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• 1. [Article] The Oregon conservation strategy

  The Oregon Conservation Strategy is an ambitious effort to synthesize the best available data, science, and knowledge into a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon’s ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon conservation strategy Author: Oregon. Department of Fish and Wildlife The Oregon Conservation Strategy is an ambitious effort to synthesize the best available data, science, and knowledge into a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon’s native wildlife. It is intended to be a dynamic, living approach that will be adjusted as new information and insights are gained. Therefore the information contained within this archived document may be outdated. Please check for the most recent version of the Oregon Conservation Strategy on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ Title: The Oregon conservation strategy Author: Oregon. Department of Fish and Wildlife The Oregon Conservation Strategy is an ambitious effort to synthesize the best available data, science, and knowledge into a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon’s native wildlife. It is intended to be a dynamic, living approach that will be adjusted as new information and insights are gained. Therefore the information contained within this archived document may be outdated. Please check for the most recent version of the Oregon Conservation Strategy on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/ Close

• 2. [Article] Draft supplemental environmental impact statement : clarification of language in the 1994 record of decision for the Northwest Forest Plan : national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts within the range of the northern spotted owl

  The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior propose limited changes to language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, part of the Northwest Forest Plan. Projects needed to achieve Northwest Forest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Draft supplemental environmental impact statement : clarification of language in the 1994 record of decision for the Northwest Forest Plan : national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts within the range of the northern spotted owl Author: United States. Forest Service, United States. Bureau of Land Management The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior propose limited changes to language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, part of the Northwest Forest Plan. Projects needed to achieve Northwest Forest Plan goals have been delayed or stopped due to misapplication of certain passages in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Secretaries are responding to the underlying need to follow Northwest Forest Plan principles and achieve its goals. Two alternatives are considered in this Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, No Action and Proposed Action. No Action would not change existing language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Proposed Action would make limited changes to clarify how the agencies should design projects to follow the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Proposed Action is the Preferred Alternative. Title: Draft supplemental environmental impact statement : clarification of language in the 1994 record of decision for the Northwest Forest Plan : national forests and Bureau of Land Management districts within the range of the northern spotted owl Author: United States. Forest Service, United States. Bureau of Land Management The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior propose limited changes to language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy, part of the Northwest Forest Plan. Projects needed to achieve Northwest Forest Plan goals have been delayed or stopped due to misapplication of certain passages in the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Secretaries are responding to the underlying need to follow Northwest Forest Plan principles and achieve its goals. Two alternatives are considered in this Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, No Action and Proposed Action. No Action would not change existing language within the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Proposed Action would make limited changes to clarify how the agencies should design projects to follow the Aquatic Conservation Strategy. The Proposed Action is the Preferred Alternative. Close

• 3. [Article] Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

  The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. This Strategy outlines the critical need to develop the associations among local, state, provincial, tribal, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens to design and implement cooperative actions to support robust populations of sage-grouse and the landscapes and habitats upon which they depend. The justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. This Strategy outlines the critical need to develop the associations among local, state, provincial, tribal, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens to design and implement cooperative actions to support robust populations of sage-grouse and the landscapes and habitats upon which they depend. The justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Close

• 4. [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

• 5. [Article] Workshop on Estuaries, Climate Change, and Conservation Planning Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon, November 18-19, 2010 - 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: Workshop on Estuaries, Climate Change, and Conservation Planning Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon, November 18-19, 2010 - Workshop Summary Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa, Lev, Esther, 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 high-priority climate change adaptation strategies for Oregon’s estuaries. A secondary goal of the meeting was to build and strengthen partnerships in the research and management communities. Title: Workshop on Estuaries, Climate Change, and Conservation Planning Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon, November 18-19, 2010 - Workshop Summary Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa, Lev, Esther, 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 high-priority climate change adaptation strategies for Oregon’s estuaries. A secondary goal of the meeting was to build and strengthen partnerships in the research and management communities. Close

• 6. [Article] Oregon comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy: Voluntary conservation tools and programs

  This draft document describes different types of conservation tools and highlights some conservation programs currently available in Oregon, along with an assessment of their effectiveness for habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy: Voluntary conservation tools and programs Author: Defenders of Wildlife This draft document describes different types of conservation tools and highlights some conservation programs currently available in Oregon, along with an assessment of their effectiveness for habitat conservation and for participating landowners. Title: Oregon comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy: Voluntary conservation tools and programs Author: Defenders of Wildlife This draft document describes different types of conservation tools and highlights some conservation programs currently available in Oregon, along with an assessment of their effectiveness for habitat conservation and for participating landowners. Close

• 7. [Article] Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington

  Version 1.0

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington Author: Altman, Bob, Holmes, Aaron, Oregon-Washington Partners in flight Version 1.0 Title: Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington Author: Altman, Bob, Holmes, Aaron, Oregon-Washington Partners in flight Version 1.0 Close

• 8. [Article] Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy

  Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Kagan, James S., Burcsu, Theresa Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University Title: Mapping conservation opportunity areas for the Intertwine's Regional Conservation Strategy Author: Kagan, James S., Burcsu, Theresa Draft report from the Institute for Natural Resources, Portland State University Close

• 9. [Article] Habitat monitoring : an approach for reporting status and trends for state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies

  This paper provides some background information on coarse to medium scale habitat monitoring techniques and proposes a framework for a statewide system. It is designed for state fish and wildlife agencies ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Habitat monitoring : an approach for reporting status and trends for state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies Author: Luscombe, Wayne, Schoonmaker, Peter This paper provides some background information on coarse to medium scale habitat monitoring techniques and proposes a framework for a statewide system. It is designed for state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners to help them meet the monitoring requirement in the development of wildlife strategies. Title: Habitat monitoring : an approach for reporting status and trends for state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies Author: Luscombe, Wayne, Schoonmaker, Peter This paper provides some background information on coarse to medium scale habitat monitoring techniques and proposes a framework for a statewide system. It is designed for state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners to help them meet the monitoring requirement in the development of wildlife strategies. Close

• 10. [Article] Modeling and mapping in support of the Regional conservational Strategy Framework

  Report from the Institute of Natural Resources, Portland State University

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling and mapping in support of the Regional conservational Strategy Framework Author: Dimiceli, Jennifer, Noone, Matthew, Burcsu, Theresa, Albo, Tommy, Kagan, James S., Bernert, Joe Report from the Institute of Natural Resources, Portland State University Title: Modeling and mapping in support of the Regional conservational Strategy Framework Author: Dimiceli, Jennifer, Noone, Matthew, Burcsu, Theresa, Albo, Tommy, Kagan, James S., Bernert, Joe Report from the Institute of Natural Resources, Portland State University Close

• 11. [Article] Collaborative Conservation Strategies: Legislative Case Studies from Across the West

  Executive Summary: As the 2005-06 Chair of the Western Governors' Association, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano placed special emphasis on issues surrounding sustainable development. As part of that initiative, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Collaborative Conservation Strategies: Legislative Case Studies from Across the West Author: Western Governors' Association Executive Summary: As the 2005-06 Chair of the Western Governors' Association, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano placed special emphasis on issues surrounding sustainable development. As part of that initiative, she directed WGA staff to develop a white paper on the use of negotiated compromise federal legislation as a tool both to protect unique and sensitive lands in the West and to address growth and economic development issues faced by local communities. Western states contain the vast majority of publicly owned lands. Management of these lands impact the social and economic fabric of adjacent rural Western communities. As much of the West continues experiencing unprecedented population growth, the traditional tension between growth and preservation has escalated for these lands and the communities. This white paper traces the history of land conservation in the West and the seeds of collaborative approaches reaching back to federal statutes enacted in the 1960s. The case studies show how traditional adversaries in three Western communities were able to avoid impasse and come together to hammer out difficult compromises to accommodate most interests. Success has not been fully realized in all cases, but the difficult work continues. There are those on both sides who believe compromising with “the enemy” on conservation and development is tantamount to surrender. However, as the West keeps growing, the pressure will mount to negotiate solutions on the conservation and development of land and water supplies for traditional and new uses. Negotiated, omnibus legislation for public lands is one of the new tools that can help. This approach requires undaunted leadership, (a strong motivating factor to get parties to the table), a level playing field during the collaborative process, and an outcome that has enough support to weather the federal legislative process. Western Governors are uniquely poised to identify opportunities in their respective states, help initiate a truly collaborative process, and stand with their Congressional counterparts if a bill moves through Congress. It is a leadership role that they have played in other arenas and would likely be welcomed by communities and advocates alike. Title: Collaborative Conservation Strategies: Legislative Case Studies from Across the West Author: Western Governors' Association Executive Summary: As the 2005-06 Chair of the Western Governors' Association, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano placed special emphasis on issues surrounding sustainable development. As part of that initiative, she directed WGA staff to develop a white paper on the use of negotiated compromise federal legislation as a tool both to protect unique and sensitive lands in the West and to address growth and economic development issues faced by local communities. Western states contain the vast majority of publicly owned lands. Management of these lands impact the social and economic fabric of adjacent rural Western communities. As much of the West continues experiencing unprecedented population growth, the traditional tension between growth and preservation has escalated for these lands and the communities. This white paper traces the history of land conservation in the West and the seeds of collaborative approaches reaching back to federal statutes enacted in the 1960s. The case studies show how traditional adversaries in three Western communities were able to avoid impasse and come together to hammer out difficult compromises to accommodate most interests. Success has not been fully realized in all cases, but the difficult work continues. There are those on both sides who believe compromising with “the enemy” on conservation and development is tantamount to surrender. However, as the West keeps growing, the pressure will mount to negotiate solutions on the conservation and development of land and water supplies for traditional and new uses. Negotiated, omnibus legislation for public lands is one of the new tools that can help. This approach requires undaunted leadership, (a strong motivating factor to get parties to the table), a level playing field during the collaborative process, and an outcome that has enough support to weather the federal legislative process. Western Governors are uniquely poised to identify opportunities in their respective states, help initiate a truly collaborative process, and stand with their Congressional counterparts if a bill moves through Congress. It is a leadership role that they have played in other arenas and would likely be welcomed by communities and advocates alike. Close

• 12. [Article] Application of Bioeconomic Analyses for Marine Conservation Policy

  The Gulf of California is undoubtedly the Mexican marine region with the most research and conservation efforts. In addition to overfishing issues, it harbors endemic and Critically Endangered populations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Application of Bioeconomic Analyses for Marine Conservation Policy Author: Cisneros-Montemayor, Andrés The Gulf of California is undoubtedly the Mexican marine region with the most research and conservation efforts. In addition to overfishing issues, it harbors endemic and Critically Endangered populations of totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) and vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Conservation strategies have varied, but there is a wide recognition of their historic failure to effectively curtail negative human impacts on local ecosystems. A main reason has been a lack of explicit consideration of the economic dynamics and behavior of artisanal fishers. We develop a bioeconomic model that represents a series of past conservation and fisheries management policies, analyzing their empirical results from a simple economic theoretical framework. Results show how counteracting policies, and basic changes to fishing behavior, negate potential benefits to various objectives. Even with wide ecological knowledge and possibly legitimate commitment to sustainable actions from key stakeholders, integrating bioeconomic analyses is essential to understand the outcomes of past policies and generate more effective ones in the future.  Title: Application of Bioeconomic Analyses for Marine Conservation Policy Author: Cisneros-Montemayor, Andrés The Gulf of California is undoubtedly the Mexican marine region with the most research and conservation efforts. In addition to overfishing issues, it harbors endemic and Critically Endangered populations of totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi) and vaquita (Phocoena sinus). Conservation strategies have varied, but there is a wide recognition of their historic failure to effectively curtail negative human impacts on local ecosystems. A main reason has been a lack of explicit consideration of the economic dynamics and behavior of artisanal fishers. We develop a bioeconomic model that represents a series of past conservation and fisheries management policies, analyzing their empirical results from a simple economic theoretical framework. Results show how counteracting policies, and basic changes to fishing behavior, negate potential benefits to various objectives. Even with wide ecological knowledge and possibly legitimate commitment to sustainable actions from key stakeholders, integrating bioeconomic analyses is essential to understand the outcomes of past policies and generate more effective ones in the future.  Close

• 13. [Article] Managing the spatial configuration of land : the economics of land use and habitat fragmentation

  Habitat fragmentation has been widely studied in the biological literature and is considered a primary threat to biodiversity. However, there has been little research on land-use policies to reduce fragmentation. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Managing the spatial configuration of land : the economics of land use and habitat fragmentation Author: Lewis, David James Habitat fragmentation has been widely studied in the biological literature and is considered a primary threat to biodiversity. However, there has been little research on land-use policies to reduce fragmentation. This dissertation focuses on two major research issues related to fragmentation policies. First, I develop an analytical model to analyze the optimal conservation strategy on a landscape with habitat fragmentation effects. Second, I develop an empirical methodology to quantify the economic costs of reducing fragmentation through the use of incentive-based land-use policies. A theoretical model of land use is developed to analyze the spatial configuration of landscapes when land quality is spatially heterogeneous and wildlife habitat is fragmented and socially valuable. When urban development is the primary cause of fragmentation, I show how spatial heterogeneity in amenities and household neighbor preferences affect the optimal landscape and the design of efficient land-use policies. When agriculture is the primary cause of fragmentation, I derive optimal conservation strategies for reducing fragmentation. I show that reforestation efforts should be targeted to the most fragmented landscapes with an aggregate share of forest equal to a threshold, defined by the ratio of the opportunity cost of conversion to the social value of core forest. A parcel-level econometric model of land-use change is developed and integrated with spatially-explicit landscape simulations to predict the empirical distribution of fragmentation outcomes under given market conditions and policy scenarios. I examine the effects of alternative policy designs on various measures of fragmentation and then quantify the costs of achieving spatial outcomes. I find that the costs of reducing forest fragmentation vary greatly with initial landscape conditions and that a simple uniform subsidy appears to perform well relative to more complicated spatially-targeted policies. In addition, my results suggest that initial landscape conditions, rather than the policy approach, should be the foremost consideration for wildlife managers deciding how to allocate a limited budget to conservation efforts. Title: Managing the spatial configuration of land : the economics of land use and habitat fragmentation Author: Lewis, David James Habitat fragmentation has been widely studied in the biological literature and is considered a primary threat to biodiversity. However, there has been little research on land-use policies to reduce fragmentation. This dissertation focuses on two major research issues related to fragmentation policies. First, I develop an analytical model to analyze the optimal conservation strategy on a landscape with habitat fragmentation effects. Second, I develop an empirical methodology to quantify the economic costs of reducing fragmentation through the use of incentive-based land-use policies. A theoretical model of land use is developed to analyze the spatial configuration of landscapes when land quality is spatially heterogeneous and wildlife habitat is fragmented and socially valuable. When urban development is the primary cause of fragmentation, I show how spatial heterogeneity in amenities and household neighbor preferences affect the optimal landscape and the design of efficient land-use policies. When agriculture is the primary cause of fragmentation, I derive optimal conservation strategies for reducing fragmentation. I show that reforestation efforts should be targeted to the most fragmented landscapes with an aggregate share of forest equal to a threshold, defined by the ratio of the opportunity cost of conversion to the social value of core forest. A parcel-level econometric model of land-use change is developed and integrated with spatially-explicit landscape simulations to predict the empirical distribution of fragmentation outcomes under given market conditions and policy scenarios. I examine the effects of alternative policy designs on various measures of fragmentation and then quantify the costs of achieving spatial outcomes. I find that the costs of reducing forest fragmentation vary greatly with initial landscape conditions and that a simple uniform subsidy appears to perform well relative to more complicated spatially-targeted policies. In addition, my results suggest that initial landscape conditions, rather than the policy approach, should be the foremost consideration for wildlife managers deciding how to allocate a limited budget to conservation efforts. Close

• 14. [Article] Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds

  Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds Author: Pickard, Brian R. Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed buffers on streams for federal and private lands based on stream type or size. These buffers can create a series of disjointed riparian protections, as federal lands require buffers that are much larger than private lands. In addition, the fixed buffer approach is neither flexible nor tailored to aquatic ecosystem values. This thesis presents a framework for comprehensively assessing stream networks using site specific watershed features and then suggests riparian conservation strategies that key stream and riparian protection to aquatic ecosystem values. Seven study watersheds were used in this analysis, totaling over 2.5 million acres of forested lands in western Oregon. Employing a set of geospatial tools, called NetMap, streams in each watershed were classified into higher and lower priorities using criteria of intrinsic potential, erosion/debris flow susceptibility, and thermal loading potential. Results demonstrated the inherent variability within and among watersheds based on the geomorphic and ecological processes determined important for selected salmon species. Within each watershed, both federal and non-federal lands had many miles of higher priority fish-bearing and non-fish bearing streams, suggesting the need for comprehensive, holistic watershed conservation strategies. Based on the partitioning of streams into higher and lower priorities, an alternative riparian conservation strategy was then modeled for federal lands that allocate protection on the basis of the ecological context of a stream segment’s potential and particular location while still meeting federal aquatic conservation goals and objectives. Possible increases to the land base for long-term timber production were then identified if this strategy were applied to federal Matrix lands. Results demonstrated that 8-30 percent of the current riparian buffers could be reallocated to the land base for long-term timber production. An additional 26-45 percent of current buffers could be managed simultaneously for both timber production and aquatic ecosystem goals. Results also provided a framework for targeting of conservation and restoration efforts towards higher priority streams within each watershed. As many of the most ecologically important streams were located on non-federal lands, riparian conservation policies focused on streams classified as higher priority on those lands may be needed to protect aquatic species and their environments. Title: Keying forest stream protection to aquatic ecosystem values in multi-ownership watersheds Author: Pickard, Brian R. Forested lands of western Oregon provide aquatic habitat for many fish and riparian dependent species, including a wide variety of salmon species. Current policies set riparian protections using fixed buffers on streams for federal and private lands based on stream type or size. These buffers can create a series of disjointed riparian protections, as federal lands require buffers that are much larger than private lands. In addition, the fixed buffer approach is neither flexible nor tailored to aquatic ecosystem values. This thesis presents a framework for comprehensively assessing stream networks using site specific watershed features and then suggests riparian conservation strategies that key stream and riparian protection to aquatic ecosystem values. Seven study watersheds were used in this analysis, totaling over 2.5 million acres of forested lands in western Oregon. Employing a set of geospatial tools, called NetMap, streams in each watershed were classified into higher and lower priorities using criteria of intrinsic potential, erosion/debris flow susceptibility, and thermal loading potential. Results demonstrated the inherent variability within and among watersheds based on the geomorphic and ecological processes determined important for selected salmon species. Within each watershed, both federal and non-federal lands had many miles of higher priority fish-bearing and non-fish bearing streams, suggesting the need for comprehensive, holistic watershed conservation strategies. Based on the partitioning of streams into higher and lower priorities, an alternative riparian conservation strategy was then modeled for federal lands that allocate protection on the basis of the ecological context of a stream segment’s potential and particular location while still meeting federal aquatic conservation goals and objectives. Possible increases to the land base for long-term timber production were then identified if this strategy were applied to federal Matrix lands. Results demonstrated that 8-30 percent of the current riparian buffers could be reallocated to the land base for long-term timber production. An additional 26-45 percent of current buffers could be managed simultaneously for both timber production and aquatic ecosystem goals. Results also provided a framework for targeting of conservation and restoration efforts towards higher priority streams within each watershed. As many of the most ecologically important streams were located on non-federal lands, riparian conservation policies focused on streams classified as higher priority on those lands may be needed to protect aquatic species and their environments. Close

• 15. [Article] Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy

  This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy Author: Bureau of Land Management, Ellis, Steven A. , U.S. Forest Service This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. Additionally, for RMPs that include Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) habitat, this IM provides guidance for tracking and reporting on the implementation of decisions using the e-Planning tracking database. Title: Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy Author: Bureau of Land Management, Ellis, Steven A. , U.S. Forest Service This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. Additionally, for RMPs that include Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) habitat, this IM provides guidance for tracking and reporting on the implementation of decisions using the e-Planning tracking database. Close

• 16. [Article] Basin-wide distributed modeling of hydrologic responses to irrigation management in the Wood River Basin, Klamath County, OR

  The Wood River Basin lies upstream of Upper Klamath Lake, the main reservoir of the USBR Klamath Irrigation Project that provides irrigation water to 210,000 acres of downstream land. Water allocation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Basin-wide distributed modeling of hydrologic responses to irrigation management in the Wood River Basin, Klamath County, OR Author: Owens, Joshua M. The Wood River Basin lies upstream of Upper Klamath Lake, the main reservoir of the USBR Klamath Irrigation Project that provides irrigation water to 210,000 acres of downstream land. Water allocation became a contentious issue in 2001 when drought led to curtailment of irrigation deliveries to the Klamath Irrigation Project in order to maintain minimum lake levels and river flows for endangered species. After lengthy negotiations the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement was signed in February 2010, and calls for flow increases of 30,000 ac-ft/yr into Upper Klamath Lake from voluntary upstream sources. The Wood River Basin is a potential source of this water, but poorly understood hydrology makes estimates of water gains in response to conservation strategies uncertain. To better understand the hydrology of the Wood River Basin a fully distributed, physically based model was set up using the MIKE SHE hydrology model and MIKE 11 hydraulic model by DHI, Inc. The model was developed by recreating the actual management of the basin from 2002 to 2009, a period when tracts of land in the basin were enrolled in land idling programs for water conservation. Calibration and validation was evaluated against shallow groundwater observations. Overall the model described the average conditions of the basin well. Locations that were simulated inaccurately were limited to those in close proximity to the model boundary or to the Wood River, the result of using average values to describe these heterogeneous features. The model was used to simulate two end-member scenarios to determine the limits of water conservation strategies, basin-wide full irrigation and non-irrigation. Two reduced irrigation scenarios were also simulated, the first reduced the irrigation season to June and July, the second eliminated every other irrigation application. The simulation that recreated the actual management showed that non-irrigated tracts did not substantially reduce the consumptive use because water from the surrounding irrigated tracts was able to flow in via the shallow aquifer and provide sub-irrigation. For the full irrigation scenario the average annual consumptive use was 126,000 ac-ft/yr. For the non-irrigated scenario it was 96,000 ac-ft/yr, a reduction of 24%. For the two reduced irrigation scenarios the consumptive use was decreased by 14% and 12%. When compared to the irrigated scenario the total increase of flow to Upper Klamath Lake during the growing season was 60,000 ac-ft/yr for the non-irrigated scenario; and 36,000 ac-ft/yr and 31,000 ac-ft/yr for the two reduced irrigation scenarios respectively. Irrigation in the basin was found to transfer stream flow from the summer time to the winter time due to saturated winter conditions from late season irrigations resulting in increased runoff. There is potential for water conservation strategies in the Wood River Basin to substantially increase water flow into Upper Klamath Lake, but these strategies would have to be implemented extensively throughout the basin to reduce sub-irrigation. Title: Basin-wide distributed modeling of hydrologic responses to irrigation management in the Wood River Basin, Klamath County, OR Author: Owens, Joshua M. The Wood River Basin lies upstream of Upper Klamath Lake, the main reservoir of the USBR Klamath Irrigation Project that provides irrigation water to 210,000 acres of downstream land. Water allocation became a contentious issue in 2001 when drought led to curtailment of irrigation deliveries to the Klamath Irrigation Project in order to maintain minimum lake levels and river flows for endangered species. After lengthy negotiations the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement was signed in February 2010, and calls for flow increases of 30,000 ac-ft/yr into Upper Klamath Lake from voluntary upstream sources. The Wood River Basin is a potential source of this water, but poorly understood hydrology makes estimates of water gains in response to conservation strategies uncertain. To better understand the hydrology of the Wood River Basin a fully distributed, physically based model was set up using the MIKE SHE hydrology model and MIKE 11 hydraulic model by DHI, Inc. The model was developed by recreating the actual management of the basin from 2002 to 2009, a period when tracts of land in the basin were enrolled in land idling programs for water conservation. Calibration and validation was evaluated against shallow groundwater observations. Overall the model described the average conditions of the basin well. Locations that were simulated inaccurately were limited to those in close proximity to the model boundary or to the Wood River, the result of using average values to describe these heterogeneous features. The model was used to simulate two end-member scenarios to determine the limits of water conservation strategies, basin-wide full irrigation and non-irrigation. Two reduced irrigation scenarios were also simulated, the first reduced the irrigation season to June and July, the second eliminated every other irrigation application. The simulation that recreated the actual management showed that non-irrigated tracts did not substantially reduce the consumptive use because water from the surrounding irrigated tracts was able to flow in via the shallow aquifer and provide sub-irrigation. For the full irrigation scenario the average annual consumptive use was 126,000 ac-ft/yr. For the non-irrigated scenario it was 96,000 ac-ft/yr, a reduction of 24%. For the two reduced irrigation scenarios the consumptive use was decreased by 14% and 12%. When compared to the irrigated scenario the total increase of flow to Upper Klamath Lake during the growing season was 60,000 ac-ft/yr for the non-irrigated scenario; and 36,000 ac-ft/yr and 31,000 ac-ft/yr for the two reduced irrigation scenarios respectively. Irrigation in the basin was found to transfer stream flow from the summer time to the winter time due to saturated winter conditions from late season irrigations resulting in increased runoff. There is potential for water conservation strategies in the Wood River Basin to substantially increase water flow into Upper Klamath Lake, but these strategies would have to be implemented extensively throughout the basin to reduce sub-irrigation. Close

• 17. [Article] Marine Protected Areas and Fishers' Involvement: the Case of the Iroise Sea, Western Brittany, France

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine Protected Areas and Fishers' Involvement: the Case of the Iroise Sea, Western Brittany, France Author: Pennanguer, S., Sabourin, A., Alban, Frederique Research Paper Title: Marine Protected Areas and Fishers' Involvement: the Case of the Iroise Sea, Western Brittany, France Author: Pennanguer, S., Sabourin, A., Alban, Frederique Research Paper Close

• 18. [Article] Mitigation of Ecosystem-Level Impacts of Fisheries Bycatch on Marine Megafauna: Conservation Policy, Economic Instruments, and Technical Change

  presentation

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mitigation of Ecosystem-Level Impacts of Fisheries Bycatch on Marine Megafauna: Conservation Policy, Economic Instruments, and Technical Change Author: Squires, Dale, Bull, Joe presentation Title: Mitigation of Ecosystem-Level Impacts of Fisheries Bycatch on Marine Megafauna: Conservation Policy, Economic Instruments, and Technical Change Author: Squires, Dale, Bull, Joe presentation Close

• 19. [Article] Economic Benefits of Conserving Natural Lands: Case Study: Yaquina Bay Conservation Opportunity Area, Oregon

  In this study, which forms part of a set of five case studies that cover natural lands in Florida, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico and Oregon, we develop estimates of the economic value of several human uses ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Economic Benefits of Conserving Natural Lands: Case Study: Yaquina Bay Conservation Opportunity Area, Oregon Author: McMurray, Anna, Kroeger, Timm In this study, which forms part of a set of five case studies that cover natural lands in Florida, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico and Oregon, we develop estimates of the economic value of several human uses supported by Yaquina Bay, a 29 square-mile area in coastal central Oregon that has been identified as a conservation opportunity area (COA) in Oregon’s Conservation Strategy. Our analysis develops quantitative estimates of the economic value associated with recreational fishing and commercial crabbing, oyster harvests and livestock production. It also estimates the value of the carbon sequestration service provided by the ecosystems found in Yaquina Bay and the value of the open space premiums that accrue to residential properties located in the vicinity of undeveloped open spaces. Land use, land management and conservation planning, in order to achieve economically sensible results, should take into account the economic value generated by the conservation of undeveloped lands and the fact that the increasing relative scarcity of these lands will only increase conservation values. With a large share of both ecologically and economically valuable undeveloped lands in private ownership, not just in the Yaquina Bay study area but also at state and national levels, existing financial incentive systems that encourage land conservation on private lands will need to be improved and in many cases additional ones will need to be created in order to better align privately and socially desirable outcomes. This is a challenging task whose urgency is increasing in lockstep with the continuing loss and degradation of natural lands. Title: Economic Benefits of Conserving Natural Lands: Case Study: Yaquina Bay Conservation Opportunity Area, Oregon Author: McMurray, Anna, Kroeger, Timm In this study, which forms part of a set of five case studies that cover natural lands in Florida, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico and Oregon, we develop estimates of the economic value of several human uses supported by Yaquina Bay, a 29 square-mile area in coastal central Oregon that has been identified as a conservation opportunity area (COA) in Oregon’s Conservation Strategy. Our analysis develops quantitative estimates of the economic value associated with recreational fishing and commercial crabbing, oyster harvests and livestock production. It also estimates the value of the carbon sequestration service provided by the ecosystems found in Yaquina Bay and the value of the open space premiums that accrue to residential properties located in the vicinity of undeveloped open spaces. Land use, land management and conservation planning, in order to achieve economically sensible results, should take into account the economic value generated by the conservation of undeveloped lands and the fact that the increasing relative scarcity of these lands will only increase conservation values. With a large share of both ecologically and economically valuable undeveloped lands in private ownership, not just in the Yaquina Bay study area but also at state and national levels, existing financial incentive systems that encourage land conservation on private lands will need to be improved and in many cases additional ones will need to be created in order to better align privately and socially desirable outcomes. This is a challenging task whose urgency is increasing in lockstep with the continuing loss and degradation of natural lands. Close

• 20. [Article] Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

  In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Close

• 21. [Article] Residents’ drivers and barriers to participation in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program: Study of socio-ecological factors in Madison South neighborhood in NE Portland

