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• 201. [Article] Adding climate change to the mix: using climate futures in conservation planning for Oregon’s oak-dominated habitats - Eugene, Oregon April 26-27, 2011 - Workshop Summary

  In 2009, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife initiated a process to incorporate information about climate change and its effects on fish, wildlife, and habitats into the Oregon Conservation Strategy. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Adding climate change to the mix: using climate futures in conservation planning for Oregon’s oak-dominated habitats - Eugene, Oregon April 26-27, 2011 - Workshop Summary Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa, O’Brien, Sara In 2009, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife initiated a process to incorporate information about climate change and its effects on fish, wildlife, and habitats into the Oregon Conservation Strategy. The agency acknowledged that climate change is already affecting Oregon’s species and habitats and that future climate change represents one of the most serious long-term challenges to sustaining healthy populations of fish and wildlife. This workshop brought together representatives of the research, land and resource management, and conservation communities to contribute to the update and implementation of the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Participants were asked to help ODFW identify climate change impacts and high-priority climate change adaptation strategies for Oregon’s oak-dominated habitats. The meeting was also intended to build and strengthen partnerships in the research and management communities. Title: Adding climate change to the mix: using climate futures in conservation planning for Oregon’s oak-dominated habitats - Eugene, Oregon April 26-27, 2011 - Workshop Summary Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa, O’Brien, Sara In 2009, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife initiated a process to incorporate information about climate change and its effects on fish, wildlife, and habitats into the Oregon Conservation Strategy. The agency acknowledged that climate change is already affecting Oregon’s species and habitats and that future climate change represents one of the most serious long-term challenges to sustaining healthy populations of fish and wildlife. This workshop brought together representatives of the research, land and resource management, and conservation communities to contribute to the update and implementation of the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Participants were asked to help ODFW identify climate change impacts and high-priority climate change adaptation strategies for Oregon’s oak-dominated habitats. The meeting was also intended to build and strengthen partnerships in the research and management communities. Close

• 202. [Article] Habitat utilization by minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada

  Characteristics of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) habitat at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada were identified by quantifying environmental and temporal habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat utilization by minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada Author: Zeppelin, Tonya K. Characteristics of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) habitat at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada were identified by quantifying environmental and temporal habitat variables and comparing them to the presence or absence of minke whales during the summer of 1996. Identification photographs of minke whales taken during the summers of 1995 and 1996 were used to examine intra-annual and year to year habitat use by individual minke whales. Minke whales were primarily distributed between the 50 m and 100 m bathymetric contours which corresponds to the ridge of the Laurentian Channel. This region is characterized by a steep slope in bottom topography which causes predictable accumulations of euphausiids and capelin (Mal lotus villosus), the principal prey species of minke whales. Tide phase, lunar phase and time of season, all of which cause slight fluctuations in prey abundance did not appear to have a significant influence on minke whale presence or movements. Individual minke whales exhibited site tenacity in returning to a localized area both within a season and in consecutive years. Title: Habitat utilization by minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada Author: Zeppelin, Tonya K. Characteristics of minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) habitat at the head of the Laurentian Channel in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Canada were identified by quantifying environmental and temporal habitat variables and comparing them to the presence or absence of minke whales during the summer of 1996. Identification photographs of minke whales taken during the summers of 1995 and 1996 were used to examine intra-annual and year to year habitat use by individual minke whales. Minke whales were primarily distributed between the 50 m and 100 m bathymetric contours which corresponds to the ridge of the Laurentian Channel. This region is characterized by a steep slope in bottom topography which causes predictable accumulations of euphausiids and capelin (Mal lotus villosus), the principal prey species of minke whales. Tide phase, lunar phase and time of season, all of which cause slight fluctuations in prey abundance did not appear to have a significant influence on minke whale presence or movements. Individual minke whales exhibited site tenacity in returning to a localized area both within a season and in consecutive years. Close

• 203. [Article] Coordinated salmon habitat restoration on private lands

  This fact sheet series highlights innovative ways that ranchers and family forest owners are prospering from protecting and/or enhancing ecosystem services on their land. Ecosystem services are the benefits ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Coordinated salmon habitat restoration on private lands This fact sheet series highlights innovative ways that ranchers and family forest owners are prospering from protecting and/or enhancing ecosystem services on their land. Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from nature like water quality, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. Title: Coordinated salmon habitat restoration on private lands This fact sheet series highlights innovative ways that ranchers and family forest owners are prospering from protecting and/or enhancing ecosystem services on their land. Ecosystem services are the benefits people receive from nature like water quality, wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. Close

• 204. [Article] Sampling methods for bats

  Bats represent the second most diverse group of mammals inhabiting the western slopes of the Cascade Range in southern Washington and Oregon Coast Range. Bat populations may well be sensitive to changes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sampling methods for bats Author: West, Stephen D., Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.), Thomas, Donald W. Bats represent the second most diverse group of mammals inhabiting the western slopes of the Cascade Range in southern Washington and Oregon Coast Range. Bat populations may well be sensitive to changes in forest age, structure, or distribution, but their nocturnal habits and high mobility render the study of the habitat requirements of bats problematical. Unlike most other groups of vertebrates, bats are difficult to either observe or capture, and survey methods are poorly known. The paper reviews techniques for surveying bat populations and presents the methodology used in the Old-Growth Forest Wildlife Habitat Program in the Pacific Northwest. Title: Sampling methods for bats Author: West, Stephen D., Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.), Thomas, Donald W. Bats represent the second most diverse group of mammals inhabiting the western slopes of the Cascade Range in southern Washington and Oregon Coast Range. Bat populations may well be sensitive to changes in forest age, structure, or distribution, but their nocturnal habits and high mobility render the study of the habitat requirements of bats problematical. Unlike most other groups of vertebrates, bats are difficult to either observe or capture, and survey methods are poorly known. The paper reviews techniques for surveying bat populations and presents the methodology used in the Old-Growth Forest Wildlife Habitat Program in the Pacific Northwest. Close

• 205. [Article] Analysis of lion-tailed macaque habitat fragmentation using satellite imagery

  Deforestation and forest fragmentation are the primary threats to the habitat of endangered lion-tailed macaques, Macaca silenus, in Karnataka, India. Landsat satellite images of northwest Karnataka, India, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Analysis of lion-tailed macaque habitat fragmentation using satellite imagery Author: Krishnamurthy, Ramesh S. (Ramesh Saligrama), 1964- Deforestation and forest fragmentation are the primary threats to the habitat of endangered lion-tailed macaques, Macaca silenus, in Karnataka, India. Landsat satellite images of northwest Karnataka, India, from 1977 and 1990 were analyzed. Two study sites, measuring 16.35 x 19.14 km (31,213 ha) and 14.34 x 21.44 km (30,561 ha), respectively, were selected for analysis. Based on a group home range estimate of 131 ha, contiguous habitat fragments large enough to support two or more groups of lion-tails remained available in the study area in 1990. A single contiguous patch of 14,718 ha in Site 1 and two contiguous patches in Site 2, 4,276 ha and 9,097 ha respectively, were available for reintroduction of captive lion-tailed macaque populations. Loss of habitat has primarily been occurring in and around previously disturbed regions. Although the study identified potential unfragmented sites, there is still a need for ground-truthing. Title: Analysis of lion-tailed macaque habitat fragmentation using satellite imagery Author: Krishnamurthy, Ramesh S. (Ramesh Saligrama), 1964- Deforestation and forest fragmentation are the primary threats to the habitat of endangered lion-tailed macaques, Macaca silenus, in Karnataka, India. Landsat satellite images of northwest Karnataka, India, from 1977 and 1990 were analyzed. Two study sites, measuring 16.35 x 19.14 km (31,213 ha) and 14.34 x 21.44 km (30,561 ha), respectively, were selected for analysis. Based on a group home range estimate of 131 ha, contiguous habitat fragments large enough to support two or more groups of lion-tails remained available in the study area in 1990. A single contiguous patch of 14,718 ha in Site 1 and two contiguous patches in Site 2, 4,276 ha and 9,097 ha respectively, were available for reintroduction of captive lion-tailed macaque populations. Loss of habitat has primarily been occurring in and around previously disturbed regions. Although the study identified potential unfragmented sites, there is still a need for ground-truthing. Close

• 206. [Article] Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon

  The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kovalchik, Bernard L., Kerr, Marie Jeannette James, 1968-, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Crowe, Elizabeth A. (Elizabeth Ann), 1963- The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters and their ultimate volume, timing and erosive power is influenced by the soils, vegetation and geomorphology of fluvial surfaces within valley bottoms. Decades of intensive use of riparian areas and other wetlands in central and eastern Oregon have caused substantial degradation of their ecological structure, composition and function. Rehabilitation, restoration and monitoring of wetland ecosystems is currently a high priority for many land management agencies and landowners. In order to improve conditions in these habitats, an understanding of wetland ecosystems is necessary. Title: Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kovalchik, Bernard L., Kerr, Marie Jeannette James, 1968-, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Crowe, Elizabeth A. (Elizabeth Ann), 1963- The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters and their ultimate volume, timing and erosive power is influenced by the soils, vegetation and geomorphology of fluvial surfaces within valley bottoms. Decades of intensive use of riparian areas and other wetlands in central and eastern Oregon have caused substantial degradation of their ecological structure, composition and function. Rehabilitation, restoration and monitoring of wetland ecosystems is currently a high priority for many land management agencies and landowners. In order to improve conditions in these habitats, an understanding of wetland ecosystems is necessary. Close

• 207. [Article] Microhabitat utilization by juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in relation to stream discharges in the lower American River of California

  Habitats for juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were observed at a high flow during the spring of 1989 and at a low flow during the spring of 1991 in the lower American River of California. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Microhabitat utilization by juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in relation to stream discharges in the lower American River of California Author: Jackson, Terry A. Habitats for juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were observed at a high flow during the spring of 1989 and at a low flow during the spring of 1991 in the lower American River of California. Parameters of microhabitats in eight macrohabitats were measured. Mean column water velocity and total water depth variables were used to statistically compare juvenile chinook salmon microhabitat distributions between and among macrohabitat type/reach and flow combinations. Using mean column water velocity and total water depth as independent variables, each macrohabitat type/reach appeared to be unique. Mean column water velocity seemed to be a better descriptor of juvenile chinook salmon habitat selection than was total water depth. Riffles appeared to be the preferred macrohabitats for large non-schooling chinook salmon at both flow levels. Root wads, woody debris, and submerged terrestrial vegetation were utilized extensively and provided a significant cover for schooling chinook salmon during the high flow period. Habitat utilization by chinook salmon appears to be influenced by nonhydraulic variables. Application of models in current instream flow studies need to include factors such as water temperature and aquatic insect production. Title: Microhabitat utilization by juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in relation to stream discharges in the lower American River of California Author: Jackson, Terry A. Habitats for juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were observed at a high flow during the spring of 1989 and at a low flow during the spring of 1991 in the lower American River of California. Parameters of microhabitats in eight macrohabitats were measured. Mean column water velocity and total water depth variables were used to statistically compare juvenile chinook salmon microhabitat distributions between and among macrohabitat type/reach and flow combinations. Using mean column water velocity and total water depth as independent variables, each macrohabitat type/reach appeared to be unique. Mean column water velocity seemed to be a better descriptor of juvenile chinook salmon habitat selection than was total water depth. Riffles appeared to be the preferred macrohabitats for large non-schooling chinook salmon at both flow levels. Root wads, woody debris, and submerged terrestrial vegetation were utilized extensively and provided a significant cover for schooling chinook salmon during the high flow period. Habitat utilization by chinook salmon appears to be influenced by nonhydraulic variables. Application of models in current instream flow studies need to include factors such as water temperature and aquatic insect production. Close

• 208. [Article] Wildland fire in ecosystems : effects of fire on fauna

  Fires affect animals mainly through effects on their habitat. Fires often cause short-term increases in wildlife foods that contribute to increases in populations of some animals. These increases are moderated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wildland fire in ecosystems : effects of fire on fauna Author: Schreiner, David Scott, Smith, Jane Kapler, Telfer, Edmund S., Huff, Mark H., Lyon, L. Jack, Hooper, Robert G. Fires affect animals mainly through effects on their habitat. Fires often cause short-term increases in wildlife foods that contribute to increases in populations of some animals. These increases are moderated by the animals’ ability to thrive in the altered, often simplified, structure of the postfire environment. The extent of fire effects on animal communities generally depends on the extent of change in habitat structure and species composition caused by fire. Stand-replacement fires usually cause greater changes in the faunal communities of forests than in those of grasslands. Within forests, standreplacement fires usually alter the animal community more dramatically than understory fires. Animal species are adapted to survive the pattern of fire frequency, season, size, severity, and uniformity that characterized their habitat in presettlement times. When fire frequency increases or decreases substantially or fire severity changes from presettlement patterns, habitat for many animal species declines. Title: Wildland fire in ecosystems : effects of fire on fauna Author: Schreiner, David Scott, Smith, Jane Kapler, Telfer, Edmund S., Huff, Mark H., Lyon, L. Jack, Hooper, Robert G. Fires affect animals mainly through effects on their habitat. Fires often cause short-term increases in wildlife foods that contribute to increases in populations of some animals. These increases are moderated by the animals’ ability to thrive in the altered, often simplified, structure of the postfire environment. The extent of fire effects on animal communities generally depends on the extent of change in habitat structure and species composition caused by fire. Stand-replacement fires usually cause greater changes in the faunal communities of forests than in those of grasslands. Within forests, standreplacement fires usually alter the animal community more dramatically than understory fires. Animal species are adapted to survive the pattern of fire frequency, season, size, severity, and uniformity that characterized their habitat in presettlement times. When fire frequency increases or decreases substantially or fire severity changes from presettlement patterns, habitat for many animal species declines. Close

• 209. [Article] Report on National Greater Sage Grouse Conservation Measures

  This document provides the latest science and best biological judgment to assist in making management decisions. Fortunately, recent emphasis on sage-grouse conservation has resulted in a substantial number of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on National Greater Sage Grouse Conservation Measures Author: Sage-grouse National Technical Team This document provides the latest science and best biological judgment to assist in making management decisions. Fortunately, recent emphasis on sage-grouse conservation has resulted in a substantial number of publications dealing with a variety of aspects of sage-grouse ecology and management, summarized in the 2010 listing petition (75 FR 13910), as well as Knick and Connelly (2011b). Habitat requirements and other life history aspects of sage-grouse, excerpted from the USFWS listing decision (75 FR 13910), are summarized in Appendix A to provide context for the proposed conservation measures. We have attempted to describe the scientific basis for the conservation measures proposed within each program area. Perspectives on the nature and interpretation of the available science are in Appendix B. The conservation measures described in this report are not an end point but, rather, a starting point to be used in the BLM’s planning processes. Due to time constraints, they are focused primarily on priority sage- grouse habitat areas. General habitat conservation areas were not thoroughly discussed or vetted through the NTT, and the concept of connectivity between priority sage-grouse habitat areas will need more development through the BLM planning process. Title: Report on National Greater Sage Grouse Conservation Measures Author: Sage-grouse National Technical Team This document provides the latest science and best biological judgment to assist in making management decisions. Fortunately, recent emphasis on sage-grouse conservation has resulted in a substantial number of publications dealing with a variety of aspects of sage-grouse ecology and management, summarized in the 2010 listing petition (75 FR 13910), as well as Knick and Connelly (2011b). Habitat requirements and other life history aspects of sage-grouse, excerpted from the USFWS listing decision (75 FR 13910), are summarized in Appendix A to provide context for the proposed conservation measures. We have attempted to describe the scientific basis for the conservation measures proposed within each program area. Perspectives on the nature and interpretation of the available science are in Appendix B. The conservation measures described in this report are not an end point but, rather, a starting point to be used in the BLM’s planning processes. Due to time constraints, they are focused primarily on priority sage- grouse habitat areas. General habitat conservation areas were not thoroughly discussed or vetted through the NTT, and the concept of connectivity between priority sage-grouse habitat areas will need more development through the BLM planning process. Close

• 210. [Article] A Meta-Analysis of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nesting and Brood-Rearing Habitats: Implications for Habitat Management

  This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Meta-Analysis of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nesting and Brood-Rearing Habitats: Implications for Habitat Management Author: Haukos, David A., Boal, Clint W., Hagen, Christian A., Grisham, Blacke A. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Title: A Meta-Analysis of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Nesting and Brood-Rearing Habitats: Implications for Habitat Management Author: Haukos, David A., Boal, Clint W., Hagen, Christian A., Grisham, Blacke A. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Close

• 211. [Article] Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon

  A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon Author: Smith, Winston Paul A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. The area was predominately a Quercus woodland community, typical of the Interior Valley Zone of western Oregon. The CWTD distribution was not contiguous throughout its range; the highest densities occurred along the North Umpqua River between Glide and Wilbur. Ten habitats were described: grassland, grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, oak-conifer, oak-madrone, madrone, riparian and conifer. CWTD exhibited a preference (P<0.05) for grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, riparian and conifer habitats while selecting the remaining habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than was expected from corresponding availabilities. Grassland use increased proportionally with biomass production of grasses and forbs during the spring and with mean monthly precipitation in the fall; CWTD utilized grasslands more frequently (P<0.05) during the fall than in the spring. Fawns utilized. woodland and brushland habitats more frequently (P<0.05) than yearlings and adults; yearlings utilized grasslands more often (P<0.05) and grassshrub habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than adults. Adult males occurred less frequently (P<0.05) in grass-shrub and more often (P<0.05) in conifer habitats than adult females, particularly in the summer. The population estimates for the 2745 ha study area were 628 and 740 CWTD representing an average density of 22.9 and 27.0 CWTD per km2, respectively. There existed a positive association (P<0.05) between distribution and abundance of CWTD and the juxtaposition of suitable habitat to the North Umpqua River. A positive curvilinear relationship between CWTD density and percent woodland cover was observed; maximum densities occurred in areas supporting approximately 50% woodland cover. Fall herd composition estimates were 52 fawns and 30 bucks per 100 does. Secondary sex ratios departed from unity (P<0.05) favoring males when summer rainfall was abnormally low. Malnutrition and vehicle-inflicted injuries accounted for the largest proportion of known mortality. The ultimate cause of mortality among yearling and adult males and females was apparently associated with reproduction; these activities were more demanding (P<0.05) on males. The median age at death for males (1.65) was less (P<0.05) than that observed for females (2.15). Fawn survival and recruitment varied inversely with existing population densities and winter severity. Parasite loads were light and corresponded with observed seasonal differences in the physical condition of CWTD. Convex polygon estimates of home range size for CWTD females and males averaged 21.1 ha and 32.8 ha, respectively. Elliptical home range estimates were invariably larger than corresponding convex polygon estimates and averaged 44.5 ha and 47.1 ha for females and males, respectively. Home ranges were stable between years; however, males and females demonstrated significant shifts in center of activity among the seasons, behaviors observed to be associated with rutting and fawning activities, respectively. CWTD and black-tailed deer demonstrated a local geographic and ecological segregation; there was a significant inverse correlation in the relative densities of the two species, and sympatric populations of black-tailed deer and CWTD differed (P<0.05) in their frequency of occurrence among the ten habitats. Local geographic distributions and habitat-use patterns indicated that within preferred habitats, CWTD competitively excluded black-tailed deer. Lowland riparian systems played a major role in CWTD ecology, representing an important environmental component in the life history of the species and serving as corridors of dispersal and recent geographic expansion. Title: Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon Author: Smith, Winston Paul A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. The area was predominately a Quercus woodland community, typical of the Interior Valley Zone of western Oregon. The CWTD distribution was not contiguous throughout its range; the highest densities occurred along the North Umpqua River between Glide and Wilbur. Ten habitats were described: grassland, grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, oak-conifer, oak-madrone, madrone, riparian and conifer. CWTD exhibited a preference (P<0.05) for grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, riparian and conifer habitats while selecting the remaining habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than was expected from corresponding availabilities. Grassland use increased proportionally with biomass production of grasses and forbs during the spring and with mean monthly precipitation in the fall; CWTD utilized grasslands more frequently (P<0.05) during the fall than in the spring. Fawns utilized. woodland and brushland habitats more frequently (P<0.05) than yearlings and adults; yearlings utilized grasslands more often (P<0.05) and grassshrub habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than adults. Adult males occurred less frequently (P<0.05) in grass-shrub and more often (P<0.05) in conifer habitats than adult females, particularly in the summer. The population estimates for the 2745 ha study area were 628 and 740 CWTD representing an average density of 22.9 and 27.0 CWTD per km2, respectively. There existed a positive association (P<0.05) between distribution and abundance of CWTD and the juxtaposition of suitable habitat to the North Umpqua River. A positive curvilinear relationship between CWTD density and percent woodland cover was observed; maximum densities occurred in areas supporting approximately 50% woodland cover. Fall herd composition estimates were 52 fawns and 30 bucks per 100 does. Secondary sex ratios departed from unity (P<0.05) favoring males when summer rainfall was abnormally low. Malnutrition and vehicle-inflicted injuries accounted for the largest proportion of known mortality. The ultimate cause of mortality among yearling and adult males and females was apparently associated with reproduction; these activities were more demanding (P<0.05) on males. The median age at death for males (1.65) was less (P<0.05) than that observed for females (2.15). Fawn survival and recruitment varied inversely with existing population densities and winter severity. Parasite loads were light and corresponded with observed seasonal differences in the physical condition of CWTD. Convex polygon estimates of home range size for CWTD females and males averaged 21.1 ha and 32.8 ha, respectively. Elliptical home range estimates were invariably larger than corresponding convex polygon estimates and averaged 44.5 ha and 47.1 ha for females and males, respectively. Home ranges were stable between years; however, males and females demonstrated significant shifts in center of activity among the seasons, behaviors observed to be associated with rutting and fawning activities, respectively. CWTD and black-tailed deer demonstrated a local geographic and ecological segregation; there was a significant inverse correlation in the relative densities of the two species, and sympatric populations of black-tailed deer and CWTD differed (P<0.05) in their frequency of occurrence among the ten habitats. Local geographic distributions and habitat-use patterns indicated that within preferred habitats, CWTD competitively excluded black-tailed deer. Lowland riparian systems played a major role in CWTD ecology, representing an important environmental component in the life history of the species and serving as corridors of dispersal and recent geographic expansion. Close

