equal to that available on the landscape, and intermediate elevations. There was considerable variation in third-order resource selection patterns among individuals during all seasons. Sage-grouse nest success was consistently low during the study (2013: 19.3%, 2014: 30.1%), and nest initiation rates were average to high (2013: 1st nest initiation = 90.5%, 2nd nest initiation = 23.1%; 2014: 1st nest initiation = 100%, 2nd nest initiation = 57.1%). Daily nest survival rates were influenced by an interaction between year and nesting attempt, and by forb cover within 5 m of the nest. Nest survival over the incubation period was consistently low for 1st and 2nd nests during 2013, and for 1st nests during 2014 (range: 0.131 - 0.212), but increased to 0.744 for 2nd nests during 2014. Forb cover within 5 m of the nest had a positive effect on daily nest survival rates, with a 1% increase in forb cover increasing the probability of a nest surviving a given day by 1.02 times. We did not detect strong direct effects of habitat or biological characteristics on survival of adult and yearling female sage-grouse. Rather, survival varied by month with lowest survival occurring in April and August of each year, and highest survival occurring during the winter. While patterns of monthly survival were similar between years, there was a strong, negative additive effect on survival which extended from the beginning of the study (March, 2013), through the end of the first post fire growing season (July, 2013). Although monthly survival increased following the end of the 1st post-fire growing season, yearly survival over both the 1st and 2nd biological years post-fire was low (March 2013 - February 2014: 24.0%; March 2014 - February 2015: 37.9%). These results indicate that female greater-sage grouse do not respond to wildfire related habitat disturbance through emigration, and rather continue to attempt to exist and reproduce in habitats disturbed by wildfire during the immediate years following a fire. While, due to site-fidelity, sage-grouse are not able to leave wildfire affected seasonal ranges, within those seasonal ranges they still attempt to utilize habitat components which most closely match their life-history requirements. However, this behavior appears to have an acute fitness cost to individuals, with reduced nesting success and survival of individuals utilizing fire-affected habitats during the first two years post-fire. This reduction in demographic rates likely explains observed sage-grouse population declines following wildfire, and indicates that these population declines are not the result of sage-grouse emigration away from fire-affected leks, but rather a true decline in the number of individual sage-grouse on the landscape following large-scale wildfire. Close

• 86. [Article] Stream habitat classification and restoration in the Blue Mountians of northeast Oregon

  The restoration of rivers and streams should be based on a strong conceptual framework. Streams are developing systems. As such, streams exhibit temporal behaviors that change with changing stream environments. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stream habitat classification and restoration in the Blue Mountians of northeast Oregon Author: Ebersole, Joseph Lamar The restoration of rivers and streams should be based on a strong conceptual framework. Streams are developing systems. As such, streams exhibit temporal behaviors that change with changing stream environments. Underlying the dynamic development of streams is potential capacity. Streams express this capacity as an array of habitats over time and across the landscape. Human land uses in the western United States have rapidly altered aquatic habitats as well as the processes that shape habitat. As a result, the diversity of native fishes and their habitats has been suppressed. Restoration is fundamentally about allowing stream systems to re-express their capacities. Four steps are provided to guide stream restoration activities. Key tasks include: identification of the historic patterns of habitat development; protection of the developmental diversity that remains; local application of specific knowledge about suppressive factors; classification of sensitive, critical or refugium habitats; release of anthropogenic suppression; and monitoring of biotic response to habitat change. Applying these concepts, I describe potential habitat refugia for aquatic organisms in the Joseph Creek basin in the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon. Five valley segment classes, differing in valley corridor landforms, are described. Of these, low-gradient wide alluvial valleys have been most altered by human land use. Riparian vegetation has been extensively removed or altered in alluvial valleys. Currently, stream habitats are structurally depauperate, and warm to temperatures well above thermal tolerances of native salmonids. Potential refugia for native coldwater fishes in these valleys include patches of complex habitat within stream reaches. Reaches fenced to exclude domestic livestock exhibit narrower channels, more pools, and higher frequencies of stable vegetated banks than nearby unfenced reaches. During summer low flow periods, cold groundwater seeping into and accumulating in stream channels forms "cold pools". Cold pools provide potential seasonal refuge for coldwater fish at microhabitat scales. Cold pools are associated with channel complexity, and are more frequent in reaches with vigorous riparian vegetation. Seven classes of cold pools are described. Cold pool classes differ in minimum temperature, maximum depth and volume. Distributions of cold pool classes between valley segment classes suggest that valley geomorphology in addition to local channel form may influence development of certain cold pool types. Although refugia at the microhabitat to reach scales are important, the context within which remnant or refugium habitats and associated relict populations are maintained may ultimately determine the persistence of those species and habitats. In managed landscapes, protection and restoration of habitats at many scales may be necessary if we are to best insure the persistence of native species. Title: Stream habitat classification and restoration in the Blue Mountians of northeast Oregon Author: Ebersole, Joseph Lamar The restoration of rivers and streams should be based on a strong conceptual framework. Streams are developing systems. As such, streams exhibit temporal behaviors that change with changing stream environments. Underlying the dynamic development of streams is potential capacity. Streams express this capacity as an array of habitats over time and across the landscape. Human land uses in the western United States have rapidly altered aquatic habitats as well as the processes that shape habitat. As a result, the diversity of native fishes and their habitats has been suppressed. Restoration is fundamentally about allowing stream systems to re-express their capacities. Four steps are provided to guide stream restoration activities. Key tasks include: identification of the historic patterns of habitat development; protection of the developmental diversity that remains; local application of specific knowledge about suppressive factors; classification of sensitive, critical or refugium habitats; release of anthropogenic suppression; and monitoring of biotic response to habitat change. Applying these concepts, I describe potential habitat refugia for aquatic organisms in the Joseph Creek basin in the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon. Five valley segment classes, differing in valley corridor landforms, are described. Of these, low-gradient wide alluvial valleys have been most altered by human land use. Riparian vegetation has been extensively removed or altered in alluvial valleys. Currently, stream habitats are structurally depauperate, and warm to temperatures well above thermal tolerances of native salmonids. Potential refugia for native coldwater fishes in these valleys include patches of complex habitat within stream reaches. Reaches fenced to exclude domestic livestock exhibit narrower channels, more pools, and higher frequencies of stable vegetated banks than nearby unfenced reaches. During summer low flow periods, cold groundwater seeping into and accumulating in stream channels forms "cold pools". Cold pools provide potential seasonal refuge for coldwater fish at microhabitat scales. Cold pools are associated with channel complexity, and are more frequent in reaches with vigorous riparian vegetation. Seven classes of cold pools are described. Cold pool classes differ in minimum temperature, maximum depth and volume. Distributions of cold pool classes between valley segment classes suggest that valley geomorphology in addition to local channel form may influence development of certain cold pool types. Although refugia at the microhabitat to reach scales are important, the context within which remnant or refugium habitats and associated relict populations are maintained may ultimately determine the persistence of those species and habitats. In managed landscapes, protection and restoration of habitats at many scales may be necessary if we are to best insure the persistence of native species. Close