  As urban development fractures and reduces available habitat for birds and other wildlife, conservationists are increasing pursuing strategies to improve the habitat value of privately owned yards in and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Residents’ drivers and barriers to participation in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program: Study of socio-ecological factors in Madison South neighborhood in NE Portland Author: Powel, Jinnet As urban development fractures and reduces available habitat for birds and other wildlife, conservationists are increasing pursuing strategies to improve the habitat value of privately owned yards in and around cities. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is a collaborative effort between the Portland Audubon Society and the Columbia Land Trust that has a two pronged mission: to increase the amount of available habitat for wildlife in the Portland Metro region by encouraging homeowners of lots one acre or less to naturescape their yards; and to increase stewardship and conservation awareness by broadening their participant base. Backyard Habitat’s agency in achieving both goals is linked to 1) their effectiveness at engaging and enrolling residents, 2) residents’ access to greenspace, and 3) their interest and agency in naturescaping their yards. Based on circumstantial evidence, Backyard Habitat is concerned they are not capturing the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities that they serve. This suggests that cultural and/or structural factors are limiting thier access to private yards and scope in providing conservation education. This study begins to explore the drivers and barriers to participation in the Northeast Portland neighborhood of Madison South with the objective of providing community specific and generalizable recommendations on how Backyard Habitat could broaden and deepen participation. Madison South was chosen as the study site because Backyard Habitat would like to increase participation there in order to enhance the impact of a large-scale habitat restoration project: the Dharma Rain Zen Center’s development at Siskiyou Square. The study used a social-ecological framework to explore both ecological and sociological factors that could serve as drivers or barriers to residents in choosing 1) to naturescape and 2) to participate in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. The study consisted of three phases and looked at two scales of analysis: structural and cultural factors at the societal level and at the individual scale. Phase 1 assessed societal structural and cultural factors within the neighborhood (n= 5,314) including racial and ethnic diversity, language fluency, tenure status, and the value and distribution of greenspace using a combination of US Census data and publicly available on-line mapping tools (Metro Maps, Portland Maps, and Intertwine Alliance’s Regional Conservation Strategy overlays, Google Maps). Phase 2 and 3 consisted of smaller group of participants(n=28) that lived within 200m Siskiyou Square, and used mixed methods door-to-door surveys and guided interviews to explore individual interests, beliefs, and constraints shaping both desired and actual yard use. Phase 2 included the use of a yard-type instrument that allowed participants to indicate their interest in naturescaped, highly manicured, and predominantly permaculture yards by selecting among photographs. The study found that Madison South would be a good neighborhood for Backyard Habitat to engage with the purpose of diversifying their base since it was a relatively diverse racial and ethnic neighborhood within the Portland Metro region. However, since homeownership was disproportionately limited to White and Asian residents, the author recommends that Backyard Habitat should consider strategies for including renters in order to engage a representative demographic. Considering the percentage of rented, single-family homes with yards around the Siskiyou Square neighborhood, such strategies could serve Backyard Habitat’s ecological goals. The study identified limited English as a likely barrier for engaging some homeowners, particularly elderly Vietnamese. However the participant pool was too small to identify preferences, such desired as yard-type, along racial or ethnic lines. With 19% of homes owned by racial and ethnic minorities, Backyard Habitat should consider strategies for further identifying, and overcoming cultural barriers. The survey, interview questionnaire and yard-type instrument appeared useful at identifying receptivity to naturescaping and strategies for broadening participation. Based on the study’s findings and input from participants, the study makes recommendations for how Backyard Habitat can increase participation by being better known, being appealing, and being feasible to a variety of residents. Title: Residents’ drivers and barriers to participation in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program: Study of socio-ecological factors in Madison South neighborhood in NE Portland Author: Powel, Jinnet As urban development fractures and reduces available habitat for birds and other wildlife, conservationists are increasing pursuing strategies to improve the habitat value of privately owned yards in and around cities. The Backyard Habitat Certification Program is a collaborative effort between the Portland Audubon Society and the Columbia Land Trust that has a two pronged mission: to increase the amount of available habitat for wildlife in the Portland Metro region by encouraging homeowners of lots one acre or less to naturescape their yards; and to increase stewardship and conservation awareness by broadening their participant base. Backyard Habitat’s agency in achieving both goals is linked to 1) their effectiveness at engaging and enrolling residents, 2) residents’ access to greenspace, and 3) their interest and agency in naturescaping their yards. Based on circumstantial evidence, Backyard Habitat is concerned they are not capturing the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities that they serve. This suggests that cultural and/or structural factors are limiting thier access to private yards and scope in providing conservation education. This study begins to explore the drivers and barriers to participation in the Northeast Portland neighborhood of Madison South with the objective of providing community specific and generalizable recommendations on how Backyard Habitat could broaden and deepen participation. Madison South was chosen as the study site because Backyard Habitat would like to increase participation there in order to enhance the impact of a large-scale habitat restoration project: the Dharma Rain Zen Center’s development at Siskiyou Square. The study used a social-ecological framework to explore both ecological and sociological factors that could serve as drivers or barriers to residents in choosing 1) to naturescape and 2) to participate in the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. The study consisted of three phases and looked at two scales of analysis: structural and cultural factors at the societal level and at the individual scale. Phase 1 assessed societal structural and cultural factors within the neighborhood (n= 5,314) including racial and ethnic diversity, language fluency, tenure status, and the value and distribution of greenspace using a combination of US Census data and publicly available on-line mapping tools (Metro Maps, Portland Maps, and Intertwine Alliance’s Regional Conservation Strategy overlays, Google Maps). Phase 2 and 3 consisted of smaller group of participants(n=28) that lived within 200m Siskiyou Square, and used mixed methods door-to-door surveys and guided interviews to explore individual interests, beliefs, and constraints shaping both desired and actual yard use. Phase 2 included the use of a yard-type instrument that allowed participants to indicate their interest in naturescaped, highly manicured, and predominantly permaculture yards by selecting among photographs. The study found that Madison South would be a good neighborhood for Backyard Habitat to engage with the purpose of diversifying their base since it was a relatively diverse racial and ethnic neighborhood within the Portland Metro region. However, since homeownership was disproportionately limited to White and Asian residents, the author recommends that Backyard Habitat should consider strategies for including renters in order to engage a representative demographic. Considering the percentage of rented, single-family homes with yards around the Siskiyou Square neighborhood, such strategies could serve Backyard Habitat’s ecological goals. The study identified limited English as a likely barrier for engaging some homeowners, particularly elderly Vietnamese. However the participant pool was too small to identify preferences, such desired as yard-type, along racial or ethnic lines. With 19% of homes owned by racial and ethnic minorities, Backyard Habitat should consider strategies for further identifying, and overcoming cultural barriers. The survey, interview questionnaire and yard-type instrument appeared useful at identifying receptivity to naturescaping and strategies for broadening participation. Based on the study’s findings and input from participants, the study makes recommendations for how Backyard Habitat can increase participation by being better known, being appealing, and being feasible to a variety of residents. Close

• 22. [Article] The heritage program: 25 years old and looking ahead assessing the future of the heritage program : final report

  Over the last 25 years numerous approaches, understandings, and perceptions about natural areas have changed – changes which affect the relevance of programs such as the Heritage Program. As one participant ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The heritage program: 25 years old and looking ahead assessing the future of the heritage program : final report Author: Gaines, Lisa, Kagan, Jimmy Over the last 25 years numerous approaches, understandings, and perceptions about natural areas have changed – changes which affect the relevance of programs such as the Heritage Program. As one participant stated, “the complexity of science in general has been humbling”. The last 25 years has shown many assumptions and premises upon which the Heritage Program were founded have changed. Most important has been the recognition that to focus primarily on pristine areas is not the only way to conserve, that pristine ecosystems do not exist, and that management and restoration are needed in much of the landscape. Nature is much more dynamic and less easily compartmentalized than once assumed. Habitat needs are more complex, context (e.g., capacity for seed dispersal and fire) is becoming more important, and species are often quite tenacious instead of fragile. There is a better understanding that the survival of many species occurs outside of our influence and control. Aside from habitat loss, the major threats most impacting Oregon’s natural heritage, global climate change and exotic species invasions, were not viewed as important when the program was created. Twenty-five years ago meta-population theory did not exist. Technology, including the prevalence and advancement of computers and database management, has progressed. Institutions such as watershed councils, land trusts, and water trusts either did not exist when the Heritage Program began have come into being, or were not considered very important to conservation. Socially, there is a greater sense that biodiversity is now “on the edge”, that more has been lost than we had thought. Also, there is the appreciation that ecosystems provide services and functions other than what can be provided by small “islands” of natural areas. In essence, the Heritage Program needs to accommodate these and other changes by working with a broader context of conservation strategies. Title: The heritage program: 25 years old and looking ahead assessing the future of the heritage program : final report Author: Gaines, Lisa, Kagan, Jimmy Over the last 25 years numerous approaches, understandings, and perceptions about natural areas have changed – changes which affect the relevance of programs such as the Heritage Program. As one participant stated, “the complexity of science in general has been humbling”. The last 25 years has shown many assumptions and premises upon which the Heritage Program were founded have changed. Most important has been the recognition that to focus primarily on pristine areas is not the only way to conserve, that pristine ecosystems do not exist, and that management and restoration are needed in much of the landscape. Nature is much more dynamic and less easily compartmentalized than once assumed. Habitat needs are more complex, context (e.g., capacity for seed dispersal and fire) is becoming more important, and species are often quite tenacious instead of fragile. There is a better understanding that the survival of many species occurs outside of our influence and control. Aside from habitat loss, the major threats most impacting Oregon’s natural heritage, global climate change and exotic species invasions, were not viewed as important when the program was created. Twenty-five years ago meta-population theory did not exist. Technology, including the prevalence and advancement of computers and database management, has progressed. Institutions such as watershed councils, land trusts, and water trusts either did not exist when the Heritage Program began have come into being, or were not considered very important to conservation. Socially, there is a greater sense that biodiversity is now “on the edge”, that more has been lost than we had thought. Also, there is the appreciation that ecosystems provide services and functions other than what can be provided by small “islands” of natural areas. In essence, the Heritage Program needs to accommodate these and other changes by working with a broader context of conservation strategies. Close

• 23. [Article] Development of a Structured Adaptive Approach to Klamath Basin Sucker Recovery Planning

  Listed as endangered in 1988, the Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and Shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) were once abundant and widely distributed in the Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development of a Structured Adaptive Approach to Klamath Basin Sucker Recovery Planning Author: Barajas, Miguel F. Listed as endangered in 1988, the Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and Shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) were once abundant and widely distributed in the Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Populations of both species have been declining since the late 1960’s. Factors thought responsible for declines include naturally occurring disturbances (e.g., periodic drought), water resource and land development activities, degradation of habitat and water quality, and interactions with introduced exotic species. Detection of any substantial adult recruitment for the last few decades has been minimal. We used a quantitative decision modeling approach to explore potential outcomes of alternative conservation strategies that include captive propagation and catch, grow, and release. Uncertainty about the factors responsible for the apparent lack of recruitment was represented using alternative models of system dynamics. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the model predictions were highly sensitive to population dynamics during early life stages and the alternative ideas of system dynamics. To address these uncertainties, I propose an adaptive approach to sucker recovery that integrates monitoring, research, and management. Title: Development of a Structured Adaptive Approach to Klamath Basin Sucker Recovery Planning Author: Barajas, Miguel F. Listed as endangered in 1988, the Lost River sucker (Deltistes luxatus) and Shortnose sucker (Chasmistes brevirostris) were once abundant and widely distributed in the Klamath Basin in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Populations of both species have been declining since the late 1960’s. Factors thought responsible for declines include naturally occurring disturbances (e.g., periodic drought), water resource and land development activities, degradation of habitat and water quality, and interactions with introduced exotic species. Detection of any substantial adult recruitment for the last few decades has been minimal. We used a quantitative decision modeling approach to explore potential outcomes of alternative conservation strategies that include captive propagation and catch, grow, and release. Uncertainty about the factors responsible for the apparent lack of recruitment was represented using alternative models of system dynamics. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the model predictions were highly sensitive to population dynamics during early life stages and the alternative ideas of system dynamics. To address these uncertainties, I propose an adaptive approach to sucker recovery that integrates monitoring, research, and management. Close

• 24. [Article] The relative contribution of climate to changes in lesser prairie-chicken abundance

  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 is copyrighted by the author(s) and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The relative contribution of climate to changes in lesser prairie-chicken abundance Author: Haukos, David, Ross, Beth E., Hagen, Christian, Pitman, James 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 is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. on behalf of the Ecological Society of American. It can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Title: The relative contribution of climate to changes in lesser prairie-chicken abundance Author: Haukos, David, Ross, Beth E., Hagen, Christian, Pitman, James 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 is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. on behalf of the Ecological Society of American. It can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Close

• 25. [Article] Factors influencing spawner success in a spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reintroduction program

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Canadian Science Publishing, NRC Research Press and can be found at: http://www...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors influencing spawner success in a spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reintroduction program Author: Jacobson, Dave P., O'Malley, Kathleen G., Johnson, Marc A., Sard, Nicholas M., Hogansen, Michael J., Banks, Michael A. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Canadian Science Publishing, NRC Research Press and can be found at: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2015-0007#.VuHGB3rci0j Title: Factors influencing spawner success in a spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) reintroduction program Author: Jacobson, Dave P., O'Malley, Kathleen G., Johnson, Marc A., Sard, Nicholas M., Hogansen, Michael J., Banks, Michael A. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Canadian Science Publishing, NRC Research Press and can be found at: http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/10.1139/cjfas-2015-0007#.VuHGB3rci0j Close

• 26. [Article] Use of an Ecosystem-Based Model to Evaluate Alternative Conservation Strategies for Juvenile Chinook Salmon in a Headwater Stream

  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 Taylor ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Use of an Ecosystem-Based Model to Evaluate Alternative Conservation Strategies for Juvenile Chinook Salmon in a Headwater Stream Author: McClure, M. M., Sanderson, B. L., Harvey, C. J., Warren, D. R. 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 Taylor & Francis and can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ujfm20/current#.VDv38mMZlfY. Title: Use of an Ecosystem-Based Model to Evaluate Alternative Conservation Strategies for Juvenile Chinook Salmon in a Headwater Stream Author: McClure, M. M., Sanderson, B. L., Harvey, C. J., Warren, D. R. 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 Taylor & Francis and can be found at: http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ujfm20/current#.VDv38mMZlfY. Close

• 27. [Article] Contrasting Hydraulic Strategies in Two Tropical Lianas and Their Host Trees

  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 Botanical ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Contrasting Hydraulic Strategies in Two Tropical Lianas and Their Host Trees Author: Johnson, Daniel M., Domec, Jean-Christophe, Meinzer, Frederick C., McCulloh, Katherine A., Woodruff, David R. 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 Botanical Society of America and can be found at: http://www.botany.org/. Title: Contrasting Hydraulic Strategies in Two Tropical Lianas and Their Host Trees Author: Johnson, Daniel M., Domec, Jean-Christophe, Meinzer, Frederick C., McCulloh, Katherine A., Woodruff, David R. 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 Botanical Society of America and can be found at: http://www.botany.org/. Close

• 28. [Article] Differences in sensitivity to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis among amphibian populations

  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 is copyrighted by Society for Conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Differences in sensitivity to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis among amphibian populations Author: Blaustein, Andrew R., Gervasi, Stephanie S., Hua, Jessica, et al., Bradley, Paul W. 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 is copyrighted by Society for Conservation Biology and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291523-1739 Title: Differences in sensitivity to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis among amphibian populations Author: Blaustein, Andrew R., Gervasi, Stephanie S., Hua, Jessica, et al., Bradley, Paul W. 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 is copyrighted by Society for Conservation Biology and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291523-1739 Close

• 29. [Article] Public lands and private waters: scarce mesic resources structure land tenure and sage-grouse distributions

  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 is copyrighted by the author(s) and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Public lands and private waters: scarce mesic resources structure land tenure and sage-grouse distributions Author: Donnelly, J. P., Hagen, C. A., Naugle, D. E., Maestas, J. D. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. on behalf of Ecological Society of America. It can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Title: Public lands and private waters: scarce mesic resources structure land tenure and sage-grouse distributions Author: Donnelly, J. P., Hagen, C. A., Naugle, D. E., Maestas, J. D. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. on behalf of Ecological Society of America. It can be found at: http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%292150-8925/ Close

• 30. [Article] Evaluating the influence of land use, drought and reach isolation on the occurrence of freshwater mussel species in the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia (U.S.A.)

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. The published article is copyrighted by Wiley-Blackwell and can be found at: http:...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluating the influence of land use, drought and reach isolation on the occurrence of freshwater mussel species in the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia (U.S.A.) Author: Conroy, Michael J., Shea, Colin P., Wisniewski, Jason M., Peterson, James T. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. The published article is copyrighted by Wiley-Blackwell and can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ Title: Evaluating the influence of land use, drought and reach isolation on the occurrence of freshwater mussel species in the lower Flint River Basin, Georgia (U.S.A.) Author: Conroy, Michael J., Shea, Colin P., Wisniewski, Jason M., Peterson, James T. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. The published article is copyrighted by Wiley-Blackwell and can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ Close

• 31. [Article] Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability

  The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability Author: Sogard, Susan M., Olla, Bori L. The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/ Title: Growth and behavioral responses to elevated temperatures by juvenile sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria and the interactive role of food availability Author: Sogard, Susan M., Olla, Bori L. The published version of this article is copyrighted by Inter-Research and can be found here: http://www.int-res.com/journals/meps/meps-home/ Close

• 32. [Article] Multiobjective Optimization of Wetlands for Attaining Flood, Water Quality and Bird Habitat Benefits

  A significant number of historically existing wetlands that naturally stored rainwater and attenuated flood peaks have now been drained and employed as new farming areas. Beyond the water quality and flow ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Multiobjective Optimization of Wetlands for Attaining Flood, Water Quality and Bird Habitat Benefits Author: Noa-Yarasca, Efrain A significant number of historically existing wetlands that naturally stored rainwater and attenuated flood peaks have now been drained and employed as new farming areas. Beyond the water quality and flow problem, this has resulted in loss of natural habitats of diverse ecological species. Restoring wetlands have hence been proposed as a potential conservation strategy to help attenuate many of these problems. In this study a spatial, multi-objective optimization study of new potential wetlands was carried out to achieve biodiversity improvements in addition to flood reduction benefits and water quality improvements. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate flow and water quality, and the USGS GAP tool was used to estimate impacts on ecological habitats. Although this study is focused on four types of bird species, as a surrogate of biodiversity across the study site (Big Creek Watershed in southwestern Indiana), the methodology can be applied to other species and regions. The study helped assess redundancies as well as trade-offs between the flooding, water quality, and habitat objective functions. Additionally, the methodology helped assess critical locations that help improve multiple goals. Title: Multiobjective Optimization of Wetlands for Attaining Flood, Water Quality and Bird Habitat Benefits Author: Noa-Yarasca, Efrain A significant number of historically existing wetlands that naturally stored rainwater and attenuated flood peaks have now been drained and employed as new farming areas. Beyond the water quality and flow problem, this has resulted in loss of natural habitats of diverse ecological species. Restoring wetlands have hence been proposed as a potential conservation strategy to help attenuate many of these problems. In this study a spatial, multi-objective optimization study of new potential wetlands was carried out to achieve biodiversity improvements in addition to flood reduction benefits and water quality improvements. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate flow and water quality, and the USGS GAP tool was used to estimate impacts on ecological habitats. Although this study is focused on four types of bird species, as a surrogate of biodiversity across the study site (Big Creek Watershed in southwestern Indiana), the methodology can be applied to other species and regions. The study helped assess redundancies as well as trade-offs between the flooding, water quality, and habitat objective functions. Additionally, the methodology helped assess critical locations that help improve multiple goals. Close

• 33. [Article] Analysis and prediction of patterns in lichen communities over the western Oregon landscape

  The diverse lichen flora of the Pacific Northwest is being impacted by population growth and by forest management practices. Accumulating information about our lichen flora will improve our conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Analysis and prediction of patterns in lichen communities over the western Oregon landscape Author: Peterson, Eric B. The diverse lichen flora of the Pacific Northwest is being impacted by population growth and by forest management practices. Accumulating information about our lichen flora will improve our conservation strategies. This dissertation first collects information to improve our understanding of how lichen communities vary among forests of differing structure, and across the western Oregon landscape. It then proposes a method to predict species occurrence in unsampled sites by utilizing the information on forest characters and environmental gradients at sampled sites. Macrolichen communities sampled in coniferous forests revealed that old-growth stands (>200 yrs old) harbored communities that differed from those in young forests (50-110 yrs old). Even more atypical communities occurred in macrolichen hotspots, which were primarily in riparian zones. Many macrolichen species were associated with these hotspots, including numerous nitrogen-fixing cyanolichens. Macrolichen species associated with old-growth forested plots included the nitrogen-fixing lichen Lobaria oregana and several forage-providing alectorioid lichens. The presence of remnant old trees apparently increased the occurrence of old-growth associates in young stands. The calicioids, a group of microlichens investigated only in the Cascades, had a strong association with old growth forest and remnant trees. Diversity of calicioids may also be increased by legacy structures such as old snags and wolf trees. These structures increase continuity between current and previous stands. Macrolichen communities varied between the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges, following climatic gradients, particularly annual precipitation. Successional patterns in macrolichen communities appeared to differ between the mountain ranges. The modeling method proposed for using habitat associations to predict occurrence has several advantages over common modeling methods, such as regression. The method is simple, avoids parametric assumptions, provides easy updating of models as additional sites are sampled, and automatically accounts for interactions among predictor variables. It can be linked with GIS data and software to map estimated probability of occurrence across landscapes. The data on calicioids from the Cascades, supplemented with additional stand inventories, were used to test and demonstrate the modeling method. Title: Analysis and prediction of patterns in lichen communities over the western Oregon landscape Author: Peterson, Eric B. The diverse lichen flora of the Pacific Northwest is being impacted by population growth and by forest management practices. Accumulating information about our lichen flora will improve our conservation strategies. This dissertation first collects information to improve our understanding of how lichen communities vary among forests of differing structure, and across the western Oregon landscape. It then proposes a method to predict species occurrence in unsampled sites by utilizing the information on forest characters and environmental gradients at sampled sites. Macrolichen communities sampled in coniferous forests revealed that old-growth stands (>200 yrs old) harbored communities that differed from those in young forests (50-110 yrs old). Even more atypical communities occurred in macrolichen hotspots, which were primarily in riparian zones. Many macrolichen species were associated with these hotspots, including numerous nitrogen-fixing cyanolichens. Macrolichen species associated with old-growth forested plots included the nitrogen-fixing lichen Lobaria oregana and several forage-providing alectorioid lichens. The presence of remnant old trees apparently increased the occurrence of old-growth associates in young stands. The calicioids, a group of microlichens investigated only in the Cascades, had a strong association with old growth forest and remnant trees. Diversity of calicioids may also be increased by legacy structures such as old snags and wolf trees. These structures increase continuity between current and previous stands. Macrolichen communities varied between the Coast and Cascade Mountain Ranges, following climatic gradients, particularly annual precipitation. Successional patterns in macrolichen communities appeared to differ between the mountain ranges. The modeling method proposed for using habitat associations to predict occurrence has several advantages over common modeling methods, such as regression. The method is simple, avoids parametric assumptions, provides easy updating of models as additional sites are sampled, and automatically accounts for interactions among predictor variables. It can be linked with GIS data and software to map estimated probability of occurrence across landscapes. The data on calicioids from the Cascades, supplemented with additional stand inventories, were used to test and demonstrate the modeling method. Close

• 34. [Article] Autecology, reproductive ecology, and demography of Astragalus australis var. olympicus (Fabaceae)

  The goal of this study was to gather information on the autecology, reproductive ecology, and population dynamics of Astragalus australis var. olympicus as a baseline for conservation strategies and to ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Autecology, reproductive ecology, and demography of Astragalus australis var. olympicus (Fabaceae) Author: Kaye, Thomas N. The goal of this study was to gather information on the autecology, reproductive ecology, and population dynamics of Astragalus australis var. olympicus as a baseline for conservation strategies and to help explain its restricted range. Approximately four thousand individuals occurred in four known population centers in the Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park, Clallam County, Washington. The populations were restricted to plant communities on calcareous substrates largely on southeast to southwest slopes above 1450 m. A. australis var. olympicus was absent from surrounding non-calcareous soils. Several characteristics of the physical environment and competition with associated plants influenced its distribution within calcareous sites. The relative importance of the physical environment and competition differed between plant community-types. Most plants produced a large number of flowers and ovules, but relatively few of these formed fruits and seeds. In decreasing importance, ovules in fruits were lost to predation, seed abortion, and lack of fertilization. The absolute percentages of these fates differed from site to site and year to year. Excluding insects by bagging flowers significantly reduced fruit set, but seed set per fruit was unaffected. After seeds were scarified to relieve dormancy, germination was sensitive to temperature and moisture availability, but some seeds germinated at environmental extremes. About 11% of the seeds damaged by predispersal seed predators (weevil larvae) remained alive and were released from dormancy. Population sizes declined at three sites from 1985 to 1988, and a transition matrix model based on the 1987-88 transitions between seedling, vegetative, and reproductive life history stages projected this decline to continue. Therefore, further monitoring is warranted. Seedling survival was low and populations were dominated by reproductive individuals. Predispersal seed predation, damage by introduced mountain goats, and drought may have contributed to the observed decreases in population sizes. Historical reasons and an affinity for calcareous substrates seem to explain the rarity of the taxon, but minimal reproduction and slow or negative population growth may help maintain its restricted range and low numbers. Title: Autecology, reproductive ecology, and demography of Astragalus australis var. olympicus (Fabaceae) Author: Kaye, Thomas N. The goal of this study was to gather information on the autecology, reproductive ecology, and population dynamics of Astragalus australis var. olympicus as a baseline for conservation strategies and to help explain its restricted range. Approximately four thousand individuals occurred in four known population centers in the Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park, Clallam County, Washington. The populations were restricted to plant communities on calcareous substrates largely on southeast to southwest slopes above 1450 m. A. australis var. olympicus was absent from surrounding non-calcareous soils. Several characteristics of the physical environment and competition with associated plants influenced its distribution within calcareous sites. The relative importance of the physical environment and competition differed between plant community-types. Most plants produced a large number of flowers and ovules, but relatively few of these formed fruits and seeds. In decreasing importance, ovules in fruits were lost to predation, seed abortion, and lack of fertilization. The absolute percentages of these fates differed from site to site and year to year. Excluding insects by bagging flowers significantly reduced fruit set, but seed set per fruit was unaffected. After seeds were scarified to relieve dormancy, germination was sensitive to temperature and moisture availability, but some seeds germinated at environmental extremes. About 11% of the seeds damaged by predispersal seed predators (weevil larvae) remained alive and were released from dormancy. Population sizes declined at three sites from 1985 to 1988, and a transition matrix model based on the 1987-88 transitions between seedling, vegetative, and reproductive life history stages projected this decline to continue. Therefore, further monitoring is warranted. Seedling survival was low and populations were dominated by reproductive individuals. Predispersal seed predation, damage by introduced mountain goats, and drought may have contributed to the observed decreases in population sizes. Historical reasons and an affinity for calcareous substrates seem to explain the rarity of the taxon, but minimal reproduction and slow or negative population growth may help maintain its restricted range and low numbers. Close

• 35. [Article] Leveraging Multi-Sensor Time Series Datasets to Map Short- and Long-Term Forest Disturbances and Drivers of Change in the Colombian Andes

  The spatial distribution of forest disturbance is commonly calculated using a satellite imagery-driven bi- or tri-temporal change analysis. Working in Colombia’s Cordillera de los Picachos National Natural ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Leveraging Multi-Sensor Time Series Datasets to Map Short- and Long-Term Forest Disturbances and Drivers of Change in the Colombian Andes Author: Murillo Sandoval, Paulo Jose The spatial distribution of forest disturbance is commonly calculated using a satellite imagery-driven bi- or tri-temporal change analysis. Working in Colombia’s Cordillera de los Picachos National Natural Park – a region of consistent cloud cover and dramatic topographic relief – a change assessment with such infrequent observations cannot capture long-term trends of vegetative decline (browning) or improvement (greening) nor the drivers associated with these changes. In recognition of the importance of spatio-temporally explicit information for assessing the effects of socio-environmental change and conservation strategy implementation, I developed a rigorous assessment of vegetation change using MODIS and Landsat time-series data and the Breaks For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) algorithm to identify the timing, trends, and locations of change as well the associated drivers. First, I measured long-term vegetation trends from 2001-2015 using a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based 250m resolution Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) time-series, and mapped short-term disturbances using all available Landsat images (149 dates from Landsat 5, 7, and 8). BFAST trends based on MAIAC data indicate a net greening in 6% of the park, with a net browning trend of 2.5% in the 10km-wide region surrounding the park. I also identified a 12,500 ha area within Picachos (4% of the park’s total area) that experienced a consecutive vegetative decline or browning during every year of study, a result corroborated with a BFAST Monitor assessment using finer 30m resolution Landsat data. With Landsat, I recorded 12,642 ha (±1440) of disturbed forest within the park at high spatial and temporal accuracy. Spatially, Landsat results had user’s and producer’s accuracies of 0.95±0.02 and 0.83±0.18, respectively. Temporally, a TimeSync-supported temporal validation assessment showed that 75% of Landsat-detected dates of disturbance events were accurate within ± 6 months. With disturbances identified, I characterized disturbances within Picachos’ southeastern foothills and associated drivers using a set of metrics related to the spectral, pattern and trend properties of disturbance patches derived from Landsat time-series data (1996-2015). A training dataset was initially developed to identify drivers of disturbances using Corine Land Cover maps and high-resolution imagery. A Random Forests classifier was used to attribute disturbances to specific drivers of forest cover change: conversion to pasture, conversion to subsistence agriculture, and non-stand replacing disturbance (i.e., thinning). Attribution of changes had high accuracy at patch and area levels with 1-5% commission and 2-14% omission errors, respectively, for regions that were converted to pasture or experienced thinning. Lower agreement was found for agricultural conversion with 43% omission and 9% commission errors. I found that conversion to pasture is the main cause of forest cover loss within Picachos at 9901 ha (±72) corresponding to 14.7% of Picachos’ foothills, and that subtle forest alteration contributed to 1327 ha (±92) of forest degradation. Recognizing the diversity of pressures facing conservation strategy implementation in the region, these results have direct relevance for anticipating future land use pressures within Colombia, as well as across similar regions in the Andes-Amazon transition area. Indeed, since these results reveal the possibility to uncover historical disturbances related to human-incursion in protected landscapes, the methods are well suited to enhancing landscape planning particularly where biodiversity richness is quickly diminishing due to anthropogenic presence. Title: Leveraging Multi-Sensor Time Series Datasets to Map Short- and Long-Term Forest Disturbances and Drivers of Change in the Colombian Andes Author: Murillo Sandoval, Paulo Jose The spatial distribution of forest disturbance is commonly calculated using a satellite imagery-driven bi- or tri-temporal change analysis. Working in Colombia’s Cordillera de los Picachos National Natural Park – a region of consistent cloud cover and dramatic topographic relief – a change assessment with such infrequent observations cannot capture long-term trends of vegetative decline (browning) or improvement (greening) nor the drivers associated with these changes. In recognition of the importance of spatio-temporally explicit information for assessing the effects of socio-environmental change and conservation strategy implementation, I developed a rigorous assessment of vegetation change using MODIS and Landsat time-series data and the Breaks For Additive Season and Trend (BFAST) algorithm to identify the timing, trends, and locations of change as well the associated drivers. First, I measured long-term vegetation trends from 2001-2015 using a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based 250m resolution Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) time-series, and mapped short-term disturbances using all available Landsat images (149 dates from Landsat 5, 7, and 8). BFAST trends based on MAIAC data indicate a net greening in 6% of the park, with a net browning trend of 2.5% in the 10km-wide region surrounding the park. I also identified a 12,500 ha area within Picachos (4% of the park’s total area) that experienced a consecutive vegetative decline or browning during every year of study, a result corroborated with a BFAST Monitor assessment using finer 30m resolution Landsat data. With Landsat, I recorded 12,642 ha (±1440) of disturbed forest within the park at high spatial and temporal accuracy. Spatially, Landsat results had user’s and producer’s accuracies of 0.95±0.02 and 0.83±0.18, respectively. Temporally, a TimeSync-supported temporal validation assessment showed that 75% of Landsat-detected dates of disturbance events were accurate within ± 6 months. With disturbances identified, I characterized disturbances within Picachos’ southeastern foothills and associated drivers using a set of metrics related to the spectral, pattern and trend properties of disturbance patches derived from Landsat time-series data (1996-2015). A training dataset was initially developed to identify drivers of disturbances using Corine Land Cover maps and high-resolution imagery. A Random Forests classifier was used to attribute disturbances to specific drivers of forest cover change: conversion to pasture, conversion to subsistence agriculture, and non-stand replacing disturbance (i.e., thinning). Attribution of changes had high accuracy at patch and area levels with 1-5% commission and 2-14% omission errors, respectively, for regions that were converted to pasture or experienced thinning. Lower agreement was found for agricultural conversion with 43% omission and 9% commission errors. I found that conversion to pasture is the main cause of forest cover loss within Picachos at 9901 ha (±72) corresponding to 14.7% of Picachos’ foothills, and that subtle forest alteration contributed to 1327 ha (±92) of forest degradation. Recognizing the diversity of pressures facing conservation strategy implementation in the region, these results have direct relevance for anticipating future land use pressures within Colombia, as well as across similar regions in the Andes-Amazon transition area. Indeed, since these results reveal the possibility to uncover historical disturbances related to human-incursion in protected landscapes, the methods are well suited to enhancing landscape planning particularly where biodiversity richness is quickly diminishing due to anthropogenic presence. Close