• 212. [Article] Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream

  Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream Author: Gonzalez, Rosalinda Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and evaluation of these projects has scarcely been done for non-salmonid species such as lamprey. In this study we look at the impacts of a large wood restoration on larval Pacific Entosphenus tridentaus and Western Brook Lamprey Lampetra richardsoni and juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch by 1) identifying instream habitat characteristics that influence the presence of larval lamprey and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon; and 2) evaluating how these characteristics are influenced by wood. To address habitat use, we determined presence of larval lamprey in 92 pools and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon in 44 pools during summer low flows in a small coastal Oregon stream. We focused on a reach of stream where large numbers of large wood pieces and wood jams were introduced to retain sediment in the channel. Results indicate that presence of laval lamprey was associated with availability of fine sediment (P < 0.001) and deeper substrate (P < 0.001). The abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon (fish/pool) was associated with pool area (r[subscript s] = 0.78; P ≤ 0.001) and to a weaker extent with the proportion of cobble and boulder substrates in pools (r[subscript s] = -0.39; P ≤ 0.01). Pools with wood, regardless of whether they were formed by wood, had greater coverage of fine and deeper substrate (P < 0.001) and greater pool area (P = 0.016). Taken together, these results suggest that instream wood can provide habitat conditions that larval lamprey and juvenile Coho Salmon use, and thus provide benefits to these species. Title: Responses of juvenile coho salmon and larval lamprey to instream habitat restoration in a Pacific Northwest stream Author: Gonzalez, Rosalinda Large wood has been utilized in many restoration projects to improve in-stream habitat in the Pacific Northwest for salmon. However, the benefits of this practice remain the subject of ongoing debate and evaluation of these projects has scarcely been done for non-salmonid species such as lamprey. In this study we look at the impacts of a large wood restoration on larval Pacific Entosphenus tridentaus and Western Brook Lamprey Lampetra richardsoni and juvenile Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch by 1) identifying instream habitat characteristics that influence the presence of larval lamprey and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon; and 2) evaluating how these characteristics are influenced by wood. To address habitat use, we determined presence of larval lamprey in 92 pools and abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon in 44 pools during summer low flows in a small coastal Oregon stream. We focused on a reach of stream where large numbers of large wood pieces and wood jams were introduced to retain sediment in the channel. Results indicate that presence of laval lamprey was associated with availability of fine sediment (P < 0.001) and deeper substrate (P < 0.001). The abundance of juvenile Coho Salmon (fish/pool) was associated with pool area (r[subscript s] = 0.78; P ≤ 0.001) and to a weaker extent with the proportion of cobble and boulder substrates in pools (r[subscript s] = -0.39; P ≤ 0.01). Pools with wood, regardless of whether they were formed by wood, had greater coverage of fine and deeper substrate (P < 0.001) and greater pool area (P = 0.016). Taken together, these results suggest that instream wood can provide habitat conditions that larval lamprey and juvenile Coho Salmon use, and thus provide benefits to these species. Close

• 213. [Article] American marten distributions over a 28 year period : relationships with landscape change in Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest, California, USA

  The distribution of American martens (Martes americana) within Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest (SCEF), Tahoe National Forest, California has been periodically documented from 1980–1993. This area has ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: American marten distributions over a 28 year period : relationships with landscape change in Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest, California, USA Author: Moriarty, Katie M. The distribution of American martens (Martes americana) within Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest (SCEF), Tahoe National Forest, California has been periodically documented from 1980–1993. This area has been the location of nine marten surveys, each involving a systematic detection/nondetection survey on the same grid. These data are an unprecedented time series of information on the distribution of martens that can be related to habitat change in the study area. My four objectives were to (1) resurvey SCEF using similar methodology as in previous studies to assess the current marten distribution, (2) evaluate marten distribution over the last 28 years, (3) create maps to depict potential high reproductive habitat at the beginning (1978) and end (2007) of the series, and lastly, (4) examine marten occurence relative to changes in habitat and landscape metrics. Marten surveys were conducted in summer 2007, in winter 2007–2008, and in summer 2008. Habitat was characterized both in 1978 and 2007 by interpreting remotely sensed vegetation information from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationship (CWHR) system. I used FRAGSTATs to quantify landscape change. There was a dramatic decline in marten occurrence since they were first studied in this area. No martens were detected in either the summer of 2007 or summer 2008, but there were 10 detections in winter 2007–2008 limited to the southwestern portion of SCEF. Predicted habitat patch size, core area, and total amount of predicted habitat in the study area decreased. Distance between these patches increased. There was a relationship between these changes in landscape configuration and the reduction of marten detections; no martens were detected in the lower elevations where most previous management activity occurred. I have five recommendations to managers to make the landscape more amenable for martens: (1) strive to retain the remaining contiguous large patches of predicted marten reproductive habitat, (2) maintain corridors of dense, multilayered vegetation between the contiguous habitat patches, (3) retain varied amounts of canopy and shrub cover for visual camouflage between habitat patches, (4) reduce the number of cleared forest gaps >80 m across, and (5) strive for a silvicultural paradigm that retains large snags, diverse tree structure, and patches of decadent trees. Title: American marten distributions over a 28 year period : relationships with landscape change in Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest, California, USA Author: Moriarty, Katie M. The distribution of American martens (Martes americana) within Sagehen Creek Experimental Forest (SCEF), Tahoe National Forest, California has been periodically documented from 1980–1993. This area has been the location of nine marten surveys, each involving a systematic detection/nondetection survey on the same grid. These data are an unprecedented time series of information on the distribution of martens that can be related to habitat change in the study area. My four objectives were to (1) resurvey SCEF using similar methodology as in previous studies to assess the current marten distribution, (2) evaluate marten distribution over the last 28 years, (3) create maps to depict potential high reproductive habitat at the beginning (1978) and end (2007) of the series, and lastly, (4) examine marten occurence relative to changes in habitat and landscape metrics. Marten surveys were conducted in summer 2007, in winter 2007–2008, and in summer 2008. Habitat was characterized both in 1978 and 2007 by interpreting remotely sensed vegetation information from the California Wildlife Habitat Relationship (CWHR) system. I used FRAGSTATs to quantify landscape change. There was a dramatic decline in marten occurrence since they were first studied in this area. No martens were detected in either the summer of 2007 or summer 2008, but there were 10 detections in winter 2007–2008 limited to the southwestern portion of SCEF. Predicted habitat patch size, core area, and total amount of predicted habitat in the study area decreased. Distance between these patches increased. There was a relationship between these changes in landscape configuration and the reduction of marten detections; no martens were detected in the lower elevations where most previous management activity occurred. I have five recommendations to managers to make the landscape more amenable for martens: (1) strive to retain the remaining contiguous large patches of predicted marten reproductive habitat, (2) maintain corridors of dense, multilayered vegetation between the contiguous habitat patches, (3) retain varied amounts of canopy and shrub cover for visual camouflage between habitat patches, (4) reduce the number of cleared forest gaps >80 m across, and (5) strive for a silvicultural paradigm that retains large snags, diverse tree structure, and patches of decadent trees. Close

• 214. [Article] Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams

  As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams Author: Frissell, Christopher Andrew, 1960- As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley segments. Valley segments are landscape units which encompass surface waters and the adjacent floodplains and hillslopes with which they interact over time frames of thousands of years. They form a large-scale template that constrains the character of aquatic habitat, controls the effects of disturbances in riparian areas, and mediates responses of streams to upland and upstream events. The regional distribution of valley segment types in southwest Oregon reflects bedrock geology and tectonic history of the landscape. Fluvial segment types differ in stream adjacent landforms, slope erosion processes, floodplain and valley morphology, channel slope, riparian vegetation, streambank texture, gravel bar morphology, and pool-forming features. Studies that do not carefully account for inherent differences between valley segment types could fail to detect critical changes in stream habitat caused by human disturbance. Alluvial valley and alluviated canyon segment types, which have extensive floodplains, low channel slopes, abundant woody debris, and ample gravel beds, are of greatest direct importance for salmon and other native fishes. Virtually all alluvial valleys in the study area have been heavily disturbed by logging, agriculture, and residential development. Alluviated canyon segments located in the few drainage basins where human activity has been limited probably serve as habitat refugia for the last diverse assemblages and productive populations of salmon in the region. Alluviated canyons in extensively-fogged basins exhibit increased abundance of large woody debris, fewer cross-channel debris jams, more extensive bank erosion, reduced pool area and increased riffle area, shallower riffles, and increased surface concentration of fine sediments in pools and other habitats, compared to similar segments in lesser-disturbed basins. These changes in channel morphology and stability appear to be driven by increased sediment load, caused by logging-related landslides and other erosion sources. Field studies in Sixes River basin indicated that abundance and diversity of salmonid fishes declines as maximum stream temperature increases. Changes in summer distribution of juvenile chinook and coho salmon since 1970 are related to changes In water temperature. Although some tributaries have cooled, a decline in rearing distribution in mainstem areas could be caused by long-term loss of channel complexity and associated coolwater refugia. Analysis of fish habitat structures constructed by federal and state agencies indicated that failure rates are high. Recovery of anadromous fish runs in southwest Oregon will require protection of remaining habitat refugia and reduction of sediment yield from disturbed watersheds. Title: Cumulative effects of land use on salmon habitat in southwest Oregon coastal streams Author: Frissell, Christopher Andrew, 1960- As part of a hierarchical approach to classifying watersheds and stream habitats based on geomorphic and geologic criteria, we defined ten classes of fluvial and lacustrine habitats at the scale of valley segments. Valley segments are landscape units which encompass surface waters and the adjacent floodplains and hillslopes with which they interact over time frames of thousands of years. They form a large-scale template that constrains the character of aquatic habitat, controls the effects of disturbances in riparian areas, and mediates responses of streams to upland and upstream events. The regional distribution of valley segment types in southwest Oregon reflects bedrock geology and tectonic history of the landscape. Fluvial segment types differ in stream adjacent landforms, slope erosion processes, floodplain and valley morphology, channel slope, riparian vegetation, streambank texture, gravel bar morphology, and pool-forming features. Studies that do not carefully account for inherent differences between valley segment types could fail to detect critical changes in stream habitat caused by human disturbance. Alluvial valley and alluviated canyon segment types, which have extensive floodplains, low channel slopes, abundant woody debris, and ample gravel beds, are of greatest direct importance for salmon and other native fishes. Virtually all alluvial valleys in the study area have been heavily disturbed by logging, agriculture, and residential development. Alluviated canyon segments located in the few drainage basins where human activity has been limited probably serve as habitat refugia for the last diverse assemblages and productive populations of salmon in the region. Alluviated canyons in extensively-fogged basins exhibit increased abundance of large woody debris, fewer cross-channel debris jams, more extensive bank erosion, reduced pool area and increased riffle area, shallower riffles, and increased surface concentration of fine sediments in pools and other habitats, compared to similar segments in lesser-disturbed basins. These changes in channel morphology and stability appear to be driven by increased sediment load, caused by logging-related landslides and other erosion sources. Field studies in Sixes River basin indicated that abundance and diversity of salmonid fishes declines as maximum stream temperature increases. Changes in summer distribution of juvenile chinook and coho salmon since 1970 are related to changes In water temperature. Although some tributaries have cooled, a decline in rearing distribution in mainstem areas could be caused by long-term loss of channel complexity and associated coolwater refugia. Analysis of fish habitat structures constructed by federal and state agencies indicated that failure rates are high. Recovery of anadromous fish runs in southwest Oregon will require protection of remaining habitat refugia and reduction of sediment yield from disturbed watersheds. Close

• 215. [Article] Spatial modeling of carnivore distribution and viability

  Viability analysis of well-selected focal species can complement other types of conservation planning by revealing thresholds in habitat area and landscape connectivity that may not be evident from ecosystem-level ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial modeling of carnivore distribution and viability Author: Carroll, Carlos Viability analysis of well-selected focal species can complement other types of conservation planning by revealing thresholds in habitat area and landscape connectivity that may not be evident from ecosystem-level evaluations. I used focal species analysis of five carnivores to suggest conservation planning guidelines for the Rocky Mountains and adjacent areas in the Pacific states. I compared static and dynamic viability models for carnivores to assess whether the increased complexity of dynamic simulation models was appropriate given the level of demographic field data typical for carnivore species. I developed models of fisher, lynx, and wolverine distribution from a data set of trapping and sighting records and predicted grizzly bear habitat by adapting previously published regional-scale habitat models. Highquality habitats for wolverine and grizzly bear are strongly associated with low levels of human population and roads. High-quality habitats for fisher and lynx are naturally fragmented by topography and vegetation gradients and are poorly represented in existing protected areas. A comprehensive conservation strategy for carnivores in the region must therefore consider the needs of several species rather than a singie presumed umbrella species. Because many large carnivores are habitat generalists limited by human persecution, and easily-measured attributes such as road density provide robust surrogates for human impact, extrapolation of static habitat models to potential reintroduction areas provides useful guidance for prioritizing carnivore restoration efforts. I also incorporated the static modeling results into a dynamic model. For the wolf; incorporating pack structure into the simulation model increased resilience to human-associated landscape change. For the lynx, relatively low levels of population cycling were found to greatly increase extinction risk when the region was isolated from boreal lynx populations. For the fisher, mortality levels were found to interact strongly with habitat area and isolation to create tlaeshold effects on distribution. Further range contraction is predicted for all species unless coordinated regional planning for habitat restoration occurs. The results suggest that a hybrid approach that builds complex dynamic models on a foundation of data from empirical static models can provide complementary results with a range of perspectives on species' persistence. Title: Spatial modeling of carnivore distribution and viability Author: Carroll, Carlos Viability analysis of well-selected focal species can complement other types of conservation planning by revealing thresholds in habitat area and landscape connectivity that may not be evident from ecosystem-level evaluations. I used focal species analysis of five carnivores to suggest conservation planning guidelines for the Rocky Mountains and adjacent areas in the Pacific states. I compared static and dynamic viability models for carnivores to assess whether the increased complexity of dynamic simulation models was appropriate given the level of demographic field data typical for carnivore species. I developed models of fisher, lynx, and wolverine distribution from a data set of trapping and sighting records and predicted grizzly bear habitat by adapting previously published regional-scale habitat models. Highquality habitats for wolverine and grizzly bear are strongly associated with low levels of human population and roads. High-quality habitats for fisher and lynx are naturally fragmented by topography and vegetation gradients and are poorly represented in existing protected areas. A comprehensive conservation strategy for carnivores in the region must therefore consider the needs of several species rather than a singie presumed umbrella species. Because many large carnivores are habitat generalists limited by human persecution, and easily-measured attributes such as road density provide robust surrogates for human impact, extrapolation of static habitat models to potential reintroduction areas provides useful guidance for prioritizing carnivore restoration efforts. I also incorporated the static modeling results into a dynamic model. For the wolf; incorporating pack structure into the simulation model increased resilience to human-associated landscape change. For the lynx, relatively low levels of population cycling were found to greatly increase extinction risk when the region was isolated from boreal lynx populations. For the fisher, mortality levels were found to interact strongly with habitat area and isolation to create tlaeshold effects on distribution. Further range contraction is predicted for all species unless coordinated regional planning for habitat restoration occurs. The results suggest that a hybrid approach that builds complex dynamic models on a foundation of data from empirical static models can provide complementary results with a range of perspectives on species' persistence. Close

• 216. [Article] Habitat structure and occupancy patterns of the montane frog, Rana cascadae, in the Cascade Range, Oregon, at multiple scales : implications for population dynamics in patchy landscapes

  Associations between occupancy patterns of a montane anuran species, Rana cascadae, and habitat structure at multiple scales were examined to investigate how population structure may influence persistence ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat structure and occupancy patterns of the montane frog, Rana cascadae, in the Cascade Range, Oregon, at multiple scales : implications for population dynamics in patchy landscapes Author: Brown, Catherine, 1958- Associations between occupancy patterns of a montane anuran species, Rana cascadae, and habitat structure at multiple scales were examined to investigate how population structure may influence persistence in spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments. Predictions were based on population dynamics suggested by source-sink and metapopulation models. Potential sites in three basins in the central Cascade Range, Oregon, were identified from aerial photos, fieldverified, and surveyed for eggs, tadpoles, and adults. Habitat quality at each site (i.e. vegetation, shoreline topography, area, water retention) and connectivity among sites (i.e. distance, gradient, connecting creeks) were measured to investigate factors that may be associated with distribution patterns at local and regional scales. Habitat structure at the site scale explained many of R. cascadae occupancy patterns. Breeding sites generally were small vegetated ponds with gradual shoreline topography, or flooded meadows. Adults, juveniles, and metamorphs were found in a wider variety of sites including small vegetated ponds, larger deeper lakes, meadows, and creeks. A strong association was found between occupancy and water retention. A large proportion of sites that retained water through the summer were occupied by at least one life history stage. Connectivity metrics were not associated with the distribution of breeding sites; breeding sites generally were dispersed when measured by all metrics. However, the occupancy patterns of adults suggested that frogs moved among sites. In McKenzie Pass, the high density of sites may provide stepping stones, whereas in Three Creeks and Todd Lake, the flowing creeks may provide corridors. Rana cascadae appears to be well adapted to living in a spatially and temporally heterogeneous environment. Breeding was associated with habitat characteristics that may favor rapid development. Habitat and adult occupancy associations suggested that the frog's home range may be larger than a single site. Given the unpredictable environment, use of other habitats such as creeks and large lakes may enable frogs to survive stressful periods. The apparent high mobility may facilitate access to potentially critical alternate habitat, immigration that may "rescue" extant populations, and recolonization of sites where populations have gone extinct. Conservation plans should protect the range of habitats required at multiple spatial scales. Title: Habitat structure and occupancy patterns of the montane frog, Rana cascadae, in the Cascade Range, Oregon, at multiple scales : implications for population dynamics in patchy landscapes Author: Brown, Catherine, 1958- Associations between occupancy patterns of a montane anuran species, Rana cascadae, and habitat structure at multiple scales were examined to investigate how population structure may influence persistence in spatially and temporally heterogeneous environments. Predictions were based on population dynamics suggested by source-sink and metapopulation models. Potential sites in three basins in the central Cascade Range, Oregon, were identified from aerial photos, fieldverified, and surveyed for eggs, tadpoles, and adults. Habitat quality at each site (i.e. vegetation, shoreline topography, area, water retention) and connectivity among sites (i.e. distance, gradient, connecting creeks) were measured to investigate factors that may be associated with distribution patterns at local and regional scales. Habitat structure at the site scale explained many of R. cascadae occupancy patterns. Breeding sites generally were small vegetated ponds with gradual shoreline topography, or flooded meadows. Adults, juveniles, and metamorphs were found in a wider variety of sites including small vegetated ponds, larger deeper lakes, meadows, and creeks. A strong association was found between occupancy and water retention. A large proportion of sites that retained water through the summer were occupied by at least one life history stage. Connectivity metrics were not associated with the distribution of breeding sites; breeding sites generally were dispersed when measured by all metrics. However, the occupancy patterns of adults suggested that frogs moved among sites. In McKenzie Pass, the high density of sites may provide stepping stones, whereas in Three Creeks and Todd Lake, the flowing creeks may provide corridors. Rana cascadae appears to be well adapted to living in a spatially and temporally heterogeneous environment. Breeding was associated with habitat characteristics that may favor rapid development. Habitat and adult occupancy associations suggested that the frog's home range may be larger than a single site. Given the unpredictable environment, use of other habitats such as creeks and large lakes may enable frogs to survive stressful periods. The apparent high mobility may facilitate access to potentially critical alternate habitat, immigration that may "rescue" extant populations, and recolonization of sites where populations have gone extinct. Conservation plans should protect the range of habitats required at multiple spatial scales. Close