• 87. [Article] Habitat management for beneficial insects on Willamette Valley vegetable and berry farms

  Conservation biological control involves manipulating farm landscapes or management systems to enhance populations of beneficial predators of agricultural pests. Farmscaping is one aspect of conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat management for beneficial insects on Willamette Valley vegetable and berry farms Author: Russell, Michael C. Conservation biological control involves manipulating farm landscapes or management systems to enhance populations of beneficial predators of agricultural pests. Farmscaping is one aspect of conservation biological control where predators of important pests are identified, the availability on the farm landscape of resources and habitat components needed by the beneficials to complete their lifecycles is evaluated, and hedgerows, beetle banks, or other conservation plantings can be added to the landscape to provide the lacking resources. To be able to efficiently survey a farm landscape for the presence of resources that support beneficial predator populations there needs to be information on the resource availability with different habitats. This dissertation describes a series of investigations into determining the amount of resources available in particular habitat types, and how to create conservation plantings which provide these resources with minimal expense and impact on the farming system. The first investigation is into the floral resource availability to parasitoid wasps in cane berry production landscapes. A meta analysis was performed to estimate the effects of different species on longevity of and attraction to various flowers. This information was then used to evaluate the plant species found on Willamette valley cane berry farms and calculate the total floral resource availability of different habitats during different times of the year. Surveys identified particular habitats on the landscape, and different management regimes as having high floral resource availability relative to other habitats or management regimes. The second investigation focuses on the biology of a group of ground beetles that are common on Willamette valley vegetable farms. Pitfall trapping and soil core samples were used to determine the seasonal activity patterns of the carabids, and to identify which habitats they were using most. Sentinel prey cards were used to compare pitfall trap counts with the risk of predation of a potential prey item. Laboratory experiments identified differences in the feeding and activity of different species, and the changes over the season. The third investigation used soil cores to sample the over wintering arthropod predator populations in a variety of habitats on Willamette valley farms, and in plantings of native species on beetle banks in a common garden at the Hyslop research farm in Corvallis, Oregon. Grassy habitats were found to support the highest arthropod populations both on the farms and in the common garden. Some perennial forbs also had high arthropod numbers, while other perennial forbs and annual forbs had low numbers. Differences in the number of over wintering arthropods in different species were related with differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation. The information presented here can be used to assign value to different habitats based on the provision of specific resources required for beneficial predators to complete their life cycles. This will aid in rapid evaluations of farm landscapes based on aerial imagery interpretation or a quick tour. After initial predictions are made it is easier to conduct more in depth sampling to confirm whether the beneficials are in fact present and thriving. If there are resources that are in too short a supply the information provided here will help in designing conservation plantings to provide those resources. Title: Habitat management for beneficial insects on Willamette Valley vegetable and berry farms Author: Russell, Michael C. Conservation biological control involves manipulating farm landscapes or management systems to enhance populations of beneficial predators of agricultural pests. Farmscaping is one aspect of conservation biological control where predators of important pests are identified, the availability on the farm landscape of resources and habitat components needed by the beneficials to complete their lifecycles is evaluated, and hedgerows, beetle banks, or other conservation plantings can be added to the landscape to provide the lacking resources. To be able to efficiently survey a farm landscape for the presence of resources that support beneficial predator populations there needs to be information on the resource availability with different habitats. This dissertation describes a series of investigations into determining the amount of resources available in particular habitat types, and how to create conservation plantings which provide these resources with minimal expense and impact on the farming system. The first investigation is into the floral resource availability to parasitoid wasps in cane berry production landscapes. A meta analysis was performed to estimate the effects of different species on longevity of and attraction to various flowers. This information was then used to evaluate the plant species found on Willamette valley cane berry farms and calculate the total floral resource availability of different habitats during different times of the year. Surveys identified particular habitats on the landscape, and different management regimes as having high floral resource availability relative to other habitats or management regimes. The second investigation focuses on the biology of a group of ground beetles that are common on Willamette valley vegetable farms. Pitfall trapping and soil core samples were used to determine the seasonal activity patterns of the carabids, and to identify which habitats they were using most. Sentinel prey cards were used to compare pitfall trap counts with the risk of predation of a potential prey item. Laboratory experiments identified differences in the feeding and activity of different species, and the changes over the season. The third investigation used soil cores to sample the over wintering arthropod predator populations in a variety of habitats on Willamette valley farms, and in plantings of native species on beetle banks in a common garden at the Hyslop research farm in Corvallis, Oregon. Grassy habitats were found to support the highest arthropod populations both on the farms and in the common garden. Some perennial forbs also had high arthropod numbers, while other perennial forbs and annual forbs had low numbers. Differences in the number of over wintering arthropods in different species were related with differences in the structure and composition of the vegetation. The information presented here can be used to assign value to different habitats based on the provision of specific resources required for beneficial predators to complete their life cycles. This will aid in rapid evaluations of farm landscapes based on aerial imagery interpretation or a quick tour. After initial predictions are made it is easier to conduct more in depth sampling to confirm whether the beneficials are in fact present and thriving. If there are resources that are in too short a supply the information provided here will help in designing conservation plantings to provide those resources. Close