• 36. [Article] The Economics of Conservation Targeting Strategies

  This is an abbreviated version of a paper published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 82 #2, pages 400-413.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Economics of Conservation Targeting Strategies Author: Boggess, William G., Wu, JunJie, Adams, Richard M. Year: 2001 This is an abbreviated version of a paper published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 82 #2, pages 400-413. Title: The Economics of Conservation Targeting Strategies Author: Boggess, William G., Wu, JunJie, Adams, Richard M. Year: 2001 This is an abbreviated version of a paper published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Vol. 82 #2, pages 400-413. Close

• 37. [Article] Conservation hatcheries and supplementation strategies for recovery of wild stocks of salmonids: report of a workshop : Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, Portland, OR, June 19-21, 2000

  This report was written by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conservation hatcheries and supplementation strategies for recovery of wild stocks of salmonids: report of a workshop : Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, Portland, OR, June 19-21, 2000 Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) This report was written by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Title: Conservation hatcheries and supplementation strategies for recovery of wild stocks of salmonids: report of a workshop : Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team, Portland, OR, June 19-21, 2000 Author: Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team (Or.) This report was written by the Independent Multidisciplinary Science Team of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Close

• 38. [Article] Sampling-based robotic information gathering algorithms

  This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Author(s) and published by SAGE Publications. It can be found at: http://i...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sampling-based robotic information gathering algorithms Author: Sukhatme, Gaurav S., Hollinger, Geoffrey A. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Author(s) and published by SAGE Publications. It can be found at: http://ijr.sagepub.com/ Title: Sampling-based robotic information gathering algorithms Author: Sukhatme, Gaurav S., Hollinger, Geoffrey A. This is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the Author(s) and published by SAGE Publications. It can be found at: http://ijr.sagepub.com/ Close

• 39. [Article] Marine conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean : an analysis of marine protected areas (MPAs)

  Coastal and marine ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean are undergoing a rapid and drastic transformation. Dense human populations are concentrated in coastal areas, leading to increased coastal ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean : an analysis of marine protected areas (MPAs) Author: Guarderas, A. Paulina Coastal and marine ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean are undergoing a rapid and drastic transformation. Dense human populations are concentrated in coastal areas, leading to increased coastal development, destruction of near-shore habitats, pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources. For most Latin American and Caribbean countries, the deterioration of coastal ecosystems is particularly critical due to the strong dependency of their economies on the quality of natural resources and ecosystems. Thus, the necessity of effectively conserving and managing marine ecosystems with a more integrative, ecosystem–based approach is urgent. Marine reserves constitute a powerful conservation tool for mitigating ocean degradation. Because they provide spatial refuges for fished populations, and protect important habitats and their associated ecological interactions, they are particularly beneficial for counteracting the harmful effects of overfishing. In Chapter 2 of this thesis, I present a comprehensive analysis of the status and progress of marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly no-take marine reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean. I also show that the number and area protected have increased through time, particularly since the 1980s; but the system of MPAs is still deficient in fully representing the whole array of marine biogeographic provinces. In addition, I demonstrate that no-take marine reserves are poorly utilized for conservation of marine biodiversity in this region. Finally, I highlight the need for strengthening the marine conservation initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean under a regional approach. In Chapter 3 using meta-analytic methods, I quantitatively estimate the magnitude of the conservation effects of marine reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean. I examine the species and reserve characteristics that contribute to explain the variation in responses to protection. These analyses demonstrate positive outcomes of reserve protection at assemblage and species levels, and confirm the effectiveness of marine reserves as a conservation tool to rebuild exploited populations. Less clear is the relationship between density responses to protection and species-specific characteristics. Species with different trophic levels, adult mobility, body size and resilience can benefit from protection. Nevertheless, when I examine the effects of protection on one habitat type (coral reefs) using biomass as the response variable different trophic groups show differential responses. Predators demonstrated higher positive responses compared to herbivores or producers. In addition some indirect effects were disclosed. Findings from this research have direct implications for the advancement of marine conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Chapter 2 provides an important tool for planning marine conservation strategies at a regional scale. Areas that need more protection are highlighted, especially networks of no-take marine reserves in the Eastern Pacific and Southern Atlantic. Additionally, this assessment can be used as a baseline to make future comparisons of the progress of marine biodiversity conservation in this region. Chapter 3 demonstrates the powerful effect of no-take marine reserves in restoring depleted populations and in some cases recovering ecological functions that have been lost due to overfishing in Latin American and the Caribbean. Title: Marine conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean : an analysis of marine protected areas (MPAs) Author: Guarderas, A. Paulina Coastal and marine ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean are undergoing a rapid and drastic transformation. Dense human populations are concentrated in coastal areas, leading to increased coastal development, destruction of near-shore habitats, pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources. For most Latin American and Caribbean countries, the deterioration of coastal ecosystems is particularly critical due to the strong dependency of their economies on the quality of natural resources and ecosystems. Thus, the necessity of effectively conserving and managing marine ecosystems with a more integrative, ecosystem–based approach is urgent. Marine reserves constitute a powerful conservation tool for mitigating ocean degradation. Because they provide spatial refuges for fished populations, and protect important habitats and their associated ecological interactions, they are particularly beneficial for counteracting the harmful effects of overfishing. In Chapter 2 of this thesis, I present a comprehensive analysis of the status and progress of marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly no-take marine reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean. I also show that the number and area protected have increased through time, particularly since the 1980s; but the system of MPAs is still deficient in fully representing the whole array of marine biogeographic provinces. In addition, I demonstrate that no-take marine reserves are poorly utilized for conservation of marine biodiversity in this region. Finally, I highlight the need for strengthening the marine conservation initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean under a regional approach. In Chapter 3 using meta-analytic methods, I quantitatively estimate the magnitude of the conservation effects of marine reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean. I examine the species and reserve characteristics that contribute to explain the variation in responses to protection. These analyses demonstrate positive outcomes of reserve protection at assemblage and species levels, and confirm the effectiveness of marine reserves as a conservation tool to rebuild exploited populations. Less clear is the relationship between density responses to protection and species-specific characteristics. Species with different trophic levels, adult mobility, body size and resilience can benefit from protection. Nevertheless, when I examine the effects of protection on one habitat type (coral reefs) using biomass as the response variable different trophic groups show differential responses. Predators demonstrated higher positive responses compared to herbivores or producers. In addition some indirect effects were disclosed. Findings from this research have direct implications for the advancement of marine conservation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Chapter 2 provides an important tool for planning marine conservation strategies at a regional scale. Areas that need more protection are highlighted, especially networks of no-take marine reserves in the Eastern Pacific and Southern Atlantic. Additionally, this assessment can be used as a baseline to make future comparisons of the progress of marine biodiversity conservation in this region. Chapter 3 demonstrates the powerful effect of no-take marine reserves in restoring depleted populations and in some cases recovering ecological functions that have been lost due to overfishing in Latin American and the Caribbean. Close

• 40. [Article] Choosing efficient land allocations and forest management regimes for biodiversity

  Increasing rates of species imperilment and the loss of biological diversity in naturally functioning ecosystems can be directly linked to accelerated urban development and the conversion of natural habitats ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Choosing efficient land allocations and forest management regimes for biodiversity Author: Shunk, Neal J. Increasing rates of species imperilment and the loss of biological diversity in naturally functioning ecosystems can be directly linked to accelerated urban development and the conversion of natural habitats to satisfy the needs of man. In combating this loss of biodiversity, scientists and policy makers alike recognize the relevance of habitat conservation. This research, funded by a cooperative grant with USDA Forest Service, relies on a framework for modeling wildlife diversity presented by Montgomery et al (1999), to reveal cost effective habitat conservation strategies. Building on this earlier model, alternative forest management strategies are introduced: information that is vital to timber-based economies. 196 mammalian, reptilian, amphibian, and avian species were used to construct a biodiversity index relevant to the Muddy Creek Watershed, Benton County, Oregon. This index, comprised of a taxonomic diversity measure (May 1990) and a classic logistic viability function, measured gains in biodiversity scaled against the opportunity costs of reallocating lands to meet conservation goals. These index values and associated opportunity costs were calculated and reserved across the full range of land allocation possibilities for the watershed, and formed a marginal cost curve for biodiversity. The wildlife diversity index ranges in value from 296.19, corresponding to a high development market value maximizing solution, to 310.18 at a cost of nearly 460 million dollars, the highest attainable biodiversity index for this watershed. Forest management played an integral role in the conservation of biodiversity, whereby biodiversity maximizing solutions allocated an overwhelming percentage of forested lands to non-harvested forested reserves. Two supplementary analyses were undertaken. The first tracked changes in the biodiversity index when management strategies targeting imperiled species were specifically optimized. Land allocations favoring these species had drastic implications on the predicted populations of the remaining non-imperiled species, indicative of the need to consider a broader set of species and their related needs in future land management planning efforts. The second, examined the efficiency of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment's (ISE) high conservation land allocation projections for the year 2025, and verified the necessity of biological indicators in land planning. Title: Choosing efficient land allocations and forest management regimes for biodiversity Author: Shunk, Neal J. Increasing rates of species imperilment and the loss of biological diversity in naturally functioning ecosystems can be directly linked to accelerated urban development and the conversion of natural habitats to satisfy the needs of man. In combating this loss of biodiversity, scientists and policy makers alike recognize the relevance of habitat conservation. This research, funded by a cooperative grant with USDA Forest Service, relies on a framework for modeling wildlife diversity presented by Montgomery et al (1999), to reveal cost effective habitat conservation strategies. Building on this earlier model, alternative forest management strategies are introduced: information that is vital to timber-based economies. 196 mammalian, reptilian, amphibian, and avian species were used to construct a biodiversity index relevant to the Muddy Creek Watershed, Benton County, Oregon. This index, comprised of a taxonomic diversity measure (May 1990) and a classic logistic viability function, measured gains in biodiversity scaled against the opportunity costs of reallocating lands to meet conservation goals. These index values and associated opportunity costs were calculated and reserved across the full range of land allocation possibilities for the watershed, and formed a marginal cost curve for biodiversity. The wildlife diversity index ranges in value from 296.19, corresponding to a high development market value maximizing solution, to 310.18 at a cost of nearly 460 million dollars, the highest attainable biodiversity index for this watershed. Forest management played an integral role in the conservation of biodiversity, whereby biodiversity maximizing solutions allocated an overwhelming percentage of forested lands to non-harvested forested reserves. Two supplementary analyses were undertaken. The first tracked changes in the biodiversity index when management strategies targeting imperiled species were specifically optimized. Land allocations favoring these species had drastic implications on the predicted populations of the remaining non-imperiled species, indicative of the need to consider a broader set of species and their related needs in future land management planning efforts. The second, examined the efficiency of the Institute for a Sustainable Environment's (ISE) high conservation land allocation projections for the year 2025, and verified the necessity of biological indicators in land planning. Close

• 41. [Article] Range-wide abundance and fluctuating asymmetry patterns of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds

  North American sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems are suffering from reductions in habitat extent and quality. Only about 50% of sagebrush remains from pre-settlement conditions, and much of the remaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Range-wide abundance and fluctuating asymmetry patterns of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds Author: Krissman, Cortnie M. North American sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems are suffering from reductions in habitat extent and quality. Only about 50% of sagebrush remains from pre-settlement conditions, and much of the remaining habitat is fragmented or degraded by invasive species, fire suppression and overgrazing. Sagebrush-obligate species are experiencing population declines as a result of these ecosystem changes. To effectively conserve this ecosystem, it is essential to understand patterns of abundance and stress of the inhabitants at the landscape-level. Abundance of species across their geographic range is not uniform. Instead, abundance often decreases towards the periphery of the range where resources and habitat conditions become less suitable. In addition, stress in populations closer to the periphery of the range may be expressed in condition-dependent traits where suboptimal environmental conditions occur. Fluctuating asymmetry, random deviations from perfect symmetry in bilateral body parts, may reveal increased stress in these populations. I examined patterns of abundance and fluctuating asymmetry of Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri), Sage Sparrow (Amphisipiza belli), and Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus), in the western United States, to determine how these responses vary with proximity to range periphery of sagebrush. Using negative binomial regression and Akaike’s Information Criterion, I investigated associations between species abundance from North American Breeding Bird Survey count data and several local- and landscapelevel variables derived from digital maps depicting the distribution of sagebrush throughout the United States. Abundance for these three sagebrushobligate passerine birds was greatest in mid-elevation (1,200-2,300 m) areas and increased with sagebrush cover. I found little support for abundance declining as a function of proximity to range periphery. Using mixed model regression, I assessed the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry estimates in the tarsi of juveniles and the proximity of specimens to the periphery of sagebrush distribution. I predicted higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry in individuals nearer the range periphery. However, fluctuating asymmetry decreased with proximity to the range periphery for Sage Sparrow, and, although present Sage Thrasher, fluctuating asymmetry did not differ significantly across the geographic range for this species. Fluctuating asymmetry could not be estimated with confidence for Brewer’s Sparrow. While this study revealed stress in these species, a more logistically complex study to evaluate fluctuating asymmetry patterns across the landscape is necessary for determining areas of conservation priority. Loss of areas of high percent sagebrush cover due to habitat fragmentation and degradation will result in continued declines in abundance of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds. Knowing high abundances of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds occur in locations with high sagebrush cover at mid-elevations will aid land managers and conservation biologists in designing effective conservation strategies for these species. Title: Range-wide abundance and fluctuating asymmetry patterns of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds Author: Krissman, Cortnie M. North American sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems are suffering from reductions in habitat extent and quality. Only about 50% of sagebrush remains from pre-settlement conditions, and much of the remaining habitat is fragmented or degraded by invasive species, fire suppression and overgrazing. Sagebrush-obligate species are experiencing population declines as a result of these ecosystem changes. To effectively conserve this ecosystem, it is essential to understand patterns of abundance and stress of the inhabitants at the landscape-level. Abundance of species across their geographic range is not uniform. Instead, abundance often decreases towards the periphery of the range where resources and habitat conditions become less suitable. In addition, stress in populations closer to the periphery of the range may be expressed in condition-dependent traits where suboptimal environmental conditions occur. Fluctuating asymmetry, random deviations from perfect symmetry in bilateral body parts, may reveal increased stress in these populations. I examined patterns of abundance and fluctuating asymmetry of Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri), Sage Sparrow (Amphisipiza belli), and Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus), in the western United States, to determine how these responses vary with proximity to range periphery of sagebrush. Using negative binomial regression and Akaike’s Information Criterion, I investigated associations between species abundance from North American Breeding Bird Survey count data and several local- and landscapelevel variables derived from digital maps depicting the distribution of sagebrush throughout the United States. Abundance for these three sagebrushobligate passerine birds was greatest in mid-elevation (1,200-2,300 m) areas and increased with sagebrush cover. I found little support for abundance declining as a function of proximity to range periphery. Using mixed model regression, I assessed the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry estimates in the tarsi of juveniles and the proximity of specimens to the periphery of sagebrush distribution. I predicted higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry in individuals nearer the range periphery. However, fluctuating asymmetry decreased with proximity to the range periphery for Sage Sparrow, and, although present Sage Thrasher, fluctuating asymmetry did not differ significantly across the geographic range for this species. Fluctuating asymmetry could not be estimated with confidence for Brewer’s Sparrow. While this study revealed stress in these species, a more logistically complex study to evaluate fluctuating asymmetry patterns across the landscape is necessary for determining areas of conservation priority. Loss of areas of high percent sagebrush cover due to habitat fragmentation and degradation will result in continued declines in abundance of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds. Knowing high abundances of sagebrush-obligate passerine birds occur in locations with high sagebrush cover at mid-elevations will aid land managers and conservation biologists in designing effective conservation strategies for these species. Close

• 42. [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

• 43. [Article] Nest-site selection in cooperatively breeding Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina reichenbachii) : does nest-site abundance limit reproductive opportunities?

  Despite their inherent importance and utility as ecological examples, island species are among the most endangered and least studied groups. Guam Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Nest-site selection in cooperatively breeding Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina reichenbachii) : does nest-site abundance limit reproductive opportunities? Author: Kesler, Dylan C. Despite their inherent importance and utility as ecological examples, island species are among the most endangered and least studied groups. Guam Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina) exemplify the plight of insular biota as a critically endangered and understudied island bird that went extinct in the wild before they could be studied in their native habitat. Guam kingfishers currently exist only as a captive population in U.S. zoos. Using radio telemetry and visual observations of a wild subspecies of Micronesian Kingfisher (H. c. reichenbachii) from the island of Pohnpei, this study examined factors critical for the persistence of both the Guam and Pohnpei kingfishers. Behavioral observations indicated that the birds employ a cooperative social system, which included non-parent individuals that assisted in reproductive attempts of others. Because resource limitations have been cited as a potentially important factor in the evolution of cooperative behaviors and in conservation, this investigation assessed the characteristics and availability of a potentially limited nesting resource, arboreal termite nests. First, the characteristics of termite nests, or termitaria, selected by Micronesian Kingfishers for use as nest sites were modeled. Results suggested that Micronesian Kingfishers selected termitaria that were higher from the ground and larger in volume than unused termitaria. Further, there was little evidence that birds selected from among termitaria based on proximity to forest edges and foraging areas, placement on a tree, vegetation characteristics, or microclimate. Second, the number of termitaria with characteristics indicative of nest sites was assessed to determine if reproductive opportunities might be limited by the abundance of suitable termitaria. Results from this analysis suggested that although fewer termitaria existed with characteristics similar to those used for nesting, reproductive opportunities did not appear to be limited by their abundance. Therefore, while conservation strategies should be directed towards providing ample and appropriate nesting substrates, I found no evidence suggesting that termitaria abundance played a role in the evolution of cooperative breeding in Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers. Findings presented here will hopefully enhance our understanding of cooperative behaviors, as well as improve conservation efforts for Micronesian Kingfishers and other insular avifauna. Title: Nest-site selection in cooperatively breeding Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina reichenbachii) : does nest-site abundance limit reproductive opportunities? Author: Kesler, Dylan C. Despite their inherent importance and utility as ecological examples, island species are among the most endangered and least studied groups. Guam Micronesian Kingfishers (Halcyon cinnamomina cinnamomina) exemplify the plight of insular biota as a critically endangered and understudied island bird that went extinct in the wild before they could be studied in their native habitat. Guam kingfishers currently exist only as a captive population in U.S. zoos. Using radio telemetry and visual observations of a wild subspecies of Micronesian Kingfisher (H. c. reichenbachii) from the island of Pohnpei, this study examined factors critical for the persistence of both the Guam and Pohnpei kingfishers. Behavioral observations indicated that the birds employ a cooperative social system, which included non-parent individuals that assisted in reproductive attempts of others. Because resource limitations have been cited as a potentially important factor in the evolution of cooperative behaviors and in conservation, this investigation assessed the characteristics and availability of a potentially limited nesting resource, arboreal termite nests. First, the characteristics of termite nests, or termitaria, selected by Micronesian Kingfishers for use as nest sites were modeled. Results suggested that Micronesian Kingfishers selected termitaria that were higher from the ground and larger in volume than unused termitaria. Further, there was little evidence that birds selected from among termitaria based on proximity to forest edges and foraging areas, placement on a tree, vegetation characteristics, or microclimate. Second, the number of termitaria with characteristics indicative of nest sites was assessed to determine if reproductive opportunities might be limited by the abundance of suitable termitaria. Results from this analysis suggested that although fewer termitaria existed with characteristics similar to those used for nesting, reproductive opportunities did not appear to be limited by their abundance. Therefore, while conservation strategies should be directed towards providing ample and appropriate nesting substrates, I found no evidence suggesting that termitaria abundance played a role in the evolution of cooperative breeding in Pohnpei Micronesian Kingfishers. Findings presented here will hopefully enhance our understanding of cooperative behaviors, as well as improve conservation efforts for Micronesian Kingfishers and other insular avifauna. Close

• 44. [Article] McKenzie River focus watershed coordination : year end report 2000

  This report summarizes accomplishments of the McKenzie River Focus Watershed Council (MWC) in the areas of coordination and administration during Fiscal Year 2000. Coordination and administration consist ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: McKenzie River focus watershed coordination : year end report 2000 Author: Thrailkil, Jim This report summarizes accomplishments of the McKenzie River Focus Watershed Council (MWC) in the areas of coordination and administration during Fiscal Year 2000. Coordination and administration consist of prioritization and planning for projects; project management and implementation; procurement of funding for long-term support of the Council; and watershed education/outreach program for residents and local schools. Key accomplishments in the area of project planning include coordinating: monthly Council and executive committee meetings; staffing the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook Working Group; staffing the water quality technical committee; and guiding education and stewardship projects. Key accomplishments in the area of project management include the completion of the McKenzie-Willamette Confluence Assessment; securing funds for project planning in the confluence area; near completion of the BPA funded McKenzie sub-basin assessment; development of a framework for a McKenzie Watershed Conservation Strategy; an evaluation of Council’s monitoring programs - ambient water quality, storm-event water quality, Tier III water quality, and macroinvertebrate monitoring. The Council, in cooperation with the McKenzie River Cooperative, completed habitat enhancements in the Gate Creek and Deer Creek sub-watersheds. This partnership recently submitted Bring Back the Natives grant for initiation of projects in other McKenzie tributaries. The Council will also be working with a local business to develop a river-side riparian enhancement and native landscaping project on the lodge grounds. This will serve as a demonstration project for blending fish and wildlife habitat concerns with maintaining grounds for business opportunities. Accomplishments in the area of procurement of funding included developing the FY2000 Scope of Work and budget for approval by the Council and BPA; providing quarterly budget and work program progress reports to the Council; and securing additional funding from Council partner organizations and foundations. Highlights in the area of watershed education/outreach include the MWC’s lead role in convening the Watershed Education Network for teachers as part of its educational mission; production of newsletters and brochures; and coordination of media coverage of watershed-related issues. MWC completed all tasks outlined in the FY2000 Scope of Work with the following staff: Watershed Coordinator (1.0 FTE), Project Coordinator (.25 FTE), and Education Coordinator (0.5 FTE). Coordination of these activities by MWC improves resource stewardship and protects fish and wildlife habitat through increased collaboration among Federal, state, and local government agencies, and landowners within the watershed. Increasing awareness and expanding knowledge affects behavior positively and promotes attitudes that encourage watershed stewardship. During Fiscal Year 2001, MWC intends to focus on an Implementation Strategy based on the McKenzie sub-basin assessment results; implementation of projects recommended from the McKenzie-Willamette confluence assessment; and increasing its presence at the local level through contact with watershed residents and groups. Title: McKenzie River focus watershed coordination : year end report 2000 Author: Thrailkil, Jim This report summarizes accomplishments of the McKenzie River Focus Watershed Council (MWC) in the areas of coordination and administration during Fiscal Year 2000. Coordination and administration consist of prioritization and planning for projects; project management and implementation; procurement of funding for long-term support of the Council; and watershed education/outreach program for residents and local schools. Key accomplishments in the area of project planning include coordinating: monthly Council and executive committee meetings; staffing the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook Working Group; staffing the water quality technical committee; and guiding education and stewardship projects. Key accomplishments in the area of project management include the completion of the McKenzie-Willamette Confluence Assessment; securing funds for project planning in the confluence area; near completion of the BPA funded McKenzie sub-basin assessment; development of a framework for a McKenzie Watershed Conservation Strategy; an evaluation of Council’s monitoring programs - ambient water quality, storm-event water quality, Tier III water quality, and macroinvertebrate monitoring. The Council, in cooperation with the McKenzie River Cooperative, completed habitat enhancements in the Gate Creek and Deer Creek sub-watersheds. This partnership recently submitted Bring Back the Natives grant for initiation of projects in other McKenzie tributaries. The Council will also be working with a local business to develop a river-side riparian enhancement and native landscaping project on the lodge grounds. This will serve as a demonstration project for blending fish and wildlife habitat concerns with maintaining grounds for business opportunities. Accomplishments in the area of procurement of funding included developing the FY2000 Scope of Work and budget for approval by the Council and BPA; providing quarterly budget and work program progress reports to the Council; and securing additional funding from Council partner organizations and foundations. Highlights in the area of watershed education/outreach include the MWC’s lead role in convening the Watershed Education Network for teachers as part of its educational mission; production of newsletters and brochures; and coordination of media coverage of watershed-related issues. MWC completed all tasks outlined in the FY2000 Scope of Work with the following staff: Watershed Coordinator (1.0 FTE), Project Coordinator (.25 FTE), and Education Coordinator (0.5 FTE). Coordination of these activities by MWC improves resource stewardship and protects fish and wildlife habitat through increased collaboration among Federal, state, and local government agencies, and landowners within the watershed. Increasing awareness and expanding knowledge affects behavior positively and promotes attitudes that encourage watershed stewardship. During Fiscal Year 2001, MWC intends to focus on an Implementation Strategy based on the McKenzie sub-basin assessment results; implementation of projects recommended from the McKenzie-Willamette confluence assessment; and increasing its presence at the local level through contact with watershed residents and groups. Close

• 45. [Article] Nest Success and Cause-Specific Nest Failure of Grassland Passerines Breeding in Prairie Grazed by Livestock

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by The Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Nest Success and Cause-Specific Nest Failure of Grassland Passerines Breeding in Prairie Grazed by Livestock Author: Etterson, Matthew A., Kennedy, Patricia L., Johnson, Tracey N. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by The Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Nest Success and Cause-Specific Nest Failure of Grassland Passerines Breeding in Prairie Grazed by Livestock Author: Etterson, Matthew A., Kennedy, Patricia L., Johnson, Tracey N. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The article is copyrighted by The Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 46. [Article] Spatial and temporal dynamics of anthropogenically influenced forests of the Brazilian Amazon

  The Amazon Tropical Rain Forest is the largest tropical rain forest system, comprising approximately 65% of such forests on earth. Since the 1960's, human populations in the Brazilian Amazon have increased ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Spatial and temporal dynamics of anthropogenically influenced forests of the Brazilian Amazon Author: Bergen, Scott The Amazon Tropical Rain Forest is the largest tropical rain forest system, comprising approximately 65% of such forests on earth. Since the 1960's, human populations in the Brazilian Amazon have increased from two to over 20 million. Concomitant urbanization, forest conversion, and economic dependence on resource extraction have exerted severe demands on these fragile ecosystems. Its status as a global carbon source and sink and its unique biodiversity compels study of the Amazon and the dramatic changes sustained to optimize conservation strategies and ameliorate loss. While the overall effects of deforestation are well documented, little is known about the spatio-temporal interactions between forest dynamics and anthropogenic disturbance. As part of a collaborative NASA-Smithsonian Institute project, the present research focuses on the analysis and modeling of spatio-temporal forest dynamics in the Amazon across scales. The first analysis indicates that secondary forest tree species richness is significantly influenced by proximity to large forest tracts containing frugivorous fauna. These results underscore the necessity of conserving large tracts and the consideration of spatial design for adequate preservation of biodiversity. Methods developed in the second analysis demonstrate that while deforestation devastates biodiversity, secondary forests may contribute to the attenuation of greenhouse gas concentrations. However, this carbon tracking process is revealed to be more complex than previously assumed. Land tenure dynamics and heterogeneity preclude the use of simple static models. These results imply that modeling the world's largest rain forests effects on global greenhouse gas concentrations is highly uncertain and must be evaluated cautiously. The final analysis evaluates the diverse effects of specific large-scale development projects on forest integrity currently being planned. Riverside deforestation and road upgrades have the highest potential for effecting irreversible environmental damage. Protected forests and indigenous lands comprise 30% of the Brazilian Legal Amazon and have the potential to prevent the degradation of 464,151 km² of mature forest. However, political and economic pressures on indigenous peoples threaten to destabilize land tenure and land-use practices. Urgent efforts need to be directed to develop long-term and large-scale planning of Amazon land-use that takes such complexity into consideration. Title: Spatial and temporal dynamics of anthropogenically influenced forests of the Brazilian Amazon Author: Bergen, Scott The Amazon Tropical Rain Forest is the largest tropical rain forest system, comprising approximately 65% of such forests on earth. Since the 1960's, human populations in the Brazilian Amazon have increased from two to over 20 million. Concomitant urbanization, forest conversion, and economic dependence on resource extraction have exerted severe demands on these fragile ecosystems. Its status as a global carbon source and sink and its unique biodiversity compels study of the Amazon and the dramatic changes sustained to optimize conservation strategies and ameliorate loss. While the overall effects of deforestation are well documented, little is known about the spatio-temporal interactions between forest dynamics and anthropogenic disturbance. As part of a collaborative NASA-Smithsonian Institute project, the present research focuses on the analysis and modeling of spatio-temporal forest dynamics in the Amazon across scales. The first analysis indicates that secondary forest tree species richness is significantly influenced by proximity to large forest tracts containing frugivorous fauna. These results underscore the necessity of conserving large tracts and the consideration of spatial design for adequate preservation of biodiversity. Methods developed in the second analysis demonstrate that while deforestation devastates biodiversity, secondary forests may contribute to the attenuation of greenhouse gas concentrations. However, this carbon tracking process is revealed to be more complex than previously assumed. Land tenure dynamics and heterogeneity preclude the use of simple static models. These results imply that modeling the world's largest rain forests effects on global greenhouse gas concentrations is highly uncertain and must be evaluated cautiously. The final analysis evaluates the diverse effects of specific large-scale development projects on forest integrity currently being planned. Riverside deforestation and road upgrades have the highest potential for effecting irreversible environmental damage. Protected forests and indigenous lands comprise 30% of the Brazilian Legal Amazon and have the potential to prevent the degradation of 464,151 km² of mature forest. However, political and economic pressures on indigenous peoples threaten to destabilize land tenure and land-use practices. Urgent efforts need to be directed to develop long-term and large-scale planning of Amazon land-use that takes such complexity into consideration. Close