• 217. [Article] Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin

  Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current surveys to assess changes in poo1 habitats in the Columbia River basin. Streams from across the basin, representing a wide range of geologies, stream sizes and land-use histories, were used to evaluate habitat change. We classified streams as managed or unmanaged, based on their land-use histories. Managed basins were watersheds managed predominantly for multiple-use (e.g., timber harvest, livestock grazing) and unmanaged basins were minimally affected by human disturbance (e.g., wilderness/roadless areas). The quantity and quality of pool habitats increased or remained the same in unmanaged streams, and decreased in managed streams since the 1930s. Despite differences in stream size and land-use history, the magnitude and direction of theses changes were consistent. In addition, the decrease in pool habitats did not differ between public and private lands. Ecoregions were used to assess regional patterns to these changes. Our analysis showed that pool habitats decreased in all Ecoregions except the North Cascades Ecoregion. Regional land-use histories were documented for the study streams. The overgrazing of most rangelands had been documented by 1900. Grazing practices began to change after 1930, but current information suggests that while uplands have improved, riparian areas have not. By World War II, stream habitats had been affected by the loss of riparian vegetation, large woody debris, and aquatic habitats due to splash dams, log drives, and riparian timber harvest. Timber harvest expanded to the uplands after World War II, as the demand for timber expanded. Rapidly developing road networks increased runoff and sedimentation, which continued the impact of timber harvest on already damaged stream ecosystems. Almost 90% of managed streams had roads along the channel or within the floodplain. "Stream improvements," such as channelization and stream cleaning, also affected stream ecosystems. We concluded that the chronic and persistent effects of land-use practices had simplified stream channels and reduced habitat complexity in most managed watersheds in the Columbia River basin. Title: Historical changes in stream habitats in the Columbia River basin Author: McIntosh, Bruce A. Knowledge of how stream habitats change over time in natural and human-influenced ecosystems at large, regional scales is currently limited. A historical stream survey (1934-1945) was compared to current surveys to assess changes in poo1 habitats in the Columbia River basin. Streams from across the basin, representing a wide range of geologies, stream sizes and land-use histories, were used to evaluate habitat change. We classified streams as managed or unmanaged, based on their land-use histories. Managed basins were watersheds managed predominantly for multiple-use (e.g., timber harvest, livestock grazing) and unmanaged basins were minimally affected by human disturbance (e.g., wilderness/roadless areas). The quantity and quality of pool habitats increased or remained the same in unmanaged streams, and decreased in managed streams since the 1930s. Despite differences in stream size and land-use history, the magnitude and direction of theses changes were consistent. In addition, the decrease in pool habitats did not differ between public and private lands. Ecoregions were used to assess regional patterns to these changes. Our analysis showed that pool habitats decreased in all Ecoregions except the North Cascades Ecoregion. Regional land-use histories were documented for the study streams. The overgrazing of most rangelands had been documented by 1900. Grazing practices began to change after 1930, but current information suggests that while uplands have improved, riparian areas have not. By World War II, stream habitats had been affected by the loss of riparian vegetation, large woody debris, and aquatic habitats due to splash dams, log drives, and riparian timber harvest. Timber harvest expanded to the uplands after World War II, as the demand for timber expanded. Rapidly developing road networks increased runoff and sedimentation, which continued the impact of timber harvest on already damaged stream ecosystems. Almost 90% of managed streams had roads along the channel or within the floodplain. "Stream improvements," such as channelization and stream cleaning, also affected stream ecosystems. We concluded that the chronic and persistent effects of land-use practices had simplified stream channels and reduced habitat complexity in most managed watersheds in the Columbia River basin. Close

• 218. [Article] Small mammal and bird abundance in relation to post-fire habitat succession in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) communities

  Fire is an important disturbance mechanism in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) communities, yet little is known about wildlife population dynamics during post-fire habitat succession. I estimated the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Small mammal and bird abundance in relation to post-fire habitat succession in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) communities Author: Holmes, Aaron L. Fire is an important disturbance mechanism in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) communities, yet little is known about wildlife population dynamics during post-fire habitat succession. I estimated the abundance of small mammals and birds in relation to fire history in mountain big sagebrush (A.t. spp. vaseyana) communities on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern Great Basin, USA. I employed a chronosequence approach that took advantage of multiple wildfires that had occurred in similar plant communities between 7 to 20 years prior to sampling. Belding’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingii) were approximately 10 times as abundant in burned areas relative to adjacent unburned habitat regardless of the number of years since a burn occurred. Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was more abundant on more recently burned sites, but not at sites closer to full vegetation recovery. Great basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus), sagebrush vole (Lemmiscus curtatus), and least chipmunk (Tamius minimus) abundance did not vary as a function of fire history, but some variance was explained by habitat features such as rocky areas and the canopy characteristics of sagebrush. Bird diversity was higher in unburned habitats irrespective of the number of years of recovery out to 20 years. Nine of the 12 most widely occurring species of birds in the study have population densities influenced by fire or post-fire habitat succession to at least 13 to 20 years following a burn. Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli), Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), and Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) occurred at relatively low densities and were nearly restricted to unburned habitats. Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo Chlorurus), Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), and Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothus ater) occurred at lower densities in burned areas than adjacent unburned areas although the relationship was not strong for the latter two species. The magnitude of the difference in density between burned and unburned sites within a landscape diminished with the number of years of vegetation recovery for Green-tailed Towhee. Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella brewerii) occurred at lower densities relative to adjacent habitat in the most recent burn, but occurred at higher densities after 20 years of habitat succession, suggesting a positive response with a multiple decade lag period. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) respond positively to fire, but densities were similar to unburned areas after 20 years of habitat succession. An ordination analysis captured 86% of the variation in 12 bird species with 3 orthogonal axes. My research demonstrates that strong community structure exists for birds associated with mountain big sagebrush habitats, and that fire influences community structure for multiple decades. Title: Small mammal and bird abundance in relation to post-fire habitat succession in mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) communities Author: Holmes, Aaron L. Fire is an important disturbance mechanism in big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) communities, yet little is known about wildlife population dynamics during post-fire habitat succession. I estimated the abundance of small mammals and birds in relation to fire history in mountain big sagebrush (A.t. spp. vaseyana) communities on the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern Great Basin, USA. I employed a chronosequence approach that took advantage of multiple wildfires that had occurred in similar plant communities between 7 to 20 years prior to sampling. Belding’s ground squirrel (Spermophilus beldingii) were approximately 10 times as abundant in burned areas relative to adjacent unburned habitat regardless of the number of years since a burn occurred. Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) was more abundant on more recently burned sites, but not at sites closer to full vegetation recovery. Great basin pocket mouse (Perognathus parvus), sagebrush vole (Lemmiscus curtatus), and least chipmunk (Tamius minimus) abundance did not vary as a function of fire history, but some variance was explained by habitat features such as rocky areas and the canopy characteristics of sagebrush. Bird diversity was higher in unburned habitats irrespective of the number of years of recovery out to 20 years. Nine of the 12 most widely occurring species of birds in the study have population densities influenced by fire or post-fire habitat succession to at least 13 to 20 years following a burn. Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli), Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata), and Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) occurred at relatively low densities and were nearly restricted to unburned habitats. Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo Chlorurus), Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii), American Robin (Turdus migratorius), and Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothus ater) occurred at lower densities in burned areas than adjacent unburned areas although the relationship was not strong for the latter two species. The magnitude of the difference in density between burned and unburned sites within a landscape diminished with the number of years of vegetation recovery for Green-tailed Towhee. Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella brewerii) occurred at lower densities relative to adjacent habitat in the most recent burn, but occurred at higher densities after 20 years of habitat succession, suggesting a positive response with a multiple decade lag period. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) respond positively to fire, but densities were similar to unburned areas after 20 years of habitat succession. An ordination analysis captured 86% of the variation in 12 bird species with 3 orthogonal axes. My research demonstrates that strong community structure exists for birds associated with mountain big sagebrush habitats, and that fire influences community structure for multiple decades. Close

• 219. [Article] A hierarchical stream habitat classification system: development and demonstration

  Classification of Streams and stream habitats is useful for research involving establishment of monitoring stations, determining local impacts of land use practices, generalization from site-specific data, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A hierarchical stream habitat classification system: development and demonstration Author: Frissell, Christopher A. Classification of Streams and stream habitats is useful for research involving establishment of monitoring stations, determining local impacts of land use practices, generalization from site-specific data, and assessment of basin-wide, cumulative impacts of human activities on streams and their biota. This thesis presents a framework for a hierarchical classification system, entailing an organized view of spatial and temporal variation between and within stream systems. Stream habitat systems, defined and classified on several spatio-temporal scales, are associated with watershed geomorphic features and events. Variables selected for classification define relative long-term capacities of systems, not simply short-term states. Streams and their watershed environments are classified within the context of a regional biogeoclimatic classification. The framework is a perspective that should allow more systematic interpretation and description of watershed/stream relationships. The classification system was used to assess changes in stream habitat caused by logging and debris removal in a fourth-order stream in the High Cascades of Oregon. Habitat organization, trout density, and habitat use were compared in logged (clear-cut, 1962) and forested stream sections in the same stream segment. The hierarchical classification system allowed pool/riffle habitats to he related to the geomorphic history of different stream reaches. Due to the presence of large debris dams and abundant woody debris, forested reaches varied in morphology and encompassed a wide array of pool/riffle habitats, including debris-created pools and side channels. Clear-cut reaches were relatively homogeneous, and were dominated by boulder-formed habitats. Although trout density was highly reach-specific, total density of the forested section was 40% greater than that of the clear-cut section. The smallest size class was absent and large (>14 cm) individuals were uncommon in clear-cut reaches. A regression model showed that most of the variation among reaches in trout density was related to the relative area comprised of six key pool/riffle types. The habitat classification system proved useful in demonstrating that the forested stream section, because of its diversity of pool/riffle types, may best provide the range of habitats required by all size classes through changing streamflow conditions. Title: A hierarchical stream habitat classification system: development and demonstration Author: Frissell, Christopher A. Classification of Streams and stream habitats is useful for research involving establishment of monitoring stations, determining local impacts of land use practices, generalization from site-specific data, and assessment of basin-wide, cumulative impacts of human activities on streams and their biota. This thesis presents a framework for a hierarchical classification system, entailing an organized view of spatial and temporal variation between and within stream systems. Stream habitat systems, defined and classified on several spatio-temporal scales, are associated with watershed geomorphic features and events. Variables selected for classification define relative long-term capacities of systems, not simply short-term states. Streams and their watershed environments are classified within the context of a regional biogeoclimatic classification. The framework is a perspective that should allow more systematic interpretation and description of watershed/stream relationships. The classification system was used to assess changes in stream habitat caused by logging and debris removal in a fourth-order stream in the High Cascades of Oregon. Habitat organization, trout density, and habitat use were compared in logged (clear-cut, 1962) and forested stream sections in the same stream segment. The hierarchical classification system allowed pool/riffle habitats to he related to the geomorphic history of different stream reaches. Due to the presence of large debris dams and abundant woody debris, forested reaches varied in morphology and encompassed a wide array of pool/riffle habitats, including debris-created pools and side channels. Clear-cut reaches were relatively homogeneous, and were dominated by boulder-formed habitats. Although trout density was highly reach-specific, total density of the forested section was 40% greater than that of the clear-cut section. The smallest size class was absent and large (>14 cm) individuals were uncommon in clear-cut reaches. A regression model showed that most of the variation among reaches in trout density was related to the relative area comprised of six key pool/riffle types. The habitat classification system proved useful in demonstrating that the forested stream section, because of its diversity of pool/riffle types, may best provide the range of habitats required by all size classes through changing streamflow conditions. Close

• 220. [Article] Tests of an experimental unbaited video lander as a marine fish survey tool for high-relief deepwater rocky reefs

  We describe the development and practical field testing of a rugged, unbaited video lander as a visual survey tool for fishes inhabiting structurally complex, high-relief, deepwater rocky reefs. Our autonomous, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Tests of an experimental unbaited video lander as a marine fish survey tool for high-relief deepwater rocky reefs Author: Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T. O. We describe the development and practical field testing of a rugged, unbaited video lander as a visual survey tool for fishes inhabiting structurally complex, high-relief, deepwater rocky reefs. Our autonomous, high-resolution, low-light, color video lander system utilized a smooth frame design that incorporated a series of breakaway attachments and inexpensive sacrificial steel bases to maximize the potential for camera system recovery from complex rocky habitats. Initial field tests at five reef complexes off Oregon (n = 421) and a larger study evaluating the western boundary of Oregon's Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA, n = 527) showed that the video lander could be deployed and reliably retrieved from high-relief rocky habitat without damage to the camera system and with minimal losses of sacrificial bases. Acceptable visibility for counting fish from the lander video was common at offshore reefs like Stonewall Bank, but less so at nearshore reef complexes. The video lander system was effective for discriminating differences in fish species assemblages at the various reefs surveyed (one-way ANOSIM, P < 0.001) and for identifying seafloor habitat types and species-habitat associations for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) at Stonewall Bank (P < 0.05). The video lander data showed that the area outside and to the west of the YRCA enclosed similar quantities of yelloweye rockfish and their preferred habitats in comparison with the area inside the YRCA (0.179 yelloweye rockfish/station outside, versus 0.144 yelloweye rockfish/station inside, Wilcoxon test, P = 0.417). Our visual survey data also showed that the current western YRCA boundary is not optimal for protecting yelloweye rockfish at Stonewall Bank from fishery harvest. â[superscript°] An unbaited video lander was tested as a survey tool for deepwater rocky reefs. â[superscript°] The design used breakaway components to aid the retrieval of undamaged equipment. â[superscript°] Field tests showed high retrievability. â[superscript°] Differences in species assemblages, abundance and habitat associations were shown. Title: Tests of an experimental unbaited video lander as a marine fish survey tool for high-relief deepwater rocky reefs Author: Hannah, Robert W., Blume, Matthew T. O. We describe the development and practical field testing of a rugged, unbaited video lander as a visual survey tool for fishes inhabiting structurally complex, high-relief, deepwater rocky reefs. Our autonomous, high-resolution, low-light, color video lander system utilized a smooth frame design that incorporated a series of breakaway attachments and inexpensive sacrificial steel bases to maximize the potential for camera system recovery from complex rocky habitats. Initial field tests at five reef complexes off Oregon (n = 421) and a larger study evaluating the western boundary of Oregon's Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA, n = 527) showed that the video lander could be deployed and reliably retrieved from high-relief rocky habitat without damage to the camera system and with minimal losses of sacrificial bases. Acceptable visibility for counting fish from the lander video was common at offshore reefs like Stonewall Bank, but less so at nearshore reef complexes. The video lander system was effective for discriminating differences in fish species assemblages at the various reefs surveyed (one-way ANOSIM, P < 0.001) and for identifying seafloor habitat types and species-habitat associations for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) at Stonewall Bank (P < 0.05). The video lander data showed that the area outside and to the west of the YRCA enclosed similar quantities of yelloweye rockfish and their preferred habitats in comparison with the area inside the YRCA (0.179 yelloweye rockfish/station outside, versus 0.144 yelloweye rockfish/station inside, Wilcoxon test, P = 0.417). Our visual survey data also showed that the current western YRCA boundary is not optimal for protecting yelloweye rockfish at Stonewall Bank from fishery harvest. â[superscript°] An unbaited video lander was tested as a survey tool for deepwater rocky reefs. â[superscript°] The design used breakaway components to aid the retrieval of undamaged equipment. â[superscript°] Field tests showed high retrievability. â[superscript°] Differences in species assemblages, abundance and habitat associations were shown. Close

• 221. [Article] The Power of Three: Coral Reefs, Seagrasses and Mangroves Protect Coastal Regions and Increase Their Resilience

  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 Power of Three: Coral Reefs, Seagrasses and Mangroves Protect Coastal Regions and Increase Their Resilience Author: Ruggiero, Peter, Guannel, Greg, Verutes, Gregory, Arkema, Katie 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 Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/ Title: The Power of Three: Coral Reefs, Seagrasses and Mangroves Protect Coastal Regions and Increase Their Resilience Author: Ruggiero, Peter, Guannel, Greg, Verutes, Gregory, Arkema, Katie 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 Public Library of Science. The published article can be found at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/ Close

• 222. [Article] EPA’s Benthic Habitat Data for Yaquina Estuary

  PDF of PowerPoint presentation (15 slides)

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: EPA’s Benthic Habitat Data for Yaquina Estuary Author: DeWitt, Ted PDF of PowerPoint presentation (15 slides) Title: EPA’s Benthic Habitat Data for Yaquina Estuary Author: DeWitt, Ted PDF of PowerPoint presentation (15 slides) Close

• 223. [Article] Climate Change Winners: Receding Ice Fields Facilitate Colony Expansion and Altered Dynamics in an Ade´ lie Penguin Metapopulation

  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 Public ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Climate Change Winners: Receding Ice Fields Facilitate Colony Expansion and Altered Dynamics in an Ade´ lie Penguin Metapopulation Author: Lyver, Phil O'B., Swanson, Matt, Barton, Kerry, LaRue, Michelle A., Dugger, Katie M., Ballard, Grant, Ainley, David G. 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 Public Library of Science and can be found at: http://www.plos.org/. Title: Climate Change Winners: Receding Ice Fields Facilitate Colony Expansion and Altered Dynamics in an Ade´ lie Penguin Metapopulation Author: Lyver, Phil O'B., Swanson, Matt, Barton, Kerry, LaRue, Michelle A., Dugger, Katie M., Ballard, Grant, Ainley, David G. 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 Public Library of Science and can be found at: http://www.plos.org/. Close

• 224. [Article] Lidar remote sensing variables predict breeding habitat of a Neotropical migrant bird

  Copyright by the Ecological Society of America.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Lidar remote sensing variables predict breeding habitat of a Neotropical migrant bird Author: Dubayah, Ralph, Goetz, Scott J., Hofton, Michelle, Steinberg, Daniel, Doran, Patrick J., Betts, Matthew G., Holmes, Richard T. Copyright by the Ecological Society of America. Title: Lidar remote sensing variables predict breeding habitat of a Neotropical migrant bird Author: Dubayah, Ralph, Goetz, Scott J., Hofton, Michelle, Steinberg, Daniel, Doran, Patrick J., Betts, Matthew G., Holmes, Richard T. Copyright by the Ecological Society of America. Close

• 225. [Article] Habitat alteration and human disturbance : their impact on cougar habitat utilization in southwest Oregon

  Eight cougars were radio-collared and monitored during 1985 - 1987. Home range size, determined by minimum convex polygons, averaged 153.1 km2 for females, 543.5 km2 for males. Core home range size, determined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat alteration and human disturbance : their impact on cougar habitat utilization in southwest Oregon Author: Gagliuso, Robert A. Eight cougars were radio-collared and monitored during 1985 - 1987. Home range size, determined by minimum convex polygons, averaged 153.1 km2 for females, 543.5 km2 for males. Core home range size, determined by harmonic mean analysis, averaged 21.7 km2 for females, 17.9 km2 for males. Home ranges of males and females overlapped, but core areas never overlapped, regardless of sex. Two juvenile females and one juvenile male displaced over 60 km. Cougars utilized habitats in a preferential manner, avoiding clearcuts and preferring mature forest stands. Cougars did not appear to select for riparian areas, although continuous monitoring periods revealed that cougars traveled extensively along riparian areas and topographic features. Cougars did not avoid active timber harvest sites, but rather were closer to them than random locations scattered throughout their home ranges. Cougars did not avoid paved, arterial, feeder, or spur roads but rather were closer to them than random locations. Cougars did not avoid campsites, but did appear to avoid permanent residences. However, movement patterns of cougars also suggested that they did not avoid roads, campsites, or permanent residences. These results were contrary to the only other published study addressing the impacts of huniail disturbances on cougar habitat use. It is hypothesized that difference in vegetative cover between the two studies (the other study was in an area of sparse understory vegetation) is the primary reason for the differing results. Perhaps the most important impact of humans on cougars in this study was heightened mortality (legal and illegal harvest, road kills) resulting from increased human access to cougar habitat. Title: Habitat alteration and human disturbance : their impact on cougar habitat utilization in southwest Oregon Author: Gagliuso, Robert A. Eight cougars were radio-collared and monitored during 1985 - 1987. Home range size, determined by minimum convex polygons, averaged 153.1 km2 for females, 543.5 km2 for males. Core home range size, determined by harmonic mean analysis, averaged 21.7 km2 for females, 17.9 km2 for males. Home ranges of males and females overlapped, but core areas never overlapped, regardless of sex. Two juvenile females and one juvenile male displaced over 60 km. Cougars utilized habitats in a preferential manner, avoiding clearcuts and preferring mature forest stands. Cougars did not appear to select for riparian areas, although continuous monitoring periods revealed that cougars traveled extensively along riparian areas and topographic features. Cougars did not avoid active timber harvest sites, but rather were closer to them than random locations scattered throughout their home ranges. Cougars did not avoid paved, arterial, feeder, or spur roads but rather were closer to them than random locations. Cougars did not avoid campsites, but did appear to avoid permanent residences. However, movement patterns of cougars also suggested that they did not avoid roads, campsites, or permanent residences. These results were contrary to the only other published study addressing the impacts of huniail disturbances on cougar habitat use. It is hypothesized that difference in vegetative cover between the two studies (the other study was in an area of sparse understory vegetation) is the primary reason for the differing results. Perhaps the most important impact of humans on cougars in this study was heightened mortality (legal and illegal harvest, road kills) resulting from increased human access to cougar habitat. Close

• 226. [Article] Roosting Habitat Use and Selection By Northern Spotted Owls During Natal Dispersal

  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 John Wiley & Sons ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Roosting Habitat Use and Selection By Northern Spotted Owls During Natal Dispersal Author: Forsman, Eric D., Taylor, Margaret, Dugger, Katie M., Sovern, Stan G. 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 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817. Title: Roosting Habitat Use and Selection By Northern Spotted Owls During Natal Dispersal Author: Forsman, Eric D., Taylor, Margaret, Dugger, Katie M., Sovern, Stan G. 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 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. and is in the public domain. The published article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817. Close

• 227. [Article] Bird communities in managed conifer stands in the Oregon Cascades : habitat associations and nest predation