• 88. [Article] Over-winter demography of the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus) in fragmented and continuous habitats

  Large scale disruption of natural habitats worldwide has led to concern over the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife populations. Small scale experiments may be a useful tool for discovering effects ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Over-winter demography of the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus) in fragmented and continuous habitats Author: Brunkal, Heidi L. Large scale disruption of natural habitats worldwide has led to concern over the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife populations. Small scale experiments may be a useful tool for discovering effects of fragmentation over larger landscape scales. I sought to explore the potential for using voles as an experimental model system, at a small scale, to discover mechanisms that may affect other species at different spatial scales. I compared over-winter demography of gray-tailed voles, Microtus canicaudus, in two experimental landscapes, consisting of fragmented and continuous habitat, to assess the effects of habitat fragmentation. I chose winter as the time frame of the experiment because it poses harsh conditions for voles and because seasonal bottlenecks may affect population persistence. Population size, population growth rates, reproduction, recruitment, survival and movements, were monitored using mark-recapture methods in 8, 0.2-ha enclosures planted with alfalfa. The habitat within the enclosures was manipulated into 2 configurations of equal area, 1 large continuous patch (625 m²), and a mosaic of 25 small patches (each 25 m²), prior to the introduction of 12 pairs of animals/enclosure. I hypothesized that population size and growth rates, reproduction, recruitment, and survival would be greater for vole populations in continuous habitats than for populations in fragmented habitats. Additionally, I hypothesized that movements would be more restricted within fragmented habitat because the voles would perceive the area between habitat patches as a barrier. I did not detect significant differences between vole populations in continuous and fragmented treatments. However, populations residing in fragmented habitat showed higher variability over the study period. Populations in both treatments decreased throughout the winter period and all became extinct by the end of the study. Reproduction occurred only during the fall period, and there were no significant differences between treatments. Movements were not different between treatments, or between male and female voles, but movements did increase over time. Survival appeared to be higher for male voles in continuous habitat than in fragmented habitat, but female vole survival was similar between treatments. Survival was influenced by weather conditions, and predation. These results contrast with a previous experiment during the summer season, and indicate that seasonal bottlenecks may be important to consider when studying habitat fragmentation. Extinction of populations in both treatments demonstrates that small populations are extremely vulnerable to both environmental and demographic stochastic events. Title: Over-winter demography of the gray-tailed vole (Microtus canicaudus) in fragmented and continuous habitats Author: Brunkal, Heidi L. Large scale disruption of natural habitats worldwide has led to concern over the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife populations. Small scale experiments may be a useful tool for discovering effects of fragmentation over larger landscape scales. I sought to explore the potential for using voles as an experimental model system, at a small scale, to discover mechanisms that may affect other species at different spatial scales. I compared over-winter demography of gray-tailed voles, Microtus canicaudus, in two experimental landscapes, consisting of fragmented and continuous habitat, to assess the effects of habitat fragmentation. I chose winter as the time frame of the experiment because it poses harsh conditions for voles and because seasonal bottlenecks may affect population persistence. Population size, population growth rates, reproduction, recruitment, survival and movements, were monitored using mark-recapture methods in 8, 0.2-ha enclosures planted with alfalfa. The habitat within the enclosures was manipulated into 2 configurations of equal area, 1 large continuous patch (625 m²), and a mosaic of 25 small patches (each 25 m²), prior to the introduction of 12 pairs of animals/enclosure. I hypothesized that population size and growth rates, reproduction, recruitment, and survival would be greater for vole populations in continuous habitats than for populations in fragmented habitats. Additionally, I hypothesized that movements would be more restricted within fragmented habitat because the voles would perceive the area between habitat patches as a barrier. I did not detect significant differences between vole populations in continuous and fragmented treatments. However, populations residing in fragmented habitat showed higher variability over the study period. Populations in both treatments decreased throughout the winter period and all became extinct by the end of the study. Reproduction occurred only during the fall period, and there were no significant differences between treatments. Movements were not different between treatments, or between male and female voles, but movements did increase over time. Survival appeared to be higher for male voles in continuous habitat than in fragmented habitat, but female vole survival was similar between treatments. Survival was influenced by weather conditions, and predation. These results contrast with a previous experiment during the summer season, and indicate that seasonal bottlenecks may be important to consider when studying habitat fragmentation. Extinction of populations in both treatments demonstrates that small populations are extremely vulnerable to both environmental and demographic stochastic events. Close

• 89. [Article] Formation and maintenance of fish assemblages in a high desert Oregon stream