• 47. [Article] Demographic response of northern spotted owls to barred owl removal

  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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Demographic response of northern spotted owls to barred owl removal Author: Diller, Lowell V., Schwarz, Carl J., Early, Desiree A., Lamphear, David W., McDonald, Trent L., Hamm, Keith A., Yackulic, Charles B., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C. 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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817 Title: Demographic response of northern spotted owls to barred owl removal Author: Diller, Lowell V., Schwarz, Carl J., Early, Desiree A., Lamphear, David W., McDonald, Trent L., Hamm, Keith A., Yackulic, Charles B., Dugger, Katie M., Carlson, Peter C. 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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291937-2817 Close

• 48. [Article] Genetic variation and mating system of ponderosa pine in the Willamette Valley of Oregon

  The population genetic structure of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougi.) in the Willamette Valley of Oregon was investigated. Cones were collected from native stands of ponderosa pine from the Willamette ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Genetic variation and mating system of ponderosa pine in the Willamette Valley of Oregon Author: Gooding, Geoffrey David The population genetic structure of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougi.) in the Willamette Valley of Oregon was investigated. Cones were collected from native stands of ponderosa pine from the Willamette Valley, eastern Oregon, southwest Oregon and the Puget Sound Basin of Washington. Seeds were subjected to isozyme analysis of 12 enzyme systems controlled by 20 different loci. Population genetic parameters for progeny, parent trees and pollen were estimated from isozyme data using BIOSYS-2, a population genetic statistical software package. For progeny data, total gene diversity (HT) was 0.249; average genic diversity within stands (Hs) was 0.231; average genic diversity among stands (DST) was 0.017; the proportion of total genic diversity due to differences among stands (GST) was 0.067. Based on gene diversity statistics and genetic distances, stands of Willamette Valley ponderosa pine do not differ substantially from one another or from other populations of ponderosa pine in Washington and Oregon. These results suggest that protection of the Willamette Valley population can be accomplished by conserving a large number of individuals in a few large stands or many small stands. Multilocus and single-locus estimates of outcrossing rate were determined for six stands within the Willamette Valley. Outcrossing rates were estimated for seven polymorphic loci using MLTR, a mating system analysis software package. Estimates of multilocus outcrossing for these stands (mean 0.642; range 0.365 to 0.879) were substantially lower than estimates previously reported for other populations of ponderosa pine, other pine species, and other species in the family Pinaceae. No significant difference was detected among stands in outcrossing rate. The high level of inbreeding observed in this population could be attributable to population fragmentation due to human activities, or to reduced levels of pollen production in this population compared to other populations of ponderosa pine. Genetic conservation strategies for this population should include the protection of the large native stands that remain and the use of local, adapted sources for afforestation. Management of pollen in a seed orchard should improve the genetic quality of seed over wild stand seed by reducing inbreeding levels. Title: Genetic variation and mating system of ponderosa pine in the Willamette Valley of Oregon Author: Gooding, Geoffrey David The population genetic structure of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougi.) in the Willamette Valley of Oregon was investigated. Cones were collected from native stands of ponderosa pine from the Willamette Valley, eastern Oregon, southwest Oregon and the Puget Sound Basin of Washington. Seeds were subjected to isozyme analysis of 12 enzyme systems controlled by 20 different loci. Population genetic parameters for progeny, parent trees and pollen were estimated from isozyme data using BIOSYS-2, a population genetic statistical software package. For progeny data, total gene diversity (HT) was 0.249; average genic diversity within stands (Hs) was 0.231; average genic diversity among stands (DST) was 0.017; the proportion of total genic diversity due to differences among stands (GST) was 0.067. Based on gene diversity statistics and genetic distances, stands of Willamette Valley ponderosa pine do not differ substantially from one another or from other populations of ponderosa pine in Washington and Oregon. These results suggest that protection of the Willamette Valley population can be accomplished by conserving a large number of individuals in a few large stands or many small stands. Multilocus and single-locus estimates of outcrossing rate were determined for six stands within the Willamette Valley. Outcrossing rates were estimated for seven polymorphic loci using MLTR, a mating system analysis software package. Estimates of multilocus outcrossing for these stands (mean 0.642; range 0.365 to 0.879) were substantially lower than estimates previously reported for other populations of ponderosa pine, other pine species, and other species in the family Pinaceae. No significant difference was detected among stands in outcrossing rate. The high level of inbreeding observed in this population could be attributable to population fragmentation due to human activities, or to reduced levels of pollen production in this population compared to other populations of ponderosa pine. Genetic conservation strategies for this population should include the protection of the large native stands that remain and the use of local, adapted sources for afforestation. Management of pollen in a seed orchard should improve the genetic quality of seed over wild stand seed by reducing inbreeding levels. Close

• 49. [Article] Will wetlands restoration plans today still be effective tomorrow? Evaluation of performance of potential wetlands for peak flow reduction in future climate scenarios in the Eagle Creek Watershed, IN

  Global climate change is expected to exaggerate the severity of floods and droughts and increase the frequency of extreme streamflow events in the Midwestern United States. Managing these projected impacts ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Will wetlands restoration plans today still be effective tomorrow? Evaluation of performance of potential wetlands for peak flow reduction in future climate scenarios in the Eagle Creek Watershed, IN Author: Walters, Kelli M. Global climate change is expected to exaggerate the severity of floods and droughts and increase the frequency of extreme streamflow events in the Midwestern United States. Managing these projected impacts poses a major challenge for water resources, conservation, and land use management. Wetlands have been considered as a conservation strategy and work to increase the capacity of watersheds by storing runoff upstream. The implementation of wetlands, especially in tile-drained agricultural watersheds, can reduce peak flows and help mitigate the anticipated impacts of climate change. The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term performance of wetlands to reduce peak flows in future climate scenarios in the Eagle Creek Watershed in Indiana, as well as to establish a methodology to incorporate climate change into hydrological models to conduct better long-term land management studies and decisions. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was forced with bias corrected climate projections from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) to evaluate the impacts of climate change on watershed hydrology and the ability of wetlands to reduce peak flows. Long-term monthly streamflow results predicted a slight increase in streamflow in the winter and a slight decrease in the summer from the past (1971-2000) to future (2041-2070) time periods. About half of the climate realizations produced an increase in the Q05 (5% exceedance flow) value and half a decrease, but all predictions agreed that high flow events will increase in frequency in the winter and decrease in the spring and summer. No-flow events, although found to be over-predicted by the hydrological model, showed an increase from the past to the future for all climate realizations. Results from the wetland analysis showed that if all potential wetlands identified in a previous study are installed in the watershed, maximum peak flow reductions of around 20-50 m³/s for the past and future, as well as decreased frequency of extreme events, can be seen. Wetlands proved to be a robust solution for peak flow reduction, producing consistent reductions across all climate projections for both the past and future time periods. Title: Will wetlands restoration plans today still be effective tomorrow? Evaluation of performance of potential wetlands for peak flow reduction in future climate scenarios in the Eagle Creek Watershed, IN Author: Walters, Kelli M. Global climate change is expected to exaggerate the severity of floods and droughts and increase the frequency of extreme streamflow events in the Midwestern United States. Managing these projected impacts poses a major challenge for water resources, conservation, and land use management. Wetlands have been considered as a conservation strategy and work to increase the capacity of watersheds by storing runoff upstream. The implementation of wetlands, especially in tile-drained agricultural watersheds, can reduce peak flows and help mitigate the anticipated impacts of climate change. The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term performance of wetlands to reduce peak flows in future climate scenarios in the Eagle Creek Watershed in Indiana, as well as to establish a methodology to incorporate climate change into hydrological models to conduct better long-term land management studies and decisions. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was forced with bias corrected climate projections from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) to evaluate the impacts of climate change on watershed hydrology and the ability of wetlands to reduce peak flows. Long-term monthly streamflow results predicted a slight increase in streamflow in the winter and a slight decrease in the summer from the past (1971-2000) to future (2041-2070) time periods. About half of the climate realizations produced an increase in the Q05 (5% exceedance flow) value and half a decrease, but all predictions agreed that high flow events will increase in frequency in the winter and decrease in the spring and summer. No-flow events, although found to be over-predicted by the hydrological model, showed an increase from the past to the future for all climate realizations. Results from the wetland analysis showed that if all potential wetlands identified in a previous study are installed in the watershed, maximum peak flow reductions of around 20-50 m³/s for the past and future, as well as decreased frequency of extreme events, can be seen. Wetlands proved to be a robust solution for peak flow reduction, producing consistent reductions across all climate projections for both the past and future time periods. Close

• 50. [Article] Regional gradient analysis and spatial pattern of woody plant communities in Oregon

  Knowledge of regional-scale patterns of plant community structure and controlling factors is largely qualitative and based on numerous local studies. Data from a subsample of 10,000 field plots were used ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Regional gradient analysis and spatial pattern of woody plant communities in Oregon Author: Ohmann, Janet L. Knowledge of regional-scale patterns of plant community structure and controlling factors is largely qualitative and based on numerous local studies. Data from a subsample of 10,000 field plots were used to quantify and map compositional gradients of woody plant communities across Oregon forests. Canonical correspondence analyses explained 9-14% of the total species variation at three geographic scales. Climate contributed most to total variance explained (44-58%), followed by geology (6-16%), disturbance (7-13%), and topography (4- 8%). The dominant compositional gradient was associated with climate, from the lower elevation, moderate, maritime climate of the coast to the higher elevation, drier, continental climate of the interior. The second canonical axis followed a gradient from the warm, dry growing seasons of the interior valleys and eastern Cascades, to cooler, wetter mountainous areas. Only those parent materials that present extreme growing conditions, primarily ultramafic soils, were significant at the regional level. Ecological relationships differed substantially among subregions within the state. Except for topography, which contributed more to explained variation at finer geographic scales, ecological differences among subregions overshadowed effects of geographic extent. Topographic effects were stronger and beta diversity greater in eastern Oregon, where moisture is more limiting for plant growth, and weakest near the coast where climate is more favorable. The secondary importance of topography, disturbance, and substrate can be attributed to their influence on relative abundances of species within a local area, rather than on species presence or absence within broader regions. Community structure varied at a finer spatial scale in eastern than in western Oregon, and species turnover along gradients was greater for shrubs than trees. Amount of unexplained variation in the species data was high but not atypical of gradient analyses. Yet spatial structure in the species data that was uncorrelated with explanatory factors suggests potential to improve the canonical correspondence analysis models, particularly in eastern Oregon. Study findings have implications for considering biological diversity in regional conservation strategies, in planning for global climate change, and in the design of regional inventory and monitoring programs. Title: Regional gradient analysis and spatial pattern of woody plant communities in Oregon Author: Ohmann, Janet L. Knowledge of regional-scale patterns of plant community structure and controlling factors is largely qualitative and based on numerous local studies. Data from a subsample of 10,000 field plots were used to quantify and map compositional gradients of woody plant communities across Oregon forests. Canonical correspondence analyses explained 9-14% of the total species variation at three geographic scales. Climate contributed most to total variance explained (44-58%), followed by geology (6-16%), disturbance (7-13%), and topography (4- 8%). The dominant compositional gradient was associated with climate, from the lower elevation, moderate, maritime climate of the coast to the higher elevation, drier, continental climate of the interior. The second canonical axis followed a gradient from the warm, dry growing seasons of the interior valleys and eastern Cascades, to cooler, wetter mountainous areas. Only those parent materials that present extreme growing conditions, primarily ultramafic soils, were significant at the regional level. Ecological relationships differed substantially among subregions within the state. Except for topography, which contributed more to explained variation at finer geographic scales, ecological differences among subregions overshadowed effects of geographic extent. Topographic effects were stronger and beta diversity greater in eastern Oregon, where moisture is more limiting for plant growth, and weakest near the coast where climate is more favorable. The secondary importance of topography, disturbance, and substrate can be attributed to their influence on relative abundances of species within a local area, rather than on species presence or absence within broader regions. Community structure varied at a finer spatial scale in eastern than in western Oregon, and species turnover along gradients was greater for shrubs than trees. Amount of unexplained variation in the species data was high but not atypical of gradient analyses. Yet spatial structure in the species data that was uncorrelated with explanatory factors suggests potential to improve the canonical correspondence analysis models, particularly in eastern Oregon. Study findings have implications for considering biological diversity in regional conservation strategies, in planning for global climate change, and in the design of regional inventory and monitoring programs. Close

• 51. [Article] Biological control of spider mites by the predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in ornamental nursery systems

  We identified and evaluated a phytoseiid predator as a biological control agent of multiple spider mites pests that occur in ornamental nurseries. When comparing species, Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) had ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biological control of spider mites by the predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in ornamental nursery systems Author: Pratt, Paul D. We identified and evaluated a phytoseiid predator as a biological control agent of multiple spider mites pests that occur in ornamental nurseries. When comparing species, Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) had a wider prey range than Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), a higher probability of overwintering than Neoseiulus califomicus McGregor and was equally or more effective at suppressing spider mites than either of the other 2 phytoseiids in 4 field tests. To further evaluate N. fallacis we 1) measured prey range when held with 29 ornamental pests or alternative foods under laboratory conditions, 2) tested biological control of spider mites on representative plant species at both small and large spatial scales, 3) developed release and conservation strategies of the predator, and 4) examined the efficacy of the predator in controlling recently introduced pests. Neoseiulus fallacis had greatest survival and reproduction when feeding on spider mites but eriophyid mites, other mites and pollen enhanced survivorship and, in some cases, reproduction. When inoculated into ornamental plants, spider mite suppression was "acceptable" in 81% of small scale tests and-in all large scale tests. Limitations in control occurred in tall, vertical growing plants with little foliar canopy. Inoculation of N. fallacis at low prey densities into apple rootstocks was successful at suppressing Tetranychus urticae Koch and similar to control achieved at moderate prey densities. In small scale banker plant studies, high densities of adult and immature mites of N. fallacis were produced and moved downwind to receiver plants. In field tests with receiver plants placed at greater distances, only N. fallacis adult females readily dispersed to 30 m or more. When comparing overwintering survival of adult females among plant types, N. fallacis survived most on conifers, intermediate on evergreen shrubs and least on herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs and shade trees. Covering plants with protective plastic reduced overwintering survival of the predator. Neoseiulus fallacis successfully suppressed the newly introduced pests Panonychus citri (McGregor) and Schizotetranychus celarius (Banks) on Skimmia japonica Thunberg and Sasaella hidaensis (Makino and Uchida), respectively. Initial studies suggest that N. fallacis can be an effective biological control agent of multiple spider mites in low-growing and selected higher-growing ornamental plants. Title: Biological control of spider mites by the predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in ornamental nursery systems Author: Pratt, Paul D. We identified and evaluated a phytoseiid predator as a biological control agent of multiple spider mites pests that occur in ornamental nurseries. When comparing species, Neoseiulus fallacis (Garman) had a wider prey range than Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt), a higher probability of overwintering than Neoseiulus califomicus McGregor and was equally or more effective at suppressing spider mites than either of the other 2 phytoseiids in 4 field tests. To further evaluate N. fallacis we 1) measured prey range when held with 29 ornamental pests or alternative foods under laboratory conditions, 2) tested biological control of spider mites on representative plant species at both small and large spatial scales, 3) developed release and conservation strategies of the predator, and 4) examined the efficacy of the predator in controlling recently introduced pests. Neoseiulus fallacis had greatest survival and reproduction when feeding on spider mites but eriophyid mites, other mites and pollen enhanced survivorship and, in some cases, reproduction. When inoculated into ornamental plants, spider mite suppression was "acceptable" in 81% of small scale tests and-in all large scale tests. Limitations in control occurred in tall, vertical growing plants with little foliar canopy. Inoculation of N. fallacis at low prey densities into apple rootstocks was successful at suppressing Tetranychus urticae Koch and similar to control achieved at moderate prey densities. In small scale banker plant studies, high densities of adult and immature mites of N. fallacis were produced and moved downwind to receiver plants. In field tests with receiver plants placed at greater distances, only N. fallacis adult females readily dispersed to 30 m or more. When comparing overwintering survival of adult females among plant types, N. fallacis survived most on conifers, intermediate on evergreen shrubs and least on herbaceous perennials, deciduous shrubs and shade trees. Covering plants with protective plastic reduced overwintering survival of the predator. Neoseiulus fallacis successfully suppressed the newly introduced pests Panonychus citri (McGregor) and Schizotetranychus celarius (Banks) on Skimmia japonica Thunberg and Sasaella hidaensis (Makino and Uchida), respectively. Initial studies suggest that N. fallacis can be an effective biological control agent of multiple spider mites in low-growing and selected higher-growing ornamental plants. Close

• 52. [Article] Adaptive genetic markers discriminate migratory runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) amid continued gene flow

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The published article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/jo...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Adaptive genetic markers discriminate migratory runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) amid continued gene flow Author: Jacobson, Dave P., Banks, Michael A., Dill, Allen J., Kurth, Ryon, O'Malley, Kathleen G. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The published article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1752-4571. Title: Adaptive genetic markers discriminate migratory runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) amid continued gene flow Author: Jacobson, Dave P., Banks, Michael A., Dill, Allen J., Kurth, Ryon, O'Malley, Kathleen G. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the author(s) and published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The published article can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1752-4571. Close

• 53. [Article] Distribution of bats in Southeast Alaska and selection of day-roosts in trees by Keen’s myotis on Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska

  We conducted capture and acoustic surveys for bats in six areas along a latitudinal gradient in Southeast Alaska from mid-May to September in 2005 and we continued surveys on Prince of Wales Island from ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution of bats in Southeast Alaska and selection of day-roosts in trees by Keen’s myotis on Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska Author: Boland, Julia L. We conducted capture and acoustic surveys for bats in six areas along a latitudinal gradient in Southeast Alaska from mid-May to September in 2005 and we continued surveys on Prince of Wales Island from mid-May to September in 2006. We determined the level of effort required to catch each species and documented ranges in morphology and periods of reproduction. We captured little brown myotis, Myotis lucifugus; California myotis, M. californicus; long-legged myotis, M. volans; and Keen’s myotis, M. keenii, and we acoustically detected and sighted the silver-haired bat, Lasionycteris noctivagans. Capture success varied by species, year, and type of capture site. Our surveys support prior research suggesting that the little brown myotis is the most abundant species in the region, although densities appear to be low relative to other parts of its range. California myotis and Keen’s myotis were captured as far north as Juneau. The long-legged myotis was captured on Wrangell and Prince of Wales Islands and the silver-haired bat was detected on Prince of Wales Island. Prince of Wales Island is the southernmost area we sampled and was the only area where all species were detected. Given low rates of detection, all species appear to occur in low densities in Southeast Alaska. Better understanding of population status and trends and examination of habitat ecology and response to forest management in the region is needed to prioritize conservation strategies. The Keen’s myotis is rare and has one of the most limited distributions of any bat species in North America. Understanding gender-specific roosting ecologies of bats at relevant spatial scales is necessary to effectively evaluate the impact of habitat alteration and prioritize conservation efforts for bats in temperate forests. We examined selection of day-roosts in trees by Keen’s myotis from mid-May to September, 2006 on Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska. Our objectives were to 1) examine relationships between and determine relative importance of habitat characteristics on selection of day-roosts at three spatial scales and 2) determine if habitat associations for males and females differed at each scale. We tracked 13 females to 62 roosts in trees and 6 males to 24 roosts in trees. Features at each spatial scale appeared to influence selection of day-roosts by female Keen’s myotis, but associations were strongest at the tree scale and trees used as roosts were primarily large in diameter with structural defects and located in old-growth forests. Trees in plots around roosts of females had large mean diameters and these plots had a high abundance of roost-like trees. Roosts were generally located near to roads and streams and surrounded by landscapes with a high abundance of old-growth and riparian habitat. Associations were evident for male Keen’s myotis at each spatial scale, but associations at the landscape scale were strongest. Male Keen’s myotis exhibited flexibility with the types of roosts they chose, but tree roosts were primarily snags in early to intermediate decay surrounded by a high relative abundance of roost-like trees that were closer to roads and further from riparian habitat. Habitat associations differed between males and females at each spatial scale and differences are likely a reflection of higher energetic constraints associated with reproduction for females. Energetic benefits gained from optimal roosting habitat may be critical for successful reproduction by females. Females primarily roosted in old-growth habitat and we suggest that maintaining structural components characteristic of old growth will promote conservation of Keen’s myotis in Southeast Alaska. Title: Distribution of bats in Southeast Alaska and selection of day-roosts in trees by Keen’s myotis on Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska Author: Boland, Julia L. We conducted capture and acoustic surveys for bats in six areas along a latitudinal gradient in Southeast Alaska from mid-May to September in 2005 and we continued surveys on Prince of Wales Island from mid-May to September in 2006. We determined the level of effort required to catch each species and documented ranges in morphology and periods of reproduction. We captured little brown myotis, Myotis lucifugus; California myotis, M. californicus; long-legged myotis, M. volans; and Keen’s myotis, M. keenii, and we acoustically detected and sighted the silver-haired bat, Lasionycteris noctivagans. Capture success varied by species, year, and type of capture site. Our surveys support prior research suggesting that the little brown myotis is the most abundant species in the region, although densities appear to be low relative to other parts of its range. California myotis and Keen’s myotis were captured as far north as Juneau. The long-legged myotis was captured on Wrangell and Prince of Wales Islands and the silver-haired bat was detected on Prince of Wales Island. Prince of Wales Island is the southernmost area we sampled and was the only area where all species were detected. Given low rates of detection, all species appear to occur in low densities in Southeast Alaska. Better understanding of population status and trends and examination of habitat ecology and response to forest management in the region is needed to prioritize conservation strategies. The Keen’s myotis is rare and has one of the most limited distributions of any bat species in North America. Understanding gender-specific roosting ecologies of bats at relevant spatial scales is necessary to effectively evaluate the impact of habitat alteration and prioritize conservation efforts for bats in temperate forests. We examined selection of day-roosts in trees by Keen’s myotis from mid-May to September, 2006 on Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska. Our objectives were to 1) examine relationships between and determine relative importance of habitat characteristics on selection of day-roosts at three spatial scales and 2) determine if habitat associations for males and females differed at each scale. We tracked 13 females to 62 roosts in trees and 6 males to 24 roosts in trees. Features at each spatial scale appeared to influence selection of day-roosts by female Keen’s myotis, but associations were strongest at the tree scale and trees used as roosts were primarily large in diameter with structural defects and located in old-growth forests. Trees in plots around roosts of females had large mean diameters and these plots had a high abundance of roost-like trees. Roosts were generally located near to roads and streams and surrounded by landscapes with a high abundance of old-growth and riparian habitat. Associations were evident for male Keen’s myotis at each spatial scale, but associations at the landscape scale were strongest. Male Keen’s myotis exhibited flexibility with the types of roosts they chose, but tree roosts were primarily snags in early to intermediate decay surrounded by a high relative abundance of roost-like trees that were closer to roads and further from riparian habitat. Habitat associations differed between males and females at each spatial scale and differences are likely a reflection of higher energetic constraints associated with reproduction for females. Energetic benefits gained from optimal roosting habitat may be critical for successful reproduction by females. Females primarily roosted in old-growth habitat and we suggest that maintaining structural components characteristic of old growth will promote conservation of Keen’s myotis in Southeast Alaska. Close

• 54. [Article] Sequential isotopic analysis to characterize ontogenetic shifts and growth dynamics of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)

  Ontogenetic niche theory predicts that as organisms grow they make size-specific changes in habitat use and diet to optimize growth and survival. A variety of factors contribute to growth and survival ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sequential isotopic analysis to characterize ontogenetic shifts and growth dynamics of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) Author: Ramirez, Matthew D. Ontogenetic niche theory predicts that as organisms grow they make size-specific changes in habitat use and diet to optimize growth and survival. A variety of factors contribute to growth and survival in different habitats, ultimately leading to variation in life history that can affect population dynamics. An understanding of the variation in timing of habitat shifts and fidelity to those habitats is critical for population dynamics modeling and evaluation of conservation strategies, especially for species whose population vital rates are sensitive to changes in growth and survival of critical life stages, such as the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Isotopic analysis of sequentially deposited structures, such as sea turtle humerus bone, provides a means of studying intraspecific life history variation. I sequentially analyzed the annual humerus bone growth increments of 84 juvenile loggerhead sea turtles for stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) to reconstruct the diet and habitat use histories of turtles undergoing an oceanic-to-neritic ontogenetic shift. I also used skeletochronological methods to evaluate the growth dynamics surrounding this transition. Generated isotopic transects were used to classify individuals into alternative life history pattern groups and were combined with body size and growth data obtained from skeletal analyses to evaluate differences in the duration, timing, and growth dynamics of ontogenetic shifts. Sea turtles that displayed increases in nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N) greater than 3.0‰ over one or more years were presumed to have transitioned from oceanic to neritic diets and/or habitats based on oceanic and neritic prey isotopic information collected from the literature, and were classified into one of two life history pattern groups: discrete shifters (n = 23) completed this transition within year, while facultative shifters (n = 16) completed this transition in up to eight years. As differences in isotopic values between neritic and oceanic prey are most likely driven by differences in isotopic baselines, I propose the gradual increases in δ¹⁵N values within facultative shifters over multiple years is indicative of foraging in both oceanic and neritic habitats within growth years. Size-at-transition between habitats was similar between discrete shifters (55.1 ± 7.6 cm straightline carapace length, SCL) and facultative shifters (52.8 ± 6.9 cm SCL). Growth variance was higher for facultative shifters versus discrete shifters. Yet, mean size at transition, size-at-age relationships, and mean increment-specific growth rates were similar between turtles with alternative life history patterns. Annual growth rates generally peaked within one year of transition (31/38 of turtles), providing support for a short-term (i.e., 1-2 year) ontogenetic shift-associated growth advantage. However, there was considerable variation in the timing of maximal growth rate among turtles with some individuals exhibiting maximal growth in years prior to the ontogenetic shift (14/38 turtles). The lack of substantial differences in the timing of transition and growth dynamics between discrete and facultative shifters likely limits the influence of these alternative life history patterns on time to sexual maturity in this species, though differences in habitat-specific survival probabilities could affect loggerhead population dynamics. This study demonstrates the value of paired isotopic and skeletal analyses to the study of long-term sea turtle life history variation and its affect on growth. Title: Sequential isotopic analysis to characterize ontogenetic shifts and growth dynamics of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) Author: Ramirez, Matthew D. Ontogenetic niche theory predicts that as organisms grow they make size-specific changes in habitat use and diet to optimize growth and survival. A variety of factors contribute to growth and survival in different habitats, ultimately leading to variation in life history that can affect population dynamics. An understanding of the variation in timing of habitat shifts and fidelity to those habitats is critical for population dynamics modeling and evaluation of conservation strategies, especially for species whose population vital rates are sensitive to changes in growth and survival of critical life stages, such as the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Isotopic analysis of sequentially deposited structures, such as sea turtle humerus bone, provides a means of studying intraspecific life history variation. I sequentially analyzed the annual humerus bone growth increments of 84 juvenile loggerhead sea turtles for stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) to reconstruct the diet and habitat use histories of turtles undergoing an oceanic-to-neritic ontogenetic shift. I also used skeletochronological methods to evaluate the growth dynamics surrounding this transition. Generated isotopic transects were used to classify individuals into alternative life history pattern groups and were combined with body size and growth data obtained from skeletal analyses to evaluate differences in the duration, timing, and growth dynamics of ontogenetic shifts. Sea turtles that displayed increases in nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N) greater than 3.0‰ over one or more years were presumed to have transitioned from oceanic to neritic diets and/or habitats based on oceanic and neritic prey isotopic information collected from the literature, and were classified into one of two life history pattern groups: discrete shifters (n = 23) completed this transition within year, while facultative shifters (n = 16) completed this transition in up to eight years. As differences in isotopic values between neritic and oceanic prey are most likely driven by differences in isotopic baselines, I propose the gradual increases in δ¹⁵N values within facultative shifters over multiple years is indicative of foraging in both oceanic and neritic habitats within growth years. Size-at-transition between habitats was similar between discrete shifters (55.1 ± 7.6 cm straightline carapace length, SCL) and facultative shifters (52.8 ± 6.9 cm SCL). Growth variance was higher for facultative shifters versus discrete shifters. Yet, mean size at transition, size-at-age relationships, and mean increment-specific growth rates were similar between turtles with alternative life history patterns. Annual growth rates generally peaked within one year of transition (31/38 of turtles), providing support for a short-term (i.e., 1-2 year) ontogenetic shift-associated growth advantage. However, there was considerable variation in the timing of maximal growth rate among turtles with some individuals exhibiting maximal growth in years prior to the ontogenetic shift (14/38 turtles). The lack of substantial differences in the timing of transition and growth dynamics between discrete and facultative shifters likely limits the influence of these alternative life history patterns on time to sexual maturity in this species, though differences in habitat-specific survival probabilities could affect loggerhead population dynamics. This study demonstrates the value of paired isotopic and skeletal analyses to the study of long-term sea turtle life history variation and its affect on growth. Close

• 55. [Article] California condors in the Pacific Northwest : integrating history, molecular ecology, and spatial modeling for reintroduction planning