  Green-tree retention is being implemented on state and federal lands in Oregon. Silvicultural prescriptions with tree and snag retention are thought to mimic natural disturbance patterns in the Pacific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird communities in managed conifer stands in the Oregon Cascades : habitat associations and nest predation Author: Vega, Robyn M. S. Green-tree retention is being implemented on state and federal lands in Oregon. Silvicultural prescriptions with tree and snag retention are thought to mimic natural disturbance patterns in the Pacific Northwest more closely than traditional silvicultural practices, which reduce structural complexity. The effects of green-tree retention on native bird species in the Pacific Northwest are largely unknown. Consequently, this study examined avian communities, individual species abundances, habitat associations, and artificial nest predation in the West-central Oregon Cascade Range. Between May and August 1992, 4 clearcut, 4 green-tree retention, and 4 mature conifer stands were studied. Species diversity was greater in mature stands than in clearcuts. Total bird abundance and species richness did not differ among stand types, but community composition did. Differences in community composition were related to differences in vegetation structure and composition. Species showed individualistic responses to stand types, and individual species abundances were correlated with conifer and snag densities more than with other variables. Green-tree retention stands provided habitat for some birds that are associated with early- and late-seral habitats. Predation on ground nests was greater in clearcuts than retention stands. Shrub nest predation was greater in retention stands than in clearcuts or mature stands. These results support the hypothesis that trees and snags which are retained in harvest units serve as perches which facilitate the location of shrub nests by predators. Retention stands may be sink habitats for species which nest in them unsuccessfully. Open canopy species which are negatively associated with green-tree retention may show further declines in population if green-tree retention stands replace clearcuts on state and federal lands in Oregon. In order to provide habitat for native species, a variety of stand conditions should be maintained across the landscape and management objectives should be tailored to individual species or communities. Title: Bird communities in managed conifer stands in the Oregon Cascades : habitat associations and nest predation Author: Vega, Robyn M. S. Green-tree retention is being implemented on state and federal lands in Oregon. Silvicultural prescriptions with tree and snag retention are thought to mimic natural disturbance patterns in the Pacific Northwest more closely than traditional silvicultural practices, which reduce structural complexity. The effects of green-tree retention on native bird species in the Pacific Northwest are largely unknown. Consequently, this study examined avian communities, individual species abundances, habitat associations, and artificial nest predation in the West-central Oregon Cascade Range. Between May and August 1992, 4 clearcut, 4 green-tree retention, and 4 mature conifer stands were studied. Species diversity was greater in mature stands than in clearcuts. Total bird abundance and species richness did not differ among stand types, but community composition did. Differences in community composition were related to differences in vegetation structure and composition. Species showed individualistic responses to stand types, and individual species abundances were correlated with conifer and snag densities more than with other variables. Green-tree retention stands provided habitat for some birds that are associated with early- and late-seral habitats. Predation on ground nests was greater in clearcuts than retention stands. Shrub nest predation was greater in retention stands than in clearcuts or mature stands. These results support the hypothesis that trees and snags which are retained in harvest units serve as perches which facilitate the location of shrub nests by predators. Retention stands may be sink habitats for species which nest in them unsuccessfully. Open canopy species which are negatively associated with green-tree retention may show further declines in population if green-tree retention stands replace clearcuts on state and federal lands in Oregon. In order to provide habitat for native species, a variety of stand conditions should be maintained across the landscape and management objectives should be tailored to individual species or communities. Close

• 228. [Article] Using Tabu Search to solve tactical forest planning problems with spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints

  A method was developed to formulate and solve a fifty-year tactical harvest scheduling problem that included spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints for a 4800-acre watershed in Northwestern Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Using Tabu Search to solve tactical forest planning problems with spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints Author: Boston, Kevin Donald A method was developed to formulate and solve a fifty-year tactical harvest scheduling problem that included spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints for a 4800-acre watershed in Northwestern Oregon under four scenarios. Three goals and two habitat constraints were included in each scenario. The first goal was a volume goal. The second goal was a landscape aggregation goal measured with the contagion index. The third goal was a shape goal using the ratio of the existing perimeter of closed-canopy stands with that of a circle with equivalent area. The first constraint required a minimum cluster of connected closed-canopy stands that spanned opposite edges of a map. The second constraint limited the maximum opening created in any period. The algorithm included both fixed and variable cost components for the transportation network. Tabu Search with both short-term memory restriction and a long-term diversification strategy was used to solve this ten-period problem. The performance of the heuristic was measured by comparing the results with an estimate of the optimal value obtained from extreme value theory using a three-parameter Weibull distribution. In scenario one, the shape goal was reached in most periods and the average contagion index was 0.35. The volume goal was met or exceeded in all periods. The heuristic found one solution within 2 percent of the estimated optimal value, while 75 percent of the solutions were within 80 percent of the estimated optimal value. In scenario two, the average contagion index was 0.40. The goal was met in over 50 percent of the periods. The volume and shape goals were met or exceeded in all periods. The heuristic found one solution within 6 percent of the estimated optimal value, while the remaining solutions were within 83 percent of the estimated optimal value. Two additional scenarios were developed to create specific wildlife habitat. Scenario three developed high quality habitat for pine marten containing a connected landscape of closed-canopy stands with minimum edge habitat. Scenario four was developed for elk. This analysis produced habitat with a mixture of open and closed-canopy stands in a dispersed pattern. Title: Using Tabu Search to solve tactical forest planning problems with spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints Author: Boston, Kevin Donald A method was developed to formulate and solve a fifty-year tactical harvest scheduling problem that included spatial wildlife habitat goals and constraints for a 4800-acre watershed in Northwestern Oregon under four scenarios. Three goals and two habitat constraints were included in each scenario. The first goal was a volume goal. The second goal was a landscape aggregation goal measured with the contagion index. The third goal was a shape goal using the ratio of the existing perimeter of closed-canopy stands with that of a circle with equivalent area. The first constraint required a minimum cluster of connected closed-canopy stands that spanned opposite edges of a map. The second constraint limited the maximum opening created in any period. The algorithm included both fixed and variable cost components for the transportation network. Tabu Search with both short-term memory restriction and a long-term diversification strategy was used to solve this ten-period problem. The performance of the heuristic was measured by comparing the results with an estimate of the optimal value obtained from extreme value theory using a three-parameter Weibull distribution. In scenario one, the shape goal was reached in most periods and the average contagion index was 0.35. The volume goal was met or exceeded in all periods. The heuristic found one solution within 2 percent of the estimated optimal value, while 75 percent of the solutions were within 80 percent of the estimated optimal value. In scenario two, the average contagion index was 0.40. The goal was met in over 50 percent of the periods. The volume and shape goals were met or exceeded in all periods. The heuristic found one solution within 6 percent of the estimated optimal value, while the remaining solutions were within 83 percent of the estimated optimal value. Two additional scenarios were developed to create specific wildlife habitat. Scenario three developed high quality habitat for pine marten containing a connected landscape of closed-canopy stands with minimum edge habitat. Scenario four was developed for elk. This analysis produced habitat with a mixture of open and closed-canopy stands in a dispersed pattern. Close

• 229. [Article] Habitat segregation of two ambystomatids in mountain ponds, Mount Rainier National Park

  Ambystoma macrodactylum (long-toed salamander) and A. gracile (northwestern salamander) are two common salamander species occupying key trophic positions in mountain ponds of Mount Rainier National Park. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat segregation of two ambystomatids in mountain ponds, Mount Rainier National Park Author: Brokes, Brendan J. Ambystoma macrodactylum (long-toed salamander) and A. gracile (northwestern salamander) are two common salamander species occupying key trophic positions in mountain ponds of Mount Rainier National Park. The objective of this research was to document and evaluate the distributions and abundances of the two species, relative to habitat characteristics of ponds in the park. Amphibian distributions and abundances were assessed in 20 ponds from June through September 1993 to 1996. Nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen, Kjeldahl-N, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate-P), habitat characteristics (surface area, depth, elevation, substratum organic content lost on ignition, amount of coarse woody debris, aquatic vegetation, and bottom firmness), and water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, conductivity, and pH) were measured. Distinct habitat associations were found for each Ambystoma species. Ponds with one species only were different in surface area, maximum depth, substratum organic content, and elevation. Ponds with A. macrodactylum were small, shallow, high in elevation, and had firm sediments low in organic matter relative to A. gracile ponds. Ambystoma macrodactylum ponds typically contained little coarse woody debris relative to the amount of aquatic vegetation. Ambystoma gracile ponds were large, deep, low in elevation, had flocculent sediment high in organic content, abundant coarse woody debris, and little aquatic vegetation relative to A. macrodactylum ponds. Two ponds supported reproducing populations of both species and exhibited habitat characteristics intermediate to the allopatric pond types. These findings suggest that habitat complexity plays an important role in the segregation of A. macrodactylum and A. gracile. Title: Habitat segregation of two ambystomatids in mountain ponds, Mount Rainier National Park Author: Brokes, Brendan J. Ambystoma macrodactylum (long-toed salamander) and A. gracile (northwestern salamander) are two common salamander species occupying key trophic positions in mountain ponds of Mount Rainier National Park. The objective of this research was to document and evaluate the distributions and abundances of the two species, relative to habitat characteristics of ponds in the park. Amphibian distributions and abundances were assessed in 20 ponds from June through September 1993 to 1996. Nutrient concentrations (total nitrogen, Kjeldahl-N, total phosphorus, and orthophosphate-P), habitat characteristics (surface area, depth, elevation, substratum organic content lost on ignition, amount of coarse woody debris, aquatic vegetation, and bottom firmness), and water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, conductivity, and pH) were measured. Distinct habitat associations were found for each Ambystoma species. Ponds with one species only were different in surface area, maximum depth, substratum organic content, and elevation. Ponds with A. macrodactylum were small, shallow, high in elevation, and had firm sediments low in organic matter relative to A. gracile ponds. Ambystoma macrodactylum ponds typically contained little coarse woody debris relative to the amount of aquatic vegetation. Ambystoma gracile ponds were large, deep, low in elevation, had flocculent sediment high in organic content, abundant coarse woody debris, and little aquatic vegetation relative to A. macrodactylum ponds. Two ponds supported reproducing populations of both species and exhibited habitat characteristics intermediate to the allopatric pond types. These findings suggest that habitat complexity plays an important role in the segregation of A. macrodactylum and A. gracile. Close

• 230. [Article] Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon

  The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon Author: Riggs, Robert, Cook, John, Damiran, Daalkhaijav, Darambazar, Enkhjargal, DelCurto, Timothy, Vavra, Martin The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional stages (sapling, pole, small saw, and saw log) and canopy cover (light and medium) in dry Grand Fir (Abies grandis), wet Grand Fir, dry Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), wet Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat types, and non-forest communities (Wet Meadow, Riparian Grass, Grassland, and Scabland) were sampled with 3 to 15 replicates per ecological land unit for production by species over 3 consecutive years. Production ranged from 799.9 to 1050.6 kg/ha for forest communities and from 686.5 to 3534.5 kg/ha for non-forest communities. Within forest communities, wet Douglas Fir habitats had lower production (P < 0.01) than the other habitat types. Non-forest communities varied in production (P < 0.01) with scabland being lowest and wet meadow - highest. Higher productions (P < 0.01) were obtained in recently logged dry Grand Fir and dry Douglas Fir habitats compared to the other successional stages. Otherwise, successional stages were similar in production (P > 0.01). Light and medium densities of overstory canopy cover did not influence (P > 0.01) understory production, except light covered wet Grand Fir having greater production (P < 0.01) than medium covered wet and dry Grand Fir habitats. Growth form production did not differ (P > 0.01) between successional stages, although later successional stages of wet Douglas Fir habitats declined in grasses and forbs with an increasing shrub component. In summary, overstory manipulation changes understory vegetation by increasing grasses and forbs in dry and wet environments of Grand Fir and in dry Douglas Fir communities, but did not influence other habitat types. Title: Understory production of transitional forested rangelands in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon Author: Riggs, Robert, Cook, John, Damiran, Daalkhaijav, Darambazar, Enkhjargal, DelCurto, Timothy, Vavra, Martin The objective of this study was to quantify understory vegetation response to overstory manipulation of Blue Mountain eco-region forest. Forty nine ecological land units, including differing successional stages (sapling, pole, small saw, and saw log) and canopy cover (light and medium) in dry Grand Fir (Abies grandis), wet Grand Fir, dry Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), wet Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) habitat types, and non-forest communities (Wet Meadow, Riparian Grass, Grassland, and Scabland) were sampled with 3 to 15 replicates per ecological land unit for production by species over 3 consecutive years. Production ranged from 799.9 to 1050.6 kg/ha for forest communities and from 686.5 to 3534.5 kg/ha for non-forest communities. Within forest communities, wet Douglas Fir habitats had lower production (P < 0.01) than the other habitat types. Non-forest communities varied in production (P < 0.01) with scabland being lowest and wet meadow - highest. Higher productions (P < 0.01) were obtained in recently logged dry Grand Fir and dry Douglas Fir habitats compared to the other successional stages. Otherwise, successional stages were similar in production (P > 0.01). Light and medium densities of overstory canopy cover did not influence (P > 0.01) understory production, except light covered wet Grand Fir having greater production (P < 0.01) than medium covered wet and dry Grand Fir habitats. Growth form production did not differ (P > 0.01) between successional stages, although later successional stages of wet Douglas Fir habitats declined in grasses and forbs with an increasing shrub component. In summary, overstory manipulation changes understory vegetation by increasing grasses and forbs in dry and wet environments of Grand Fir and in dry Douglas Fir communities, but did not influence other habitat types. Close

• 231. [Article] Trask River watershed analysis : final report, August 2003

  Recommendations are provided in this watershed analysis to identify actions and management decisions on the part of BLM that might improve watershed health in the Trask River watershed.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Trask River watershed analysis : final report, August 2003 Author: E&S Environmental Chemistry, Inc., Sullivan, Timothy J., Snyder, Kai U., Oregon. Dept. of Forestry, Raymond, Richard B., Gilbert, Erin H., United States. Bureau of Land Management, Moore, Deian L. Recommendations are provided in this watershed analysis to identify actions and management decisions on the part of BLM that might improve watershed health in the Trask River watershed. Title: Trask River watershed analysis : final report, August 2003 Author: E&S Environmental Chemistry, Inc., Sullivan, Timothy J., Snyder, Kai U., Oregon. Dept. of Forestry, Raymond, Richard B., Gilbert, Erin H., United States. Bureau of Land Management, Moore, Deian L. Recommendations are provided in this watershed analysis to identify actions and management decisions on the part of BLM that might improve watershed health in the Trask River watershed. Close

• 232. [Article] Selected life history aspects and habitat use by Merriam's wild turkeys in Oregon

  Habitat use and reproductive success by Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were studied in Wasco County, Oregon, during 1981-82. This low density turkey population selectively used forested ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Selected life history aspects and habitat use by Merriam's wild turkeys in Oregon Author: Lutz, Robert Scott Habitat use and reproductive success by Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were studied in Wasco County, Oregon, during 1981-82. This low density turkey population selectively used forested cover types characterized by a variety of structural features, species, and age classes. They avoided monotypic forested cover types, used non-forested cover types in proportion to their availability, and never used forested cover types with structure simplified by logging activities. Reproductive success and nesting habitat were described for 25 Merriam's wild turkey hens. A higher proportion of adults than yearlings attempted to nest (75 vs. 25%) and were more successful (90 vs. 25%). Nests were located in 5 of 14 available cover types; only thinned, mixed conifer was used more than it occurred. Thinned, mixed conifer stands contained 52% of the nests, of which 82% were successful. Two measures of vegetative screening (shrub density and visual obstruction at 0.5 m) were significantly greater at sites used for nesting than at random sites. Characteristics of trees and cover types in which Merriam's wild turkeys roosted were described for 36 roosts used by hens during winter, spring, and summer. Four of 14 cover types were used for roosting; only mature, mixed conifer was used significantly more than it occurred on the study area. Seasonal differences in roost characteristics (number of trees/site, canopy cover, slope, and DBH) were attributed to flock size and composition. I suggest that complexity both within and among cover types is an important component of habitat for Merriam's wild turkeys, which should be considered in the evaluation of potential release sites and in habitat management plans for existing populations. I recommend creating nesting habitat by thinning pole-size stands in the Douglas-- fir (pseudotsuga menziesij) zone and leaving slash in stands. Additionally, adult rather than yearling hens should be released in transplant operations. Title: Selected life history aspects and habitat use by Merriam's wild turkeys in Oregon Author: Lutz, Robert Scott Habitat use and reproductive success by Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were studied in Wasco County, Oregon, during 1981-82. This low density turkey population selectively used forested cover types characterized by a variety of structural features, species, and age classes. They avoided monotypic forested cover types, used non-forested cover types in proportion to their availability, and never used forested cover types with structure simplified by logging activities. Reproductive success and nesting habitat were described for 25 Merriam's wild turkey hens. A higher proportion of adults than yearlings attempted to nest (75 vs. 25%) and were more successful (90 vs. 25%). Nests were located in 5 of 14 available cover types; only thinned, mixed conifer was used more than it occurred. Thinned, mixed conifer stands contained 52% of the nests, of which 82% were successful. Two measures of vegetative screening (shrub density and visual obstruction at 0.5 m) were significantly greater at sites used for nesting than at random sites. Characteristics of trees and cover types in which Merriam's wild turkeys roosted were described for 36 roosts used by hens during winter, spring, and summer. Four of 14 cover types were used for roosting; only mature, mixed conifer was used significantly more than it occurred on the study area. Seasonal differences in roost characteristics (number of trees/site, canopy cover, slope, and DBH) were attributed to flock size and composition. I suggest that complexity both within and among cover types is an important component of habitat for Merriam's wild turkeys, which should be considered in the evaluation of potential release sites and in habitat management plans for existing populations. I recommend creating nesting habitat by thinning pole-size stands in the Douglas-- fir (pseudotsuga menziesij) zone and leaving slash in stands. Additionally, adult rather than yearling hens should be released in transplant operations. Close

• 233. [Article] Patterns of temporal and spatial habitat use by sympatric speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) and longnose dace (R. cataractae) in an Oregon Cascades stream

  Microhabitat use by adult speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), adult longnose dace (R. cataractae), and juvenile dace (R. spp.) was investigated during the summer of 1992 in an Oregon Cascades stream. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Patterns of temporal and spatial habitat use by sympatric speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) and longnose dace (R. cataractae) in an Oregon Cascades stream Author: Dodge, Karen L. Microhabitat use by adult speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), adult longnose dace (R. cataractae), and juvenile dace (R. spp.) was investigated during the summer of 1992 in an Oregon Cascades stream. Selected areas were snorkeled day and night in order to evaluate differential use of habitat resources both temporally and spatially. Speckled dace were active both day and night but longnose dace were only observed at night when they were found primarily in fast flowing midstream areas. Small speckled dace (<8 cm TL) shifted from relatively fast flowing midstream daytime habitats to slower inshore areas at night. Large speckled dace (8-14 cm TL) used slower areas during the day and faster water at night. Potential competition between large speckled dace and longnose dace (8-20 cm TL) at night may be deflected by spatial microhabitat segregation. Within the fast water habitat at night, longnose dace used the fastest, shallowest areas with large substrates and were usually on the bottom. Large speckled dace used relatively slower, deeper water with smaller substrates and were near, but not on, the bottom. Title: Patterns of temporal and spatial habitat use by sympatric speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) and longnose dace (R. cataractae) in an Oregon Cascades stream Author: Dodge, Karen L. Microhabitat use by adult speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), adult longnose dace (R. cataractae), and juvenile dace (R. spp.) was investigated during the summer of 1992 in an Oregon Cascades stream. Selected areas were snorkeled day and night in order to evaluate differential use of habitat resources both temporally and spatially. Speckled dace were active both day and night but longnose dace were only observed at night when they were found primarily in fast flowing midstream areas. Small speckled dace (<8 cm TL) shifted from relatively fast flowing midstream daytime habitats to slower inshore areas at night. Large speckled dace (8-14 cm TL) used slower areas during the day and faster water at night. Potential competition between large speckled dace and longnose dace (8-20 cm TL) at night may be deflected by spatial microhabitat segregation. Within the fast water habitat at night, longnose dace used the fastest, shallowest areas with large substrates and were usually on the bottom. Large speckled dace used relatively slower, deeper water with smaller substrates and were near, but not on, the bottom. Close

• 234. [Article] Plant communities and habitat types of the Meadow Creek experimental watershed

  The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed by existing vegetation, and 2) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Plant communities and habitat types of the Meadow Creek experimental watershed Author: Ganskopp, David C. (David Conrad) The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed by existing vegetation, and 2) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed by habitat types. The classification system adopted for this study was based on the habitat type concept of Rexford Daubenmire. Frequency of herbaceous vegetation and cover of shrub species were sampled in riparian communities. In upland communities density and cover estimations were used to quantify herbaceous plants, line intercepts were employed to sample shrub species, and belt transects were used to quantify the overstory component via density and basal area. Forty permanent transects were established in riparian communities and 151 permanent transects were established in upland communities. An association table process was employed for separation of plant communities and habitat types. Transects on the riparian meadows proved to be insufficiently stratified for quantification of plant communities. However, 44 riparian communities were delineated by reconnaissance methods. Seventeen plant communities were detected and mapped on upland areas. Habitat type classifications revealed three grassland, one shrub, and six forest habitat types on the area. Riparian meadows and a small portion of the upland area could not be classified to habitat types. Title: Plant communities and habitat types of the Meadow Creek experimental watershed Author: Ganskopp, David C. (David Conrad) The objectives of this study were: 1) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed by existing vegetation, and 2) to identify and map the experimental area of Meadow Creek watershed by habitat types. The classification system adopted for this study was based on the habitat type concept of Rexford Daubenmire. Frequency of herbaceous vegetation and cover of shrub species were sampled in riparian communities. In upland communities density and cover estimations were used to quantify herbaceous plants, line intercepts were employed to sample shrub species, and belt transects were used to quantify the overstory component via density and basal area. Forty permanent transects were established in riparian communities and 151 permanent transects were established in upland communities. An association table process was employed for separation of plant communities and habitat types. Transects on the riparian meadows proved to be insufficiently stratified for quantification of plant communities. However, 44 riparian communities were delineated by reconnaissance methods. Seventeen plant communities were detected and mapped on upland areas. Habitat type classifications revealed three grassland, one shrub, and six forest habitat types on the area. Riparian meadows and a small portion of the upland area could not be classified to habitat types. Close

• 235. [Article] Biological Opinion: Formal Section 7 Consultation on the Boulder, Donegam, Rumble/Irish and Upland Road-Related Restoration Projects, the Dumont Creek Instream and Riparian Restoration Project, and Renewal of the North Umpqua Watercraft Operations and Fishing Guide Permits, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