  Considerable controversy exists about how fish assemblages are organized. I explicitly took fish movement into account while I studied the effects of disturbance, habitat complexity, and predation at different ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Formation and maintenance of fish assemblages in a high desert Oregon stream Author: Pearsons, Todd N. Considerable controversy exists about how fish assemblages are organized. I explicitly took fish movement into account while I studied the effects of disturbance, habitat complexity, and predation at different times of the summer to understand the major factors influencing assemblage structure in a high desert Oregon stream. The effects of disturbance were determined by sampling fish assemblages before and after summer and spring floods. Proportions of fish density and diversity decreased more in simple habitats than in complex ones following a summer flood and assemblages were quite resilient in all habitats. Following these floods, three controlled field experiments were performed to investigate fish assemblage formation and maintenance in response to habitat complexity and predation. Experiments were designed to allow fish to move in and out of manipulated habitats. Complex habitats from these experiments had higher juvenile and adult fish densities and diversities than simple habitats. Simple habitats had a high proportion of age 0+ fish and low species richness. Pool habitats with high densities of squawfish predators (>0.22 squawfish/m³) had lower fish densities and diversities than pools with low squawfish densities. Pools with high densities of predators had a high proportion of age 0+ fish, few juvenile suckers, and low species richness. Migration of fish during the spring and summer was the dominant feature affecting fish density and assemblage structure in Rock Creek. Habitat complexity, predation, and disturbance altered the patterns of migrations into different habitat types in Rock Creek. Migrations of fish resulted in an increase in diversity and density which peaked in late summer. A suite of models are presented that assume increasing fish density and diversity with time as a template. The affects of variations in habitat complexity, predator density, and disturbance timing alter the trajectory of the template in different ways. For example, summer floods are predicted to have greater effects on the template than spring floods. In addition, complex habitats and pool habitats with high densities of squawfish predators are predicted to have higher fish colonization rates than simple habitats and pools with low densities of squawfish predators, and these rates diverge through time. Application of these models to fish assemblages in other streams is related to distances from colonization sources and regional and environmental contexts. Title: Formation and maintenance of fish assemblages in a high desert Oregon stream Author: Pearsons, Todd N. Considerable controversy exists about how fish assemblages are organized. I explicitly took fish movement into account while I studied the effects of disturbance, habitat complexity, and predation at different times of the summer to understand the major factors influencing assemblage structure in a high desert Oregon stream. The effects of disturbance were determined by sampling fish assemblages before and after summer and spring floods. Proportions of fish density and diversity decreased more in simple habitats than in complex ones following a summer flood and assemblages were quite resilient in all habitats. Following these floods, three controlled field experiments were performed to investigate fish assemblage formation and maintenance in response to habitat complexity and predation. Experiments were designed to allow fish to move in and out of manipulated habitats. Complex habitats from these experiments had higher juvenile and adult fish densities and diversities than simple habitats. Simple habitats had a high proportion of age 0+ fish and low species richness. Pool habitats with high densities of squawfish predators (>0.22 squawfish/m³) had lower fish densities and diversities than pools with low squawfish densities. Pools with high densities of predators had a high proportion of age 0+ fish, few juvenile suckers, and low species richness. Migration of fish during the spring and summer was the dominant feature affecting fish density and assemblage structure in Rock Creek. Habitat complexity, predation, and disturbance altered the patterns of migrations into different habitat types in Rock Creek. Migrations of fish resulted in an increase in diversity and density which peaked in late summer. A suite of models are presented that assume increasing fish density and diversity with time as a template. The affects of variations in habitat complexity, predator density, and disturbance timing alter the trajectory of the template in different ways. For example, summer floods are predicted to have greater effects on the template than spring floods. In addition, complex habitats and pool habitats with high densities of squawfish predators are predicted to have higher fish colonization rates than simple habitats and pools with low densities of squawfish predators, and these rates diverge through time. Application of these models to fish assemblages in other streams is related to distances from colonization sources and regional and environmental contexts. Close

• 90. [Article] Linking greater sage-grouse habitat use and suitability across spatiotemporal scales in central Oregon

  Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat research has historically focused on fine-scale (0.007 - 0.032 ha) vegetation structure and composition immediately surrounding sites selected by ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Linking greater sage-grouse habitat use and suitability across spatiotemporal scales in central Oregon Author: Freese, Mark T. Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat research has historically focused on fine-scale (0.007 - 0.032 ha) vegetation structure and composition immediately surrounding sites selected by birds. However, little work has evaluated vegetation attributes important for Greater Sage-grouse at a landscape-scale or identified landscape attributes that influence habitat use patterns. Habitat use patterns by Greater Sage-grouse are complex and can occur across relatively large heterogeneous landscapes. This creates a major challenge for managers to interpret and predict habitat use patterns as well as to evaluate habitat suitability and prioritize habitats that are in need of ecological restoration. The goals of this research were to evaluate plot-level habitat characteristics found to be important in sustaining Greater Sage-grouse populations at a landscape-level and to identify landscape-level attributes associated with bird occurrence. Specific questions this research addressed were: 1) what is the variation in vegetation composition and structure at the plot versus landscape-level, 2) how does topography influence the distribution of vegetation composition and structure, and 3) what attributes at the landscape-level are most closely associated with Greater Sage-grouse habitat use? To address these questions we selected a 31,416 ha area in central Oregon surrounding a Greater Sage-grouse lek with a population that has been relatively stable since 1987. In February 2006, 50 Greater Sage-grouse were trapped, radio collared, and then tracked for two consecutive years. Four-hundred eighty bird UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinate location points were recorded for the entire population of birds during the duration of this study. Each collared Greater Sage-grouse was located on average every 15 ± 0.56 (mean ± SE) days, ranging from 1 to 154 days. Vegetation for the entire study area was mapped by cover types, which were defined by the dominant shrub species. When shrubs were not present in the plant community, cover types were separated by other surface characteristics such as bare ground, water, meadow, etc. A total of 23 cover types were delineated. Cover types were mapped using 0.5-m NAIP (National Agricultural Imagery Program) imagery. In addition to cover type, a set of biophysical predictor variables were created for the entire study area in a GIS (Geographic Information System) to evaluate the association with Greater Sage-grouse location points. These variables included elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, solar radiation, ruggedness index, northing, easting, and distance from roads, leks, and mesic habitats. A stratified random sample with cover types serving as the stratum was used to select random locations for sampling plot-level habitat variables. A total of 352 plots were sampled from 18 cover types across the study area with a minimum of 15 plots per cover type. Vegetation measurements collected were similar to those reported in the habitat guidelines developed by Connelly et al. (2000) and the Bureau of Land Management et al. (2000). Measurements included vegetation cover, height, and density of forbs recognized as important Greater Sage-grouse food species. Plot elevation, slope, aspect, curvature and landscape position were also recorded. Summary statistics were used to describe means and ranges within and between cover types. A combination of multiple linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the effects of topographic attributes on the distribution of vegetation composition and structure. To address the third question, maximum entropy software was used to develop models that predict Greater Sage-grouse seasonal habitat use, generate maps from those models, and describe the shapes of the response curves as it relates Greater Sage-grouse habitat preference to individual landscape predictor variables. Total shrub canopy cover across all cover types averaged 19.4%, ranging from 11.6 to 27.7%. Big (mountain and Wyoming) and low sagebrush canopy cover commonly varied between 2.6 and 16 fold within cover types. Deep-rooted perennial tussock grass cover averaged across all upland plots, was 26.7%, ranging from less than 1% to over 50%. Vegetation cover, Greater Sage-grouse food forb density, and sagebrush and grass height were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with topographic attributes. Cover for the different plant life forms and food forb density increased with elevation. Cover for most of the herbaceous life forms was also greater on north than south aspects. Compared to Connelly et al. (2000) and the BLM et al. (2000) habitat guidelines, < 1% of the study area satisfied breeding and nesting guideline criteria, while < 31% satisfied the brood-rearing guideline criteria. Although most of the study area did not meet habitat recommendations presented in the guidelines, patches imbedded throughout the study area did and most areas satisfied many but not all of the guideline requirements. These results suggests that evaluating only mean values of community structure, both within and among cover types across the study area, limited the ability to fully identify patch variability and landscape heterogeneity as it relates to habitat suitability across large areas. Maximum entropy results suggest Greater Sage-grouse habitat use during the breeding season increases near leks and within cover types of low sagebrush and low sagebrush/mountain big sagebrush complexes. Preferred summer habitat includes areas relatively high in elevation, distances that are close to leks, and within or a close proximity to habitats that harbor succulent vegetation through much of the summer. With Greater Sage-grouse utilizing resources within expansive landscapes, understanding the attributes that can be applied at a landscape-scale that attract disproportionate levels of habitat use can help managers predict where birds are likely to occur across the landscape. With the ability to discriminate between areas that Greater Sage-grouse are likely to use or avoid, managers can allocate limited resources to more effectively create, manipulate, and administer habitat conservation efforts where bird use is predicted and prioritize areas across the landscape in need of ecological restoration. Title: Linking greater sage-grouse habitat use and suitability across spatiotemporal scales in central Oregon Author: Freese, Mark T. Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat research has historically focused on fine-scale (0.007 - 0.032 ha) vegetation structure and composition immediately surrounding sites selected by birds. However, little work has evaluated vegetation attributes important for Greater Sage-grouse at a landscape-scale or identified landscape attributes that influence habitat use patterns. Habitat use patterns by Greater Sage-grouse are complex and can occur across relatively large heterogeneous landscapes. This creates a major challenge for managers to interpret and predict habitat use patterns as well as to evaluate habitat suitability and prioritize habitats that are in need of ecological restoration. The goals of this research were to evaluate plot-level habitat characteristics found to be important in sustaining Greater Sage-grouse populations at a landscape-level and to identify landscape-level attributes associated with bird occurrence. Specific questions this research addressed were: 1) what is the variation in vegetation composition and structure at the plot versus landscape-level, 2) how does topography influence the distribution of vegetation composition and structure, and 3) what attributes at the landscape-level are most closely associated with Greater Sage-grouse habitat use? To address these questions we selected a 31,416 ha area in central Oregon surrounding a Greater Sage-grouse lek with a population that has been relatively stable since 1987. In February 2006, 50 Greater Sage-grouse were trapped, radio collared, and then tracked for two consecutive years. Four-hundred eighty bird UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinate location points were recorded for the entire population of birds during the duration of this study. Each collared Greater Sage-grouse was located on average every 15 ± 0.56 (mean ± SE) days, ranging from 1 to 154 days. Vegetation for the entire study area was mapped by cover types, which were defined by the dominant shrub species. When shrubs were not present in the plant community, cover types were separated by other surface characteristics such as bare ground, water, meadow, etc. A total of 23 cover types were delineated. Cover types were mapped using 0.5-m NAIP (National Agricultural Imagery Program) imagery. In addition to cover type, a set of biophysical predictor variables were created for the entire study area in a GIS (Geographic Information System) to evaluate the association with Greater Sage-grouse location points. These variables included elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, solar radiation, ruggedness index, northing, easting, and distance from roads, leks, and mesic habitats. A stratified random sample with cover types serving as the stratum was used to select random locations for sampling plot-level habitat variables. A total of 352 plots were sampled from 18 cover types across the study area with a minimum of 15 plots per cover type. Vegetation measurements collected were similar to those reported in the habitat guidelines developed by Connelly et al. (2000) and the Bureau of Land Management et al. (2000). Measurements included vegetation cover, height, and density of forbs recognized as important Greater Sage-grouse food species. Plot elevation, slope, aspect, curvature and landscape position were also recorded. Summary statistics were used to describe means and ranges within and between cover types. A combination of multiple linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate the effects of topographic attributes on the distribution of vegetation composition and structure. To address the third question, maximum entropy software was used to develop models that predict Greater Sage-grouse seasonal habitat use, generate maps from those models, and describe the shapes of the response curves as it relates Greater Sage-grouse habitat preference to individual landscape predictor variables. Total shrub canopy cover across all cover types averaged 19.4%, ranging from 11.6 to 27.7%. Big (mountain and Wyoming) and low sagebrush canopy cover commonly varied between 2.6 and 16 fold within cover types. Deep-rooted perennial tussock grass cover averaged across all upland plots, was 26.7%, ranging from less than 1% to over 50%. Vegetation cover, Greater Sage-grouse food forb density, and sagebrush and grass height were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with topographic attributes. Cover for the different plant life forms and food forb density increased with elevation. Cover for most of the herbaceous life forms was also greater on north than south aspects. Compared to Connelly et al. (2000) and the BLM et al. (2000) habitat guidelines, < 1% of the study area satisfied breeding and nesting guideline criteria, while < 31% satisfied the brood-rearing guideline criteria. Although most of the study area did not meet habitat recommendations presented in the guidelines, patches imbedded throughout the study area did and most areas satisfied many but not all of the guideline requirements. These results suggests that evaluating only mean values of community structure, both within and among cover types across the study area, limited the ability to fully identify patch variability and landscape heterogeneity as it relates to habitat suitability across large areas. Maximum entropy results suggest Greater Sage-grouse habitat use during the breeding season increases near leks and within cover types of low sagebrush and low sagebrush/mountain big sagebrush complexes. Preferred summer habitat includes areas relatively high in elevation, distances that are close to leks, and within or a close proximity to habitats that harbor succulent vegetation through much of the summer. With Greater Sage-grouse utilizing resources within expansive landscapes, understanding the attributes that can be applied at a landscape-scale that attract disproportionate levels of habitat use can help managers predict where birds are likely to occur across the landscape. With the ability to discriminate between areas that Greater Sage-grouse are likely to use or avoid, managers can allocate limited resources to more effectively create, manipulate, and administer habitat conservation efforts where bird use is predicted and prioritize areas across the landscape in need of ecological restoration. Close