  Reintroduction programs are increasingly being used to save animals from extinction and aid in their recovery. The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), one of the most endangered birds in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: California condors in the Pacific Northwest : integrating history, molecular ecology, and spatial modeling for reintroduction planning Author: D'Elia, Jesse Reintroduction programs are increasingly being used to save animals from extinction and aid in their recovery. The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), one of the most endangered birds in the world, is a remarkable example of how reintroduction programs can help rapidly increase a species' population numbers and range following a population bottleneck. Despite these gains, condors remain a critically endangered species and are absent from the northern half of their historical range. Here I evaluated questions concerning the biological feasibility of reintroducing California Condors to their former range in the Pacific Northwest using a multidisciplinary approach, employing the fields of history, molecular ecology, and spatial modeling. A review of the historical evidence, including the archeological and paleontological record, use of condors in Native American culture, and early historical accounts of explorers and naturalists, suggest that condors were once widely distributed and likely abundant in the Pacific Northwest. It is also likely that they were breeding birds in the region, rather than seasonal migrants. Examination of 526 base pairs from the control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) harvested from California Condor museum samples (n = 67) and genetic founders of the captive population (n =14) revealed 18 haplotypes in the historical population, 14 of which have not been reported previously. Only three of these haplotypes survived the genetic bottleneck, indicating > 80% reduction in haplotype richness. This substantial loss of genetic diversity is consistent with the hypothesis that condor populations were relatively abundant at the time of Euro-American contact, but declined rapidly as a result of human causes. I found no spatial sorting of haplotypes in the historical population, which suggests historical gene flow between the Pacific Northwest and southern and central California. Therefore, conservation strategies should consider restoring rangewide metapopulation connectivity when planning future reintroductions. Finally, I developed and tested activity-specific ecological niche models (nesting, roosting, and feeding) to identify areas in the Pacific Northwest that have retained ecological characteristics similar to those where condors have been observed in the last several decades. These models were integrated with information on condor movement ecology and biology to produce predictive maps of reintroduction site suitability across California, Oregon, and Washington. Ecological niche models were consistent with published knowledge of California Condor ecology, had good predictive performance when tested with data withheld from model development, and identified several candidate reintroduction areas. Results suggest that > 70% of the modeled nesting habitat and > 60% of the modeled roosting and foraging habitat in Washington, Oregon, and California is currently unoccupied. Thus, there are large unoccupied regions of the California Condor’s historical range in the Pacific Northwest that still possess relevant ecological features similar to currently occupied habitats, and therefore warrant consideration for future reintroduction efforts. In summary, this study provides foundational information to inform condor reintroductions to the Pacific Northwest. Key findings include: (1) extensive evidence that condors previously occupied the Pacific Northwest, likely in large numbers, prior to Euro-American expansion; (2) the lack of historical population structure, suggestive of historical gene flow between condor populations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in the range; and, (3) identification of several candidate reintroduction areas in the Pacific Northwest that have retained environmental conditions that appear suitable for condor recovery. Title: California condors in the Pacific Northwest : integrating history, molecular ecology, and spatial modeling for reintroduction planning Author: D'Elia, Jesse Reintroduction programs are increasingly being used to save animals from extinction and aid in their recovery. The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus), one of the most endangered birds in the world, is a remarkable example of how reintroduction programs can help rapidly increase a species' population numbers and range following a population bottleneck. Despite these gains, condors remain a critically endangered species and are absent from the northern half of their historical range. Here I evaluated questions concerning the biological feasibility of reintroducing California Condors to their former range in the Pacific Northwest using a multidisciplinary approach, employing the fields of history, molecular ecology, and spatial modeling. A review of the historical evidence, including the archeological and paleontological record, use of condors in Native American culture, and early historical accounts of explorers and naturalists, suggest that condors were once widely distributed and likely abundant in the Pacific Northwest. It is also likely that they were breeding birds in the region, rather than seasonal migrants. Examination of 526 base pairs from the control region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) harvested from California Condor museum samples (n = 67) and genetic founders of the captive population (n =14) revealed 18 haplotypes in the historical population, 14 of which have not been reported previously. Only three of these haplotypes survived the genetic bottleneck, indicating > 80% reduction in haplotype richness. This substantial loss of genetic diversity is consistent with the hypothesis that condor populations were relatively abundant at the time of Euro-American contact, but declined rapidly as a result of human causes. I found no spatial sorting of haplotypes in the historical population, which suggests historical gene flow between the Pacific Northwest and southern and central California. Therefore, conservation strategies should consider restoring rangewide metapopulation connectivity when planning future reintroductions. Finally, I developed and tested activity-specific ecological niche models (nesting, roosting, and feeding) to identify areas in the Pacific Northwest that have retained ecological characteristics similar to those where condors have been observed in the last several decades. These models were integrated with information on condor movement ecology and biology to produce predictive maps of reintroduction site suitability across California, Oregon, and Washington. Ecological niche models were consistent with published knowledge of California Condor ecology, had good predictive performance when tested with data withheld from model development, and identified several candidate reintroduction areas. Results suggest that > 70% of the modeled nesting habitat and > 60% of the modeled roosting and foraging habitat in Washington, Oregon, and California is currently unoccupied. Thus, there are large unoccupied regions of the California Condor’s historical range in the Pacific Northwest that still possess relevant ecological features similar to currently occupied habitats, and therefore warrant consideration for future reintroduction efforts. In summary, this study provides foundational information to inform condor reintroductions to the Pacific Northwest. Key findings include: (1) extensive evidence that condors previously occupied the Pacific Northwest, likely in large numbers, prior to Euro-American expansion; (2) the lack of historical population structure, suggestive of historical gene flow between condor populations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in the range; and, (3) identification of several candidate reintroduction areas in the Pacific Northwest that have retained environmental conditions that appear suitable for condor recovery. Close

• 56. [Article] Landscape-Level Approaches to Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Conservation in a Changing Environment

  Landscape characteristics can strongly influence demographic and genetic processes in wildlife populations. Climate change and human land use are causing many landscapes to change rapidly, and the effects ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Landscape-Level Approaches to Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Conservation in a Changing Environment Author: Creech, Tyler Graydon Landscape characteristics can strongly influence demographic and genetic processes in wildlife populations. Climate change and human land use are causing many landscapes to change rapidly, and the effects on wildlife populations must be understood to properly manage these threats and design effective conservation strategies. In this dissertation, I explored the implications of landscape heterogeneity for desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), an ecologically and culturally important ungulate species in the southwestern United States, and demonstrated new approaches that can be applied to landscape-level conservation of many wildlife species in changing landscapes. This research focused on populations within and surrounding U.S. national parks, comprising a large portion of the desert bighorn sheep's geographic range, and utilized a genetic dataset including > 1,600 individuals that was developed during this and previous projects. Landscape resistance models have been used extensively to predict potential linkages among fragmented wildlife populations, including desert bighorn sheep, but have rarely been used to guide systematic decision-making such as prioritizing conservation actions to maximize regional connectivity. In Chapter 1, I combined network theory and landscape resistance modeling to prioritize management for connectivity, including protection and restoration of dispersal corridors and habitat patches, in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation in the Mojave Desert. I constructed network models of genetic connectivity (potential for gene flow) and demographicconnectivity (potential for colonization of empty habitat patches). I found that the type of connectivity and the network metric used to quantify had substantial effects on prioritization results; however, I was able to identify high-priority habitat patches and corridors that were highly ranked across all combinations of the above factors. Potential diet quality varies across landscapes and through time for desert bighorn sheep and other ungulates, but is difficult to measure at fine spatial and temporal resolution using traditional field-based methods. The remotely sensed vegetation index NDVI can potentially overcome these limitations, but its relationship to diet quality has never been empirically validated for desert herbivores. In Chapter 2, I examined how strongly NDVI was associated with diet quality of desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert using fecal nitrogen data from multiple years and populations, and considered the effects of temporal resolution, geographic variability, and NDVI spatial summary statistic. I found that NDVI was more reliably associated with diet quality over the entire growing season than with instantaneous diet quality for a population, and was positively associated with population genetic diversity (a proxy for long-term diet quality). Although NDVI was a useful diet quality indicator for Mojave Desert bighorn sheep, my analysis suggested that it may be unreliable if satellite data are too spatially coarse to detect microhabitats providing high-quality forage, or if diet is strongly influenced by forage items that are weakly correlated with landscape greenness. Landscape genetic studies typically rely on neutral genetic markers to explore gene flow and genetic variation, but the potential for species to adapt to changing landscapes depends on how natural selection influences adaptive genetic variation. In Chapter 3, I optimized landscape resistance models for desert bighorn sheep in three regions with different landscape characteristics, and then used genetic simulations incorporating natural selection to determine how the spread of adaptive variation is influenced by differences among landscapes. Optimized landscape resistance models differed between regions but slope, presence of water barriers, and major roads had the greatest impacts on gene flow. Differences among landscapes strongly influenced the spread of adaptive genetic variation, with faster spread in landscapes with more continuously distributed habitat and when a pre-existing allele (i.e., standing genetic variation) rather than a novel allele (i.e., mutation) served as the source of adaptive genetic variation. Climate change presents a substantial threat to desert bighorn sheep and wildlife worldwide, and adaptation may be required to persist in novel environmental conditions. Knowledge of how adaptive capacity - the potential to cope with climate change by persisting in situ or moving to more suitable ranges or microhabitats - varies across populations is needed to establish conservation priorities for minimizing climate change impacts to individual species. In Chapter 4, I explored variation in the evolutionary component of adaptive capacity for 62 desert bighorn sheep populations on and near U.S. national parks. I measured adaptive capacity of populations as a function of two factors that are strongly associated with the potential for evolutionary adaptation, genetic diversity and connectivity (estimated using a landscape resistance model from Chapter 3). Genetic diversity and connectivity were highly variable across regions and populations. I identified populations with high adaptive capacity that could serve as genetic refugia from climate change impacts (e.g., those in Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks), but also populations with low adaptive capacity that may require conservation actions to improve their potential for adaptation (e.g., those in eastern Utah and the southern Mojave Desert). Genetic structure analyses suggested that populations in eastern Utah were genetically distinct from the rest of the study area, likely resulting from restricted gene flow following regional population extinctions. This dissertation highlighted the effects of landscape heterogeneity on genetic and demographic processes in desert bighorn sheep populations. Collectively, the information in these chapters should help guide management of desert bighorn sheep in the face of climate change and human land use. The landscape-level approaches demonstrated here may be useful for managing many other wildlife species. Title: Landscape-Level Approaches to Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Conservation in a Changing Environment Author: Creech, Tyler Graydon Landscape characteristics can strongly influence demographic and genetic processes in wildlife populations. Climate change and human land use are causing many landscapes to change rapidly, and the effects on wildlife populations must be understood to properly manage these threats and design effective conservation strategies. In this dissertation, I explored the implications of landscape heterogeneity for desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), an ecologically and culturally important ungulate species in the southwestern United States, and demonstrated new approaches that can be applied to landscape-level conservation of many wildlife species in changing landscapes. This research focused on populations within and surrounding U.S. national parks, comprising a large portion of the desert bighorn sheep's geographic range, and utilized a genetic dataset including > 1,600 individuals that was developed during this and previous projects. Landscape resistance models have been used extensively to predict potential linkages among fragmented wildlife populations, including desert bighorn sheep, but have rarely been used to guide systematic decision-making such as prioritizing conservation actions to maximize regional connectivity. In Chapter 1, I combined network theory and landscape resistance modeling to prioritize management for connectivity, including protection and restoration of dispersal corridors and habitat patches, in a desert bighorn sheep metapopulation in the Mojave Desert. I constructed network models of genetic connectivity (potential for gene flow) and demographicconnectivity (potential for colonization of empty habitat patches). I found that the type of connectivity and the network metric used to quantify had substantial effects on prioritization results; however, I was able to identify high-priority habitat patches and corridors that were highly ranked across all combinations of the above factors. Potential diet quality varies across landscapes and through time for desert bighorn sheep and other ungulates, but is difficult to measure at fine spatial and temporal resolution using traditional field-based methods. The remotely sensed vegetation index NDVI can potentially overcome these limitations, but its relationship to diet quality has never been empirically validated for desert herbivores. In Chapter 2, I examined how strongly NDVI was associated with diet quality of desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert using fecal nitrogen data from multiple years and populations, and considered the effects of temporal resolution, geographic variability, and NDVI spatial summary statistic. I found that NDVI was more reliably associated with diet quality over the entire growing season than with instantaneous diet quality for a population, and was positively associated with population genetic diversity (a proxy for long-term diet quality). Although NDVI was a useful diet quality indicator for Mojave Desert bighorn sheep, my analysis suggested that it may be unreliable if satellite data are too spatially coarse to detect microhabitats providing high-quality forage, or if diet is strongly influenced by forage items that are weakly correlated with landscape greenness. Landscape genetic studies typically rely on neutral genetic markers to explore gene flow and genetic variation, but the potential for species to adapt to changing landscapes depends on how natural selection influences adaptive genetic variation. In Chapter 3, I optimized landscape resistance models for desert bighorn sheep in three regions with different landscape characteristics, and then used genetic simulations incorporating natural selection to determine how the spread of adaptive variation is influenced by differences among landscapes. Optimized landscape resistance models differed between regions but slope, presence of water barriers, and major roads had the greatest impacts on gene flow. Differences among landscapes strongly influenced the spread of adaptive genetic variation, with faster spread in landscapes with more continuously distributed habitat and when a pre-existing allele (i.e., standing genetic variation) rather than a novel allele (i.e., mutation) served as the source of adaptive genetic variation. Climate change presents a substantial threat to desert bighorn sheep and wildlife worldwide, and adaptation may be required to persist in novel environmental conditions. Knowledge of how adaptive capacity - the potential to cope with climate change by persisting in situ or moving to more suitable ranges or microhabitats - varies across populations is needed to establish conservation priorities for minimizing climate change impacts to individual species. In Chapter 4, I explored variation in the evolutionary component of adaptive capacity for 62 desert bighorn sheep populations on and near U.S. national parks. I measured adaptive capacity of populations as a function of two factors that are strongly associated with the potential for evolutionary adaptation, genetic diversity and connectivity (estimated using a landscape resistance model from Chapter 3). Genetic diversity and connectivity were highly variable across regions and populations. I identified populations with high adaptive capacity that could serve as genetic refugia from climate change impacts (e.g., those in Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks), but also populations with low adaptive capacity that may require conservation actions to improve their potential for adaptation (e.g., those in eastern Utah and the southern Mojave Desert). Genetic structure analyses suggested that populations in eastern Utah were genetically distinct from the rest of the study area, likely resulting from restricted gene flow following regional population extinctions. This dissertation highlighted the effects of landscape heterogeneity on genetic and demographic processes in desert bighorn sheep populations. Collectively, the information in these chapters should help guide management of desert bighorn sheep in the face of climate change and human land use. The landscape-level approaches demonstrated here may be useful for managing many other wildlife species. Close

• 57. [Article] Competitive Interactions and Resource Partitioning Between Northern Spotted Owls and Barred Owls in Western Oregon

  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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Competitive Interactions and Resource Partitioning Between Northern Spotted Owls and Barred Owls in Western Oregon Author: Forsman, Eric D., Anthony, Robert G., Wiens, J. David 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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291938-5455. Title: Competitive Interactions and Resource Partitioning Between Northern Spotted Owls and Barred Owls in Western Oregon Author: Forsman, Eric D., Anthony, Robert G., Wiens, J. David 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 is copyrighted by the Wildlife Society and published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. It can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/%28ISSN%291938-5455. Close

• 58. [Article] Greater Sage-grouse conservation assessment and strategy for Oregon: A plan to maintain and enhance populations and habitat

  Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were once found in most grassland and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats east of the Cascades in Oregon. European settlement and conversion of sagebrush ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-grouse conservation assessment and strategy for Oregon: A plan to maintain and enhance populations and habitat Author: Hagen, Christian Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were once found in most grassland and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats east of the Cascades in Oregon. European settlement and conversion of sagebrush steppe into agricultural production led to extirpation of the species in the Columbia Basin by the early part of the 1900s, but sagebrush rangelands have persisted, particularly in southeast Oregon. Populations have fluctuated markedly since the mid 1900s with notable declines in populations from the 1950s to early 1970s. These patterns in populations and habitat loss are similar to those observed for greater sage-grouse throughout its range. Population declines during the latter part of the 1900s lead to considerable concern for the species and subsequent conservation planning in all western states where it occurs. This management strategy is a result of this larger conservation effort by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This updated and revised Plan describes Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management of greater sage-grouse and provides guidance to public land management agencies and land managers for sage-grouse conservation. Conservation actions should be encouraged on private lands as these contain some of the more productive sites, but conservation on private land is voluntary. Highlights of updates. Population goals have been revised based on statistically more robust methods for estimating population sizes. Accomplishments in conservation, research, and monitoring that have occurred since 2005 are discussed. The Core Area approach to strategically identifying important landscapes for sage-grouse is explained in detail from model development to implementation. Finally, there have been numerous publications on sage-grouse since 2005 and that literature has been updated to the document where appropriate. This management strategy and the supporting background information is intended to promote the conservation of greater sage-grouse and intact functioning sagebrush communities in Oregon. The strategy is tied to the life history of greater sage-grouse and uses the best science available. Although this strategy focuses on conservation of greater sage-grouse, the intent is to benefit conservation needs of other sagebrush-steppe species. Oregon greater sage-grouse are important to the North American population and management actions in the state will have implications on a much larger scale. This Plan recognizes that livestock ranching operations which manage for ecologically sustainable native rangelands is compatible with sage-grouse conservation, and necessary management activities to maintain a sustainable ranching operation are not considered “development actions” under the application of the Mitigation Policy to sage-grouse habitat. This Plan provides biological recommendations for long-term conservation of sage-grouse in Oregon based on the best available science. However, ODFW recognizes that land use planners and managers may need to consider these recommendations within the context of socialeconomic issues and decisions that are the responsibility of the respective governmental bodies. Thus, the intent of this plan is to inform decision-makers regarding the biological consequences of various actions on sage-grouse, but not to dictate land management decision. This document is divided into 6 sections. Section I explains the background and philosophy of conservation approaches in this strategy. Section II provides an overview of sage-grouse biology and ecology throughout the species range. Sections III and IV provide an assessment of populations and habitat, respectively, upon which management objectives are developed and their underlying assumptions and rationale are stated. In Section V, conservation guidelines are outlined, that describe actions needed and methods for achieving habitat objectives. Section VI outlines components for Plan implementation, includes a description of the structure and role of local implementation groups, and implications for public (state and federal) land management agencies. There are 6 appendices that provide supporting information, including a new appendix about socio-economics provided by the Association of Oregon Counties. Sections III to VI of the plan were expanded, because these sections are linked to the objectives and implementation of this Plan. Populations and habitat were assessed by BLM district boundaries because; the availability of habitat measures by district, each district approximates an eco-region, and BLM is the primary land manager within most of the district boundaries. The 23 years 1980-2003 are the relevant time period to establish a benchmark for sage-grouse populations and their habitats, because the factors of predator control methods (and take levels), grazing schedules, survey protocols, habitat treatments and harvest levels of sage-grouse were similar through this period. Title: Greater Sage-grouse conservation assessment and strategy for Oregon: A plan to maintain and enhance populations and habitat Author: Hagen, Christian Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) were once found in most grassland and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats east of the Cascades in Oregon. European settlement and conversion of sagebrush steppe into agricultural production led to extirpation of the species in the Columbia Basin by the early part of the 1900s, but sagebrush rangelands have persisted, particularly in southeast Oregon. Populations have fluctuated markedly since the mid 1900s with notable declines in populations from the 1950s to early 1970s. These patterns in populations and habitat loss are similar to those observed for greater sage-grouse throughout its range. Population declines during the latter part of the 1900s lead to considerable concern for the species and subsequent conservation planning in all western states where it occurs. This management strategy is a result of this larger conservation effort by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This updated and revised Plan describes Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management of greater sage-grouse and provides guidance to public land management agencies and land managers for sage-grouse conservation. Conservation actions should be encouraged on private lands as these contain some of the more productive sites, but conservation on private land is voluntary. Highlights of updates. Population goals have been revised based on statistically more robust methods for estimating population sizes. Accomplishments in conservation, research, and monitoring that have occurred since 2005 are discussed. The Core Area approach to strategically identifying important landscapes for sage-grouse is explained in detail from model development to implementation. Finally, there have been numerous publications on sage-grouse since 2005 and that literature has been updated to the document where appropriate. This management strategy and the supporting background information is intended to promote the conservation of greater sage-grouse and intact functioning sagebrush communities in Oregon. The strategy is tied to the life history of greater sage-grouse and uses the best science available. Although this strategy focuses on conservation of greater sage-grouse, the intent is to benefit conservation needs of other sagebrush-steppe species. Oregon greater sage-grouse are important to the North American population and management actions in the state will have implications on a much larger scale. This Plan recognizes that livestock ranching operations which manage for ecologically sustainable native rangelands is compatible with sage-grouse conservation, and necessary management activities to maintain a sustainable ranching operation are not considered “development actions” under the application of the Mitigation Policy to sage-grouse habitat. This Plan provides biological recommendations for long-term conservation of sage-grouse in Oregon based on the best available science. However, ODFW recognizes that land use planners and managers may need to consider these recommendations within the context of socialeconomic issues and decisions that are the responsibility of the respective governmental bodies. Thus, the intent of this plan is to inform decision-makers regarding the biological consequences of various actions on sage-grouse, but not to dictate land management decision. This document is divided into 6 sections. Section I explains the background and philosophy of conservation approaches in this strategy. Section II provides an overview of sage-grouse biology and ecology throughout the species range. Sections III and IV provide an assessment of populations and habitat, respectively, upon which management objectives are developed and their underlying assumptions and rationale are stated. In Section V, conservation guidelines are outlined, that describe actions needed and methods for achieving habitat objectives. Section VI outlines components for Plan implementation, includes a description of the structure and role of local implementation groups, and implications for public (state and federal) land management agencies. There are 6 appendices that provide supporting information, including a new appendix about socio-economics provided by the Association of Oregon Counties. Sections III to VI of the plan were expanded, because these sections are linked to the objectives and implementation of this Plan. Populations and habitat were assessed by BLM district boundaries because; the availability of habitat measures by district, each district approximates an eco-region, and BLM is the primary land manager within most of the district boundaries. The 23 years 1980-2003 are the relevant time period to establish a benchmark for sage-grouse populations and their habitats, because the factors of predator control methods (and take levels), grazing schedules, survey protocols, habitat treatments and harvest levels of sage-grouse were similar through this period. Close

• 59. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2009. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2009. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2009. All rights reserved. Close

• 60. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2007. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2007. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2007. All rights reserved. Close

• 61. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2011. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2011. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2011. All rights reserved. Close

• 62. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2005. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2005. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2005. All rights reserved. Close

• 63. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2004. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2004. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2004. All rights reserved. Close

• 64. [Article] Diet and nutrition of breeding canvasback and redhead ducks at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

  Diet, nutrition, and foraging strategies of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and redheads (A. americana) were studied by collecting actively feeding birds throughout the reproductive season in 1980 and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Diet and nutrition of breeding canvasback and redhead ducks at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada Author: Noyes, James Harry Diet, nutrition, and foraging strategies of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and redheads (A. americana) were studied by collecting actively feeding birds throughout the reproductive season in 1980 and 1981; samples of available foods were taken each time a bird was collected. Nutrient composition of the aggregate diet was determined for each of 6 reproductive stages (Females, prelaying through brooding; Ducklings, Age Classes I and II). Body composition (lipids and protein) of males and females was determined at each stage of reproduction. Emphasis was placed on the female segment of the redhead and canvasback populations. Canvasback females pursued a conservative foraging strategy, consuming pondweed tubers (84% of diet) prior to laying, but invertebrates (principally caddisfly larvae, dragonfly nymphs, and snails) throughout the remainder of the summer. Preferred food items made up a large part of the diet. With the exception of snails, canvasback females generally did not consume the most abundant foods available. During the prelaying stage, the diet contained high levels of NFE (nitrogen free extract) (68%), but low levels of protein (17%) and lipids (1.5%). Nutrient content of the diet was constant throughout the remainder of the reproductive season (NFE, 30%; protein, 50%; lipids, 4%). Female canvasbacks had large lipid reserves during prelaying and retained those reserves during laying. However, they used 72% of their lipid reserves during incubation, probably because of high attentiveness to the nest. Redhead females tended to be more opportunistic foragers than canvasbacks. Redheads fed largely on benthic aquatic vegetation (mostly Chara) and seeds except during the laying stage, when invertebrates and bass (Micropterus salmoides) eggs made up the bulk of the diet. The food item composition of the diet varied among all stages and preferred items often were only a small portion of the diet. Nutrient composition of the diet also varied among the reproductive stages and was high in lipids (15%) and protein (50%) only during the laying stage. Energy content of the diet was quite variable (4.4 to 2.4 kcal/g) among the reproductive stages, but was highest during laying. However, female redheads used 34% of their lipid reserves during the laying stage and 56% during the incubation stage. Redheads are parasitic egg layers and apparently devoted much of their energy to locating host nests and laying large numbers of eggs. Such a strategy requires a high energy, high protein diet, but such foods may be difficult for redheads to obtain. As a result, redheads had reduced energy reserves to expend during incubation and brooding. If redheads had expended energy during incubation at the same rate as canvasbacks, redheads would have depleted their lipid depots 1/2-2/3 of the way through incubation. Thus, these two closely related species pursued quite different reproductive and foraging strategies in the same habitat. Title: Diet and nutrition of breeding canvasback and redhead ducks at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada Author: Noyes, James Harry Diet, nutrition, and foraging strategies of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and redheads (A. americana) were studied by collecting actively feeding birds throughout the reproductive season in 1980 and 1981; samples of available foods were taken each time a bird was collected. Nutrient composition of the aggregate diet was determined for each of 6 reproductive stages (Females, prelaying through brooding; Ducklings, Age Classes I and II). Body composition (lipids and protein) of males and females was determined at each stage of reproduction. Emphasis was placed on the female segment of the redhead and canvasback populations. Canvasback females pursued a conservative foraging strategy, consuming pondweed tubers (84% of diet) prior to laying, but invertebrates (principally caddisfly larvae, dragonfly nymphs, and snails) throughout the remainder of the summer. Preferred food items made up a large part of the diet. With the exception of snails, canvasback females generally did not consume the most abundant foods available. During the prelaying stage, the diet contained high levels of NFE (nitrogen free extract) (68%), but low levels of protein (17%) and lipids (1.5%). Nutrient content of the diet was constant throughout the remainder of the reproductive season (NFE, 30%; protein, 50%; lipids, 4%). Female canvasbacks had large lipid reserves during prelaying and retained those reserves during laying. However, they used 72% of their lipid reserves during incubation, probably because of high attentiveness to the nest. Redhead females tended to be more opportunistic foragers than canvasbacks. Redheads fed largely on benthic aquatic vegetation (mostly Chara) and seeds except during the laying stage, when invertebrates and bass (Micropterus salmoides) eggs made up the bulk of the diet. The food item composition of the diet varied among all stages and preferred items often were only a small portion of the diet. Nutrient composition of the diet also varied among the reproductive stages and was high in lipids (15%) and protein (50%) only during the laying stage. Energy content of the diet was quite variable (4.4 to 2.4 kcal/g) among the reproductive stages, but was highest during laying. However, female redheads used 34% of their lipid reserves during the laying stage and 56% during the incubation stage. Redheads are parasitic egg layers and apparently devoted much of their energy to locating host nests and laying large numbers of eggs. Such a strategy requires a high energy, high protein diet, but such foods may be difficult for redheads to obtain. As a result, redheads had reduced energy reserves to expend during incubation and brooding. If redheads had expended energy during incubation at the same rate as canvasbacks, redheads would have depleted their lipid depots 1/2-2/3 of the way through incubation. Thus, these two closely related species pursued quite different reproductive and foraging strategies in the same habitat. Close

• 65. [Article] Increasing the abundance of rare native wetland prairie species

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Increasing the abundance of rare native wetland prairie species Author: Goodridge, Jennifer, Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. Fire may be an important factor in promoting regeneration of native species from seed because of its historical role in maintaining the prairie landscape. The study objectives were (1) to determine the effect of prescribed burning on regeneration of native species from seed, and (2) to establish predictive relationships between easily measured plant traits and seedling establishment rates in the field. The general approach was to sow seeds of target wetland prairie species during the fall into experimental field plots already established at the Danebo Wetland, Eugene, OR. Seedling establishment rates were then compared between burned and unburned plots the following spring. To establish predictive relationships these seedling establishment rates were related to selected seed and seedling traits measured under laboratory conditions. Overall seedling establishment rates showed no significant differences between burned (7.0%) and unburned plots (8.7%), although for the seven species showing positive responses to prescribed burning, the increase was approximately doubled in the burned plots. Burning significantly increased the seedling establishment rates of three species, Wyethia angustifolia, Grindelia integrifolia, and Danthonia californica. Seedling establishment significantly decreased with burning for one species, Sidalcea campestris. For three of the four endangered, threatened or rare species, Aster curtus, Horkelia congesta, and Sidalcea cusickii var. purpurea, seedling establishment rates were smaller in the burned plots compared to the unburned plots, although the differences were not significant. Lomatium bradshawii had no seedlings establish in either the burned or the unburned plots. Plant weight 7 days after germination was the best trait at predicting field seedling establishment rates for both the burned plots and the unburned plots, explaining a significant amount of variation in establishment rates: 70% for the burned plots and 45% for the unburned plots. This model could be used by managers to choose species for sowing in burned and unburned prairies or to estimate seeding rates at burned and unburned sites. Title: Increasing the abundance of rare native wetland prairie species Author: Goodridge, Jennifer, Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. Fire may be an important factor in promoting regeneration of native species from seed because of its historical role in maintaining the prairie landscape. The study objectives were (1) to determine the effect of prescribed burning on regeneration of native species from seed, and (2) to establish predictive relationships between easily measured plant traits and seedling establishment rates in the field. The general approach was to sow seeds of target wetland prairie species during the fall into experimental field plots already established at the Danebo Wetland, Eugene, OR. Seedling establishment rates were then compared between burned and unburned plots the following spring. To establish predictive relationships these seedling establishment rates were related to selected seed and seedling traits measured under laboratory conditions. Overall seedling establishment rates showed no significant differences between burned (7.0%) and unburned plots (8.7%), although for the seven species showing positive responses to prescribed burning, the increase was approximately doubled in the burned plots. Burning significantly increased the seedling establishment rates of three species, Wyethia angustifolia, Grindelia integrifolia, and Danthonia californica. Seedling establishment significantly decreased with burning for one species, Sidalcea campestris. For three of the four endangered, threatened or rare species, Aster curtus, Horkelia congesta, and Sidalcea cusickii var. purpurea, seedling establishment rates were smaller in the burned plots compared to the unburned plots, although the differences were not significant. Lomatium bradshawii had no seedlings establish in either the burned or the unburned plots. Plant weight 7 days after germination was the best trait at predicting field seedling establishment rates for both the burned plots and the unburned plots, explaining a significant amount of variation in establishment rates: 70% for the burned plots and 45% for the unburned plots. This model could be used by managers to choose species for sowing in burned and unburned prairies or to estimate seeding rates at burned and unburned sites. Close