  The Umpqua National Forest (UNF) submitted June 3, 1999, January 14, 2000, and April 14, 2000 letters requesting consultation for a number of proposed activities that were determined likely to adversely ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biological Opinion: Formal Section 7 Consultation on the Boulder, Donegam, Rumble/Irish and Upland Road-Related Restoration Projects, the Dumont Creek Instream and Riparian Restoration Project, and Renewal of the North Umpqua Watercraft Operations and Fishing Guide Permits, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Author: National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region The Umpqua National Forest (UNF) submitted June 3, 1999, January 14, 2000, and April 14, 2000 letters requesting consultation for a number of proposed activities that were determined likely to adversely affect Oregon Coast (OC) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Biological assessments (BAs) addressing the potential effects to these species accompanied the letters. The BAs describe the environmental baseline and effects of proposed actions on OC coho salmon and its critical habitat and this biological opinion (Opinion) analyzes the proposed actions described in the BAs. The proposed actions would have short-term adverse effects on OC coho salmon and its habitat, but are expected to provide long-term beneficial effects. The OC coho salmon evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) was listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on August 10, 1998 (63 FR 42587). Critical habitat for this species was designated on February 16, 2000 (65 FR 7764). The UNF made the effects determinations in the BAs following procedures described in NMFS (1996). This document serves as NMFS's biological opinion for OC coho salmon. The objective of this Opinion is to determine whether the proposed actions are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of OC coho salmon or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat for OC coho salmon. This consultation is undertaken pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the ESA and its implementing regulations, 50 CFR Part 402. Title: Biological Opinion: Formal Section 7 Consultation on the Boulder, Donegam, Rumble/Irish and Upland Road-Related Restoration Projects, the Dumont Creek Instream and Riparian Restoration Project, and Renewal of the North Umpqua Watercraft Operations and Fishing Guide Permits, Umpqua National Forest, Oregon Author: National Marine Fisheries Service, Northwest Region The Umpqua National Forest (UNF) submitted June 3, 1999, January 14, 2000, and April 14, 2000 letters requesting consultation for a number of proposed activities that were determined likely to adversely affect Oregon Coast (OC) coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). Biological assessments (BAs) addressing the potential effects to these species accompanied the letters. The BAs describe the environmental baseline and effects of proposed actions on OC coho salmon and its critical habitat and this biological opinion (Opinion) analyzes the proposed actions described in the BAs. The proposed actions would have short-term adverse effects on OC coho salmon and its habitat, but are expected to provide long-term beneficial effects. The OC coho salmon evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) was listed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on August 10, 1998 (63 FR 42587). Critical habitat for this species was designated on February 16, 2000 (65 FR 7764). The UNF made the effects determinations in the BAs following procedures described in NMFS (1996). This document serves as NMFS's biological opinion for OC coho salmon. The objective of this Opinion is to determine whether the proposed actions are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of OC coho salmon or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat for OC coho salmon. This consultation is undertaken pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the ESA and its implementing regulations, 50 CFR Part 402. Close

• 236. [Article] Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management

  As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management Author: Klopfenstein, Rachael As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes to the estuary influence how these habitats are utilized. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (“PHAR” hereafter) is a highly invasive aquatic plant species that affects a number of emergent wetland habitats in the upper Columbia River estuary, and is of concern to those trying to restore important shallow-water habitats for juvenile salmon. The presence of PHAR undoubtedly reduces plant diversity, but this study seeked to elucidate how PHAR affects juvenile Chinook Salmon rearing success relative to natural emergent vegetation. The study further evaluated the importance of wetland-deriver prey to juveniles found in shallow-water habitats along a habitat gradient (i.e., back-water channel, confluence, and main stem). We conducted research at a floodplain wetland restoration site in the tidal-fluvial portion of the estuary, where a water control structure is used to manage water levels and the spread of PHAR. The goal of the research was to compare two microhabitats within the floodplain: areas dominated by PHAR and areas dominated by natural emergent vegetation. Using hatchery-raised juvenile Chinook salmon, we designed a series of feeding experiments in artificial enclosures to determine whether invasive PHAR and natural emergent vegetation provide similar foraging and growth opportunities for juvenile salmon. We further identified differences in physical and biological parameters of each habitat (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, and invertebrate community) and examined feeding characteristics (e.g., diet composition and modeled growth rates) for juveniles through a stomach content analysis. Additionally, we conducted beach seining and diet analysis for fish collected along a habitat gradient and compared the diet composition and modeled growth rates between the sample areas. In the floodplain wetland, invertebrate prey compositions from the 2015-2016 (March- June) fallout and emergence traps were similar, but prey abundances and diversity varied seasonally. Across both years, for emergence traps, the average total density (per m²) of invertebrates in the natural vegetation and in PHAR was 154±18 m² and 225±34 m², respectively, and for the fallout traps was 664±95 m² and 662±64 m², respectively. Salmon diets were mostly similar, and a large proportion of diets in both habitats were made up of Copepoda/Cladocera (60-98% composition by biomass). Growth during the net pen experiment differed significantly between the two vegetation types (Kruskal-Wallis: p<0.001), with fish growing more in the natural emergent vegetation. In 2015, juveniles grew an average 6.4 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation, compared to 4.7 mm FL in PHAR, and consumed fewer Copepoda/Cladocera and more Diptera over the 10 days. In 2016, juveniles grew an average 9.2 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation compared to 7.6 mm FL in PHAR. In 2016, fish from both habitats consumed a higher abundance of Copepoda/Cladocera and grew more, despite poor water quality conditions at the site. Of the subyearlings (n=170) and yearlings (n=14) collected in habitats adjacent to the floodplain wetland, 48% were of known hatchery origin. Modeled potential growth rates for subyearlings were similar on average between February and May in the back channel, confluence, and main stem, ranging from 0.067–0.07 g/g/d, but the rates varied seasonally. Growth potential was higher in the back channel habitat earlier in the sampling season (February-March), as the modeled daily growth rates were 0.08 g/g/d compared to 0.06 g/g/d in the main stem. All fish collected prior to May were relatively small and unclipped, highlighting the seasonal benefits of shallow-water habitats to support a variety of life-history traits. When comparing modeled growth rates of the juveniles reared at the floodplain wetland compared to the in adjacent habitats, estimates from the floodplain wetland were higher across all months. Restoration of shallow-water habitats is important for the overall health of the estuary, but the effects of large-scale ecosystem changes (e.g., flow regulation and spread invasive species) on salmon recovery and estuary-management decisions are uncertain. For example, water control structures to limit the spread of PHAR also reduce fish access to floodplain habitats, and fewer high-flow events further limit fish access and may facilitate the spread of invasive species. PHAR has been shown to reduce overall plant diversity and, as observed in this study, may provide habitat that is less suitable to juvenile Chinook Salmon. The high density of important prey for salmon found at the site, regardless of the presence of PHAR, and high potential growth measured at the site, emphasize the importance of restoring shallow-water habitats that are accessible to juvenile Chinook Salmon in the upper estuary. Title: Restoring the Columbia River Estuary : Chinook Salmon Recovery and Invasive Species Management Author: Klopfenstein, Rachael As highlighted in this study, shallow-water habitats and the prey they provide are important for juvenile salmon in the Columbia River estuary, but the spread of invasive species and large-scale changes to the estuary influence how these habitats are utilized. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) (“PHAR” hereafter) is a highly invasive aquatic plant species that affects a number of emergent wetland habitats in the upper Columbia River estuary, and is of concern to those trying to restore important shallow-water habitats for juvenile salmon. The presence of PHAR undoubtedly reduces plant diversity, but this study seeked to elucidate how PHAR affects juvenile Chinook Salmon rearing success relative to natural emergent vegetation. The study further evaluated the importance of wetland-deriver prey to juveniles found in shallow-water habitats along a habitat gradient (i.e., back-water channel, confluence, and main stem). We conducted research at a floodplain wetland restoration site in the tidal-fluvial portion of the estuary, where a water control structure is used to manage water levels and the spread of PHAR. The goal of the research was to compare two microhabitats within the floodplain: areas dominated by PHAR and areas dominated by natural emergent vegetation. Using hatchery-raised juvenile Chinook salmon, we designed a series of feeding experiments in artificial enclosures to determine whether invasive PHAR and natural emergent vegetation provide similar foraging and growth opportunities for juvenile salmon. We further identified differences in physical and biological parameters of each habitat (e.g., temperature, dissolved oxygen, and invertebrate community) and examined feeding characteristics (e.g., diet composition and modeled growth rates) for juveniles through a stomach content analysis. Additionally, we conducted beach seining and diet analysis for fish collected along a habitat gradient and compared the diet composition and modeled growth rates between the sample areas. In the floodplain wetland, invertebrate prey compositions from the 2015-2016 (March- June) fallout and emergence traps were similar, but prey abundances and diversity varied seasonally. Across both years, for emergence traps, the average total density (per m²) of invertebrates in the natural vegetation and in PHAR was 154±18 m² and 225±34 m², respectively, and for the fallout traps was 664±95 m² and 662±64 m², respectively. Salmon diets were mostly similar, and a large proportion of diets in both habitats were made up of Copepoda/Cladocera (60-98% composition by biomass). Growth during the net pen experiment differed significantly between the two vegetation types (Kruskal-Wallis: p<0.001), with fish growing more in the natural emergent vegetation. In 2015, juveniles grew an average 6.4 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation, compared to 4.7 mm FL in PHAR, and consumed fewer Copepoda/Cladocera and more Diptera over the 10 days. In 2016, juveniles grew an average 9.2 mm FL in the natural emergent vegetation compared to 7.6 mm FL in PHAR. In 2016, fish from both habitats consumed a higher abundance of Copepoda/Cladocera and grew more, despite poor water quality conditions at the site. Of the subyearlings (n=170) and yearlings (n=14) collected in habitats adjacent to the floodplain wetland, 48% were of known hatchery origin. Modeled potential growth rates for subyearlings were similar on average between February and May in the back channel, confluence, and main stem, ranging from 0.067–0.07 g/g/d, but the rates varied seasonally. Growth potential was higher in the back channel habitat earlier in the sampling season (February-March), as the modeled daily growth rates were 0.08 g/g/d compared to 0.06 g/g/d in the main stem. All fish collected prior to May were relatively small and unclipped, highlighting the seasonal benefits of shallow-water habitats to support a variety of life-history traits. When comparing modeled growth rates of the juveniles reared at the floodplain wetland compared to the in adjacent habitats, estimates from the floodplain wetland were higher across all months. Restoration of shallow-water habitats is important for the overall health of the estuary, but the effects of large-scale ecosystem changes (e.g., flow regulation and spread invasive species) on salmon recovery and estuary-management decisions are uncertain. For example, water control structures to limit the spread of PHAR also reduce fish access to floodplain habitats, and fewer high-flow events further limit fish access and may facilitate the spread of invasive species. PHAR has been shown to reduce overall plant diversity and, as observed in this study, may provide habitat that is less suitable to juvenile Chinook Salmon. The high density of important prey for salmon found at the site, regardless of the presence of PHAR, and high potential growth measured at the site, emphasize the importance of restoring shallow-water habitats that are accessible to juvenile Chinook Salmon in the upper estuary. Close

• 237. [Article] Effects of a Wind Energy Development on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Selection and Population Demographics in Southeastern Wyoming

  Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. and Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC initiated a greater sage-grouse radio-telemetry study at an existing wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming in 2009. The ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of a Wind Energy Development on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Selection and Population Demographics in Southeastern Wyoming Author: LeBeau, Chad W. Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. and Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC initiated a greater sage-grouse radio-telemetry study at an existing wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming in 2009. The University of Wyoming joined this collaborative effort in January 2010, and the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative joined the effort in March 2011. The overall goal of the research was to establish the population-level effects of wind energy development on female sage-grouse seasonal habitat selection and demography. This study represents the only situation in the US where the responses of greater sage-grouse to the infrastructure associated with a wind energy development has been investigated. Our primary objective was to discern the relationship between sage-grouse nest, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection patterns and survival parameters and the infrastructure of an existing wind energy facility. The Seven Mile Hill (SMH) study area was located north of Interstate 80 and south of the Shirley Basin in Carbon County, Wyoming, US. A control and treatment area was included in the SMH study area, with boundaries of each of these areas determined from lek locations and radio-marked female sage-grouse distributions. The Seven Mile Hill Wind Energy Facility (SWEF; located in the treatment area) consisted of 79 General Electric 1.5-MW wind turbines and approximately 29 km of access roads. The facility became fully operational in December 2008. In addition to the SWEF, other anthropogenic features present in this portion of the study area included approximately eight km of paved roads and 26 km of overhead transmission lines. The control study area had no wind turbines and was adjacent to the SWEF and south of US Highway 30/287. There were approximately 50 km of paved roads and 17 km of overhead transmission lines in this area. The treatment area had four leks that had an average distance of 1.93 km from the nearest SWEF turbines (range = 0.53 to 4.15 km), while the control group consisted of 6 leks with an average distance of 10.99 km from the nearest SWEF turbine (range = 7.09 to 16.16 km). We captured and radio-equipped 346 (160 treatment; 186 control) female sage-grouse within an area consisting of a wind energy development and a control area absent of wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming from 2009–2014. We relocated each radio-marked female approximately twice a week during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We developed a suite of anthropogenic, vegetation, and environmental covariates to estimate habitat selection and survival for all sage-grouse during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We used a discrete choice habitat selection model to estimate the relative probability of sage-grouse nest site, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection within both the control and treatment areas during the post-development period. We did not detect a negative impact of the wind energy facility on nest site selection during the study period. Sage-grouse rearing broods generally avoided suitable brood-rearing habitat near anthropogenic infrastructure that includes wind energy development, major paved roads and transmission lines. Although avoidance was consistent across the years of our study, avoidance of wind turbines was more pronounced in 2012-2014 compared to 2009-2011, suggesting a lag period in the ultimate population-level response to the development of a wind energy facility. Although distance to turbine was not strongly associated with summer habitat selection, the percentage of disturbance associated with wind energy infrastructure did appear to influence summer habitat selection. In addition, we estimated survival during each seasonal period to estimate the effect of the SWEF on population fitness. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse nest survival within the study area over the six-year period, and nest survival did not differ between nests of females captured at treatment and control area leks over the study period. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse brood survival within the study area over the six-year period. Survival was related to habitat features and anthropogenic features that have existed on the landscape for >10 years. Lastly, the SWEF did not have a negative effect on female sage-grouse summer survival within the study area over the six-year period. After controlling for annual and natural variability, we observed a positive effect of the SWEF on female survival when the percentage of disturbance within 0.81 km of a sage-grouse location increased from 0% to 3%. Our study is the first to estimate the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection and fitness parameters. Female sage-grouse selection of seasonal habitats was variable relative to the infrastructure associated with wind energy facility, but fitness parameters did not appear to be influenced to a great degree by the infrastructure. This pattern of effect is similar to greater prairie-chicken response to a wind energy facility in Kansas but opposite of sage-grouse response to oil and gas development. Ideally, we would have preconstruction data to identify changes in the population and decipher mechanisms in sage-grouse response to infrastructure; however, we are confident that if such impacts to habitat selection and survival did occur then we would have been able to detect these changes over the 6-year study period. The lack of other studies investigating impacts from wind energy development to sage-grouse habitat selection and survival limits our ability to make inferences about the cumulative impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse, but we were able to describe some of the impacts that wind energy developments may have on sage-grouse populations. Although we attempted to account for possible confounding factors, there is the chance that we did not detect important interactions between environmental features and habitat selection and survival patterns. Future wind energy developments should consider the potential impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection patterns and survival parameters. We recommend facilities similar in size that occupy similar habitats as our study be placed 1.20 km from any occupied sage-grouse nesting, brood-rearing, or summer habitats. We recommend that future research consider predator-prey mechanisms by estimating both avian and mammalian predator densities to better understand the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse fitness parameters and to develop appropriate mitigation measures. Title: Effects of a Wind Energy Development on Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat Selection and Population Demographics in Southeastern Wyoming Author: LeBeau, Chad W. Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. and Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC initiated a greater sage-grouse radio-telemetry study at an existing wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming in 2009. The University of Wyoming joined this collaborative effort in January 2010, and the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative joined the effort in March 2011. The overall goal of the research was to establish the population-level effects of wind energy development on female sage-grouse seasonal habitat selection and demography. This study represents the only situation in the US where the responses of greater sage-grouse to the infrastructure associated with a wind energy development has been investigated. Our primary objective was to discern the relationship between sage-grouse nest, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection patterns and survival parameters and the infrastructure of an existing wind energy facility. The Seven Mile Hill (SMH) study area was located north of Interstate 80 and south of the Shirley Basin in Carbon County, Wyoming, US. A control and treatment area was included in the SMH study area, with boundaries of each of these areas determined from lek locations and radio-marked female sage-grouse distributions. The Seven Mile Hill Wind Energy Facility (SWEF; located in the treatment area) consisted of 79 General Electric 1.5-MW wind turbines and approximately 29 km of access roads. The facility became fully operational in December 2008. In addition to the SWEF, other anthropogenic features present in this portion of the study area included approximately eight km of paved roads and 26 km of overhead transmission lines. The control study area had no wind turbines and was adjacent to the SWEF and south of US Highway 30/287. There were approximately 50 km of paved roads and 17 km of overhead transmission lines in this area. The treatment area had four leks that had an average distance of 1.93 km from the nearest SWEF turbines (range = 0.53 to 4.15 km), while the control group consisted of 6 leks with an average distance of 10.99 km from the nearest SWEF turbine (range = 7.09 to 16.16 km). We captured and radio-equipped 346 (160 treatment; 186 control) female sage-grouse within an area consisting of a wind energy development and a control area absent of wind energy development in southeastern Wyoming from 2009–2014. We relocated each radio-marked female approximately twice a week during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We developed a suite of anthropogenic, vegetation, and environmental covariates to estimate habitat selection and survival for all sage-grouse during the nesting, brood rearing, and summer periods. We used a discrete choice habitat selection model to estimate the relative probability of sage-grouse nest site, brood-rearing, and summer habitat selection within both the control and treatment areas during the post-development period. We did not detect a negative impact of the wind energy facility on nest site selection during the study period. Sage-grouse rearing broods generally avoided suitable brood-rearing habitat near anthropogenic infrastructure that includes wind energy development, major paved roads and transmission lines. Although avoidance was consistent across the years of our study, avoidance of wind turbines was more pronounced in 2012-2014 compared to 2009-2011, suggesting a lag period in the ultimate population-level response to the development of a wind energy facility. Although distance to turbine was not strongly associated with summer habitat selection, the percentage of disturbance associated with wind energy infrastructure did appear to influence summer habitat selection. In addition, we estimated survival during each seasonal period to estimate the effect of the SWEF on population fitness. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse nest survival within the study area over the six-year period, and nest survival did not differ between nests of females captured at treatment and control area leks over the study period. The SWEF did not have a negative effect on sage-grouse brood survival within the study area over the six-year period. Survival was related to habitat features and anthropogenic features that have existed on the landscape for >10 years. Lastly, the SWEF did not have a negative effect on female sage-grouse summer survival within the study area over the six-year period. After controlling for annual and natural variability, we observed a positive effect of the SWEF on female survival when the percentage of disturbance within 0.81 km of a sage-grouse location increased from 0% to 3%. Our study is the first to estimate the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection and fitness parameters. Female sage-grouse selection of seasonal habitats was variable relative to the infrastructure associated with wind energy facility, but fitness parameters did not appear to be influenced to a great degree by the infrastructure. This pattern of effect is similar to greater prairie-chicken response to a wind energy facility in Kansas but opposite of sage-grouse response to oil and gas development. Ideally, we would have preconstruction data to identify changes in the population and decipher mechanisms in sage-grouse response to infrastructure; however, we are confident that if such impacts to habitat selection and survival did occur then we would have been able to detect these changes over the 6-year study period. The lack of other studies investigating impacts from wind energy development to sage-grouse habitat selection and survival limits our ability to make inferences about the cumulative impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse, but we were able to describe some of the impacts that wind energy developments may have on sage-grouse populations. Although we attempted to account for possible confounding factors, there is the chance that we did not detect important interactions between environmental features and habitat selection and survival patterns. Future wind energy developments should consider the potential impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse habitat selection patterns and survival parameters. We recommend facilities similar in size that occupy similar habitats as our study be placed 1.20 km from any occupied sage-grouse nesting, brood-rearing, or summer habitats. We recommend that future research consider predator-prey mechanisms by estimating both avian and mammalian predator densities to better understand the impacts of wind energy development on sage-grouse fitness parameters and to develop appropriate mitigation measures. Close

• 238. [Article] Food abundance and energetic carrying capacity for wintering waterfowl in the Great Salt Lake wetlands

  Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, is surrounded by 191,884 hectares of wetlands. These wetlands provide critical habitat for hundreds of thousands of breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl each year. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Food abundance and energetic carrying capacity for wintering waterfowl in the Great Salt Lake wetlands Author: Johnson, Amber Marie Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, is surrounded by 191,884 hectares of wetlands. These wetlands provide critical habitat for hundreds of thousands of breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl each year. As the human population around GSL increases, government officials have proposed to divert more water from the Jordan, Ogden, and Bear Rivers to meet municipal demands. Freshwater diversions from the rivers that supply the wetlands will likely decrease the amount of wetland habitat available to waterfowl. To justify current and future water allocation for wetlands around the GSL, managers must quantify the value of these habitats to migratory wetland birds, and one measure of habitat quality is food abundance. However, food abundance in the GSL wetlands is unknown. In this study, I quantified food abundance in managed and unmanaged wetland areas along the east side of the GSL. Managed wetlands included state, federal, and private lands contained within levees and actively managed as waterfowl habitat. I defined unmanaged wetlands as those shallow water areas outside levees impacted by freshwater flows from the Jordan, Bear, and Ogden Rivers and from managed wetlands. Unmanaged wetlands are under no specific management regime and are under the greatest threat by proposed water diversions because they are currently not protected under Utah water laws. I used multi-stage and simple random sampling to quantify food abundance in managed and unmanaged wetland. Sampling in managed wetlands occurred during September 2005-2006 (n = 12) and unmanaged wetlands during 2006 (n = 3) before the majority of waterfowl arrive on fall migration. I estimated the biomass of seeds, tubers, invertebrates, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Mean tuber and invertebrate biomass was similar between managed and unmanaged wetlands in 2006 (ps > 0.09); however, leafy biomass was 37% higher in unmanaged wetlands (t = 2.47, p = 0.015) and seed biomass was 65% higher in managed wetlands (t = 5.06, p <0.001). I then used biomass estimates to calculate energetic carrying capacity of both managed and unmanaged wetland habitats and determine the effects of possible water diversions from unmanaged wetlands on migratory waterfowl. I used information on daily bird energy needs, biomass estimates, and true metabolizable energy of each food type to estimate duck carrying capacity in habitats dominated by submerged aquatic vegetation. I separated ducks into three guilds based on food habits and feeding methods (dabblers, divers and grazers). The unit of comparison for energetic carrying capacity was Duck Use Day (DUD), defined as the amount of energy needed to support one duck for one day. Carrying capacity was higher in managed vs. unmanaged habitats for all three duck foraging guilds. If unmanaged wetlands decline by 80%, I estimated that duck carrying capacity would decrease 34% for grazers, 20% for divers, and 14% for dabblers. Results from this research provide a quantitative value to both managed and unmanaged wetlands surrounding the GSL to wintering waterfowl and provide guidance for the future conservation, restoration and maintenance of hundreds of thousands of hectares of critical wetland habitat. Title: Food abundance and energetic carrying capacity for wintering waterfowl in the Great Salt Lake wetlands Author: Johnson, Amber Marie Great Salt Lake (GSL), Utah, is surrounded by 191,884 hectares of wetlands. These wetlands provide critical habitat for hundreds of thousands of breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl each year. As the human population around GSL increases, government officials have proposed to divert more water from the Jordan, Ogden, and Bear Rivers to meet municipal demands. Freshwater diversions from the rivers that supply the wetlands will likely decrease the amount of wetland habitat available to waterfowl. To justify current and future water allocation for wetlands around the GSL, managers must quantify the value of these habitats to migratory wetland birds, and one measure of habitat quality is food abundance. However, food abundance in the GSL wetlands is unknown. In this study, I quantified food abundance in managed and unmanaged wetland areas along the east side of the GSL. Managed wetlands included state, federal, and private lands contained within levees and actively managed as waterfowl habitat. I defined unmanaged wetlands as those shallow water areas outside levees impacted by freshwater flows from the Jordan, Bear, and Ogden Rivers and from managed wetlands. Unmanaged wetlands are under no specific management regime and are under the greatest threat by proposed water diversions because they are currently not protected under Utah water laws. I used multi-stage and simple random sampling to quantify food abundance in managed and unmanaged wetland. Sampling in managed wetlands occurred during September 2005-2006 (n = 12) and unmanaged wetlands during 2006 (n = 3) before the majority of waterfowl arrive on fall migration. I estimated the biomass of seeds, tubers, invertebrates, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Mean tuber and invertebrate biomass was similar between managed and unmanaged wetlands in 2006 (ps > 0.09); however, leafy biomass was 37% higher in unmanaged wetlands (t = 2.47, p = 0.015) and seed biomass was 65% higher in managed wetlands (t = 5.06, p <0.001). I then used biomass estimates to calculate energetic carrying capacity of both managed and unmanaged wetland habitats and determine the effects of possible water diversions from unmanaged wetlands on migratory waterfowl. I used information on daily bird energy needs, biomass estimates, and true metabolizable energy of each food type to estimate duck carrying capacity in habitats dominated by submerged aquatic vegetation. I separated ducks into three guilds based on food habits and feeding methods (dabblers, divers and grazers). The unit of comparison for energetic carrying capacity was Duck Use Day (DUD), defined as the amount of energy needed to support one duck for one day. Carrying capacity was higher in managed vs. unmanaged habitats for all three duck foraging guilds. If unmanaged wetlands decline by 80%, I estimated that duck carrying capacity would decrease 34% for grazers, 20% for divers, and 14% for dabblers. Results from this research provide a quantitative value to both managed and unmanaged wetlands surrounding the GSL to wintering waterfowl and provide guidance for the future conservation, restoration and maintenance of hundreds of thousands of hectares of critical wetland habitat. Close

• 239. [Article] Habitat selection, reproductive success, and site fidelity of burrowing owls in a grassland ecosystem

  I used a comparative and experimental approach to examine nest habitat selection, reproductive success, and nest site fidelity of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) in a large, non-fragmented grassland ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat selection, reproductive success, and site fidelity of burrowing owls in a grassland ecosystem Author: Ronan, Noelle A. I used a comparative and experimental approach to examine nest habitat selection, reproductive success, and nest site fidelity of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) in a large, non-fragmented grassland in southwest California. In 1999, I compared habitat characteristics between nest sites (n = 31) and randomly selected, unoccupied burrows (n = 31) in the local vicinity of the nest (paired burrows). In 2000, I compared habitat characteristics between nest sites (n = 33) and randomly selected, unoccupied burrows (n 32) within the study area (unpaired burrows). I examined reproductive success and variation in nest habitat characteristics, diet quality, and intraspecific competition using data from 1998, 1999, and 2000. I experimentally (n = 11 control and 11 treatment nests) assessed the effect of satellite burrow (multiple auxiliary burrows near the nest) use on productivity and behavior. I found little variation in habitat between nest sites and unoccupied burrows. Habitat selection was not strong when nests and unoccupied burrows were spatially correlated (paired burrows). However, nest sites had a larger number of large diameter burrows, satellite burrows, and perches than the unpaired burrows. Nest success ( I young fledged) and productivity (the number of young alive at 14 -21 days) varied substantially among some years, though the habitat variables I tested did not explain reproductive success when both failed and successful nests were evaluated. When nests were successful, productivity was influenced by rodent consumption. Nest fidelity within the breeding season was highly correlated with nest success. Nest abandonment occurred at 83% (n = 15 of 18), 92% (n = 12 of 13), and 83% (n = 20 of 24) of the failed nests in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. Results of the experimental manipulation of satellite burrow access showed that productivity did not differ between groups but demonstrated that burrowing owls will adjust their behavior to use satellites. Owls in the treatment group (71%; n = 5 of 7) responded by moving their families to areas with access to satellite burrows but none of the control group owl families moved. This study illustrates the importance of identifying critical factors affecting reproductive success of burrowing owls in large grasslands. Maintenance of burrowing mammal populations to provide nest and satellite burrows will be important for protecting burrowing owls. Also, temporal dynamics influenced reproductive success. Habitat characteristics that enhance foraging ability may benefit productivity, especially in years of low rodent numbers. Furthermore, temporal variation in nest success may lead to low nest site fidelity. Title: Habitat selection, reproductive success, and site fidelity of burrowing owls in a grassland ecosystem Author: Ronan, Noelle A. I used a comparative and experimental approach to examine nest habitat selection, reproductive success, and nest site fidelity of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) in a large, non-fragmented grassland in southwest California. In 1999, I compared habitat characteristics between nest sites (n = 31) and randomly selected, unoccupied burrows (n = 31) in the local vicinity of the nest (paired burrows). In 2000, I compared habitat characteristics between nest sites (n = 33) and randomly selected, unoccupied burrows (n 32) within the study area (unpaired burrows). I examined reproductive success and variation in nest habitat characteristics, diet quality, and intraspecific competition using data from 1998, 1999, and 2000. I experimentally (n = 11 control and 11 treatment nests) assessed the effect of satellite burrow (multiple auxiliary burrows near the nest) use on productivity and behavior. I found little variation in habitat between nest sites and unoccupied burrows. Habitat selection was not strong when nests and unoccupied burrows were spatially correlated (paired burrows). However, nest sites had a larger number of large diameter burrows, satellite burrows, and perches than the unpaired burrows. Nest success ( I young fledged) and productivity (the number of young alive at 14 -21 days) varied substantially among some years, though the habitat variables I tested did not explain reproductive success when both failed and successful nests were evaluated. When nests were successful, productivity was influenced by rodent consumption. Nest fidelity within the breeding season was highly correlated with nest success. Nest abandonment occurred at 83% (n = 15 of 18), 92% (n = 12 of 13), and 83% (n = 20 of 24) of the failed nests in 1998, 1999, and 2000, respectively. Results of the experimental manipulation of satellite burrow access showed that productivity did not differ between groups but demonstrated that burrowing owls will adjust their behavior to use satellites. Owls in the treatment group (71%; n = 5 of 7) responded by moving their families to areas with access to satellite burrows but none of the control group owl families moved. This study illustrates the importance of identifying critical factors affecting reproductive success of burrowing owls in large grasslands. Maintenance of burrowing mammal populations to provide nest and satellite burrows will be important for protecting burrowing owls. Also, temporal dynamics influenced reproductive success. Habitat characteristics that enhance foraging ability may benefit productivity, especially in years of low rodent numbers. Furthermore, temporal variation in nest success may lead to low nest site fidelity. Close

• 240. [Article] Independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on pollination : tropical forest fragmentation alters hummingbird movements and pollination dynamics

  A growing body of work reveals that animal-mediated pollination is negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Landscape-scale disturbance results in two often inter-related processes: (1) habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on pollination : tropical forest fragmentation alters hummingbird movements and pollination dynamics Author: Hadley, Adam S. A growing body of work reveals that animal-mediated pollination is negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Landscape-scale disturbance results in two often inter-related processes: (1) habitat loss, and (2) disruptions of habitat configuration (i.e. fragmentation). Understanding the relative effects of such processes is critical in designing effective management strategies to limit pollination and pollinator decline. I reviewed existing published work from 1989 to 2009 and found that only six of 303 studies separated the effects of habitat loss from fragmentation. I provide a synthesis of the current landscape, behavioral, and pollination ecology literature in order to present preliminary multiple working hypotheses to explain how these two landscape processes might independently influence pollination dynamics (Chapter 2). Despite the potential importance of independent effects of habitat fragmentation, effects on pollination remain largely untested. Studies designed to disentangle the independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are essential for gaining insight into landscape-mediated pollination declines. I also found that the field of landscape pollination ecology could benefit from quantification of the matrix, landscape functional connectivity, and pollinator movement behavior. To test the hypothesis that pollinator movement can be influenced by landscape configuration, I translocated radio-tagged hummingbirds across agricultural and forested landscapes near Las Cruces, Costa Rica (Chapter 3). I found return paths were on average more direct in forested than in agricultural landscapes. In addition, movement paths chosen in agricultural landscapes were more forested than the most direct route suggesting that hummingbirds avoided crossing open areas when possible. To determine if differences in pollinator movement translated to differences in plant reproduction, I tested the relative importance of landscape composition versus configuration on the reproductive success of Heliconia tortuosa, a hummingbird-pollinated forest herb (Chapter 4). I used a stratified random sampling design to select sites across orthogonal gradients in patch size, amount of forest, and elevation. I tested four landscape change hypotheses (i.e., local, landscape composition, landscape fragmentation, and fragmentation threshold). I found that Heliconia reproduction supported both the local site and landscape fragmentation hypotheses. Seed set increased with increasing forest patch size independent of amount of forest in the surrounding landscape. I also found that increasing patch size positively influenced the relative abundance of pollinators. The observed differences in seed set likely resulted from differences in hummingbird movements (Chapter 3) and/or abundance under different landscape configurations. Title: Independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on pollination : tropical forest fragmentation alters hummingbird movements and pollination dynamics Author: Hadley, Adam S. A growing body of work reveals that animal-mediated pollination is negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Landscape-scale disturbance results in two often inter-related processes: (1) habitat loss, and (2) disruptions of habitat configuration (i.e. fragmentation). Understanding the relative effects of such processes is critical in designing effective management strategies to limit pollination and pollinator decline. I reviewed existing published work from 1989 to 2009 and found that only six of 303 studies separated the effects of habitat loss from fragmentation. I provide a synthesis of the current landscape, behavioral, and pollination ecology literature in order to present preliminary multiple working hypotheses to explain how these two landscape processes might independently influence pollination dynamics (Chapter 2). Despite the potential importance of independent effects of habitat fragmentation, effects on pollination remain largely untested. Studies designed to disentangle the independent effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are essential for gaining insight into landscape-mediated pollination declines. I also found that the field of landscape pollination ecology could benefit from quantification of the matrix, landscape functional connectivity, and pollinator movement behavior. To test the hypothesis that pollinator movement can be influenced by landscape configuration, I translocated radio-tagged hummingbirds across agricultural and forested landscapes near Las Cruces, Costa Rica (Chapter 3). I found return paths were on average more direct in forested than in agricultural landscapes. In addition, movement paths chosen in agricultural landscapes were more forested than the most direct route suggesting that hummingbirds avoided crossing open areas when possible. To determine if differences in pollinator movement translated to differences in plant reproduction, I tested the relative importance of landscape composition versus configuration on the reproductive success of Heliconia tortuosa, a hummingbird-pollinated forest herb (Chapter 4). I used a stratified random sampling design to select sites across orthogonal gradients in patch size, amount of forest, and elevation. I tested four landscape change hypotheses (i.e., local, landscape composition, landscape fragmentation, and fragmentation threshold). I found that Heliconia reproduction supported both the local site and landscape fragmentation hypotheses. Seed set increased with increasing forest patch size independent of amount of forest in the surrounding landscape. I also found that increasing patch size positively influenced the relative abundance of pollinators. The observed differences in seed set likely resulted from differences in hummingbird movements (Chapter 3) and/or abundance under different landscape configurations. Close

• 241. [Article] Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains

  Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains Author: Goetz, Frederick Allen Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington from 1989 to 1991, using day snorkeling, night snorkeling, and electrofishing. These methods were selected after a preliminary diel streamside study of juvenile bull trout showed fry (age 0) counts were significantly higher (P<0.00l) during the day, while counts of juvenile fish (age 1 and 2) were significantly higher (P<0.00l) at night. The highest counts of juveniles occurred during a "quiet period" immediately after dusk, during which time fish were inactive, out of cover, and easily counted with underwater flashlights. In a comparison of four sampling methods on Jack Creek, electrofishing was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with day (r=0.8l) and night (r=0.89) snorkeling counts, but not with streambank counts. In a comparison of day and night snorkeling in 10 streams, total density estimates were significantly greater (P<0.0l) for night snorkeling than day. The diel study and sampling methods comparison suggested surveys of distribution and habitat use of bull trout should include night surveys as well as day. Distribution surveys found that, except for one stream, juvenile bull trout were found only in, or near, spring-fed areas created by recent lava flows. Presence of bull trout in a stream was related to cold groundwater temperatures, as they were not found in streams with temperatures above 14°C. Distribution of bull trout in Oregon and Washington followed a pattern of decreasing elevation with increasing latitude and longitude(Ra=-0.9l6) Presence at lower than expected elevations were explained when groundwater temperatures were predicted from mean annual air temperatures. Actual water temperatures for these spring-fed streams were significantly lower (p<0.00l) than predicted based on elevation, latitude, and longitude. Comparison of historical distribution of bull trout showed extant bull trout were found in the Willamette and Deschutes River Basins of Oregon, respectively, in only 26.2 and 56.2% of their former ranges. Factors associated with bull trout demise in Oregon Cascade streams were (1) isolation and inundation of spring-fed stream habitat by water control structures, (2) introduction of brook trout and brown trout, and (3) large flood events and habitat degradation. Juvenile habitat use was analyzed at the macrohabitat (habitat unit) level in five river basins. Diel and seasonal microhabitat use was also documented for one spring-fed stream, Jack Creek. There was a clear difference in habitat use day and night, associated with the low water temperature of the spring-fed streams (mean=8.0°C). All habitat unit types (pool, riffle, glide, side channel) were used day and night, but bull trout only elected to use side channels in both time periods. Bull trout were found at night in (1) a higher percentage of habitat units, (2) in higher densities by unit, and (3) in increasing numbers with increasing habitat unit area. In Jack Creek, bull trout elected to use shallow water depths, low mean velocities, instream woody debris, and small substrates. Title: Distribution and juvenile ecology of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the Cascade Mountains Author: Goetz, Frederick Allen Distribution and juvenile habitat use of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) were surveyed in selected areas of the Upper Willamette, Deschutes, upper Yakima, and upper Cedar River basins in Oregon and Washington from 1989 to 1991, using day snorkeling, night snorkeling, and electrofishing. These methods were selected after a preliminary diel streamside study of juvenile bull trout showed fry (age 0) counts were significantly higher (P<0.00l) during the day, while counts of juvenile fish (age 1 and 2) were significantly higher (P<0.00l) at night. The highest counts of juveniles occurred during a "quiet period" immediately after dusk, during which time fish were inactive, out of cover, and easily counted with underwater flashlights. In a comparison of four sampling methods on Jack Creek, electrofishing was significantly correlated (P<0.05) with day (r=0.8l) and night (r=0.89) snorkeling counts, but not with streambank counts. In a comparison of day and night snorkeling in 10 streams, total density estimates were significantly greater (P<0.0l) for night snorkeling than day. The diel study and sampling methods comparison suggested surveys of distribution and habitat use of bull trout should include night surveys as well as day. Distribution surveys found that, except for one stream, juvenile bull trout were found only in, or near, spring-fed areas created by recent lava flows. Presence of bull trout in a stream was related to cold groundwater temperatures, as they were not found in streams with temperatures above 14°C. Distribution of bull trout in Oregon and Washington followed a pattern of decreasing elevation with increasing latitude and longitude(Ra=-0.9l6) Presence at lower than expected elevations were explained when groundwater temperatures were predicted from mean annual air temperatures. Actual water temperatures for these spring-fed streams were significantly lower (p<0.00l) than predicted based on elevation, latitude, and longitude. Comparison of historical distribution of bull trout showed extant bull trout were found in the Willamette and Deschutes River Basins of Oregon, respectively, in only 26.2 and 56.2% of their former ranges. Factors associated with bull trout demise in Oregon Cascade streams were (1) isolation and inundation of spring-fed stream habitat by water control structures, (2) introduction of brook trout and brown trout, and (3) large flood events and habitat degradation. Juvenile habitat use was analyzed at the macrohabitat (habitat unit) level in five river basins. Diel and seasonal microhabitat use was also documented for one spring-fed stream, Jack Creek. There was a clear difference in habitat use day and night, associated with the low water temperature of the spring-fed streams (mean=8.0°C). All habitat unit types (pool, riffle, glide, side channel) were used day and night, but bull trout only elected to use side channels in both time periods. Bull trout were found at night in (1) a higher percentage of habitat units, (2) in higher densities by unit, and (3) in increasing numbers with increasing habitat unit area. In Jack Creek, bull trout elected to use shallow water depths, low mean velocities, instream woody debris, and small substrates. Close

• 242. [Article] Greater sage-grouse movements and habitat use during winter in central Oregon

  Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush obligate species, has contracted in extent by nearly half its original distribution. This is primarily due to habitat loss and degradation over ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater sage-grouse movements and habitat use during winter in central Oregon Author: Bruce, Jennifer R. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush obligate species, has contracted in extent by nearly half its original distribution. This is primarily due to habitat loss and degradation over the past 150 years. During winter, sage-grouse depend completely on sagebrush habitat for food and cover, yet sage-grouse winter ecology has been poorly studied in the past. We studied greater sage-grouse winter habitat use and movement in central Oregon by tracking 22 radio-collared sage-grouse (7 female, 15 male) from January through mid March 2007 to record specific characteristics of sagebrush used and patterns of movement for each sex during winter. We quantified winter habitat characteristics such as canopy height and topography at each sage-grouse location, estimated winter distances moved using weekly to biweekly point locations, and compared this information between males and females. The sage-grouse we studied moved extensively across the landscape in central Oregon, using approximately 1,480 km2 during winter. Sagebrush canopy height in sites used by sage-grouse varied from 0.25 to 0.75 m, with females tending to use sites with taller sagebrush plants and less total foliar cover than sites used by males. The difference in foliar cover between sexes was related to a seasonal change in habitat use; four females found in low sagebrush in January and early February stopped using it after 15 Feb 2007. Also by this date, most male sage-grouse had stopped using big sagebrush as they migrated to lekking areas. During our study there was half as much snow cover on average, which may explain why sage-grouse mortality rates were low. Managers interested in preserving sage-grouse populations should provide large areas (thousands of square km) of habitat that contain heterogeneous sagebrush habitat, specifically with both low and big sagebrush so that food and cover are available for greater sage-grouse during winter. Title: Greater sage-grouse movements and habitat use during winter in central Oregon Author: Bruce, Jennifer R. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush obligate species, has contracted in extent by nearly half its original distribution. This is primarily due to habitat loss and degradation over the past 150 years. During winter, sage-grouse depend completely on sagebrush habitat for food and cover, yet sage-grouse winter ecology has been poorly studied in the past. We studied greater sage-grouse winter habitat use and movement in central Oregon by tracking 22 radio-collared sage-grouse (7 female, 15 male) from January through mid March 2007 to record specific characteristics of sagebrush used and patterns of movement for each sex during winter. We quantified winter habitat characteristics such as canopy height and topography at each sage-grouse location, estimated winter distances moved using weekly to biweekly point locations, and compared this information between males and females. The sage-grouse we studied moved extensively across the landscape in central Oregon, using approximately 1,480 km2 during winter. Sagebrush canopy height in sites used by sage-grouse varied from 0.25 to 0.75 m, with females tending to use sites with taller sagebrush plants and less total foliar cover than sites used by males. The difference in foliar cover between sexes was related to a seasonal change in habitat use; four females found in low sagebrush in January and early February stopped using it after 15 Feb 2007. Also by this date, most male sage-grouse had stopped using big sagebrush as they migrated to lekking areas. During our study there was half as much snow cover on average, which may explain why sage-grouse mortality rates were low. Managers interested in preserving sage-grouse populations should provide large areas (thousands of square km) of habitat that contain heterogeneous sagebrush habitat, specifically with both low and big sagebrush so that food and cover are available for greater sage-grouse during winter. Close