• 91. [Article] Trends in Developed Land Cover Adjacent to Habitat for Threatened Salmon in Puget Sound, Washington, U.S.A.

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article was published by the Public Library ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Trends in Developed Land Cover Adjacent to Habitat for Threatened Salmon in Puget Sound, Washington, U.S.A. Author: Ford, Michael J., et al., Kennedy, Robert E., Beechie, Timothy J., Bartz, Krista K. 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: Trends in Developed Land Cover Adjacent to Habitat for Threatened Salmon in Puget Sound, Washington, U.S.A. Author: Ford, Michael J., et al., Kennedy, Robert E., Beechie, Timothy J., Bartz, Krista K. 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

• 92. [Article] Pup Vibrissae Stable Isotopes Reveal Geographic Differences in Adult Female Southern Sea Lion Habitat Use during Gestation

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plos...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Pup Vibrissae Stable Isotopes Reveal Geographic Differences in Adult Female Southern Sea Lion Habitat Use during Gestation Author: Staniland, Iain J., Voigt, Christian C., Baylis, Alastair M. M., Orben, Rachael A., Hoffman, Joseph I., Trillmich, Fritz, Kowalski, Gabriele J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/ Title: Pup Vibrissae Stable Isotopes Reveal Geographic Differences in Adult Female Southern Sea Lion Habitat Use during Gestation Author: Staniland, Iain J., Voigt, Christian C., Baylis, Alastair M. M., Orben, Rachael A., Hoffman, Joseph I., Trillmich, Fritz, Kowalski, Gabriele J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/ Close

• 93. [Article] Niche partitioning by lesser prairie-chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus and ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus in southwestern Kansas.

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by Nordic Council for Wildlife Research and published by Oikos Editorial Office. It can be found at: http://www.wildlifebiology.org/

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Niche partitioning by lesser prairie-chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus and ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus in southwestern Kansas. Author: Robel, Robert J., Applegate, Roger D., Loughin, Thomas M., Hagen, Chrisitan A., Pitman, James C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by Nordic Council for Wildlife Research and published by Oikos Editorial Office. It can be found at: http://www.wildlifebiology.org/ Title: Niche partitioning by lesser prairie-chickens Tympanuchus pallidicinctus and ring-necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus in southwestern Kansas. Author: Robel, Robert J., Applegate, Roger D., Loughin, Thomas M., Hagen, Chrisitan A., Pitman, James C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by Nordic Council for Wildlife Research and published by Oikos Editorial Office. It can be found at: http://www.wildlifebiology.org/ Close

• 94. [Article] Spatial and Temporal Variability of Macroinvertebrates in Spawning and Non-Spawning Habitats during a Salmon Run in Southeast Alaska

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by PLoS ONE and can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/home.action.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Macroinvertebrates in Spawning and Non-Spawning Habitats during a Salmon Run in Southeast Alaska Author: Merritt, Richard W., Campbell, Emily Y., Benbow, M. Eric, Cummins, Kenneth W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by PLoS ONE and can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/home.action. Title: Spatial and Temporal Variability of Macroinvertebrates in Spawning and Non-Spawning Habitats during a Salmon Run in Southeast Alaska Author: Merritt, Richard W., Campbell, Emily Y., Benbow, M. Eric, Cummins, Kenneth W. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by PLoS ONE and can be found at: http://www.plosone.org/home.action. Close

• 95. [Article] Colonization and extinction in dynamic habitats: an occupancy approach for a Great Plains stream fish assemblage

  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 published article is copyrighted by Ecological ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Colonization and extinction in dynamic habitats: an occupancy approach for a Great Plains stream fish assemblage Author: Falke, Jeffrey A., Bestgen, Kevin R., Bailey, Larissa L., Fausch, Kurt D. 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 published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://esa.org/. Title: Colonization and extinction in dynamic habitats: an occupancy approach for a Great Plains stream fish assemblage Author: Falke, Jeffrey A., Bestgen, Kevin R., Bailey, Larissa L., Fausch, Kurt D. 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 published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://esa.org/. Close

• 96. [Article] The effect of spatial configuration of habitat capacity on β diversity

  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 published article is copyrighted by the author(s) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effect of spatial configuration of habitat capacity on β diversity Author: Olden, J. D., Muneepeerakul, R., Lytle, D. A., Dong, X. 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 published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Title: The effect of spatial configuration of habitat capacity on β diversity Author: Olden, J. D., Muneepeerakul, R., Lytle, D. A., Dong, X. 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 published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by the Ecological Society of America. The published article can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Close

• 97. [Article] Characterization of pools and reaches with salmonid species in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins

  Streams in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins were characterized using suites of habitat attributes at the pool and reach scales. These suites were analyzed using a multivariate process with the Multiple ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Characterization of pools and reaches with salmonid species in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins Author: McKinney, Shaun P. Streams in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins were characterized using suites of habitat attributes at the pool and reach scales. These suites were analyzed using a multivariate process with the Multiple Response Permutation Procedure (MRPP) to test for differences in groups. There were differences in the suite of habitat variables between pools with cutthroat trout, coho salmon, steelhead trout and those corresponding pools without those species. Further, there were differences in a second suite of habitat variables at the reach level. These differences were between reaches with cutthroat trout, coho salmon, steelhead trout and those without. These individual species were then grouped together to comprise salmonid communities. The groups consisted of pools and reaches with one, two and all three species present. These six groups were tested using MRPP. Differences were found between all salmonid communities and their corresponding pools or reaches without the community present. Each species and community group was then fully described at the pool and reach ecological level. Additionally each suite of habitat variables was graphed as a percentage of the full distribution mean. This allowed the habitat suite to be viewed on the same scale. The graph line connecting the individual variables provided both species and community specific response curves or signatures. These signatures were then compared and contrasted against one another at the species, community and sub-basin contexts. Each species or community expressed its own unique signature that quantitatively described habitat partitioning and community interactions. The response curves may be used to guide land managers in restoration activities. These signatures provide insight into species and community specific utilization of pools and reaches. In addition they also provide understanding into how the individual habitat characteristics operate together in a suite attributes. Title: Characterization of pools and reaches with salmonid species in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins Author: McKinney, Shaun P. Streams in the Alsea and Nestucca Sub-Basins were characterized using suites of habitat attributes at the pool and reach scales. These suites were analyzed using a multivariate process with the Multiple Response Permutation Procedure (MRPP) to test for differences in groups. There were differences in the suite of habitat variables between pools with cutthroat trout, coho salmon, steelhead trout and those corresponding pools without those species. Further, there were differences in a second suite of habitat variables at the reach level. These differences were between reaches with cutthroat trout, coho salmon, steelhead trout and those without. These individual species were then grouped together to comprise salmonid communities. The groups consisted of pools and reaches with one, two and all three species present. These six groups were tested using MRPP. Differences were found between all salmonid communities and their corresponding pools or reaches without the community present. Each species and community group was then fully described at the pool and reach ecological level. Additionally each suite of habitat variables was graphed as a percentage of the full distribution mean. This allowed the habitat suite to be viewed on the same scale. The graph line connecting the individual variables provided both species and community specific response curves or signatures. These signatures were then compared and contrasted against one another at the species, community and sub-basin contexts. Each species or community expressed its own unique signature that quantitatively described habitat partitioning and community interactions. The response curves may be used to guide land managers in restoration activities. These signatures provide insight into species and community specific utilization of pools and reaches. In addition they also provide understanding into how the individual habitat characteristics operate together in a suite attributes. Close

• 98. [Article] Redd site selection and spawning habitat use by fall chinook salmon

  The spawning habitat associated with fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) redd clusters was investigated in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. A conceptual spawning habitat model is proposed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Redd site selection and spawning habitat use by fall chinook salmon Author: Geist, David R. The spawning habitat associated with fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) redd clusters was investigated in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. A conceptual spawning habitat model is proposed that describes how geomorphic features of river channels create hydraulic processes, including hyporheic flows, that influence where salmon spawn in unconstrained reaches of large mainstem alluvial rivers. Spatial point pattern analysis of redds showed that redd clusters averaged approximately 10 hectares in area and their locations were consistent from year to year. The tendency to spawn in clusters suggests fall chinook salmon's use of spawning habitat is highly selective. Hydraulic characteristics of the redd clusters were significantly different than the habitat surrounding them. Velocity and lateral slope of the river bottom were the most important habitat variables in predicting redd site selection. While these variables explained a large proportion of the variance in redd site selection (86 to 96%), some unmeasured factors still accounted for a small percentage of actual spawning site selection. Further investigation showed that the magnitude and chemical characteristics of hyporheic discharge were different between and within two spawning areas. Apparently, fall chinook salmon used chemical and physical cues from the discharge to locate spawning areas. Traditional spawning habitat models could be improved if they: used spawning area-specific, rather than river-specific; spawning characteristics; incorporated hyporheic discharge measurements; and gave further consideration to the geomorphic features that are present in the unconstrained segments of large alluvial rivers. Ultimately the recovery of endangered fall chinook salmon will depend on how well we are able to recreate the characteristics once common in alluvial floodplains of large rivers. The results from this research can be used to better define the relationship between these physical habitat characteristics and fall chinook salmon spawning site selection, and provide more efficient use of limited recovery resources. Title: Redd site selection and spawning habitat use by fall chinook salmon Author: Geist, David R. The spawning habitat associated with fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) redd clusters was investigated in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. A conceptual spawning habitat model is proposed that describes how geomorphic features of river channels create hydraulic processes, including hyporheic flows, that influence where salmon spawn in unconstrained reaches of large mainstem alluvial rivers. Spatial point pattern analysis of redds showed that redd clusters averaged approximately 10 hectares in area and their locations were consistent from year to year. The tendency to spawn in clusters suggests fall chinook salmon's use of spawning habitat is highly selective. Hydraulic characteristics of the redd clusters were significantly different than the habitat surrounding them. Velocity and lateral slope of the river bottom were the most important habitat variables in predicting redd site selection. While these variables explained a large proportion of the variance in redd site selection (86 to 96%), some unmeasured factors still accounted for a small percentage of actual spawning site selection. Further investigation showed that the magnitude and chemical characteristics of hyporheic discharge were different between and within two spawning areas. Apparently, fall chinook salmon used chemical and physical cues from the discharge to locate spawning areas. Traditional spawning habitat models could be improved if they: used spawning area-specific, rather than river-specific; spawning characteristics; incorporated hyporheic discharge measurements; and gave further consideration to the geomorphic features that are present in the unconstrained segments of large alluvial rivers. Ultimately the recovery of endangered fall chinook salmon will depend on how well we are able to recreate the characteristics once common in alluvial floodplains of large rivers. The results from this research can be used to better define the relationship between these physical habitat characteristics and fall chinook salmon spawning site selection, and provide more efficient use of limited recovery resources. Close