• 66. [Article] Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Close

• 67. [Article] Comparative wintering ecology of two subspecies of sandhill crane : informing conservation planning in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of California

  California's Central Valley agricultural landscapes provide several important wintering regions for Pacific Flyway sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) populations; however, the value of those regions is being ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparative wintering ecology of two subspecies of sandhill crane : informing conservation planning in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of California Author: Ivey, Gary L. California's Central Valley agricultural landscapes provide several important wintering regions for Pacific Flyway sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) populations; however, the value of those regions is being compromised by urban expansion, other developments, and conversions to incompatible crop types. Greater (G. c. tabida) and lesser sandhill cranes (G. c. canadensis) both have special conservation status in California; the greater is listed as threatened and the lesser as a bird species of conservation concern by the state. However, basic information about their wintering ecology has been lacking to design biologically sound conservation strategies to maintain their wintering habitats. My study of sandhill cranes focused on one major Central Valley wintering region, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta). I compared daily movements and winter site fidelity between the two sandhill crane subspecies, evaluated the timing of crane arrival and departure from the region, assessed foraging habitat choices, measured abundance and distribution in the Delta, documented the characteristics of roost sites, and developed habitat conservation models and decision tools for managers to facilitate habitat conservation and management. Both crane subspecies showed strong fidelity to my Delta study area. Foraging flights from roost sites were shorter for greaters than lesser (1.2 ± 0.4 km vs. 3.1 ± 0.1 km, respectively) and consequently, mean size of 95% fixed kernel winter home ranges was an order of magnitude smaller for greaters (1.9 ± 0.4 km² vs.21.9 ± 1.9 km², respectively). The strong site fidelity of greaters to roost complexes within landscapes in the Delta indicates that conservation planning targeted at maintaining and managing for adequate food resources around traditional roost sites can be effective for meeting sandhill crane habitat needs, while the scale of conservation differs by subspecies. I recommend that conservation planning actions consider all habitats within 5 km of a crane roost as a sandhill crane conservation "ecosystem unit." This radius encompasses 95% and 69% of the flights from roosts to foraging location (commuting flights) made by greaters and lessers, respectively. For lessers, a conservation radius of 10 km would encompass 90% of the commuting flights. Management, mitigation, acquisition, easement, planning, and farm subsidy programs intended to benefit cranes will be most effective when applied at these scales. Within these radii, conservation and management of wintering habitats should include creating both new roost and feeding areas to ensure high chances of successful use. Sandhill cranes used major crops and habitat types available in the landscapes surrounding their roost sites and focused most of their foraging in grain crops. They generally avoided dry corn stubble, selected dry rice stubble early in the season, and rarely used dry wild rice stubble. Tilled fields were also usually avoided but were occasionally used shortly after tillage. Mulched corn ranked high in comparison to other corn treatments while mulched rice use was used similarly to dry rice stubble. Both subspecies often highly favored cropland habitats when they were initially flooded. Cranes were attracted to new plantings of pasture and winter wheat. One important difference between the subspecies was that lessers used alfalfa which was generally avoided by greaters. Dry corn stubble was avoided while dry rice stubble was favored early in winter. If wildlife managers want to encourage winter field use by cranes they could provide incentives for favorable practices such as production of grain crops, reduction or delaying tillage and flooding of grain fields, provision of irrigations to some crop types, and increasing the practice of mulching of corn stubble. Of the 69 crane night roosts I identified, 35 were flooded cropland sites and 34 were wetland sites. I found that both larger individual roost sites and larger complexes of roost sites supported larger peak numbers of cranes. Water depth used by roosting cranes averaged 10 cm (range 3-21 cm, mode 7 cm) and was similar between subspecies. Roosting cranes avoided sites that were regularly hunted or had high densities (i.e., > 1 blind/5 ha) of hunting blinds. Roost site design and management should consider providing and maintaining large roost complexes (100 - 1000 ha) ideally in close proximity (< 5 km) to other roost sites, with large individual sites (> 5 ha) of mostly level topography, dominated by shallow water (5-10 cm depths). The fact that cranes readily use undisturbed flooded cropland sites makes this a viable option for creation of roost habitat. Because hunting disturbance can limit crane use of roost sites I suggest these two uses should not be considered compatible. However, if the management objective of an area includes waterfowl hunting, limiting hunting at low blind densities (i.e., < 1 blind/60 ha) and restricting hunting to early morning may be viable options for creating a crane-compatible waterfowl hunt program. Radio-marked sandhill cranes arrived in the Delta beginning 3 October, most arrived in mid-October, and the last radio-marked sandhill crane arrived on 10 December. Departure dates ranged from 15 January to 13 March. Mean arrival and departure dates were similar between subspecies. From mid-December through early-February in 2007-2008, the Delta population ranged from 20,000 to 27,000 sandhill cranes. Abundance varied at the main roost sites during winter, likely because sandhill cranes responded to changes in water and foraging habitat conditions. Sandhill cranes used an area of approximately 1,500 km² for foraging. Estimated peak abundance in the Delta was more than half the total number counted on recent Pacific Flyway midwinter surveys, indicating the Delta region is a key area for efforts in conservation and recovery of wintering sandhill cranes in California. Based on arrival dates, flooding of sandhill crane roost sites should be staggered with some sites flooded in early September and most sites flooded by early October. Maintaining flooding of at least some roost sites through mid-March would provide essential roosting habitat until most birds have departed the Delta region on spring migration. Not all 5-km radius ecosystem units are equal in their value to greater sandhill cranes, and the relative foraging value of a particular parcel within an ecosystem unit depends on the numbers of cranes using the focal roost site, the habitat choices they make, and the probability that they will fly to a particular parcel. Additionally, some ecosystem units overlap, and in these overlap zones, the probability of crane use is higher, because of additive effects. To provide a tool to allow managers to further refine management plans, I developed a model which allows more specific focus of crane conservation, mitigation and habitat management, using what my study revealed about greater sandhill cranes. This model considers the abundance of greaters at individual roost sites and the probability that they would fly to a given location. Sites closer to roosts had a higher probability of crane use. I calculated the probability that greaters would fly to a parcel within concentric 1-km intervals as a product of the proportion of commuting flights of individuals that reached that interval, and the proportion of all commuting flights that reached that interval. Within crane ecosystem units, it is important to protect the existing habitat from further loss and optimize foraging conditions for cranes. I provide a decision matrix to assist with plans to enhance existing crane landscapes, create new crane habitat areas or mitigate habitat losses. This matrix provides a framework for decision-making regarding enhancing sandhill crane foraging and roost site habitats. Wildlife managers could employ a variety of tools to conserve and manage crane habitats, including fee title acquisitions, private conservation easements, and specific cropland management actions to maintain crane-compatible conditions and high food values for cranes (possibly including providing unharvested food plots). My study has demonstrated that most cranes use a relatively small landscape surrounding their traditional roost sites and that they favor certain crops and post-harvest crop management practices for foraging. However, we need a better understanding of the actual carrying capacity for cranes in these crane management zones to ensure that managers can maintain these sites for cranes in the future. Title: Comparative wintering ecology of two subspecies of sandhill crane : informing conservation planning in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region of California Author: Ivey, Gary L. California's Central Valley agricultural landscapes provide several important wintering regions for Pacific Flyway sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) populations; however, the value of those regions is being compromised by urban expansion, other developments, and conversions to incompatible crop types. Greater (G. c. tabida) and lesser sandhill cranes (G. c. canadensis) both have special conservation status in California; the greater is listed as threatened and the lesser as a bird species of conservation concern by the state. However, basic information about their wintering ecology has been lacking to design biologically sound conservation strategies to maintain their wintering habitats. My study of sandhill cranes focused on one major Central Valley wintering region, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (Delta). I compared daily movements and winter site fidelity between the two sandhill crane subspecies, evaluated the timing of crane arrival and departure from the region, assessed foraging habitat choices, measured abundance and distribution in the Delta, documented the characteristics of roost sites, and developed habitat conservation models and decision tools for managers to facilitate habitat conservation and management. Both crane subspecies showed strong fidelity to my Delta study area. Foraging flights from roost sites were shorter for greaters than lesser (1.2 ± 0.4 km vs. 3.1 ± 0.1 km, respectively) and consequently, mean size of 95% fixed kernel winter home ranges was an order of magnitude smaller for greaters (1.9 ± 0.4 km² vs.21.9 ± 1.9 km², respectively). The strong site fidelity of greaters to roost complexes within landscapes in the Delta indicates that conservation planning targeted at maintaining and managing for adequate food resources around traditional roost sites can be effective for meeting sandhill crane habitat needs, while the scale of conservation differs by subspecies. I recommend that conservation planning actions consider all habitats within 5 km of a crane roost as a sandhill crane conservation "ecosystem unit." This radius encompasses 95% and 69% of the flights from roosts to foraging location (commuting flights) made by greaters and lessers, respectively. For lessers, a conservation radius of 10 km would encompass 90% of the commuting flights. Management, mitigation, acquisition, easement, planning, and farm subsidy programs intended to benefit cranes will be most effective when applied at these scales. Within these radii, conservation and management of wintering habitats should include creating both new roost and feeding areas to ensure high chances of successful use. Sandhill cranes used major crops and habitat types available in the landscapes surrounding their roost sites and focused most of their foraging in grain crops. They generally avoided dry corn stubble, selected dry rice stubble early in the season, and rarely used dry wild rice stubble. Tilled fields were also usually avoided but were occasionally used shortly after tillage. Mulched corn ranked high in comparison to other corn treatments while mulched rice use was used similarly to dry rice stubble. Both subspecies often highly favored cropland habitats when they were initially flooded. Cranes were attracted to new plantings of pasture and winter wheat. One important difference between the subspecies was that lessers used alfalfa which was generally avoided by greaters. Dry corn stubble was avoided while dry rice stubble was favored early in winter. If wildlife managers want to encourage winter field use by cranes they could provide incentives for favorable practices such as production of grain crops, reduction or delaying tillage and flooding of grain fields, provision of irrigations to some crop types, and increasing the practice of mulching of corn stubble. Of the 69 crane night roosts I identified, 35 were flooded cropland sites and 34 were wetland sites. I found that both larger individual roost sites and larger complexes of roost sites supported larger peak numbers of cranes. Water depth used by roosting cranes averaged 10 cm (range 3-21 cm, mode 7 cm) and was similar between subspecies. Roosting cranes avoided sites that were regularly hunted or had high densities (i.e., > 1 blind/5 ha) of hunting blinds. Roost site design and management should consider providing and maintaining large roost complexes (100 - 1000 ha) ideally in close proximity (< 5 km) to other roost sites, with large individual sites (> 5 ha) of mostly level topography, dominated by shallow water (5-10 cm depths). The fact that cranes readily use undisturbed flooded cropland sites makes this a viable option for creation of roost habitat. Because hunting disturbance can limit crane use of roost sites I suggest these two uses should not be considered compatible. However, if the management objective of an area includes waterfowl hunting, limiting hunting at low blind densities (i.e., < 1 blind/60 ha) and restricting hunting to early morning may be viable options for creating a crane-compatible waterfowl hunt program. Radio-marked sandhill cranes arrived in the Delta beginning 3 October, most arrived in mid-October, and the last radio-marked sandhill crane arrived on 10 December. Departure dates ranged from 15 January to 13 March. Mean arrival and departure dates were similar between subspecies. From mid-December through early-February in 2007-2008, the Delta population ranged from 20,000 to 27,000 sandhill cranes. Abundance varied at the main roost sites during winter, likely because sandhill cranes responded to changes in water and foraging habitat conditions. Sandhill cranes used an area of approximately 1,500 km² for foraging. Estimated peak abundance in the Delta was more than half the total number counted on recent Pacific Flyway midwinter surveys, indicating the Delta region is a key area for efforts in conservation and recovery of wintering sandhill cranes in California. Based on arrival dates, flooding of sandhill crane roost sites should be staggered with some sites flooded in early September and most sites flooded by early October. Maintaining flooding of at least some roost sites through mid-March would provide essential roosting habitat until most birds have departed the Delta region on spring migration. Not all 5-km radius ecosystem units are equal in their value to greater sandhill cranes, and the relative foraging value of a particular parcel within an ecosystem unit depends on the numbers of cranes using the focal roost site, the habitat choices they make, and the probability that they will fly to a particular parcel. Additionally, some ecosystem units overlap, and in these overlap zones, the probability of crane use is higher, because of additive effects. To provide a tool to allow managers to further refine management plans, I developed a model which allows more specific focus of crane conservation, mitigation and habitat management, using what my study revealed about greater sandhill cranes. This model considers the abundance of greaters at individual roost sites and the probability that they would fly to a given location. Sites closer to roosts had a higher probability of crane use. I calculated the probability that greaters would fly to a parcel within concentric 1-km intervals as a product of the proportion of commuting flights of individuals that reached that interval, and the proportion of all commuting flights that reached that interval. Within crane ecosystem units, it is important to protect the existing habitat from further loss and optimize foraging conditions for cranes. I provide a decision matrix to assist with plans to enhance existing crane landscapes, create new crane habitat areas or mitigate habitat losses. This matrix provides a framework for decision-making regarding enhancing sandhill crane foraging and roost site habitats. Wildlife managers could employ a variety of tools to conserve and manage crane habitats, including fee title acquisitions, private conservation easements, and specific cropland management actions to maintain crane-compatible conditions and high food values for cranes (possibly including providing unharvested food plots). My study has demonstrated that most cranes use a relatively small landscape surrounding their traditional roost sites and that they favor certain crops and post-harvest crop management practices for foraging. However, we need a better understanding of the actual carrying capacity for cranes in these crane management zones to ensure that managers can maintain these sites for cranes in the future. Close

• 68. [Article] An evaluation of the economic impacts of reducing soil erosion and groundwater pollution in non-irrigated farming systems of northeastern Oregon

  Increases in food demand, favorable commodity markets and drive towards increasing productivity at a greater economic efficiency have accelerated negative agricultural externalities, particularly erosion ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An evaluation of the economic impacts of reducing soil erosion and groundwater pollution in non-irrigated farming systems of northeastern Oregon Author: Akinsanmi, Josiah Akinlayo Increases in food demand, favorable commodity markets and drive towards increasing productivity at a greater economic efficiency have accelerated negative agricultural externalities, particularly erosion and water quality. The potential impact of these externalities on environmental quality and human health prompted an examination of current and potential production strategies on four important dryfarmed soil associations--Walla Walla, Pilot Rock, Ritzville and Athena Soils--in the Umatilla County area of Oregon. The objective was to evaluate the economic and environmental costs of reducing soil erosion and leaching through implementing strategies that minimize soil loss and (or) nitrate leaching or offer some trade-offs between the pollutants. Four models--the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), Micro-computer Budgeting Management System (MBMS), Nitrate Leaching and Economic Analysis Program (NLEAP) and Multi-Objective Linear programming (MOP)--were employed to accomplish the study objectives. The results revealed that production strategies that focused on reducing only one pollutant generally exacerbated the other. The mixed objective strategies achieved a simultaneous reduction in both soil erosion and leaching. Once either pollutant had been substantially reduced, further reductions certainly increased the rate of generation of the other. On Walla Walla soil, the most cost effective erosion reducing strategies for winter wheat production included those that involved use of chisel plow for primary tillage under standard conservation practice. Large leachate reductions in winter wheat production were possible by using strategies that involved use of disk plowing for primary tillage followed by chisel plow for secondary tillage and a split fertilizer application. On Pilot Rock soil, production process that involved use of sweep plow for primary tillage with a one time spring fertilizer application and (or) with more farm acreage in spring barley production were least cost strategies that reduced leaching considerably. Soil loss and leaching rates on Ritzville soils were very low, indicating that this soil may not be subject to soil erosion or leaching problems. For Athena soils, least cost strategies that greatly reduced erosion involved use of chisel or disk plow under conservation practices. No strategy was identified to reduce leaching significantly. Title: An evaluation of the economic impacts of reducing soil erosion and groundwater pollution in non-irrigated farming systems of northeastern Oregon Author: Akinsanmi, Josiah Akinlayo Increases in food demand, favorable commodity markets and drive towards increasing productivity at a greater economic efficiency have accelerated negative agricultural externalities, particularly erosion and water quality. The potential impact of these externalities on environmental quality and human health prompted an examination of current and potential production strategies on four important dryfarmed soil associations--Walla Walla, Pilot Rock, Ritzville and Athena Soils--in the Umatilla County area of Oregon. The objective was to evaluate the economic and environmental costs of reducing soil erosion and leaching through implementing strategies that minimize soil loss and (or) nitrate leaching or offer some trade-offs between the pollutants. Four models--the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), Micro-computer Budgeting Management System (MBMS), Nitrate Leaching and Economic Analysis Program (NLEAP) and Multi-Objective Linear programming (MOP)--were employed to accomplish the study objectives. The results revealed that production strategies that focused on reducing only one pollutant generally exacerbated the other. The mixed objective strategies achieved a simultaneous reduction in both soil erosion and leaching. Once either pollutant had been substantially reduced, further reductions certainly increased the rate of generation of the other. On Walla Walla soil, the most cost effective erosion reducing strategies for winter wheat production included those that involved use of chisel plow for primary tillage under standard conservation practice. Large leachate reductions in winter wheat production were possible by using strategies that involved use of disk plowing for primary tillage followed by chisel plow for secondary tillage and a split fertilizer application. On Pilot Rock soil, production process that involved use of sweep plow for primary tillage with a one time spring fertilizer application and (or) with more farm acreage in spring barley production were least cost strategies that reduced leaching considerably. Soil loss and leaching rates on Ritzville soils were very low, indicating that this soil may not be subject to soil erosion or leaching problems. For Athena soils, least cost strategies that greatly reduced erosion involved use of chisel or disk plow under conservation practices. No strategy was identified to reduce leaching significantly. Close

• 69. [Article] A dynamic leaf gas-exchange strategy is conserved in woody plants under changing ambient CO₂: evidence from carbon isotope discrimination in paleo and CO₂ enrichment studies

  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 John WIley ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A dynamic leaf gas-exchange strategy is conserved in woody plants under changing ambient CO₂: evidence from carbon isotope discrimination in paleo and CO₂ enrichment studies Author: Leavitt, Steven W., Wingate, Lisa, Betancourt, Julio L., Domec, Jean-Christophe, Mildner, Manuel, Meinzer, Frederick C., Ogée, Jérôme, Dawson, Todd E., Stambaugh, Michael C., Linder, Sune, Becklin, Katie M., Ward, Joy K., Talhelm, Alan F., Anderson, Rebecca, Tardif, Jacques C., Panyushkina, Irina, Beerling, David, Körner, Christian, Bader, Martin K.-F., Bert, Didier, Marshall, John D., Guyette, Richard P., Van de Water, Peter K., Pregitzer, Kurt S., Plumpton, Heather J., Brooks, J. Renée, Smith, Andrew R., Saurer, Matthias, Siegwolf, Rolf T. W., Battipaglia, Giovanna, Voelker, Steven L. 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 John WIley & Sons, Ltd. and can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291365-2486 Title: A dynamic leaf gas-exchange strategy is conserved in woody plants under changing ambient CO₂: evidence from carbon isotope discrimination in paleo and CO₂ enrichment studies Author: Leavitt, Steven W., Wingate, Lisa, Betancourt, Julio L., Domec, Jean-Christophe, Mildner, Manuel, Meinzer, Frederick C., Ogée, Jérôme, Dawson, Todd E., Stambaugh, Michael C., Linder, Sune, Becklin, Katie M., Ward, Joy K., Talhelm, Alan F., Anderson, Rebecca, Tardif, Jacques C., Panyushkina, Irina, Beerling, David, Körner, Christian, Bader, Martin K.-F., Bert, Didier, Marshall, John D., Guyette, Richard P., Van de Water, Peter K., Pregitzer, Kurt S., Plumpton, Heather J., Brooks, J. Renée, Smith, Andrew R., Saurer, Matthias, Siegwolf, Rolf T. W., Battipaglia, Giovanna, Voelker, Steven L. 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 John WIley & Sons, Ltd. and can be found at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/%28ISSN%291365-2486 Close

• 70. [Article] Forestry

  Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2013. All rights reserved.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2013. All rights reserved. Title: Forestry Author: Avery, Bonnie E. Posted by permission of Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA). (c) CSA 2013. All rights reserved. Close

• 71. [Article] Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management

  Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management Author: Arechiga, Theresa Ramona Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve an array of habitat types including Afroalpine, Afromontane, and the second largest natural humid forest (Harenna forest) left in Ethiopia. In the 1980’s and 1990’s assertions of a potential seasonal tropical montane cloud forest were made concerning areas in the upper Harenna forest. Despite these claims no additional evidence or research has been provided to verify the presence of a tropical montane cloud forest. Since the initial claims BMNP has faced increasing human and livestock population growth throughout the park including the elevation belt believed to contain the tropical montane cloud forest. This observational study was undertaken in Rira, the largest permanent village in the 2700 m to 3200 m above sea level belt. There were two goals to this research: one, to document rainfall amounts, temperature averages, and provide evidence of forest structure and characteristics consistent with tropical montane cloud forests; second, to identify the strongest detectible gradients affecting current forest structure and composition of herbaceous, shrub, and tree communities. A stationary weather station was installed at BMNP Subheadquarters at 2800 m to collect pertinent weather data. Variable-radius plots and fixed area plots were used along forest resource trails to collect the vegetation data. Nonmetric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) was used to identify important gradients affecting forest structure and composition in the forest surrounding Rira. The vegetation matrix consisted of percent cover for the herbaceous layer, basal area and count for shrubs, basal area and size classification information for the trees, which resulted in a 15 plot x 96 species matrix. Twenty-three environmental and anthropogenic variables were used in a second matrix to identify primary gradients influencing the vegetation structure and composition. Average monthly rainfall in Rira was 673 mm based on 18 months of rainfall data. The overall forest canopy height and physical characteristics are consistent with tropical montane cloud forests. These findings suggest that the upper portion of the Harenna forest should be officially classified as tropical montane cloud forest. The primary gradient affecting forest structure and composition was consistent with anthropogenic disturbance. The variables which were statistically significant covariates included herbaceous layer height, distance to village, and presence of fuel wood collection with Pearson’s r (13) = -0.86, -0.84, 0.82, p<0.05 respectively. Due to the small sample size additional studies are required to clarify and understand the anthropogenic disturbance trends identified in this research. Studies concerning weather and to verify the role the Harenna forest plays in moderating moisture outflow to surrounding lowlands areas could provide additional incentives for conservation and management strategies. Title: Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management Author: Arechiga, Theresa Ramona Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve an array of habitat types including Afroalpine, Afromontane, and the second largest natural humid forest (Harenna forest) left in Ethiopia. In the 1980’s and 1990’s assertions of a potential seasonal tropical montane cloud forest were made concerning areas in the upper Harenna forest. Despite these claims no additional evidence or research has been provided to verify the presence of a tropical montane cloud forest. Since the initial claims BMNP has faced increasing human and livestock population growth throughout the park including the elevation belt believed to contain the tropical montane cloud forest. This observational study was undertaken in Rira, the largest permanent village in the 2700 m to 3200 m above sea level belt. There were two goals to this research: one, to document rainfall amounts, temperature averages, and provide evidence of forest structure and characteristics consistent with tropical montane cloud forests; second, to identify the strongest detectible gradients affecting current forest structure and composition of herbaceous, shrub, and tree communities. A stationary weather station was installed at BMNP Subheadquarters at 2800 m to collect pertinent weather data. Variable-radius plots and fixed area plots were used along forest resource trails to collect the vegetation data. Nonmetric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) was used to identify important gradients affecting forest structure and composition in the forest surrounding Rira. The vegetation matrix consisted of percent cover for the herbaceous layer, basal area and count for shrubs, basal area and size classification information for the trees, which resulted in a 15 plot x 96 species matrix. Twenty-three environmental and anthropogenic variables were used in a second matrix to identify primary gradients influencing the vegetation structure and composition. Average monthly rainfall in Rira was 673 mm based on 18 months of rainfall data. The overall forest canopy height and physical characteristics are consistent with tropical montane cloud forests. These findings suggest that the upper portion of the Harenna forest should be officially classified as tropical montane cloud forest. The primary gradient affecting forest structure and composition was consistent with anthropogenic disturbance. The variables which were statistically significant covariates included herbaceous layer height, distance to village, and presence of fuel wood collection with Pearson’s r (13) = -0.86, -0.84, 0.82, p<0.05 respectively. Due to the small sample size additional studies are required to clarify and understand the anthropogenic disturbance trends identified in this research. Studies concerning weather and to verify the role the Harenna forest plays in moderating moisture outflow to surrounding lowlands areas could provide additional incentives for conservation and management strategies. Close

• 72. [Article] Strategies for reducing irrigation water use

  Published July 2001. A more recent revision exists. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://ex...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Strategies for reducing irrigation water use Author: Oregon State University. Extension Service, Shock, C. C. (Clinton C.), Jensen, Lynn Published July 2001. A more recent revision exists. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Title: Strategies for reducing irrigation water use Author: Oregon State University. Extension Service, Shock, C. C. (Clinton C.), Jensen, Lynn Published July 2001. A more recent revision exists. Facts and recommendations in this publication may no longer be valid. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Close

• 73. [Article] The roles of provenance and phylogeny in recruitment, community assembly, and species coexistence in invaded California grasslands

  Biological invasions pose one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, but many naturalized invaders coexist with the native community. Community ecology theory provides a framework for understanding ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The roles of provenance and phylogeny in recruitment, community assembly, and species coexistence in invaded California grasslands Author: Brandt, Angela J. Biological invasions pose one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, but many naturalized invaders coexist with the native community. Community ecology theory provides a framework for understanding the mechanisms by which invaders might coexist with native species or exclude them from the community, thus informing management practices to maximize their effectiveness at conserving native biodiversity. Differences in functional or phylogenetic similarity of invaders to native residents can affect invasion success and the probability they will coexist with natives. For example, functionally dissimilar species may not compete strongly and distantly related species may share fewer natural enemies. Furthermore, environmental heterogeneity can promote species coexistence by providing the opportunity for a greater number of coexistence mechanisms to operate, thereby mitigating the potential for species invasions to lead to native extinction. My thesis examines how provenance (i.e., native origin) and phylogenetic relatedness of plant species affect community dynamics and species interactions in the invaded California grasslands. To do this I have assembled two unique community data sets, one spanning 48 years across a 1000-ha site and one spanning 7 years along a 500-km latitudinal transect. I show that native and exotic species abundance and diversity is highly variable in both time and space, but these provenance group responses are rarely negatively correlated (Chapter 2). Thus, exotic species do not generally appear to exclude natives from communities. Long-term abundance patterns further suggest that the system remains in a state of transience, and populations of several native species are declining at local scales (Chapter 3). Recruitment limitation due to the build-up of plant litter associated with exotic grasses may be generally responsible for these declines, but habitat suitability, land-use history, and community composition also affect native recruitment. Across the grasslands, disturbance and resource supply can interact to affect both species and phylogenetic diversity (Chapter 4). Disturbance in particular can increase diversity, likely by increasing opportunities for colonization by removing plant litter that previously limited recruitment. Both phylogeny and provenance can also affect biotic interactions, such as with communities of soil organisms (Chapter 5). Thus, I have shown that spatio-temporal heterogeneity, alterations to the biotic environment mediated by exotic invasion, and phylogenetic relationships among species are all important considerations when evaluating impacts of invasion and designing management strategies to conserve native biodiversity, especially in light of anthropogenic influence on disturbance regimes and resource supply. Title: The roles of provenance and phylogeny in recruitment, community assembly, and species coexistence in invaded California grasslands Author: Brandt, Angela J. Biological invasions pose one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity, but many naturalized invaders coexist with the native community. Community ecology theory provides a framework for understanding the mechanisms by which invaders might coexist with native species or exclude them from the community, thus informing management practices to maximize their effectiveness at conserving native biodiversity. Differences in functional or phylogenetic similarity of invaders to native residents can affect invasion success and the probability they will coexist with natives. For example, functionally dissimilar species may not compete strongly and distantly related species may share fewer natural enemies. Furthermore, environmental heterogeneity can promote species coexistence by providing the opportunity for a greater number of coexistence mechanisms to operate, thereby mitigating the potential for species invasions to lead to native extinction. My thesis examines how provenance (i.e., native origin) and phylogenetic relatedness of plant species affect community dynamics and species interactions in the invaded California grasslands. To do this I have assembled two unique community data sets, one spanning 48 years across a 1000-ha site and one spanning 7 years along a 500-km latitudinal transect. I show that native and exotic species abundance and diversity is highly variable in both time and space, but these provenance group responses are rarely negatively correlated (Chapter 2). Thus, exotic species do not generally appear to exclude natives from communities. Long-term abundance patterns further suggest that the system remains in a state of transience, and populations of several native species are declining at local scales (Chapter 3). Recruitment limitation due to the build-up of plant litter associated with exotic grasses may be generally responsible for these declines, but habitat suitability, land-use history, and community composition also affect native recruitment. Across the grasslands, disturbance and resource supply can interact to affect both species and phylogenetic diversity (Chapter 4). Disturbance in particular can increase diversity, likely by increasing opportunities for colonization by removing plant litter that previously limited recruitment. Both phylogeny and provenance can also affect biotic interactions, such as with communities of soil organisms (Chapter 5). Thus, I have shown that spatio-temporal heterogeneity, alterations to the biotic environment mediated by exotic invasion, and phylogenetic relationships among species are all important considerations when evaluating impacts of invasion and designing management strategies to conserve native biodiversity, especially in light of anthropogenic influence on disturbance regimes and resource supply. Close

• 74. [Article] Larval dispersal in marine fishes: novel methods reveal patterns of self-recruitment and population connectivity