• 243. [Article] The effect of landscape topography and in-stream habitat on the distribution, growth, and survival of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) in a high desert watershed

  Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) are currently limited in their distribution to a patchwork of small isolated populations, the result of habitat degradation and natural variation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effect of landscape topography and in-stream habitat on the distribution, growth, and survival of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) in a high desert watershed Author: Boxall, George D. Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) are currently limited in their distribution to a patchwork of small isolated populations, the result of habitat degradation and natural variation in landscape and in-stream conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine how landscape level topographic features influence LCT distribution patterns. The work was carried out in a sub-basin of the Quinn River system, McDermitt Creek, which drains the sagebrush desert of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. Headwater tributaries of this creek consist of alternating canyon-confined and valley bounded reaches and LCT within these systems are challenged by low discharge and high temperatures during the summer, and anchor ice during the winter. Contiguous whole stream surveys were used to look at trout distribution during the summer of 2003 and spring and fall of 2004. Our results showed that topography affected LCT distribution in all reaches. LCT numbers were highest in areas with greater numbers of nick-points (the transition zones between less confined and more confined valley segments) and greater valley confinement. Additionally, in the downstream portion of our headwater reaches, more LCT were found in nick-points than expected based on the availability of this habitat type. Our data suggest that hyporheic inputs may be high in such areas, thus providing LCT with shelter from warm water in the summer, anchor ice in the winter and shallow stream depths during all seasons. Spatial occurrence of these areas of refugia can be taken into consideration when planning land-use activities and restoration efforts. After almost 30 years of conservation effort, Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) populations remain in peril throughout the Great Basin region of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. This is not surprising since very little research has been done on the ecology of LCT, and management has been carried out without essential information on this sub-species. The objectives of our study were to determine whether there are inter-stream or inter-reach differences in LCT habitat selection, and if those differences corresponded to differences in fish survival and growth. We relied upon contiguous whole stream surveys to look at fish distribution and in-stream habitat. The use of half duplex PIT tags allowed us to determine the growth, movement patterns, and survival rates of most adult (>100 mm) LCT within the system. We found greater trout growth (median daily change in biomass 0.46% vs. 0.07%), but lower survival (35% vs. 61% between July and November), in relatively warmer and more open reaches than in cooler reaches. Additionally, undercut banks (predation shelter) were more important to trout in cooler stream reaches than in warmer ones, where habitat choice responded first to cold water input (which was influenced by topography). Our results will be useful in identifying and describing areas of high quality LCT habitat in low order streams throughout the Great Basin, thus allowing informed management decisions to facilitate the recovery of the sub-species. Title: The effect of landscape topography and in-stream habitat on the distribution, growth, and survival of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) in a high desert watershed Author: Boxall, George D. Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) are currently limited in their distribution to a patchwork of small isolated populations, the result of habitat degradation and natural variation in landscape and in-stream conditions. The objectives of this study were to determine how landscape level topographic features influence LCT distribution patterns. The work was carried out in a sub-basin of the Quinn River system, McDermitt Creek, which drains the sagebrush desert of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. Headwater tributaries of this creek consist of alternating canyon-confined and valley bounded reaches and LCT within these systems are challenged by low discharge and high temperatures during the summer, and anchor ice during the winter. Contiguous whole stream surveys were used to look at trout distribution during the summer of 2003 and spring and fall of 2004. Our results showed that topography affected LCT distribution in all reaches. LCT numbers were highest in areas with greater numbers of nick-points (the transition zones between less confined and more confined valley segments) and greater valley confinement. Additionally, in the downstream portion of our headwater reaches, more LCT were found in nick-points than expected based on the availability of this habitat type. Our data suggest that hyporheic inputs may be high in such areas, thus providing LCT with shelter from warm water in the summer, anchor ice in the winter and shallow stream depths during all seasons. Spatial occurrence of these areas of refugia can be taken into consideration when planning land-use activities and restoration efforts. After almost 30 years of conservation effort, Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) populations remain in peril throughout the Great Basin region of southeastern Oregon and northern Nevada. This is not surprising since very little research has been done on the ecology of LCT, and management has been carried out without essential information on this sub-species. The objectives of our study were to determine whether there are inter-stream or inter-reach differences in LCT habitat selection, and if those differences corresponded to differences in fish survival and growth. We relied upon contiguous whole stream surveys to look at fish distribution and in-stream habitat. The use of half duplex PIT tags allowed us to determine the growth, movement patterns, and survival rates of most adult (>100 mm) LCT within the system. We found greater trout growth (median daily change in biomass 0.46% vs. 0.07%), but lower survival (35% vs. 61% between July and November), in relatively warmer and more open reaches than in cooler reaches. Additionally, undercut banks (predation shelter) were more important to trout in cooler stream reaches than in warmer ones, where habitat choice responded first to cold water input (which was influenced by topography). Our results will be useful in identifying and describing areas of high quality LCT habitat in low order streams throughout the Great Basin, thus allowing informed management decisions to facilitate the recovery of the sub-species. Close

• 244. [Article] The effects of burning in mountain big sagebrush on key sage grouse habitat characteristics in southeastern Oregon

  Sage grouse are a species of concern because their abundance, distribution, and productivity have declined during the past century. Sage grouse productivity has been linked to specific habitat components ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of burning in mountain big sagebrush on key sage grouse habitat characteristics in southeastern Oregon Author: McDowell, Michelle K. D. Sage grouse are a species of concern because their abundance, distribution, and productivity have declined during the past century. Sage grouse productivity has been linked to specific habitat components including particular forbs and native bunchgrasses. Studies on the effects of fire were conducted in Southeastern Oregon in mountain big sagebrush communities to better understand the effects of fire on key sage grouse habitat components. The short-term study was conducted at South Steens Mountain during 1997 and 1998. Habitat components (medium shrub cover; perennial grass cover; hen and chick food forb cover, frequency, and availability; chick food forb nutrition; insect abundance; and sagebrush reproductive branch abundance) were compared between preburn or unburned, 1- year post-bum, and 2-years post-burn areas. The long-term effects of fire on essential sage grouse habitat components were studied during 1997 at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (Lake County), and during 1998 at South Steens Mountain (Harney County). Habitat components (medium height mountain big sagebrush, tall grass, hen and chick food forb, and other forb cover) were measured at burned and adjacent unburned control sites and compared with recommended cover amounts. Burned sites ranged in age from 5 to 43 years. In the short-term fire effects study, prescribed burning increased the amount of sage grouse hen and chick foods, the quality of some chick foods, and increased the amount of time of these foods were available. Sagebrush cover was essentially eliminated in burned areas. Perennial grass cover was significantly higher in a comparison of the 2-years post burn to the 1-year post burn samples. In the long-term fire effects study, all key vegetative and structural components needed for successful sage grouse reproduction became available in burned areas from 25-35 years old. Sagebrush cover was the only habitat component tested that was substantially affected by burning in the long term. Prescribed burning would be most beneficial to sage grouse habitat if used as a management tool to create a mosaic of needed habitat components. Title: The effects of burning in mountain big sagebrush on key sage grouse habitat characteristics in southeastern Oregon Author: McDowell, Michelle K. D. Sage grouse are a species of concern because their abundance, distribution, and productivity have declined during the past century. Sage grouse productivity has been linked to specific habitat components including particular forbs and native bunchgrasses. Studies on the effects of fire were conducted in Southeastern Oregon in mountain big sagebrush communities to better understand the effects of fire on key sage grouse habitat components. The short-term study was conducted at South Steens Mountain during 1997 and 1998. Habitat components (medium shrub cover; perennial grass cover; hen and chick food forb cover, frequency, and availability; chick food forb nutrition; insect abundance; and sagebrush reproductive branch abundance) were compared between preburn or unburned, 1- year post-bum, and 2-years post-burn areas. The long-term effects of fire on essential sage grouse habitat components were studied during 1997 at Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (Lake County), and during 1998 at South Steens Mountain (Harney County). Habitat components (medium height mountain big sagebrush, tall grass, hen and chick food forb, and other forb cover) were measured at burned and adjacent unburned control sites and compared with recommended cover amounts. Burned sites ranged in age from 5 to 43 years. In the short-term fire effects study, prescribed burning increased the amount of sage grouse hen and chick foods, the quality of some chick foods, and increased the amount of time of these foods were available. Sagebrush cover was essentially eliminated in burned areas. Perennial grass cover was significantly higher in a comparison of the 2-years post burn to the 1-year post burn samples. In the long-term fire effects study, all key vegetative and structural components needed for successful sage grouse reproduction became available in burned areas from 25-35 years old. Sagebrush cover was the only habitat component tested that was substantially affected by burning in the long term. Prescribed burning would be most beneficial to sage grouse habitat if used as a management tool to create a mosaic of needed habitat components. Close

• 245. [Article] Habitat classification and characteristics of small mammal and amphibian communities in beaver-pond habitats of the Oregon Coast Range

  During 1988-1989, stream habitat variables were compared between beaver-dam sites and unoccupied-stream sites to identify variables that may have been important for beaver (Castor canadensis) in selecting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat classification and characteristics of small mammal and amphibian communities in beaver-pond habitats of the Oregon Coast Range Author: Suzuki, Nobuya During 1988-1989, stream habitat variables were compared between beaver-dam sites and unoccupied-stream sites to identify variables that may have been important for beaver (Castor canadensis) in selecting dam sites in the streams of the Drift Creek basin, Lincoln County, Oregon. Increasing valley floor width and grass/sedge cover and decreasing stream width, stream gradient, red alder (Alnus rubra) cover, and shrub cover had positive effects on selection of dam sites. A discriminant function model correctly classified 83% of beaver-dam sites and 88% of unoccupied-stream sites with chance-corrected classification rate of 69% (Kappa statistic). Applicability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for beaver was tested in the basin. HSI-model scores were highly influenced by the water life requisite and differed between darn sites and unoccupied sites. Scores for the food life requisite did not differ between dam sites and unoccupied sites; food may not be a factor influencing selection of dam sites. The water fluctuation variable was subjective and was not sensitive enough to differentiate darn sites from unoccupied sites. Three geomorphic characteristics (stream width, gradient, and valley floor width) were used in developing a new Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for the basin. The HSI model scores produced by the new model were different between darn sites and unoccupied sites. Capture frequencies of small mammal and amphibian species were compared between beaver-occupied reaches and unoccupied reaches in 5 streams in the Oregon Coast range during the fall of 1989. Species richness, species diversity, and equitability of small mammal and amphibian communities did not differ between occupied and unoccupied reaches. The capture frequency of Microtus spp. was consistently higher at occupied reaches than at unoccupied reaches. None of small mammal and amphibian species had consistently higher or lower capture frequencies at occupied reaches than at unoccupied reaches in each of 5 streams. Inconsistent abundance of small mammal and amphibian species may reflect diverse habitat conditions among occupied reaches. Title: Habitat classification and characteristics of small mammal and amphibian communities in beaver-pond habitats of the Oregon Coast Range Author: Suzuki, Nobuya During 1988-1989, stream habitat variables were compared between beaver-dam sites and unoccupied-stream sites to identify variables that may have been important for beaver (Castor canadensis) in selecting dam sites in the streams of the Drift Creek basin, Lincoln County, Oregon. Increasing valley floor width and grass/sedge cover and decreasing stream width, stream gradient, red alder (Alnus rubra) cover, and shrub cover had positive effects on selection of dam sites. A discriminant function model correctly classified 83% of beaver-dam sites and 88% of unoccupied-stream sites with chance-corrected classification rate of 69% (Kappa statistic). Applicability of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for beaver was tested in the basin. HSI-model scores were highly influenced by the water life requisite and differed between darn sites and unoccupied sites. Scores for the food life requisite did not differ between dam sites and unoccupied sites; food may not be a factor influencing selection of dam sites. The water fluctuation variable was subjective and was not sensitive enough to differentiate darn sites from unoccupied sites. Three geomorphic characteristics (stream width, gradient, and valley floor width) were used in developing a new Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model for the basin. The HSI model scores produced by the new model were different between darn sites and unoccupied sites. Capture frequencies of small mammal and amphibian species were compared between beaver-occupied reaches and unoccupied reaches in 5 streams in the Oregon Coast range during the fall of 1989. Species richness, species diversity, and equitability of small mammal and amphibian communities did not differ between occupied and unoccupied reaches. The capture frequency of Microtus spp. was consistently higher at occupied reaches than at unoccupied reaches. None of small mammal and amphibian species had consistently higher or lower capture frequencies at occupied reaches than at unoccupied reaches in each of 5 streams. Inconsistent abundance of small mammal and amphibian species may reflect diverse habitat conditions among occupied reaches. Close

• 246. [Article] Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon

  Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon Author: Mellen, Teresa Kim Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat use of 14 woodpeckers after young had fledged during summers from 1982 to 1985. Home range size for individual bird averaged 480 ha; home ranges for pairs of birds were larger. Home ranges were larger than those reported in other studies. The larger home range sizes effectively reduce minimum snag densities calculated with formulas based on densities of birds. There was some overlap (11-160 ha) between adjacent home ranges. Pileated woodpeckers preferred forest habitat classes older than 40 years of age and deciduous riparian habitats for foraging and other diurnal activities. Nesting and roosting occurred in forest stands older than 70 years of age. The amount of foraging habitat within the home ranges averaged 306 ha; the amount of nesting and roosting habitat averaged 200 ha. Because pileated woodpeckers use immature forest stands for foraging they may not be a good "indicator" species for mature forest habitats. Characteristics of 15 nest and 13 roost trees (live and dead) and sites were measured from 1983 to 1986; characteristics were compared to those from other studies. Mean dbh differed significantly (P<0.05) between nest trees (68.9 cm) and roost trees (118.2cm). Trees used for nesting and roosting were taller than 11.5 m. A typical nest or roost tree had a broken top and retained most of the bark. Forest characteristics within a 0.3 ha circular plot at nest and roost sites were highly variable between sites. Discriminant analysis did not reveal a significant (P<0.05) difference between nest and roost sites found within 70- to 100-year-old stands and 100- to 200-year old stands. Mean dbh of nest trees was smaller, mean height of nest trees (26.5 m) was intermediate, and mean height of nest cavities (20 m) was higher than those reported from most other studies. Measured forest characteristics at nest sites were very different between studies because of differences in forests in terms of species composition, site productivity, climate and amount of disturbance. Findings were consistent with a previously recommended "minimum" dbh for pileated woodpecker nest trees of 63.5 cm (with bark). However, provision of nest trees with average characteristics would enhance management schemes which are directed toward minumum population numbers and a minimum amount of reserved habitat. Title: Home range and habitat use of pileated woodpeckers, western Oregon Author: Mellen, Teresa Kim Home range and habitat use by pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) were studied in the Coast Ranges of western Oregon. Radio-telemetry was used to determine home ranges of 11 woodpeckers and habitat use of 14 woodpeckers after young had fledged during summers from 1982 to 1985. Home range size for individual bird averaged 480 ha; home ranges for pairs of birds were larger. Home ranges were larger than those reported in other studies. The larger home range sizes effectively reduce minimum snag densities calculated with formulas based on densities of birds. There was some overlap (11-160 ha) between adjacent home ranges. Pileated woodpeckers preferred forest habitat classes older than 40 years of age and deciduous riparian habitats for foraging and other diurnal activities. Nesting and roosting occurred in forest stands older than 70 years of age. The amount of foraging habitat within the home ranges averaged 306 ha; the amount of nesting and roosting habitat averaged 200 ha. Because pileated woodpeckers use immature forest stands for foraging they may not be a good "indicator" species for mature forest habitats. Characteristics of 15 nest and 13 roost trees (live and dead) and sites were measured from 1983 to 1986; characteristics were compared to those from other studies. Mean dbh differed significantly (P<0.05) between nest trees (68.9 cm) and roost trees (118.2cm). Trees used for nesting and roosting were taller than 11.5 m. A typical nest or roost tree had a broken top and retained most of the bark. Forest characteristics within a 0.3 ha circular plot at nest and roost sites were highly variable between sites. Discriminant analysis did not reveal a significant (P<0.05) difference between nest and roost sites found within 70- to 100-year-old stands and 100- to 200-year old stands. Mean dbh of nest trees was smaller, mean height of nest trees (26.5 m) was intermediate, and mean height of nest cavities (20 m) was higher than those reported from most other studies. Measured forest characteristics at nest sites were very different between studies because of differences in forests in terms of species composition, site productivity, climate and amount of disturbance. Findings were consistent with a previously recommended "minimum" dbh for pileated woodpecker nest trees of 63.5 cm (with bark). However, provision of nest trees with average characteristics would enhance management schemes which are directed toward minumum population numbers and a minimum amount of reserved habitat. Close

• 247. [Article] A comparison of nest site selection and reproductive effort by reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) in two streams of different geologies in the central Coast Range of Oregon

  Nest sites of reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) were located in two stream reaches, one from a basalt basin and one from a sandstone basin. Stream reaches were similar in gradient, basin area, elevation, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A comparison of nest site selection and reproductive effort by reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) in two streams of different geologies in the central Coast Range of Oregon Author: Bateman, Douglas S. Nest sites of reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) were located in two stream reaches, one from a basalt basin and one from a sandstone basin. Stream reaches were similar in gradient, basin area, elevation, climate, and riparian vegetation but differed in biologic community structure and substrate characteristics. An electivity index was used to determine if selection for nest sites occurred and also to compare patterns of selection between habitat types and stream reaches. Eggs from nests were collected so comparisons in reproductive effort could be made between streams and habitat types. Cobble sized substrate was positively elected in all habitat units examined and moderate embeddedness (6-25%) was positively elected in all units but one. No nests were found on bedrock, wood, or fine sediment substrate. A small number of nests were found on both larger gravel and boulder size particles. Only two out of 471 nests located were associated with rocks which were embedded 51% or more. Reproductive effort on a per nest basis was greater in the basalt stream. Nest weights in the basalt stream exceeded nest weights in the sandstone stream by 90% (95% confidence interval 52-152%) on average and the number of eggs per nest was 39% (95% confidence interval 8-79%)greater in the basalt stream. Differences in reproductive effort per nest within an individual stream were not detected in comparisons among scour pools, riffles, high cobble density and low cobble density habitat units. Reproductive effort per nest varied through the sampling period with intermediate effort early, low effort in the mid portion and the highest effort late. This pattern was apparent in both streams but statistically significant in the sandstone stream only. Nest densities were similar at 0.16 nest/m² and 0.17 nest/m² for the basalt and sandstone streams respectively. Differences in nest densities within streams were not detected between scour pools and riffles in either stream or between high and low cobble density units in the basalt stream. A difference was detected between high and low cobble density units in the sandstone stream (p=0.02). Nest densities were greater on average in the tailout portions of pools as opposed to the head and body portions in both streams but statistically significant in the sandstone stream only (p=0.04). We speculate that because patterns of electivity were similar between streams and between different habitat types within a stream, all with different levels of habitat availability, that male fitness is tightly linked with habitat selection for nest sites. Our results would suggest that reticulate sculpin nest site selection and reproductive effort are not strongly influenced by habitat on a geomorphic channel unit scale. It may be more appropriate to delineate sculpin habitat by substrate patches within geomorphic habitat units. Title: A comparison of nest site selection and reproductive effort by reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) in two streams of different geologies in the central Coast Range of Oregon Author: Bateman, Douglas S. Nest sites of reticulate sculpin (Cottus perplexus) were located in two stream reaches, one from a basalt basin and one from a sandstone basin. Stream reaches were similar in gradient, basin area, elevation, climate, and riparian vegetation but differed in biologic community structure and substrate characteristics. An electivity index was used to determine if selection for nest sites occurred and also to compare patterns of selection between habitat types and stream reaches. Eggs from nests were collected so comparisons in reproductive effort could be made between streams and habitat types. Cobble sized substrate was positively elected in all habitat units examined and moderate embeddedness (6-25%) was positively elected in all units but one. No nests were found on bedrock, wood, or fine sediment substrate. A small number of nests were found on both larger gravel and boulder size particles. Only two out of 471 nests located were associated with rocks which were embedded 51% or more. Reproductive effort on a per nest basis was greater in the basalt stream. Nest weights in the basalt stream exceeded nest weights in the sandstone stream by 90% (95% confidence interval 52-152%) on average and the number of eggs per nest was 39% (95% confidence interval 8-79%)greater in the basalt stream. Differences in reproductive effort per nest within an individual stream were not detected in comparisons among scour pools, riffles, high cobble density and low cobble density habitat units. Reproductive effort per nest varied through the sampling period with intermediate effort early, low effort in the mid portion and the highest effort late. This pattern was apparent in both streams but statistically significant in the sandstone stream only. Nest densities were similar at 0.16 nest/m² and 0.17 nest/m² for the basalt and sandstone streams respectively. Differences in nest densities within streams were not detected between scour pools and riffles in either stream or between high and low cobble density units in the basalt stream. A difference was detected between high and low cobble density units in the sandstone stream (p=0.02). Nest densities were greater on average in the tailout portions of pools as opposed to the head and body portions in both streams but statistically significant in the sandstone stream only (p=0.04). We speculate that because patterns of electivity were similar between streams and between different habitat types within a stream, all with different levels of habitat availability, that male fitness is tightly linked with habitat selection for nest sites. Our results would suggest that reticulate sculpin nest site selection and reproductive effort are not strongly influenced by habitat on a geomorphic channel unit scale. It may be more appropriate to delineate sculpin habitat by substrate patches within geomorphic habitat units. Close

• 248. [Article] Connecting Tidal-fluvial Life Histories to Survival of McKenzie River Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