• 99. [Article] Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs

  In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs Author: Cartigny, Pierre, Ami, Dominique, Udumyan, Narine In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted as a maximal population level that can be supported by the environment (or by habitats of which it consists). Hence we adapt the Gordon-Schaefer model with constant carrying capacity by incorporating time-dependent carrying capacity that determines the state of habitats. They are subject to some biological processes (habitat rehabilitation) as well as to human aggressions (in particular habitat degradation due to fishing). Based on the developed model, we reassess the recommendations considered as a benchmark for resource managers until recently. Under simple hypotheses on the form of habitat (carrying capacity) dynamics, the current study has shown the importance of the latter for the design of management tools. When dynamic patterns of habitats are not taken into account, fishery recommendations based on Gordon-Schaefer model can be aberrant and lead to the collapse of the fishery. The presented model allows not only to enrich the design of management tools but also to assess the performance of artificial reefs, a promising ecosystem-based tool widely used in some coastal areas. The economic benefits of artificial reefs are still not well studied and represent a challenge to take up. Since artificial reefs are conceived as replacement for natural habitats, they assume the same role as these latter. Therefore the structure of our model seems appropriate to evaluate this particular management tool. Title: Incorporating Habitat Dynamics into Bioeconomic Model of Fishery. Application to Artificial Reefs Author: Cartigny, Pierre, Ami, Dominique, Udumyan, Narine In this paper the emphasis is put on an important aspect of renewable resource use that was disregarded until now. It is the evolution of environmental carrying capacity which is traditionally interpreted as a maximal population level that can be supported by the environment (or by habitats of which it consists). Hence we adapt the Gordon-Schaefer model with constant carrying capacity by incorporating time-dependent carrying capacity that determines the state of habitats. They are subject to some biological processes (habitat rehabilitation) as well as to human aggressions (in particular habitat degradation due to fishing). Based on the developed model, we reassess the recommendations considered as a benchmark for resource managers until recently. Under simple hypotheses on the form of habitat (carrying capacity) dynamics, the current study has shown the importance of the latter for the design of management tools. When dynamic patterns of habitats are not taken into account, fishery recommendations based on Gordon-Schaefer model can be aberrant and lead to the collapse of the fishery. The presented model allows not only to enrich the design of management tools but also to assess the performance of artificial reefs, a promising ecosystem-based tool widely used in some coastal areas. The economic benefits of artificial reefs are still not well studied and represent a challenge to take up. Since artificial reefs are conceived as replacement for natural habitats, they assume the same role as these latter. Therefore the structure of our model seems appropriate to evaluate this particular management tool. Close

• 100. [Article] Mapping surficial geologic habitats of the Oregon continental margin using integrated interpretive GIS techniques

  We map the regional physiography and surficial lithology (Surficial Geologic Habitat or SGH) over the continental margin of Oregon. This thesis develops, describes, and implements an iterative interpretive ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping surficial geologic habitats of the Oregon continental margin using integrated interpretive GIS techniques Author: Romsos, Christopher G. We map the regional physiography and surficial lithology (Surficial Geologic Habitat or SGH) over the continental margin of Oregon. This thesis develops, describes, and implements an iterative interpretive method to map seafloor habitat types from disparate geological and geophysical datasets including: bathymetric images, sidescan sonar images, seismic reflection profiles, sediment samples, geologic maps of structure, and observations from submersibles. An indirect technique for the assessment of map accuracy or habitat type misidentification error is also explored and used to derive supplemental maps of varying interpretative confidence, or "quality". The geological and geophysical datasets used to produce the SGH maps of the Oregon margin are by their nature patchy, and form an irregular mosaic of variable data density and quality. Uniform sampling of continental margins does not yet exist, thus these maps are an attempt to glean as much information as possible from the framework of existing data. In any given area the quantity and quality of data available varied considerably, and required a flexible method of interpretation based on this availability. The integrated interpretative GIS techniques are developed to facilitate mapping geologic habitat types over this region of discontinuous and patchy seafloor data. The SGH map and thematic map accuracy assessment support improved habitat-based inventory and assessment methods. They also serve as habitat reference materials for marine resources management and planning activities at local to national scales. SGH and data quality maps are incorporated as thematic layers within a broader habitat geodatabase for west coast groundfish and are directly applied for modeling Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for these species. Title: Mapping surficial geologic habitats of the Oregon continental margin using integrated interpretive GIS techniques Author: Romsos, Christopher G. We map the regional physiography and surficial lithology (Surficial Geologic Habitat or SGH) over the continental margin of Oregon. This thesis develops, describes, and implements an iterative interpretive method to map seafloor habitat types from disparate geological and geophysical datasets including: bathymetric images, sidescan sonar images, seismic reflection profiles, sediment samples, geologic maps of structure, and observations from submersibles. An indirect technique for the assessment of map accuracy or habitat type misidentification error is also explored and used to derive supplemental maps of varying interpretative confidence, or "quality". The geological and geophysical datasets used to produce the SGH maps of the Oregon margin are by their nature patchy, and form an irregular mosaic of variable data density and quality. Uniform sampling of continental margins does not yet exist, thus these maps are an attempt to glean as much information as possible from the framework of existing data. In any given area the quantity and quality of data available varied considerably, and required a flexible method of interpretation based on this availability. The integrated interpretative GIS techniques are developed to facilitate mapping geologic habitat types over this region of discontinuous and patchy seafloor data. The SGH map and thematic map accuracy assessment support improved habitat-based inventory and assessment methods. They also serve as habitat reference materials for marine resources management and planning activities at local to national scales. SGH and data quality maps are incorporated as thematic layers within a broader habitat geodatabase for west coast groundfish and are directly applied for modeling Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) for these species. Close