  Many marine fish populations are severely declining due to over-fishing, loss of both juvenile and adult habitats, and accelerating environmental degradation. Fisheries management and the implementation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Larval dispersal in marine fishes: novel methods reveal patterns of self-recruitment and population connectivity Author: Christie, Mark R. Many marine fish populations are severely declining due to over-fishing, loss of both juvenile and adult habitats, and accelerating environmental degradation. Fisheries management and the implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other conservation tools are currently hindered by large gaps in knowledge about larval dispersal and its subsequent effects on population dynamics and regulation. This lack of knowledge is due to the inherent difficulty associated with tracking miniscule marine fish larvae. Population genetics approaches are particularly promising, but current methods have been of limited use for inferring ecologically relevant rates of population connectivity because of the large population sizes and high amounts of gene flow present in most marine species. To address these issues, I developed novel genetic methods of identifying parent-offspring pairs to directly track the origin and settlement of larvae in natural populations. These parentage methods fully account for large numbers of pair-wise comparisons and do not require any demographic assumptions or observational data. Furthermore, these methods can be used when only a small proportion of candidate parents can be sampled, which is often the case in large marine populations. I also employed Bayes’ theorem to take into account the frequencies of shared alleles in putative parent-offspring pairs, which can maximize statistical power when faced with fixed numbers of loci. I accounted for genotyping errors by introducing a quantitative method to determine the number of loci to allow to mismatch based upon study-specific error rates. These novel parentage methods were applied to yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens, Acanthuridae) sampled around the Island of Hawai'i (measuring 140 km by 129 km) during the summer of 2006. We identified four parent-offspring pairs, which documented dispersal distances ranging from 15 to 184 kilometers. Two of the parents were located within MPAs and their offspring dispersed to unprotected areas. This observation provided direct evidence that MPAs can successfully seed unprotected sites with larvae that survive to become established juveniles. All four offspring were found to the north of their parents and a detailed oceanographic analysis from relevant time periods demonstrated that passive transport initially explained the documented dispersal patterns. However, passive dispersal could not explain how larvae eventually settled on the same island from which they were spawned, indicating a role for larval behavior interacting with fine-scale oceanographic features. Two findings together suggested that sampled reefs did not contribute equally to successful recruitment: (1) low levels of genetic differentiation among all recruit samples, and (2) the fact that the 4 documented parents occurred at only 2 sites. These findings empirically demonstrated the effectiveness of MPAs as useful conservation and management tools and highlighted the value of identifying both the sources and successful settlement sites of marine larvae. I next examined patterns of larval dispersal in bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus, Pomacentridae) collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005 from reefs lining the Exuma Sound, Bahamas (measuring 205 km by 85 km). Parentage analysis directly documented two parent-offspring pairs located within the two northern-most sites, which indicated self-recruitment at these sites. Multivariate analyses of pair-wise relatedness values confirmed that self-recruitment was common at all sampled populations. I also found evidence of “sweepstakes events”, whereby only a small proportion of mature adults contributed to subsequent generations. Independent sweepstakes events were indentified in both space and time, bolstering the direct observations of self-recruitment and suggesting a role for sweepstakes analyses to identify the scale of larval dispersal events. This dissertation provides insights into the patterns of larval dispersal in coral-reef fishes. The coupling of direct (e.g., parentage) and indirect (e.g., assignment methods, sweepstakes analyses) methods in conjunction with continued technological and methodological advances will soon provide large-scale, ecologically relevant, rates of larval exchange. By uncovering the dynamics of these enigmatic processes, the implementation of conservation and management strategies for marine fishes in general will undoubtedly experience greater success. Title: Larval dispersal in marine fishes: novel methods reveal patterns of self-recruitment and population connectivity Author: Christie, Mark R. Many marine fish populations are severely declining due to over-fishing, loss of both juvenile and adult habitats, and accelerating environmental degradation. Fisheries management and the implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and other conservation tools are currently hindered by large gaps in knowledge about larval dispersal and its subsequent effects on population dynamics and regulation. This lack of knowledge is due to the inherent difficulty associated with tracking miniscule marine fish larvae. Population genetics approaches are particularly promising, but current methods have been of limited use for inferring ecologically relevant rates of population connectivity because of the large population sizes and high amounts of gene flow present in most marine species. To address these issues, I developed novel genetic methods of identifying parent-offspring pairs to directly track the origin and settlement of larvae in natural populations. These parentage methods fully account for large numbers of pair-wise comparisons and do not require any demographic assumptions or observational data. Furthermore, these methods can be used when only a small proportion of candidate parents can be sampled, which is often the case in large marine populations. I also employed Bayes’ theorem to take into account the frequencies of shared alleles in putative parent-offspring pairs, which can maximize statistical power when faced with fixed numbers of loci. I accounted for genotyping errors by introducing a quantitative method to determine the number of loci to allow to mismatch based upon study-specific error rates. These novel parentage methods were applied to yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens, Acanthuridae) sampled around the Island of Hawai'i (measuring 140 km by 129 km) during the summer of 2006. We identified four parent-offspring pairs, which documented dispersal distances ranging from 15 to 184 kilometers. Two of the parents were located within MPAs and their offspring dispersed to unprotected areas. This observation provided direct evidence that MPAs can successfully seed unprotected sites with larvae that survive to become established juveniles. All four offspring were found to the north of their parents and a detailed oceanographic analysis from relevant time periods demonstrated that passive transport initially explained the documented dispersal patterns. However, passive dispersal could not explain how larvae eventually settled on the same island from which they were spawned, indicating a role for larval behavior interacting with fine-scale oceanographic features. Two findings together suggested that sampled reefs did not contribute equally to successful recruitment: (1) low levels of genetic differentiation among all recruit samples, and (2) the fact that the 4 documented parents occurred at only 2 sites. These findings empirically demonstrated the effectiveness of MPAs as useful conservation and management tools and highlighted the value of identifying both the sources and successful settlement sites of marine larvae. I next examined patterns of larval dispersal in bicolor damselfish (Stegastes partitus, Pomacentridae) collected during the summers of 2004 and 2005 from reefs lining the Exuma Sound, Bahamas (measuring 205 km by 85 km). Parentage analysis directly documented two parent-offspring pairs located within the two northern-most sites, which indicated self-recruitment at these sites. Multivariate analyses of pair-wise relatedness values confirmed that self-recruitment was common at all sampled populations. I also found evidence of “sweepstakes events”, whereby only a small proportion of mature adults contributed to subsequent generations. Independent sweepstakes events were indentified in both space and time, bolstering the direct observations of self-recruitment and suggesting a role for sweepstakes analyses to identify the scale of larval dispersal events. This dissertation provides insights into the patterns of larval dispersal in coral-reef fishes. The coupling of direct (e.g., parentage) and indirect (e.g., assignment methods, sweepstakes analyses) methods in conjunction with continued technological and methodological advances will soon provide large-scale, ecologically relevant, rates of larval exchange. By uncovering the dynamics of these enigmatic processes, the implementation of conservation and management strategies for marine fishes in general will undoubtedly experience greater success. Close

• 75. [Article] Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report

  Project No. 14-48-0001-96749

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Project No. 14-48-0001-96749 Title: Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Project No. 14-48-0001-96749 Close

• 76. [Article] Topology independent transmission scheduling algorithms in mobile ad hoc networks

  Due to the rapid growth of wireless technology, there has been a growing interest in the capabilities of ad hoc networks connecting mobile phones, PDAs and laptop computers. The distributed and self-configurable ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Topology independent transmission scheduling algorithms in mobile ad hoc networks Author: Youn, Jong-Hoon Due to the rapid growth of wireless technology, there has been a growing interest in the capabilities of ad hoc networks connecting mobile phones, PDAs and laptop computers. The distributed and self-configurable capabilities of ad hoc networks make them very attractive for some applications such as tactical communication for military, search and rescue mission, disaster recovery, conferences, lectures, etc. In this thesis, we describe several new time scheduling algorithms for multihop packet radio networks; MaxThrou, MinDelay, ECTS (Energy Conserving Transmission Scheduling) and LA-TSMA (Location-Aided Time-Spread Multiple-Access). The MaxThrou and MinDelay algorithms focus on maximizing the system throughput and minimizing the delay bound by using constant weight codes. In these algorithms, each mobile host is assigned a word from an appropriate constant weight code of length n, distance d and weight w. The host can send a message at the j[superscript th] slot provided the assigned code has a 1 in this j[superscript th] bit. The MaxThrou and MinDelay scheduling algorithms are better than the previously known algorithms in terms of the minimum throughput per node and/or the delay bound. Since most of mobile hosts are operated using the scarce battery, and the battery life is not expected to increase significantly in the near future, energy efficiency is a critical issue in ad hoc networks. The ECTS algorithm conserves the power using strategies that allow the network interface to use the low power sleep mode instead of the idle mode, and also eliminates data collisions by introducing Request-To-Send (RTS) and Clear-To-Send (CTS) control slots. Simulation study shows that the ECTS algorithm outperforms previously known protocols. Due to the increasing popularity of mobile networking systems, the scalability becomes a significant new challenge for ad hoc network protocols. To provide a scalable solution for mobile ad hoc networks, we introduce the LA-TSMA algorithm. Instead of assigning a globally unique TSV to each host as done in previous topology-transparent scheduling algorithms, the proposed algorithm assigns a locally unique TSV to each host. In LA-TSMA, a territory is divided into zones, and the mobile hosts located in different zones can be assigned the same TSV. Title: Topology independent transmission scheduling algorithms in mobile ad hoc networks Author: Youn, Jong-Hoon Due to the rapid growth of wireless technology, there has been a growing interest in the capabilities of ad hoc networks connecting mobile phones, PDAs and laptop computers. The distributed and self-configurable capabilities of ad hoc networks make them very attractive for some applications such as tactical communication for military, search and rescue mission, disaster recovery, conferences, lectures, etc. In this thesis, we describe several new time scheduling algorithms for multihop packet radio networks; MaxThrou, MinDelay, ECTS (Energy Conserving Transmission Scheduling) and LA-TSMA (Location-Aided Time-Spread Multiple-Access). The MaxThrou and MinDelay algorithms focus on maximizing the system throughput and minimizing the delay bound by using constant weight codes. In these algorithms, each mobile host is assigned a word from an appropriate constant weight code of length n, distance d and weight w. The host can send a message at the j[superscript th] slot provided the assigned code has a 1 in this j[superscript th] bit. The MaxThrou and MinDelay scheduling algorithms are better than the previously known algorithms in terms of the minimum throughput per node and/or the delay bound. Since most of mobile hosts are operated using the scarce battery, and the battery life is not expected to increase significantly in the near future, energy efficiency is a critical issue in ad hoc networks. The ECTS algorithm conserves the power using strategies that allow the network interface to use the low power sleep mode instead of the idle mode, and also eliminates data collisions by introducing Request-To-Send (RTS) and Clear-To-Send (CTS) control slots. Simulation study shows that the ECTS algorithm outperforms previously known protocols. Due to the increasing popularity of mobile networking systems, the scalability becomes a significant new challenge for ad hoc network protocols. To provide a scalable solution for mobile ad hoc networks, we introduce the LA-TSMA algorithm. Instead of assigning a globally unique TSV to each host as done in previous topology-transparent scheduling algorithms, the proposed algorithm assigns a locally unique TSV to each host. In LA-TSMA, a territory is divided into zones, and the mobile hosts located in different zones can be assigned the same TSV. Close

• 77. [Article] Linkages between mangrove forests and coral reefs : quantifying disturbance effects and energy flow between systems

  Interface habitats are considered valuable natural systems, tightly linked to adjacent habitats through the flow of matter and energy. However, there is limited research on mechanisms of connectivity such ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Linkages between mangrove forests and coral reefs : quantifying disturbance effects and energy flow between systems Author: Granek, Elise F. Interface habitats are considered valuable natural systems, tightly linked to adjacent habitats through the flow of matter and energy. However, there is limited research on mechanisms of connectivity such as movement of organisms and particulate matter and ways in which anthropogenic disturbance to interface habitats may affect immediate and adjacent ecosystems. Mangrove forests, a common interface habitat in tropical coastal zones, once lined much of the tropical and subtropical shores worldwide. However, anthropogenic influences on these systems have led to a ~35% reduction in mangrove area over the last fifty years. In light of the perceived importance of mangrove forests as coastal habitat, the rapid decline of this habitat type, and the potential implications of mangrove habitat loss to adjacent ecosystems, it is important to build upon the current state of knowledge for mangrove forests. The chapters in this dissertation report on the following topics. First I review the published literature to examine the available evidence for connections between mangrove forests and coral reefs. I synthesize previous research findings, highlight areas of future research priorities, and propose a conceptual model of how areas of mangrove disturbance and resulting impacts on coral reefs are related. Second, I assess the effects of mangrove clearing on the immediate habitat. I examine how the physical environment changes following mangrove clearing by examining abiotic factors. I also measure changes in algal biomass and diversity to determine what effects physical changes have on the primary producer community. My results indicate that mangrove clearing has dramatic effects on both the physical and biotic environment. Based on measured changes in abiotic and biotic conditions, K. Frasier and I investigate how larval and zooplankton communities differ between intact and cleared mangrove areas. We find that diversity and community composition differ between intact and cleared mangrove areas, highlighting an additional effect of mangrove disturbance with potential implications for adjacent systems. To address the unanswered question of whether and how abiotic and biotic changes in cleared mangrove areas impact adjacent coral reefs, I repeat and expand upon the study I had conducted on abiotic and biotic changes following mangrove removal. The results in the immediate habitat indicate that the effects of mangrove disturbance are broad. Results from the reefs indicate that mangrove disturbance does have effects on adjacent coral reefs. To determine the relative importance of mangrove-derived nutrients to adjacent coral reef ecosystems and to examine how distance from mangroves to reefs and clearing of mangroves affected energy transfer, I sample sessile reef invertebrates. I employ carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope analysis as a tool to evaluate whether sessile invertebrates: corals, sponges, a bivalve and feather duster worm, utilize mangrovederived nutrients. Though the pattern varies by taxon, this research provides evidence that sessile reef invertebrates utilize mangrove-derived nutrients. Finally, I examine the effect of two consecutive storm events, the 2005 Tropical Storm (later Category 5 Hurricane) Wilma and the subsequent Tropical Storm Gamma, on the coastal zone. The retention rate of field equipment following storm events provides a picture of how coastal protection changes following anthropogenic mangrove disturbance and the implications of continuing mangrove loss as storm frequency and intensity increase in parallel with climate change. These studies provide new evidence on the effects of disturbance to mangroves on coastal and reef systems. Many new research areas are raised by the results presented here. However, these data provide a useful framework for considering conservation and management strategies for mangrove forest – coral reef systems. Title: Linkages between mangrove forests and coral reefs : quantifying disturbance effects and energy flow between systems Author: Granek, Elise F. Interface habitats are considered valuable natural systems, tightly linked to adjacent habitats through the flow of matter and energy. However, there is limited research on mechanisms of connectivity such as movement of organisms and particulate matter and ways in which anthropogenic disturbance to interface habitats may affect immediate and adjacent ecosystems. Mangrove forests, a common interface habitat in tropical coastal zones, once lined much of the tropical and subtropical shores worldwide. However, anthropogenic influences on these systems have led to a ~35% reduction in mangrove area over the last fifty years. In light of the perceived importance of mangrove forests as coastal habitat, the rapid decline of this habitat type, and the potential implications of mangrove habitat loss to adjacent ecosystems, it is important to build upon the current state of knowledge for mangrove forests. The chapters in this dissertation report on the following topics. First I review the published literature to examine the available evidence for connections between mangrove forests and coral reefs. I synthesize previous research findings, highlight areas of future research priorities, and propose a conceptual model of how areas of mangrove disturbance and resulting impacts on coral reefs are related. Second, I assess the effects of mangrove clearing on the immediate habitat. I examine how the physical environment changes following mangrove clearing by examining abiotic factors. I also measure changes in algal biomass and diversity to determine what effects physical changes have on the primary producer community. My results indicate that mangrove clearing has dramatic effects on both the physical and biotic environment. Based on measured changes in abiotic and biotic conditions, K. Frasier and I investigate how larval and zooplankton communities differ between intact and cleared mangrove areas. We find that diversity and community composition differ between intact and cleared mangrove areas, highlighting an additional effect of mangrove disturbance with potential implications for adjacent systems. To address the unanswered question of whether and how abiotic and biotic changes in cleared mangrove areas impact adjacent coral reefs, I repeat and expand upon the study I had conducted on abiotic and biotic changes following mangrove removal. The results in the immediate habitat indicate that the effects of mangrove disturbance are broad. Results from the reefs indicate that mangrove disturbance does have effects on adjacent coral reefs. To determine the relative importance of mangrove-derived nutrients to adjacent coral reef ecosystems and to examine how distance from mangroves to reefs and clearing of mangroves affected energy transfer, I sample sessile reef invertebrates. I employ carbon, nitrogen and sulfur stable isotope analysis as a tool to evaluate whether sessile invertebrates: corals, sponges, a bivalve and feather duster worm, utilize mangrovederived nutrients. Though the pattern varies by taxon, this research provides evidence that sessile reef invertebrates utilize mangrove-derived nutrients. Finally, I examine the effect of two consecutive storm events, the 2005 Tropical Storm (later Category 5 Hurricane) Wilma and the subsequent Tropical Storm Gamma, on the coastal zone. The retention rate of field equipment following storm events provides a picture of how coastal protection changes following anthropogenic mangrove disturbance and the implications of continuing mangrove loss as storm frequency and intensity increase in parallel with climate change. These studies provide new evidence on the effects of disturbance to mangroves on coastal and reef systems. Many new research areas are raised by the results presented here. However, these data provide a useful framework for considering conservation and management strategies for mangrove forest – coral reef systems. Close

• 78. [Article] Oregon strategy for greenhouse gas reductions

  The Governor’s Advisory Group on Global Warming developed this Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reduction.1 Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed the Advisory Group early in 2004 to perform this task. This ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon strategy for greenhouse gas reductions Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Governor's Advisory Group on Global Warming The Governor’s Advisory Group on Global Warming developed this Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reduction.1 Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed the Advisory Group early in 2004 to perform this task. This Strategy, if implemented, will complement the agenda of the West Coast Governors’ Global Warming Initiative undertaken by the governors of California, Oregon and Washington to address greenhouse gas emissions at a state and regional level. Title: Oregon strategy for greenhouse gas reductions Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Governor's Advisory Group on Global Warming The Governor’s Advisory Group on Global Warming developed this Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas Reduction.1 Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed the Advisory Group early in 2004 to perform this task. This Strategy, if implemented, will complement the agenda of the West Coast Governors’ Global Warming Initiative undertaken by the governors of California, Oregon and Washington to address greenhouse gas emissions at a state and regional level. Close

• 79. [Article] General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodiversity conservation

  Many indicators and criteria have been proposed to assess the sustainable management of forests but their scientific validity remains uncertain. Because the effects of forest disturbances (such as logging) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodiversity conservation Author: Fischer, J., Lindenmayer, D.B., Franklin, J.F. Many indicators and criteria have been proposed to assess the sustainable management of forests but their scientific validity remains uncertain. Because the effects of forest disturbances (such as logging) are often specific to particular species, sites, landscapes, regions and forest types, management ‘‘shortcuts’’ such as indicator species, focal species and threshold levels of vegetation cover may be of limited generic value. We propose an alternative approach based on a set of five guiding principles for biodiversity conservation that are broadly applicable to any forested area: (1) the maintenance of connectivity; (2) the maintenance of landscape heterogeneity; (3) the maintenance of stand structural complexity; and (4) the maintenance of aquatic ecosystem integrity; (5) the use of natural disturbance regimes to guide human disturbance regimes. We present a checklist of measures for forest biodiversity conservation that reflects the multi-scaled nature of conservation approaches on forested land. At the regional scale, management should ensure the establishment of large ecological reserves. At the landscape scale, off-reserve conservation measures should include: (1) protected areas within production forests; (2) buffers for aquatic ecosystems; (3) appropriately designed and located road networks; (4) the careful spatial and temporal arrangement of harvest units; and (5) appropriate fire management practices. At the stand level, off-reserve conservation measures should include: (1) the retention of key elements of stand structural complexity (e.g., large living and dead trees with hollows, understorey thickets, and large fallen logs); (2) long rotation times (coupled with structural retention at harvest); (3) silvicultural systems alternative to traditional high impact ones (e.g., clearcutting in some forest types); and (4) appropriate fire management practices and practices for the management of other kinds of disturbances. Although the general ecological principles and associated checklist are intuitive, data to evaluate the effectiveness of many specific on-the-ground management actions are limited. Considerable effort is needed to adopt adaptive management ‘‘natural experiments’’ and monitoring to: (1) better identify the impacts of logging operations and other kinds of management activities on biodiversity, and; (2) quantify the effectiveness of impact mitigation strategies; and (3) identify ways to improve management practices. Title: General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodiversity conservation Author: Fischer, J., Lindenmayer, D.B., Franklin, J.F. Many indicators and criteria have been proposed to assess the sustainable management of forests but their scientific validity remains uncertain. Because the effects of forest disturbances (such as logging) are often specific to particular species, sites, landscapes, regions and forest types, management ‘‘shortcuts’’ such as indicator species, focal species and threshold levels of vegetation cover may be of limited generic value. We propose an alternative approach based on a set of five guiding principles for biodiversity conservation that are broadly applicable to any forested area: (1) the maintenance of connectivity; (2) the maintenance of landscape heterogeneity; (3) the maintenance of stand structural complexity; and (4) the maintenance of aquatic ecosystem integrity; (5) the use of natural disturbance regimes to guide human disturbance regimes. We present a checklist of measures for forest biodiversity conservation that reflects the multi-scaled nature of conservation approaches on forested land. At the regional scale, management should ensure the establishment of large ecological reserves. At the landscape scale, off-reserve conservation measures should include: (1) protected areas within production forests; (2) buffers for aquatic ecosystems; (3) appropriately designed and located road networks; (4) the careful spatial and temporal arrangement of harvest units; and (5) appropriate fire management practices. At the stand level, off-reserve conservation measures should include: (1) the retention of key elements of stand structural complexity (e.g., large living and dead trees with hollows, understorey thickets, and large fallen logs); (2) long rotation times (coupled with structural retention at harvest); (3) silvicultural systems alternative to traditional high impact ones (e.g., clearcutting in some forest types); and (4) appropriate fire management practices and practices for the management of other kinds of disturbances. Although the general ecological principles and associated checklist are intuitive, data to evaluate the effectiveness of many specific on-the-ground management actions are limited. Considerable effort is needed to adopt adaptive management ‘‘natural experiments’’ and monitoring to: (1) better identify the impacts of logging operations and other kinds of management activities on biodiversity, and; (2) quantify the effectiveness of impact mitigation strategies; and (3) identify ways to improve management practices. Close

• 80. [Article] Risk Perceptions and Risk Management Strategies of the Greek Mussel Farmers

  Mussel farming as an aquaculture activity based on the natural primary productivity, faces risks similar to those of the agriculture sector. Consequently, much theoretical risk research has been applied ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Risk Perceptions and Risk Management Strategies of the Greek Mussel Farmers Author: Tzovenis, Ioannis, Sorgeloos, Patrick, Viaene, Jacques, Theodorou, John A. Mussel farming as an aquaculture activity based on the natural primary productivity, faces risks similar to those of the agriculture sector. Consequently, much theoretical risk research has been applied to aquaculture as in agriculture, livestock, forestry, conservation and its management. Nevertheless, limited studies have so far focused on risk perceptions strategies of the aquaculturists. This study was conducted in the context of Mediterranean mussel farming risk assessment in order to explore the farmers perceptions of risk and risk management, to examine relationships between farm and farmer characteristics, and highlight the prevailing risk perceptions and strategies. The data were collected through a sampling survey of the Greek mussel farmers based on personal questionnaire-interviews. Results show that the ex-farm price of the mussels were perceived to be the major source of risk while the financial/credit reserves were the most preferred risk management strategy. Farmers seem to resort to such practices as the activity is characterized by negligible banking support, production unpredictability, marginal profitability and low turnover, all of these rendering it a high risk activity for the financial institutions. Finally, the farmers’ attitudes and comments on loss compensations bring up the need to develop a more effective and versatile insurance system. Title: Risk Perceptions and Risk Management Strategies of the Greek Mussel Farmers Author: Tzovenis, Ioannis, Sorgeloos, Patrick, Viaene, Jacques, Theodorou, John A. Mussel farming as an aquaculture activity based on the natural primary productivity, faces risks similar to those of the agriculture sector. Consequently, much theoretical risk research has been applied to aquaculture as in agriculture, livestock, forestry, conservation and its management. Nevertheless, limited studies have so far focused on risk perceptions strategies of the aquaculturists. This study was conducted in the context of Mediterranean mussel farming risk assessment in order to explore the farmers perceptions of risk and risk management, to examine relationships between farm and farmer characteristics, and highlight the prevailing risk perceptions and strategies. The data were collected through a sampling survey of the Greek mussel farmers based on personal questionnaire-interviews. Results show that the ex-farm price of the mussels were perceived to be the major source of risk while the financial/credit reserves were the most preferred risk management strategy. Farmers seem to resort to such practices as the activity is characterized by negligible banking support, production unpredictability, marginal profitability and low turnover, all of these rendering it a high risk activity for the financial institutions. Finally, the farmers’ attitudes and comments on loss compensations bring up the need to develop a more effective and versatile insurance system. Close

• 81. [Article] Case Studies on Co-management of Artisanal Fisheries of Sri Lanka

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Case Studies on Co-management of Artisanal Fisheries of Sri Lanka Author: Wattage, Premachandra, Amarasinghe, Upali S., Gunawardane, Nuwan D.P. Research Paper Title: Case Studies on Co-management of Artisanal Fisheries of Sri Lanka Author: Wattage, Premachandra, Amarasinghe, Upali S., Gunawardane, Nuwan D.P. Research Paper Close

• 82. [Article] Developing an Agricultural Water Efficiency Strategy to Help Meet Oregon’s Water Needs

  Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Developing an Agricultural Water Efficiency Strategy to Help Meet Oregon’s Water Needs Author: Huntsinger, Teresa Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR. Title: Developing an Agricultural Water Efficiency Strategy to Help Meet Oregon’s Water Needs Author: Huntsinger, Teresa Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR. Close

• 83. [Article] Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 Investment Strategy, FY 2015-2018

  The greater sage-grouse, an iconic ground-dwelling bird of the West, has experienced significant population declines during the past 50 years from habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 Investment Strategy, FY 2015-2018 Author: United States Department of Agriculture The greater sage-grouse, an iconic ground-dwelling bird of the West, has experienced significant population declines during the past 50 years from habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) designated sage grouse in 2010 as a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In September 2015, the FWS will determine whether to list the greater sage-grouse under the ESA or find that ongoing efforts to restore and protect sagebrush habitat are sufficient to ensure their long-term survival. Loss and fragmentation of sage grouse habitat is the primary threat and has a number of contributors, including human development and encroachment of conifer trees and invasive plants. NRCS is working with ranchers to address these threats on private lands through restoring and protecting key sage grouse habitat while ensuring grazing lands remain sustainable and profitable. NRCS launched the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) in 2010 to focus efforts that reduce threats facing sage grouse and the working lands that provide their habitat. NRCS uses a variety of Farm Bill conservation programs to restore and protect habitat, including habitat improvements through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and long-term conservation easements through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Since 2010, NRCS has invested more than $296.5 million to implement SGI. Conservation partners and landowners have contributed an additional $128 million, bringing the total SGI investment to $424.5 million. Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 NRCS plans to commit approximately $211 million to SGI over the life of the 2014 Farm Bill, providing partners with certainty that conservation will continue well into the future. SGI 2.0 will invest around $93 million in habitat restoration through EQIP and $100 million in conservation easements through ACEP. NRCS will invest the remaining $18 million to support SGI staff and partners who work with ranchers and other partners to implement conservation actions on the ground and quantify resulting outcomes. This four-year commitment combined with funds leveraged by partners will bring the total SGI investment to approximately $760 million. Already underway in 2015, additional resources are enabling SGI to nearly double past achievements, putting SGI on the path to conserve about 8 million acres by 2018. NRCS also plans to add the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) as another tool for conservation, beginning with a pilot in 2015 of up to 275,000 acres. CSP, like EQIP, provides technical and financial assistance to ranchers who restore habitat. Through the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program, NRCS partners have opportunities to propose projects that benefit sage grouse habitat. Agency leaders and partners worked together at the state level to describe priorities for reducing threats to sage grouse habitat, identifying locations for projects and cost estimates. SGI 2.0 combines plans from 11 states into one cohesive, rangewide plan that will guide the agency’s conservation efforts. SGI 2.0 aligns with plans of local, state and federal partners, including plans by governors, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The four-year strategy enables NRCS to better position staff for implementation and provides time for partners to leverage additional funding for identified priorities. Title: Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 Investment Strategy, FY 2015-2018 Author: United States Department of Agriculture The greater sage-grouse, an iconic ground-dwelling bird of the West, has experienced significant population declines during the past 50 years from habitat loss. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) designated sage grouse in 2010 as a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In September 2015, the FWS will determine whether to list the greater sage-grouse under the ESA or find that ongoing efforts to restore and protect sagebrush habitat are sufficient to ensure their long-term survival. Loss and fragmentation of sage grouse habitat is the primary threat and has a number of contributors, including human development and encroachment of conifer trees and invasive plants. NRCS is working with ranchers to address these threats on private lands through restoring and protecting key sage grouse habitat while ensuring grazing lands remain sustainable and profitable. NRCS launched the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) in 2010 to focus efforts that reduce threats facing sage grouse and the working lands that provide their habitat. NRCS uses a variety of Farm Bill conservation programs to restore and protect habitat, including habitat improvements through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and long-term conservation easements through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Since 2010, NRCS has invested more than $296.5 million to implement SGI. Conservation partners and landowners have contributed an additional $128 million, bringing the total SGI investment to $424.5 million. Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 NRCS plans to commit approximately $211 million to SGI over the life of the 2014 Farm Bill, providing partners with certainty that conservation will continue well into the future. SGI 2.0 will invest around $93 million in habitat restoration through EQIP and $100 million in conservation easements through ACEP. NRCS will invest the remaining $18 million to support SGI staff and partners who work with ranchers and other partners to implement conservation actions on the ground and quantify resulting outcomes. This four-year commitment combined with funds leveraged by partners will bring the total SGI investment to approximately $760 million. Already underway in 2015, additional resources are enabling SGI to nearly double past achievements, putting SGI on the path to conserve about 8 million acres by 2018. NRCS also plans to add the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) as another tool for conservation, beginning with a pilot in 2015 of up to 275,000 acres. CSP, like EQIP, provides technical and financial assistance to ranchers who restore habitat. Through the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program, NRCS partners have opportunities to propose projects that benefit sage grouse habitat. Agency leaders and partners worked together at the state level to describe priorities for reducing threats to sage grouse habitat, identifying locations for projects and cost estimates. SGI 2.0 combines plans from 11 states into one cohesive, rangewide plan that will guide the agency’s conservation efforts. SGI 2.0 aligns with plans of local, state and federal partners, including plans by governors, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The four-year strategy enables NRCS to better position staff for implementation and provides time for partners to leverage additional funding for identified priorities. Close

• 84. [Article] The Florida Master Naturalist Program : Innovations in Conservation Education

  Presentation for 7th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Florida Master Naturalist Program : Innovations in Conservation Education Author: Main, Martin Presentation for 7th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources. Title: The Florida Master Naturalist Program : Innovations in Conservation Education Author: Main, Martin Presentation for 7th Biennial Conference on University Education in Natural Resources. Close

• 85. [Article] Fishing Games Under Climate Variability: Transboundary Management of Pacific Sardine in the California Current System

  Abstract only.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fishing Games Under Climate Variability: Transboundary Management of Pacific Sardine in the California Current System Author: Sumaila, Rashid, Ishimura, Gakushi, Herrick, Samuel Jr Abstract only. Title: Fishing Games Under Climate Variability: Transboundary Management of Pacific Sardine in the California Current System Author: Sumaila, Rashid, Ishimura, Gakushi, Herrick, Samuel Jr Abstract only. Close

• 86. [Article] The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective.