  Chinook salmon returns to the Columbia River basin have declined due to impacts of a growing human population, despite significant mitigation expenditures. Consequently, fisheries managers have become ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Connecting Tidal-fluvial Life Histories to Survival of McKenzie River Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Author: Rose, Gordon W. Chinook salmon returns to the Columbia River basin have declined due to impacts of a growing human population, despite significant mitigation expenditures. Consequently, fisheries managers have become focused on recovery and long-term viability of at-risk populations. A viable population depends, in part, on the connectivity and quality of diverse habitat types salmon require to complete their anadromous life-cycles. The tidal-fluvial Columbia River estuary is one link in this chain of habitats, but was largely over-looked as important Chinook salmon habitat until recently. Habitat restoration projects are underway in the tidal Columbia River estuary with the goal of increasing survival benefits to juvenile Chinook salmon. However, knowledge gaps remain about stock-specific use of tidal-fluvial habitat and tracking these restoration efforts is largely subjective. This study has sought to quantify the importance of tidal-fluvial habitat for a critical population of Chinook salmon, from the McKenzie River in the upper Willamette River Basin. Using otolith micro-chemistry profile analysis, juvenile net growth in the tidal-fluvial Columbia River was back-calculated for 92 natural-origin McKenzie River Chinook salmon across outmigration years 2005 and 2006. All otoliths were sampled from McKenzie River adult salmon to draw inferences about the juvenile life histories of surviving spawners. Mean ± SD net growth in the tidal fluvial estuary for all years was 5.48 ± 5.81 mm for subyearlings and 7.43 ± 8.32mm for yearlings. Differences in mean net growth by juvenile life-history type were not significant despite a prevailing assumption that subyearlings rear longer in estuary habitat than yearlings. Emigration sizes and net-growth estimates were significantly greater for subyearlings in outmigration year 2005 than 2006; there was only suggestive evidence emigration sizes were greater for yearlings in outmigration year 2005 than 2006, and net-growth estimates were similar between years. Sixteen percent (15 of 92) of McKenzie Chinook salmon grew between 10 and 43 mm over approximately 25-100 days in the tidal-fluvial Columbia River. Extended rearing in tidal-fluvial habitat provided an alternate life-history pathway for some yearling (12), fingerling (one), and fry (two) migrants. Subyearlings with intermediate-rearing or migratory life history pathways had greater net growth in tidal-fluvial habitat during 2005 than 2006, and in 2005 environmental conditions were unfavorable to overall salmon productivity. Fixed effects linear regression models suggest tidal-fluvial habitat supports McKenzie Chinook salmon life-history diversity, growth, and size, and therefore likely contributes to population resilience. Title: Connecting Tidal-fluvial Life Histories to Survival of McKenzie River Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Author: Rose, Gordon W. Chinook salmon returns to the Columbia River basin have declined due to impacts of a growing human population, despite significant mitigation expenditures. Consequently, fisheries managers have become focused on recovery and long-term viability of at-risk populations. A viable population depends, in part, on the connectivity and quality of diverse habitat types salmon require to complete their anadromous life-cycles. The tidal-fluvial Columbia River estuary is one link in this chain of habitats, but was largely over-looked as important Chinook salmon habitat until recently. Habitat restoration projects are underway in the tidal Columbia River estuary with the goal of increasing survival benefits to juvenile Chinook salmon. However, knowledge gaps remain about stock-specific use of tidal-fluvial habitat and tracking these restoration efforts is largely subjective. This study has sought to quantify the importance of tidal-fluvial habitat for a critical population of Chinook salmon, from the McKenzie River in the upper Willamette River Basin. Using otolith micro-chemistry profile analysis, juvenile net growth in the tidal-fluvial Columbia River was back-calculated for 92 natural-origin McKenzie River Chinook salmon across outmigration years 2005 and 2006. All otoliths were sampled from McKenzie River adult salmon to draw inferences about the juvenile life histories of surviving spawners. Mean ± SD net growth in the tidal fluvial estuary for all years was 5.48 ± 5.81 mm for subyearlings and 7.43 ± 8.32mm for yearlings. Differences in mean net growth by juvenile life-history type were not significant despite a prevailing assumption that subyearlings rear longer in estuary habitat than yearlings. Emigration sizes and net-growth estimates were significantly greater for subyearlings in outmigration year 2005 than 2006; there was only suggestive evidence emigration sizes were greater for yearlings in outmigration year 2005 than 2006, and net-growth estimates were similar between years. Sixteen percent (15 of 92) of McKenzie Chinook salmon grew between 10 and 43 mm over approximately 25-100 days in the tidal-fluvial Columbia River. Extended rearing in tidal-fluvial habitat provided an alternate life-history pathway for some yearling (12), fingerling (one), and fry (two) migrants. Subyearlings with intermediate-rearing or migratory life history pathways had greater net growth in tidal-fluvial habitat during 2005 than 2006, and in 2005 environmental conditions were unfavorable to overall salmon productivity. Fixed effects linear regression models suggest tidal-fluvial habitat supports McKenzie Chinook salmon life-history diversity, growth, and size, and therefore likely contributes to population resilience. Close

• 249. [Article] Defining habitat preferences of pelagic loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the North Atlantic through analysis of behavior and bycatch

  For many species of marine turtle the characteristics that define pelagic habitat have yet to be fully identified. A better understanding of these habitat characteristics is critical to reduce high seas ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Defining habitat preferences of pelagic loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the North Atlantic through analysis of behavior and bycatch Author: McCarthy, Abigail L. For many species of marine turtle the characteristics that define pelagic habitat have yet to be fully identified. A better understanding of these habitat characteristics is critical to reduce high seas fisheries interactions with turtles, especially as the status of many turtle populations has placed them on the threatened or endangered species list. The combination of high-resolution satellite-tracking data with remotely sensed oceanographic data makes it possible to identify habitat for loggerhead turtles by analyzing the behavior of individual animals. Bycatch of loggerhead turtles in longline fisheries can also be examined using the same high-resolution oceanographic data to determine if there are identifiable habitat differences in high- and low- bycatch areas. I analyzed the tracks of ten loggerhead turtles tagged in the spring and fall of 1998 near Madeira, Portugal in relation to the marine environment they occupied. To determine the relationship between an individual turtle and its environment, some measure of behavior was necessary. I calculated the straightness index (SI), the ratio of the displacement of the animal to the total distance traveled, for individual weekly segments of the ten tracks as a measure of individual behavior. I then extracted information about the chlorophyll, sea-surface temperature (SST), bathymetry, and geostrophic current of the ocean in a 20km buffer surrounding the tracks, and examined the relationship between the straightness index and those characteristics using logistic regression. Chlorophyll a value, bathymetry, and movement of the turtle with geostrophic currents were consistently related to the straightness index of the tracks of all ten animals (two-sided p-value from Wald's test: 0.005, 0.0017, and 0.0018, respectively). Tracks were less straight in high chlorophyll regions and in shallower ocean areas, and animals were more likely to be moving with prevailing geostrophic currents during straighter track segments. These results confirm comparable analyses of loggerhead tracks in the Pacific, and indicate that sea turtles alter their behavior (likely representing a shift from traveling to foraging) when they encounter high-chlorophyll regions. Turtles with highly sinuous tracks spend more time in a given area or habitat than those who pass straight through, and therefore may be more susceptible to incidental capture by fisheries operating in those habitats. To address the fisheries bycatch/ habitat interactions I analyzed longline bycatch data to determine whether the marine environmental variables identified in the first part of my study were related to the probability of catching a turtle on a given longline set. I performed a logistic regression analysis using bycatch of turtles as the response variable, and bathymetry, SST, SST gradient (indicative of frontal activity), chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll a gradient as the independent variables. I also included the location and the date of the longline sets as potential predictor variables. I found that the most important variables predicting the odds that a turtle would be caught on a given set were chlorophyll a value in the area of the haul ( Wald's test, p=0.009) and the latitude at the beginning of the haul (Wald's test, p=0.0005). Turtles were more likely to be caught on sets in lower chlorophyll regions and in higher latitude regions of the data set, and there was no indication of important effects of bathymetry. These results disagree with my predictions from the tracking analysis, either because the fisheries-dependent bycatch data set did not provide enough contrast of habitat types, or because bycatch probability is not related to turtle behavior. My results indicate a difference between the critical variables selected as predictors of turtle habitat using the bycatch data and those selected using the behavior of individual tracked animals. While bycatch information is important, the distribution of fisheries data is highly biased towards frontal zones and regions of historic high catch. Judgments about turtle behavior based on only fisheries interactions could lead to incorrect conclusions about where animals spend the majority of their time. Assuming that animals are more likely to have an increased probability of interaction with longlines in areas where they spend more time foraging, fishing pressure should be reduced in those areas of high-use for pelagic loggerheads. It is crucial to base fisheries time-area closures and the design of marine protected areas on the behavior of tracked animals, and not just on fisheries bycatch data. Title: Defining habitat preferences of pelagic loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the North Atlantic through analysis of behavior and bycatch Author: McCarthy, Abigail L. For many species of marine turtle the characteristics that define pelagic habitat have yet to be fully identified. A better understanding of these habitat characteristics is critical to reduce high seas fisheries interactions with turtles, especially as the status of many turtle populations has placed them on the threatened or endangered species list. The combination of high-resolution satellite-tracking data with remotely sensed oceanographic data makes it possible to identify habitat for loggerhead turtles by analyzing the behavior of individual animals. Bycatch of loggerhead turtles in longline fisheries can also be examined using the same high-resolution oceanographic data to determine if there are identifiable habitat differences in high- and low- bycatch areas. I analyzed the tracks of ten loggerhead turtles tagged in the spring and fall of 1998 near Madeira, Portugal in relation to the marine environment they occupied. To determine the relationship between an individual turtle and its environment, some measure of behavior was necessary. I calculated the straightness index (SI), the ratio of the displacement of the animal to the total distance traveled, for individual weekly segments of the ten tracks as a measure of individual behavior. I then extracted information about the chlorophyll, sea-surface temperature (SST), bathymetry, and geostrophic current of the ocean in a 20km buffer surrounding the tracks, and examined the relationship between the straightness index and those characteristics using logistic regression. Chlorophyll a value, bathymetry, and movement of the turtle with geostrophic currents were consistently related to the straightness index of the tracks of all ten animals (two-sided p-value from Wald's test: 0.005, 0.0017, and 0.0018, respectively). Tracks were less straight in high chlorophyll regions and in shallower ocean areas, and animals were more likely to be moving with prevailing geostrophic currents during straighter track segments. These results confirm comparable analyses of loggerhead tracks in the Pacific, and indicate that sea turtles alter their behavior (likely representing a shift from traveling to foraging) when they encounter high-chlorophyll regions. Turtles with highly sinuous tracks spend more time in a given area or habitat than those who pass straight through, and therefore may be more susceptible to incidental capture by fisheries operating in those habitats. To address the fisheries bycatch/ habitat interactions I analyzed longline bycatch data to determine whether the marine environmental variables identified in the first part of my study were related to the probability of catching a turtle on a given longline set. I performed a logistic regression analysis using bycatch of turtles as the response variable, and bathymetry, SST, SST gradient (indicative of frontal activity), chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll a gradient as the independent variables. I also included the location and the date of the longline sets as potential predictor variables. I found that the most important variables predicting the odds that a turtle would be caught on a given set were chlorophyll a value in the area of the haul ( Wald's test, p=0.009) and the latitude at the beginning of the haul (Wald's test, p=0.0005). Turtles were more likely to be caught on sets in lower chlorophyll regions and in higher latitude regions of the data set, and there was no indication of important effects of bathymetry. These results disagree with my predictions from the tracking analysis, either because the fisheries-dependent bycatch data set did not provide enough contrast of habitat types, or because bycatch probability is not related to turtle behavior. My results indicate a difference between the critical variables selected as predictors of turtle habitat using the bycatch data and those selected using the behavior of individual tracked animals. While bycatch information is important, the distribution of fisheries data is highly biased towards frontal zones and regions of historic high catch. Judgments about turtle behavior based on only fisheries interactions could lead to incorrect conclusions about where animals spend the majority of their time. Assuming that animals are more likely to have an increased probability of interaction with longlines in areas where they spend more time foraging, fishing pressure should be reduced in those areas of high-use for pelagic loggerheads. It is crucial to base fisheries time-area closures and the design of marine protected areas on the behavior of tracked animals, and not just on fisheries bycatch data. Close

• 250. [Article] Linking Habitat and Benthic Invertebrate Species Distributions in Areas of Potential Renewable Energy Development

  While the coastal waters of western North America hold great promise for wind and wave energy development, many concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impacts of the installation of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Linking Habitat and Benthic Invertebrate Species Distributions in Areas of Potential Renewable Energy Development Author: Henkel, Sarah K., Goldfinger, Chris While the coastal waters of western North America hold great promise for wind and wave energy development, many concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impacts of the installation of these devices and their complex mooring systems. Here I focus on characterizing benthic habitats and biological communities in offshore sedimentary and reef habitats where wind and wave energy facilities could be located. While little is known about species-habitat relationships and community processes in the depths and substrate types targeted for offshore renewable energy installation, an understanding of the natural dynamics of these systems is of utmost importance if we hope to forecast changes that might be brought about by wind and wave development. Since May 2010 we have conducted surveys of benthic habitats from northern California to Washington using a variety of techniques, providing baseline data on habitats and species potentially affected by wind and wave development, identifying species-habitat relationships, and quantifying spatial and temporal trends in species abundances and distributions. The first step in identifying and evaluating benthic communities is sonar mapping to determine depth and substrate types. In summer 2010 and 2011 six new offshore sites were mapped by the Seafloor Mapping and Plate Tectonics Lab at OSU using high-resolution multi-beam sonar and acoustic backscatter. In addition to the backscatter, Shipek grabs were taken in soft-bottom areas to collect sediment samples, which were run through a laser particle size analyzer (LDPSA) to determine actual grain size. Mapping began at the federal jurisdiction line and extended 9 – 12 miles offshore. Oregon and California have undertaken extensive mapping of state waters, so many areas have been mapped inshore of these sites as well. In summer 2011 and 2012, we visited 8 sites (6 newly mapped sites, one previously mapped, and one unmapped site) to collect a total of 153 cores using a 0.1 m2 box-corer. A sub-sample of sediment was collected from the corer and analyzed using the LDPSA; the rest was sieved through 1 mm mesh and all infaunal organisms were counted and identified. At each box core sampling station, CTD casts were conducted to obtain physical data describing the overlying water column for further habitat characterization. Unique infaunal invertebrate assemblages were found in sedimentary habitats at each of the Pacific Northwest shelf sites. Thus for renewable energy siting, it does not appear that baseline surveys conducted at one site can necessarily serve as a proxy for distant sites. However, some general trends were detected. Significantly different invertebrate assemblages were found in different depth ranges with a break at approximately 80 to 90 m depth; deeper sites exhibited greater diversity. Shallower sites had greater spatial heterogeneity in infaunal invertebrate assemblages than deeper sites; thus as monitoring protocols are developed we recommend that shallower sites be sampled more extensively in order to adequately characterize those communities. Molluscs seemed to be the most responsive to substrate type, with different assemblages found in pure sand, slightly muddy sand, and mostly silt/clay. In addition to sampling of sedimentary habitat, we conducted limited surveys of offshore reef habitats. Although it is unlikely that devices would be installed in these areas, reefs may be crossed by electrical cables, and changes in sediment transport due to ocean energy extraction or alterations of flow around large device arrays could lead to community impacts. The aim of this study was to describe baseline relationships between macroinvertebrate communities and habitat features against which to measure potential future impacts and to develop tools to predict community compositions of unsampled areas in the region based on substrate features. To date we have analyzed submersible dive video from three sites conducted in the mid-1990s. In the summers of 2011 and 2012, we visited these previously surveyed sites with an ROV. Analysis of submersible and ROV surveys indicated that two major substratum groups held different macroinvertebrate assemblages: moderate to high-relief rocky habitats and low-relief fine sediment habitats. The majority of macroinvertebrate taxa were associated with high-relief rocks; these taxa were further differentiated between flat and ridge rock habitats. Low-relief fine sediment habitat was most often associated with motile invertebrates. Within this habitat it appeared that fine-sediment substrata mixed with mud, boulders, or gravel each yield unique macro-invertebrate associations versus those found on uniformly mud or sand substrata. Latitude also was correlated with variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. A major challenge will be detecting effects of wind and wave energy installations above the inherent natural variability in these systems. Decadal scale shifts in the California Current affect this ecosystem, with warm regimes and associated declines in planktonic production resulting in degradation of benthic community. On shorter timescales El Niño events can cause major, short-term disturbances. Off the Oregon coast, summer hypoxia events can have dramatic effects on benthic communities, and ocean acidification is an increasing concern. Thus, evaluation of this ecosystem must be made in the context of seasonal and climatic trends. Prior to installation of device arrays, baseline sampling is usually required as part of the permitting process. However, one-time sampling will not capture the variability of the system in a given area, and developers and regulators typically are not able to make the investment (in time or money) to repeatedly survey an area before development. Funding agencies rarely support long-term monitoring studies. Thus, finding support for repeated field sampling across time and space is especially challenging. The biggest issue facing wind and wave energy developers in the environmental arena is the high level of uncertainty regarding environmental effects. Without a substantial understanding of the natural dynamics of a system, it will be difficult to reduce that uncertainty. Title: Linking Habitat and Benthic Invertebrate Species Distributions in Areas of Potential Renewable Energy Development Author: Henkel, Sarah K., Goldfinger, Chris While the coastal waters of western North America hold great promise for wind and wave energy development, many concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impacts of the installation of these devices and their complex mooring systems. Here I focus on characterizing benthic habitats and biological communities in offshore sedimentary and reef habitats where wind and wave energy facilities could be located. While little is known about species-habitat relationships and community processes in the depths and substrate types targeted for offshore renewable energy installation, an understanding of the natural dynamics of these systems is of utmost importance if we hope to forecast changes that might be brought about by wind and wave development. Since May 2010 we have conducted surveys of benthic habitats from northern California to Washington using a variety of techniques, providing baseline data on habitats and species potentially affected by wind and wave development, identifying species-habitat relationships, and quantifying spatial and temporal trends in species abundances and distributions. The first step in identifying and evaluating benthic communities is sonar mapping to determine depth and substrate types. In summer 2010 and 2011 six new offshore sites were mapped by the Seafloor Mapping and Plate Tectonics Lab at OSU using high-resolution multi-beam sonar and acoustic backscatter. In addition to the backscatter, Shipek grabs were taken in soft-bottom areas to collect sediment samples, which were run through a laser particle size analyzer (LDPSA) to determine actual grain size. Mapping began at the federal jurisdiction line and extended 9 – 12 miles offshore. Oregon and California have undertaken extensive mapping of state waters, so many areas have been mapped inshore of these sites as well. In summer 2011 and 2012, we visited 8 sites (6 newly mapped sites, one previously mapped, and one unmapped site) to collect a total of 153 cores using a 0.1 m2 box-corer. A sub-sample of sediment was collected from the corer and analyzed using the LDPSA; the rest was sieved through 1 mm mesh and all infaunal organisms were counted and identified. At each box core sampling station, CTD casts were conducted to obtain physical data describing the overlying water column for further habitat characterization. Unique infaunal invertebrate assemblages were found in sedimentary habitats at each of the Pacific Northwest shelf sites. Thus for renewable energy siting, it does not appear that baseline surveys conducted at one site can necessarily serve as a proxy for distant sites. However, some general trends were detected. Significantly different invertebrate assemblages were found in different depth ranges with a break at approximately 80 to 90 m depth; deeper sites exhibited greater diversity. Shallower sites had greater spatial heterogeneity in infaunal invertebrate assemblages than deeper sites; thus as monitoring protocols are developed we recommend that shallower sites be sampled more extensively in order to adequately characterize those communities. Molluscs seemed to be the most responsive to substrate type, with different assemblages found in pure sand, slightly muddy sand, and mostly silt/clay. In addition to sampling of sedimentary habitat, we conducted limited surveys of offshore reef habitats. Although it is unlikely that devices would be installed in these areas, reefs may be crossed by electrical cables, and changes in sediment transport due to ocean energy extraction or alterations of flow around large device arrays could lead to community impacts. The aim of this study was to describe baseline relationships between macroinvertebrate communities and habitat features against which to measure potential future impacts and to develop tools to predict community compositions of unsampled areas in the region based on substrate features. To date we have analyzed submersible dive video from three sites conducted in the mid-1990s. In the summers of 2011 and 2012, we visited these previously surveyed sites with an ROV. Analysis of submersible and ROV surveys indicated that two major substratum groups held different macroinvertebrate assemblages: moderate to high-relief rocky habitats and low-relief fine sediment habitats. The majority of macroinvertebrate taxa were associated with high-relief rocks; these taxa were further differentiated between flat and ridge rock habitats. Low-relief fine sediment habitat was most often associated with motile invertebrates. Within this habitat it appeared that fine-sediment substrata mixed with mud, boulders, or gravel each yield unique macro-invertebrate associations versus those found on uniformly mud or sand substrata. Latitude also was correlated with variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. A major challenge will be detecting effects of wind and wave energy installations above the inherent natural variability in these systems. Decadal scale shifts in the California Current affect this ecosystem, with warm regimes and associated declines in planktonic production resulting in degradation of benthic community. On shorter timescales El Niño events can cause major, short-term disturbances. Off the Oregon coast, summer hypoxia events can have dramatic effects on benthic communities, and ocean acidification is an increasing concern. Thus, evaluation of this ecosystem must be made in the context of seasonal and climatic trends. Prior to installation of device arrays, baseline sampling is usually required as part of the permitting process. However, one-time sampling will not capture the variability of the system in a given area, and developers and regulators typically are not able to make the investment (in time or money) to repeatedly survey an area before development. Funding agencies rarely support long-term monitoring studies. Thus, finding support for repeated field sampling across time and space is especially challenging. The biggest issue facing wind and wave energy developers in the environmental arena is the high level of uncertainty regarding environmental effects. Without a substantial understanding of the natural dynamics of a system, it will be difficult to reduce that uncertainty. Close