  The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Salwasser, Hal, Achterman, Gail, Arha, Kaush The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s on watershed health and salmon conservation and was propelled into high gear by proposed and eventual listings of native salmonids in Oregon under the federal Endangered Species Act during the mid-1990s. The Plan has expanded in scope and activities since then, and now encompasses all native salmonids and all watersheds in the state. It has spawned new commitments and investments from private landowners and generated significant improvements in state agency coordination related to salmonids and watershed health. The accomplishments of the Oregon Plan create an unparalleled foundation for state-led species conservation. The work remaining creates abundant opportunity for new leaders to add their embellishments to the fine work of others to date. Title: The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Salwasser, Hal, Achterman, Gail, Arha, Kaush The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s on watershed health and salmon conservation and was propelled into high gear by proposed and eventual listings of native salmonids in Oregon under the federal Endangered Species Act during the mid-1990s. The Plan has expanded in scope and activities since then, and now encompasses all native salmonids and all watersheds in the state. It has spawned new commitments and investments from private landowners and generated significant improvements in state agency coordination related to salmonids and watershed health. The accomplishments of the Oregon Plan create an unparalleled foundation for state-led species conservation. The work remaining creates abundant opportunity for new leaders to add their embellishments to the fine work of others to date. Close

• 87. [Article] Addressing the future of water in Oregon : a look at the human and institutional factors shaping Oregon water management

  Oregon is a state with great social and ecological diversity. Unfortunately however, Oregon's water-rich reputation is more rumor than reality. As with many Western states, Oregon struggles with water ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Addressing the future of water in Oregon : a look at the human and institutional factors shaping Oregon water management Author: Wolters, Erika Allen Oregon is a state with great social and ecological diversity. Unfortunately however, Oregon's water-rich reputation is more rumor than reality. As with many Western states, Oregon struggles with water scarcity, especially during dry summer months. Recent efforts by the state to develop an integrated water resource strategy (IWRS) to manage present and future water demand in Oregon signifies the very real concern that water is no longer as abundant and available as it once was. With the predicted impacts of climate change and population growth, the already-strained water supply will unlikely sustain current water needs. Using a statewide mail survey of 1,537 Oregon residents (2010), a second survey of 390 water stakeholders (2011), and 12 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010 and 2011 of stakeholders and elected officials this dissertation examined the role of sociodemographic attributes and environmental values pertaining to concern about Oregon’s water supply, climate change, water conservation behaviors, and prioritization of water use. Data analysis (regression analysis) revealed that to varying degrees gender, age, education, income, concern about water scarcity and belief in the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) proved reliable predicators of concern about that water quantity is a problem, that Oregonians will be personally affected by water scarcity, and personal water conservation behaviors. The dissertation further applies the Institutional and Analysis Development (IAD) framework to the current efforts by the state to create and IWRS. Recommendations for successful application of the IWRS are discussed, specifically use of adaptive governance in basin and sub-basin planning efforts. Title: Addressing the future of water in Oregon : a look at the human and institutional factors shaping Oregon water management Author: Wolters, Erika Allen Oregon is a state with great social and ecological diversity. Unfortunately however, Oregon's water-rich reputation is more rumor than reality. As with many Western states, Oregon struggles with water scarcity, especially during dry summer months. Recent efforts by the state to develop an integrated water resource strategy (IWRS) to manage present and future water demand in Oregon signifies the very real concern that water is no longer as abundant and available as it once was. With the predicted impacts of climate change and population growth, the already-strained water supply will unlikely sustain current water needs. Using a statewide mail survey of 1,537 Oregon residents (2010), a second survey of 390 water stakeholders (2011), and 12 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010 and 2011 of stakeholders and elected officials this dissertation examined the role of sociodemographic attributes and environmental values pertaining to concern about Oregon’s water supply, climate change, water conservation behaviors, and prioritization of water use. Data analysis (regression analysis) revealed that to varying degrees gender, age, education, income, concern about water scarcity and belief in the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) proved reliable predicators of concern about that water quantity is a problem, that Oregonians will be personally affected by water scarcity, and personal water conservation behaviors. The dissertation further applies the Institutional and Analysis Development (IAD) framework to the current efforts by the state to create and IWRS. Recommendations for successful application of the IWRS are discussed, specifically use of adaptive governance in basin and sub-basin planning efforts. Close

• 88. [Article] Encounter norms of snorkelers and scuba divers at Molokini, Hawai'i : methodological and managerial applications

  Over the past few decades, tourism and recreation activities have increased in tropical marine settings, and studies have examined social and ecological impacts of these activities. Some studies have examined ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Encounter norms of snorkelers and scuba divers at Molokini, Hawai'i : methodological and managerial applications Author: Bell, Caitlin M. Over the past few decades, tourism and recreation activities have increased in tropical marine settings, and studies have examined social and ecological impacts of these activities. Some studies have examined social impacts such as encounters, crowding, and encounter norms or standards that individuals use to evaluate encounters with others as acceptable or unacceptable. Most research has examined a single dimension of these norms, the number of people encountered, and how this influences normative evaluations. Less is known about normative evaluations of use-related encounters with objects other than people. This thesis uses data from surveys of visitors at Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in Hawai'i to examine: (a) the influence of boat size on encounter norms; (b) reported encounters, crowding, normative evaluations, and support of use-related management strategies at this site; and (c) whether visitors who encounter more boats than their norm feel more crowded and are more supportive of restrictive management strategies. Data were obtained from onsite pre-trip and post-trip surveys of 709 passengers on commercial snorkel and dive boats. Norms were measured with acceptance of 12 photographs depicting combinations of four levels of boat use (6, 12, 26, 42 boats) and three proportions of boat size (all small [≤ 15 passengers, 30 feet], 50% small and 50% large [≥ 100 passengers, 50 feet], all large boats). Number of boats was a much more important dimension than boat size and the size of boat that respondents were traveling on did not influence norms. On average, visitors would accept seeing no more than approximately 15 boats at one time at Molokini (17 small boats, 12 large boats) and this number was observed on at least 20% of trips to the site. Although most visitors expected to escape crowds at Molokini, 67% felt crowded and upward of 79% supported direct actions to restrict use at the site (e.g., limit the number of boats). Visitors who encountered more boats than their normative tolerance felt more crowded and were more supportive of these management strategies. These findings suggest that Molokini is operating over its capacity and management attention is necessary to improve experiences and resources. Title: Encounter norms of snorkelers and scuba divers at Molokini, Hawai'i : methodological and managerial applications Author: Bell, Caitlin M. Over the past few decades, tourism and recreation activities have increased in tropical marine settings, and studies have examined social and ecological impacts of these activities. Some studies have examined social impacts such as encounters, crowding, and encounter norms or standards that individuals use to evaluate encounters with others as acceptable or unacceptable. Most research has examined a single dimension of these norms, the number of people encountered, and how this influences normative evaluations. Less is known about normative evaluations of use-related encounters with objects other than people. This thesis uses data from surveys of visitors at Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) in Hawai'i to examine: (a) the influence of boat size on encounter norms; (b) reported encounters, crowding, normative evaluations, and support of use-related management strategies at this site; and (c) whether visitors who encounter more boats than their norm feel more crowded and are more supportive of restrictive management strategies. Data were obtained from onsite pre-trip and post-trip surveys of 709 passengers on commercial snorkel and dive boats. Norms were measured with acceptance of 12 photographs depicting combinations of four levels of boat use (6, 12, 26, 42 boats) and three proportions of boat size (all small [≤ 15 passengers, 30 feet], 50% small and 50% large [≥ 100 passengers, 50 feet], all large boats). Number of boats was a much more important dimension than boat size and the size of boat that respondents were traveling on did not influence norms. On average, visitors would accept seeing no more than approximately 15 boats at one time at Molokini (17 small boats, 12 large boats) and this number was observed on at least 20% of trips to the site. Although most visitors expected to escape crowds at Molokini, 67% felt crowded and upward of 79% supported direct actions to restrict use at the site (e.g., limit the number of boats). Visitors who encountered more boats than their normative tolerance felt more crowded and were more supportive of these management strategies. These findings suggest that Molokini is operating over its capacity and management attention is necessary to improve experiences and resources. Close

• 89. [Article] Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape

  This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape Author: Mealey, Stephen P., Roloff, Gary J., Bailey, John D. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Title: Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape Author: Mealey, Stephen P., Roloff, Gary J., Bailey, John D. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Close

• 90. [Article] Reduced order modeling of legged locomotion in the horizontal plane

  Sprawled-posture insects exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly run in a stable manner over complex terrain, a feat that has yet to be equaled by man-made legged robots. Recent experimental results suggest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Reduced order modeling of legged locomotion in the horizontal plane Author: Wickramasuriya, Gamika Arun Sprawled-posture insects exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly run in a stable manner over complex terrain, a feat that has yet to be equaled by man-made legged robots. Recent experimental results suggest that these insects may employ a hierarchical control structure, in which locomotion performance emerges from a combination of insect structure and leg function, which is only augmented by neural reflexes in the presence of large or persistent disturbances. In this study, we utilize a previously developed reduced order model for lateral plane locomotion and extend it by developing leg positioning and actuation strategies that are consistent with insect leg function evidenced in experiments. We examine improvements in locomotion performance obtained by utilizing these strategies in terms of gait stability and robustness to external perturbations, such as those that might be encountered when running over rough terrain. Leg positioning strategies examined include leg angle control based upon previous leg angles and leg recirculation strategies that prescribe, in a feedforward manner, the motion of the leg as it swings from its lift-off to touch-down positions. Both these protocols provide control authority in re-orienting system momentum and are shown to improve gait stability and robustness to external perturbations. While the original reduced order template models leg dynamics by an energy-conserving spring, we incorporate energetic variations through leg actuation that varies the force-free leg length during the stance phase while preserving qualitatively correct force and velocity profiles. In contrast to the partially asymptotically stable gaits identified in previous analyses, incorporating leg actuation in conjunction with the leg positioning strategies produces completely asymptotically stable gaits in body coordinates. Locomotion performance of the resulting model is subsequently analyzed by computing the basin of stability of our model in response to energetic perturbations of the type experimentally implemented on running, sprawled-posture insects. Title: Reduced order modeling of legged locomotion in the horizontal plane Author: Wickramasuriya, Gamika Arun Sprawled-posture insects exhibit a remarkable ability to rapidly run in a stable manner over complex terrain, a feat that has yet to be equaled by man-made legged robots. Recent experimental results suggest that these insects may employ a hierarchical control structure, in which locomotion performance emerges from a combination of insect structure and leg function, which is only augmented by neural reflexes in the presence of large or persistent disturbances. In this study, we utilize a previously developed reduced order model for lateral plane locomotion and extend it by developing leg positioning and actuation strategies that are consistent with insect leg function evidenced in experiments. We examine improvements in locomotion performance obtained by utilizing these strategies in terms of gait stability and robustness to external perturbations, such as those that might be encountered when running over rough terrain. Leg positioning strategies examined include leg angle control based upon previous leg angles and leg recirculation strategies that prescribe, in a feedforward manner, the motion of the leg as it swings from its lift-off to touch-down positions. Both these protocols provide control authority in re-orienting system momentum and are shown to improve gait stability and robustness to external perturbations. While the original reduced order template models leg dynamics by an energy-conserving spring, we incorporate energetic variations through leg actuation that varies the force-free leg length during the stance phase while preserving qualitatively correct force and velocity profiles. In contrast to the partially asymptotically stable gaits identified in previous analyses, incorporating leg actuation in conjunction with the leg positioning strategies produces completely asymptotically stable gaits in body coordinates. Locomotion performance of the resulting model is subsequently analyzed by computing the basin of stability of our model in response to energetic perturbations of the type experimentally implemented on running, sprawled-posture insects. Close

• 91. [Article] Greater Sage-Grouse National Research Strategy

  The condition of the sagebrush ecosystem has been declining in the Western United States, and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush-obligate species, has experienced concurrent decreases ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-Grouse National Research Strategy Author: Manier, Daniel J. , Hanser, Steven E. The condition of the sagebrush ecosystem has been declining in the Western United States, and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush-obligate species, has experienced concurrent decreases in distribution and population numbers. This has prompted substantial research and management over the past two decades to improve the understanding of sage-grouse and its habitats and to address the observed decreases in distribution and population numbers. The amount of research and management has increased as the year 2015 approaches, which is when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is expected to make a final decision about whether or not to protect the species under the Endangered Species Act. In 2012, the Sage-Grouse Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) requested that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) lead the development of a Greater Sage-Grouse National Research Strategy (hereafter Research Strategy). This request was motivated by a practical need to systematically connect existing research and conservation plans with persisting or emerging information needs. Managers and researchers also wanted to reduce redundancy and help focus limited funds on the highest priority research and management issues. The USGS undertook the development of this Research Strategy, which addresses information and science relating to the greater sage-grouse and its habitat across portions of 11Western States. This Research Strategy provides an outline of important research topics to ensure that science information gaps are identified and documented in a comprehensive manner. Further, by identifying priority topics and critical information needed for planning, research, and resource management, it provides a structure to help coordinate members of an expansive research and management community in their efforts to conduct priority research. Title: Greater Sage-Grouse National Research Strategy Author: Manier, Daniel J. , Hanser, Steven E. The condition of the sagebrush ecosystem has been declining in the Western United States, and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a sagebrush-obligate species, has experienced concurrent decreases in distribution and population numbers. This has prompted substantial research and management over the past two decades to improve the understanding of sage-grouse and its habitats and to address the observed decreases in distribution and population numbers. The amount of research and management has increased as the year 2015 approaches, which is when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is expected to make a final decision about whether or not to protect the species under the Endangered Species Act. In 2012, the Sage-Grouse Executive Oversight Committee (EOC) of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) requested that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) lead the development of a Greater Sage-Grouse National Research Strategy (hereafter Research Strategy). This request was motivated by a practical need to systematically connect existing research and conservation plans with persisting or emerging information needs. Managers and researchers also wanted to reduce redundancy and help focus limited funds on the highest priority research and management issues. The USGS undertook the development of this Research Strategy, which addresses information and science relating to the greater sage-grouse and its habitat across portions of 11Western States. This Research Strategy provides an outline of important research topics to ensure that science information gaps are identified and documented in a comprehensive manner. Further, by identifying priority topics and critical information needed for planning, research, and resource management, it provides a structure to help coordinate members of an expansive research and management community in their efforts to conduct priority research. Close

• 92. [Article] Marine protected areas : gathering stakeholder input via an internet-based survey

  Conservation efforts have been increasing in recent years to help preserve threatened coastal and ocean resources. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool to protect and conserve ocean resources. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine protected areas : gathering stakeholder input via an internet-based survey Author: Demirdjian, Renee Conservation efforts have been increasing in recent years to help preserve threatened coastal and ocean resources. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool to protect and conserve ocean resources. The MPA Center was established to take the lead in developing a framework for a national system of MPAs. The Natural Science Research Strategy (NSRS) for MPAs is a document being created to provide common ground among MPAs and MPA managers across the U.S. It will be a general document discussing the natural science considerations for establishing MPAs e.g., larval dispersal, critical habitat, proximity to land (runoff), etc. The MPA Center wants to engage stakeholders in the process of identifying regional design criteria and research needs for MPAs. An online survey has been chosen to gather this stakeholder input. Hypothetical draft questions regarding MPA design criteria and research needs were developed, survey methodologies were reviewed emphasizing web-based strategies, and a prototype survey developed online. This report outlines the work described above and suggests ways that the MPA Center can move forward with this process. Title: Marine protected areas : gathering stakeholder input via an internet-based survey Author: Demirdjian, Renee Conservation efforts have been increasing in recent years to help preserve threatened coastal and ocean resources. Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an important tool to protect and conserve ocean resources. The MPA Center was established to take the lead in developing a framework for a national system of MPAs. The Natural Science Research Strategy (NSRS) for MPAs is a document being created to provide common ground among MPAs and MPA managers across the U.S. It will be a general document discussing the natural science considerations for establishing MPAs e.g., larval dispersal, critical habitat, proximity to land (runoff), etc. The MPA Center wants to engage stakeholders in the process of identifying regional design criteria and research needs for MPAs. An online survey has been chosen to gather this stakeholder input. Hypothetical draft questions regarding MPA design criteria and research needs were developed, survey methodologies were reviewed emphasizing web-based strategies, and a prototype survey developed online. This report outlines the work described above and suggests ways that the MPA Center can move forward with this process. Close

• 93. [Article] Evaluation of data-poor and age-structure management strategies for west coast rockfish

  Management strategies to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield vary according to the available data and life history of the fished stock. I evaluated two sets of management strategies for Pacific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Evaluation of data-poor and age-structure management strategies for west coast rockfish Author: Arnold, Linsey M. Management strategies to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield vary according to the available data and life history of the fished stock. I evaluated two sets of management strategies for Pacific coast rockfish: strategies to set harvest limits for data-poor stocks, and strategies intended to protect the age structure of fished stocks. Setting Harvest Limits for Data-poor Stocks - The collapse of canary rockfish, Sebastes pinniger, in the northeast Pacific began more than two decades before the stock was officially declared overfished. The 2006 reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires a scientifically-based harvest limit for all fished stocks, including those with data limited to catch. Two such "data-poor" methods are currently in use for the management of west coast stocks, depletion-corrected average catch (DCAC) and depletion-based stock reduction analysis (DB-SRA). To evaluate the performance of each method when challenged with catch and biological uncertainty, I retrospectively applied the methods to the catch and biological data available at the time of the first and second canary rockfish stock assessments in 1984 and 1990. In 1980 canary rockfish would be classified as "data-poor", and in 1990 as "data-rich". To evaluate the sensitivity of DCAC and DB-SRA to error in the catch data, harvest limits were estimated using both the historic catch data from each assessment, and the reconstructed catch data from the most recent stock assessment. In addition, harvest limits were estimated using simulated catch data sets for the years 1916 to 1983 with increasing variability around the true catch. DCAC and DB-SRA estimated harvest limits were significantly lower than the catch recommended in both the data-poor and data-rich stock assessments, but higher than the "true" overfishing limit. Use of current catch data improved the estimated harvest limit when the stock was data-poor, but not when the stock was data-rich. The simple methods responded to increasing error in the catch time series with decreasing mean estimates of the harvest limit, indicating that these methods are highly precautionary for this species, when the catch time series is the only source of error. Age Structure Management Strategies - In a variable oceanographic environment, a population with many reproductive age classes benefits not only from the increased fecundity of older fish; but also, in some species, an increase in larval fitness. Older females may also spawn at different times or over longer periods than younger females, increasing the probability of larvae encountering favorable environmental conditions. Despite the accumulating evidence for the importance of age structure to long-term population viability in harvested fish populations, long-lived west coast rockfish (Genus Sebastes) are managed with a biomass-based harvest control rule. I compared three strategies for age structure management, and evaluated the strategies relative to the status quo, biomass-based harvest control rules, across three rockfish life histories. I examined the tradeoff between yield and traditional management reference points, as well as performance measures that could serve as management reference points for age structure. Yield was reduced by strategies that maintain "old growth" age structure, but annual variation in the catch and the probability of becoming overfished were also reduced. The longest-lived rockfish benefited the most from strategies that maintained older fish in the population through dome-shaped selectivity. The shorter-lived rockfish benefited from adjustments in the catch limit based on the age composition of the catch one year previous. Achieving "pretty good yield" with management strategies that also decrease the potential for overexploitation is an important goal for stocks that are well-studied and those that are poorly understood; these investigations contribute to a growing literature on alternative approaches to sustainable fisheries management. Title: Evaluation of data-poor and age-structure management strategies for west coast rockfish Author: Arnold, Linsey M. Management strategies to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield vary according to the available data and life history of the fished stock. I evaluated two sets of management strategies for Pacific coast rockfish: strategies to set harvest limits for data-poor stocks, and strategies intended to protect the age structure of fished stocks. Setting Harvest Limits for Data-poor Stocks - The collapse of canary rockfish, Sebastes pinniger, in the northeast Pacific began more than two decades before the stock was officially declared overfished. The 2006 reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires a scientifically-based harvest limit for all fished stocks, including those with data limited to catch. Two such "data-poor" methods are currently in use for the management of west coast stocks, depletion-corrected average catch (DCAC) and depletion-based stock reduction analysis (DB-SRA). To evaluate the performance of each method when challenged with catch and biological uncertainty, I retrospectively applied the methods to the catch and biological data available at the time of the first and second canary rockfish stock assessments in 1984 and 1990. In 1980 canary rockfish would be classified as "data-poor", and in 1990 as "data-rich". To evaluate the sensitivity of DCAC and DB-SRA to error in the catch data, harvest limits were estimated using both the historic catch data from each assessment, and the reconstructed catch data from the most recent stock assessment. In addition, harvest limits were estimated using simulated catch data sets for the years 1916 to 1983 with increasing variability around the true catch. DCAC and DB-SRA estimated harvest limits were significantly lower than the catch recommended in both the data-poor and data-rich stock assessments, but higher than the "true" overfishing limit. Use of current catch data improved the estimated harvest limit when the stock was data-poor, but not when the stock was data-rich. The simple methods responded to increasing error in the catch time series with decreasing mean estimates of the harvest limit, indicating that these methods are highly precautionary for this species, when the catch time series is the only source of error. Age Structure Management Strategies - In a variable oceanographic environment, a population with many reproductive age classes benefits not only from the increased fecundity of older fish; but also, in some species, an increase in larval fitness. Older females may also spawn at different times or over longer periods than younger females, increasing the probability of larvae encountering favorable environmental conditions. Despite the accumulating evidence for the importance of age structure to long-term population viability in harvested fish populations, long-lived west coast rockfish (Genus Sebastes) are managed with a biomass-based harvest control rule. I compared three strategies for age structure management, and evaluated the strategies relative to the status quo, biomass-based harvest control rules, across three rockfish life histories. I examined the tradeoff between yield and traditional management reference points, as well as performance measures that could serve as management reference points for age structure. Yield was reduced by strategies that maintain "old growth" age structure, but annual variation in the catch and the probability of becoming overfished were also reduced. The longest-lived rockfish benefited the most from strategies that maintained older fish in the population through dome-shaped selectivity. The shorter-lived rockfish benefited from adjustments in the catch limit based on the age composition of the catch one year previous. Achieving "pretty good yield" with management strategies that also decrease the potential for overexploitation is an important goal for stocks that are well-studied and those that are poorly understood; these investigations contribute to a growing literature on alternative approaches to sustainable fisheries management. Close

• 94. [Article] Least-Cost Bycatch Reduction Through the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy

  Suggested Bibliographic Reference: NAAFE Forum 2017 Proceedings, March 22-24, 2017. Compiled by Ann L. Shriver with assistance from Stefani Evers. North American Association of Fisheries Economists (NAAFE), ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Least-Cost Bycatch Reduction Through the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy Author: Garcia, Serge, Squires, Dale Suggested Bibliographic Reference: NAAFE Forum 2017 Proceedings, March 22-24, 2017. Compiled by Ann L. Shriver with assistance from Stefani Evers. North American Association of Fisheries Economists (NAAFE), Corvallis, 2017. Title: Least-Cost Bycatch Reduction Through the Biodiversity Mitigation Hierarchy Author: Garcia, Serge, Squires, Dale Suggested Bibliographic Reference: NAAFE Forum 2017 Proceedings, March 22-24, 2017. Compiled by Ann L. Shriver with assistance from Stefani Evers. North American Association of Fisheries Economists (NAAFE), Corvallis, 2017. Close

• 95. [Article] Building on Two Decades of Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity Conservation under the Northwest Forest Plan, USA

  Correction: We discovered two typos and a change in a sentence needed in our published manuscript. Regarding the typos: timber estimates in Section 2 of the NWFP’s Long-Term Objectives should have been ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Building on Two Decades of Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity Conservation under the Northwest Forest Plan, USA Author: DellaSala, Dominick A., Baker, Rowan, Heiken, Doug, Nelson, S. Kim, et al. Correction: We discovered two typos and a change in a sentence needed in our published manuscript. Regarding the typos: timber estimates in Section 2 of the NWFP’s Long-Term Objectives should have been 2.34 million cubic meters annually instead of 234 million cubic meters annually and ~1.78 million cubic meters instead of 178 million cubic meters annually. The statement regarding murrelet populations—“Trends were downward (but not significant) in other NWFP states” should be deleted in this paper [1]. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by these changes. Title: Building on Two Decades of Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity Conservation under the Northwest Forest Plan, USA Author: DellaSala, Dominick A., Baker, Rowan, Heiken, Doug, Nelson, S. Kim, et al. Correction: We discovered two typos and a change in a sentence needed in our published manuscript. Regarding the typos: timber estimates in Section 2 of the NWFP’s Long-Term Objectives should have been 2.34 million cubic meters annually instead of 234 million cubic meters annually and ~1.78 million cubic meters instead of 178 million cubic meters annually. The statement regarding murrelet populations—“Trends were downward (but not significant) in other NWFP states” should be deleted in this paper [1]. The authors would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readers by these changes. Close

• 96. [Article] Strategies for efficient irrigation water use

  Published July 2001. Revised March 2013. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Strategies for efficient irrigation water use Author: Shock, B. M., Oregon State University. Extension Service, Shock, C. C. (Clinton C.), Welch, Teresa Published July 2001. Revised March 2013. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Title: Strategies for efficient irrigation water use Author: Shock, B. M., Oregon State University. Extension Service, Shock, C. C. (Clinton C.), Welch, Teresa Published July 2001. Revised March 2013. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog Close

• 97. [Article] Overcoming Barriers to Effective Ecological Education: A Malagasy Case Study

  Honko Mangrove Conservation and Education is a Western non-governmental organization based in Madagascar that serves as a source of public science education and caters to diverse audiences. My thesis examines ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Overcoming Barriers to Effective Ecological Education: A Malagasy Case Study Author: Preston, Kimberley Honko Mangrove Conservation and Education is a Western non-governmental organization based in Madagascar that serves as a source of public science education and caters to diverse audiences. My thesis examines barriers of culture, language and epistemology that may constrain Honko’s ability to conduct effective public education, if they decide to expand their organization. Honko should implement a three-pronged action plan that includes a dynamic epistemological model drawing from Western and Traditional Knowledge Systems and an strategy to actively identify changing audience and stakeholder bases. These two steps plus a shift towards constructivist educational philosophy that encourages reflection and incorporates social-context into science could help Honko attain their educational goals and overcome cultural barriers to ecological and public education. Title: Overcoming Barriers to Effective Ecological Education: A Malagasy Case Study Author: Preston, Kimberley Honko Mangrove Conservation and Education is a Western non-governmental organization based in Madagascar that serves as a source of public science education and caters to diverse audiences. My thesis examines barriers of culture, language and epistemology that may constrain Honko’s ability to conduct effective public education, if they decide to expand their organization. Honko should implement a three-pronged action plan that includes a dynamic epistemological model drawing from Western and Traditional Knowledge Systems and an strategy to actively identify changing audience and stakeholder bases. These two steps plus a shift towards constructivist educational philosophy that encourages reflection and incorporates social-context into science could help Honko attain their educational goals and overcome cultural barriers to ecological and public education. Close

• 98. [Article] Methods to develop a crediting strategy for transportation and metropolitan planning agencies: White paper

  White paper from the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) is an Oregon University System institute located at Oregon State University and Portland State University.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Methods to develop a crediting strategy for transportation and metropolitan planning agencies: White paper Author: Gaines, Lisa, Kagan, Jimmy White paper from the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) is an Oregon University System institute located at Oregon State University and Portland State University. Title: Methods to develop a crediting strategy for transportation and metropolitan planning agencies: White paper Author: Gaines, Lisa, Kagan, Jimmy White paper from the Institute for Natural Resources (INR) is an Oregon University System institute located at Oregon State University and Portland State University. Close

• 99. [Article] Ecological strategies predict associations between aquatic and genetic connectivity for dryland amphibians

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecol

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Ecological strategies predict associations between aquatic and genetic connectivity for dryland amphibians Author: Lytle, David A., Olden, Julian D., Kirk, Emily E. Hartfield, Mims, Meryl C., Phillipsen, Ivan C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecol Title: Ecological strategies predict associations between aquatic and genetic connectivity for dryland amphibians Author: Lytle, David A., Olden, Julian D., Kirk, Emily E. Hartfield, Mims, Meryl C., Phillipsen, Ivan C. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Ecological Society of America and can be found at: http://www.esajournals.org/loi/ecol Close

• 100. [Article] Can We Stabilize Fisheries' Benefits from a Fluctuating Stock? A Bioeconomic Assessment of The Pacific Whiting Fishery

  Research Paper

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Can We Stabilize Fisheries' Benefits from a Fluctuating Stock? A Bioeconomic Assessment of The Pacific Whiting Fishery Author: Punt, Andre E., Huppert, Daniel D., Ishimura, Gakushi Research Paper Title: Can We Stabilize Fisheries' Benefits from a Fluctuating Stock? A Bioeconomic Assessment of The Pacific Whiting Fishery Author: Punt, Andre E., Huppert, Daniel D., Ishimura, Gakushi Research Paper Close